GB2572031A

GB2572031A - A training glove, a training boot, and/or a training garment (E.G. Sports Garment)

Info

Publication number: GB2572031A
Application number: GB1818522.3A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Hakim Farah Jahad Osman Ahmed
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2017-11-13
Filing date: 2018-11-14
Publication date: 2019-09-18
Anticipated expiration: 2038-11-14
Also published as: GB2572031B; GB201818522D0; GB201718755D0

Abstract

A training glove such as for use in boxing comprising a glove portion 20 and a forearm portion 32, the forearm portion comprising one or more flexible weights 18 in compartments 16. Preferably the weights are elongate along the axis of the arm, and are not positioned over the wrist. Preferably the forearm portion comprises an inner 32 and outer 34 portion each with compartments for weights, and in use the outer portion folds over the inner portion to cover the openings to the compartments. Also claimed is a training boot with flexible weights located at the calves (figures 10-11), preferably with the inner-outer structure as described for the glove. Also claimed are various garments with flexible weights located over various body parts (figures 8-40) including upper body, lower body and whole body garments. Torso compartments (101, figure 24) may be situated horizontally or at angles of less that 45 degrees to the floor when the user is standing in the interest of ergonomics.

Description

The present invention relates to a training glove (preferably a boxing glove, particularly a boxing training glove) or a training boot (preferably a sports boot, particularly a sports training boot); and/or to a sports garment and/or a training garment.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

GB 2 544 976 A (Terry Adams) discloses a weight device comprising a boxing glove 1 with an internal handgrip 5, the grip being removable from the device. Preferably the device comprises removable ballast, further preferably the ballast being comprised by the handgrip itself. Preferably the handgrip comprises a columnar (cylindrical) member with plinth ends 12, 13 (see e.g. figure 5b therein) which are locked into place (e.g. see figure 8 therein) inside the glove. The user selects a weight in the form of a handle and snaps it into place inside the glove to use for training. Also claimed is a method of weight training using the above device.

CN 2343820 Y (Wang Huining) is a utility model which relates to a boxing glove for boxing training and matches, which comprises a boxing front and a boxing wrist. The utility model is composed of an outer sheath of a boxing sleeve and an inner filling, and is characterized in that the inner part at the position of the boxing front at the upper part of the boxing sleeve is provided with at least one rubber pneumatic bag which is used for buffering the boxing weight (force). The injury accidents of the boxing training and the matches are reduced so that the matches are safer and more civilized. A baroceptor can be additionally fixed to the rubber pneumatic bag and is connected with a radio signal processing transmitter fixed to the position of the boxing wrist. The signals of sending boxing numbers, weights, etc., passing across a suppressor on a training ground is received, processed and displayed by a radio wave reception processing displayer, which ensures competitive fairness.

CN 104366882 A (Chen Jianguo) discloses counter weight fitness sport shoes which comprise shoe soles and shoe uppers. Each shoe sole is of a hollow structure, and a counter weight body is arranged in the hollow part of each shoe sole. Each counter weight body is composed of a plurality of counter weight balls, and the counter weight balls are distributed in respective small grids through a support with a plurality of small grids. Compared with fitness shoes in the market, the shoe soles of the counter weight fitness sport shoes are provided with the counter weight bodies, so that the weight of the shoes is increased, sport loads are increased, and thus people can achieve a good exercise effect in a short exercise time.

CN 202078692 U (Tao Hong and Guangli Yang) discloses a load-adjustable elastic closefitting training upper outer garment. More specifically, it discloses a load-adjustable elastic close-fitting training upper outer garment, which can be used in most actual exercise training, competition and body building activities, and which increases the body load. The load adjustable elastic close-fitting training upper outer garment comprises elastic fabric, a plurality of load split pockets with opened upper parts which are fixed at the front part and the rear part of the upper outer garment and the outer sides of sleeves, stripped load blocks which can be inserted or taken out of the load split pockets, and wherein the opening part of each load split pocket is provided with a button or a pasting button which can buckle and lock the load block in each split pocket. The stripped load blocks can be selected from sand bags, metal strips, rubber rods and other loads, and weight marks are arranged on the surfaces of the loads. Because of the good close fitting performance and load adjustability, athletes and exercisers of different items and different training levels can select the appropriate weight according to their own needs to carry out load training during various training activities, entertainment activities and body building activities; and the harmful effect of the load upper outer garment on the sport technology is reduced to the minimum extent, and the special strength training and fitness exercise effects are improved.

SUMMARY AND DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

There is a need for a weight-based training methods and apparatus, in sports in general but particularly in boxing, athletics and/or football, which allow the sportsperson (e.g. a boxer, an athlete or a footballer) to gain strength, speed and/or stamina.

Regular weight training using conventional gym equipment has the disadvantages that it can only be carried out in a fixed place, the static gym equipment is expensive and spaceconsuming, and the weight training is completely separate from the basic sporting activity in which the sportsperson specializes. In a physical and psychological sense, the equipment is also totally separate from and rather alien to the user. Also, though allowing the sportsperson to gain strength and perhaps also stamina, conventional and/or static gym equipment usually does not sufficiently improve the speed, dexterity and/or reaction times of the sportsperson.

It would be advantageous to provide an apparatus or a product which allows a sportsperson to undergo weight training, to improve strength, stamina, speed, dexterity and/or reaction times (in particular to improve strength, stamina and speed, and preferably also dexterity), in a more natural way (in particular in a way more natural than using conventional and/or static gym equipment and/or regular weight training), preferably during the sportsperson’s regular (usual) training.

A first aspect of the present invention provides a training glove suitable for boxing training and/or suitable for improving the speed, strength, stamina, dexterity and/or reaction times of a user’s arms (in particular of a sportsperson’s arms), wherein the training glove comprises:

a glove body suitable for covering a user’s hand;

a forearm portion, which is suitable for covering part or all (preferably part) of a user’s forearm when the glove is worn (preferably on the user’s hand), wherein the forearm portion is attached to the glove body; and wherein the forearm portion comprises one or more compartments suitable for receiving a flexible weight in such a position that, when so received, the flexible weight or weights in the one or more compartments is or are positioned at the forearm of a user when the training glove is worn by the user (preferably on the user’s hand).

The training glove of the present invention allows a sportsperson (e.g. a boxer, an athlete, a footballer, a rugby player, another type of field games player, a basketball player and/or a swimmer, preferably a boxer or an athlete) to undergo weight training, and/or to improve strength, stamina, speed, dexterity and/or reaction times in particular in the arms (in particular to improve strength, stamina and speed, and preferably also dexterity, in particular in the arms), in a natural way, in particular in a way more natural than using conventional and/or static gym equipment and/or regular weight training.

In particular, the training glove of the present invention allows a sportsperson (e.g. a boxer, an athlete, a footballer, a rugby player, another type of field games player, a basketball player and/or a swimmer, preferably a boxer or an athlete) to undergo weight training, and/or to improve strength, stamina, speed, dexterity and/or reaction times in particular in the arms, during the sportsperson’s regular (usual) training - in particular during a boxer’s regular (usual) boxing training (such as boxing training with a punching bag, and/or non-impact boxing training such as non-impact punching training) or during an athlete’s regular (usual) athletics training (such as running training and/or field athletics training). In this context, “regular” or “usual” training means training which is regular or usual for the type of sportsperson concerned (e.g. boxer, athlete e.g. track and/or field athlete, footballer, rugby player, other type of field games player, basketball player and/or swimmer).

Preferably, the training glove is suitable for boxing training and/or is suitable for improving the speed, strength and/or stamina of a user’s arms (in particular of a sportsperson’s arms). More preferably, the training glove is suitable for boxing training and/or is suitable for improving the strength, stamina and speed, and preferably also the dexterity, of a user’s arms (in particular of a sportsperson’s arms). Particularly preferably, the training glove is suitable for boxing training (i.e. is a boxing training glove).

The training glove of the invention allows the user to rapidly improve his/her arm strength, arm stamina and/or arm speed, and optionally also his/her arm dexterity.

Preferably, the user is a sportsperson. More preferably, the user is a boxer, an athlete (e.g. a track and/or field athlete), a footballer, a rugby player, another type of field games player, a basketball player and/or a swimmer. Even more preferably, the user is a boxer, an athlete, and/or a footballer; most preferably a boxer.

Preferably, the training glove comprises one or more (preferably two or more, or more preferably three, four, five or more) flexible weights received in one or more (preferably two or more, or more preferably three, four, five or more) of the compartments. More preferably, the training glove comprises one or more (preferably two or more, or more preferably three, four, five or more) flexible weights removeably received in one or more (preferably two or more, or more preferably three, four, five or more) of the compartments.

Preferably, e.g. in or for the training glove, the one or more (preferably two or more, or more preferably three, four, five or more) flexible weights comprise, e.g. are, flexible solid weights and/or flexible liquid-filled (e.g. gel-filled or water-filled) bag weights. More preferably, the one or more (preferably two or more, or more preferably three, four, five or more) flexible weights comprise, e.g. are, flexible solid weights, or more preferably flexible resilient-solid weights and/or granular-solid-filled or powder-filled flexible bag weights. Preferably, the flexible resilient-solid weights can comprise, e.g. can be, flexible elastomeric weights, more preferably flexible rubber weights. Preferably, the granular-solid-filled or powder-filled flexible bag weights can comprise, e.g. can be, granular-solid-filled flexible bag weights, more preferably sand-filled flexible bag weights (i.e. sand-bags).

Preferably, e.g. in or for the training glove, the flexible weights are elongate. More preferably, e.g. in the training glove, the flexible weights are generally rod-shaped, e.g. are generally cylindrical in shape and/or e.g. are generally in the shape of a rod having a generally quadrilateral (e.g. generally square or generally rectangular) cross-section. Alternatively and even more preferably, e.g. in or for the training glove, the elongate flexible weights are generally slab-shaped. In this context, “slab-shaped” elongate flexible weights means that (i) the elongate flexible weights are generally flat or are minimally curved in cross-section (e.g. are generally flat, or are curved in cross-section to match the curve of an adjacent forearm and/or to match the curve of a corresponding weight-receiving compartment or forearm portion), and (ii) the width of the elongate flexible weights is greater than (preferably 1.5 or more times or 2 or more times or 3 or more times greater than) their average thickness.

Preferably, the glove body is suitable for covering a user’s hand and the fingers and the thumb of the hand.

Particularly preferably, the training glove is a boxing glove suitable for boxing training (i.e. is a boxing training glove); particularly for improving the speed, strength and/or stamina of a boxer’s arms; or more particularly for improving the speed, strength and stamina, and preferably also the dexterity, of a boxer’s arms.

It is noted that the flexible weight/s) usually present in the forearm portion means that the training glove, e.g. boxing glove and/or boxing training glove, of the present invention is usually or preferably not suitable for use in boxing matches or in boxing training against a human opponent, because the added weight can cause unjustified and/or unacceptable damage to the human opponent. Preferably, the training glove, e.g. the boxing glove, of the present invention, e.g. comprising the flexible weight, is intended i) for non-impact use (e.g. for improving the speed, strength and/or stamina of a user’s arms), and/or ii) for impact use against a non-living object, typically a punching bag.

Preferably, in the training glove, the forearm portion is suitable for covering part or all (preferably most or all, more preferably substantially all) of a user’s wrist when the glove is worn (preferably on the user’s hand).

However, for example in order to allow maximum flexibility and/or dexterity at the wrist during use and/or to minimize the risk of damage to a user’s wrist (which in general is vulnerable to damage), it is preferable that the one or more (in particular two or more, preferably three, four, five or more) compartments are suitable for receiving a flexible weight in such a position that, when so received, the flexible weight or weights in the one or more compartments is or are substantially not positioned at the wrist of a user when the training glove is worn by the user (preferably on the user’s hand). Therefore, preferably, the one or more (in particular two or more, preferably three, four, five or more) compartments are suitable for receiving a flexible weight in such a position that, when so received, the flexible weight or weights in the one or more compartments is or are positioned at the forearm, and is or are substantially not positioned at the wrist, of a user when the training glove is worn by the user (preferably on the user’s hand).

Preferably, in the training glove, the forearm portion comprises a plurality of (i.e. two or more, preferably three or more, more preferably four or five or more) compartments suitable for receiving a flexible weight in such a position that, when so received, the flexible weight or weights in the plurality of compartments (i) is or are positioned at the forearm of a user when the training glove is worn by the user (preferably on the user’s hand), or more preferably (ii) is or are positioned at the forearm, and is or are substantially not positioned at the wrist, of a user when the training glove is worn by the user (preferably on the user’s hand). More preferably, the training glove comprises a plurality of (or more preferably three or more, more preferably four or five or more) flexible weights received in (preferably removeably received in) a plurality (or more preferably three or more, more preferably four or five or more) of the compartments. Even more preferably, the plurality of flexible weights comprise, e.g. are, flexible solid weights (preferably flexible resilient-solid weights such as flexible elastomeric weights e.g. flexible rubber weights, and/or granular-solid-filled flexible bag weights e.g. sand-filled flexible bag weights (sand-bags) or powder-filled flexible bag weights) and/or flexible liquid-filled (e.g. gel-filled or water-filled) bag weights. Preferably, e.g. in or for the training glove, the plurality of flexible weights are elongate. More preferably, e.g. in the training glove, the plurality of flexible weights are generally rodshaped, e.g. are generally cylindrical in shape and/or e.g. are generally in the shape of a rod having a generally quadrilateral (e.g. generally square or generally rectangular) cross-section. Alternatively and even more preferably, e.g. in or for the training glove, the plurality of elongate flexible weights are generally slab-shaped. In this context, “slab-shaped” elongate flexible weights means that (i) the elongate flexible weights are generally flat or are minimally curved in cross-section (e.g. are generally flat, or are curved in cross-section to match the curve of an adjacent forearm and/or to match the curve of a corresponding weightreceiving compartment or forearm portion), and (ii) the width of the elongate flexible weights is greater than (preferably 1.5 or more times or 2 or more times or 3 or more times greater than) their average thickness.

Preferably, in the training glove, the forearm portion comprises a plurality (preferably three or more, more preferably four or five or more) of the compartments, wherein two or more (preferably three or more, more preferably four or five or more) of the plurality of the compartments are radially spaced apart from each other;

so that flexible weights are present in, and/or so that flexible weights are able to be placed or received in (in particular removeably placed or removeably received in), the two or more (preferably three or more, more preferably four or five or more) compartments which are in different radial positions (i.e. which are radially spaced apart) with respect to each other. (Here, “radially spaced apart” and/or “different radial positions”, and/or any similar radius-related term, refers to differently-directed radii generally perpendicular to a or the central longitudinal axis of the forearm or of the forearm portion of the training glove).

Particularly preferably, in the training glove, the forearm portion comprises three or more (more preferably four, five or more) of the compartments suitable for receiving a flexible weight. More preferably, three or more (even more preferably four, five or more) of the three or more (more preferably four, five or more) compartments are radially spaced apart from each other;

so that flexible weights are present in, and/or so that flexible weights are able to be placed or received in (in particular removeably placed or removeably received in), the three or more (preferably four, five or more) compartments which are in different radial positions (i.e. which are radially spaced apart) with respect to each other. (Here, “radially spaced apart” and/or “different radial positions”, and/or any similar radius-related term, refers to differently-directed radii generally perpendicular to a or the central longitudinal axis of the forearm or of the forearm portion of the training glove).

When there are many (e.g. three or more of, preferably four, five or more of) such radiallyspaced-apart compartments, this allows the user to choose how many of the compartments (e.g. how many radially-spaced-apart compartments) are to be filled with weights, and which compartments (e.g. which radially-spaced-apart compartments) are to be filled with weights, so that the user can vary his or her training according to his or her needs, and/or so that the user can gradually increase the weight (mass) of the flexible weights (in the training glove, and/or received in e.g. present in the compartments) as the user’s fitness increases.

Preferably, in the training glove, the one or more (preferably two or more or three or more, most preferably 4, 5 or more) compartments are sized and/or positioned about the forearm portion in such a way that, when the one or more compartments contain flexible weight(s) (preferably when two or more, more preferably 3, 4, 5 or more, of the compartments are radially spaced apart from each other, e.g. as described herein e.g. hereinabove, and also contain flexible weights), the weight (mass) of the flexible weight(s) is distributed about an upper forearm portion (i.e. on the backhand side), a lower forearm portion (i.e. on the side of the forehand or palm of the hand), and an outside forearm portion (i.e. on the side of the forearm usually distal from a user’s body), and optionally another portion(s), of the forearm portion of the training glove. This arrangement achieves the effect that the muscles of the upper forearm (i.e. generally in the plane of the back of the hand), of the lower forearm (i.e. generally in the plane of the palm of the hand), and of the outside forearm (i.e. the side of the forearm usually distal from the user’s body) are exercised and/or developed, e.g. with respect to speed, strength and/or stamina, which is particularly relevant for boxing training.

Preferably, in the training glove, the, or one or more of the, one or more (preferably two or more or three or more, most preferably 4, 5 or more) compartments are elongate (in particular generally rectangular and/or generally tubular).

More preferably, in the training glove, one or more (preferably two or more, more preferably 3, 4, 5 or more) of the one or more compartments:

are elongate (in particular are generally rectangular and/or generally tubular); and are oriented with its or their longitudinal axis or axes generally parallel to a or the central longitudinal axis of the forearm or of the forearm portion of the training glove.

Even more preferably, in the training glove, one or more (preferably two or more, more preferably 3, 4, 5 or more) of the one or more compartments:

are elongate (in particular are generally rectangular and/or generally tubular); and are oriented with its or their longitudinal axis or axes generally parallel to a or the central longitudinal axis of the forearm or of the forearm portion of the training glove; and are radially spaced apart from each other, e.g. as described herein e.g. hereinabove.

Preferably, in the training glove, the, or one or more of the, one or more compartments have openings on the outside of the training glove. This has the advantage that the user can add or remove weights, in particular flexible weights, easily, in particular to or from one or more of the compartments.

Preferably, the forearm portion of the training glove comprises a proximal (e.g. central) forearm portion and a distal foldable forearm portion attached to (preferably integral with) the proximal forearm portion, wherein the distal foldable forearm portion is distal from the glove body, and wherein the distal foldable forearm portion is adapted to fold down over and outside at least part of the proximal forearm portion, and wherein the proximal (e.g. central) forearm portion comprises two or more (preferably three or more, most preferably five or more) compartments suitable for receiving a flexible weight e.g. as defined herein, and wherein the distal foldable forearm portion also comprises one, two or more (preferably two, three or more) compartments suitable for receiving a flexible weight e.g. as defined herein. This large number of compartments allows the user to greatly increase the amount of weight added to the training glove, when a high fitness level is required.

More preferably, in the proximal (e.g. central) forearm portion of the training glove, the one or more compartments have openings on the outside (e.g. the backhand side) of the training glove. Even more preferably, the one or more compartments on the distal foldable forearm portion have openings on the outside (e.g. the backhand side) of the training glove when said distal foldable forearm portion is folded out (up) and/or away from the glove body (and/or preferably the one or more compartments on the distal foldable forearm portion have openings on the inside of the distal foldable forearm portion when folded down and/or towards the glove body).

Preferably, the training glove comprises one or more securing means adapted to secure the distal foldable forearm portion in a folded-down position against the proximal forearm portion of the training glove. More preferably, the one or more securing means comprises one, two or more straps. Even more preferably, the one or more securing means comprises 1, 2 or more straps positioned so as to pass circumferentially around part of all of the forearm portion (preferably part or all of the proximal forearm portion) of the training glove, so as to secure (preferably reversibly) the distal foldable forearm portion in a folded-down position against the proximal forearm portion of the training glove. In particular, the one, two or more straps can have one fastening portion of a hoop-and-loop-type fastener (e.g. Velcro ™ fastener), which preferably faces inwardly when the straps are secured in place; and the training glove (preferably the forearm portion e.g. the proximal forearm portion of the training glove) comprises one, two or more correspondingly-sized, type-matched fastening portions of a hoop-and-loop-type fastener (e.g. a Velcro ™ fastener) which is or are positioned (e.g. preferably outwardly facing) so as to abut and/or to fasten to the corresponding fastening portion of the corresponding one, two or more straps, thereby to secure (preferably reversibly) the straps in place and so as to secure (preferably reversibly) the distal foldable forearm portion in a folded-down position against the proximal forearm portion of the training glove.

Preferably, in the training glove, the forearm portion comprises three or more compartments suitable for receiving a flexible weight in such a position that the flexible weight is positioned at the forearm of a user when the training glove is worn by the user (preferably on the user’s hand).

In the training glove:

- preferably, the forearm portion or a part thereof (in particular, the forearm portion, or a part of the forearm portion proximal (close) to and/or adjacent to the glove body) is generally tubular;

and/or,

- more preferably, the forearm portion or a part thereof (preferably, the forearm portion, or a part of the forearm portion distal from the glove body) is generally C- or U- shaped in crosssection (preferably generally C-shaped).

Most preferably, in the training glove, the forearm portion, or a part of the forearm portion distal from the glove body, is generally C-shaped in cross-section.

Preferably, in the training glove, the one or more compartments (preferably the one or more elongate compartments), which are suitable for receiving a flexible weight, have an opening or openings (e.g. at one side or at one end of the compartment, preferably at an end of the compartment which is distal from the glove body), through which a or the flexible weight can pass so as to be received by and/or withdrawn from the compartment. More preferably, the opening or openings and/or the compartment(s) is or are provided with a fastener (preferably a hoop-and-loop-type fastener (e.g. a Velcro ™ fastener) or a zip fastener) which fastens the compartment in a closed position and thereby secures in place any weight in the compartment; and/or, also more preferably, the opening or openings and/or the compartment(s) is or are provided with, or is or are partly or wholly formed from, elastic material so as to secure in place any weight in the compartment.

Preferably, in the training glove, the glove body and/or the forearm portion is at least partly (e.g. partly or substantially wholly) formed from leather or a material equivalent to leather. More preferably, the glove body is at least partly (e.g. partly or substantially wholly) formed from padded leather or a material equivalent to leather which is padded.

A second aspect of the invention corresponds generally to the first aspect of the invention, but relates to a training boot (wearable on a foot, preferably a human foot), instead of the training glove (wearable on a hand, preferably a human hand) of the first aspect of the invention, with necessary, associated and/or appropriate textual changes being made.

Accordingly, a second aspect of the present invention provides a training boot suitable for sports training (e.g. boxing training) and/or suitable for improving the speed, strength, stamina, dexterity and/or reaction times of a user’s legs and/or feet (in particular of a sportsperson’s legs and/or feet), wherein the training boot comprises:

a foot portion suitable for covering a user’s foot;

a calf portion (and/or a gaiter portion), which is suitable for covering part or all of (preferably part of, more preferably 10% to 90% or 20% to 80% or 30% to 90% or 40% to 80% of the length of) a user’s calf and/or lower leg when the boot is worn (preferably on the user’s foot), wherein the calf portion is attached to the foot portion; and wherein the calf portion comprises one or more compartments (preferably two or more, or 3 or more, or 4, 5 or more compartments) suitable for receiving a flexible weight in such a position that, when so received, the flexible weight or weights in the one or more compartments is or are positioned at the calf and/or lower leg of a user when the training boot is worn by the user (preferably on the user’s foot).

The training boot of the present invention allows a sportsperson (e.g. a boxer, an athlete, a footballer, a rugby player, another type of field games player, a basketball player and/or a swimmer, preferably a boxer or an athlete) to undergo weight training, to improve strength, stamina, speed, dexterity and/or reaction times in particular in the legs and/or feet (in particular to improve strength, stamina and speed, and preferably also dexterity, in particular in the legs and/or feet), in a natural way, in particular in a way more natural than using conventional and/or static gym equipment and/or regular weight training.

In particular, the training boot of the present invention allows a sportsperson (e.g. a boxer, an athlete, a footballer, a rugby player, another type of field games player, a basketball player and/or a swimmer, preferably a boxer or an athlete) to undergo weight training, to improve strength, stamina, speed, dexterity and/or reaction times in particular in the legs and/or feet, during the sportsperson’s regular (usual) training - in particular during a boxer’s regular (usual) boxing training (such as boxing training with a punching bag, and/or non-impact boxing training such as non-impact punching training) or during an athlete’s regular (usual) athletics training (such as running training and/or field athletics training). In this context, “regular” or “usual” training means training which is regular or usual for the type of sportsperson concerned (e.g. boxer, athlete e.g. track and/or field athlete, footballer, rugby player, other type of field games player, basketball player and/or swimmer).

Preferably, the training boot is suitable for boxing training and/or is suitable for improving the speed, strength and/or stamina of a user’s legs and/or feet (in particular of a sportsperson’s legs and/or feet). More preferably, the training boot is suitable for boxing training and/or is suitable for improving the strength, stamina and speed, and preferably also the dexterity, of a user’s legs and/or feet (in particular of a sportsperson’s legs and/or feet). Particularly preferably, the training glove is suitable for boxing training (i.e. is a boxing training boot).

The training boot of the invention allows the user to rapidly improve the strength, stamina and/or speed of his/her legs and/or feet, and optionally also the dexterity of his/her legs and/or feet.

Preferably, the training boot is a sports boot. More preferably, the training boot is a sports boot suitable for sports training (i.e. a sports training boot).

Particularly preferably, the training boot is a long-length training boot; and/or, particularly preferably, the training boot is a boxing boot, i.e. is a training boot suitable for boxing training and/or boxing.

Alternatively, but also preferably, the training boot is a short-length and/or half-length training boot; and/or, preferably, the training boot is a basketball boot, a football boot and/or an athletics boot, i.e. is a training boot suitable for basketball training, football training and/or athletics training (in particular a training boot suitable for running training). Preferably, the training boot is a short-length and/or half-length training boot; and/or, preferably, the training boot is a basketball boot.

Preferably, the training boot comprises one or more (preferably two or more, or more preferably three, four, five or more) flexible weights received in one or more (preferably two or more, or more preferably three, four, five or more) of the compartments. More preferably, the training boot comprises one or more (preferably two or more, or more preferably three, four, five or more) flexible weights removeably received in one or more (preferably two or more, or more preferably three, four, five or more) of the compartments.

Preferably, e.g. in or for the training boot, the one or more (preferably two or more, or more preferably three, four, five or more) flexible weights comprise, e.g. are, flexible solid weights and/or flexible liquid-filled (e.g. gel-filled or water-filled) bag weights. More preferably, the one or more (preferably two or more, or more preferably three, four, five or more) flexible weights comprise, e.g. are, flexible solid weights, or more preferably flexible resilient-solid weights and/or granular-solid-filled or powder-filled flexible bag weights. Preferably, the flexible resilient-solid weights can comprise, e.g. can be, flexible elastomeric weights, more preferably flexible rubber weights. Preferably, the granular-solid-filled or powder-filled flexible bag weights can comprise, e.g. can be, granular-solid-filled flexible bag weights, more preferably sand-filled flexible bag weights (i.e. sand-bags).

Preferably, e.g. in or for the training boot, the flexible weights are elongate. More preferably, e.g. in the training boot, the flexible weights are generally rod-shaped, e.g. are generally cylindrical in shape and/or e.g. are generally in the shape of a rod having a generally quadrilateral (e.g. generally square or generally rectangular) cross-section. Alternatively and even more preferably, e.g. in or for the training boot, the elongate flexible weights are generally slab-shaped. In this context, “slab-shaped” elongate flexible weights means that (i) the elongate flexible weights are generally flat or are minimally curved in cross-section (e.g. are generally flat, or are curved in cross-section to match the curve of an adjacent calf and/or an adjacent lower leg and/or to match the curve of a corresponding weight-receiving compartment and/or calf portion of the training boot), and (ii) the width of the elongate flexible weights is greater than (preferably 1.5 or more times or 2 or more times or 3 or more times greater than) their average thickness.

Preferably, in the training boot, the foot portion is suitable for covering a user’s foot, including the toes of the foot.

Particularly preferably, the training boot is a boxing boot suitable for boxing training (i.e. is a boxing training glove); particularly for improving the speed, strength and/or stamina of a boxer’s legs and/or feet; or more particularly for improving the speed, strength and stamina, and preferably also the dexterity, of a boxer’s legs and/or feet.

It is noted that the flexible weight(s) usually present in the calf portion means that the training boot, e.g. boxing boot and/or boxing training boot, of the present invention is usually or preferably not particularly suitable for use in boxing matches, because in such matches the user will usually want to be unencumbered by weights. Preferably, the training boot, e.g. the boxing boot, of the present invention, e.g. comprising the flexible weight, is mainly intended for non-impact use (e.g. for improving the speed, strength and/or stamina of a user’s legs and/or feet), and/or for boxing training.

Preferably, in the training boot, the calf portion is suitable for covering part or all (preferably most or all, more preferably substantially all) of a user’s ankle when the boot is worn (preferably on the user’s foot).

However, for example in order to allow maximum flexibility and/or dexterity at the ankle during use and/or to minimize the risk of damage to a user’s ankle (which in general is vulnerable to damage), it is preferable that the one or more (in particular two or more, preferably three, four, five or more) compartments are suitable for receiving a flexible weight in such a position that, when so received, the flexible weight or weights in the one or more compartments is or are substantially not positioned at the ankle of a user when the training boot is worn by the user (preferably on the user’s foot). Therefore, preferably, the one or more (in particular two or more, preferably three, four, five or more) compartments are suitable for receiving a flexible weight in such a position that, when so received, the flexible weight or weights in the one or more compartments is or are positioned at the calf and/or lower leg, and is or are substantially not positioned at the ankle, of a user when the training boot is worn by the user (preferably on the user’s foot).

Preferably, in the training boot, the calf portion comprises a plurality of (i.e. two or more, preferably three or more, more preferably four or five or more) compartments suitable for receiving a flexible weight in such a position that, when so received, the flexible weight or weights in the plurality of compartments (i) is or are positioned at the calf and/or lower leg of a user when the training boot is worn by the user (preferably on the user’s foot), or more preferably (ii) is or are positioned at the calf and/or lower leg, and is or are substantially not positioned at the ankle, of a user when the training boot is worn by the user (preferably on the user’s foot). More preferably, the training boot comprises a plurality of (or more preferably three or more, more preferably four or five or more) flexible weights received in (preferably removeably received in) a plurality (or more preferably three or more, more preferably four or five or more) of the compartments. Even more preferably, the plurality of flexible weights comprise, e.g. are, flexible solid weights (preferably flexible resilient-solid weights such as flexible elastomeric weights e.g. flexible rubber weights, and/or granular-solid-filled flexible bag weights e.g. sand-filled flexible bag weights (sand-bags) or powder-filled flexible bag weights) and/or flexible liquid-filled (e.g. gel-filled or water-filled) bag weights. Preferably, e.g. in or for the training boot, the plurality of flexible weights are elongate. More preferably, e.g. in the training boot, the plurality of flexible weights are generally rod-shaped, e.g. are generally cylindrical in shape and/or e.g. are generally in the shape of a rod having a generally quadrilateral (e.g. generally square or generally rectangular) cross-section. Alternatively and even more preferably, e.g. in or for the training boot, the plurality of elongate flexible weights are generally slab-shaped. In this context, “slab-shaped” elongate flexible weights means that (i) the elongate flexible weights are generally flat or are minimally curved in cross-section (e.g. are generally flat, or are curved in cross-section to match the curve of an adjacent calf and/or lower leg and/or to match the curve of a corresponding weight-receiving compartment or calf portion), and (ii) the width of the elongate flexible weights is greater than (preferably 1.5 or more times or 2 or more times or 3 or more times greater than) their average thickness.

Preferably, in the training boot, the calf portion comprises a plurality (preferably three or more, more preferably four or five or more) of the compartments, wherein two or more (preferably three or more, more preferably four or five or more) of the plurality of the compartments are radially spaced apart from each other;

so that flexible weights are present in, and/or so that flexible weights are able to be placed or received in (in particular removeably placed or removeably received in), the two or more (preferably three or more, more preferably four or five or more) compartments which are in different radial positions (i.e. which are radially spaced apart) with respect to each other. (Here, “radially spaced apart” and/or “different radial positions”, and/or any similar radius-related term, refers to differently-directed radii which are (i) generally perpendicular to a or the central longitudinal axis of the calf and/or lower leg or (ii) generally perpendicular to a or the central longitudinal axis of the calf portion of the training boot).

Particularly preferably, in the training boot, the calf portion comprises three or more (more preferably four, five or more) of the compartments suitable for receiving a flexible weight. More preferably, three or more (even more preferably four, five or more) of the three or more (more preferably four, five or more) compartments are radially spaced apart from each other;

so that flexible weights are present in, and/or so that flexible weights are able to be placed or received in (in particular removeably placed or removeably received in), the three or more (preferably four, five or more) compartments which are in different radial positions (i.e. which are radially spaced apart) with respect to each other. (Here, “radially spaced apart” and/or “different radial positions”, and/or any similar radius-related term, refers to differently-directed radii which are (i) generally perpendicular to a or the central longitudinal axis of the calf and/or lower leg or (ii) generally perpendicular to a or the central longitudinal axis of the calf portion of the training boot).

When there are many (e.g. three or more of, preferably four, five or more of) such radiallyspaced-apart compartments, this allows the user to choose how many of the compartments (e.g. how many radially-spaced-apart compartments) are to be filled with weights, and which compartments (e.g. which radially-spaced-apart compartments) are to be filled with weights, so that the user can vary his or her training according to his or her needs, and/or so that the user can gradually increase the weight (mass) of the flexible weights (in the training boot, and/or received in e.g. present in the compartments) as the user’s fitness increases.

Preferably, in the training boot, the one or more (preferably two or more or three or more, most preferably 4, 5 or more) compartments are sized and/or positioned about the calf portion in such a way that, when the one or more compartments contain flexible weight(s) (preferably when two or more, more preferably 3, 4, 5 or more, of the compartments are radially spaced apart from each other, e.g. as described herein e.g. hereinabove, and also contain flexible weights), the weight (mass) of the flexible weight(s) is distributed about an outwardly-facing (e.g. when used) calf portion, an inwardly-facing (e.g. when used) calf portion, and a rearfacing (e.g. when used) calf portion (and optionally another portion(s)) of the calf portion of the training boot. This arrangement achieves the effect that the muscles of the outside and of the inside of the calf and/or leg, and of the rear-facing (e.g. when used) calf portion are exercised and/or developed, e.g. with respect to speed, strength and/or stamina, which is particularly relevant for boxing and/or athletics training.

Preferably, in the training boot, the, or one or more of the, one or more (preferably two or more or three or more, most preferably 4, 5 or more) compartments are elongate (in particular generally rectangular and/or generally tubular).

More preferably, in the training boot, one or more (preferably two or more, more preferably 3, 4, 5 or more) of the one or more compartments:

are elongate (in particular are generally rectangular and/or generally tubular); and are oriented with its or their longitudinal axis or axes generally parallel to a or the central longitudinal axis of the calf and/or lower leg or of the calf portion of the training boot.

Even more preferably, in the training boot, one or more (preferably two or more, more preferably 3, 4, 5 or more) of the one or more compartments:

are elongate (in particular are generally rectangular and/or generally tubular); and are oriented with its or their longitudinal axis or axes generally parallel to a or the central longitudinal axis of the calf and/or lower leg or of the calf portion of the training boot; and are radially spaced apart from each other, e.g. as described herein e.g. hereinabove.

Preferably, in the training boot, the, or one or more of the, one or more compartments have openings on the outside of the training boot. This has the advantage that the user can add or remove weights, in particular flexible weights, easily, in particular to or from one or more of the compartments.

Preferably, the calf portion of the training boot comprises a proximal calf portion and a distal foldable calf portion attached to (preferably integral with) the proximal calf portion, wherein the distal foldable calf portion is distal from the foot portion, and wherein the distal foldable calf portion is adapted to fold down over and outside at least part of the proximal calf portion, and wherein the proximal calf portion comprises two or more (preferably three or more, most preferably five or more) compartments suitable for receiving a flexible weight e.g. as defined herein, and wherein the distal foldable calf portion also comprises one, two or more (preferably two, three or more) compartments suitable for receiving a flexible weight e.g. as defined herein. This large number of compartments allows the user to greatly increase the amount of weight added to the training boot, when a high fitness level is required.

More preferably, in the proximal calf portion of the training boot, the one or more compartments have openings on the outside of the training boot. Even more preferably, the one or more compartments on the distal foldable calf portion have openings on the outside of the training boot when said distal foldable calf portion is folded out (up) and/or away from the foot portion (and/or preferably the one or more compartments on the distal foldable forearm portion have openings on the inside of the distal foldable forearm portion when folded down and/or towards the glove body).

Preferably, the training boot comprises one or more securing means adapted to secure the distal foldable calf portion in a folded-down position against the proximal calf portion of the training boot. More preferably, the one or more securing means comprises one, two or more straps. Even more preferably, the one or more securing means comprises 1, 2 or more straps positioned so as to pass circumferentially around part of all of the calf portion (preferably part or all of the proximal calf portion) of the training boot, so as to secure (preferably reversibly) the distal foldable calf portion in a folded-down position against the proximal calf portion of the training boot. In particular, the one, two or more straps can have one fastening portion of a hoop-and-loop-type fastener (e.g. Velcro ™ fastener), which preferably faces inwardly when the straps are secured in place; and the training boot (preferably the calf portion e.g. the proximal calf portion of the training boot) comprises one, two or more correspondingly-sized, type-matched fastening portions of a hoop-and-loop-type fastener (e.g. a Velcro ™ fastener) which is or are positioned (e.g. preferably outwardly facing) so as to abut and/or to fasten to the corresponding fastening portion of the corresponding one, two or more straps, thereby to secure (preferably reversibly) the straps in place and so as to secure (preferably reversibly) the distal foldable calf portion in a folded-down position against the proximal calf portion of the training glove.

Preferably, in the training boot, the calf portion comprises three or more compartments suitable for receiving a flexible weight in such a position that the flexible weight is positioned at the calf and/or lower leg of a user when the training boot is worn by the user (preferably on the user’s foot).

In the training boot:

- preferably, the calf portion or a part thereof (in particular, the calf portion, or a part of the calf portion proximal (close) to and/or adjacent to the foot portion) is generally tubular; and/or,

- more preferably, the calf portion or a part thereof (preferably, the calf portion, or a part of the calf portion distal from the glove body) is generally C- or U- shaped in cross-section (preferably generally C-shaped).

For example, when the calf portion or a part thereof is generally C-shaped or U-shaped in cross-section, then preferably the arms of the “C” or “U” are substantially drawn together by laces.

Most preferably, in the training boot, the calf portion, or a part of the calf portion distal from the foot portion, is generally C-shaped in cross-section.

Preferably, in the training boot, the one or more compartments (preferably the one or more elongate compartments), which are suitable for receiving a flexible weight, have an opening or openings (e.g. at one side or at one end of the compartment, preferably at an end of the compartment which is distal from the foot portion), through which a or the flexible weight can pass so as to be received by and/or withdrawn from the compartment. More preferably, the opening or openings is or are provided with a fastener (preferably a hoop-and-loop-type fastener (e.g. a Velcro ™ fastener) or a zip fastener) which fastens the compartment in a closed position and thereby secures in place any weight in the compartment; and/or, also more preferably, the opening or openings is or are provided with, or is or are partly or wholly formed from, elastic material so as to secure in place any weight in the compartment.

Preferably, in the training boot, the calf portion and/or the upper part of the foot portion is at least partly (e.g. partly or substantially wholly) formed from leather or a material equivalent to leather.

Preferred and/or particular and/or example features of the first and/or second aspects of the invention, in particular preferred, particular and/or example features of the compartments, of the flexible weights, and/or of openings for the compartments, can be the same as or correspond to the corresponding preferred, particular and/or example features for the third, fourth, fifth, sixth and/or other aspects of the invention, with all necessary and/or appropriate textual changes being made.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a training garment (in particular a sports training garment), which is an upper-body training garment (e.g. sports training garment) or an upper-and-lower-body training garment (e.g. a sports training garment), wherein:

the training garment is suitable for sports training (in particular boxing training, athletics training and/or field game training) and/or is suitable for improving the speed, strength, stamina, dexterity and/or reaction times of a user’s torso (and optionally also of a user’s arms and/or legs) (in particular of a sportsperson’s torso and optionally also of a sportsperson’s arms and/or legs, preferably of a sportsperson’s torso and arms), and wherein the training garment comprises:

a garment body, which is suitable for covering at least part of (preferably part of) a user’s upper body (in particular at least part of a user’s torso and optionally also arm(s)), and/or which is suitable for covering at least part of (preferably part of) a user’s upper and lower body (in particular at least part of a user’s torso and leg(s) and optionally also arm(s));

wherein the garment body comprises one or more (preferably two or more, more preferably 3, 4 or more) front-thorax compartments suitable for receiving a flexible weight in such a position that, when so received, the flexible weight or weights in the one or more front-thorax compartments is or are positioned at a front of the thorax (i.e. at a front of the chest) of a user (preferably a human user, more preferably a human adult or adolescent user), and is or are substantially not positioned at an abdomen of the user, when the training garment is worn (preferably in the intended and/or usual manner) by the user;

and wherein the garment body comprises one or more (preferably two or more, more preferably 3, 4 or more) rear-thorax compartments suitable for receiving a flexible weight in such a position that, when so received, the flexible weight or weights in the one or more rearthorax compartments is or are positioned at a rear of the thorax (in particular at an upper back positon and/or at a rear shoulders position) of a user (preferably a human user, more preferably a human adult or adolescent user), and is or are substantially not positioned at a middle-back or lower-back of the user, when the training garment is worn (preferably in the intended and/or usual manner) by the user.

In particular (but without limitation) with respect to the third aspect of the invention, the phrase “one or more (preferably two or more) front-thorax compartments suitable for receiving a flexible weight in such a position that, when so received, the flexible weight or weights in the one or more front-thorax compartments is or are positioned at a front of the thorax (i.e. at a front of the chest) of a user (preferably a human user), and is or are substantially not positioned at an abdomen of the user, when the training garment is worn (preferably in the intended and/or usual manner) by the user”, or an equivalent or similar phrase, means that:

(i) 50% or more, preferably 70% or more, more preferably 85% or more or 90% or more, even more preferably 95% or more, most preferably substantially all, of the area of the base of the front-thorax compartment(s) is or are positioned at a front of the thorax (i.e. at a front of the chest) of a user (preferably a human user), and (ii) from 0% to 25%, preferably from 0% to 15%, more preferably from 0% to 10%, even more preferably from 0% to 5%, most preferably substantially none, of the area of the base of the front-thorax compartment(s) is or are positioned at the abdomen of the user, when the training garment is worn (preferably in the intended and/or usual manner) by the user.

In particular (but without limitation) with respect to the third aspect of the invention, the phrase “one or more (preferably two or more) rear-thorax compartments suitable for receiving a flexible weight in such a position that, when so received, the flexible weight or weights in the one or more rear-thorax compartments is or are positioned at a rear of the thorax (in particular at an upper back positon and/or at a rear shoulders position) of a user (preferably a human user), and is or are substantially not positioned at a middle-back or lower-back of the user, when the training garment is worn (preferably in the intended and/or usual manner) by the user”, or an equivalent or similar phrase, means that:

(i) 50% or more, preferably 70% or more, more preferably 85% or more or 90% or more, even more preferably 95% or more, most preferably substantially all, of the area of the base of the rear-thorax compartment(s) is or are positioned at a rear of the thorax (in particular at an upper back positon and/or at a rear shoulders position) of a user (preferably a human user), and (ii) from 0% to 25%, preferably from 0% to 15%, more preferably from 0% to 10%, even more preferably from 0% to 5%, most preferably substantially none, of the area of the base of the rear-thorax compartment(s) is or are positioned at the middle-back or lower-back of the user, when the training garment is worn (preferably in the intended and/or usual manner) by the user.

In all aspects of the present invention, when a feature or object A is stated as being at the “side” of another feature or object B, then this includes embodiments where the feature or object A is partly at the side and is partly elsewhere, for example an object A which is generally at the side of B and is positioned slightly to the front of B, or an object A which is generally at the side of B but is positioned slightly to the back of B. This applies to terms such as “side-of-upper-arm” (i.e. at the side, e.g. outside, of the upper arm) and/or “side-offorearm” (i.e. at the side, e.g. outside, of the forearm) - these terms include embodiments which are generally at the side of the upper arm or forearm, but are also be positioned slightly to the front of the upper arm or forearm.

Preferably, the garment body comprises one or more (preferably two or more, more preferably 3, 4, 5, 6 or more) upper-body-torso compartments suitable for receiving a flexible weight, wherein most or all of (preferably two or more of, more preferably 3, 4, 5, 6 or more of) the one or more upper-body-torso compartments (located on an upper-body-torso portion(s) of the garment body), are oriented so as to be generally horizontal, and/or are oriented so as to be inclined at an angle of no more than 45 degrees (preferably no more than 30 degrees, more preferably more no more than 15 degrees) to the horizontal, when the training garment is worn (preferably in the intended and/or usual manner) by a user (in particular a sportsperson) standing in an upright position.

More preferably, the said generally-horizontally-oriented and/or inclined upper-body-torso compartments are present on a front-upper-body portion of the training garment.

More preferably, the said generally-horizontally-oriented and/or inclined upper-body-torso compartments are present on a back-upper-body portion of the training garment.

Even more preferably, the said generally-horizontally-oriented and/or inclined upper-bodytorso compartments are present on a front-upper-body portion and on a back-upper-body portion of the training garment.

Preferred and/or particular and/or example features of the third aspect of the invention, in particular preferred, particular and/or example features of the compartments, of the flexible weights, and/or of openings for the compartments, can be the same as or correspond to the corresponding preferred, particular and/or example features for the first, second, fourth, fifth, sixth and/or other aspects of the invention, with all necessary and/or appropriate textual changes being made.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a training garment (in particular a sports training garment), which is an upper-body training garment (e.g. sports training garment) or an upper-and-lower-body training garment (e.g. sports training garment), wherein:

the training garment is suitable for sports training (in particular boxing training, athletics training and/or field game training) and/or is suitable for improving the speed, strength, stamina, dexterity and/or reaction times of a user’s torso, arms and/or legs (in particular of a sportsperson’s torso, arms and/or legs, preferably of a sportsperson’s torso and/or arms, more preferably of a sportsperson’s torso), and wherein the training garment comprises:

wherein the garment body comprises one or more (preferably two or more, more preferably 3, 4, 5, 6 or more) compartments suitable for receiving a flexible weight in such a position that, when so received, the flexible weight or weights in the one or more compartments is or are positioned at and/or around a body [preferably at and/or around an upper body (in particular torso and optionally also arms), or at and/or around an upper and lower body (in particular torso and legs and optionally also arms)] of a user (preferably a human user, more preferably a human adult or adolescent user) when the training garment is worn (preferably in the intended and/or usual manner) by the user (in particular a sportsperson);

and wherein the garment body comprises one or more (preferably two or more, more preferably 3, 4, 5, 6 or more) upper-body-torso compartments suitable for receiving a flexible weight, wherein most or all of (preferably two or more of, more preferably 3, 4, 5, 6 or more of) the one or more upper-body-torso compartments (located on an upper-body-torso portion(s) of the garment body), are oriented so as to be generally horizontal, and/or are oriented so as to be inclined at an angle of no more than 45 degrees (preferably no more than 30 degrees, more preferably more no more than 15 degrees) to the horizontal, when the training garment is worn (preferably in the intended and/or usual manner) by a user (in particular a sportsperson) standing in an upright position.

Preferably, the said generally-horizontally-oriented and/or inclined upper-body-torso compartments are present on a front-upper-body portion of the training garment.

Preferably, the said generally-horizontally-oriented and/or inclined upper-body-torso compartments are present on a back-upper-body portion of the training garment.

More preferably, the said generally-horizontally-oriented and/or inclined upper-body-torso compartments are present on a front-upper-body portion and on a back-upper-body portion of the training garment.

Preferred and/or particular and/or example features of the fourth aspect of the invention, in particular preferred, particular and/or example features of the compartments, of the flexible weights, and/or of openings for the compartments, can be the same as or correspond to the corresponding preferred, particular and/or example features for the first, second, third, fifth, sixth and/or other aspects of the invention, with all necessary and/or appropriate textual changes being made.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided:

a training garment (in particular a sports training garment), which is a pair of trousers (i.e. “pants” in American English), a pair of leggings or a pair of shorts, wherein:

the training garment is suitable for sports training (in particular boxing training, athletics training and/or field game training) and/or is suitable for improving the speed, strength, stamina, dexterity and/or reaction times of a user’s legs (in particular of a sportsperson’s legs), and wherein the training garment comprises:

a garment body, which is suitable for covering at least part of (preferably part of) a user’s lower body (in particular at least part of a user’s leg(s)), and/or which is suitable for covering at least part of (preferably part of) a user’s upper and lower body (in particular at least part of a user’s torso and leg(s) and optionally also arm(s));

wherein a lower body portion (preferably a leg portion, more preferably a lower leg (calf) portion and/or an upper leg (thigh) portion) of the garment body comprises one or more (preferably two or more, more preferably 3, 4 or more) side-of-thigh and/or side-of-calf compartments, wherein some or all (e.g. most or all) of the one or more side-of-thigh and/or side-of-calf compartments contain one or more flexible weights, wherein the the one or more side-of-thigh and/or side-of-calf compartments are in such a position that the flexible weight or weights in the one or more side-of-thigh and/or side-ofcalf compartments is or are positioned at a side of the thigh and/or at a side of the calf of a user (preferably a human user, more preferably a human adult or adolescent user), when the training garment is worn (preferably in the intended and/or usual manner) by the user;

and wherein some or all (preferably most of or all, more preferably all) of the one or more side-of-thigh and/or side-of-calf weights is or are one or more flexible weights shaped to fit (preferably shaped to fit snugly) the side-of-thigh and/or side-of-calf compartment(s) containing the one or more side-of-thigh and/or side-of-calf weights;

and/or wherein some or all (preferably most of or all, more preferably all) of the one or more sideof-thigh and/or side-of-calf compartments are elongate in shape, and are elongated generally (and/or substantially) in the direction of the longitudinal axis (the leg axis) of the leg portion of the garment.

In all aspects of the present invention, when a feature or object A is stated as being at the “side” of another feature or object B, then this includes embodiments where the feature or object A is partly at the side and is partly elsewhere, for example an object A which is generally at the side of B and is positioned slightly to the front of B, or an object A which is generally at the side of B but is positioned slightly to the back of B. This applies to terms such as “side-of-thigh” (i.e. at the side of the upper leg (thigh)) and/or “side-of-calf’ (i.e. at the side of the lower leg or calf) - these terms encompass embodiments which are generally at the side of the upper or lower leg but which are positioned slightly to the front of the upper or lower leg, for example as is disclosed & illustrated in Figures 38, 39 and 40 herein for the upper and lower leg compartments (132, 134) of the leggings (130).

In the present invention, “shorts” and/or “a pair of shorts” means a garment adapted to be worn over the pelvic area of a user (preferably a human user, more preferably a human adult or adolescent user), and which, when so worn, circles the waist or thereabaouts and splits to cover some or all of (preferably most or all of) the upper part(s) (thigh(s)) of the leg(s) of the user (preferably a human user), but not covering the entire length(s) of the leg(s) of the user. The term “shorts” and/or “a pair of shorts” includes functionally-similar variants such as “culottes”, “skorts” (shorts with a skirt-like outer covering), and/or similar.

Preferably, in the present invention, “shorts” and/or “a pair of shorts” extend from the pelvic area down along 30% or more (preferably 40% or more, 50% or more, 60% or more, 70% or more, 80% or more, or 90% or more) of the length(s) of the upper leg(s) (thigh(s)) of the user (preferably a human user, more preferably a human adult or adolescent user), when worn by the user (preferably a human user).

More preferably, in the present invention, “shorts” and/or “a pair of shorts” extend from the pelvic area (i) down to the knee(s), or (ii) down to just above the knee(s) (i.e. with the knee(s) exposed when worn by the user) [preferably extending down along 70% or more, 80% or more, or 90% or more of the length(s) of the upper leg(s) (thigh(s)) of the user], or (iii) down to just below the knee(s), when worn by the user (preferably a human user).

Preferably, especially in the fifth aspect of the invention, some or all (preferably most of or all, more preferably all) of the one or more side-of-thigh and/or side-of-calf weights is or are one or more flexible weights shaped to fit (preferably shaped to fit snugly) the side-of-thigh and/or side-of-calf compartment(s) containing the one or more side-of-thigh and/or side-ofcalf weights.

Preferably, some or all (preferably most of or all, more preferably all) of the one or more shaped-to-fit side-of-thigh and/or side-of-calf flexible weights are elongated generally (and/or substantially) in the direction of the longitudinal axis (the leg axis) of the leg portion of the garment.

Preferably, some or all (preferably most of or all, more preferably all) of the one or more side-of-thigh and/or side-of-calf weights:

- is or are one or more flexible, resilient and/or elastomeric (preferably rubber) weights shaped to fit (preferably shaped to fit snugly) the side-of-thigh and/or side-of-calf compartment/s) containing the one or more flexible, resilient and/or elastomeric (preferably rubber) weights;

and/or

- is or are one or more bags containing powder or granules (preferably one or more sandbags) shaped to fit (preferably shaped to fit snugly) the side-of-thigh and/or side-of-calf compartment/s) containing the one or more bags.

Preferably, some or all (preferably most of or all, more preferably all) of the one or more shaped-to-fit, flexible, side-of-thigh and/or side-of-calf weights are elongated generally (and/or substantially) in the direction of the longitudinal axis (the leg axis) of the leg portion of the garment.

Preferably, some or all of (preferably most of or all of, more preferably all of) the one or more flexible, side-of-thigh and/or side-of-calf weights are removeable from the one or more side-of-thigh and/or side-of-calf compartments. This allows the amount of weight and/or the spatial distribution of weight carried by a user to be adjusted according to his exercise / training needs. As the user’s strength and/or stamina increases, an increased number of and/or an increased weight of the one or more side-of-thigh and/or side-of-calf weights can be added to the one or more side-of-thigh and/or side-of-calf compartments.

More preferably, some or all of (preferably most of or all of, more preferably all of) the one or more flexible, side-of-thigh and/or side-of-calf weights are reversibly removeable from the one or more side-of-thigh and/or side-of-calf compartments. That is, some or all of the one or more flexible, side-of-thigh and/or side-of-calf weights can be removed from and inserted into the one or more side-of-thigh and/or side-of-calf compartments. This allows the amount of weight and/or the spatial distribution of weight carried by a user to be adjusted according to his exercise / training needs.

Preferred and/or particular and/or example features of the fifth aspect of the invention, in particular preferred, particular and/or example features of the compartments, of the flexible weights, and/or of openings for the compartments, can be the same as or correspond to the corresponding preferred, particular and/or example features for the first, second, third, fourth, sixth and/or other aspects of the invention, with all necessary and/or appropriate textual changes being made.

A sixth aspect of the present invention provides a method of weight or exercise training, comprising the steps of:

(a) a user (e.g. human user, e.g. human adult or adolescent user) putting on one or more gloves, boots and/or garments according to the first, second, third, fourth and/or fifth aspects of the present invention; and (b) inserting one or more flexible weights (e.g. as defined herein) in one or more (preferably 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 or more) of the compartments of the one or more gloves, boots and/or garments according to the first, second, third, fourth and/or fifth aspects of the present invention; and (c) performing weight or exercise training while wearing the one or more gloves, boots and/or garments, containing one or more flexible weights.

EXAMPLES

Preferred non-limiting embodiments of:

- the first aspect of the present invention (a training glove (10) which is a boxing training glove - Example 1); and

- the second aspect of the present invention [a training boot - a long-length boot example (boxing boot) (50, Example 2), and a short/half-length boot (e.g. basketball boot) example (70, Example 3)]; and

-the third and fourth aspects of the invention (upper body garment and/or upper-and-lowerbody garment); and

-the fifth aspects of the invention (lower body garment and/or upper-and-lower-body garment);

are illustrated in the accompanying Figures and are described in the Examples hereinafter.

In the accompanying Figures (the drawings):

Figure 1 is a top plan view of the outside (the backhand side) (20) of a training glove (10) of Example 1, in an open configuration, with the distal foldable forearm portion (34) folded out.

Figure 2 is a top plan view of the outside (the backhand side) (20) of the training glove (10) of Example 1, in a closed configuration, with the distal foldable forearm portion (34) folded inwards and secured by straps.

Figure 3 is a bottom plan view of the inside (the forehand side) (22) of the training glove (10) of Example 1, in an open configuration, with the distal foldable forearm portion (34) folded out.

Figure 4 is a bottom plan view of the inside (the forehand side) (22) of the training glove (10) of Example 1, in a closed configuration, with the distal foldable forearm portion (34) folded inwards and secured by straps.

Figure 5 is a side view of the training glove (10) of Example 1, in a closed configuration, with the distal foldable forearm portion (34) folded inwards and secured by straps.

Figure 5A is a top plan view of the outside (the backhand side) (20) of a variant (45) of the training glove of Example 1, in an open configuration, with the distal foldable forearm portion (34) folded out. The diagram is similar to Figure 1, but Figure 5 A illustrates the stretchy and/or elastic and/or ribbed material out of which the compartments are made; most preferably, the elastic material is ribbed jersey cuff. The stretchy and/or elastic and/or ribbed material helps to keep the weights securely in place in the compartments.

Figure 5B is a top plan view of the outside (the backhand side) (20) of the variant (45) of the training glove of Example 1, in a closed configuration, with the distal foldable forearm portion (34) folded inwards and secured by straps. The compartments are made out of the stretchy and/or elastic and/or ribbed material, most preferably ribbed jersey cuff.

Figure 5C is a view the stretchy and/or elastic and/or ribbed material (46), specifically ribbed jersey cuff (46), out of which the compartments (16) are made, in the variant (45) of the training glove of Example 1.

Figure 6 is a top plan view of a long-length training boot example (a boxing boot) (50) according to Example 2, with straps securing foldable flaps (located at the calf in use) of the boot in a closed configuration.

Figure 7 is a rear view of the long-length training boot example (a boxing boot) (50) according to Example 2, with straps securing foldable flaps (located at the calf in use) of the boot in a closed configuration.

Figure 8 is a side view of the long-length training boot example (a boxing boot) (50) according to Example 2, with straps and foldable flaps (located at the calf in use) of the boot in an open configuration.

Figure 9 is a top plan view of the long-length training boot example (a boxing boot) (50) according to Example 2, with straps and foldable flaps of the boot in an open configuration.

Figure 10 is a side view of the long-length training boot example (a boxing boot) (50) according to Example 2, with straps and foldable flaps of the boot in a closed configuration.

Figure 11 is a side view of the long-length training boot example (a boxing boot) (50) according to Example 2, with straps and foldable flaps of the boot in an open configuration, and showing the elongate compartments in a calf portion of the boot which are adapted to receive elongate flexible weights (two of which are illustrated).

Figure 12 is a side view of a short/half-length training boot example (a basketball boot) (70) according to Example 3, with straps and foldable flaps (located at or near the calf and/or ankle in use) of the boot in an open configuration.

Figure 13 is a top plan view of the short/half-length training boot example (the basketball boot) (70) according to Example 3, with straps and foldable flaps of the boot in an open configuration.

Figure 14 is a side view of the short/half-length training boot example (the basketball boot) (70) according to Example 3, with straps and foldable flaps of the boot in a closed configuration.

Figure 15 is a side view of the short/half-length training boot example (the basketball boot) (70) according to Example 3, with straps and foldable flaps of the boot in an open configuration, and showing the elongate compartments in a calf and/or ankle portion of the boot which are adapted to receive elongate flexible weights (two of which are illustrated).

Figure 16 is a top plan view of the short/half-length training boot example (the basketball boot) (70) according to Example 3, with straps securing foldable flaps (located at or near the calf and/or ankle in use) of the boot in a closed configuration.

Figure 17 is a rear view of the short/half-length training boot example (the basketball boot) (70) according to Example 3, with straps securing foldable flaps (located at or near the calf and/or ankle in use) of the boot in a closed configuration.

Figures 18,19 and 20 are respectively front, back and side views of an integral upper-andlower-body garment (80) (a “onesie” in British English), which is an embodiment of the third and fourth aspects of the invention. Elongate compartments, suitable for receiving flexible weights, are shown on the front and/or front-thorax portion, on the rear-thorax portion, at the side of the upper-arm portions, at the side of the forearm portions, at the side of the calf (lower leg) portions, and at the side of the thigh (upper leg) portions, of the upper-and-lowerbody garment ( “onesie”) (80). On the front-thorax portion of the upper-and-lower-body garment (80) (see Figure 18), there are two generally-vertically-oriented (generallylongitudinally-oriented) large compartments at the upper-front-thorax, and four generallyhorizontally-oriented (generally-laterally-oriented) (actually inclined at about 15-20 degrees to the horizontal) smaller compartments at the lower-front-thorax and/or upper abdomen positions. Similarly, on the rear-thorax portion of the upper-and-lower-body garment (80) (see Figure 19), there are two generally-vertically-oriented (generally-longitudinallyoriented) large compartments at the upper-rear-thorax, and four generally-horizontallyoriented (generally-laterally-oriented) (actually inclined at about 15-35 degrees to the horizontal) smaller compartments at the lower-rear-thorax positions. The 2 + 4 rear-thorax compartments are distributed equally either side of a spine portion of the upper-and-lowerbody garment (80). The upper-and-lower-body garment (80) is tight fitting when worn by a user (e.g. by a human user). The upper-and-lower-body garment (80) is preferably made mostly of tight-fitting elastic and/or resilient material, more preferably tight-fitting, elastic and/or resilient, synthetic-fibre-based material and/or more preferably robust (hard-wearing) and/or water-resistant material. Preferably, preferred features of this garment (80) shown in Figures 18-20 can be some of those disclosed as preferred features in the third and/or fourth aspects of the invention as disclosed herein eg hereinabove.

Figure 21 is a back view of an alternative integral upper-and-lower-body garment (90) (a “onesie” in British English), which is an embodiment of the third and fourth aspects of the invention. This garment (90) is a variant of the garment (80) disclosed in Figures 18, 19 and

20. The front of the garment (90) has the same arrangement of compartments as that shown in Figure 18 for garment (80) (not explicitly illustrated for garment 90). The back of the garment (90) has a different arrangement of compartments (92, 94, 96), as shown in Figure

21, in which there are three large, elongate, generally-horizontally-oriented (generally laterally-oriented) compartments (96) at the rear-thorax position, each of these three rearthorax compartments (96) extending across most of the (rear) width of the garment (90). As with the previous upper-and-lower-body garment (80) shown in Figures 18-20, in the garment (90) shown in Figure 21, there are elongate, generally-longitudinally-oriented compartments (92, 94), suitable for receiving flexible weights, at the upper-arm-side portions (92) & at the forearm-side portions (92), at the side of the calf (lower leg) portions (94), and at the side of the thigh (upper leg) portions (94), of the upper-and-lower-body garment (90). The upper-and-lower-body garment (90) is tight fitting when worn by a user (e.g. by a human user). The upper-and-lower-body garment (90) is preferably made mostly of tight-fitting elastic and/or resilient material, more preferably tight-fitting, elastic and/or resilient, synthetic-fibre-based material and/or more preferably robust (hard-wearing) and/or waterresistant material. Preferably, preferred features of this garment (90) shown in Figures 21-23 can be some of those disclosed as preferred features in the third and/or fourth aspects of the invention as disclosed herein eg hereinabove.

Figure 22 is a plan and/or perspective view of a hook-and-loop-type fastener material (preferably VELCRO ™) (95), showing the two layers of the material (95), which reversibly hook into each other, partially peeled apart. This hook-and-loop-type fastener material (95), e.g. VELCRO ™, is used to reversibly close the opening (not shown) of the compartments (92, 94) on the upper-arm & forearm (92) and on the upper leg (thigh) & lower leg (calf) (94) , on the upper-and-lower-body garment (90) shown in Figure 21. This closure material (95) helps to secure any flexible weights in place within their compartments (92, 94).

Figure 23 is a plan and/or perspective view of one of the rear-thorax compartments (96) of the upper-and-lower-body garment (90) shown in Figure 21. (Each of) these rear-thorax compartments (96), which are elongate and are generally horizontally (laterally) oriented, e.g. during use, have an opening (97) near the top of and running along the length of the rearthorax compartment (96), wherein this opening (97) is reversibly closed by a zip (97) which is hidden by a flexible flap (98) of material. This zip (97) is used to reversibly close the opening of (each of) the rear-thorax compartments (96) of the upper-and-lower-body garment (90) shown in Figure 21. During use, this/these zip(s) (97) help(s) to secure any flexible weights in place within the rear-thorax compartments (96).

Figures 24, 25 and 26 are front, side and rear (back) views respectively of a long-sleeved, front-opening, upper body garment (100) having a hood (that is, a “hoodie” in British English) , e.g. according to third and/or fourth aspects of the invention. The distribution and orientation of compartments is similar to the upper-body compartments of the upper-andlower-body garment (90) shown in Figure 21. In other words, similar to garment (90), and as shown in Figure 26, the back of the hooded upper body garment (100) has three large, elongate, generally-horizontally-oriented (generally-laterally-oriented) compartments (106) at upper back (rear-thorax) position(s) and/or at lower back position(s), and each of these three upper and/or lower back compartments (106) extends across most of the (rear) width of the hooded garment (100). As shown in Figure 24, the front portion of the hooded upper body garment (100) has two large, generally-vertically-oriented (generally-longitudinally-oriented) compartments (101) at the front-thorax e.g. upper-front-thorax position(s), and also has four generally-horizontally-oriented (generally-laterally-oriented) smaller compartments (101A) (actually inclined at about 15-35 degrees to the horizontal) at the lower-front-thorax and/or abdominal positions. As shown in Figures 24, 25 and 26, the hooded upper body garment (100) also has elongate, generally-longitudinally-oriented compartments (102, 103) (which are generally vertical when worn by an upright human user); these elongate compartments (102, 103), suitable for receiving flexible weights, are present at the upper-arm-side portions (102) and at the forearm-side portions (103) of the upper body garment (100). Preferably, as shown in Figure 24, the hooded upper body garment (100) is fairly loose-fitting when worn by a user (e.g. a human user), & is typically made mostly of cotton and/or synthetic-fibrebased material, preferably robust (hard-wearing) and/or water-resistant material. Preferably, preferred features of the hooded upper body garment (100), which is illustrated in Figures 2428, can be some of those features disclosed as preferred features in the third and/or fourth aspects of the invention as disclosed herein eg hereinabove.

Figure 27 is a plan and/or perspective view of a hook-and-loop-type fastener material (preferably VELCRO ™) (105), showing the two layers of the material (105), which reversibly hook into each other, partially peeled apart. This hook-and-loop-type fastener material (105), e.g. VELCRO ™, is used to reversibly close the opening (not shown) of the compartments (102, 103) on the upper-arm (102) and forearm (103) of the hooded upper body garment (100) shown in Figures 24, 25 and 26. This closure material (105) helps to secure any flexible weights in place within their compartments (102, 103).

Figure 28 is a plan and/or perspective view of one of the three upper and/or lower back compartments (106) of the hooded upper body garment (100) shown in Figures 24, 25 and

26. (Each of) these upper and/or lower back compartments (106), which are elongate and are generally horizontally (laterally) oriented, e.g. during use, have an opening (107) near the top of and running along the length of the back compartment(s) (106), wherein this opening (107) is reversibly closed by a zip (107) which is hidden by a flexible flap (108) of material. This zip (107) is used to reversibly close the opening (107) of (each of) the back compartments (106) of the hooded upper body garment (100) shown in Figures 24, 25 and 26. During use, this/these zip(s) (107) help(s) to secure any flexible weights in place within the upper and/or lower back compartments (106).

Figures 29, 30 and 31 are front, side and rear (back) views respectively of a long-sleeved upper body garment (110) having no front opening, e.g. according to third and/or fourth aspects of the invention. Optionally, this could be called a long-sleeved T-shirt (110) in British English. As shown in Figure 29, the front portion of the upper body garment (110) has three elongate, generally-horizontally-oriented (generally-laterally-oriented) compartments (111) at the front-thorax and/or abdominal positions; and each of these three front compartments (111) extends across most of the (front) width of the garment (110). As shown in Figure 31, the back of the upper body garment (110) has three large, elongate, generally-horizontally-oriented (generally-laterally-oriented) compartments (116) at upper back (rear-thorax) position(s) and/or at lower back position(s); and each of these three upper and/or lower back compartments (116) extends across most of the (rear) width of the garment (110). As shown in Figures 29, 30 and 31, the upper body garment (110) also has elongate, generally-longitudinally-oriented compartments (112, 113) (which are generally vertical when worn by an upright human user); these elongate compartments (112, 113), suitable for receiving flexible weights, are present at the upper-arm-side portions (112) and at the forearm-side portions (113) of the upper body garment (110). Preferably, as shown in Figure 29, the upper body garment (110) is generally tight-fitting when worn by a user (e.g. by a human user) (though in an alternative embodiment it can be generally loose-fitting when worn). Typically, the upper body garment (110) is made mostly of cotton and/or syntheticfibre-based material, preferably robust (hard-wearing) and/or water-resistant material. Preferably, preferred features of the upper body garment (110), which is illustrated in Figures 29-33, can be some of those features disclosed as preferred features in the third and/or fourth aspects of the invention as disclosed herein eg hereinabove.

Figure 32 is a plan and/or perspective view of a hook-and-loop-type fastener material (preferably VELCRO ™) (115), showing the two layers of the material (115), which reversibly hook into each other, partially peeled apart. This hook-and-loop-type fastener material (115), e.g. VELCRO ™, is used to reversibly close the opening (not shown) of the compartments (112, 113) on the upper-arm (112) and forearm (113) of the upper body garment (110) shown in Figures 29, 30 and 31. This closure material (115) helps to secure any flexible weights in place within their compartments (112, 113).

Figure 33 is a plan and/or perspective view of one of the three upper and/or lower back compartments (116) of the upper body garment (110) shown in Figures 29, 30 and 31. (Each of) these upper and/or lower back compartments (116), which are elongate and are generally horizontally (laterally) oriented, e.g. during use, have an opening (117) near the top of and running along the length of the back compartment(s) (116), wherein this opening (117) is reversibly closed by a zip (117) which is hidden by a flexible flap (118) of material. This zip (117) is used to reversibly close the opening (117) of (each of) the back compartments (116) of the upper body garment (110) shown in Figures 29, 30 and 31. During use, this/these zip(s) (117) help(s) to secure any flexible weights in place within the upper and/or lower back compartments (116). Additionally, (each of) the three front elongate compartments (111) also has the same arrangement, i.e. they (each) have an opening (117) near the top of and running along the (generally-laterally-oriented) length of the front compartment(s) (111), and the opening (117) is reversibly closed by a zip (117) which is hidden by a flexible flap (118) of material. During use, this/these zip(s) (117) help(s) to secure any flexible weights in place within the front compartments (111).

Figures 34, 35 and 36 are front, side and rear (back) views respectively of a sleeveless upper body garment (120) having no front opening, e.g. according to third and/or fourth aspects of the invention. Optionally, this could be called a “vest” (120) in British English. As can be seen, the arrangement of weights is the same as for the long-sleeved garment (110) except that there are no compartments for weights on the sleeves (arms), because there are no sleeves on garment (120).

Figure 37 is a plan and/or perspective view of one of the three upper and/or lower back compartments of the sleeveless upper body garment (120) shown in Figures 34, 35 and 36. As shown in Figure 37, (each of) these upper and/or lower back compartments, which are elongate and are generally horizontally (laterally) oriented, e.g. during use, have an opening near the top of and running along the length of the back compartment(s), wherein this opening is reversibly closed by a zip which is hidden by a flexible flap of material. This zip is used to reversibly close the opening of (each of) the back compartments of the upper body garment (120) shown in Figures 35 and 36. During use, this/these zip(s) help(s) to secure any flexible weights in place within the upper and/or lower back compartments. Additionally, (each of) the three front, elongate, generally-horizontally-(laterally)-oriented compartments (shown in Figures 34 and 35) also has the same arrangement, i.e. they (each) have an opening near the top of and running along the (generally-laterally-oriented) length of the front compartment(s), and the opening is reversibly closed by a zip which is hidden by a flexible flap of material. During use, this/these zip(s) help(s) to secure any flexible weights in place within the front compartments of the upper body garment (120).

Figures 38, 39 and 40 are a front view, a rear (back) view, and a side-and-front view respectively of a tight-fitting lower body garment (130), e.g. according to the fifth aspect of the present invention. Optionally, this could be called “leggings” or “a pair of leggings” (130) in British English. The lower body garment (130) comprises four (4) elongate compartments (132, 134), suitable for receiving flexible weights (not shown). One compartment (132) is present at the side (specifically, the outside) of each of the two thigh (upper leg) portions; and one compartment (134) is present at the side (specifically, the outside) of each of the calf (lower leg) portions, of the lower body garment (“leggings”) (130). The elongate compartments (132, 134) are large generally-vertically-oriented (in standing use) (and/or are generally-longitudinally-oriented with respect to the leg axes), and are generally at the side of the thigh (upper leg) (132) (and preferably slightly to the front as shown) or are generally at side of the calf (lower leg) (134) (and preferably slightly to the front as shown). The lower body garment (130) is tight fitting when worn by a user (e.g. by a human user). The lower body garment (130) is preferably made mostly of tight-fitting elastic and/or resilient material, more preferably tight-fitting, elastic and/or resilient, synthetic-fibrebased material and/or more preferably robust (hard-wearing) and/or water-resistant material. Preferably, preferred features of this garment (130) shown in Figures 38-40 can be some of those disclosed as preferred features in the fifth aspect of the invention as disclosed herein eg hereinabove.

Figure 41 is a plan and/or perspective view of one of the upper and/or lower leg compartments (132, 134) of the lower body garment (130) shown in Figures 38, 39 and 40. As shown in Figure 41, (each of) these upper and/or lower leg compartments (132, 134), which are elongate and are generally-longitudinally oriented (i.e. generally-verticallyoriented, during upright-standing use), have an opening (see Figure 41) near one side of and running along the length of the leg compartment(s), wherein this opening is reversibly closed by a zip (shown in Figure 41) which is hidden by a flexible flap of material (shown in Figure 41). This zip is used to reversibly close the opening of (each of) the upper and/or lower leg compartments (132, 134) of the lower body garment (130) shown in Figures 38, 39 and 40. During use, this/these zip(s) help(s) to secure any flexible weights in place within the upper and/or lower leg compartments (132, 134).

It is to be remembered that, in all aspects of the present invention, when a feature or object A is stated as being at the “side” of another feature or object B, then this includes embodiments where the feature or object A is partly at the side and is partly elsewhere, for example an object A which is generally at the side of B and is positioned slightly to the front of B, or an object A which is generally at the side of B but is positioned slightly to the back of B. This applies to terms such as “side-of-thigh” (i.e. at the side of the upper leg (thigh)) and/or “sideof-calf ’ (i.e. at the side of the lower leg or calf) - these terms encompass embodiments which are generally at the side of the upper or lower leg but which are positioned slightly to the front of the upper or lower leg, for example as is disclosed & illustrated in Figures 38, 39 and 40 herein for the upper and lower leg compartments (132, 134) of the leggings (130).

Example 1 - A training glove (10)

As illustrated in Figures 1 to 5, Example 1 is a training glove (10) which is suitable for boxing training, and which is suitable for improving the speed, strength, stamina, dexterity and/or reaction times, of a user’s arms, in particular of a sportsperson’s (e.g. a boxer’s) arms. It is a boxing training glove (10).

The training glove (10) comprises:

- a glove body (12) suitable for covering a user’s hand; and

- a forearm portion (14), which is suitable for covering part of a user’s forearm when the glove (10) is worn on the user’s hand, wherein the forearm portion (14) is attached to the glove body (12).

The glove body (12) is suitable for covering a user’s hand and the fingers and the thumb of the hand.

The forearm portion (14) comprises a plurality of compartments (16).

In Example 1, as shown in Figures 1 and 3, the forearm portion (14) has five (5) compartments (16A, 16B, 16C, 16D and 16E) positioned generally on the outside (the backhand side) (20) of the glove (10), and a further four (4) compartments (16F, 16G, 16H and 16 J) positioned generally on the inside (the forehand side) (22) of the glove (10). However, in alternative versions of Example 1, the forearm portion (14) can comprise one (1), two (2), three (3), four (4), or more than five (more than 5) compartments positioned generally on the outside (the backhand side) of the glove (10); and/or the forearm portion (14) can comprise one (1), two (2), three (3) or more than four (more than 4) compartments positioned generally on the inside (the forehand side) of the glove (10).

The plurality of compartments (16) are suitable for receiving a flexible weight or weights (18) in such a position that, when so received, the flexible weight or weights (18) in the plurality of compartments (16) is or are positioned at the forearm of a user when the training glove (10) is worn on the user’s hand.

The training glove (10) typically comprises 1, 2, 3, 4 or more flexible weights (18) removeably received in the plurality of compartments (16). Two of the flexible weights (18 A, 18B) on the outside (the backhand side) are shown in Figure 1, and a further two flexible weights (18C, 18D) on the inside (the forehand side) are shown in Figure 3.

The flexible weights (18 A, 18B, 18C, 18D) are flexible solid weights. Preferably, they are flexible resilient-solid weights and/or granular-solid-filled or powder-filled flexible bag weights. The flexible resilient-solid weights are typically flexible elastomeric weights, preferably flexible rubber weights. The granular-solid-filled or powder-filled flexible bag weights are typically granular-solid-filled flexible bag weights, preferably sand-filled flexible bag weights (i.e. sand-bags).

As shown in Figures 1 and 3, in the glove (10), the flexible weights (18A, 18B, 18C, 18D) are elongate. In the training glove (10) of Example 1, the elongate flexible weights are generally slab-shaped (18A, 18B, 18C, 18D). In this context, “slab-shaped” elongate flexible weights means that (i) the elongate flexible weights are generally flat or are minimally curved in cross-section (e.g. are generally flat, or are curved in cross-section to match the curve of an adjacent forearm and/or to match the curve of a corresponding weight-receiving compartment or forearm portion), and (ii) the width of the elongate flexible weights is greater than (preferably 1.5 or more times or 2 or more times or 3 or more times greater than) their average thickness.

It should be noted that the presence of elongate flexible weight(s) (18 A, 18B, 18C, 18D) in the forearm portion (14) means that the training glove (10), e.g. boxing glove and/or boxing training glove, when it includes the flexible weights, is not suitable for use in boxing matches or in boxing training against a human opponent, because the added weight can cause unjustified and/or unacceptable damage to the human opponent. The training glove / boxing glove (10), when comprising the flexible weights (18), is intended i) for non-impact use (e.g. for improving the speed, strength and/or stamina of a user’s arms), and/or ii) for impact use against a non-living object, typically a punching bag.

In the training glove (10), the forearm portion (14) is suitable (it is long enough) for covering part or all (preferably substantially all) of a user’s (e.g. human user’s) wrist when the glove is worn on the user’s hand.

It can be seen from Figures 1 and 3 that the plurality of compartments (16) are suitable for receiving flexible weights (18A, 18B, 18C, 18D) in such a position that, when so received, the flexible weight or weights (18A, 18B, 18C, 18D) in the plurality of compartments (two or more from 16A to 16E and 16F to 16J) is or are substantially not positioned at the wrist of a user when the training glove (10) is worn on the user’s hand. This allows maximum flexibility and/or dexterity at the wrist during use, and it also minimizes the risk of damage to a user’s wrist, which in general is vulnerable to damage.

In the training glove (10), the forearm portion (14) comprises a plurality (preferably three, four or five or more) of the compartments (16). Two or more (preferably - as in Example 1 three, four, five or more) of the plurality of the compartments (16) are radially spaced apart from each other. This arrangement is so that flexible weights (18) are present in, and/or is so that flexible weights are able to be removeably placed or removeably received in, the two or more (preferably three, four or five or more) compartments which are in different radial positions (i.e. which are radially spaced apart) with respect to each other.

Here, “radially spaced apart” and/or “different radial positions”, and/or any similar radiusrelated term, refers to differently-directed radii generally perpendicular to a or the central longitudinal axis of the user’s forearm or of the forearm portion (14) of the training glove (10).

When there are many of (in particular three, four, five or more of) such radially-spaced-apart compartments, this allows the user to choose how many of the compartments (16) (e.g. how many radially-spaced-apart compartments) are to be filled with weights (18), and which compartments (e.g. which radially-spaced-apart compartments) (18) are to be filled with weights (18). This allows the user to vary his or her training according to his or her needs, so that, for example, the user can gradually increase the weight (mass) of the flexible weights (18), received / present in some or all of the compartments (16) in the training glove (10), as the user’s fitness increases.

In the training glove (10), the plurality of (preferably three, 4, 5 or more of) compartments (16, e g. some or all of 16A-16E & 16F-16J) are sized and/or positioned about the forearm portion (14) in such a way that, when some or all of the compartments (16) contain flexible weight(s) (18), and when two, 3, 4, 5 or more of the compartments are radially spaced apart from each other (e.g. as described hereinabove) and also contain flexible weights (18), then the weight (mass) of the flexible weight(s) (18, e.g. 18A, 18B, 18C, 18D) is distributed about an upper forearm portion (24) (i.e. on the backhand side), a lower forearm portion (26) (i.e. on the side of the forehand or palm of the hand), and an outside forearm portion (28) (i.e. on the side of the forearm usually distal from the user’s body), of the forearm portion (14) of the training glove (10). This arrangement achieves the effect that, during use of the training glove with weights, the muscles of the upper forearm (i.e. generally in the plane of the back of the hand), of the lower forearm (i.e. generally in the plane of the palm of the hand), and of the outside forearm (i.e. the side of the forearm usually distal from the user’s body) are exercised and/or developed, e.g. with respect to speed, strength and/or stamina, which is particularly relevant for boxing training.

In the training glove (10), most or all of the compartments (16, e.g. 16A to 16E and/or 16F to 16J) are elongate, and in particular are generally rectangular and/or generally tubular, preferably generally rectangular.

In the training glove (10), two, 3, 4, 5 or more (preferably all) of the one or more elongate compartments (16, in particular two, 3, 4, 5 or more, preferably all, of 16A to 16E and 16F to 16J) are oriented with their longitudinal axes generally parallel to a or the central longitudinal axis of the forearm portion (14) of the training glove (10). In this way, when the glove (10) is worn on a user’s hand, these compartments’ longitudinal axes are generally parallel to a or the central longitudinal axis of the user’s forearm. This is a preferred arrangement for better ergonomics, having the weights aligned generally longitudinally & not wrapped around the forearm e.g. wrist of the user.

In the training glove (10), the, or one, two or more of the, one or more compartments (16) have openings (30) on the outside of the training glove (10). This has the advantage that the user can add or remove weights, in particular flexible weights (18), easily, to or from the one or more compartments (16) with openings.

The forearm portion (14) of the training glove (10) comprises a proximal (e.g. central) forearm portion (32) and a distal foldable forearm portion (34) attached to (preferably integral with) the proximal forearm portion (32), wherein the distal foldable forearm portion (34) is distal from the glove body (12), and wherein the distal foldable forearm portion (34) is adapted to fold down over and outside at least part of the proximal forearm portion (32).

The proximal (e.g. central) forearm portion (32) typically comprises two, three, four, five or more compartments (16) (e.g., as shown in Figures 1 and 3, five compartments, three on the backhand side = outside, and two on the forehand (palm) side), wherein these compartments (16) are suitable for receiving a flexible weight (18) e.g. as defined herein. The distal foldable forearm portion (34) typically also comprises one, two, three or more compartments (16) (e.g., as shown in Figures 1 and 3, four compartments, two on the backhand side = outside, and two on the forehand (palm) side), wherein these compartments (16) are suitable for receiving a flexible weight (18) e.g. as defined herein. This large number of compartments (16) (e.g., in Figures 1 and 3, nine compartments 16A to 16E and 16F to 16J) allows the user to greatly increase the amount of weight (18) added to the training glove (10), when a high fitness level is required.

In the proximal (e.g. central) forearm portion (32) of the training glove, the one or more compartments have openings on the outside (e.g. the backhand side) of the training glove (10). The one or more compartments (16) on the distal foldable forearm portion (34) have openings on the outside (e.g. the backhand side) of the training glove (10) when said distal foldable forearm portion (34) is folded out (up) and/or away from the glove body. The one or more compartments (16) on the distal foldable forearm portion (34) have openings on the inside of the distal foldable forearm portion (34) when folded down and/or towards the glove body (12).

The training glove (10) also comprises one or more securing means (36) adapted to secure the distal foldable forearm portion (34) in a folded-down position against the proximal forearm portion (32) of the training glove (10). In Example 1, the one or more securing means comprises one, two or more straps (36A, 36B). The one or more securing means comprises 1, 2 or more straps (36A, 36B) positioned so as to pass circumferentially around part of all of the forearm portion (14) (in particular part or all of the proximal forearm portion (32) of the training glove (10), so as to secure reversibly the distal foldable forearm portion (34) in a folded-down position against the proximal forearm portion (32) of the training glove (10).

As shown in Figures 1 to 5, in the glove (10) of Example 1, the one, two or more straps (36A, 36B) have one fastening portion of a hoop-and-loop-type fastener (e.g. Velcro ™ fastener), which preferably faces inwardly when the straps (36A, 36B) are secured in place; and the training glove (10) (preferably the forearm portion (14) e.g. the proximal forearm portion (32) of the training glove (10)) comprises one, two or more correspondingly-sized, typematched fastening portions of a hoop-and-loop-type fastener (e.g. a Velcro ™ fastener) which is or are positioned (preferably outwardly facing) so as to abut and/or to fasten to the corresponding fastening portion of the corresponding one, two or more straps (3 6 A, 36B), thereby to secure reversibly the straps (36A, 36B) in place and so as to secure reversibly the distal foldable forearm portion (34) in a folded-down position against the proximal forearm portion (32) of the training glove (10).

In the training glove (10), the forearm portion (14), or a part of the forearm portion (14) distal from the glove body, is generally C-shaped in cross-section - see Figures 1 to 5, and in particular Figure 3 which shows the longitudinally-directed slit along the inside (the forehand side) (22) of the forearm portion (14) of the glove (10).

In the training glove (10), the one or more elongate compartments (16), which are suitable for receiving a flexible weight (18), have an opening or openings (30) (at one end of the compartment (16), preferably at an end of the compartment (16) which is distal from the glove body (12)), through which a or the flexible weight (18) can pass so as to be received by and/or withdrawn from the compartment (16).

In one optional embodiment of the training glove (10) of Example 1, the opening or openings (30) and/or the compartment(s) is or are provided with a fastener (not shown) (preferably a hoop-and-loop-type fastener (e.g. a Velcro ™ fastener) or a zip fastener) which reversibly fastens the compartment in a closed position and thereby secures in place any weight in the compartment.

In another optional embodiment of the training glove (10) of Example 1, the opening or openings (30) and/or the compartment(s) (16) is or are provided with, or is or are partly or wholly formed from, elastic material so as to secure in place any weight (18) in the compartment (16).

In the training glove (10), the glove body (12) and/or the forearm portion (14) is at least partly (e.g. partly or substantially wholly) formed from leather or a material equivalent to leather. More preferably, the glove body (12) is at least partly (e.g. partly or substantially wholly) formed from padded leather or a material equivalent to leather which is padded.

During use, the training glove (10) allows a sportsperson (e.g. a boxer, an athlete, a footballer, a rugby player, another type of field games player, a basketball player and/or a swimmer, preferably a boxer or an athlete) to undergo weight training and/or to improve strength, stamina, speed, dexterity and/or reaction times in particular in the arms, during the sportsperson’s regular (usual) training. The training glove (10) can in particular be used during a boxer’s regular (usual) boxing training, such as boxing training with a punching bag, and/or non-impact boxing training such as non-impact punching training; or it can be used during an athlete’s regular (usual) athletics training, such as running training and/or field athletics training.

In this context, “regular” or “usual” training means training which is regular or usual for the type of sportsperson concerned (e.g. boxer, athlete e.g. track and/or field athlete, footballer, rugby player, other type of field games player, basketball player and/or swimmer).

The training glove (10) is suitable for boxing training and/or is suitable for improving the strength, stamina and/or speed (usually all three of these), and usually also the dexterity, of a user’s arms, in particular of a sportsperson’s arms e.g. a boxer’s arms.

The training glove (10) is particularly suitable for boxing training - i.e. it is a boxing training glove.

Example 1A - a training glove (45) which is a minor variant of the training glove (10) of Example 1 - illustrated in Figures 5A, 5B and 5C

Figure 5A is a top plan view of the outside (the backhand side) of a variant (45) of the training glove of Example 1, in an open configuration, with the distal foldable forearm portion (34) folded out. The diagram is similar to Figure 1, but Figure 5 A illustrates the stretchy and/or elastic and/or ribbed material (46) out of which the compartments (16) are made; most preferably, the elastic material is ribbed jersey cuff (46) (illustrated in Figure 5C). The stretchy and/or elastic and/or ribbed material (46) helps to keep the weights (18) securely in place in the compartments (16).

Figure 5B is a top plan view of the outside (the backhand side) of the variant (45) of the training glove of Example 1, in a closed configuration, with the distal foldable forearm portion (34) folded inwards and secured by straps (36). The compartments (16) are made out of the stretchy and/or elastic and/or ribbed material (46), most preferably ribbed jersey cuff (46) (illustrated in Figure 5C).

In general, except for the material (46) used, the variant training glove (45) of Example 1A is the same as the training glove (10) of Example 1.

Example 2 - a long-length training boot (a boxing boot) (50), illustrated in Figures 6, 7, 8, 9,10 and 11

As illustrated in Figures 6 to 11, Example 2 discloses a long-length training boot (a boxing boot) (50), with straps capable of securing foldable flaps (located at the calf in use) of the boot, wherein the foldable flaps can be in a closed or open configuration.

The long-length training boot (50) is according to the second aspect of the invention as herein described.

Accordingly, the long-length training boot (50) of Example 2 is suitable for sports training (especially boxing training) and is suitable for improving the speed, strength, stamina, dexterity and/or reaction times of a user’s (e.g. a human user’s) legs and/or feet (in particular of a sportsperson’s e.g. a boxer’s legs and/or feet).

The training boot (50) comprises:

- a foot portion suitable for covering a user’s foot (preferably a human user’s foot); and

- a calf portion (and/or a gaiter portion), which is suitable for covering part or all of (preferably part of, more preferably 20% to 90% or 30% to 80% or 40% to 90% or 40% to 80% of the length of) a user’s calf and/or lower leg when the boot is worn on the user’s foot, wherein the calf portion is attached to the foot portion.

The calf portion comprises one or more compartments (preferably two or more, or 3 or more, or 4, 5 or more compartments) suitable for receiving a flexible weight in such a position that, when so received, the flexible weight or weights in the one or more compartments is or are positioned at the calf and/or lower leg of a user when the training boot (50) is worn by the user on the user’s foot.

Figure 11, which is the side view of the long-length training boot example (a boxing boot) (50) according to Example 2, shows the straps and foldable flaps of the boot in an open configuration, and shows a plurality of elongate generally-longitudinally-directed compartments in a calf portion of the boot which are adapted to receive elongate flexible weights (preferably elastomeric weights, e.g. rubber). Two of the flexible weights are illustrated in Figure 11.

Example 3 - a short-length and/or half-length training boot (a basketball boot) (70), illustrated in Figures 12, 13,14,15,16 and 17

As illustrated in Figures 12 to 17, Example 3 discloses a short-length and/or half-length training boot (a basketball boot) (70), with straps capable of securing foldable flaps (located at the calf and/or ankle in use) of the boot, wherein the foldable flaps can be in a closed or open configuration.

The short-length and/or half-length training boot (70) is according to the second aspect of the invention as herein described.

Accordingly, the short-length and/or half-length training boot (70) (basketball boot) of Example 3 is suitable for sports training (especially basketball and/or athletics and/or boxing training) and is suitable for improving the speed, strength, stamina, dexterity and/or reaction times of a user’s (e.g. a human user’s) legs and/or feet (in particular of a sportsperson’s e.g. a basketball-player’s legs and/or feet).

The training boot (70) comprises:

- a calf portion (and/or a gaiter portion), which is suitable for covering part or all of (preferably part of, more preferably 10% to 80% or 10% to 70% or 15% to 60% or 20% to 50% of the length of) a user’s calf and/or lower leg when the boot is worn on the user’s foot, wherein the calf portion is attached to the foot portion.

The calf portion comprises one or more compartments (preferably two or more, or 3 or more, or 4, 5 or more compartments) suitable for receiving a flexible weight in such a position that, when so received, the flexible weight or weights in the one or more compartments is or are positioned at the calf and/or lower leg of a user when the training boot (70) is worn by the user on the user’s foot.

Figure 15, which is the side view of the short-length and/or half-length training boot example (basketball boot) (70) according to Example 3, shows the straps and foldable flaps of the boot in an open configuration, and shows a plurality of elongate generally-longitudinally-directed compartments in a calf portion of the boot which are adapted to receive elongate flexible weights (preferably elastomeric weights, e.g. rubber). Two of the flexible weights are illustrated in Figure 15.

Further Examples - upper-and-lower-body garments, upper body garments and lower body garments - as shown in Figures 18 to 41 herein and described in the associated Figure captions / legends.

Further examples are also disclosed in from Figure 18 to 41 herein, which disclose upperand-lower-body garments and upper body garments according to the third and/or fourth aspects of the present invention, and upper-and-lower-body garments and lower body garments according to the fifth aspect of the present invention.

For the sake of conciseness, these further garment examples are not described in these paragraphs. Instead, they are described in writing hereinabove in the captions (legends) of the Figures (Figures 18-41) which relate to those garments. Those Figure captions / legends are presented hereinabove, at the start of the EXAMPLES section of the present specification.

Claims

1. A training glove or a training boot, which is:

(A) a training glove suitable for boxing training and/or is suitable for improving the speed, strength, stamina, dexterity and/or reaction times of a user’s arms (in particular of a sportsperson’s arms), wherein the training glove comprises:

a glove body suitable for covering a user’s hand;

a forearm portion, which is suitable for covering part or all (preferably part) of a user’s forearm when the glove is worn (preferably on the user’s hand), wherein the forearm portion is attached to the glove body; and wherein the forearm portion comprises one or more compartments suitable for receiving a flexible weight in such a position that, when so received, the flexible weight or weights in the one or more compartments is or are positioned at the forearm of a user when the training glove is worn by the user (preferably on the user’s hand);

or (B) a training boot suitable for sports training (e.g. boxing training) and/or suitable for improving the speed, strength, stamina, dexterity and/or reaction times of a user’s legs and/or feet (in particular of a sportsperson’s legs and/or feet), wherein the training boot comprises:

a foot portion suitable for covering a user’s foot;

2. A training glove or a training boot as claimed in claim 1, which is a training glove.

3. A training glove or a training boot as claimed in claim 1, which is a training boot.

4. An upper-body or whole-body training garment (e.g. sports garment), wherein:

the training garment is suitable for sports training (in particular boxing training, athletics training and/or field game training) and/or is suitable for improving the speed, strength, stamina, dexterity and/or reaction times of a user’s torso, arms and/or legs (in particular of a sportsperson’s torso, arms and/or legs, preferably of a sportsperson’s torso and/or arms, more preferably of a sportsperson’s torso), wherein the training garment comprises:

a garment body which is suitable for covering at least part of (preferably part of) a user’s upper body and/or which is suitable for covering at least part of (preferably part of) a user’s upper and lower body;

wherein the garment body comprises one or more (preferably two or more, more preferably 3,

4, 5, 6 or more) compartments suitable for receiving a flexible weight in such a position that, when so received, the flexible weight or weights in the one or more compartments is or are positioned at and/or around a body (e.g. an upper body, or an upper and lower body) of a user when the training garment is worn (preferably in the intended and/or usual manner) by the user (in particular a sportsperson);

5. A training garment (in particular a sports training garment), which is an upper-body training garment or an upper-and-lower-body training garment, wherein:

6. A training garment (in particular a sports training garment), which is a pair of trousers, a pair of leggings or a pair of shorts, wherein:

7. A method of weight or exercise training, comprising the steps of:

(a) a user (e.g. human user, e.g. human adult or adolescent user) putting on one or more gloves, boots and/or garments as defined in claim 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and/or 6; and (b) inserting one or more flexible weights (e.g. as defined herein) in one or more (preferably 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 or more) of the compartments of the one or more gloves, boots and/or garments; and (c) performing weight or exercise training while wearing the one or more gloves, boots and/or garments, containing one or more flexible weights.

1401 19

Amendments to the claims have been filed as follows:

1. A training glove or a training boot, which is:

(A) a training glove suitable for boxing training and/or is suitable for improving the speed, strength, stamina, dexterity and/or reaction times of a user’s arms, wherein the training glove comprises:

10 a glove body suitable for covering a user’s hand;

a forearm portion, which is suitable for covering part or all of a user’s forearm when the glove is worn, wherein the forearm portion is attached to the glove body; and

15 wherein the forearm portion comprises one or more compartments suitable for receiving a flexible weight in such a position that, when so received, the flexible weight or weights in the one or more compartments is or are positioned at the forearm of a user when the training glove is worn by the user;

20 or (B) a training boot suitable for sports training and/or suitable for improving the speed, strength, stamina, dexterity and/or reaction times of a user’s legs and/or feet, wherein the training boot comprises:

a foot portion suitable for covering a user’s foot;

a calf portion, which is suitable for covering part or all of (preferably part of, more preferably 10% to 90% or 20% to 80% or 30% to 90% or 40% to 80% of the length of) a user’s calf

30 and/or lower leg when the boot is worn, wherein the calf portion is attached to the foot portion; and wherein the calf portion comprises one or more compartments (preferably two or more, or 3 or more, or 4, 5 or more compartments) suitable for receiving a flexible weight in such a

35 position that, when so received, the flexible weight or weights in the one or more compartments is or are positioned at the calf and/or lower leg of a user when the training boot is worn by the user.

40 2. A training glove or a training boot as claimed in claim 1, which is a training glove.

3. A training glove as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the training glove comprises one or more (preferably two or more, or more preferably three, four, five or more) flexible weights

1401 19 removeably received in one or more (preferably two or more, or more preferably three, four, five or more) of the compartments.

4. A training glove as claimed in claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein, in or for the training glove, the one 5 or more flexible weights comprise flexible solid weights and/or flexible liquid-filled bag weights.

5. A training glove as claimed in claim 1, 2, 3 or 4, wherein, in or for the training glove, the one or more flexible weights comprise flexible resilient-solid weights (e.g. flexible

10 elastomeric weights) and/or granular-solid-filled or powder-filled flexible bag weights (e.g. sand-filled flexible bag weights).

6. A training glove as claimed in claim 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5, wherein, in or for the training glove, the flexible weights are elongate, preferably generally rod-shaped or generally slab-shaped.

7. A training glove as claimed in claim 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6, wherein the training glove is a boxing glove suitable for boxing training (i.e. is a boxing training glove).

8. A training glove as claimed in claim 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 or 7, wherein the one or more

20 compartments are suitable for receiving a flexible weight in such a position that, when so received, the flexible weight or weights in the one or more compartments is or are positioned at the forearm, and is or are substantially not positioned at the wrist, of a user when the training glove is worn by the user.

25

9. A training glove as claimed in claim 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 or 8, wherein the forearm portion comprises a plurality of (i.e. two or more, preferably three or more) compartments suitable for receiving a flexible weight in such a position that, when so received, the flexible weight or weights in the plurality of compartments is or are positioned at the forearm of a user when the training glove is worn by the user.

10. A training glove as claimed in claim 9, wherein the training glove comprises a plurality of (preferably three or more) flexible weights removeably received in a plurality (preferably three or more) of the compartments.

35

11. A training glove as claimed in any of claims 1 to 10, wherein the forearm portion comprises a plurality (preferably three or more) of the compartments, wherein two or more (preferably three or more) of the plurality of the compartments are radially spaced apart from each other;

so that flexible weights are present in, and/or so that flexible weights are able to be

40 removeably placed or removeably received in, the two or more (preferably three or more) compartments which are in different radial positions (i.e. which are radially spaced apart) with respect to each other.

12. A training glove as claimed in any of claims 1 to 11, wherein:

1401 19 the forearm portion comprises three or more (preferably four, five or more) of the compartments suitable for receiving a flexible weight;

three or more (preferably four, five or more) of the three or more (preferably four, five or more) compartments are radially spaced apart from each other;

5 so that flexible weights are present in, and/or so that flexible weights are able to be removeably placed or removeably received in, the three or more (preferably four, five or more) compartments which are in different radial positions (i.e. which are radially spaced apart) with respect to each other.

10

13. A training glove as claimed in any of claims 1 to 12, wherein two or more (preferably three or more) compartments are sized and/or positioned about the forearm portion in such a way that, when two or more (preferably 3 or more) of the compartments are radially spaced apart from 15 each other and also contain flexible weights, then the weight (mass) of the flexible weight(s) is distributed about an upper forearm portion (i.e. on the backhand side), a lower forearm portion (i.e. on the side of the forehand or palm of the hand), and an outside forearm portion (i.e. on the side of the forearm usually distal 20 from a user’s body), and optionally another portion(s), of the forearm portion of the training glove.

14. A training glove as claimed in any of claims 1 to 13, wherein one or more (preferably two or more, more preferably 3 or more) of the one or more compartments:

25 - are elongate; and are oriented with its or their longitudinal axis or axes generally parallel to a or the central longitudinal axis of the forearm or of the forearm portion of the training glove.

15. A training glove as claimed in any of claims 1 to 13, wherein one or more (preferably

30 two or more, more preferably 3 or more) of the one or more compartments:

are elongate; and are oriented with its or their longitudinal axis or axes generally parallel to a or the central longitudinal axis of the forearm or of the forearm portion of the training glove; and

35 - are radially spaced apart from each other.

16. A training glove as claimed in any of claims 1 to 15, wherein the forearm portion of the training glove comprises a proximal (e.g. central) forearm portion and a distal foldable forearm portion attached to (preferably integral with) the proximal forearm portion, wherein

40 the distal foldable forearm portion is distal from the glove body, and wherein the distal foldable forearm portion is adapted to fold down over and outside at least part of the proximal forearm portion,

1401 19 and wherein the proximal (e.g. central) forearm portion comprises two or more (preferably three or more) compartments suitable for receiving a flexible weight, and wherein the distal foldable forearm portion also comprises one, two or more (preferably two, three or more) compartments suitable for receiving a flexible weight.

17. A training glove as claimed in claim 16, wherein:

in the proximal (e.g. central) forearm portion of the training glove, the one or more compartments have openings on the outside (e.g. the backhand side) of the training glove;

10 and the one or more compartments on the distal foldable forearm portion have openings on the outside (e.g. the backhand side) of the training glove when said distal foldable forearm portion is folded out (up) and/or away from the glove body.

18. A training glove as claimed in claim 16 or 17, wherein the training glove comprises one or more securing means adapted to secure the distal foldable forearm portion in a foldeddown position against the proximal forearm portion of the training glove.

19. A training glove or a training boot as claimed in claim 1, which is a training boot.

20. A training boot as claimed in claim 1 or 19, wherein:

25 in the training boot, one or more (preferably two or more, more preferably 3 or more) of the one or more compartments:

are elongate; and are oriented with its or their longitudinal axis or axes generally parallel to a or the central longitudinal axis of the calf and/or lower leg or of the calf portion of the 30 training boot; and are radially spaced apart from each other.

21. A training boot as claimed in claim 1, 19 or 20, wherein:

35 the calf portion of the training boot comprises a proximal calf portion and a distal foldable calf portion attached to (preferably integral with) the proximal calf portion, wherein the distal foldable calf portion is distal from the foot portion, and wherein the distal foldable calf portion is adapted to fold down over and outside at least part of the proximal calf portion,

40 and wherein the proximal calf portion comprises two or more (preferably three or more) compartments suitable for receiving a flexible weight, and wherein the distal foldable calf portion also comprises one, two or more (preferably two, three or more) compartments suitable for receiving a flexible weight.

1401 19

22. An upper-body or whole-body training garment, wherein:

5 the training garment is suitable for sports training (in particular boxing training, athletics training and/or field game training) and/or is suitable for improving the speed, strength, stamina, dexterity and/or reaction times of a user’s torso, arms and/or legs, wherein the training garment comprises:

10 a garment body which is suitable for covering at least part of a user’s upper body and/or which is suitable for covering at least part of a user’s upper and lower body;

wherein the garment body comprises one or more (preferably two or more, more preferably 3, 4, 5, 6 or more) compartments suitable for receiving a flexible weight in such a position that, 15 when so received, the flexible weight or weights in the one or more compartments is or are positioned at and/or around a body (e.g. an upper body, or an upper and lower body) of a user when the training garment is worn by the user;

and wherein the garment body comprises one or more (preferably two or more, more

20 preferably 3, 4, 5, 6 or more) upper-body-torso compartments suitable for receiving a flexible weight, wherein most or all of (preferably two or more of, more preferably 3, 4, 5, 6 or more of) the one or more upper-body-torso compartments (located on an upper-body-torso portion(s) of the garment body), are oriented so as to be generally horizontal, and/or are oriented so as to be inclined at an angle of no more than 45 degrees (preferably no more than

25 30 degrees, more preferably more no more than 15 degrees) to the horizontal, when the training garment is worn by a user standing in an upright position.

23. A training garment, which is an upper-body training garment or an upper-and-lower-

30 body training garment, wherein:

the training garment is suitable for sports training (in particular boxing training, athletics training and/or field game training) and/or is suitable for improving the speed, strength, stamina, dexterity and/or reaction times of a user’s torso (and optionally also of a user’s arms

35 and/or legs), and wherein the training garment comprises:

a garment body, which is suitable for covering at least part of a user’s upper body (in

40 particular at least part of a user’s torso and optionally also arm(s)), and/or which is suitable for covering at least part of a user’s upper and lower body (in particular at least part of a user’s torso and leg(s) and optionally also arm(s));

1401 19 wherein the garment body comprises one or more (preferably two or more, more preferably 3, 4 or more) front-thorax compartments suitable for receiving a flexible weight in such a position that, when so received, the flexible weight or weights in the one or more front-thorax compartments is or are positioned at a front of the thorax (i.e. at a front of the chest) of a user, 5 and is or are substantially not positioned at an abdomen of the user, when the training garment is worn by the user;

and wherein the garment body comprises one or more (preferably two or more, more preferably 3, 4 or more) rear-thorax compartments suitable for receiving a flexible weight in 10 such a position that, when so received, the flexible weight or weights in the one or more rearthorax compartments is or are positioned at a rear of the thorax (in particular at an upper back positon and/or at a rear shoulders position) of a user, and is or are substantially not positioned at a middle-back or lower-back of the user, when the training garment is worn by the user.

24. A training garment, which is a pair of trousers, a pair of leggings or a pair of shorts, wherein:

the training garment is suitable for sports training (in particular boxing training, athletics 20 training and/or field game training) and/or is suitable for improving the speed, strength, stamina, dexterity and/or reaction times of a user’s legs, and wherein the training garment comprises:

25. A method of weight or exercise training, comprising the steps of:

(a) a user putting on one or more gloves, boots and/or garments as defined in claim 1, 2, 3, 4,

10 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23 and/or 24; and (b) inserting one or more flexible weights (e.g. as defined in claim 4, 5 and/or 6) in one or more (preferably 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 or more) of the compartments of the one or more gloves, boots and/or garments; and (c) performing weight or exercise training while wearing the one or more gloves, boots and/or garments, containing one or more flexible weights.

25 a garment body, which is suitable for covering at least part of a user’s lower body (in particular at least part of a user’s leg(s)), and/or which is suitable for covering at least part of a user’s upper and lower body (in particular at least part of a user’s torso and leg(s) and optionally also arm(s));

30 wherein a lower body portion (preferably a leg portion, more preferably a lower leg (calf) portion and/or an upper leg (thigh) portion) of the garment body comprises one or more (preferably two or more, more preferably 3, 4 or more) side-of-thigh and/or side-of-calf compartments,

35 wherein some or all of the one or more side-of-thigh and/or side-of-calf compartments contain one or more flexible weights, wherein the one or more side-of-thigh and/or side-of-calf compartments are in such a position that the flexible weight or weights in the one or more side-of-thigh and/or side-of-calf

40 compartments is or are positioned at a side of the thigh and/or at a side of the calf of a user, when the training garment is worn by the user;

and

45 wherein some or all of the one or more side-of-thigh and/or side-of-calf weights is or are one or more flexible weights shaped to fit (preferably shaped to fit snugly) the side-of-thigh and/or side-of-calf compartment(s) containing the one or more side-of-thigh and/or side-ofcalf weights;

and/or wherein some or all of the one or more side-of-thigh and/or side-of-calf compartments are elongate in shape, and are elongated generally (and/or substantially) in the direction of the longitudinal axis (the leg axis) of the leg portion of the garment.