Weight loss abstract
A new resistance, weight loss garment worn by user will elevate
the heart rate of a user so that the user can expend more calories
over an extended period. The garment would contain at least one
article of clothing worn on the body of the user, said article of
clothing incorporating elastic resistance structures that tend to
oppose normal directions of motion thereby causing extra exertion
by the user that results in burning more calories over a period
of time.
Weight loss claims
I claim:
1. A process for creating conditions for burning calories comprising
placing on a user a resistance garment having elongated elastic
resistance elements which offer resistance to the movement of portions
of a user's body, the elongated elements having resistance characteristics
which differ from other portions of the garment, placing outer clothing
on the user over the resistance garment, the user performing physical
activities while wearing the clothing and the resistance garment
wherein the physical activities include movement of at least some
portion of the body having the resistance garment thereon, the resistance
elements providing resistance to the movement during the physical
activities to tend to burn calories in excess of the calories that
are burned during the same physical activities when only the clothing
is worn, wearing the clothing and resistance garment continuously
for an extended period of time, and the elongated resistance elements
being located longitudinally on the arm portions of the garment
and being anchored to hand stirrups.
2. The process of claim 1 wherein the resistance garment is worn
as part of a weight loss program and including the step of changing
the resistance garment to a further resistance garment having different
resistance characteristics during the weight loss program.
3. The process of claim 1 wherein the resistance garment is placed
directly against and in contact with the user's skin.
4. A process for creating conditions for burning calories comprising
placing on a user a resistance garment having elongated elastic
resistance elements which offer resistance to the movement of portions
of a user's body, the elongated elements having resistance characteristics
which differ from other portions of the garment, placing outer clothing
on the user over the resistance garment, the user performing physical
activities while wearing the clothing and the resistance garment
wherein the physical activities include movement of at least some
portion of the body having the resistance garment thereon, the resistance
elements providing resistance to the movement during the physical
activities to tend to burn calories in excess of the calories that
are burned during the same physical activities when only the clothing
is worn, wearing the clothing and resistance garment continuously
for an extended period of time, and the elongated resistance elements
being located longitudinally on the leg portions of the garment
and anchored to foot stirrups.
5. The process of claim 4 wherein the resistance garment is worn
as part of a weight loss program and including the step of changing
the resistance garment to a further resistance garment having different
resistance characteristics during the weight loss program.
6. The process of claim 4 wherein the resistance garment is placed
directly against and in contact with the user's skin.
7. A process for creating conditions for burning calories comprising
placing on a user a resistance garment having elongated elastic
resistance elements which offer resistance to the movement of portions
of a user's body, the elongated elements having resistance characteristics
which differ from other portions of the garment, placing outer clothing
on the user over the resistance garment, the user performing physical
activities while wearing the clothing and the resistance garment
wherein the physical activities include movement of at least some
portion of the body having the resistance garment thereon, the resistance
elements providing resistance to the movement during the physical
activities to tend to burn calories in excess of the calories that
are burned during the same physical activities when only the clothing
is worn, wearing the clothing and resistance garment continuously
for an extended period of time, and the elongated resistance elements
being located longitudinally on the arm portions of the garment
and anchored to hand wear.
8. The process of claim 7 wherein the resistance garment is worn
as part of a weight loss program and including the step of changing
the resistance garment to a further resistance garment having different
resistance characteristics during the weight loss program.
9. The process of claim 7 wherein the resistance garment is placed
directly against and in contact with the user's skin.
10. A process for creating conditions for burning calories comprising
placing on a user a resistance garment having elongated elastic
resistance elements which offer resistance to the movement of portions
of a user's body, the elongated elements having resistance characteristics
which differ from other portions of the garment, placing outer clothing
on the user over the resistance garment, the user performing physical
activities while wearing the clothing and the resistance garment
wherein the physical activities include movement of at least some
portion of the body having the resistance garment thereon, the resistance
elements providing resistance to the movement during the physical
activities to tend to burn calories in excess of the calories that
are burned during the same physical activities when only the clothing
is worn, wearing the clothing and resistance garment continuously
for an extended period of time, and the elongated resistance elements
being located longitudinally on the leg portions of the garment
and anchored to foot wear.
11. The process of claim 10 wherein the resistance garment is worn
as part of a weight loss program and including the step of changing
the resistance garment to a further resistance garment having different
resistance characteristics during the weight loss program.
12. The process of claim 10 wherein the resistance garment is placed
directly against and in contact with the user's skin.
13. In a resistance exercise garment having a body portion and
limb portions wherein elongated elastic resistance elements are
included in said garment to provide a force that resists movement
of the user to cause the user to expend energy to oppose the force
provided by the elastic resistance elements for enhancing the exercise
value of a physical activity, the improvement being in at least
a portion of said garment is made of a variable resistance fabric,
said variable resistance fabric including a plurality of generally
parallel first strands, said variable resistance fabric further
including a plurality of generally parallel second strands perpendicular
to said first strands, said second strands being elastic and having
greater resistance force than the resistance force of said first
strands, said second strands comprising said elastic resistance
elements, and hand stirrups connected to said variable resistance
fabric to provide anchor structure.
14. The garment of claim 13 wherein said variable resistance fabric
is located at spaced sections of the garment.
15. The garment of claim 13 including foot stirrups connected to
said variable resistance fabric to provide anchor structure.
16. In a resistance exercise garment having a body portion and
limb portions wherein elongated elastic resistance elements are
included in said garment to provide a force that resists movement
of the user to cause the user to expend energy to oppose the force
provided by the elastic resistance elements for enhancing the exercise
value of a physical activity, the improvement being in at least
a portion of said garment is made of a variable resistance fabric,
said variable resistance fabric including a plurality of generally
parallel first strands, said variable resistance fabric further
including a plurality of generally parallel second strands perpendicular
to said first strands, said second strands being elastic and having
greater resistance force than the resistance force of said first
strands, said second strands comprising said elastic resistance
elements, and said variable resistance fabric being connected to
foot stirrups to provide anchor structure.
17. The garment of claim 16 wherein said garment is a one piece
suit having upper body and lower body portions and arms and leg
portions.
18. The garment of claim 16 wherein said garment is a two piece
suit having separate shirt and pants portions.
19. The process of claim 16 wherein the resistance garment is placed
directly against and in contact with the user's skin.
Weight loss description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Aerobic exercise and weight loss are two of the major concerns
of the public. The two are related, since aerobic exercise bums
calories, and thus promotes weight loss. Current exercise and weight
loss findings emphasize the value of exercising moderately, and
losing weight gradually and evenly over time. Exercise and weight
loss in smaller increments, on a regular basis lowers the risk of
injury, is more tolerable, and promotes a safer and more sustainable
workout and weight control program.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,759,510 describes an exercise garment including
a helmet, jacket, armlets, gloves, belt, shorts, thigh leggings,
calf leggings and boots with these components being detachably connected
together for the use of a total composite garment or for the use
separately in various combinations, each component of the total
garment having exterior pockets which may be filled or partially
filled with a particular weight material of various densities. This
exercise garment is cumbersome and should be worn on the outside,
not underneath the clothes.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,033,123 relates to a garment which comprises a
pair of trousers and optionally a solid upper jacket to form a combination
suit. This garment is worn in such activities as lumbering and sporting
where consider body bending is involved. These trousers and jacket
are worn on the outside, not as an undergarment.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,109,546 relates to an exercise suit with form fitting
pants and pull-over top made of stretchable material having reinforcing
segments with helically wound leg and arm resistance bands attached
integrally to the suit.
It is a primary purpose of the invention to create a resistance
garment that while comfortable, causes the wearer to gradually elevate
his heart rate, and thus consume more calories over an extended
period. Thus, this garment is designed to be worn primarily as an
undergarment, and to be worn for a longer time, typically longer
than a workout, such as during the entire workday. It is intended
to be worn when not exercising. However, it is also possible with
or without slight modifications to wear this garment during exercising.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
An object of the invention is to provide a resistance garment to
promote weight loss, by creating safe, modest and comfortable resistance
load on the body during normal, everyday activities.
Another object of the invention is to provide a resistance garment
to give added aerobic exercise, to strengthen the heart, during
exercise and sports activities.
Another object of the invention is to strengthen and tone the body
muscles.
Another object of the invention is to provide an exercise program
that would permit a user to exercise while wearing the inventive
resistant garment of this invention.
Another object of this invention is to provide a weight loss program,
whereby a user can wear different thicknesses of the resistance
garment by starting out with a thin garment and increasing to a
thicker garment, thereby being able to gradually elevate the users
heart rate and consume more calories over an extended period of
time.
Another object of the invention is to create a resistant garment,
that while comfortable, causes the wearer to gradually elevate his
heart rate, and thus consume more calories over an extended period
to exceed 1 or 2 or 8 hours over the cumulative caloric burn.
The garment is designed to be worn as an undergarment such as shorts
and a tee shirt and to be worn for a longer time than a workout,
such as during the entire workday. This garment can be worn but
is not intended to be worn while exercising.
Another embodiment of this invention is drawn to an exercise resistance
garment that can be worn over the clothing or underneath the clothing
and over undergarments and provides resistance, thereby increasing
the muscle tone of the user.
With respect to the first object, inducing a slight load over time,
the cumulative daily result is substantial but yet easily tolerated
by the user.
The invention also relates to a process for burning calories comprising
a user placing the inventive garment on and wearing said garment
for an extended period of time, thereby burning calories and after
the user achieves the desired result, the user increases the level
of calorie burning by changing the garment to a garment of greater
resistance or by adjusting the resistance of the garment.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
FIG. 1 shows a front elevational view of a one-piece resistance
garment according to this invention;
FIG. 2 shows a front elevational view of a two-piece resistance
garment according to this invention;
FIG. 3 shows a front elevational view of another one-piece resistance
garment according to this invention;
FIG. 4 shows a front elevational view of still another one-piece
resistance garment according to this invention;
FIG. 5 shows a front elevational view of a further one-piece resistance
garment;
FIG. 6 shows a rear elevational view of FIG. 5;
FIG. 7 shows an enlarged fragmental top plan view showing elastic
cords sewn into a fabric;
FIG. 8 shows a cross-sectional view in elevation taken along line
8--8 of FIG. 7 and
FIG. 9 shows a fragmental view of the upper top portion of an exercise
garment showing elastic cords woven into a designated area of exercise.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
FIG. 1 illustrates a one-piece resistance garment according to
this invention. The one-piece resistance garment 10 is made from
a stretchable material. In addition, the stretchable material can
be, but is not limited to, an all mesh material; mesh material with
web or solid panels; all web material; web material with solid elastic
strips or panels; or all elastic material for comfort, coolness
and lightweight. The elastic material can be, but is not limited
to nylon, an elastic synthetic fiber known as LYCRA.RTM. sold by
the DuPont Company, SPANDEX.RTM. (stretch fiber based on synthetic
elastomeric long-chain polymers, the fiber returns to the original
length after being stretched several times) or neoprene rubber.
The garment can be manufactured in any known method to achieve one
or more directional lines of stretch including, but not limited
to, the warp knit, circle knit, weft insertion, continuous weave/variable
density strips (the fabric is of continuous weave having fabric
made from strips of different densities and elasticities). The panels
can be on the garment, in the garment such as but not limited to
being sewn into the garment, incorporated into the weave and made
an integral part of the garment (of the same weave of the garment).
The strips can be of the same material or of a different material
from the garment.
There can be an access means 12, such as, but not limited to, any
known attachment means such as, but not limited to, a zipper, buttons,
snaps, clips or hook and loop tape known by its registered trademark
VELCRO.RTM.. The access means 12 can be in the front, the back and/or
the sides to permit easy entry into and removability of the garment
10. As shown in FIG. 1, the access means 12 is a zipper in the front
of the garment 10.
There would be a means to tighten the garment snugly on the user.
One such means can be the material itself. Again, as stated above,
the material could be a tight fitting resilient material that would
be capable of stretching, thereby permitting the material to fit
snugly on a user. In addition, hand stirrup(s) 14 could be attached
to the garment 10 to form a snug fit of the garment 10 on the user.
There can also be foot stirrup(s) 16 attached to the bottom of the
legs of the garment 10. The hand stirrup(s) 14 and the foot stirrup(s)
16 would create additional tension on the garment 10, thereby causing
the user to burn more calories without the user perspiring. In addition
to, or instead of the foot stirrup(s) 16, there could also be socks
or other means of attachment to the bottom of legs of the garment
10 such as shoes (as shown in FIG. 4). The garment 10 can also engage
the hands with a loop or be attached to a glove or hand stirrup
14 to provide added tension for the upper body. However, it is believed
that the engagement of the hands is less preferable and tolerable
by the user during prolonged periods of use. Thus, engagement of
the hands is more appropriate for the aerobic short term application
than for the longer weight loss purpose. In addition, elastic can
be built into the garment at varying locations such as in the sleeves,
legs, front, back or sides, to permit the garment 10 to snugly fit
to the user.
Again, the web, mesh, mat-like fabric has the benefits of being
lightweight, comfortable, has coolness and breathability and is
capable of being worn in the summer time as well as the winter,
spring and fall seasons.
FIG. 2 shows a front elevational view of a two-piece suit according
to this invention. The two-piece suit 10B has pants 18 which could
be made of a light-weight web, mesh or mat-like fabric for comfort
and coolness or it could be a solid fabric construction or a combination
of a web and solid pieces as described above for the one piece garment
10. The pants 18 could have a means that would provide extra tension
at the bottom of the legs of the pants 18. The tightening means
20 could be, but is not limited to, a sock or foot stirrup connected
to the pants. The user would wear the pants and place the user's
feet in each of the foot stirrups 20, thereby causing a greater
tension, which would pull the garment 10B tighter on the user's
body. The upper piece of the suit 10B would be shirt or a top 22.
The top 22 could be made of the same material and construction as
described above for the one piece garment 10. It is also possible
that the top 22 could have an access means as shown in FIG. 1 (access
means 12). It is also possible that the top 22 can be a pull-over
top without use of an access means. Additionally, hand stirrups
24 can be connected to the top 22. The hand stirrups can be the
same as described in FIG. 1, and would enable the top to be pulled
tighter on the user and cause the user to create more body heat,
and burn more calories and loss more weight. There could also be
a waist band 26 that could function as a belt and enable the suit
10B to be further adjusted around the waist of the user. The waist
band 26 could also connect the pants 18 to the top 22. The waistband
26 could have an adjusting means 28 to adjust the fit around of
the suit 10B around user's waist. The adjusting means 28 can be,
but not limited to snaps, VELCRO.RTM. or buttons. The waistband
26 is also preferably made from a stretchable material, such as,
but not limited to, a elastic material.
FIG. 3 shows a front elevational view of another one-piece exercise
suit according to the invention. The one-piece exercise suit 10C
could be made of the same material and configuration as described
in the one piece garment of FIG. 1. Around the waist in the exercise
suit 10C can be a waistband 30. The waistband 30 can be a solid
elastic material causing more tension in the exercise suit. In addition,
elastic or a resistance material 32 can be on the upper portion
of the exercise suit 10C. The elastic material 32 can be made of
a mesh resistant web that would cause greater tension when a user
moves his arms away from his body, thereby causing the user to burn
up more calories during exercising. In order to get in and out of
the suit easier, there could be access means 34 which could be the
same as the access means 12 described in FIG. 1. The access means
34 could be in front, back or side of the exercise suit 10C. At
the bottom of the legs could be foot stirrups 16 as described above
in FIG. 1. The foot stirrups 16 would enable the suit to be pulled
tighter against the user thereby creating more tension so that the
user can burn more calories. In addition, a tightening means 38
can be at the end of the arms and the end of the legs 36 of the
suit to form a snugger fit around the user's ankles and wrists,
thereby creating more tension so that the user can burn more calories.
The tightening means 38 can be, but is not limited to, having elastic
material strips connected or sewn in the sleeves of the material
in one direction and optionally have elastic material strips connected
or sewn perpendicular to the first set of strips to create a strong
elastic band. As described above in FIGS. 1 and 2, stirrups 14,
16, 20 and 24 can also be connected to the suit 10C.
FIG. 4 shows a front elevational view of still another one piece
suit according to this invention. The exercise suit 10D can have
a solid pair of pants 40 and an elastic mesh mid-section 42 and
a solid top 44. There can be an access means 48 to permit the user
to have easier access to get in and out of the suit 10D. The access
means 48 could be the same as the access means 12 described in FIG.
1. The suit 10D have detachable or permanently connected boots or
socks 50. The boots or socks 50 would be made of an elastic material
such as, but not limited to LYCRA.RTM., nylon, SPANDEX.RTM., neoprene
or rubber.
FIG. 5 shows a front elevational view of a further one piece exercise
suit according to this invention. The exercise suit 10E also has
elongated elastic resistance elements or bands 52 attached to one
or two of the legs of the suit. The elastic bands 52 which may be
mounted beneath or above the suit 10E, preferably however, the bands
52 are formed within the suit by being disposed between individual
layers. A similar type of construction is described in U.S. Pat.
No. 5,306,222 issued to Wilkinson and the entire patent is incorporated
by reference herein. The elastic resistance bands 52 can be adjustable
or non-adjustable and would cause greater tension on the user while
using the suit, thereby causing the user to burn more calories.
The elastic resistance bands 52 can also be attached to the arm
sleeves of the top 22. In addition, there could be an elastic web
54 inside the legs or at the crotch of the exercise suit 10E. Again,
the elastic web 54 would enable more tension to be created when
the user is using the suit 10E, thereby causing the user to burn
up more calories. The web 54 can be permanently or detachably connected
to the suit 10E. The web and the method of attachment could be similar
to that described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,176,600 issued to Wilkinson
and is the entire patent is incorporated by reference herein.
FIG. 6 shows a rear elevational view of FIG. 5. The resistance
garment can also have adjustable elastic resistance bands 52 attached
to garment in any location. The elastic bands 52 elastic bands can
be attached by any conventional means, such as but not limited to,
snaps, buttons, VELCRO.RTM. or have the ends glued or sewn into
place, etc. The elastic bands 52 have an adjust means 53. The adjust
means can be, but is not limited to, a buckle to allow the user
to tighten or loosen the resistance bands 52 tension. The bands
52 could be affixed to any desired location on the garment such
as across the back, chest, legs or arms or having one end of the
resistance band 52 affixed to the back and the other end of the
band 52 affixed to the front of the garment. The strands 58 are
shown on the upper arm on the body suit. Elastic web 59 is shown
also on the other side of the arm of the suit 10E. The elongated
elastic resistance element or strand 58 and elastic web 59 would
create more tension thereby enabling the user to burn up more calories.
The elastic strand 58 and web 59 would preferably be connected from
the shoulders going across the front of the suit where the chest
of the user would be. This would provide additional added resistance.
It is also possible to provide webs as described in U.S. Pat. No.
5,176,600 issued to Wilkinson and is incorporated by reference herein.
FIG. 7 shows an enlarged fragmental top plan of another embodiment
showing an elongated elastic element or cord 60 sewn directly into
the fabric 62. The elastic cord 60 thereby can provide more tension
and give the garment greater resistance. As stated above, the elastic
cord 60 can be attached to the outside of the fabric, on the fabric,
or can be sewn in the fabric as shown in FIG. 7. The elastic cord
60 can be sewn throughout the whole suit, or can be located in specific
locations that the user wants to create greater resistance, such
as in the chest, or the legs, or shoulders, or back, etc.
FIG. 8 shows a cross-sectional view in the elevation taken along
the line 8--8 of FIG. 7. The woven fabric strand 62 are woven around
the elastic cord 60. Thereby forming a suit having greater elasticity
in the regions of the elastic coils are placed. It is also possible,
instead of elastic cord 60 that a fabric of different material intensity
can be sewn into the suit, which is by a continuous weave/variable
density strips. This would also provide greater resistance in elasticity.
FIG. 9 shows a fragmental view of an upper portion of an exercise
garment showing panels which can be inserted on the garment, or
can be sewn into the garment as shown in FIG. 9. The panels can
provide greater resistance by being more elastic. The panels can
have elastic cord 60 woven into the fabric. In addition, the panels
can be continuous woven/variable density strips (as discussed above).
The clothing can come in different strengths and/or degrees of
elasticity or thickness as to provide a progressive exercise/weight
loss program and system. Thus, when a user becomes accustom to one
strength level, the user can increase the aerobic weight loss effect
by moving to a higher and greater resistance level. Garments of
different elastic resistance strengths also serve to match the individual
body strength of the user.
The garment can be worn as follows:
(1) underneath the outer clothing and next to the skin under the
underwear of the user,
(2) underneath the outer clothing and next to the skin as underwear
of the user,
(3) underneath the outer clothing but over top of the underwear,
(4) as the clothing, (the outer wear) itself or
(5) over the top of the clothing/outer wear.
As stated above, the garment can be at least one piece such as,
but not limited to pants, shorts, briefs, boxers, long or short
sleeve shirts, tank tops, sleeveless tops, vests, brassieres or
one piece jump suit including a top and bottom such as an exercise
suit covering all or part of the user's arms and legs (full sleeve,
short sleeve, no sleeve, full leg, half leg, or above the knee).
The invention also relates to a process of burning up calories
comprising a user wearing the garment for an extended period of
time, thereby burning up calories. The user can gradually burn more
calories by wearing the garment for a longer period of time or by
changing the garment to a garment of greater resistance or of increased
thickness and/or by adjusting the resistance of said garment.
While there is shown and described herein certain specific structure
embodying the invention, it will be manifest to those skilled in
the art that various modifications and rearrangements of the parts
maybe made without departing from the spirit and scope of the underlying
inventive concept and that the same is not limited to the particular
forms herein shown and described.
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