U.S. patent application number 14/251199 was filed with the patent office on 2014-10-16 for weighted adjustable fitness device.
The applicant listed for this patent is Dirk Buikema. Invention is credited to Dirk Buikema.
Application Number | 20140309088 14/251199 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 51687172 |
Filed Date | 2014-10-16 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140309088 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Buikema; Dirk |
October 16, 2014 |
WEIGHTED ADJUSTABLE FITNESS DEVICE
Abstract
A weighted adjustable fitness device is disclosed. The device
includes a tubular body constructed of a material of a generally
rectangular shape. Two edges of the tubular body attached together
to form an interior volume. The length of the tubular body is at
least an order of magnitude larger than the diameter of the tubular
body. The device further includes a reinforcement border attached
to or adjacent to the two attached edges of the tubular body. The
device may further include a collapsible inlet which is in open
communication with the interior volume and which is movable from a
first position in which it extends at least partially outward from
the tubular body, to a second position in which it extends at least
partially inward into the interior volume. The device may further
include an end closure.
Inventors: |
Buikema; Dirk; (Austin,
TX) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Buikema; Dirk |
Austin |
TX |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
51687172 |
Appl. No.: |
14/251199 |
Filed: |
April 11, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61811293 |
Apr 12, 2013 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
482/93 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 21/0603 20130101;
A63B 21/0442 20130101; A63B 21/0552 20130101; A63B 2209/10
20130101; A63B 21/0607 20130101; A63B 21/08 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
482/93 |
International
Class: |
A63B 21/06 20060101
A63B021/06 |
Claims
1. A weighted adjustable fitness device comprising: a tubular body
having a generally rectangular shape, the tubular body having two
edges, wherein the two edges are attached together to form an
interior volume, wherein the tubular body has a length of at least
an order of magnitude larger than a diameter of the tubular body; a
reinforcement border attached to or adjacent to the two edges of
the tubular body; a collapsible inlet which is in open
communication with the interior volume and which is movable from a
first position in which it extends at least partially outward from
the tubular body, to a second position in which it extends at least
partially inward into the interior volume; and an end closure.
2. The weighted adjustable fitness device of claim 1, wherein the
end closure further includes an attachment member.
3. The weighted adjustable fitness device of claim 1, further
comprising a collar configured to form a handle in a portion of the
tubular body.
4. The weighted adjustable fitness device of claim 2, wherein the
attachment member and the reinforcement border are a single,
continuous piece of material.
5. The weighted adjustable fitness device of claim 1, wherein the
end closure is sewn to the tubular body by one or more stitches
that penetrate the end closure and a single layer of the tubular
body.
6. The weighted adjustable fitness device of claim 1, wherein the
two edges of the tubular body are attached by at least one of
sewing, fusing under heat or pressure, or gluing.
7. The weighted adjustable fitness device of claim 1, wherein the
reinforcement border is attached by at least one of sewing, fusing
under heat or pressure, or gluing.
8. A plurality of weighted adjustable fitness devices, each of the
plurality of weighted adjustable fitness devices comprising: a
tubular body having a generally rectangular shape, the tubular body
having two edges attached together to form an interior volume,
wherein the tubular body has a length of at least an order of
magnitude larger than a diameter of the tubular body; a
reinforcement border attached to or adjacent to the two edges of
the tubular body; an end closure; an attachment member configured
to attach one of the plurality of weighted adjustable fitness
devices to another of the plurality of weighted adjustable fitness
devices; wherein at least one dimension of the tubular body of at
least one of the plurality of weighted adjustable fitness devices
is different from at least one dimension of the tubular body of at
least one other of the plurality of weighted adjustable fitness
devices.
9. The plurality of weighted adjustable fitness devices of claim 8,
wherein at least one of the plurality of weighted adjustable
fitness devices further comprises a collar configured to form a
handle in a portion of the tubular body.
10. The plurality of weighted adjustable fitness devices of claim
8, wherein the attachment member and the reinforcement border are a
single, continuous piece of material.
11. The plurality of weighted adjustable fitness devices of claim
8, wherein the end closure is sewn to the tubular body by one or
more stitches that penetrate the end closure and a single layer of
the tubular body.
12. The plurality of weighted adjustable fitness devices of claim
8, wherein at least one of the two edges of the tubular body, the
reinforcement border, or the end closure are attached by at least
one of sewing, fusing under heat or pressure, or gluing.
13. The plurality of weighted adjustable fitness devices of claim
8, wherein at least one of the plurality of weighted adjustable
fitness devices is color coded to indicate a property of the
weighted adjustable fitness device.
14. A plurality of weighted adjustable fitness devices, each of the
plurality of weighted adjustable fitness devices comprising: a
tubular body having a generally rectangular shape, the tubular body
having two edges attached together to form an interior volume,
wherein the tubular body has a length of at least an order of
magnitude larger than a diameter of the tubular body; a
reinforcement border attached to or adjacent to the two edges of
the tubular body; a collapsible inlet which is in open
communication with the interior volume and which is movable from a
first position in which it extends at least partially outward from
the tubular body, to a second position in which it extends at least
partially inward into the interior volume; an end closure; an
attachment member configured to attach one of the plurality of
weighted adjustable fitness devices to another of the plurality of
weighted adjustable fitness devices; wherein at least one dimension
of the tubular body of at least one of the plurality of weighted
adjustable fitness devices is different from at least one dimension
of the tubular body of at least one other of the plurality of
weighted adjustable fitness devices.
15. The plurality of weighted adjustable fitness devices of claim
14, wherein at least one of the plurality of weighted adjustable
fitness devices further comprises a collar configured to form a
handle in a portion of the tubular body.
16. The plurality of weighted adjustable fitness devices of claim
14, wherein the attachment member and the reinforcement border are
a single, continuous piece of material.
17. The plurality of weighted adjustable fitness devices of claim
14, wherein the end closure is sewn to the tubular body by one or
more stitches that penetrate the end closure and a single layer of
the tubular body.
18. The plurality of weighted adjustable fitness devices of claim
14, wherein at least one of the two edges of the tubular body or
the reinforcement border are attached by at least one of sewing,
fusing under heat or pressure, or gluing.
19. The plurality of weighted adjustable fitness devices of claim
14, wherein at least one of the plurality of weighted adjustable
fitness devices is color coded to indicate a property of the
weighted adjustable fitness device.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority from U.S.
Provisional Application No. 61/811,293 filed on Apr. 12, 2013,
having the same title, and having the same inventors, and which is
incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present disclosure relates to the field of weight
training and physical conditioning. More specifically, the present
disclosure relates to a weighted adjustable fitness device.
BACKGROUND
[0003] The use of ropes in physical fitness applications is
currently known in the art. A common rope can be purchased in
various dimensions of thickness, length, and weight. Common ropes
can be constructed from different natural and artificial materials.
For example, common ropes are typically a solid weave constructed
of fibers. For physical exercise, common ropes are typically
attached and anchored to a rigid, stationary object while the
person exercising grasps the end or ends of the rope and moves the
length of rope in up-and-down, side-to-side, and circular motions
causing the rope to resist and oscillate.
SUMMARY
[0004] In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, a
weighted adjustable fitness device is disclosed. The device
includes a tubular body constructed of a material of a generally
rectangular shape. Two edges of the tubular body are attached
together to form an interior volume. The length of the tubular body
is at least an order of magnitude larger than the diameter of the
tubular body. The device further includes a reinforcement border
attached to or adjacent to the two attached edges of the tubular
body. The device may further include a collapsible inlet which is
in open communication with the interior volume and which is movable
from a first position in which it extends at least partially
outward from the tubular body, to a second position in which it
extends at least partially inward into the interior volume. The
device may further include an end closure.
[0005] In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, a
plurality of weighted adjustable fitness devices is disclosed. Each
of the plurality of weighted adjustable fitness devices includes a
tubular body constructed of a material of a generally rectangular
shape. Two edges of the tubular body are attached together to form
an interior volume. The length of the tubular body is at least an
order of magnitude larger than the diameter of the tubular body.
Each device further includes a reinforcement border attached to or
adjacent to the two attached edges of the tubular body. Each device
may further include an end closure. Each device may further include
an attachment member configured to attach one of the plurality of
weighted adjustable fitness devices to another of the plurality of
weighted adjustable fitness devices. At least one dimension of the
tubular body of at least one of the plurality of devices may be
different from at least one dimension of the tubular body of
another of the plurality of devices.
[0006] In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, a
plurality of weighted adjustable fitness devices is disclosed. Each
of the plurality of weighted adjustable fitness devices includes a
tubular body constructed of a material of a generally rectangular
shape. Two edges of the tubular body are attached together to form
an interior volume. The length of the tubular body is at least an
order of magnitude larger than the diameter of the tubular body.
Each device further includes a reinforcement border attached to or
adjacent to the two attached edges of the tubular body. Each device
may further include a collapsible inlet which is in open
communication with the interior volume and which is movable from a
first position in which it extends at least partially outward from
the tubular body, to a second position in which it extends at least
partially inward into the interior volume. Each device may further
include an end closure. Each device may further include an
attachment member configured to attach one of the plurality of
weighted adjustable fitness devices to another of the plurality of
weighted adjustable fitness devices. At least one dimension of the
tubular body of at least one of the plurality of devices may be
different from at least one dimension of the tubular body of
another of the plurality of devices.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] For a more complete understanding of the present invention
and its features and advantages, reference is now made to the
following description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying
drawings, in which:
[0008] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of a
weighted adjustable fitness device, in accordance with some
embodiments of the present disclosure;
[0009] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of a weighted
adjustable fitness device when the collapsible inlet is inserted
into the interior volume of the tubular body of the device, in
accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure;
[0010] FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of a
weighted adjustable fitness device with an attachment member held
by an end closure, in accordance with some embodiments of the
present disclosure;
[0011] FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of a
weighted adjustable fitness device where two of the devices are
connected together utilizing a coupling device, in accordance with
some embodiments of the present disclosure; and
[0012] FIG. 5 illustrates an end closure of a weighted adjustable
fitness device, in accordance with some embodiments of the present
disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0013] For physical exercise, a common rope is typically attached
and anchored to a rigid, stationary object while the person
exercising grasps the ends of the rope and moves the length of rope
in up-and-down, side-to-side, and circular motions causing the rope
to resist and oscillate. A common rope can be purchased in various
dimensions of thickness, length, and weight. A common rope may be
constructed from different natural and artificial materials. Common
ropes are not adjustable in weight or length and are effectively
solid and static in construction. Given the benefits of common
heavy ropes for weight training, there is a need for a more useful
functional weight that may be adjustable in weight and length, and
may have a particulate fill material that may be dynamically
adjusted and/or shifted (e.g., during exercise or on-the-fly at the
user's discretion). Such weights may also be designed to attach or
connect to each other or to anchor points, allowing for variations
and adjustment in weight, length, and resistance characteristics.
The dynamic and modular nature of such a fitness device is
described herein.
[0014] The present disclosure is related generally to a weighted
fitness device. The weighted device may include a generally tubular
body similar to a rope and may be enclosed at each end with an end
closure. The device may include an inlet to allow the device to be
filled with particulate material to adjust the weight or resistance
characteristics of the device. The device may also include
attachment members to allow the device to be anchored or connected
to other devices. The device may be used to perform exercises and
weight training
[0015] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of
weighted adjustable fitness device 100, in accordance with an
embodiment of the present disclosure. The weighted adjustable
fitness device may include a tubular body 102, a collapsible inlet
104, an interior volume 106, end closures 108, an attachment member
110, and a reinforcement border 112.
[0016] Tubular body 102 may be a generally long body resembling a
rope. Tubular body 102 may be made of a deformable material that
may be more easily gripped for use in various exercises. Tubular
body 102 may be constructed of various types of fabrics (for
example neoprene, nylon, and canvas; or rubber) and various types
of metals and fibers. Tubular body 102 may also be constructed from
a resilient or elastomeric material, such as a neoprene/nylon
laminate consisting of a thick layer of neoprene with a thinner
layer of nylon laminated to each side. The use of such materials
may allow device 100 to be gripped, which is an aspect of some
physical fitness applications. In some embodiments, various
materials may be incorporated into tubular body 102 to impart
anti-soiling, anti-bacterial, anti-staining or decorative
properties, or to render device 100 moisture-proof, water-proof,
moisture resistant, or water-resistant.
[0017] Tubular body 102 may be constructed in various dimensions to
form a tube. Tubular body 102 may have a length of at least an
order of magnitude greater than the diameter of tubular body 102.
For example, the length of tubular body 102 may be several feet
while the diameter of tubular body 102 may be a few inches. By way
of example and not limitation, tubular body 102 may be
approximately ten feet long and have a diameter of approximately
two inches, thus having a length of tubular body 102 approximately
sixty times the diameter of tubular body 102. Alternatively, to
vary the weight of device 100, tubular body 102 may be
approximately ten feet in length and approximately one inch in
diameter.
[0018] Tubular body 102 may be constructed from a generally
rectangular sheet of material by attaching two opposing edges
together forming one or more seams (e.g., by stitching near a
periphery of the opposing edges). In some embodiments, the opposing
edges of tubular body 102 may be double-stitched, glued, or
laminated together along a seam. In other embodiments, the
stitching may follow a generally nonlinear pattern. The seam may be
constructed such that it faces inward or outward from device
100.
[0019] Device 100 may also include reinforcement border 112.
Reinforcement border 112 may be attached to or adjacent to the seam
of tubular body 102 and may serve to reinforce the seam during the
use of device 100. Reinforcement border 112 may be connected to end
closures 108. Reinforcement border 112 may be constructed of any
material having sufficient strength to allow a user of device 100
to perform exercise activities without the integrity of device 100
being compromised, such as nylon webbing or any other suitable type
of reinforcement material that may run the length of tubular body
102. Reinforcement border 112 may be made of a material with
elastic properties. By way of example but not limitation,
reinforcement border 112 may have elasticity such that its
dimensions can be elastically increased by approximately twenty
percent. The elastic properties of reinforcement border 112 may
absorb forces and reduce stresses exerted on device 100 during use
and may provide better performance.
[0020] When its opposing edges are attached together, tubular body
102 may form interior volume 106. Interior volume 106 may be
enclosed at one or both ends by end closure 108. Device 100 may be
constructed such that interior volume 106 may be filled with
particulate material. The volume and mass of the aggregate
particulate material may be reversibly adjusted by adding or
subtracting particulate material. Device 100 may be filled using a
funnel to assist in directing particulate material through
collapsible inlet 104 into interior volume 106.
[0021] Device 100 may be constructed in various diameters or
lengths to change the dimensions of interior volume 106. Changing
the dimensions of interior volume 106 may change the volume of
particulate material that may be used to fill interior volume 106
and therefore may change the weight and resistance characteristics
of device 100. For example, as described herein, device 100 may
vary in length and/or diameter. In some embodiments, the type of
particulate material used to fill interior volume 106 may vary. For
example, the particulate material may vary depending, in part, on
the intended use of device 100. The particulate material may
include sand, metals (including, but not limited to, iron and
lead), metal shot, metal shavings, water, pebbles, beans, seeds,
gravel, wood pellets, and various other liquids and granular
materials (or combinations thereof). In some embodiments,
expandable foams may also be utilized. In certain embodiments,
various gases may be used as fill materials. In other embodiments,
various viscous or gelatinous materials may be used as fill
materials including, but not limited to, silica gel.
[0022] Device 100 may be fastened closed at each end via end
closure 108. End closure 108 may be constructed of any material
having sufficient strength to allow a user of device 100 to perform
exercise activities without the integrity of device 100 being
compromised, such as nylon webbing, fabric, or similar material. In
some embodiments, the material for end closure 108 may be a
material with elastic properties. By way of example but not
limitation, end closure 108 may have elasticity such that its
dimensions can be elastically increased by approximately twenty
percent. In some embodiments, end closure 108 may be sewn over the
ends of tubular body 102 with any suitable stitching method. An
example stitching method is described in further detail in FIG.
5.
[0023] Attachment member 110 may allow device 100 to be attached to
anchor points or connected to other devices to increase the
effective length of device 100. Attachment member 100 may be
inserted in end closure 108. Attachment member 110 may be a "D"
ring, a grommet, a fabric loop, or any other suitable attachment
mechanism. Attachment member 110 may be inserted at any location in
end closure 108, such as in the middle or at an end. In some
embodiments, attachment member 110 and reinforcement border 112 may
be a single, continuous piece of material with loops formed at the
end of the material. The loops may form attachment members 110. In
other embodiments, end closure 108, attachment member 110, and
reinforcement border 112 may be separate pieces of material.
[0024] Device 100 may feature functional color coding. The color
coding may indicate the size, weight, weight capacity, or other
aspect of device 100. For example, color coding may indicate the
length of device 100, the diameter of device 100, the effective
volume of device 100 (for example, calculated as the length of
tubular body 102 multiplied by the circumference of tubular body
102), weight, or the weight capacity of device 100 (determined as
the maximum weight of a filled device 100). In some embodiments,
end closure 108 may be color coded. In some embodiments, all or
portions of tubular body 102 may be color coded. By way of example
and not limitation, a device 100 weighing fifteen pounds may have a
blue end closure 108 and a device 100 weighing thirty pounds may
have an orange end closure 108. As another example, a device 100 of
length twenty feet may be have a purple end closure 108 and a
device 100 of length ten feet may have a yellow end closure 108.
Multiple devices 100 may be sold as a set where the devices 100
included in the set have the same or different lengths, diameters,
effective volumes, or weight capacity.
[0025] Collapsible inlet 104 may enable adjustment of the volume
and weight of fill material. Interior volume 106 may be filled with
particulate material while the inlet is in the first position as
shown in FIG. 1. Once filled to the desired weight, collapsible
inlet 104 may be moved to the second position, as described in more
detail with respect to FIG. 2. Collapsible inlet 104 may be made of
various materials including, for example, nylon, rubber, various
fabrics, or other suitable materials which are sufficiently
deformable such that the pressure exerted by the particulate
material may effectively seal collapsible inlet 104 when interior
volume 106 is at least partially filled. Collapsible inlet 104 may
be in open communication with interior volume 106 and may be
movable from a first position in which it extends from tubular body
102, as shown in FIG. 1, to a second position in which it extends
into interior volume 106, as described in FIG. 2.
[0026] Collapsible inlet 104 may comprise one or more sheets of
identically or complementary shaped portions of material comprising
lateral edges joined together to form one or more seams and be
configured such that when the inlet is in the first position, the
one or more seams are inverted. The portions of collapsible inlet
104 may be stitched, double-stitched, glued, or laminated together
along a first and a second opposing edges. The seam formed in this
manner may be facing outward such that, when collapsible inlet 104
is in the second position, the opposing surfaces of collapsible
inlet 104 will tend to lie flush together, thus preventing the
egress of particulate material through collapsible inlet 104. When
collapsible inlet 104 is inverted (as when it is in the first
position in which it extends from tubular body 102 of device 100,
as shown in FIG. 1), the inverted seam may cause collapsible inlet
104 to pucker open slightly, thus facilitating the addition of
particulate material to device 100. Unitary constructions may also
be employed for collapsible inlet 104.
[0027] The proximal portion of each opposing wall of collapsible
inlet 104 may be sewn to the adjacent portion of tubular body 102
via a double-stitching technique. A double stitching technique may
be a continuation of the stitching used to sew the opposing sides
of tubular body 102 together. Such a construction may minimize the
stress applied to collapsible inlet 104 along the region of
attachment.
[0028] The proximal portion of collapsible inlet 104 may be rounded
to match the curvature of the seam, though in some embodiments, the
proximal portion of collapsible inlet 104 may be flat instead. The
preferred geometry of collapsible inlet 104 may be determined in
part by the geometry of tubular body 102. The proximal portion of
collapsible inlet 104 may be tapered or flared to increase the
surface area available for stitching, thus improving the integrity
of the seam between collapsible inlet 104 and tubular body 102.
However, a narrower neck of such an inlet may hinder the escape of
particulate material from interior volume 106. In some embodiments,
the distal portion of collapsible inlet 104 may also be tapered or
flared. Such an embodiment may be advantageous in some applications
in that it may facilitate the insertion of a tube or funnel into
collapsible inlet 104 when it is in the first position to aid in
filling interior volume 106 with particulate material.
[0029] In some embodiments, the proximal portion of collapsible
inlet 104 may be provided with an extra portion of material which
may be folded over prior to stitching the proximal portion of
collapsible inlet 104 to the adjacent portion of tubular body 102.
In some applications, such an approach may improve the durability
of the portion of the seam extending across collapsible inlet 104.
In some embodiments, this portion of collapsible inlet 104 may be
folded over the adjacent portion of the exterior of tubular body
102 prior to being sewn or otherwise attached in place.
[0030] Collapsible inlet 104 may be located in any location along
the length of tubular body 102. For example, collapsible inlet 104
may be located at an end of tubular body 102, in the middle of
tubular body 102, or at any other point along the length of tubular
body 102. In some embodiments, collapsible inlet 104 may be placed
along the seam of tubular body 102. In other embodiments,
collapsible inlet 104 may be placed separately from the seam of
tubular body 102, for example on an opposite side from the seam of
tubular body 102. Collapsible inlet 104 may vary in size and the
size may depend, in part, on the overall size of device 100 and the
intended use of device 100. Collapsible inlet 104 may have
sufficient dimensions such that the collapse of the inlet into the
second position will effectively seal the particulate material
within interior volume 106, as described in more detail in FIG.
2.
[0031] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of weighted adjustable
fitness device 100 when collapsible inlet 104 is inserted into
interior volume 106 of tubular body 102, in accordance with an
embodiment of the present disclosure. In FIG. 2, collapsible inlet
104 is shown in the second position. Collapsible inlet 104 may be
moved to the second position for example, through the use of a rod,
a tube, the end of the funnel used to fill the device, or a finger.
When the inlet is in the second position, the weight and pressure
of the particulate material collapses the inlet and effectively
seals it off, thereby securely sealing the particulate material
within the weighted article without the need for knots, twine, or
other such accoutrements. Collapsible inlet 104 may be fully
extended within tubular body 102 when it is in the second position,
although in some embodiments collapsible inlet 104 may be only
partially extended within tubular body 102 or may be folded or
otherwise placed in a different orientation when it is in the
second position.
[0032] If it is desired to remove some or all of the particulate
material from tubular body 102, a funnel or a rigid tube of a
suitable diameter may be used to maintain collapsible inlet 104 in
an open position while removing the particulate material. Removal
of particulate material may be preferably performed when
collapsible inlet 104 is in the first position, as shown in FIG.
1.
[0033] In some embodiments, it may be desirable for collapsible
inlet 104 to be permanently sealed after filling interior volume
106 with particulate material. This may be accomplished, for
example, by fusing the inlet under heat or pressure, by sewing, by
gluing the inlet closed, or by other suitable method of permanently
sealing. In other embodiments, it may be desirable to fill interior
volume 106 with particulate material at an end of tubular body 102
and then permanently seal end closure 108 by fusing with heat or
pressure, by sewing, by gluing, or by any other suitable method of
permanently sealing.
[0034] FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of weighted adjustable
fitness device 300 where attachment member 310 is held by end
closure 308, in accordance with some embodiments of the present
disclosure. Attachment member 310 may be configured to allow the
device to be attached to anchor points (for example, a tether or an
anchor on a wall) or connected to other devices to increase the
effective length and resistance characteristics of device 300.
While attachment member 310 is shown in FIG. 3 as being a "D" ring,
attachment member 310 may be any suitable attachment member
mechanism, such as a grommet, a carabiner, or a hooking
mechanism.
[0035] FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of weighted adjustable
fitness device 300 connected to weighted adjustable fitness device
400, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.
Device 300 and device 400 may be connected via coupling device 412.
Coupling device 412 may connect attachment member 310 on device 300
to attachment member 410 on device 400. Coupling device 412 may be
a carabiner or similar metal or rubber ring configured to couple
the devices end-to-end to increase the length of the fitness
device. In some embodiments, multiple coupling devices 412 may be
connected together to connect device 300 and device 400. Coupling
device 412 may also be used to attach device 100 to an anchor
point.
[0036] FIG. 5 illustrates end closure 508 of weighted adjustable
fitness device 500, in accordance with some embodiments of the
present disclosure. In the example of FIG. 5, attachment member 510
is shown as a loop of material extending from end closure 508.
Attachment member 510 may be sewn into one or more seams 516.
[0037] End closure 508 may be sewn to tubular body 502 via a
variety of sewing methods. In some embodiments, tubular body 502 is
made of a laminate material consisting of more than one layer of
material. In some embodiments, end closure 508 may be sewn to
tubular body 502 using different sewing methods based on the
purpose and/or the location of the seam. Seams 514 may be sewn such
that each stitch penetrates the material of end closure 508 and a
single layer of tubular body 502. Such a stitching method may
reduce the failure potential of device 500. Seam 516 may be sewn
such that each stitch penetrates the material of end closure 508
and all layers of tubular body 502. Seam 518 may include a
reinforcement border, as described in more detail with respect to
FIG. 1, sewn along seam 518 along all or a portion of tubular body
502. The reinforcement boarder may serve to reinforce seam 518
during the use of device 500. The reinforcement border may be
connected to end closure 508.
[0038] In some embodiments, device 500 may include collar 520.
Collar 520 may be used to trap particulate material toward one or
more ends of device 500 to form a handle at an end of device 500.
Collar 520 may be constructed of nylon webbing, fabric, or similar
material. Collar 520 may be configured such that opposite ends of
collar 520 may be attached to one another to encircle tubular body
502. The opposite ends of collar 520 may attach to one another
through the use of a hook and loop fastener, VELCRO.RTM., a snap, a
buckle, or any other suitable attachment mechanism. Collar 520 may
be of any suitable dimension to allow collar 520 to trap
particulate material in an end of device 500. For example, the
distance between the two opposites ends of collar 520 that may be
attached to one another may be approximately equal to the diameter
of tubular body 502 such that tubular body 502 is pinched to
inhibit the movement of particulate material within interior volume
506.
[0039] Because the devices described herein may be constructed in
various sizes and weights, they may be used in many of the same
exercises that conventional ropes and other such devices are
commonly used in addition to a variety of exercises for which the
foregoing devices are not suitable. In such applications, the
deformability of the disclosed devices may offer unique advantages.
For example, because these devices can be made to conform to the
user's hands, they provide a firm grip to the user while also fully
engaging the muscles of the hands and fingers of the user during a
workout. The degree of conformity may be adjusted within a certain
range by adjusting the extent to which the device is filled, by
selection of appropriate materials for the body of the device,
and/or by the appropriate selection of fill materials. Typically,
reducing the amount of fill will increase the conformity of the
device within a certain range. In addition, because the exterior
surface of these devices may be made of neoprene or other soft,
elastomeric material, incidental contact with these surfaces during
a workout are unlikely to harm the user. This feature makes these
devices especially suitable for use by children and the
elderly.
[0040] The above description of the present disclosure is merely
exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the scope of the
application and uses of the described embodiments. It should be
apparent to a person of ordinary skill in the field, that the
disclosed embodiments are exemplary and not exhaustive of all
possible embodiments. It will thus be appreciated that various
additions, substitutions and modifications may be made to the above
described embodiments without departing from the scope of the
present disclosure. Accordingly, the scope of the present
disclosure should be construed in reference to the appended
claims.
* * * * *