U.S. patent application number 14/601034 was filed with the patent office on 2015-07-23 for weight training apparatus.
The applicant listed for this patent is Escape Fitness Limited. Invention is credited to Martin Childs.
Application Number | 20150202486 14/601034 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 50239191 |
Filed Date | 2015-07-23 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150202486 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Childs; Martin |
July 23, 2015 |
Weight Training Apparatus
Abstract
A weight training apparatus reconfigurable between an open
configuration and a compact configuration in which the apparatus is
packed into a smaller form than in the open configuration. The
apparatus includes one or more storage compartments configured to
removably receive and retain a weighted material to selectively
increase the weight of the apparatus. If including more than one
storage compartment, each can be movable relative to one other and
are shaped and arranged to enable the apparatus to be reconfigured
to the compact configuration in a filled condition in which the
storage compartments contain weighted material. The apparatus can
be configured in the compact configuration without weighted
material for transport or storage. The absence of any weighted
material makes the apparatus lightweight to carry, as well as
enabling it to compact to a much smaller size than in the in-use
filled configuration.
Inventors: |
Childs; Martin;
(Peterborough, GB) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Escape Fitness Limited |
Peterborough |
|
GB |
|
|
Family ID: |
50239191 |
Appl. No.: |
14/601034 |
Filed: |
January 20, 2015 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
482/106 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 21/0603 20130101;
A63B 21/0605 20130101; A63B 2210/50 20130101; A63B 21/4035
20151001; A63B 2209/10 20130101; A63B 21/075 20130101; A63B
21/00065 20130101; A63B 21/0602 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A63B 21/075 20060101
A63B021/075 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jan 20, 2014 |
GB |
1400933.6 |
Claims
1. A weight training apparatus reconfigurable between an open
configuration and a compact configuration, the apparatus comprising
a plurality of storage compartments configured to removably receive
and retain a weighted material to increase the weight of the
apparatus, the storage compartments being movable relative to each
other during reconfiguration and arranged to enable the apparatus
to be reconfigured to the compact configuration in a filled
condition containing the weighted material.
2. The weight training apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the
apparatus is unfurled in the open configuration and rolled or
folded in the closed configuration.
3. The weight training apparatus according to claim 2, wherein at
least one storage compartment comprises a sealable opening that is
accessible when the apparatus is unfurled.
4. The weight training apparatus according to claim 2, wherein each
storage compartment comprises a sealable opening that is accessible
when the apparatus is unfurled; wherein each storage compartment
comprises a plurality of pockets; and wherein each pocket is
configured to receive and retain flowable material and comprises
closure means for closing the pocket and sealing the flowable
material within the pocket.
5. The weight training apparatus according to claim 3, wherein at
least one storage compartment comprises a plurality of pockets.
6. The weight training apparatus according to claim 4 further
comprising a flexible support sheet, wherein the plurality of
pockets are secured to a common surface of the support sheet and
arranged such that the support sheet may be rolled into cylindrical
form in the compact configuration in which the pockets are
contained within the support sheet.
7. The weight training apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the
plurality of pockets are configured to receive and retain flowable
material and comprise closure means for closing the pockets and
sealing the flowable material within the pockets.
8. The weight training apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the
support sheet can be rolled into cylindrical form when the pockets
are filled and empty.
9. The weight training apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the
plurality of pockets each comprise first and second front panels
hingedly connected to each other their distal edges and hingedly
connected to the support sheet along their proximal edges, side
panels arranged at either side of the first and second front panels
connected to the side edges of the front panels and to the support
sheet.
10. The weight training apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the
plurality of pockets are arranged such that in the rolled
configuration they extend radially inwards from the inner surface
of the support sheet.
11. The weight training apparatus according to claim 6 further
comprising at least one strap extending from one end of the support
sheet arranged to extend circumferentially around the outer surface
of the apparatus in rolled configuration to hold the apparatus in
said configuration.
12. The weight training apparatus according to claim 6 further
comprising at least one handle arranged on the opposing side of the
support sheet to the pockets such that it is arranged on the outer
surface of the apparatus in the rolled configuration to enable the
apparatus to be gripped by a user to lift the apparatus.
13. The weight training apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the
plurality of pockets define a bellows arrangement in which the
second front panel and the side panels are collapsible such that
the first front panel is pivotable between a collapsed position in
which it is arranged parallel to the inner surface of the support
sheet, and an expanded position in which it is angled away from the
support sheet.
14. The weight training apparatus according to claim 10, wherein
the plurality of pockets are configured such that in the rolled
configuration they taper inwardly in the radially inwards
direction.
15. The weight training apparatus according to claim 11, wherein at
least one strap includes releasable fastening means to fasten the
strap in position when wrapped around the apparatus.
16. A weight training apparatus reconfigurable between an open
configuration and a compact configuration, the apparatus
comprising: a plurality of storage compartments; and a flexible
support sheet; wherein each of storage compartments are configured
to removably receive and retain a weighted material to increase the
weight of the apparatus; wherein each storage compartment is
movable relative to one another during reconfiguration and arranged
to enable the apparatus to be reconfigured to the compact
configuration in a filled condition containing the weighted
material; wherein the apparatus is unfurled in the open
configuration and rolled or folded in the closed configuration;
wherein each of the storage compartments comprise a sealable
opening that is accessible when the apparatus is unfurled; wherein
each of the storage compartment comprise a plurality of pockets;
wherein each of the pockets are configured to receive and retain
flowable material and comprise closure means for closing the
pockets and sealing the flowable material within the pocket; and
wherein each of the pockets is secured to a common surface of the
support sheet and arranged such that the support sheet can be
rolled into cylindrical form in the compact configuration in which
the pockets are contained within the support sheet.
17. A weight training apparatus reconfigurable between an open
configuration and a compact configuration, the apparatus
comprising: a plurality of storage compartments; and a flexible
support sheet; wherein at least one storage compartment is
configured to removably receive and retain a weighted material to
increase the weight of the apparatus; wherein at least two storage
compartments are movable relative to one another during
reconfiguration and arranged to enable the apparatus to be
reconfigured to the compact configuration in a filled condition
containing the weighted material; wherein the apparatus is unfurled
in the open configuration and rolled or folded in the closed
configuration; wherein at least one storage compartment comprises a
sealable opening that is accessible when the apparatus is unfurled;
wherein at least one storage compartment comprises a plurality of
pockets; wherein at least one pocket is configured to receive and
retain flowable material and comprises closure means for closing
the pocket and sealing the flowable material within the pocket; and
wherein at least one pocket is secured to a common surface of the
support sheet and arranged such that the support sheet can be
rolled into cylindrical form in the compact configuration in which
the pocket is contained within the support sheet.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of UK Patent Application
No. 1400933.6, filed 20 Jan. 2014, the entire contents and
substance of which is hereby incorporated by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to a weight training
apparatus, and in particular to a refillable weight lifting
bag.
[0004] 2. Description of Related Art
[0005] Weight training is a common form of exercise for developing
strength and power through an increase in the strength and size of
skeletal muscles. Weight training requires the performance of
specific movements involving the contraction of the muscles during
which the force generated by the muscles is opposed by a weighted
device such as a dumbbell acting under the force of gravity. A wide
range of weighted devices are available that enable an even wider
range of weight training exercises to be performed.
[0006] Weight training devices require a weighted element to
provide the required resistance. This weighted element may be metal
such as cast iron, or a flowable material such as sand or metal
shot. The weight of this material provides the necessary resistance
force, but also makes the apparatus difficult for a user to move,
store and transport. For example, it would not be practically
possible to carry a weight suitable for weight training while
travelling both due to the burden of the weight as well as the
significant space consumed by the apparatus. In addition, the
weight of such apparatus significantly increases the cost of
transport for the manufacturer and hence the cost of the apparatus
to the consumer.
[0007] It is known to provide weight training apparatus such as
dumbbells that comprise hollow weight sections that may be filled
at the point of use with weighted material such as sand. However,
dumbbells of this type still comprise a rigid form that is space
consuming. It is also known to use rudimentary weight apparatus
such as sand bags that may be filled at the point of use, but
sandbags are difficult for a user to hold and manipulate during
exercise in part due to the fact that they do not maintain a fixed
shape and structure.
[0008] It is therefore desirable to provide an improved weighted
apparatus for exercise which addresses the above described problems
and/or which offers improvements generally.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] According to the present invention there is provided a
weight training apparatus as described in the accompanying
claims.
[0010] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention there is
provided a weight training apparatus reconfigurable between an open
configuration and a compact configuration, the apparatus comprising
a plurality of storage compartments configured to removably receive
and retain a weighted material to increase the weight of the
apparatus, the storage compartments being movable relative to each
other during reconfiguration and arranged to enable the apparatus
to be reconfigured to the compact configuration in a filled
condition containing the weighted material. The apparatus can be
unfurled in the open configuration and rolled or folded in the
closed configuration.
[0011] At least one storage compartment can comprise a sealable
opening that is accessible when the apparatus is unfurled. At least
one storage compartment can comprise a plurality of pockets.
[0012] The apparatus can further comprise a flexible support sheet,
wherein the plurality of pockets are secured to a common surface of
the support sheet and arranged such that the support sheet may be
rolled into cylindrical form in the compact configuration in which
the pockets are contained within the support sheet.
[0013] The plurality of pockets can be configured to receive and
retain flowable material and comprise closure means for closing the
pockets and sealing the flowable material within the pockets.
[0014] The support sheet can be rolled into cylindrical form when
the pockets are filled and empty.
[0015] The plurality of pockets can comprise first and second front
panels hingedly connected to each other their distal edges and
hingedly connected to the support sheet along their proximal edges,
side panels arranged at either side of the first and second front
panels connected to the side edges of the front panels and to the
support sheet. The plurality of pockets can be arranged such that
in the rolled configuration they extend radially inwards from the
inner surface of the support sheet.
[0016] The apparatus can further comprise at least one strap
extending from one end of the support sheet arranged to extend
circumferentially around the outer surface of the apparatus in
rolled configuration to hold the apparatus in said configuration.
At least one strap includes releasable fastening means to fasten
the strap in position when wrapped around the apparatus
[0017] The apparatus can further comprise at least one handle
arranged on the opposing side of the support sheet to the pockets
such that it is arranged on the outer surface of the apparatus in
the rolled configuration to enable the apparatus to be gripped by a
user to lift the apparatus.
[0018] The plurality of pockets can define a bellows arrangement in
which the second front panel and the side panels are collapsible
such that the first front panel is pivotable between a collapsed
position in which it is arranged parallel to the inner surface of
the support sheet, and an expanded position in which it is angled
away from the support sheet.
[0019] The plurality of pockets can be configured such that in the
rolled configuration they taper inwardly in the radially inwards
direction.
[0020] In another exemplary embodiment of the invention there is
provided a weight training apparatus reconfigurable between an open
configuration and a compact configuration, the apparatus comprising
a plurality of storage compartments, and a flexible support sheet,
wherein at least one storage compartment is configured to removably
receive and retain a weighted material to increase the weight of
the apparatus, wherein at least two storage compartments are
movable relative to one another during reconfiguration and arranged
to enable the apparatus to be reconfigured to the compact
configuration in a filled condition containing the weighted
material, wherein the apparatus is unfurled in the open
configuration and rolled or folded in the closed configuration,
wherein at least one storage compartment comprises a sealable
opening that is accessible when the apparatus is unfurled, wherein
at least one storage compartment comprises a plurality of pockets,
wherein at least one pocket is configured to receive and retain
flowable material and comprises closure means for closing the
pocket and sealing the flowable material within the pocket, and
wherein at least one pocket is secured to a common surface of the
support sheet and arranged such that the support sheet can be
rolled into cylindrical form in the compact configuration in which
the pocket is contained within the support sheet.
[0021] In another exemplary embodiment of the invention there is
provided a weight training apparatus reconfigurable between an open
configuration and a compact configuration in which the apparatus is
packed into a smaller form than in the open configuration. The
apparatus comprises a plurality of storage compartments configured
to removably receive and retain a weighted material to selectively
increase the weight of the apparatus. The storage compartments are
movable relative to each other and are shaped and arranged to
enable the apparatus to be reconfigured to the compact
configuration in a filled condition in which the storage
compartments contain weighted material. The apparatus may be
configured in the compact configuration without weighted material
within the pockets for transport or storage. The absence of any
weighted material makes the apparatus lightweight to carry, as well
as enabling it to compact to a much smaller size than in the in-use
filled configuration. At the location of use the apparatus can be
opened and weighted material added into the storage compartments,
with the apparatus then being returned to the compact configuration
for use. The compact configuration is preferable to the open
configuration for use as it enables the apparatus to be handled and
manipulated more easily.
[0022] The use of multiple storage compartments enables the shape
of the apparatus to be controlled when filled by controlling the
size and arrangement of the storage compartments. A single volume
fillable device such as a sandbag is provided in a fixed form that
must be filled to capacity to provide a form that is suitable for
handling, but will still experience sag regardless of how much it
is filled, and be difficult to manipulate. The form is difficult to
maintain as the weighted material is able to flow throughout the
entire body. In contrast, the use of multiple storage compartments
enables the weighted material to be localized in discrete pockets
enabling a more usable form to be maintained.
[0023] The apparatus is unfurled in the open configuration and
furled in the closed configuration. The term unfurled means opened,
unrolled, unfolded, or spread out from a furled state such as a
rolled or folded state. Rolling or folding the apparatus forms a
compact, tightly bound body that resists sagging or other
deformation.
[0024] The storage compartments each comprise an opening that is
accessible when the apparatus is unfurled. Rolling or folding the
apparatus to the compact configuration binds and encloses the
pockets thereby enclosing and shielding the weighted material to
mitigate the risk of damage and release in use.
[0025] The plurality of storage compartments preferably comprises a
plurality of pockets formed of a flexible material. The pockets are
preferable provided on a flexible support substrate to fix them in
a predetermined relationship to each other.
[0026] The plurality of pockets may be configured to receive and
retain flowable material and comprise closure means for closing the
pockets and sealing the flowable material within the pockets. The
use of flowable material such as sand is advantageous as such
material may be present on site, which is the case for example for
members of the armed forces based in arid or desert environments,
meaning that the weighted material is readily available at the
point of use without requiring transportation. By the same token
this material may be readily disposed of following use. Flowable
material also has the advantage of taking the form of the pockets,
without requiring specific manufacture to provide a weighted
element configured to fit the pockets.
[0027] The support substrate may be a flexible support sheet or
panel. The plurality of pockets are secured to a common inner
surface of the support panel and arranged such that the support
panel may be rolled into cylindrical form in which the pockets are
contained within and surrounded by the support panel. This provides
a continuous cylindrical outer surface that may be include handles
or other means for gripping the apparatus, with the weighted
material housed within the confines of the support panel and
shielded from impact thereby minimizing the risk of splitting or
other damage to the pockets, as well as preventing the pockets from
providing an obstruction to the user during use.
[0028] The support sheet may be rolled into cylindrical form when
the pockets are filled with weighted material and may also be
rolled into cylindrical form when the pockets do not contained
weighted material with the unfilled `stowed` compact configuration
having a diameter less than the second filled compact
configuration. In the stowed configuration the pockets may be
arranged substantially flush with the inner surface of the support
panel and the panel is able to be rolled several providing a very
compact form when no filling is present in the pockets.
[0029] The pockets may each comprise first and second front panels
hingedly connected to each other their distal edges and hingedly
connected to the support panel along their proximal edges. Side
panels are arranged at either side of the first and second front
panels connected to the side edges of the front panels and to the
support sheet. The distal and proximal edges of the front panels
extend transversely across the support panel.
[0030] The pockets may effectively define a bellows arrangement in
which the second front panel and the side panels are formed from a
flexible material and are collapsible such that first front panel
is pivotable between a collapsed position in which it is arranged
parallel to the inner surface of the support panel, and an expanded
position in which it is angled away from the support panel. The
first front panel may be formed from a flexible material that is
stiffer than the second front panel and side panels such that it
retains its planer form more readily than the second front panel,
with the second front panels and side panels configured to collapse
beneath the first front panel.
[0031] The opening to each pocket is preferably arranged proximate
to and parallel with the proximal edge of the first front panel.
Alternatively the opening may be defined by the proximal edge of
the first front panel.
[0032] The pockets are preferably arranged such that in the compact
configuration, when the pockets are filled, they extend radially
inwards from the inner surface of the support panel. The pockets
preferably define a substantially v-shaped wedge when filled.
Preferably four pockets are provided and in the compact
configuration the pockets extend and taper inwardly and
substantially define quarter segments of the circular cross section
of the apparatus to fill the central volume of the rolled apparatus
with minimal void that could lead to sagging.
[0033] At least one strap may be included that extends from and is
preferably secured to one end of the support panel and arranged to
extend circumferentially around at least part of the circumference
of the apparatus in both compact arrangements to hold the apparatus
in said configurations.
[0034] The at least one strap wraps at least partially around the
apparatus and preferably includes releasable fastening means to
fasten the strap in position when wrapped around the apparatus,
which may be Velcro.RTM. or similar hook and eye fabric.
[0035] At least one handle may be arranged on the opposing side of
the support panel to the pockets such that it is on the outer
surface of the apparatus in the compact configurations to enable
the apparatus to be gripped by a user to lift the apparatus.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0036] Various features and advantages of the present invention may
be more readily understood with reference to the following detailed
description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings,
wherein like reference numerals designate like structural elements,
and in which:
[0037] FIG. 1 shows a weight training apparatus in accordance with
an embodiment of the invention in the open unrolled
configuration;
[0038] FIG. 2 shows a pocket of the apparatus of FIG. 1;
[0039] FIG. 3 shows the reverse side of the arrangement of FIG.
1;
[0040] FIG. 4 shows the apparatus of FIG. 2 in the stowed filled
configuration;
[0041] FIG. 5 shows an end view of the arrangement of FIG. 4;
and
[0042] FIG. 6 shows the apparatus of FIG. 1 in the filled compact
configuration.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0043] To facilitate an understanding of the principles and
features of the various embodiments of the invention, various
illustrative embodiments are explained below. Although exemplary
embodiments of the invention are explained in detail, it is to be
understood that other embodiments are contemplated. Accordingly, it
is not intended that the invention is limited in its scope to the
details of construction and arrangement of components set forth in
the following description or examples. The invention is capable of
other embodiments and of being practiced or carried out in various
ways. Also, in describing the exemplary embodiments, specific
terminology will be resorted to for the sake of clarity.
[0044] It must also be noted that, as used in the specification and
the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an" and "the" include
plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
For example, reference to a component is intended also to include
composition of a plurality of components. References to a
composition containing "a" constituent is intended to include other
constituents in addition to the one named.
[0045] Also, in describing the exemplary embodiments, terminology
will be resorted to for the sake of clarity. It is intended that
each term contemplates its broadest meaning as understood by those
skilled in the art and includes all technical equivalents which
operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar purpose.
[0046] Ranges may be expressed herein as from "about" or
"approximately" or "substantially" one particular value and/or to
"about" or "approximately" or "substantially" another particular
value. When such a range is expressed, other exemplary embodiments
include from the one particular value and/or to the other
particular value.
[0047] Similarly, as used herein, "substantially free" of
something, or "substantially pure", and like characterizations, can
include both being "at least substantially free" of something, or
"at least substantially pure", and being "completely free" of
something, or "completely pure".
[0048] By "comprising" or "containing" or "including" is meant that
at least the named compound, element, particle, or method step is
present in the composition or article or method, but does not
exclude the presence of other compounds, materials, particles,
method steps, even if the other such compounds, material,
particles, method steps have the same function as what is
named.
[0049] It is also to be understood that the mention of one or more
method steps does not preclude the presence of additional method
steps or intervening method steps between those steps expressly
identified. Similarly, it is also to be understood that the mention
of one or more components in a composition does not preclude the
presence of additional components than those expressly
identified.
[0050] The materials described as making up the various elements of
the invention are intended to be illustrative and not restrictive.
Many suitable materials that would perform the same or a similar
function as the materials described herein are intended to be
embraced within the scope of the invention. Such other materials
not described herein can include, but are not limited to, for
example, materials that are developed after the time of the
development of the invention.
[0051] Referring to FIG. 1, a weight training apparatus 1 comprises
a support sheet or panel 2 formed of a flexible material. The
support sheet 2 is a substantially rectangular flexible panel
having sides 4 defining the length of the support sheet and ends 6
shorted than the sides. The support sheet 2 is substantially planar
in the unfolded condition as represented in FIG. 1 and includes an
inner surface 8 and outer surface 10.
[0052] A plurality of elongate straps 12 are secured to the outer
side 10 of the support sheet 2 and extend past one end 6a. The
straps 12 are transversely spaced and extend longitudinally past
the end 6a and include free ends 14. The straps 12 have an outer
surface 16 and an inner surface 18 that includes securing fabric
such as one part of a hook and eye fabric arrangement such as
Velcro.RTM.. Alternatively the straps 14 may be provided with
mechanical fasteners.
[0053] A plurality of pockets 18 are provided on the inner surface
8 of the support sheet 2. Preferably the apparatus 1 comprises four
pockets 18. The pockets 18 are transversely aligned and regularly
spaced longitudinally. Each pocket 18 includes a front panel 20,
base panel 22 connected along a common edge, and side panels 24
located transversely either side of the front 20 and base 22 panels
and connected to both. The front 20, base 22 and side 34 panels are
formed of a flexible material and preferably of the same material
as the base panel 2. The side panels 24 are substantially
triangular and the front panel 20 and base panel 22 are
substantially rectangular such that the pockets form a wedge shaped
configuration. As the base panel 22 and side panels 243 are
flexible they are able to collapse when the pockets 18 are empty in
a bellows type arrangement such that the front panel 20 is able to
lie substantially parallel with the base panel 2, and expand when
full to the wedge configuration.
[0054] As shown in FIG. 2, the pockets 18 are stitched, adhered or
otherwise permanently secured to the support sheet, with the outer
surface of the support sheet 2 contained within the pocket, and the
inner surfaces of the front 20, base 22 and side 34 panels
combining to define a sealed enclosure. Each pocket 18 includes an
opening arranged to permit access to the interior of the pocket 18.
In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 the opening is a transversely
extending slit 26 formed width-wise across the proximal end of the
front panel 20 proximate its intersection with the base panel 2. A
fastener 28 such as a zip is provided along the slit to close and
seal the slit 26.
[0055] FIG. 3 shows the outer surface 10 of the support sheet 2.
The straps 12 extend longitudinally along substantially the whole
length of the support sheet 2, with the portion of the straps
overlying the support sheet 2 being secured directly to the support
sheet, preferably by stitching and/or adhesion. The outer surface
16 of at least the proximal end 19 includes a Velcro.RTM. material
configured to be secured to by the corresponding Velcro.RTM.
sections on the inner surface of the opposing free ends 14. The
Velcro.RTM. material on the outer surface 16 may extend fully along
the length of the straps 12 or in another alternative as far as the
ends of the support sheet 2. The straps 12 also provide
reinforcement for the support sheet 2 in the longitudinal
direction. Additional straps 21 extend transversely across the
outer surface 10 of the support sheet 2 and extend past the sides 4
to form handles 23 which in use are located at longitudinally
opposed ends of the apparatus 1. Securing eyes 27 and 29 are also
located to the end 6a and sides 4 respectively and enable the
apparatus to be suspended in the open configuration. This allows
the pockets 18 to be used as storage means when they are not filled
with weighted material for use in exercise.
[0056] As shown in FIG. 4, in a first stowed configuration in which
the pockets are empty, the base panel 2 may be rolled length-wise
into a substantially cylindrical form. With the empty pockets
collapsed a tightly rolled arrangement is possible comprising
several concentric spiraled layers. The base panel 2 is rolled from
the opposing 6b to the straps 12 in the direction of the straps 12.
When the base panel 2 is fully rolled the straps 12 are pulled and
wrapped around the rolled arrangement. As described above, the
inner surface of the straps 18, which in the rolled configuration
face radially inwards, comprise a Velcro.RTM. material. A
corresponding Velcro material is provided on a portion of the outer
surface such that when the straps 12 are pulled tight around the
rolled panel 2 the inner surface may be secured to the
corresponding portion of the outer surface 16 to hold the straps 12
in position, to clamp and retain the panel 2 in the rolled
configuration.
[0057] In use, when the apparatus is to be used to perform weight
training exercises, the straps 12 are released and the base panel 2
is unrolled to the flat configuration of FIG. 1. The pockets 18 are
then opened by releasing the zips 28. The pockets 18 are then
filled with a weighted material such as sand or metal shot. The
material of the pockets 18 and base panel 2 is selected to be
non-porous to ensure that even fine sand particles are retained
within the pockets 18 when sealed. As an alternative to sand or
shot a waterproof bladder may be provided that is configured to fit
within the pockets 18 which may be filled with water to provide the
required resistance weight. The bladder may be removable from the
pocket 18 to allow it to be offered to a source of water more
easily.
[0058] In the filled condition the pockets 18 adopt the wedged
configuration. With each of the pockets 18 filled, the apparatus 1
may again be reconfigured to the closed configuration by rolling
the support sheet 2. With the pockets 18 filled the support sheet 2
is no longer able to be rolled into the tight stowed configuration.
As the support sheet 2 is rolled, each pocket 18 moves into
abutment with the longitudinally adjacent pocket 18. Again the
support sheet 2 is rolled from the lower end 6b until the lower end
6b comes into engagement with the upper end 6a which wraps over the
outer surface of the lower end 6b. In the configuration the
apparatus 1 is now substantially cylindrical. Internally, the
pockets 18 are in abutment with each other.
[0059] As shown in FIG. 5, the wedge shape of the pockets 18 is
such that when viewed in cross section from the end 30 of the
rolled apparatus each of the pockets 18 taper in the radially
inwards direction with each of the four pockets 18 substantially
forming a quarter segment of the overall circular cross section.
Each pocket 18 tapers from a wide base 33 to an apex 35. In an
alternative arrangement including more or less than four pockets
the pockets would be sized and arranged to substantially fill the
circular cross section to avoid gaps that may lead to sagging.
[0060] In the compact cylindrical form the pockets 18 extend
longitudinally along the length of the apparatus. In this way, a
circular outer shape is achieved with apparatus being maintained in
a cylindrical form having a greater diameter than when in the
stowed configuration due the internal presence of the weighted
filling material. As the pockets 18 are flexible, they may be
selectively filled with varying amounts of material to achieve
differing weights. Where the pockets are not completely filled
their flexible nature allows them to compact against each other as
the support sheet is rolled, with the support sheet 2 being rolled
tightly to compress the pockets such that the resultant cylindrical
rolled form is retained and the apparatus remains longitudinally
rigid, having a diameter less than the completely filled form and
greater than the stowed form.
[0061] A plurality of handles 32 are arranged along the length of
the outer surface 10 of the support sheet 2. The straps 32 are
arranged transversely such that in the rolled configuration they
extend circumferentially around part of the circumference of the
apparatus 1. In use the handles 32 allow the filled apparatus to be
gripped by the user to enable it to be manipulated to perform
weight training exercises. Further straps 34 extend transversely
from the sides of the panel 2, which in the rolled configuration
extend longitudinally away from the ends of the cylindrical body of
the apparatus 1 to provide an alternative grip position.
[0062] Following use the zip 28 of each pocket 18 is opened and the
filling material may be emptied from the pockets 18 allows the
apparatus 1 to be rolled back into the stowed configuration for
transit or storage.
[0063] As shown in FIG. 6, in the compact stowed configuration, the
absence of filled weighted material in the pocket 18 means the
pockets are able to deform and lie substantially parallel to the
inner surface of the support sheet 2 and confirm to the same shape
as the sheet 2 as it is rolled. This enables a close compact rolled
arrangement in which there is minimal spacing between adjacent
concentric layers of the rolled configuration. This optimizes the
compact arrangement for storage and transport.
[0064] Whilst endeavoring in the foregoing specification to draw
attention to those features of the invention believed to be of
particular importance it should be understood that the Applicant
claims protection in respect of any patentable feature or
combination of features hereinbefore referred to and/or shown in
the drawings whether or not particular emphasis has been placed
thereon.
* * * * *