Neutral bias resistance device

Abstract

Disclosed is a neutral bias, dynamic constant resistance exercise device. The device provides resistance training throughout an angular range of motion. The device may be low profile, and worn by a wearer, such as beneath conventional clothing. Exercise of selective joints or motion of the body may thereby be accomplished throughout the wearer's normal daily activities, without the need for access to conventional exercise equipment. Alternatively, the device may be worn as a supplemental training tool during conventional training techniques.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A low profile, wearable dynamic resistance device, comprising:
 a waist band, for attachment around the waist of a wearer;   a left leg and right leg superior leg attachment structures, for attachment to a leg of the wearer in between the waist band and the wearer's knee;   a left leg and right leg inferior leg attachment structures, for attachment to the leg of the wearer below the knee; and   at least one left leg resistance panel and at least one right leg resistance panel extending between the waist band and corresponding inferior leg attachment structures;   wherein the resistance panel imparts bidirectional resistance to movement throughout a range of motion.   
     
     
         2 . A low profile, wearable dynamic resistance device as in  claim 1 , wherein each of the superior leg attachment structures comprises a band for wrapping around the leg above the knee. 
     
     
         3 . A low profile, wearable dynamic resistance device as in  claim 1 , wherein each of the inferior leg attachment structures comprises a band for wrapping around the leg below the knee. 
     
     
         4 . A low profile, wearable dynamic resistance device as in  claim 1 , wherein the resistance panel comprises a malleable material. 
     
     
         5 . A low profile, wearable dynamic resistance device as in  claim 4 , wherein the material comprises copper. 
     
     
         6 . A low profile, wearable dynamic resistance device as in  claim 4 , wherein the resistance panel comprises a plurality of malleable strands, extending in an inferior—superior direction in an as worn orientation. 
     
     
         7 . A low profile, wearable dynamic resistance device as in  claim 6 , wherein the plurality of malleable strands are woven into a fabric. 
     
     
         8 . A low profile, wearable dynamic resistance device as in  claim 4 , wherein the sum of the areas of all of the strands, taken in a transverse cross section through the strands in between the waist and the superior leg attachments is within the range of from about 0.020 and about 0.060 square inches per inch of the resistance panel measured in a circumferential direction around the leg for each leg. 
     
     
         9 . A low profile, wearable dynamic resistance device as in  claim 1 , wherein the resistance panel comprises a pivotable resistance element. 
     
     
         10 . A low profile, wearable dynamic resistance device as in  claim 1 , wherein the superior attachment structures and the inferior attachment structures comprise first and second regions of a garment. 
     
     
         11 . A low profile, wearable dynamic resistance device as in  claim 1 , wherein the resistance device imposes a first level of resistance to movement across the hip and a second level of resistance across the knee, and the first level is greater than the second level. 
     
     
         12 . A low profile, wearable dynamic resistance device as in  claim 1 , wherein each of a left and right resistance panels imposes a resistance to movement of at least about 10 foot pounds in between the waist and the superior attachment structure. 
     
     
         13 . A low profile, wearable dynamic resistance device as in  claim 1 , wherein the device imposes a resistance to movement at the hip of at least about 10 foot pounds, and resistance to movement at the knee of at least about 5 foot pounds, for each of the right and left legs. 
     
     
         14 . A low profile, wearable dynamic resistance device as in  claim 6 , wherein the strands have an average cross sectional diameter of at least about 0.020 inches.