US20190046829A1

US20190046829A1 - Distributed exercise weight system

Info

Publication number: US20190046829A1
Application number: US16/057,486
Authority: US
Inventors: Phong Tran
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2017-08-08
Filing date: 2018-08-07
Publication date: 2019-02-14

Abstract

A distributed exercise weight system that includes a limb unit with a first segment and a second segment. The limb unit is configured for attachment to a limb. Each of the first segment and the second segment are configured to hold at least one weight in proximity to a corresponding part of a user's limb. The first segment is configured to be disposed closer to a user's body along the limb and the second segment is configured to be disposed farther from a user's body along the limb.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of and is a non-provisional patent application of U.S. provisional application No. 62/542,380, filed on Aug. 8, 2017, the entirety of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

(1) Field of Invention

The present invention relates to exercise weight systems and, more specifically, to a distributed exercise weight system.

(2) Description of Related Art

In order to provide physical training, some conventional exercise weight systems use a weight attached to a distal location on a limb, such as an ankle weight or a wrist weight. These weights can increase the mechanical leverage that the weight exerts against the user's muscles. However, because human limbs contain multiple joints and corresponding muscle groups and tendons, each with their own load limit, such conventional systems will either provide limited benefit for larger muscle groups on the limb, or will quickly overstress or endanger smaller joints, muscle groups, and/or tendons.
Thus, a continuing need exists for a system that addresses the limitations of conventional systems.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

This disclosure provides a system and method of manufacturing a distributed exercise weight system. In various embodiments, the system includes a distributed exercise weight system that includes a limb unit that includes a first segment and a second segment, the limb unit being configured for attachment to a limb. Each of the first segment and the second segment are configured to hold at least one weight in proximity to a corresponding part of a user's limb. The first segment is configured to be disposed closer to a user's body along the limb and the second segment is configured to be disposed farther from a user's body along the limb.
In another aspect, the first segment and the second segment of the limb unit are separated from each other.
In yet another aspect, the first segment and the second segment of the limb unit are connected to each other.
In yet another aspect, the first segment and the second segment of the limb unit form a single sleeve.
In yet another aspect, the first segment of the limb unit is configured to hold at least one weight in proximity to a first limb joint, and the second segment of the limb unit is configured to hold at least one weight in proximity to a second limb joint.
In yet another aspect, the first limb joint is one of a hip and a shoulder, and the second limb joint is one of an elbow and a knee.
In yet another aspect, the first limb joint is one of an elbow and a knee, and the second limb joint is one of a wrist and an ankle.
In yet another aspect, the first segment and the second segment of the limb unit are both configured to be disposed between two adjacent limb joints.
In yet another aspect, the first segment and the second segment of the limb unit are configured to be disposed on opposite sides of a limb joint.
In yet another aspect, the first segment of the limb unit is configured to hold a different weight amount than the second segment of the same limb unit.
In yet another aspect, the limb unit further comprises a third segment configured to hold a weight in proximity to a corresponding part of a user's limb.
In yet another aspect, the third segment is configured to be closer to a user's body than the first segment.
In yet another aspect, the third segment is configured to be farther from a user's body than the second segment.
In yet another aspect, the third segment of the limb unit is configured to hold less weight than the second segment of the same limb unit.
In yet another aspect, a method of manufacturing a distributed exercise weight system includes forming a limb unit comprising a first segment and a second segment, the limb unit being configured for attachment to a limb. Each of the first segment and the second segment are configured to hold at least one weight in proximity to a corresponding part of a user's limb. The first segment is configured to be disposed closer to a user's body along the limb and the second segment is configured to be disposed farther from a user's body along the same limb.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following detailed descriptions of the various aspects of the invention in conjunction with reference to the following drawings, where:

FIG. 1 is an illustration of a distributed weight system, according to various embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an illustration of a distributed weight system, according to additional embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is an illustration of a distributed weight system, according to additional embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a part of a distributed weight system at a first stage of assembly, according to some embodiments;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a part of a distributed weight system at a second stage of assembly, according to some embodiments;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a part of a distributed weight system at a third stage of assembly, according to some embodiments;

FIG. 7A is an illustration of an enclosed weight, according to some embodiments;

FIG. 7B is a perspective view of a part of a distributed weight system with weights at various stages of being attached to the weight system, according to some embodiments;

FIG. 8A is a perspective view of a part of a distributed weight system with two weights being attached to the weight system, according to some embodiments;

FIG. 8B is a cutaway view of an enclosed weight that is being retained within the weight system, according to some embodiments; and

FIG. 8C is a perspective view of a buckle used for some embodiments of a distributed weight system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention relates to exercise weight systems and, more specifically, to a distributed exercise weight system.
The following description is presented to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention and to incorporate it in the context of particular applications. Various modifications, as well as a variety of uses in different applications will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be applied to a wide range of aspects. Thus, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the aspects presented, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.
In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a more thorough understanding of the present invention. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without necessarily being limited to these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form, rather than in detail, in order to avoid obscuring the present invention.
The reader's attention is directed to all papers and documents which are filed concurrently with this specification and which are open to public inspection with this specification, and the contents of all such papers and documents are incorporated herein by reference. All the features disclosed in this specification, (including any accompanying claims, abstract, and drawings) may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.
Furthermore, any element in a claim that does not explicitly state “means for” performing a specified function, or “step for” performing a specific function, is not to be interpreted as a “means” or “step” clause as specified in 35 U.S.C. Section 112, Paragraph 6. In particular, the use of “step of” or “act of” in the claims herein is not intended to invoke the provisions of 35 U.S.C. 112, Paragraph 6.
Before describing the invention in detail, an introduction provides the reader with a general understanding of the present invention. Finally, specific details of various embodiment of the present invention are provided to give an understanding of the specific aspects.
(3) Introduction
Although conventional weight systems may provide a user with some limited benefit by being capable of attaching weights to a distal limb segment, such as a wrist or ankle, such systems are limited to the weight capacity of the joint, muscle, and tendon system of the user's limb based on that attachment point.
In various embodiments of this disclosure, the distributed weight system allows weight to be distributed across more than one location on a single limb segment. By spreading the weight across more than one location and/or customizing the weight distribution, the system may provide a user with the option of more comfortably and more safely carrying the same weight. Alternatively, it may provide a user with an option of carrying much greater weight for exercise purposes at more than one location on a user's limb, such as on two limb segments.
(4) Specific Details of Various Embodiments
FIG. 1 is an illustration of a distributed weight system, according to various embodiments of the present invention. FIG. 1 includes a first sleeve 102 (e.g., a first sleeve unit 102), a second sleeve 122 (e.g., a second sleeve unit 122), a third sleeve 142 (e.g., a third sleeve unit 142), and a fourth sleeve 162 (e.g., a fourth sleeve unit 162).
The first sleeve 102 includes a first weight segment 104, a second weight segment 106, a third segment 108, a first end 110, and a second end 112. The second sleeve 122 includes a first weight segment 124, a second weight segment 126, a third segment 128, a first end 130, and a second end 132. The third sleeve 142 includes a first weight segment 144, a second weight segment 146, a third segment 148, a first end 150, and a second end 152. The fourth sleeve 162 includes a first weight segment 164, a second weight segment 166, a third segment 168, a first end 170, and a second end 172.
In some embodiments, the first, the second, the third, and/or the fourth sleeve (e.g., first, second, third, and/or fourth sleeve units) 102, 122, 142, and/or 162 may be sized and/or configured to be disposed on only one limb segment between adjacent joints (e.g., between shoulder and elbow, or between elbow and wrist). In other embodiments, the first, the second, the third, and/or the fourth sleeve 102, 122, 142, and/or 162 may be disposed on both sides of a joint (e.g., extending across the elbow with one end between elbow and wrist and another end between elbow and shoulder). In other embodiments, the first, the second, the third, and/or the fourth sleeve 102, 122, 142, and/or 162 may extend adjacent to one joint (e.g., a shoulder, elbow, wrist, hip, knee, or ankle) and up to/or across an adjacent or distal joint. In various embodiments, the first, the second, the third, and/or the fourth sleeve 102, 122, 142, and/or 162 are each continuous or formed of connected parts.
The first sleeve 102 and the second sleeve 122 may be sized and shaped to be used on a user's arms, while the third sleeve 142 and the fourth sleeve 162 may be sized and shaped to be used on a user's legs. The sleeves (e.g., 102, 122, 142, and/or 162) may be formed from elastic material and/or non-elastic flexible material and may include tightening/securing mechanisms to hold the sleeves and/or weights (e.g., held by one or more of weight segments 104, 106, 108, 124, 126, 128, 144, 146, 148, 164, 166, and/or 168) in place. The elastic material may include spandex and/or Lycra and may further include an elastane content of between 1%-30% in some embodiments, between 10%-20% in other embodiments, and between 12%-15% in other embodiments. The elastic material may further incorporate cotton, polyester, satin, velvet, nylon, rayon, neoprene, rubber, or latex.
Tightening/securing mechanisms may include elastic and/or nonelastic material of the sleeve and/or straps, ropes, strings, and/or bungee cords, and may incorporate fasteners such as zippers, buttons, velcro, snaps, etc. In some embodiments, the fasteners may be used with elastic material even without any other straps or tightening mechanisms. In some embodiments, the addition of weights to the weight segments 104, 106, 108, 124, 126, 128, 144, 146, 148, 164, 166, and/or 168 serves to further tighten and secure a sleeve onto a user's limb. In various embodiments, the tightening securing mechanism may include a flexible material configured as a strap, rope, or string may wrap around the user's limb, a sleeve, and/or one or more weights at a particular weight segment. The flexible material may be secured using a fastener.
The first ends 110, 130, 150, and/or 170 may be sized to allow sleeving over the largest muscle groups of a user's limb, while the second ends 112, 132, 152, and/or 172 may be sized to be smaller to provide a closer fit while still allowing a user's hand or foot to pass through.
The first sleeve 102 and the second sleeve 122 may be sized to extend from a user's wrist to proximal to a user's shoulder and/or armpit. The first end 110 and first end 130 may be configured with openings that are sized to permit the first sleeve 102 and the second sleeve 122 to be drawn onto a user's arms and to be secured using a retention system (e.g., one or more tightening/securing mechanisms such as straps, velcro, bungee cords, elasticity of the sleeve material, and/or the addition of weights that constrict the opening) to a user's upper arm at a location proximal to the user's shoulder and between the user's shoulder and elbow.
The retention system may be attached to the sleeves 102, 122, 142, and/or 162 and disposed at one or more of the first ends 110, 130, 150, and/or 170, the second ends 112, 132, 152, and/or 172, and where applicable, one or more of the weight segments 104, 106, 108, 124, 126, 128, 144, 146, 148, 164, 166, and/or 168. Where the retention system includes the elasticity of the sleeve itself, the retention system may operate across the length of the sleeve from the first ends 110, 130, 150, and/or 170 to the second ends 112, 132, 152, and/or 172, respectively.
By permitting a distribution of weight across a user's limb, a user may more comfortably wear the same weight they would previously have placed entirely at the end of a limb (e.g., in a wrist or ankle weight). This distribution may also be less bulky, more attractive, more maneuverable, and/or more discreet. For example, the weights may be wearable underneath other clothing commonly worn on a daily basis such as dress shirts, long sleeve shirts, pants, jackets, or exercise clothing. The distribution may allow the user to wear much greater weights more safely, and may be configured to allow a user to carry more weight closer to a user's body and less weight farther from a user's body. For example, a user may wear between 0.1 and 3.0 pounds at a wrist or ankle, 1.0-4.0 pounds higher on a user's forearm, calf, or above a user's elbow or knee, and/or 1.5-10.0 pounds at a location higher on a user's upper arm or thigh. In some embodiments, one or more of the weights may incorporate or be a battery, such as for charging a user's phone or other electronics.
In some embodiments, the weights may be non-symmetrically distributed on one side of a user's limb, such as to act as a counterbalance for personal electronic devices, batteries, tools, gear, or other equipment.
FIG. 2 is an illustration of a distributed weight system, according to additional embodiments of the present invention. The system of FIG. 2 includes a first sleeve unit 201, a second sleeve unit 221, a third sleeve unit 241, and a fourth sleeve unit 261.
Each of the sleeve units 201, 221, 241, and 261 may include two or more sleeve segments. For example, the first sleeve unit 201 may include two or more of the first sleeve segment 202, the second sleeve segment 204, and the third sleeve segment 206. The second sleeve unit 221 may include two or more of the first sleeve segment 222, the second sleeve segment 224, and the third sleeve segment 226. Third sleeve unit 241 may include two or more of the first sleeve segment 242, the second sleeve segment 244, and the third sleeve segment 246. The fourth sleeve unit 261 may include two or more of the first sleeve segment 262, the second sleeve segment 264, and the third sleeve segment 266. For example a sleeve unit may include the first and the second sleeve segment, the first and the third sleeve segment, the second and the third sleeve segment, or the first, the second, and the third sleeve segment.
Each of the sleeve segments (e.g., 202, 204, 206, 222, 224, 226, 242, 244, 246, 262, 264, and/or 266) may include a first edge and a second edge, with the first edge being configured for being disposed closer to a user's body and the second edge being configured for being disposed farther from a user's body (e.g., distal, or closer to a user's extremity).
For example, the first sleeve segment 202 may have a first edge 208 and a second edge 210. The second sleeve segment 222 may have a first edge 212 and a second edge 214. The third sleeve segment 206 may have a first edge 216 and a second edge 218.
The first sleeve segment 222 may have a first edge 228 and a second edge 230. The second sleeve segment 224 may have a first edge 232 and a second edge 234. The third sleeve segment 226 may have a first edge 236 and a second edge 238.
The first sleeve segment 242 may have a first edge 248 and a second edge 250. The second sleeve segment 244 may have a first edge 252 and a second edge 254. The third sleeve segment 246 may have a first edge 256 and a second edge 258.
The first sleeve segment 262 may have a first edge 268 and a second edge 270. The second sleeve segment 264 may have a first edge 272 and a second edge 274. The third sleeve segment 266 may have a first edge 276 and a second edge 278.
Each of the sleeve segments (e.g., 202, 204, 206, 222, 224, 226, 242, 244, 246, 262, 264, and/or 266) may include one of more weight segments (e.g., 104, 106, 108, 124, 126, 128, 144, 146, 148, 164, 166, and/or 168). The weight segments may be disposed adjacent to a first edge, adjacent to a second edge, or separated or distant from both edges of a sleeve segment.
The first sleeve unit 201 and the second sleeve unit 221 may be sized and shaped to be used on a user's arms, while the third sleeve unit 241 and the fourth sleeve unit 261 may be sized and shaped to be used on a user's legs. For units intended for use on a user's arms, the first sleeve segment may be configured to hold on to a larger part of a user's arm than the second sleeve segment, and the second sleeve segment may be configured to hold on to a larger part of a user's arm than the third sleeve segment. For units intended for use on a user's legs, the first sleeve segment may be configured to hold on to a larger part of a user's leg than the second sleeve segment, and the second sleeve segment may be configured to hold on to a larger part of a user's leg than the third sleeve segment.
One or more of the sleeve segments in each of the sleeve units (e.g., 201, 221, 241, and/or 261) may be formed from elastic material and/or non-elastic flexible material, and may include tightening/securing mechanisms to hold the sleeves and/or the weights (e.g., held by one or more of the weight segments 104, 106, 108, 124, 126, 128, 144, 146, 148, 164, 166, and/or 168) in place. The elastic material may include spandex and/or Lycra, and may further include an elastane content of between 1%-30% in some embodiments, between 10%-20% in other embodiments, and between 12%-15% in other embodiments. The elastic material may further incorporate cotton, polyester, satin, velvet, nylon, rayon, neoprene, rubber, or latex.
Tightening/securing mechanisms may include elastic and/or nonelastic material of the sleeve and/or straps, ropes, strings, and/or bungee cords, and may incorporate fasteners such as zippers, buttons, velcro, snaps, etc. In some embodiments, the fasteners may be used with elastic material even without any other straps or tightening mechanisms. In some embodiments, the addition of weights to the weight segments 104, 106, 108, 124, 126, 128, 144, 146, 148, 164, 166, and/or 168 serves to further tighten and secure a sleeve onto a user's limb. In various embodiments, the tightening securing mechanism may include a flexible material configured as a strap, rope, or string may wrap around the user's limb, a sleeve, and/or one or more weights at a particular weight segment. The flexible material may be secured using a fastener.
The first ends 110, 130, 150, and/or 170 may be sized to allow sleeving over the largest muscle groups of a user's limb, while the second ends 112, 132, 152, and/or 172 may be sized to be smaller to provide a closer fit while still allowing a user's hand or foot to pass through.
The first sleeve 102 and the second sleeve 122 may be sized to extend from a user's wrist to proximal to a user's shoulder and/or armpit. The first end 110 and the first end 130 may be configured with openings that are sized to permit the first sleeve 102 and the second sleeve 122 to be drawn onto a user's arms and to be secured using a retention system (e.g., one or more tightening/securing mechanisms such as straps, velcro, bungee cords, elasticity of the sleeve material, and/or the addition of weights that constrict the opening) to a user's upper arm at a location proximal to the user's shoulder and between the user's shoulder and elbow.
The retention system may be attached to the sleeves 102, 122, 142, and/or 162 and disposed at one or more of the first ends 110, 130, 150, and/or 170, the second ends 112, 132, 152, and/or 172, and where applicable, one or more of the weight segments 104, 106, 108, 124, 126, 128, 144, 146, 148, 164, 166, and/or 168. Where the retention system includes the elasticity of the sleeve itself, the retention system may operate across the length of the sleeve from the first ends 110, 130, 150, and/or 170 to the second ends 112, 132, 152, and/or 172, respectively.
FIG. 3 is an illustration of a distributed weight system, according to additional embodiments of the present invention. FIG. 3 shows the embodiment of FIG. 2 but with additional details.
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a part of a distributed weight system at a first stage of assembly, according to some embodiments. FIG. 4 includes a first assembly unit 402, an intermediate section fold 404, a first retention fold 406, a second retention fold 408, a first end fold 410, a second end fold 412, a third end fold 414, a first edge 416, a second edge 418, a first end 420, and a second end 422.
The intermediate section fold 404 may define an edge (e.g, a first or second edge) of a sleeve segment (e.g., 202, 204, 206, 222, 224, 226, 242, 244, 246, 262, 264, and/or 266). The intermediate section fold 404 may further define an internal pocket end designed to hold and keep weights from falling out at that edge.
The first retention fold 406 and the second retention fold 408 may each create a flap that encloses a weight segment and holds it within a pocket formed within a sleeve segment, sleeve unit, or sleeve. The flap may terminate at the first edge 416 or the second edge 418.
The first end fold 410 may be used to wrap around a buckle, pin, rod, or other securing mechanism. The second end fold 412 and the third end fold 414 may be used to improve structural integrity of the finished system at ends of the sleeve segment, unit, or sleeve. The first assembly unit 402 may have a first end 420 and a second end 422.
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a part of a distributed weight system at a second stage of assembly, according to some embodiments. FIG. 5 includes a second assembly unit 502, dividers 504, sections 506, a first end 508, a second end 510, a first edge 512, a second edge 514, and second end fold 412.
The second assembly unit 502 may be created from the first assembly unit 402 after performing one or more operations, such as folding along the intermediate section fold 404, the first end fold 410, the second end fold 412, and/or the third end fold 414 (shown in FIG. 4).
The dividers 504 may define the sections 506, which may be pockets for holding weights, panels for improving structural integrity, or other sections. The dividers 504 may be defined using stitching, adhesives, binding, clamps, or any other mechanism for dividing sections.
The first edge 512 and/or the second edge 514 may be defined by folding, such as the fold along the intermediate section fold 404 (shown in FIG. 4). For both the first edge 512 and the second edge 514 to be defined by folds, an additional fold line may be needed, such as a second intermediate fold line 404 (shown in FIG. 4).
The first end 508 may be defined by the third end fold 414 (shown in FIG. 4), and the second end 510 may be defined by the first end fold 410 (shown in FIG. 4).
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a part of a distributed weight system at a third stage of assembly, according to some embodiments. FIG. 6 includes third assembly unit 602, a first fastener section 604, a second fastener section 606, a retention rod 608, sections 506, a first end 508, a first edge 512, and a second edge 514.
Retention rod 608 may be secured to a second end 510 through various mechanisms. In some embodiments, part of a ring is bound within the flap formed by the second end fold 412. The exposed part of the ring is the retention rod 608. In other embodiments, the retention rod 608 is secured to the second end 510, such as by stitches, adhesives, etc.
The first end 508 may be threaded through the opening formed between the retention rod 608 and the second end 510, and the first fastener section 604 may be attached to the second fastener section 606 to secure the third assembly unit 602 to a user's limb. The first fastener section 604 and the second fastener section 606 could be mating types of velcro materials, mating sections for button and loop fasteners, adhesive sections, hook and loop, or other complementary fastener mechanisms.
In some embodiments, the second edge 514 may be closed and formed by folding the first assembly unit 402 along the intermediate section fold 404. The first edge 512 may be openable and defined by abutting edges defined by the first retention fold 406 and the second retention fold 408, each of which define a flap that may be used to secure a weight.
FIG. 7A is an illustration of an enclosed weight, according to some embodiments. FIG. 7A includes a part 702 of a third assembly unit 602, and a weight 704.
The part 702 may be part of a sleeve (e.g. 102, 122, 142, and/or 162), a sleeve segment (e.g., 202, 204, 206, 222, 224, 226, 242, 244, 246, 262, 264, and/or 266), ora weight segment (e.g., 104, 106, 108, 124, 126, 128, 144, 146, 148, 164, 166, and/or 168). As shown, the weight 704 is secured within and/or attached to an internal or external aspect of the part 702.
FIG. 7B is a perspective view of a part of a distributed weight system with weights at various stages of being attached to the weight system, according to some embodiments. FIG. 7B includes a part 706, a partially inserted weight 708, an extracted weight 710, an opening 712, and a section 506.
As shown, the part 706 includes multiple sections 506, one or more of which may each have an opening 712 into which one or more weights (e.g., 704, 708, 710). To insert a weight 710, in some embodiments, the part 706 may be wrapped around a user's limb but held loosely enough to allow the opening 712 to admit insertion of a weight 710. When the part 706 is fully tightened around a user's limb, the opening 712 may be held closed by the tension in the part 706, making it more difficult to either extract or insert a weight 710 or 704. In some embodiments, the weights 704 are held within the section 506 using only tension to close the opening 712 and to hold flaps (not shown) down that cover the weight 704 within the interior of the section 506.
FIG. 8A is a perspective view of a part of a distributed weight system with two weights being attached to the weight system, according to some embodiments. FIG. 8A includes a section 506, a first edge 512, a second edge 514, and partially inserted weights 708.
At second edge 512, one or more weights (e.g., 708) may be inserted into each section 506. In some embodiments, when two weights are inserted, each weight may be held by its own corresponding flap at the first edge 512. The second edge 514 may be closed to retain the inserted one or more weights (e.g., 708).
FIG. 8B is a cutaway view of an enclosed weight that is being retained within the weight system, according to some embodiments. FIG. 8B includes a flap 802 and an enclosed weight 704. As shown, the flap 802 may be formed by the first retention fold 406 or the second retention fold 408.
FIG. 8C is a perspective view of a buckle 804 used for some embodiments of a distributed weight system.
Finally, while this invention has been described in terms of several embodiments, one of ordinary skill in the art will readily recognize that the invention may have other applications in other environments. It should be noted that many embodiments and implementations are possible. Further, the following claims are in no way intended to limit the scope of the present invention to the specific embodiments described above. In addition, any recitation of “means for” is intended to evoke a means-plus-function reading of an element and a claim, whereas, any elements that do not specifically use the recitation “means for”, are not intended to be read as means-plus-function elements, even if the claim otherwise includes the word “means”. Further, while particular method steps have been recited in a particular order, the method steps may occur in any desired order and fall within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A distributed exercise weight system comprising:

a limb unit comprising a first segment and a second segment, the limb unit being configured for attachment to a limb, each of the first segment and the second segment being configured to hold at least one weight in proximity to a corresponding part of a user's limb, the first segment being configured to be disposed closer to a user's body along the limb and the second segment being configured to be disposed farther from a user's body along the limb.

2. The weight system of claim 1, wherein the first segment and the second segment of the limb unit are separated from each other.

3. The weight system of claim 1, wherein the first segment and the second segment of the limb unit are connected to each other.

4. The weight system of claim 3, wherein the first segment and the second segment of the limb unit form a single sleeve.

5. The weight system of claim 1, wherein the first segment of the limb unit is configured to hold at least one weight in proximity to a first limb joint, and the second segment of the limb unit is configured to hold at least one weight in proximity to a second limb joint.

6. The weight system of claim 5, wherein the first limb joint is one of a hip and a shoulder, and the second limb joint is one of an elbow and a knee.

7. The weight system of claim 5 wherein the first limb joint is one of an elbow and a knee, and the second limb joint is one of a wrist and an ankle.

8. The weight system of claim 1, wherein the first segment and the second segment of the limb unit are both configured to be disposed between two adjacent limb joints.

9. The weight system of claim 1, wherein the first segment and the second segment of the limb unit are configured to be disposed on opposite sides of a limb joint.

10. The weight system of claim 1, wherein the first segment of the limb unit is configured to hold a different weight amount than the second segment of the same limb unit.

11. The weight system of claim 1, wherein the limb unit further comprises a third segment configured to hold a weight in proximity to a corresponding part of a user's limb.

12. The weight system of claim 6, wherein the third segment is configured to be closer to a user's body than the first segment.

13. The weight system of claim 6, wherein the third segment is configured to be farther from a user's body than the second segment.

14. The weight system of claim 6 wherein the third segment of the limb unit is configured to hold less weight than the second segment of the same limb unit.

15. A method of manufacturing a distributed exercise weight system, the method comprising:

forming a limb unit comprising a first segment and a second segment, the limb unit being configured for attachment to a limb, each of the first segment and the second segment being configured to hold at least one weight in proximity to a corresponding part of a user's limb, the first segment being configured to be disposed closer to a user's body along the limb and the second segment being configured to be disposed farther from a user's body along the limb.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein the first segment and the second segment of the limb unit are separated from each other.

17. The method of claim 15, wherein the first segment and the second segment of the limb unit are connected to each other.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein the first segment and the second segment of the limb unit form a single sleeve.

19. The method of claim 15, wherein the first segment of each limb unit is configured to hold at least one weight in proximity to a first limb joint, and the second segment of each limb unit is configured to hold at least one weight in proximity to a second limb joint.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein the first limb joint is one of a hip and a shoulder, and the second limb joint is one of an elbow and a knee.