Lower body fitness training apparatus

Abstract

A fitness training apparatus includes a belt, left and right leg bands, and a thigh band. The belt is securable around a waist of a wearer and includes one or more left-side attachment points and right-side attachment points. The leg bands each include a belt engagement portion, a foot stirrup portion, and one or more elastically-extendable intermediate portions extending therebetween. The thigh band may be elastically stretchable. The belt engagement portions of the left and right leg bands are adjustably and removably attachable to at least one of their respective attachment points. The thigh band can be simultaneously fastened to the intermediate portions of the left and right leg bands at various selectable locations along the intermediate portions. Multiple thigh bands may be provided, and the elastic modulus of each thigh band may differ from one another. A thigh band may be unitary or may be defined by multiple segments.

Description

LOWER BODY FITNESS TRAINING APPARATUSRELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 537,153 filed September 7, 2023, the content of which is incorporated by this reference in its entirety for all purposes as if fully set forth herein.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates to athletic training devices, particularly athletic training devices that use resistance to improve the strength and conditioning of the lower body.SUMMARY

[0003] Certain deficiencies of the prior art are overcome by the provision of a lower body fitness training apparatus, as disclosed herein.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0004] Further advantages of the present invention may become apparent to those skilled in the art with the benefit of the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments and upon reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0005] FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic perspective view of one non-limiting example of a fitness training apparatus, shown in a disassembled configuration;

[0006] FIG. 2 is a diagrammatic perspective view of the example fitness training apparatus of FIG. 1, but wherein the belt engagement portions of the left and right bandelements are show in the process of being attached to selected attachment points on the belt;

[0007] FIG. 3 is a diagrammatic perspective view of the example fitness training apparatus of FIG. 2, but wherein the primary and secondary terminal ends of each leg band element are now shown looped through respective attachment points;

[0008] FIG. 4 is a diagrammatic perspective view of the example fitness training apparatus of FIG. 3, but wherein each of the end securement straps are now shown releasably grippingly wrapped around the respective terminal end and respective intermediate portion;

[0009] FIG. 5 is a diagrammatic view of an outboard side of an example leg band element;

[0010] FIG. 6 is a diagrammatic view of an inboard side of the example leg band element of FIG. 5;

[0011] FIG. 7 is a diagrammatic cross-sectional view taken along lines 7-7 in FIG. 5;

[0012] FIG. 8 is a diagrammatic perspective view of one example of a thigh belt;

[0013] FIG. 9 is a diagrammatic cross-sectional view taken along lines 9-9 inFIG. 8;

[0014] FIG. 10 is a diagrammatic view of an outboard side of an alternate example leg band element, wherein the leg band element has only one intermediate portion;

[0015] FIG. 11 is a diagrammatic view of an outboard side of a further alternate example leg band element, wherein each fastener segment comprises a male of female snap rather than hook or loop material, and the end fasteners each comprise a complimentary snap;

[0016] FIG. 12A is a diagrammatic side view of example complimentary hook material and loop material;

[0017] FIG. 12B is a diagrammatic side view of example complimentary hook material and loop material in mutual engagement with one another;

[0018] FIG. 13 is a diagrammatic cross-sectional view similar to that of FIG. 9, but wherein the thigh fasteners are in the form of female or male snaps engageable with the fastener segments in FIG. 11;

[0019] FIG. 14 is a diagrammatic perspective view of an alternate example of a fitness training apparatus, shown in a partially-assembled configuration;

[0020] FIG. 15 is a diagrammatic perspective view of another alternate example of a fitness training apparatus, shown in a partially-assembled configuration;

[0021] FIG. 16 is a diagrammatic partial perspective view of an example fitness training apparatus, shown in the process of being deployed on a wearer;

[0022] FIG. 17 is a diagrammatic partial perspective view of the example fitness training apparatus of FIG. 16, shown in a further process of being deployed on a wearer;

[0023] FIG. 18 is a diagrammatic partial perspective view of the example fitness training apparatus of FIG. 17, shown in a further process of being deployed on a wearer;

[0024] FIG. 19 is a diagrammatic partial perspective view of the example fitness training apparatus of FIG. 18, shown partially deployed on a wearer before the thigh band is fastened to the leg band elements;

[0025] FIG. 20 is a diagrammatic partial perspective view of a wearer performing a single-leg lateral push exercise with an example fitness training apparatus deployed on the wearer;

[0026] FIG. 21 is a diagrammatic partial perspective view of a wearer performing an alternating skip exercise with an example fitness training apparatus deployed on the wearer;

[0027] FIG. 22 is a diagrammatic perspective view of a wearer performing a resisted vertical jump exercise with an example fitness training apparatus deployed on the wearer;

[0028] FIG. 23 is a diagrammatic perspective view of a wearer performing a single-leg reaction multi-directional push exercise with an example fitness training apparatus deployed on the wearer;

[0029] FIG. 24 is a diagrammatic perspective view of a wearer performing a rhythm front cross exercise with an example fitness training apparatus deployed on the wearer;

[0030] FIG. 25 is a diagrammatic perspective view of a wearer performing a power skip exercise with an example fitness training apparatus deployed on the wearer;

[0031] FIG. 26 is a diagrammatic cross-sectional view taken along lines 26-26 in FIG. 23;

[0032] FIG. 27 is a diagrammatic perspective view of an example fitness training apparatus illustrating the ability of a user to selectively engage the thigh fasteners with any one of at least a subset of first fastener segments distributed along the left and right leg band elements; and

[0033] FIG. 28 is a diagrammatic perspective view of an example fitness training apparatus illustrating the ability of a user to selectively engage the thigh fasteners with any one of at least a subset of second fastener segments distributed along the left and right leg band elements.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0034] Referring now to the drawings, like reference numerals designate identical or corresponding features throughout the several views.

[0035] Certain example embodiments of a fitness training apparatus in accordance with the present disclosure are shown generally at 100.

[0036] Referring to FIGS. 1, 4, 14 and 15, an exemplary fitness training apparatus 100 may comprise a belt 102, a left leg band element 108, a right leg band element 110, and a thigh band 124. Referring to FIGS. 17 and 19, the belt 102 may be securable around a waist 302 of a wearer 300.

[0037] Referring to FIG. 1, the belt 102 may include one or more left-side attachment points (e.g., 104a, 104b, 104c) and one or more right-side attachment points (e.g., 106a, 106b, 106c). As shown in FIG. 1, the left-side and right-side attachment points may preferably be, for example, metal attachment rings, such as D-rings, or the like. Other forms of attachment points may be used. Moreover, as also shown in FIG. 1, the attachment rings may preferably be suspended below a lower edge 222 of the belt 102 (for example, by ring suspenders 142). In particular preferred embodiments of the apparatus 100, the belt 102 may include at least three of said left-side attachment pointsand at least three of said right-side attachment points.

[0038] Referring to FIG. 1, a left leg band element 108 and a right leg band element 110 may preferably each include a belt engagement portion (112, 114), a foot stirrup portion (116, 118), and a primary intermediate portion (120, 122) extending from the belt engagement portion (112, 114) to the foot stirrup portion (116, 118).

[0039] Referring to FIGS. 1, 8 and 9, a thigh band 124 may have a closed-loop configuration defining a circumferential length 128, and may be elastically stretchable along the circumferential length 128. Notably, in certain preferred embodiments of the thigh belt 124, the closed-loop configuration may be permanent. Alternatively, the thigh band 124 may be reconfigurable between the closed loop configuration and an open loop configuration. For example, particular embodiment od the thigh band 124 may be designed to be temporarily released from the closed-loop configuration (e.g., via a releasable clasp, latch, or hook-and-loop mechanism) in order to facilitate easier fastening of the thigh band 124 to the leg band elements (108, 110) during deployment of the apparatus 100 on a wearer 300, or to facilitate removable of the thigh band 124 therefrom.

[0040] Referring to FIGS. 1-4, the belt engagement portion 112 of the left leg band element 108 may be removably attachable to at least one of the one or more leftside attachment points (e.g., 104a, 104b, 104c). Similarly, the belt engagement portion 114 of the right leg band element 110 may be removably attachable to at least one of the one or more right-side attachment points (e.g., 106a, 106b, 106c). Referring to FIG. 26, the thigh band 124 may be simultaneously releasably fastenable to the primary intermediate portion (120, 122) of the left leg band element 108 and of the right leg band element 110. Referring to FIG. 1, the primary intermediate portions (120, 122) may each have a primary longitudinal axis (130, 132) along which they are elastically extendable.

[0041] Referring to FIG. 1, in particular preferred embodiments of the apparatus 100, the left leg band element 108 and the right leg band element 110 may each include asecondary intermediate portion (134, 136) extending from the belt engagement portion (112, 114) toward the foot stirrup portion (116, 118). The secondary intermediate portions (134, 136) may each have a secondary longitudinal axis (138, 140) along which they are elastically extendable.

[0042] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 26, in certain preferred embodiment of the apparatus 100, the releasable fastenability may be by way of mutual engagements between a hook material (see, e.g., 168 in FIGS 12A and 12B) and a loop material (see, e.g., 170 in FIGS 12A and 12B). Notably, in certain embodiments of the apparatus 100, the thigh band 124 may have the hook material 168 attached thereto, and the primary intermediate portions (120, 122) may have the loop material 170 affixed thereto. This is what is shown, for example, in FIG. 1. Contrastingly in other embodiments of the apparatus 100, the thigh band 124 may have the loop material 170 attached thereto, and the primary intermediate portions (120, 122) may have the hook material 168 affixed thereto.

[0043] Referring to FIGS. 11 and 13, in particular embodiments apparatus 100, as an alternative to using hook-and-loop materials, the releasable fastenability may be by way of mutual engagements between complimentary snap components, hook components, clip or clasp components, some combination thereof or the like.

[0044] Referring to FIG. 1, in certain embodiments of the apparatus 100, the belt 102 may include a plurality of said left-side attachment points (e.g., 104a, 104b, 104c) and a plurality of said right-side attachment points (e.g., 106a, 106b, 106c).

[0045] Referring to FIG. 1, for the left leg band element 108, the primary intermediate portion 120 may include a primary terminal end 144 disposed oppositely of the foot stirrup portion 116. Similarly, the secondary intermediate portion 134 may include a secondary terminal end 146 disposed oppositely of the foot stirrup portion 116. Referring to FIGS. 1-4, the removable attachability of the belt engagement portion 112 of the left leg band element 108 to at least one of the one or more left-side attachment points(e.g., 104a, 104b, 104c) may be by way of a looping 148 of the primary terminal end 144 and a looping 150 of the secondary terminal end 146 through respective said left-side attachment points (e.g., 104a, 104b, 104c).

[0046] Referring to FIG. 1, for the right leg band element 110, the primary intermediate portion 122 may include a primary terminal end 152 disposed oppositely of the foot stirrup portion 118. Similarly, the secondary intermediate portion 136 may include a secondary terminal end 154 disposed oppositely of the foot stirrup portion 118. Referring to FIGS. 1-4, the removable attachability of the belt engagement portion 114 of the right leg band element 110 to at least one of the one or more right-side attachment points (e.g., 106a, 106b, 106c) may be by way of a looping 156 of the primary terminal end 152 and a looping 158 of the secondary terminal end 154 through respective said right-side attachment points (e.g., 106a, 106b, 106c).

[0047] Referring to FIGS. 1-4, in certain preferred embodiments of the apparatus 100, for each of the left leg band element 108 and right leg band element 110, the looping (148, 156) of the primary terminal end (144, 152) is (i) adjustable to control length (160, 164) of the part of the primary intermediate portion (120, 122) extending from the belt 102 to the foot stirrup portion (116, 118), and is (ii) releasably securable by way of mutual engagement between a hook material (see, e g., 168 in FIGS. 12A and 12B) and a loop material (see, e.g., 170 in FIGS. 12A and 12B). Similarly, the looping (150, 158) of the secondary terminal end (146, 154) may be (i) adjustable to control length (162, 166) of the part of the secondary intermediate portion (134, 136) extending from the belt 102 to the foot stirrup portion (116, 118), and (ii) releasably securable by way of mutual engagement between a hook material (see, e.g., 168 in FIGS. 12A and 12B) and a loop material (see, e.g., 170 in FIGS. 12A and 12B).

[0048] In particular embodiments of the apparatus 100, for each of the left leg band element 108 and right leg band element 110, the adjustability to control length (160, 164) of the aforementioned part of the primary intermediate portion (120, 122) and the adjustability to control length (162, 166) of the aforementioned part of the secondaryintermediate portion (134, 136) may be independent of one another. This capability is illustrated, for example, in FIGS. 3 and 4, where for each of the leg band elements (108, 110), the lengths of the relevant parts of the primary intermediate portions (120, 122) and the secondary intermediate portions (134, 136) are selectably adjusted to be different from one another (i.e., the lengths of the relevant parts of the primary intermediate portions (120, 122) are shown selectably adjusted to be shorter than the corresponding secondary intermediate portions (134, 136)). This capability may find particular usefulness, for example, when increased tensile resistance is desired at the front of the legs versus the rear of the legs, or at the rear of the legs versus the front of the legs.

[0049] Referring to FIGS. 1, 8, 9 and 26, in particular preferred embodiments of the apparatus 100, for each of the left leg band element 108 and right leg band element 110, the primary intermediate portion (120, 122) may include a first fastener section 172 thereon. Moreover, the thigh band 124 may include one or more thigh fasteners (e.g., 174a, 174b) thereon. In such embodiments, the simultaneous fastenability to the primary intermediate portion (120, 122) may be by way of mutual engagement (i) between the first fastener section 172 of the left leg band element 108 and at least one of the one or more thigh fasteners (e.g., 174a, 174b), and (ii) between the first fastener section 172 of the right leg band element 110 and at least one of the one or more thigh fasteners (e.g., 174a, 174b). For example, the first fastener sections 172 may comprise a hook material 168 or a loop material 170, while the thigh fasteners (e.g., 174a, 174b) may comprise the opposite (complimentary engageable) hook material 168 or loop material 170.

[0050] Referring FIGS. 1, 10, 11, and 15, in certain preferred embodiments of the apparatus 100, for each of the left leg band element 108 and right leg band element 110, the first fastener section 172 is elongated along the primary longitudinal axis (130, 132). Referring to FIGS. 1, 10 and 11, in particular such embodiments, the first fastener sections 172 may each include a multiplicity of discrete first fastener segments 176 distributed serially along the respective primary longitudinal axis (130, 132).

[0051] Referring to FIG. 27, in particular embodiments of the apparatus 100, the mutual engagement between the first fastener section 172 of the left leg band element 108 and at least one of the one or more thigh fasteners (e.g., 174a, 174b) may be user- selectable to be between at least one of the one or more thigh fasteners (e.g., 174a, 174b) and any one of at least a subset of the first fastener segments 176. Similarly, the mutual engagement between the first fastener section 172 of the right leg band element 110 and at least one of the one or more thigh fasteners (e.g., 174a, 174b) may be user-selectable to be between at least one of the one or more thigh fasteners (e.g., 174a, 174b) and any one of at least a subset of the first fastener segments 176. Moreover, for each of the first fastener sections 172, the multiplicity of discrete first fastener segments 176 may each have a label 178 identifying sequential position of each first fastener segment 176 with respect to one another. The labels 178 may take one of many forms, such as alphanumeric. The multiplicity of discrete first fastener segments 176 may be spaced apart from one another, for example at equal distances or at gradually increasing distances between adjacent first fastener segments 176.

[0052] Referring to FIG. 28, in certain embodiments of the apparatus 100, the thigh band 124 may be simultaneously releasably fastenable to the secondary intermediate portion (134, 136) of the left leg band element 108 and of the right leg band element 110. For each of the left leg band element 108 and right leg band element 110, the secondary intermediate portion (134, 136) may include a second fastener section 180 thereon. In such embodiments, the simultaneous fastenability to the secondary intermediate portions (134, 136) may be by way of mutual engagement (i) between the second fastener section 180 of the left leg band element 108 and at least one of the one or more thigh fasteners (e.g., 174a, 174b), and (ii) between the second fastener section 180 of the right leg band element 110 and at least one of the one or more thigh fasteners (e.g., 174a, 174b).

[0053] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 11, for each of the left leg band element 108 and right leg band element 110, the second fastener section 180 may be elongated along the secondary longitudinal axis (138, 140). Moreover, the second fastener sections 180 mayeach include a multiplicity of discrete second fastener segments 182 distributed serially along the respective secondary longitudinal axis (138, 140).

[0054] Referring to FIG. 28, in particular embodiments of the apparatus 100, the mutual engagement between the second fastener section 180 of the left leg band element 108 and at least one of the one or more thigh fasteners (e.g., 174a, 174b) may be user- selectable to be between at least one of the one or more thigh fasteners (e.g., 174a, 174b) and any one of at least a subset of the second fastener segments 182. Similarly, the mutual engagement between the second fastener section 180 of the right leg band element 110 and at least one of the one or more thigh fasteners (e.g., 174a, 174b) may be user- selectable to be between at least one of the one or more thigh fasteners (e.g., 174a, 174b) and any one of at least a subset of the second fastener segments 180. Moreover, for each of the second fastener sections 180, the multiplicity of discrete second fastener segments 182 may each have a label 184 identifying sequential position of each second fastener segment 182 with respect to one another. The labels 184 may take one of many forms, such as alphanumeric. The multiplicity of discrete second fastener segments 180 may be spaced apart from one another, for example at equal distances or at gradually increasing distances between adjacent second fastener segments 180.

[0055] Referring to FIGS 1, 5 and 6, in certain preferred embodiments of the apparatus 100, for each of the left leg band element 108 and right leg band element 110, the primary intermediate portion (120, 122) may include (i) a primary outer surface 186 on which the first fastener section 172 is disposed, and (ii) a primary inner surface 188 opposite the primary outer surface 186 and on which a first opposing fastener section 190 is disposed. The first opposing fastener section 190 may be elongated along the primary longitudinal axis (130, 132). Similarly, the secondary intermediate portion (134, 136) may include (i) a secondary outer surface 192 on which the second fastener section 180 is disposed, and (ii) a secondary inner surface 194 opposite the primary outer surface 192 and on which a second opposing fastener section 196 is disposed. The second opposing fastener section 196 may be elongated along the secondary longitudinal axis (138, 140).

[0056] Referring to FIGS. 5-7, in certain preferred embodiments of the apparatus 100, for each of the left leg band element 108 and right leg band element 110, the first opposing fastener section 190 may include a multiplicity of discrete first opposing fastener segments 198 which may be (i) distributed serially along the respective primary longitudinal axis (130, 132), (ii) opposingly aligned with corresponding said first fastener segments 176 (see, e.g., FIG 7). The second opposing fastener section 196 may include a multiplicity of discrete second opposing fastener segments 200 which are (i) distributed serially along the respective secondary longitudinal axis (138, 140), and (ii) opposingly aligned with corresponding said second fastener segments 182.

[0057] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 11, in particular preferred embodiments of the apparatus 100, for each of the left leg band element 108 and right leg band element 110, a primary end fastener 202 may be affixed to the primary intermediate portion (120, 122) at the primary terminal end (144, 152). Similarly, a secondary end fastener 204 may be affixed to the secondary intermediate portion (134, 136) at the secondary terminal end (146, 154). As a result, referring to FIG. 3, the adjustability and releasable securability of the looping (148, 156) of the primary terminal end (144, 152) may be by way of mutual engagement between the primary end fastener 202 and any of at least a subset of said first fastener segments 176. Similarly, the adjustability and releasable securability of the looping (150, 158) of the secondary terminal end (146, 154) may be by way of mutual engagement between the secondary end fastener 204 and any of at least a subset of said second fastener segments 182. This mutual engagement may be configured to be by way of, for example, mutual engagement between a hook material 168 and a loop material 170 (see, e.g., FIGS. 12A and 12B and FIGS. 1-4), or may be configured to be by way of mutual engagements between complimentary snap components, hook components, clip or clasp components, some combination thereof or the like (see, e.g., FIG. 11).

[0058] Referring to FIG. 1, in certain preferred embodiment of the apparatus 100, for each of the left leg band element 108 and right leg band element 110, a primary end securement strap 206 may be affixed to the primary intermediate portion (120, 122) at the primary terminal end (144, 152). Referring to FIG. 4, the primary end securement strap206 may be configured to releasably grippingly wrap around the primary terminal end (144, 152) and the primary intermediate portion (120, 122). Similarly, referring again to FIG. 1, a secondary end securement strap 208 may be affixed to the secondary intermediate portion (134, 136) at the secondary terminal end. Referring to FIG. 4, the secondary end securement strap 208 may be configured to releasably grippingly wrap around the secondary terminal end (146, 154) and the secondary intermediate portion (134, 136). The primary end securement straps 206 and the secondary end securement straps 208 may each be comprised of a hook material 168 and a loop material 170 (see, e.g., FIGS. 12A and 12B) on opposing faces.

[0059] Referring to FIGS. 9 and 14, in particular embodiments of the apparatus 100 may further comprise a first thigh band 124 and a second thigh band 126. The second thigh band 126 may have the same or similar features and components to the first thigh band 124. However, the first thigh band 124 may have an elastic modulus defined along its circumferential length 128, and the second said thigh band 126 may have an elastic modulus defined along its circumferential length 128. In such embodiments, the elastic modulus of the second thigh band 126 may be greater than the elastic modulus of the first thigh band 124.

[0060] Referring to FIGS. 9 and 26, in certain embodiment of the apparatus 100, the thigh band 124 may include a first thigh fastener 174a and a second thigh fastener 174b, and may be comprised of a first thigh band segment 234 having a first thigh elastic modulus and extending from the first thigh fastener 174a to the second thigh fastener 174b. The same thigh band 124 may also be comprised of a second thigh band segment 236 having a second thigh elastic modulus and extending from the second thigh fastener 174b to the first thigh fastener 174a. The first and second thigh band segments (234, 236) may be disposed radially oppositely of one another. In such embodiments, the first thigh elastic modulus may preferably be different than the second thigh elastic modulus.

[0061] In particular preferred embodiments of the apparatus 100, the left leg band element 108, the right leg band element 110 and the thigh band 124 may be constructed,at least in part, of one or more types of elastic materials. For example, in each of the leg band elements (108, 110), the primary intermediate portion (120, 122), secondary intermediate portion (134, 126), and the foot stirrup portion (116, 118) may be comprised of a single piece of elasticized fabric webbing (or the like), or multiple joined pieces of elasticized webbing (or the like). The thigh band 124 may similarly be constructed of a unitary piece of elasticized webbing (or the like) or multiple individual pieces thereof. Moreover, in particular embodiments of the apparatus 100, a thigh band 124 may be defined by two to more separate or separable band segments.

[0062] The following listing matches certain terminology used within this disclosure with corresponding reference numbers used in the non-limiting examples illustrated in the several figures.100 apparatus102 belt104a left-side attachment point (e.g., circular ring or D-ring; e.g., comprised of metal)104b left-side attachment point (e.g., circular ring or D-ring; e.g., comprised of metal)104c left-side attachment point (e.g., circular ring or D-ring; e.g., comprised of metal)106a left-side attachment point (e.g., circular ring or D-ring; e.g., comprised of metal)106b left-side attachment point (e.g., circular ring or D-ring; e.g., comprised of metal)106c left-side attachment point (e.g., circular ring or D-ring; e.g., comprised of metal)108 left leg band element (e.g., comprised of an elastic material) 110 right leg band element (e.g., comprised of an elastic material) 112 belt engagement portion (left)114 belt engagement portion (right)116 foot stirrup portion (left)118 foot stirrup portion (right)120 primary intermediate portion (left)122 primary intermediate portion (right)124 thigh band (e.g., first thigh band; e.g., comprised of an elastic material)126 thigh band (e.g., second thigh band; e.g., comprised of an elastic material)circumferential length (of thigh band) primary longitudinal axis (left) primary longitudinal axis (right) secondary intermediate portion (left) secondary intermediate portion (right) secondary longitudinal axis (left) secondary longitudinal axis (right) ring suspenders primary terminal end (left) secondary terminal end (left) looping of primary terminal end (left) looping of secondary terminal end (left) primary terminal end (right) secondary terminal end (right) looping of primary terminal end (right) looping of secondary terminal end (right) length length length length hook material (example) loop material (example) first fastener section a thigh fastener (e.g., a hook or loop material, male or female snap, clip, etc.)b thigh fastener (e.g., a hook or loop material, male or female snap, clip, etc.) first fastener segment label (e.g., alphanumeric) second fastener section second fastener segment label primary outer surface188 primary inner surface190 first opposing fastener section192 secondary outer surface194 secondary inner surface196 second opposing fastener section198 first opposing fastener segment200 second opposing fastener segments202 primary end fastener204 secondary end fastener206 primary end securement strap208 secondary end securement strap210 belt body212 belt body outer face214 belt securement strap216 belt strap end218 belt strap fold loop220 auxiliary attachment point222 lower edge of belt224 left end of belt226 right end of belt228 belt securement ring230 inner surface of thigh band232 outer surface of thigh band234 first thigh band segment236 second thigh band segment238 length (of left leg band)240 length (of right leg band)242 primary intermediate tensile force (applied by wearer away from belt)244 secondary intermediate tensile force (applied by wearer away from belt)246 total band tensile force (e.g., sum of primary and secondary intermediate tensile forces)248 front thigh tensile force (e.g., applied to first thigh band segment)250 rear thigh tensile force252 total thigh tensile force (e.g., sum of front and rear thigh tensile forces)300 wearer (e.g., athlete)302 waist of wearer304 left foot of wearer306 right foot of wearer308 left leg of wearer310 right leg of wearer312 left knee of wearer314 right knee of wearer316 left thigh of wearer318 right thigh of wearer

[0063] While embodiments of the invention have been illustrated and described, it is not intended that these embodiments illustrate and describe all possible forms of the invention. Rather, the words used in the specification are words of description rather than limitation, and it is understood that various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A fitness training apparatus comprising: a belt securable around a waist of a wearer and including one or more left-side attachment points and one or more right-side attachment points; a left leg band element and a right leg band element each including(a) a belt engagement portion;(b) a foot stirrup portion; and(c) a primary intermediate portion extending from the belt engagement portion to the foot stirrup portion; and a thigh band having a closed-loop configuration defining a circumferential length; and being elastically stretchable along the circumferential length; wherein(a) the belt engagement portion of the left leg band element is removably attachable to at least one of the one or more left-side attachment points;(b) the belt engagement portion of the right leg band element is removably attachable to at least one of the one or more right-side attachment points;(c) the thigh band is simultaneously releasably fastenable to the primary intermediate portion of the left leg band element and of the right leg band element; and(d) the primary intermediate portions each have a primary longitudinal axis along which they are elastically extendable.

2. The fitness training apparatus of claim 1, wherein(a) the left leg band element and the right leg band element each include a secondary intermediate portion extending from the belt engagement portion toward the foot stirrup portion; and(b) the secondary intermediate portions each have a secondary longitudinal axis along which they are elastically extendable.

3. The fitness training apparatus of claim 2, wherein the releasable fastenability is by way of mutual engagements between a hook material and a loop material.

4. The fitness training apparatus of claim 3, wherein the one or more left-side attachment points and the one or more right-side attachment points are attachment rings.

5. The fitness training apparatus of claim 4, wherein the attachment rings are suspended below a lower edge of the belt.

6. The fitness training apparatus of claim 4, wherein(a) the belt includes a plurality of said left-side attachment points and a plurality of said right-side attachment points;(b) for the left leg band element(i) the primary intermediate portion includes a primary terminal end disposed oppositely of the foot stirrup portion;(ii) the secondary intermediate portion includes a secondary terminal end disposed oppositely of the foot stirrup portion; and(iii) the removable attachability of the belt engagement portion of the left leg band element to at least one of the one or more left-side attachment points is by way of a looping of the primary terminal end and a looping of the secondary terminal end through respective said left-side attachment points; and(c) for the right leg band element(i) the primary intermediate portion includes a primary terminal end disposed oppositely of the foot stirrup portion;(ii) the secondary intermediate portion includes a secondary terminal end disposed oppositely of the foot stirrup portion; and(iii) the removable attachability of the belt engagement portion of the right leg band element to at least one of the one or more right-side attachment points is by way of a looping of the primary terminal end and a looping of the secondary terminal end through respective said right-side attachment points.

7. The fitness training apparatus of claim 6, wherein the belt includes at least three of said left-side attachment points and at least three of said right-side attachment points.

8. The fitness training apparatus of claim 6, wherein for each of the left leg band element and right leg band element,(a) the looping of the primary terminal end is(i) adjustable to control length of the part of the primary intermediate portion extending from the belt to the foot stirrup portion; and(ii) releasably securable by way of mutual engagement between a hook material and a loop material; and(b) the looping of the secondary terminal end is(i) adjustable to control length of the part of the secondary intermediate portion extending from the belt to the foot stirrup portion; and(ii) releasably securable by way of mutual engagement between a hook material and a loop material.

9. The fitness training apparatus of claim 8, wherein for each of the left leg band element and right leg band element, the adjustability to control length of the part of the primary intermediate portion and the adjustability to control length of the part of the secondary intermediate portion are independent of one another.

10. The fitness training apparatus of claim 8, wherein(a) for each of the left leg band element and right leg band element, the primary intermediate portion includes a first fastener section thereon; and(b) the thigh band includes one or more thigh fasteners thereon; and(c) the simultaneous fastenability to the primary intermediate portion is by way of mutual engagement(i) between the first fastener section of the left leg band element and at least one of the one or more thigh fasteners; and(ii) between the first fastener section of the right leg band element and at least one of the one or more thigh fasteners.

11. The fitness training apparatus of claim 10, wherein for each of the left leg band element and right leg band element, the first fastener section is elongated along the primary longitudinal axis.

12. The fitness training apparatus of claim 11 , wherein the first fastener sections each include a multiplicity of discrete first fastener segments distributed serially along the respective primary longitudinal axis.

13. The fitness training apparatus of claim 12, wherein(a) the mutual engagement between the first fastener section of the left leg band element and at least one of the one or more thigh fasteners is user-selectable to be between at least one of the one or more thigh fasteners and any one of at least a subset of the first fastener segments; and(b) the mutual engagement between the first fastener section of the right leg band element and at least one of the one or more thigh fasteners is user-selectable to be between at least one of the one or more thigh fasteners and any one of at least a subset of the first fastener segments.

14. The fitness training apparatus of claim 13, wherein for each of the first fastener sections, the multiplicity of discrete first fastener segments each have a label identifying sequential position of each first fastener segment with respect to one another.

15. The fitness training apparatus of claim 14, wherein the labels are alphanumeric.

16. The fitness training apparatus of claim 15, wherein the thigh band is simultaneously releasably fastenable to the secondary intermediate portion of the left leg band element and of the right leg band element.

17. The fitness training apparatus of claim 16, wherein(a) for each of the left leg band element and right leg band element, the secondary intermediate portion includes a second fastener section thereon; and(b) the simultaneous fastenability to the secondary intermediate portions is by way of mutual engagement(i) between the second fastener section of the left leg band element and at least one of the one or more thigh fasteners; and(ii) between the second fastener section of the right leg band element and at least one of the one or more thigh fasteners.

18. The fitness training apparatus of claim 17, wherein for each of the left leg band element and right leg band element, the second fastener section is elongated along the secondary longitudinal axis.

19. The fitness training apparatus of claim 18, wherein the second fastener sections each include a multiplicity of discrete second fastener segments distributed serially along the respective secondary longitudinal axis.

20. The fitness training apparatus of claim 19, wherein(a) the mutual engagement between the second fastener section of the left leg band element and at least one of the one or more thigh fasteners is user-selectable to be between at least one of the one or more thigh fasteners and any one of the second fastener segments; and(b) the mutual engagement between the second fastener section of the right leg band element and at least one of the one or more thigh fasteners is user-selectable to be between at least one of the one or more thigh fasteners and any one of the second fastener segments.

21. The fitness training apparatus of claim 20, wherein for each of the left leg band element and right leg band element,(a) the multiplicity of discrete first fastener segments are spaced apart from one another; and(b) the multiplicity of discrete second fastener segments are spaced apart from one another.

22. The fitness training apparatus of claim 20, wherein for each of the second fastener sections, the multiplicity of discrete second fastener segments each have a label identifying sequential position of each second fastener segment with respect to one another.

23. The fitness training apparatus of claim 21, wherein for each of the left leg band element and right leg band element,(a) the primary intermediate portion includes(i) a primary outer surface on which the first fastener section is disposed; and(ii) a primary inner surface opposite the primary outer surface and on which a first opposing fastener section is disposed, the first opposing fastener section beingelongated along the primary longitudinal axis; and(b) the secondary intermediate portion includes(i) a secondary outer surface on which the second fastener section is disposed; and(ii) a secondary inner surface opposite the primary outer surface and on which a second opposing fastener section is disposed, the second opposing fastener section being elongated along the secondary longitudinal axis.

24. The fitness training apparatus of claim 23, wherein for each of the left leg band element and right leg band element,(a) the first opposing fastener section includes a multiplicity of discrete first opposing fastener segments which are(i) distributed serially along the respective primary longitudinal axis; and(ii) opposingly aligned with corresponding said first fastener segments; and(b) the second opposing fastener section includes a multiplicity of discrete second opposing fastener segments which are(i) distributed serially along the respective secondary longitudinal axis; and(ii) opposingly aligned with corresponding said second fastener segments.

25. The fitness training apparatus of any of claims 20-24, wherein for each of the left leg band element and right leg band element,(a) a primary end fastener is affixed to the primary intermediate portion at the primary terminal end;(b) a secondary end fastener is affixed to the secondary intermediate portion at the secondary terminal end;(c) the adjustability and releasable securability of the looping of the primary terminal end is by way of mutual engagement between the primary end fastener and any of at least a subset of said first fastener segments; and(d) the adjustability and releasable securability of the looping of the secondary terminal end is by way of mutual engagement between the secondary end fastener and any of at least a subset of said second fastener segments.

26. The fitness training apparatus of claim 25, wherein for each of the left leg band element and right leg band element,(a) a primary end securement strap is affixed to the primary intermediate portion at the primary terminal end, the primary end securement strap being configured to releasably grippingly wrap around the primary terminal end and the primary intermediate portion; and(b) a secondary end securement strap is affixed to the secondary intermediate portion at the secondary terminal end the secondary end securement strap being configured to releasably grippingly wrap around the secondary terminal end and the secondary intermediate portion.

27. The fitness training apparatus of claim 26, wherein the primary end securement straps and the secondary end securement straps are each comprised of a hook material and a loop material on opposing faces.

28. The fitness training apparatus of any of claims 1-23, further comprising a first said thigh band and a second said thigh band, wherein(a) the first said thigh band has an elastic modulus defined along its circumferential length;(b) the second said thigh band has an elastic modulus defined along its circumferential length; and(c) the elastic modulus of the second said thigh band is greater than the elastic modulus of the first said thigh band.

29. The fitness training apparatus of any of claims 1-23, wherein the thigh band(a) includes a first said thigh fastener and a second said thigh fastener;(b) is comprised of a first thigh band segment having a first thigh elastic modulus and extending from the first thigh fastener to the second thigh fastener; and(c) is comprised of a second thigh band segment having a second thigh elastic modulus and extending from the second thigh fastener to the first thigh fastener, the first and second thigh band segments being disposed radially oppositely of one another; wherein the first thigh elastic modulus is different than the second thigh elastic modulus.

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