Portable Wearable Resistance Band Training Apparatus

This application is a continuation-in-part (CIP) application of co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/822,745, filed on Aug. 26, 2022, which claims priority from U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 63/237,224 filed on Aug. 26, 2021, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference.

The present invention relates to physical fitness and strength training equipment generally, and more particularly to a lightweight, wearable resistance training apparatus incorporating one or more resistance bands which are removably housed in a shoulder strap and are selectively extendable therefrom at different locations along a longitudinal length of the strap for performing resistance exercises, and more particularly still to a portable wearable resistance band training apparatus for resistance training both the upper and lower body which in one or more embodiments may incorporate a detachable backpack, cell phone case, and other accessories.

There are many devices designed to exercise or train the upper body and/or lower body, both for fitness and rehabilitation/physical therapy purposes. Unfortunately, many of them are bulky and expensive, or require access to a gym. The use of tension or resistance bands in training or exercising has increased in popularity, as such bands are relatively inexpensive, easy to store and use, are effective in improving overall strength, flexibility and mobility, and can be used in performing a wide variety of exercises for the whole body. Nevertheless, it can be inconvenient to carry a resistance band on one's person, particularly while engaging in sports or training activities such as biking and jogging, and also for the band to be readily accessible for use. A wearable apparatus for holding a resistance band while performing other training or non-training activities, wherein the resistance band is positioned on the wearable apparatus to be readily used, would be desirable.

At the same time, backpacks are convenient for carrying and storing items while leaving the hands free. Backpacks are available in various sizes and may be customized for use with particular sports activities such as running, biking, climbing, skating, etc. A conventional backpack suspension system includes a pair of adjustable shoulder straps which connect between upper and lower portions of the main body of the backpack. The shoulder straps extend around the shoulders, downwardly over the chest muscles and around the wearer's sides, connecting back to the backpack main body. A hip belt may also be used to transfer some of the weight of the backpack from the shoulder straps to the hips and legs, while a sternum strap or belt connecting between the shoulder straps provides greater stability.

The shoulder straps preferably should fit snugly around the wearer's body. When worn, the shoulder straps of a bookbag are positioned generally over the same area of the upper torso where the hands are located in commencing performance of various upper body exercises, including but not limited to a straight bench press, incline and recline bench press, and an overhead press. It therefore would be convenient to provide a lightweight, wearable training apparatus including a pair of shoulder straps with one or more resistance bands housed in the shoulder straps which can be quickly and easily gripped and extended from the shoulder straps at different locations to be utilized in performing training exercises by the person wearing the resistance training apparatus. The resistance band also should be retractable into elongated sleeves in the shoulder straps when not in use and substantially concealed during storage. It would also be desirable if the resistance band could be used when the training apparatus is not being worn and/or could be completely removed from the shoulder straps and used separately in performing a wide range of different exercises. In addition, a backpack which can be detachably connected to and used with such a wearable training apparatus would be convenient. While numerous arrangements are available for connecting a resistance band to the user, the present invention is neither taught nor rendered obvious by such known arrangements.

The present invention provides a wearable resistance training apparatus including a shoulder strap which may be extended and secured over at least the neck and chest area of the wearer. The shoulder strap forms a sleeve having a longitudinally extending internal compartment or channel in which at least one elastic resistance device is housed. The resistance device may be an elastic band. A lateral extension is connected to the shoulder strap in a position adapted to extend downwardly over the upper back of the wearer in proximity of the spine. The lateral extension is adjustably securable to the shoulder strap and/or resistance band along a distal end of the lateral extension. A plurality of openings are formed in the shoulder strap in locations spaced apart along the longitudinal length of the shoulder strap. The openings are located and dimensioned for the resistance band to be accessed, and manually grasped and pulled outwardly through such openings to perform a resistance exercise while wearing the training apparatus. The resistance band may also be released from the distal end of the lateral extension and utilized to perform resistance training exercises while not wearing the training apparatus. The resistance band can be quickly and easily selectively gripped and extended from the shoulder strap at different locations to be utilized in performing training exercises by the person wearing the resistance training apparatus. When the resistance apparatus is not being used, the resistance band may be retracted back through the openings into the elongated channel or compartment, wherein the resistance band is substantially covered and concealed during storage.

In some embodiments, the shoulder strap has a first shoulder strap section and a second shoulder strap section, the lateral extension is secured to the shoulder strap at a connecting point of the first and second shoulder strap sections. In some embodiments the lateral extension has a proximal end which is connected to the shoulder strap, and a distal end, wherein one or more openings is provided in the lateral extension spaced inwardly from the distal end in which a portion of elastic resistance band is received and secured.

In some embodiments, the first and second shoulder strap sections each have distal end which is open to the internal compartment or channel of the shoulder strap, and the resistance band extends out of the distal ends of the first and second shoulder strap sections when secured in the internal compartment or channel, wherein the resistance band is formed as a continuous loop.

In some embodiments, after a looped portion of the resistance band is passed through one of the openings in the lateral extension, the resistance band is secured to the lateral extension such as by forming a knot in the resistance band, and the remaining looped portion of the resistance band is secured in a pocket formed in the lateral extension.

In some embodiments, the shoulder strap comprises a sleeve having a side wall, a first end and an opposing second end, and a channel extending between the first end and second end in which at least a portion of the resistance device is received so as to at least partially envelope the resistance device, the sleeve having a plurality of spaced-apart openings in the side wall through which the elastic resistance apparatus is accessible to the user for performing resistance exercises.

In some embodiments of the resistance training apparatus, the elastic resistance device is formed in a continuous closed loop.

In some embodiments, the resistance training apparatus includes a sleeve formed in the lateral extension having an open outer end adapted to receive a portion of the elastic resistance device passed through the aperture in the distal end of the lateral extension, for adjusting the length of the resistance apparatus.

In some embodiments, the resistance training apparatus includes a cover attached extending outwardly from the open outer end of the sleeve formed in the lateral extension adapted for covering a portion of the resistance apparatus passed through the aperture.

In some embodiments, the resistance training apparatus includes a first portion extending between the first end and the lateral extension, and a second portion extending between the opposing second end and the lateral extension, the first and second portions forming shoulder straps.

In some embodiments, a backpack is detachably connectable to the training apparatus.

In some embodiments, a buckle is provided on the back portion for adjusting a usable length of the resistance band.

In some embodiments, pockets are formed in one or more of the resistance band securing loops formed on the shoulder strap portion and are configured for receiving a weighted member to facilitate performing high intensity exercises.

In some embodiments, an additional storage pocket is formed on the back portion of the wearable resistance training apparatus.

In some embodiments, the distal end of the shoulder straps are securable to the lower end of the back portion by additional strap or webbing members such that resistance exercise apparatus can be worn in a rigid “locked mode” or a “flex or unlocked mode” with only the elastic resistance band securing the shoulder straps to the back portion. In addition, in some embodiments, the additional strap or webbing members may be stored as handle members on the lower end of the back portion when not in use.

In some embodiments, the looped handles are formed on free ends of the resistance band.

In some embodiments, the wearing resistance band training apparatus additionally comprises an elastic backpack including a rigid or semi-rigid insert which may be a lightweight plastic member or a weighted member for increasing the weight of the backpack is provided.

Additional features, advantages, and embodiments of the invention may be set forth or apparent from consideration of the following detailed description, drawings, and claims. Moreover, it is to be understood that both the foregoing summary of the invention and the following detailed description are exemplary and intended to provide further explanation without limiting the scope of the invention as claimed.

The following detailed description is of the best mode or modes of the invention presently contemplated. Such description is not intended to be understood in a limiting sense, but to be an example of the invention presented solely for illustration thereof, and by reference to which in connection with the following description and the accompanying drawings one skilled in the art may be advised of the advantages and construction of the invention. The components in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale, the emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principles and manner of use of the invention. Moreover, in the drawings, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the several views. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers are used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like elements of an embodiment.

Referring now in particular to, an embodiment of the wearable resistance band training apparatusof the present invention is shown, whileillustrate performance of several different exercises using the training apparatus. Training apparatusgenerally includes a shoulder straphaving a first shoulder strap portionand a second shoulder strap portion, a back portionconnected extending laterally from shoulder strapat an intersection between the first and second shoulder strap portionsand, and a resistance deviceconnected to shoulder strapas will be described. First shoulder strap portionhas a distal endand a proximal end, and second shoulder strap portionsimilarly has a distal endand a proximal end. Laterally extending back portionalso has a proximal endand a distal end. First and second shoulder strap portionsandmay be straight or curved and dimensioned as needed for shoulder strapto be comfortably and snugly positioned extending behind the neck and over the shoulders and chest or pectoralis major of the wearer, with distal endsandextending around the sides of the torso.

Shoulder strapand back portionof training apparatusare made of a suitably strong and flexible material such as but not limited to a nylon fabric or canvas material. Strapmay be formed of separate elongated panels of said material which are connected along aligned side edges of the panels by a suitable fastening means including but not limited to sewing, hook and loop (Velcro®) fasteners, an adhesive, or heat-sealing process. Strapmay also be formed as a single elongated panel which has been cut and then folded along its longitudinal axis and the opposite side edges secured together by similar attachment methods along the longitudinal length of the strap. In other embodiments, shoulder strap portionsandmay be formed separately and connected along proximal endsand. A longitudinally extending internal compartment or channelis formed in the shoulder strapin a space between the strap material panels. Internal channelin the illustrated embodiment extends the entire length of the shoulder strapwithin the first shoulder strap portionand second shoulder strap portionbetween distal endsand, which are open into channel. Shoulder strapin some embodiments may be tubular, and in other embodiments may have a generally rectangular cross section with opposite side walls, and with channelpositioned between the side walls. One side wall of the shoulder strapwhich in use will be situated against the wearer's shoulders may be lined with a cushioning or padding material, which may a synthetic rubber or neoprene material or other suitable natural or synthetic material, in order to cushion and distribute the weight of the training apparatusand absorb and redistribute forces exerted on the body during use of the present invention in performing resistance exercises. In some embodiments the entire outer wall of the shoulder strapmay be similarly lined with a cushioning or padding material.

At least one resistance device, which may be an elastic resistance band made of a latex or synthetic rubber, is positioned extending within the internal channelof shoulder strap, without being secured against longitudinal sliding in the channel, such that the strapforms a cover or sleeve over the resistance device. In the illustrated embodiment, resistance bandis provided as a continuous closed loop positioned extending within the entire longitudinal length of first and second shoulder strap portionsand, and also connecting between the distal endsandof the strap portionsand. In other embodiments, the ends of resistance bandmay be separately inserted into channelat distal endsandof the strap portionsandand then connected in the vicinity of laterally extending back portion. Where a hook and loop fastener is used to connect the side edges of the shoulder strap, the strapcan be opened and closed for inserting and or removing the resistance bandin channel, such that the resistance bandcan be interchanged with a replacement band or other resistance bands, for example, having different resistance/weight parameters.

A plurality of spaced-apart cutouts or openings,,, andare formed in the side wall of first shoulder strap portion, which in some embodiments may be an unpadded portion of the shoulder strap. In addition, a plurality of spaced-apart cutouts or openings,,, andare similarly formed in the side wall of second shoulder strap portion. In the event the entire side wall or both side walls of shoulder strapare padded, the cutouts or openings will be formed in the same circumferential position on the side wall or on the same side wall which may be the front side wall. Cutouts or openings-and-in the shoulder strap portions,, respectively, connect with channeland provide access to portions of the resistance bandwithin channelpositioned at such openings. In an embodiment, cutouts or access openings-and-are similarly sized, and pairs of access openingsand,and,and, andandare aligned or similarly positioned on the first and second strap portionsand, respectively. The access openings-and-are preferably wide enough for the resistance bandextending within channelto be easily manually grasped in one hand with at least two fingers, or with the thumb, extending underneath the band so as to be pulled outwardly from the sleeve through the opening. In an embodiment, each of the openings has a longitudinal length of about 3-4 inches. In other embodiments, the openings are positioned to facilitate performance of particular resistance exercises using the apparatus.

Referring now to the back portion, aperturesandare formed in back portionspaced inwardly from the distal endof back portion, with aperturespaced further away from distal endthan aperture. A pocketis also formed in back portionsituated between apertureand proximal end, which pocketis accessible at open endwhich opens towards aperturesand. Another short lateral extensionis connected to the shoulder strapextending in the opposite direction from back portion. One purpose of extensionis to serve as a position indicator when putting on and wearing the training apparatus.

The open distal endsandof first and second shoulder strap portionsandare not directly connected to back portion, but may be indirectly connected to the back portionby the resistance band. Referring now to, a portion of the resistance bandnot housed in channeland extending between the outer endsandof first and second shoulder strap portionsandis passed through one of the aperturesorin back portionfrom the side opposite pocket. The amount or length of the resistance bandwhich is passed through the apertureorwill depend on the physical characteristics and requirements of the person using the training apparatus, how snug the user wants the shoulder straps portionsandto be on their body, and the desired tension on band. In, while bandis shown being passed through aperture, it will be understood that bandmay be passed through either apertureorin order to adjust the vertical position of the bandto suit the size and comfort of the wearer. Back portionmay also be manufactured in different lengths to accommodate different adult or children sizes, and additional apertures for receiving bandmay be provided in back portionas needed.

After a folded or looped portion of the resistance bandhas been passed through the apertureor, the bandis secured at the desired length and tension. As shown in, bandmay be secured by tying a knotin the portion of bandpassed through the aperture, wherein the knotwill be larger than the apertureorwhich prevents the knotfrom passing back through the apertureorwithout first being untied. Knotwill also form a loop or handle portionin the band, the size of which will depend on the desired tension. As shown in, the loop or handle portionmay be inserted in openinginto storage pocketin the back portion. In some embodiments, knotmay also be covered or protected by a flap or panel on the back portionwhich is securable extending over the knot. It will be understood that the bandmay be secured to the back portionby other suitable arrangements including but not limited to securing a spring fastener or cord lock over the portion of bandpassed through one of the aperturesor.

The lightweight, portable, resistance band training apparatusis designed to fit snugly to the upper torso and can be worn while jogging or engaging in various sports, fitness or rehabilitation activities, either over an upper body garment such as a t-shirt or other workout wear, or directly against the skin. In addition, the training apparatuscan be worn comfortably while sitting, driving or while performing everyday activities prior to commencing an exercise session or between sessions. The training apparatusis light, mobile, and highly effective for common and dynamic exercises that can be performed on the go. The device also gives users added independence and mobility with regard to exercising, saves time, and reduces the need of gyms, personal trainers, and large, expensive pieces of exercise equipment.

After the loopis secured in pocketof back section, the training apparatuscan be put on in the same way as a conventional backpack or bookbag. The overall function of the training apparatusis to give maximum mobility for resistance training. Exercises such as resisted push-ups, dips, squats, and boxing can all be executed from any location while wearing the device. As shown in, the wearer's right arm is passed through the opening formed by first shoulder strap portionand back portion, and the wearer's left arm is similarly passed through the opening formed by the second shoulder strap portionand back portion. First shoulder strap portionis positioned extending over the user's right shoulder, second shoulder strap portionis positioned extending over the user's left shoulder, with proximal endsandpositioned behind the neck, and back portionis positioned over the user's back extending downwardly from the rear neck area generally in alignment with the center of the back and spine. Short extensionwhich is positioned at the midpoint between the shoulder strap portionsandand is aligned with lateral extensionassists the user visually in properly centering the lateral extensionover the back. Distal endsandof shoulder strap portionsandwill be positioned extending downwardly around the user's right and left side, respectively.

When the exercise training apparatusis worn as described above, a wide range of different resistance exercises can be easily performed using the apparatuswith only a minimum amount of preparation required. As an example, while either sitting or standing, first the resistance bandcan be grasped in openingwith the right hand and in openingwith the left hand and pulled outwardly. Then, while grasping the band, the user can extend his or her arms outwardly and upwardly to perform an overhead press or shoulder press. No separate handle attached to the bandis required. To perform an incline bench press movement, the user simply has to move his or her body into an incline position, grasp the resistance bandin openingwith the right hand and in openingwith the left hand, and then while grasping the bandextend his or her arms outwardly to perform an incline press. This resistance exercise is illustrated being performed in an upright, kneeling position in. To perform a bench press, the user simply has to grasp the resistance bandin openingwith the right hand and in openingwith the left hand, and then press outwardly on the band with both hands to perform a bench press movement. To perform a decline press movement, the user simply has to grasp the resistance bandin openingwith the right hand and in openingwith the left hand, and then push or extend the arms outwardly while gripping the band in both hands to perform a decline bench press movement. It will be understood that such exercises can be performed with both arms at the same time, or with one arm at a time, or in an alternating movement. In addition, various modifications of such exercises at slightly different angles or with the body in different positions can be performed with no modifications to the training apparatus being required. When an exercise is completed, the user then simply has to pull downwardly on the shoulder strap portionsandalong distal endsand, which will cause the portion of the resistance bandextended from channelthrough one of the openings to retract back into the channel, such that the bandis stored in channelwhen not in use and is out of the way and will not inadvertently catch on close-by objects while wearing the training apparatus.

A wide range of other both upper and lower body exercises can also be performed using the training apparatus. For example,illustrate use of the resistance band training apparatuswhile performing pushups, wherein the bandis grasped in the hands and extended while performing the push-up exercise in order to increase the resistance on the arms.illustrates use of the apparatuswhile lifting an Olympic barbell, wherein again by grasping the bandin the hands an additional resistance is provided during performance of the exercise. The openings in the shoulder strap through which access to the resistance bandis provided while wide enough for the wearer to manually grasp the resistance bandand pull it outwardly from the channel, are still relatively narrow which allows the tension of the band to be focused between two relatively closely spaced points on the strap, namely the side walls of the strap adjacent the selected opening. The resistance points of the band with respect to the strap therefore are narrowly spaced which improves and focuses the directionality of the exercise apparatus in comparison to a resistance band connected between to widely spaced attachment points. For example, if a bench press is performed, the tension on the resistance band should be aligned as closely as possible with the muscles performing a major portion of the work, such that the band tension is aligned with the direction of movement of the body part performing such work. Providing multiple spaced-apart openings on the first and second shoulder strap portions allows the user to select the origin point of the tension that is most closely aligned with the major direction and angle of the exercise being performed.

In, the resistance bandhas been detached from the back portionby untying the knotand releasing the bandfrom the apertureorin back portion. The user then may use the resistance band training apparatuswhile performing lower body squat exercises to provide additional tension or resistance by placing a portion of the resistance bandnot in channelon the floor and then standing on the resistance bandwith one or both feet such that the bandextends upwardly towards the first and second shoulder strap portionsandalong the outer side surface of the legs. In, the resistance band training apparatusis shown in use with the apparatushaving been removed from around the user's shoulders, and with the resistance bandnow secured to a heavy object such as a weighted barbell. The bandand strapare being grasped in the user's hand and can be used to provide additional resistance while performing standing twist exercises, as well as a variety of other exercises. The training apparatusthus maintains all of the advantages of using an individual resistance band while making performance of many different resistance band exercises ordinarily performed using weights or other exercise machines readily available for immediate use.

In another embodiment, instead of a single resistance band, a plurality of resistance bands may be secured in the channelof the first and second shoulder strap portionsandof the exercise training apparatus. In such an arrangement, the bands may have different tensions or resistance levels ranging from light, medium, and heavy. In addition, the shoulder strapmay be manufactured in different widths both to accommodate the number of bandsin the channeland to provide an adequate surface area to comfortably distribute the force of the deviceon the wearer's body. One or more hand grips or loops may also be attached to the distal endof back portion, which may be used in performing additional resistance band exercises when the apparatusis being utilized without being worn as in. At least one hand grip formed on the distal endof the back portionmay be the same material containing the aperturesandthrough which the bandis passed to secure the bandto the back section. In other embodiments, the training apparatusmay include additional attachments and features, such as a neoprene bag attachment to carry items, phone case, gloves, wrist and ankle straps.

illustrates another embodiment of the wearable exercise apparatus which is similar in construction to the apparatusshown inexcept additionally including a padded waist belt, which is coupled to the back portionby being slidably inserted or passed through a looped member on the distal endof the back portion. Waist beltin the illustrated embodiment includes a wide, padded sectionwhich in use is secured extending around the user's back, and adjustable strap sectionsandwhich are connected to opposite ends of the padded section. The strap sectionsandextend around the wearer's front torso and are secured together by mating buckle portionsand. The waist beltwhen secured around the waist will transfer or redistribute much of the weight of the training apparatusfrom the shoulders to the hips and legs, which is often desirable particularly in embodiments of the training apparatusin which a backpack or knapsack is detachably secured to the training apparatus.

illustrate a backpackconfigured for use with the training apparatusof the present invention. Backpackhas a flexible main bodygenerally having a front sideand a rear side. An expandable interior compartment in main bodyincludes a sleevewhich is configured to receive a laptop, which laptop in an embodiment is a Macintosh®inch orinch laptop. A flapis extendable over front sideof main bodywhen the backpackis in a closed position as in, which flapas shown inpivots upwardly and has an end openingin which the laptop is inserted into the laptop sleeve. An enclosed rubber zipper with a pullis provided extending vertically on the front sideof the main bodyof the backpack. A laptop pull/drop stringis also provided which extends from the sleeve to the bottom of a shock support. When a laptop L is stored in the sleeveof bag, pulling upwardly on the stringenables the laptop L to be removed from the bag without having to remove the backpackfrom the wearer's shoulders. As shown in the side views in, a zipper closureis provided in a side portion of the bag, which when unzipped as shown inallows the main bodyto be further expanded.

As best shown in, backpackalso includes a small compartmentfor storing a pair of wireless headphones such as Air Buds®. A string attachmentfor the compartmentto the back sideand snap in tech is also provided. A strapfor holding or hanging the backpackwhen not in use is situated at the top edge of the main body. In addition, a flexible strawconnected to a reusable flexible water or fluid containerwhich is housed in a pouchis also provided. A rib strapalso extends across the lower back portion of the main bodyof the backpack.illustrate the laptop wedge casein main body, which connects to laptop sleevehaving a slippery lining for easier laptop insert, and also has an elastic top closing. A drawstringsituated near the top portion is shown, and a memory foam back paddingis also shown in main bodysituated behind the laptop wedge case.

illustrate an adjustable rib strapwhich can be attached to the training apparatusextending between the shoulder strap portionsand. As shown in, wherein another embodiment of the training apparatus is illustrated, belthas a hook and loop (chg., Velcro®) connection between overlapping inner and outer sectionsand. Outer sectionincludes expandable phone casehaving a clear plastic window, in which phone case a cell phone can be inserted and carried. The phone casecan shift two inches to the left or right for center aligning. Backpackmay be secured to the training apparatus by attaching loopwith short extensionof the training apparatus. In addition, the rib strapin some embodiments may be secured extending around the front of the wearer's torso.

Referring still to, the training apparatus in such illustrated embodiment also includes a zippered vest-like garment portionwhich connects between the first and second strap portions over the front torso. In addition, as indicated above a rib strap similar to the rib strapshown inis connected to the lower end of the garment portion, and has an adjustable belt to adjust the snugness of the training apparatus on the wearer's body. The garment portionmay be made of cloth or an elastic material and will aid in maintaining the straps in a desired position on the user's body.also illustrates an alternative glide clip arrangementfor extending and retracting the resistance bands in the shoulder strap portions, wherein the glide clipis slidable longitudinally along the shoulder strap portions in order to extend or release the resistance band from the straps. In another alternative embodiment also illustrated in, pull bandsare positioned at spaced-apart holes along the shoulder strap portions, which may be individual or separate bands or a single resistance band. In another alternative embodiment, the shoulder strap portionof the invention may be formed of a strap material panel and a plurality of spaced-apart loops attached to a side of the panel, similar to belt loops, rather than being formed as a sleeve with openings cut in the sleeve, with the resistance bandpositioned underneath the loops. In still another embodiment, the training apparatus can be formed as an upper body garment having short or long sleeves, or as a body suit.

illustrates another arrangement for securing the backpackto the resistance band training apparatus. In such arrangement, slotsandare provided in an upper or proximal end areaandof shoulder strap portionsand, respectively, preferably between cutoutand extensionon shoulder strap portionand between cutoutand extensionon shoulder strap portion. In addition, another slotis provided in back portionat an intermediate position between proximal endand distal end. Hook and loop straps,, andare attached to main bodyof the backpackin positions for the straps to be passed through slots,, and, respectively and their ends secured by the hook and loop connectors on the straps. The slots,, andwill be positioned so as not to interfere with use of the resistance band. It will be understood that other arrangements for securing the backpackto the resistance band training apparatus, such as the use of heavy duty snaps, clips or other fasteners may be utilized while still falling within the intended scope of the present invention.

illustrates another embodiment of the wearable exercise apparatus, which is similar to the embodiment shown inin that a shoulder straphaving an internal compartment or channelis provided in which a resistance bandis housed. In this version, however, the shoulder strapis formed as a continuous loop such that the resistance bandwhich is also provided as a continuous loop is largely completely covered except for the access openings formed in the strap, and another access openingnear the bottom side of the strap. Lateral extensionmay also be somewhat longer such that distal endis aligned with access opening. A portion of the bandmay be pulled outwardly through access openingand passed through end aperturein the lateral extension. The portion of the bandis then secured and the looped end portioninserted in pouchas in the previous embodiment.

In addition, rather than having several access openings on each of first and second shoulder strap portionsand, a pair of wider access openingsandare provided, and a slidable memberis provided on strap, which membersare slidable along a longitudinal length of the strapin the openingsand. Memberseach have an access openingwhich is aligned with openingsandin the strapthrough which the resistance bandcan be manually grasped and pulled outwardly through the access openingto perform a desired resistance band exercise. Access openingin slidable membersis similar in width to the plurality of spaced-apart access openings-formed in the strap sectionsandshown in. Slidable memberserves a similar purpose as the plurality of spaced-apart openings in that membermay be slid upwardly or downwardly so as to be in closer proximity to the natural original point of the exercise being performed, improving the usability of the exercise apparatus as compared to a single band attached at two more widely spaced apart tension points.illustrates a preferred manner of wearing and utilizing the exercise apparatus, which is shown in use performing a standing shoulder press exercise, with slidable membersbeing slid to the upper area of the access openingsand, and the resistance bandbeing pulled outwardly and upwardly through the access openingsin members. Exercise apparatusalso includes several connectorson strapon either side of lateral extensionwhich are utilized to secure backpackto the strap.illustrates with more particularity a mode of attachment of backpackto the exercise apparatusshown in, wherein the connectors are labelled as-and ties or hook-and-loop fastener straps are secured to exercise apparatus, and corresponding loops-are shown on backpack. It will be understood that the ties-each may be secured to corresponding loop-on the backpack. Other attachment arrangements may be utilized, although it is preferred that flexible or soft fasteners be utilized as they are less likely to interfere with use of the exercise apparatusin performing resistance movements in accordance with the preferred embodiments of the invention.

illustrates another embodiment of the portable wearable resistance band training apparatus of the present invention. As in previous embodiments, resistance band training apparatushas a shoulder strap portionand a back portion. Shoulder strap portionincludes a first shoulder strapconfigured to be worn over a person's right shoulder and a second shoulder strapconfigured to be worn over the left shoulder. First shoulder straphas a distal endand a proximal end. Similarly, second shoulder straphas a distal endand a proximal end. Back portionhas a lower endand an upper end. Proximal endsandof the first and second shoulder strapsandconnect integrally with upper endof back portion. A channelhaving a lower openingand an upper openingis formed in back portionextending longitudinally between lower endand upper end.

At least one resistance deviceis connected to the exercise apparatus. In the exemplary embodiment, resistance deviceis shown as a flat woven clastic webbing or band which can be made of polyester and natural rubber, although in other embodiments resistant devicemay be provided in different shapes and formed of other materials. A length of resistance deviceis passed into the upper endof back portionand extends between openings in proximal endsandof the first and second shoulder strapsand, respectively. In some embodiments, instead of passing through upper end, ends of the resistance bandmay be secured by sewing or another suitable attachment means to the distal endsandof the first and second shoulder strapsand. Another length of the resistance deviceis secured to the first shoulder strapby being passed through a plurality of spaced apart loops or bands,, andformed on first shoulder strap. Another length of the resistance deviceis similarly secured to the second shoulder strapby being passed through plurality of spaced apart loops or bands,, andformed on second shoulder strap. Preferably, the loops or bands,,and,, andare formed on an outwardly facing side of the first and second shoulder strapsand. Openingsare formed between loops or bands,, andon first shoulder strap, and openingsare formed between loops or bands,, andon second shoulder strap. Resistance bandis accessible for performing resistance training exercises through openingsandin the same manner as described with reference to the previous embodiments.

Upon exiting the distal endsandof shoulder strapsand, the two lengths of resistance bandare passed into longitudinal sleeve or channelin the back portionfrom lower opening. In some embodiments, a separate lower opening may be provided for each length of the resistance bandfrom the first and second shoulder straps. The separate lengths of the resistance bandare brought together and aligned side by side or stacked in sleeve, and the aligned portions exit the sleeve through upper opening. Buckleis secured to back portionnear upper endin a location adjacent to and in alignment with upper openingsuch that the aligned resistance band portions exiting from upper openingcan be passed into the buckle. In some embodiments, sleevemay be openable to facilitate inserting the resistance bandinto the sleeveand passing it through the buckle, such as by using a hook-and-loop, snap, zipper, or other releasable fastener. Buckle, which may be a cam buckle, allows the length and tension of the resistance bandto be easily adjusted by manually pulling a length of the resistance bandthrough the buckle and then securing or locking the buckle. In some embodiments bucklemay be partially enclosed or covered in back portion, and an opening aligned with bucklemay be provided in upper endof back portionthrough which the end of bandis passed after exiting buckle. It will be understood that other securing members such as clasps, buckles, hook and loop fasteners, etc., may be utilized to secure the resistance band at a desired length or tension. In some embodiments, the length of the resistance bandpassed through buckleis looped or folded and inserted in a pocket in upper endof back portion, or the end of bandcan simply be folded and secured between the band and back portion. The aligned end portions of the resistance bandpassed through bucklemay be connected or may consist of two separate bands. In other words, the resistance band apparatuscan accommodate a single integral endless resistance band, a single resistance band having separate ends secured to proximal endsandof first and second shoulder strapsandrespectively, or two separate resistance bandsone secured in the first shoulder strapand one secured to the second shoulder strap.

The portable resistance band training apparatusmay be worn and utilized to perform manual resistance training exercises by grasping the resistance bandin one of the openingsandand extending the band as in the previously described embodiments. In addition, the end of resistance bandcan be removed from the back portionby releasing the buckleand then pulling the band out of the buckle and longitudinal channel or sleeve. The training apparatuscan then be used to perform a multitude of other resistance training exercises both with the apparatusbeing worn or being held manually, such as squats, partner drills, and other resisted agility exercises. In some embodiments where the ends of the bandare not connected, looped hand or wrist straps may be formed on the ends of the bandto facilitate gripping the ends or securing the ends over the user's feet or to another support.

illustrate another embodiment of the wearable resistance band training apparatus of the present invention, which embodiment is similar to the apparatusillustrated with particular reference towhile including several additional features. As in the embodiment shown in, exercise apparatushas a shoulder strap portionincluding a first shoulder strapand second shoulder strap, and a back portionconnected to shoulder strap portionas described above. In addition, spaced-apart loops or bands,andare provided on first shoulder strapand similar loops or bands,, andare provided on second shoulder strap. While exercise apparatusis shown as having three loops or bands on each shoulder strap, it will be understood that a greater or lesser number may be provided in other embodiments. As shown in, one or more of the loops or bands may be provided with a strap pocket, each of which pocketswill be configured and dimensioned to receive and hold one or more weighted membersin the pockets. The weighted membersin an embodiment may be flat one pound steel plates, although other weights and materials can be utilized, and allow the exercise apparatusto also be used as a weighted vest garment for strength training, circuit training and other types of high intensity workouts. The amount of weight is incrementally adjustable by varying the number and size of the weighted membersaccording to the desired exercise parameters. When not being used with the weighted members, the pocketscan be used to hold or store other small items.

In addition, another pocketis formed on sleeveof back portion, which in an exemplary embodiment is configured and dimensioned to carry a cell phone as well as other similarly sized relatively small objects. In embodiments where sleeveis openable, one of the panels of sleevewill be dimensioned for pocketto be formed on the panel. In some embodiments pocketmay have a clear plastic outer wall to facilitate viewing the interior of the pocket.