U.S. patent application number 16/213359 was filed with the patent office on 2020-06-18 for weighted bag.
The applicant listed for this patent is Coulter Ventures, LLC. Invention is credited to Laurie Ann Coughlan, William Henniger, Ahmik Jones, Steve Slater.
Application Number | 20200188721 16/213359 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 67767330 |
Filed Date | 2020-06-18 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20200188721 |
Kind Code |
A9 |
Henniger; William ; et
al. |
June 18, 2020 |
Weighted Bag
Abstract
A weighted bag having an outer shell and a handle assembly. The
outer shell has a plurality of panels and at least one of one of a
pair of slots and a first end loop assembly and a second end loop
assembly spaced apart from the first end loop assembly coupled to
the plurality of panels. The handle assembly has a handle grasping
member and a strapping assembly, the strapping assembly extending
from the handle grasping member and interfacing with at least one
of the pair of slots and the first and second end loop assemblies
so as to couple the handle assembly to the outer shell.
Inventors: |
Henniger; William;
(Columbus, OH) ; Coughlan; Laurie Ann; (Columbus,
OH) ; Jones; Ahmik; (Upper Arlington, OH) ;
Slater; Steve; (Lancaster, OH) |
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Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Coulter Ventures, LLC |
Columbus |
OH |
US |
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Prior
Publication: |
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Document Identifier |
Publication Date |
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US 20190269956 A1 |
September 5, 2019 |
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Family ID: |
67767330 |
Appl. No.: |
16/213359 |
Filed: |
December 7, 2018 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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16103090 |
Aug 14, 2018 |
10149997 |
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16213359 |
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29647410 |
May 11, 2018 |
D864573 |
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16103090 |
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29651235 |
Apr 19, 2018 |
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29647410 |
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29638918 |
Mar 1, 2018 |
D871072 |
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29651235 |
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62544973 |
Aug 14, 2017 |
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62544957 |
Aug 14, 2017 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 21/0603 20130101;
A63B 21/0601 20130101; A63B 2209/10 20130101; A63B 21/06 20130101;
A63B 21/075 20130101; A63B 21/4035 20151001 |
International
Class: |
A63B 21/06 20060101
A63B021/06 |
Claims
1. A bag configured to be filled with a filler material,
comprising: a shell comprising a cylindrical portion, a first end,
and a second end opposite the first end, wherein the cylindrical
portion and the first and second ends of the shell combine to
define and enclose an inner cavity configured to contain the filler
material, and wherein the shell has an opening providing access to
the inner cavity for filling the filler material into the inner
cavity; and a handle assembly comprising a handle configured to be
grasped by a user, a first peripheral strap engaged with the handle
and extending from the handle around a periphery of the cylindrical
portion proximate the first end to engage the shell, and a second
peripheral strap engaged with the handle and extending from the
handle around the periphery of the cylindrical portion proximate
the second end to engage the shell, the handle assembly further
comprising a central strap extending from the handle around the
first end, a portion of the cylindrical portion, and the second end
to engage the shell.
2. The bag of claim 1, further comprising an inner bag positioned
in the inner cavity and connected to an inner surface of the shell,
wherein the inner bag is in communication with the opening and is
configured to be filled with the filler material through the
opening.
3. The bag of claim 1, wherein the cylindrical portion has a
circular cylindrical shape, wherein the first and second ends are
circular in shape, and wherein the first and second peripheral
straps are circumferential straps that extend around a
circumference of the cylindrical portion.
4. The bag of claim 1, wherein the first peripheral strap extends
from a first end of the handle in first and second opposed
peripheral directions, the second peripheral strap extends from a
second end of the handle opposite the first end in the first and
second peripheral directions, and the central strap extends from
the first end and the second end of the handle.
5. The bag of claim 1, wherein the handle is positioned above a top
of the shell, and the central strap extends across the portion of
the cylindrical portion on a bottom of the shell.
6. The bag of claim 1, wherein the first peripheral strap comprises
a first strap portion extending in a first peripheral direction
from the handle and a second strap portion extending in a second
peripheral direction from the handle that is opposite to the first
peripheral direction, wherein the first and second strap portions
are connected at a first joint spaced from the handle to form the
first peripheral strap, and the second peripheral strap comprises a
third strap portion extending in the first peripheral direction
from the handle and a fourth strap portion extending in the second
peripheral direction from the handle, wherein the third and fourth
strap portions are connected at a second joint spaced from the
handle to form the second peripheral strap.
7. The bag of claim 1, wherein the first peripheral strap, the
second peripheral strap, and the central strap all non-fixedly
engage the shell and are moveable with respect to the shell.
8. The bag of claim 7, wherein the first end of the shell has a
first slot and the second end of the shell has a second slot, and
wherein the central strap extends through the first slot and the
second slot to retain the central strap in non-fixed engagement
with the shell.
9. The bag of claim 7, further comprising a first retaining
structure comprising a first channel extending at least partially
around the periphery of the cylindrical portion proximate the first
end, and a second retaining structure comprising a second channel
extending at least partially around the periphery of the
cylindrical portion proximate the second end, wherein the first
peripheral strap extends through the first channel and the second
peripheral strap extends through the second channel to retain the
first and second peripheral straps in non-fixed engagement with the
shell.
10. A bag configured to be filled with a filler material,
comprising: a shell comprising a cylindrical portion having a
circular cylindrical shape and opposed first and second ends
connected to the cylindrical portion and each having a circular
shape, wherein the cylindrical portion and the first and second
ends of the shell combine to define and enclose an inner cavity
configured to contain the filler material, and wherein the shell
has an opening providing access to the inner cavity for filling the
filler material into the inner cavity; a handle assembly comprising
a handle configured to be grasped by a user and having first and
second opposed handle ends, a first circumferential strap engaged
with the handle and extending from the first handle end around a
circumference of the cylindrical portion proximate the first handle
end to engage the shell, and a second circumferential strap engaged
with the handle and extending from the second handle end around the
circumference of the cylindrical portion proximate the second
handle end to engage the shell; a first loop assembly defining a
first channel extending at least partially around the circumference
of the cylindrical portion proximate the first end, the first loop
assembly comprising a plurality of first cross supports extending
across the first channel, wherein the first circumferential strap
is received in the first channel and the first cross supports
engage the first circumferential strap to retain the first
circumferential strap in non-fixed engagement with the shell; and a
second loop assembly defining a second channel extending at least
partially around the circumference of the cylindrical portion
proximate the second end, the second loop assembly comprising a
plurality of second cross supports extending across the second
channel, wherein the second circumferential strap is received in
the second channel and the second cross supports engage the second
circumferential strap to retain the second circumferential strap in
non-fixed engagement with the shell.
11. The bag of claim 10, further comprising an inner bag positioned
in the inner cavity and connected to an inner surface of the shell,
wherein the inner bag is in communication with the opening and is
configured to be filled with the filler material through the
opening.
12. The bag of claim 10, wherein the first circumferential strap
comprises a first strap portion extending in a first
circumferential direction from the first handle end and a second
strap portion extending in a second circumferential direction that
is opposite to the first circumferential direction from the first
handle end, wherein the first and second strap portions are
connected at a first joint spaced from the handle to form the first
circumferential strap, and the second circumferential strap
comprises a third strap portion extending in the first
circumferential direction from the second handle end and a fourth
strap portion extending in the second circumferential direction
from the second handle end, wherein the third and fourth strap
portions are connected at a second joint spaced from the handle to
form the second circumferential strap.
13. The bag of claim 12, wherein the first strap portion and the
third strap portion are formed as a first integral strap that
extends through the handle from the first handle end to the second
handle end, and the second strap portion and the fourth strap
portion are formed as a second integral strap that extends through
the handle from the first handle end to the second handle end.
14. The bag of claim 10, wherein the first cross supports are
arranged in a first alternating pattern and extend at oblique
angles across the first channel, and the second cross supports are
arranged in a second alternating pattern and extend at oblique
angles across the second channel.
15. The bag of claim 14, wherein the first cross supports and the
second cross supports form triangular gaps between adjacent cross
supports of the first cross supports and the second cross
supports.
16. The bag of claim 14, wherein each of the first cross supports
overlaps with adjacent first cross supports, and each of the second
cross supports overlaps with adjacent second cross supports.
17. The bag of claim 14, wherein all of the plurality of first
cross supports are connected to the shell along first and second
continuous circumferential seams that are spaced from each other
and located on opposite sides of the first channel, and all of the
plurality of second cross supports are connected to the shell along
third and fourth continuous circumferential seams that are spaced
from each other and located on opposite sides of the second
channel.
18. The bag of claim 17, wherein the first loop assembly further
comprises a first circumferential support connected to the shell
and extending at least partially around the shell between the first
cross supports and the shell, such that the first channel is
defined between the first cross supports and the first
circumferential support, and the second loop assembly further
comprises a second circumferential support connected to the shell
and extending at least partially around the shell between the
second cross supports and the shell, such that the second channel
is defined between the second cross supports and the second
circumferential support, and wherein the first and second
continuous circumferential seams also connect the first
circumferential support to the shell, and the third and fourth
continuous circumferential seams also connect the second
circumferential support to the shell.
19. The bag of claim 14, wherein the first loop assembly further
comprises a first circumferential support connected to the shell
and extending at least partially around the shell between the first
cross supports and the shell, such that the first channel is
defined between the first cross supports and the first
circumferential support, and the second loop assembly further
comprises a second circumferential support connected to the shell
and extending at least partially around the shell between the
second cross supports and the shell, such that the second channel
is defined between the second cross supports and the second
circumferential support.
20. The bag of claim 14, wherein the first and second cross
supports are oriented such that adjacent first cross supports and
adjacent second cross supports are angled at 60-70.degree. with
each other.
21. A bag configured to be filled with a filler material,
comprising: a shell comprising a cylindrical portion having a
circular cylindrical shape and opposed first and second ends
connected to the cylindrical portion and each having a circular
shape, wherein the cylindrical portion and the first and second
ends of the shell combine to define and enclose an inner cavity
configured to contain the filler material, and wherein the shell
has an opening providing access to the inner cavity for filling the
filler material into the inner cavity; a handle assembly comprising
a handle configured to be grasped by a user and having first and
second opposed handle ends, a first circumferential strap engaged
with the handle and extending from the first handle end at least
partially around a circumference of the cylindrical portion
proximate the first handle end to engage the shell, and a second
circumferential strap engaged with the handle and extending from
the second handle end at least partially around the circumference
of the cylindrical portion proximate the second handle end to
engage the shell; a first retaining structure comprising a first
channel extending circumferentially at least partially around the
cylindrical portion proximate the first end, wherein the first
circumferential strap extends through the first channel to retain
the first circumferential strap in non-fixed engagement with the
shell; and a second retaining structure comprising a second channel
extending circumferentially at least partially around the
cylindrical portion proximate the second end, wherein the second
circumferential strap extends through the second channel to retain
the second circumferential strap in non-fixed engagement with the
shell.
22. The bag of claim 21, further comprising an inner bag positioned
in the inner cavity and connected to an inner surface of the shell,
wherein the inner bag is in communication with the opening and is
configured to be filled with the filler material through the
opening.
23. The bag of claim 21, wherein the first circumferential strap
comprises a first strap portion extending in a first
circumferential direction from the first handle end and a second
strap portion extending in a second circumferential direction that
is opposite to the first circumferential direction from the first
handle end, wherein the first and second strap portions are
connected at a first joint spaced from the handle to form the first
circumferential strap, and the second circumferential strap
comprises a third strap portion extending in the first
circumferential direction from the second handle end and a fourth
strap portion extending in the second circumferential direction
from the second handle end, wherein the third and fourth strap
portions are connected at a second joint spaced from the handle to
form the second circumferential strap.
24. The bag of claim 23, wherein the first strap portion and the
third strap portion are formed as a first integral strap that
extends through the handle from the first handle end to the second
handle end, and the second strap portion and the fourth strap
portion are formed as a second integral strap that extends through
the handle from the first handle end to the second handle end.
25. The bag of claim 21, wherein the first retaining structure
comprises a plurality of first cross supports extending across the
first channel, such that the first cross supports engage the first
circumferential strap to retain the first circumferential strap in
the non-fixed engagement with the shell, and the second retaining
structure comprises a plurality of second cross supports extending
across the second channel, such that the second cross supports
engage the second circumferential strap to retain the second
circumferential strap in non-fixed engagement with the shell.
26. The bag of claim 21, wherein the first cross supports are
arranged in a first alternating pattern and extend at oblique
angles across the first channel, and the second cross supports are
arranged in a second alternating pattern and extend at oblique
angles across the second channel.
27. A bag configured to be filled with a filler material,
comprising: a shell comprising a cylindrical portion having a
circular cylindrical shape and opposed first and second ends
connected to the cylindrical portion and each having a circular
shape, wherein the cylindrical portion and the first and second
ends of the shell combine to define and enclose an inner cavity
configured to contain the filler material, wherein the first end
includes a first outer panel on an outer surface of the shell and a
first inner panel on an inner surface of the shell, with a first
slot defined between the first outer and inner panels, wherein the
second end includes a second outer panel on the outer surface of
the shell and a second inner panel on the inner surface of the
shell, with a second slot defined between the second outer and
inner panels, and wherein the shell has an opening providing access
to the inner cavity for filling the filler material into the inner
cavity; a handle assembly comprising a handle configured to be
grasped by a user and having first and second opposed handle ends,
and a central strap engaging the handle and extending from the
first handle end around the first end of the shell and through the
first slot, across a bottom of the cylindrical portion, and around
the second end of the shell and through the second slot, wherein
the central strap extending through the first and second slots
retains the central strap in non-fixed engagement with the
shell.
28. The bag of claim 27, wherein the central strap comprises a
first strap portion extending from the first handle end around the
first end of the shell and through the first slot, and at least
partially across the bottom of the shell, and a second strap
portion extending from the second handle end around the second end
of the shell and through the second slot, and at least partially
across the bottom of the shell, wherein the first and second strap
portions are connected at a joint spaced from the handle to form
the central strap.
29. The bag of claim 28, wherein the first strap portion and the
second strap portion are formed as a single, integral strap that
extends through the handle from the first handle end to the second
handle end.
30. The bag of claim 27, wherein the first slot has a first upper
opening and a first lower opening in the first outer panel, such
that the central strap extends through the first upper and lower
openings, and the second slot has a second upper opening and a
second lower opening in the second outer panel, such that the
central strap extends through the second upper and lower openings.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 16/103,090, filed Aug. 14, 2018, which is a
non-provisional of and claims priority to U.S. Provisional
Application No. 62/544,973, filed Aug. 14, 2017, and U.S.
Provisional Application No. 62/544,957, filed Aug. 14, 2017, and
which also claims priority to and is a continuation-in-part of U.S.
Design patent application Ser. No. 29/651,235, filed Apr. 19, 2018,
U.S. Design patent application Ser. No. 29/638,918, filed Mar. 1,
2018, and U.S. Design patent application Ser. No. 29/647,410, filed
May 11, 2018, and the present application claims priority to all of
such prior applications, which are all incorporated herein by
reference and made part hereof.
BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE
1. Field of the Disclosure
[0002] The disclosure relates in general to weightlifting devices,
and more particularly, to a weighted bag for use in various
weightlifting and other exercises.
2. Background Art
[0003] The use of different devices in the lifting of weights and
general exercising is well known in the art. Many such exercises
and lifts generally utilize a rigid or solid weight that is coupled
to a handle, a bar or a cable and pulley system. Such devices
include lat machines, barbells, kettlebells, dumbbells and the
like.
[0004] Increasingly, however, dynamic, or shape changing devices
have been utilized. These devices include, but are not limited to
shape changing platforms, such as hemispherically shaped structures
which are semi-rigid, inflatable structures and the like. Other
such devices include balls or bags that can be lifted, carried,
thrown or otherwise manipulated.
[0005] Problematically, these non-rigid, flexible devices tend to
experience unpredictable forces and non-uniform loading depending
on how they are manipulated and/or how they are grasped, dropped or
otherwise impacted. At the same time, the material from which such
devices are made, by definition, are generally flexible and capable
of shape changing. Moreover, where a handle or the like is
introduced, the coupling of the handle to the bag is problematic
and often a source of deterioration, degradation and failure of the
bag. For example openings, tears, rips and the like are often
formed proximate the stitching or other joining between the handle
and the bag panels, as stress concentrations are experienced in
such locations.
BRIEF SUMMARY
[0006] The disclosure generally relates to various embodiments of a
bag having an outer shell defining an inner cavity configured to
receive a filler material to create a weighted bag. Any of the
embodiments herein may further include an inner bag positioned in
the inner cavity and connected to an inner surface of the shell,
which is configured to be filled with the filler material, e.g., by
being in communication with an opening in the shell.
[0007] Aspects of the disclosure relate to a bag configured to be
filled with a filler material that includes a shell having a
cylindrical portion with a circular cylindrical shape and opposed
circular ends connected to the cylindrical portion, where the
cylindrical portion and the ends of the shell combine to define and
enclose an inner cavity, and where the shell has an opening
providing access to the inner cavity and a closure mechanism
configured for selectively opening and closing the opening, an
inner bag positioned in the inner cavity and connected to an inner
surface of the shell, a filling mechanism, and a handle assembly.
The inner bag is in communication with the opening and is
configured to be filled with the filler material through the
opening. The filling mechanism includes a funnel having a proximal
end connected to the inner surface of the shell and a distal end
defining an inlet in communication with the inner bag, where the
funnel is flexible and is configured to be extendible by extending
the distal end outward through the opening for filling the filler
material into the inner bag through the opening and collapsible by
collapsing the funnel within the opening. The filling mechanism
further includes a funnel closure and a funnel securing structure,
the funnel closure having a first engaging portion and a second
engaging portion positioned on inner surfaces of opposite sides of
the funnel proximate the distal end and configured to releasably
engage each other to close the inlet, and the funnel securing
structure having a first securing member and a second securing
member positioned on outer surfaces of the funnel at different
distances from the distal end, with the first and second securing
members configured to releasably engage each other to secure the
funnel in a collapsed position. The handle assembly includes a
handle configured to be grasped by a user and first and second
strap portions engaged with the handle and extending from the
handle to engage the cylindrical portion of the shell. The first
strap portion extends around at least a first portion of a
circumference of the cylindrical portion in a first circumferential
direction, and the second strap portion extends around at least a
second portion of the circumference of the cylindrical portion in a
second circumferential direction. The opening may be defined in the
cylindrical portion of the shell in one configuration, but may be
located in a different portion of the shell.
[0008] According to one aspect, the first and second strap portions
are non-fixedly engaged with the handle and/or non-fixedly engaged
with the shell.
[0009] According to another aspect, the handle has a central
passage, and the first and second strap portions extend into the
central passage of the handle.
[0010] According to a further aspect, the filling mechanism further
includes a pair of grasping handles connected to opposite sides of
the funnel proximate the distal end and configured for grasping by
the user.
[0011] According to yet another aspect, the first and second strap
portions combine to extend around the entire circumference of the
cylindrical portion and are connected together at a joint to form a
circumferential strap engaged with the handle.
[0012] According to a still further aspect, the cylindrical portion
of the shell is formed by a single cylindrical panel of a fabric
material, and each of the opposed ends is formed of a single
circular panel of the fabric material.
[0013] Additional aspects of the disclosure relate to a bag that
includes a shell having a cylindrical portion having a circular
cylindrical shape and opposed ends connected to the cylindrical
portion and each having a circular shape, where the cylindrical
portion and the ends of the shell combine to define and enclose an
inner cavity, and where the shell has an opening providing access
to the inner cavity and a closure mechanism configured for
selectively opening and closing the opening, and further includes
an inner bag positioned in the inner cavity and connected to an
inner surface of the shell, where the inner bag is in communication
with the opening and is configured to be filled with the filler
material through the opening, a filling mechanism, and a handle
assembly. The filling mechanism includes a funnel having a proximal
end connected to the inner surface of the shell and a distal end
defining an inlet in communication with the inner bag, where the
funnel is flexible and is configured to be extendible by extending
the distal end outward through the opening for filling the filler
material into the inner bag through the opening and collapsible by
collapsing the funnel within the opening. The filling mechanism
further includes a funnel closure and a funnel securing structure,
the funnel closure having a first engaging portion and a second
engaging portion positioned on inner surfaces of opposite sides of
the funnel proximate the distal end and configured to releasably
engage each other to close the inlet, and the funnel securing
structure has a first securing member and a second securing member
positioned on outer surfaces of the funnel at different distances
from the distal end, with the first and second securing members
configured to releasably engage each other to secure the funnel in
a collapsed position. The handle assembly includes a handle
configured to be grasped by a user, and first and second strap
portions engaged with the handle and extending from a first end of
the handle to engage the cylindrical portion of the shell. The
first strap portion extends circumferentially around at least a
first portion of the cylindrical portion, and the second strap
portion extends circumferentially around at least a second portion
of the cylindrical portion, where the first strap portion and the
second strap portion are parts of a continuous strap extending
through the handle from the first end to the second end. The
opening may be defined in the cylindrical portion of the shell in
one configuration, but may be located in a different portion of the
shell.
[0014] According to one aspect, the first and second strap portions
are non-fixedly engaged with the handle and/or are non-fixedly
engaged with the shell.
[0015] According to another aspect, the cylindrical portion of the
shell is formed by a single cylindrical panel of a fabric material,
and each of the opposed ends is formed of a single circular panel
of the fabric material.
[0016] According to a further aspect, the continuous strap may be a
single, integral strap that extends through the handle from the
first end to the second end.
[0017] Further aspects of the disclosure relate to a bag that
includes a shell having a cylindrical portion, a first end, and a
second end opposite the first end, where the cylindrical portion
and the first and second ends of the shell combine to define and
enclose an inner cavity configured to contain the filler material,
and where the shell has an opening providing access to the inner
cavity for filling the filler material into the inner cavity, and
further includes a handle assembly. The handle assembly includes a
handle configured to be grasped by a user, a first peripheral strap
engaged with the handle and extending from the handle around a
periphery of the cylindrical portion proximate the first end to
engage the shell, and a second peripheral strap engaged with the
handle and extending from the handle around the periphery of the
cylindrical portion proximate the second end to engage the shell.
The handle assembly further includes a central strap extending from
the handle around the first end, a portion of the cylindrical
portion, and the second end to engage the shell.
[0018] According to one aspect, the cylindrical portion has a
circular cylindrical shape, the first and second ends are circular
in shape, and the first and second peripheral straps are
circumferential straps that extend around a circumference of the
cylindrical portion.
[0019] According to a further aspect, the first peripheral strap
extends from a first end of the handle in first and second opposed
peripheral directions, the second peripheral strap extends from a
second end of the handle opposite the first end in the first and
second peripheral directions, and the central strap extends from
the first end and the second end of the handle.
[0020] According to yet another aspect, the handle is positioned
above a top of the shell, and the central strap extends across the
portion of the cylindrical portion on a bottom of the shell.
[0021] According to a still further aspect, the first peripheral
strap includes a first strap portion extending in a first
peripheral direction from the handle and a second strap portion
extending in a second peripheral direction from the handle that is
opposite to the first peripheral direction, where the first and
second strap portions are connected at a first joint spaced from
the handle to form the first peripheral strap. In this
configuration, the second peripheral strap includes a third strap
portion extending in the first peripheral direction from the handle
and a fourth strap portion extending in the second peripheral
direction from the handle, where the third and fourth strap
portions are connected at a second joint spaced from the handle to
form the second peripheral strap.
[0022] According to an additional aspect, the first peripheral
strap, the second peripheral strap, and the central strap all
non-fixedly engage the shell and are moveable with respect to the
shell. In one configuration, the first end of the shell has a first
slot and the second end of the shell has a second slot, and the
central strap extends through the first slot and the second slot to
retain the central strap in non-fixed engagement with the shell.
The bag may also include a first retaining structure including a
first channel extending at least partially around the periphery of
the cylindrical portion proximate the first end, and a second
retaining structure including a second channel extending at least
partially around the periphery of the cylindrical portion proximate
the second end, where the first circumferential strap extends
through the first channel and the second circumferential strap
extends through the second channel to retain the first and second
circumferential straps in non-fixed engagement with the shell.
[0023] Still further aspects of the disclosure relate to bag
configured to be filled with a filler material that includes a
shell having a cylindrical portion having a circular cylindrical
shape and opposed first and second ends connected to the
cylindrical portion and each having a circular shape, where the
cylindrical portion and the first and second ends of the shell
combine to define and enclose an inner cavity configured to contain
the filler material, and where the shell has an opening providing
access to the inner cavity for filling the filler material into the
inner cavity, as well as a handle assembly and first and second
loop assemblies engaged with the handle and the shell. The handle
assembly includes a handle configured to be grasped by a user and
having first and second opposed handle ends, a first
circumferential strap engaged with the handle and extending from
the first handle end around a circumference of the cylindrical
portion proximate the first handle end to engage the shell, and a
second circumferential strap engaged with the handle and extending
from the second handle end around the circumference of the
cylindrical portion proximate the second handle end to engage the
shell. The first loop assembly defines a first channel extending at
least partially around the circumference of the cylindrical portion
proximate the first end and includes a plurality of first cross
supports extending across the first channel, where the first
circumferential strap is received in the first channel and the
first cross supports engage the first circumferential strap to
retain the first circumferential strap in non-fixed engagement with
the shell. The second loop assembly defines a second channel
extending at least partially around the circumference of the
cylindrical portion proximate the second end and includes a
plurality of second cross supports extending across the second
channel, where the second circumferential strap is received in the
second channel and the second cross supports engage the second
circumferential strap to retain the second circumferential strap in
non-fixed engagement with the shell.
[0024] According to one aspect, the first circumferential strap
includes a first strap portion extending in a first circumferential
direction from the first handle end and a second strap portion
extending in a second circumferential direction that is opposite to
the first peripheral direction from the first handle end, where the
first and second strap portions are connected at a first joint
spaced from the handle to form the first circumferential strap. The
second circumferential strap includes a third strap portion
extending in the first circumferential direction from the second
handle end and a fourth strap portion extending in the second
circumferential direction from the second handle end, where the
third and fourth strap portions are connected at a second joint
spaced from the handle to form the second circumferential strap. In
one configuration, the first strap portion and the third strap
portion are formed as a first integral strap that extends through
the handle from the first handle end to the second handle end, and
the second strap portion and the fourth strap portion are formed as
a second integral strap that extends through the handle from the
first handle end to the second handle end.
[0025] According to a further aspect, the first cross supports are
arranged in a first alternating pattern and extend at oblique
angles across the first channel, and the second cross supports are
arranged in a second alternating pattern and extend at oblique
angles across the second channel. In one configuration, the first
cross supports and the second cross supports form triangular gaps
between adjacent cross supports of the first cross supports and the
second cross supports. In an additional configuration, each of the
first cross supports overlaps with adjacent first cross supports,
and each of the second cross supports overlaps with adjacent second
cross supports. In a further configuration, all of the plurality of
first cross supports are connected to the shell along first and
second continuous circumferential seams that are spaced from each
other and located on opposite sides of the first channel, and all
of the plurality of second cross supports are connected to the
shell along third and fourth continuous circumferential seams that
are spaced from each other and located on opposite sides of the
second channel. In this of another configuration, the first loop
assembly may further include a first circumferential support
connected to the shell and extending at least partially around the
shell between the first cross supports and the shell, such that the
first channel is defined between the first cross supports and the
first circumferential support, and the second loop assembly may
further include a second circumferential support connected to the
shell and extending at least partially around the shell between the
second cross supports and the shell, such that the second channel
is defined between the second cross supports and the second
circumferential support. The first and second continuous
circumferential seams may also connect the first circumferential
support to the shell, and the third and fourth continuous
circumferential seams may also connect the second circumferential
support to the shell in this configuration. In yet another
configuration, the first and second cross supports are oriented
such that adjacent first cross supports and adjacent second cross
supports are angled at 60-70.degree. with each other.
[0026] Other aspects of the disclosure relate to a bag configured
to be filled with a filler material, including a shell having a
cylindrical portion having a circular cylindrical shape and opposed
first and second ends connected to the cylindrical portion and each
having a circular shape, where the cylindrical portion and the
first and second ends of the shell combine to define and enclose an
inner cavity configured to contain the filler material, and where
the shell has an opening providing access to the inner cavity for
filling the filler material into the inner cavity, as well as a
handle assembly and first and second retaining structures engaged
with the handle and the shell. The handle assembly includes a
handle configured to be grasped by a user and having first and
second opposed handle ends, a first circumferential strap engaged
with the handle and extending from the first handle end at least
partially around a circumference of the cylindrical portion
proximate the first handle end to engage the shell, and a second
circumferential strap engaged with the handle and extending from
the second handle end at least partially around the circumference
of the cylindrical portion proximate the second handle end to
engage the shell. The first retaining structure includes a first
channel extending circumferentially at least partially around the
cylindrical portion proximate the first end, where the first
circumferential strap extends through the first channel to retain
the first circumferential strap in non-fixed engagement with the
shell. The second retaining structure includes a second channel
extending circumferentially at least partially around the
cylindrical portion proximate the second end, wherein the second
circumferential strap extends through the second channel to retain
the second circumferential strap in non-fixed engagement with the
shell.
[0027] According to one aspect, the first circumferential strap
includes a first strap portion extending in a first circumferential
direction from the first handle end and a second strap portion
extending in a second circumferential direction that is opposite to
the first peripheral direction from the first handle end, where the
first and second strap portions are connected at a first joint
spaced from the handle to form the first circumferential strap. The
second circumferential strap includes a third strap portion
extending in the first circumferential direction from the second
handle end and a fourth strap portion extending in the second
circumferential direction from the second handle end, where the
third and fourth strap portions are connected at a second joint
spaced from the handle to form the second circumferential strap. In
one configuration, the first strap portion and the third strap
portion are formed as a first integral strap that extends through
the handle from the first handle end to the second handle end, and
the second strap portion and the fourth strap portion are formed as
a second integral strap that extends through the handle from the
first handle end to the second handle end.
[0028] According to a further aspect, the first retaining structure
includes a plurality of first cross supports extending across the
first channel, such that the first cross supports engage the first
circumferential strap to retain the first circumferential strap in
the non-fixed engagement with the shell, and the second retaining
structure includes a plurality of second cross supports extending
across the second channel, such that the second cross supports
engage the second circumferential strap to retain the second
circumferential strap in non-fixed engagement with the shell.
[0029] According to yet another aspect, the first cross supports
are arranged in a first alternating pattern and extend at oblique
angles across the first channel, and the second cross supports are
arranged in a second alternating pattern and extend at oblique
angles across the second channel.
[0030] Other aspects of the disclosure relate to a bag configured
to be filled with a filler material, including a shell having a
cylindrical portion having a circular cylindrical shape and opposed
first and second ends connected to the cylindrical portion and each
having a circular shape, where the cylindrical portion and the
first and second ends of the shell combine to define and enclose an
inner cavity configured to contain the filler material, where the
shell has an opening providing access to the inner cavity for
filling the filler material into the inner cavity, as well as a
handle assembly engaged with the shell. The first end includes a
first outer panel on an outer surface of the shell and a first
inner panel on an inner surface of the shell, with a first slot
defined between the first outer and inner panels, and the second
end includes a second outer panel on the outer surface of the shell
and a second inner panel on the inner surface of the shell, with a
second slot defined between the second outer and inner panels. The
handle assembly includes a handle configured to be grasped by a
user and having first and second opposed handle ends, and a central
strap engaging the handle and extending from the first handle end
around the first end of the shell and through the first slot,
across a bottom of the cylindrical portion, and around the second
end of the shell and through the second slot. The central strap
extends through the first and second slots retains the central
strap in non-fixed engagement with the shell.
[0031] According to one aspect, the central strap includes a first
strap portion extending from the first handle end around the first
end of the shell and through the first slot, and at least partially
across the bottom of the shell, and a second strap portion
extending from the second handle end around the second end of the
shell and through the second slot, and at least partially across
the bottom of the shell, where the first and second strap portions
are connected at a joint spaced from the handle to form the central
strap. In one configuration, the first strap portion and the second
strap portion are formed as a single, integral strap that extends
through the handle from the first handle end to the second handle
end.
[0032] According to another aspect, the first slot has a first
upper opening and a first lower opening in the first outer panel,
such that the central strap extends through the first upper and
lower openings, and the second slot has a second upper opening and
a second lower opening in the second outer panel, such that the
central strap extends through the second upper and lower
openings.
[0033] Other aspects of the disclosure relate to a bag configured
to be filled with a filler material, including a shell having a
central body portion and opposed top and bottom ends connected to
the central body portion, where the central body portion and the
top and bottom ends of the shell combine to define and enclose an
inner cavity configured for containing the filler material. The
central body portion has a tapered shape such that at least one of
a minimum width and a perimeter of the central body portion is
smaller at the bottom end and larger at the top end, and the bottom
end is smaller than the top end, and wherein the shell has an
opening providing access to the inner cavity.
[0034] According to one aspect, the central body portion has a
frusto-conical shape, and the top and bottom ends have circular
shapes, such that the minimum width of the central body portion is
a diameter, and the perimeter of the central body portion is a
circumference.
[0035] According to another aspect, a ratio of a minimum width of
the top end to a minimum width of the bottom end is 1.25:1-2:1. In
one configuration, the ratio of the minimum width of the top end to
the minimum width of the bottom end is 1.5:1-1.75:1.
[0036] According to a further aspect, a ratio of a surface area of
the top end to a surface area of the bottom end is 1.5:1-4:1. In
one configuration, the ratio of the surface area of the top end to
the surface area of the bottom end is 2.25:1-3:1.
[0037] According to yet another aspect, the central body portion
has a taper angle of 6-10.degree. with respect to a central axis of
the bag. In one configuration, the taper angle of the central body
portion with respect to the central axis of the bag is
7-9.degree..
[0038] According to a still further aspect, the central body
portion has a cross-sectional area taken perpendicular to a central
axis of the bag that is smaller at the bottom end and larger at the
top end.
[0039] Other aspects of the disclosure relate to a bag configured
to be filled with a filler material, including a shell having a
central body portion that is elongated between opposed first and
second ends and has a top and a bottom extending between the first
and second ends, where the central body portion and the first and
second ends of the shell combine to define and enclose an inner
cavity configured for containing the filler material, and where the
shell has an opening providing access to the inner cavity and a
closure mechanism configured for selectively opening and closing
the opening, as well as a handle assembly engaged with the shell.
The handle assembly includes a first gripping member connected to
the shell proximate a first juncture between the top and the first
end and a second gripping member connected to the shell proximate a
second juncture between the top and the second end. The first
gripping member extends outward from the shell at an oblique angle
to at least one of the top, the first end, and the lateral
centerline, and the second gripping member extends outward from the
shell at an oblique angle to at least one of the top, the second
end, and the lateral centerline.
[0040] According to one aspect, the first gripping member includes
a first loop having ends connected to front and rear sides of the
shell, and the second gripping member includes a second loop having
ends connected to the front and rear sides of the shell.
[0041] According to another aspect, the shell is formed of a single
panel extending around front and rear sides of the shell and
connected to itself by seams at the first and second ends and a
lateral seam extending between the first and second ends. In one
configuration, the lateral seam extends across the rear side of the
shell, and the opening is defined on the front side of the
shell.
[0042] According to a further aspect, the handle assembly further
includes a first base connected to the shell and extending on the
front side and the rear side of the shell and having a first
crossing portion extending over the top between the front side and
the rear side proximate a first juncture between the top and the
first end, and a second base connected to the shell and extending
on the front side and the rear side and having a second crossing
portion extending over the top between the front side and the rear
side proximate a second juncture between the top and the second
end. The first gripping member is connected to the first base and
extends outward from the first base, and the second gripping member
is connected to the second base and extends outward from the second
base. In one configuration, the first crossing portion has a first
inner edge and the second crossing portion has a second inner edge,
and the first and second inner edges each form angles of
80-100.degree. with the top of the shell.
[0043] According to yet another aspect, the shell has a rectangular
shape defined by the top, the bottom, and the first and second
ends, and/or the shell is configured to have an oval shape when
viewed from the first or second end when filled.
[0044] According to a still further aspect, the shell has a length
measured between the first and second ends and a height measured
between the top and the bottom, and the length is at least two
times the height.
[0045] Other aspects of the disclosure relate to a bag configured
to be filled with a filler material, including a shell having a
front side and a back side and having a central body portion and
opposed first and second ends, the central body portion having a
top and a bottom extending between the first and second ends, where
the central body portion and the first and second ends of the shell
combine to define and enclose an inner cavity configured for
containing the filler material, and where the shell has an opening
providing access to the inner cavity, as well as a handle assembly
engaged with the shell. The handle assembly includes a first base
connected to the shell and extending on the front side and the rear
side and having a first crossing portion extending over the top
between the front side and the rear side proximate a first juncture
between the top and the first end, a first gripping member
connected to the first base and extending outward from the first
base, a second base connected to the shell and extending on the
front side and the rear side and having a second crossing portion
extending over the top between the front side and the rear side
proximate a second juncture between the top and the second end, and
a second gripping member connected to the second base and extending
outward from the second base. The first crossing portion has a
first inner edge and the second crossing portion has a second inner
edge, and the first and second inner edges each form angles of
80-100.degree. with the top of the shell.
[0046] According to one aspect, the first base further includes a
first front angling portion extending on the front side of the
shell to the top of the shell at oblique angles to the first end
and the top of the shell and a first rear angling portion extending
on the rear side of the shell to the top of the shell at oblique
angles to the first end and the top of the shell, where the first
crossing portion extends between the first front angling portion
and the first rear angling portion. In one configuration, the first
front angling portion extends on the front side of the shell from
the first end to the top of the shell, and the first rear angling
portion extends on the rear side of the shell from the first end to
the top of the shell. In an additional configuration, the second
base further includes a second front angling portion extending on
the front side of the shell from the second end to the top of the
shell at oblique angles to the second end and the top of the shell
and a second rear angling portion extending on the rear side of the
shell from the second end to the top of the shell at oblique angles
to the second end and the top of the shell, where the second
crossing portion extends between the second front angling portion
and the second rear angling portion. In a further configuration,
the first crossing portion forms juncture angles with the first
front angling portion and the first rear angling portion that are
110-140.degree.. In yet another configuration, the first crossing
portion has a first width between the first inner edge and a first
outer edge of the first crossing portion, and the first front
angling portion and the first rear angling portion have widths
defined between inner and outer edges thereof, where the first
width is smaller than the widths of the first front angling portion
and the first rear angling portion. In a still further
configuration, the first base is formed of a continuous panel, and
the first base is folded over itself at the first crossing portion,
such that a first surface of the continuous panel forms an outer
surface of the first front angling portion and an inner surface of
the first rear angling portion.
[0047] According to another aspect, the shell has a lateral
centerline extending between the first and second ends, where the
first gripping member extends outward from the first base at an
oblique angle to at least one of the top, the first end, and the
lateral centerline, and the second gripping member extends outward
from the first base at an oblique angle to at least one of the top,
the second end, and the lateral centerline.
[0048] According to a further aspect, the first gripping member
includes a first loop having ends connected to the first base on
the front and rear sides of the shell and the second gripping
member includes a second loop having ends connected to the second
base on the front and rear sides of the shell.
[0049] According to yet another aspect, the shell is formed of a
single panel extending around the front and rear sides and
connected to itself by seams at the first and second ends and a
lateral seam extending between the first and second ends. In one
configuration the lateral seam extends across the rear side of the
shell, and the opening is defined on the front side of the
shell.
[0050] According to a still further aspect, the shell has a
rectangular shape defined by the top, the bottom, and the first and
second ends, and/or the shell is configured to have an oval shape
when viewed from the first or second end when filled.
[0051] Other features and advantages of the disclosure will be
apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with
the attached drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0052] The disclosure will now be described with reference to the
drawings wherein:
[0053] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of one embodiment of a
weighted bag according to aspects disclosed herein;
[0054] FIG. 2 is a front elevation view of the weighted bag of FIG.
1;
[0055] FIG. 3 is a rear elevation view of the weighted bag of FIG.
1;
[0056] FIG. 4 is a bottom elevation view of the weighted bag of
FIG. 1;
[0057] FIG. 5 is a bottom elevation view of the weighted bag of
FIG. 1;
[0058] FIG. 6 is a cross-section view of the weighted bag of FIG. 1
taken along a central plane, with a filling mechanism in the form
of a funnel extended from the weighted bag and a filling material
filling the weighted bag;
[0059] FIG. 7 is a cross-section view of the weighted bag of FIG.
6, with the funnel in a partially-collapsed configuration;
[0060] FIG. 8 is a cross-section view of the weighted bag of FIG.
6, with the funnel in a fully collapsed configuration;
[0061] FIG. 9 is a front perspective view of another embodiment of
a weighted bag according to aspects disclosed herein;
[0062] FIG. 10 is a front perspective view of the weighted bag of
FIG. 9, with a releasable cover of the bag moved to expose an
opening of the bag;
[0063] FIG. 10A is a bottom front perspective view of the weighted
bag of FIG. 9;
[0064] FIG. 11 is a front elevation view of the weighted bag of
FIG. 9;
[0065] FIG. 12 is a rear perspective view of another embodiment of
a weighted bag according to aspects disclosed herein;
[0066] FIG. 13 is a rear elevation view of the weighted bag of FIG.
12;
[0067] FIG. 14 is a front elevation view of the weighted bag of
FIG. 12;
[0068] FIG. 15 is a right side elevation view of the weighted bag
of FIG. 12;
[0069] FIG. 16 is a left side elevation view of the weighted bag of
FIG. 12;
[0070] FIG. 17 is a magnified view of a portion of the weighted bag
of FIG. 13; and
[0071] FIG. 18 is a magnified view of a portion of the weighted bag
of FIG. 14.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0072] While this disclosure is susceptible of embodiment in many
different forms, there is shown in the drawings and described
herein in detail a specific embodiment(s) with the understanding
that the present disclosure is to be considered as an
exemplification and is not intended to be limited to the
embodiment(s) illustrated.
[0073] It will be understood that like or analogous elements and/or
components, referred to herein, may be identified throughout the
drawings by like reference characters. In addition, it will be
understood that the drawings are merely schematic representations
of the invention, and some of the components may have been
distorted from actual scale for purposes of pictorial clarity.
[0074] Referring now to the drawings and in particular to FIGS.
1-8, a weighted bag with a handle for weightlifting is shown
generally at reference number 10. The weighted bag 10 includes an
outer shell 12 and handle assembly 14. The handle assembly 14 is
coupled to the outer shell 12 by two or more points along the
weighted bag 10, such as by a strap assembly 70 as described
herein. The weighted bag 10 as shown in FIGS. 1-8 is configured for
weightlifting and similar exercises, and can be lifted, carried,
thrown, dropped, and otherwise used to enhance strength, agility
and the like.
[0075] The outer shell 12, shown in FIGS. 1-8, comprises one or
more panels 20 that are connected by one or more seams 22, an
opening 24 with a shell closure member 26. Each of the panels 20
has an inner surface 31 defining an inner cavity 21 configured to
hold a filler material 16 and an outer surface 32 opposite the
inner surface 31. The shell 12 has a top 38 and a bottom 39, such
that the opening 24 is positioned on the top 38, and the bag 10 is
configured to rest on the bottom 39. It is understood that the top
38 and the bottom 39 are relative terms that depend on the
orientation of the bag 10.
[0076] It is to be understood the inner surface 31 and outer
surface 32 of the panels 20 may be defined by one or more surfacing
layers that may be of substantially equal or variable materials.
Generally, these are two or greater ply configuration coupled
together. In the configuration shown, the panels are shown as
singular pieces with the understanding that they may represent
multiple plies of material. In one embodiment, the panels 20 are
formed from a two ply construction, with the outer and inner plies
comprising different grades of ballistic nylon fabric (the outside
being of 1000 denier and the inside being of 500 denier). Of
course, other configurations are contemplated.
[0077] With reference to the example embodiment of the outer shell
12 in FIGS. 1-8, the panels 20 include at least two opposed end
panels 50 and central body panel 58. Each end panel 50 has an outer
panel 51, an inner panel 52, and slot 57 defined between the inner
and outer panels 51, 52. The outer panel 51 is coupled to the inner
panel 52 by any number of different structures, but not limited to,
cross- stitching, heat sealing, adhesive, among others. Each slot
57 in this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 6-8, extends between the
outer and inner panels 51, 52 and has upper and lower openings 53
to permit passage into and out of the slot 57, and the slot 57
extends continuously between the openings 53. In one embodiment, as
shown in FIGS. 1-5, the outer and inner panels 51, 52 are connected
together around the exteriors of the panels 51, 52, and in other
embodiments, the panels 51, 52 may have inner walls, seams,
adhesives, heat sealing, or other structures that define a slot 57
that is narrower than the widths of the panels 51, 52. In the
embodiment of FIGS. 1-8, the end panels 50 are substantially
parallel with each other, and the central body panel 58 extends
between the end panels 50. The shell 12 in the embodiment of FIGS.
1-8 is entirely or substantially defined by the end panels 50 and
the central body panel 58. In this embodiment, the shell 12 defines
a cylindrical configuration, having a circular cylindrical portion
or central body portion 54 formed by the central body panel 58 and
circular flat or bulged ends 55 formed by the end panels 50. In
other embodiments, the shell 12 may have a different shape, such as
an oval cylinder, a cube, a rectangular cylinder, a triangular
cylinder, etc. It is understood that the cylindrical portion 54 may
simply be referred to as a "central body portion" when describing a
shell 12 having a cylindrical shape or any other shape. Likewise,
the relative sizes and shapes of the end panels 50 and the central
body panel 58 may be different in other embodiments, and the
cylindrical portion 54 and/or the ends 55 may be formed of a
greater of smaller number of panels in other embodiments. In
general, the cylindrical portion 54 and the ends 55 may each be
formed by one or more panels 22.
[0078] In the embodiment of FIGS. 1-8, the bag 10 has an opening 24
and a filling mechanism 25 that is accessible through the opening
24 for filling the bag 10. The opening 24 in the embodiment of
FIGS. 1-8 is placed along the central body panel 58 in such a
manner that it allows entry to the inner cavity 21 of the bag 10.
The opening 24 shown in FIGS. 1 and 5 is oriented along the length
of central body panel 58 at the top of the bag 10, but the opening
24 may be oriented and/or located differently in other embodiments.
The opening 24 includes a closure member 26 (also called a shell
closure member) configured for releasably closing the opening 24.
When engaged, the shell closure member 26 resists the movement of
filler material 16 into or out of the opening 24. In the
configuration shown, the opening 24 and the shell closure member 26
are positioned directly below the natural position of the handle
60, which can reduce the stresses that are placed in the region
surrounding the opening.
[0079] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 5-8, the opening 24 is defined by
first side edge 140, second side edge 142, first end 144, and
second end 146 which collectively define the perimeter of the
opening. The first side edge 140 and second side edge 142 are
opposite and substantially parallel to each other and separated by
the width of the opening 24. Further, the first end 144 and second
end 146 are opposite to each other and separated by the length of
the opening 24. The first side edge 140 and second side edge 142
are connected at their respective ends by first end 144 and second
end 146. The first and second ends 144, 146 may be formed as
V-shaped or U-shaped structures in one embodiment or may be
straight linear sides that are substantially parallel to each other
and perpendicular to the side edges 140, 142 in another embodiment.
Generally, the opening 24 has an elongated rectangular
configuration in the embodiment of FIGS. 1-8, and the opening 24
may have a differently-shaped configuration in other
embodiments.
[0080] The shell closure member 26 is substantially planar to the
opening 24 and coupled in such a way to edges of opening 24 that
closure of the shell closure member 26 substantially closes the
opening 24. The shell closure member 26, in the configuration of
FIGS. 1-8, includes a zipper. In this configuration, the dimensions
of the opening 24 are similar to the size of the shell closure
member 26. In other words, the lengths of the edges of the shell
closure member 26 are substantially parallel and comparable to the
first side edge 140 and second side edge 142 of the opening 24. In
contemplated configurations, the shell closure member 26 is secured
in a manner that ensures close coupling along the entire edges 140,
142 of the opening 24. In other embodiments, the shell closure
member 26 may have other configurations, such as a hook and loop
fastener, snaps, buttons, flaps, and other fastening and/or closing
structures or combinations of such structures may be utilized. It
is understood that the configuration of the shell closure member 26
may depend at least partially on the configuration of the opening
24. For example, a shell closure member 26 in the form of a zipper
may not be usable or optimal with some opening 24 configurations,
and another type of closure member 26 may be used.
[0081] In the embodiment of FIGS. 1-8, the filling mechanism 25
includes a funnel structure 27 having a flexible encircling wall
160 forming a funnel shape, a grasping handle or grasping member
168, a filling mechanism closure member 170, and securing member
176. With particular reference to FIGS. 6-8, the flexible
encircling wall 160 has a proximal end 161, a distal end 162, a
lower exit 164, and an upper inlet 166. The proximal end 161 and
distal end 162 are on opposite ends of the funnel 27, and the
proximal end 161 is a fixed end connected to the shell 12, while
the distal end 162 is a free end that can be extended out of the
shell 12 through the opening 24 or retracted into the shell 12.
[0082] The proximal end 161 is connected to the inner surface 130
of the outer shell 12, as shown in FIGS. 6-8, and the connection
between the proximal end 161 and the shell 12 forms a lower
perimeter of the funnel 27. In the configuration of FIGS. 6-8, the
proximal end 161 of the funnel 27 is secured to the inner surface
of the shell 12 around the entire opening 24, along a connection
line spaced from the opening 24. This configuration resists leakage
of the filler material 16 through the connection between the
proximal end 161 and the shell 12 and also provides a pocket 17
inside the opening 24 where the funnel 27 can be placed after
collapsing, e.g., by folding or rolling, as described herein. The
distal end 162, when fully extended and expanded, forms an upper
perimeter of the funnel, and it is understood that the upper
perimeter may be larger than the lower perimeter in one embodiment.
Further, the funnel 27 may have a neck or narrowest portion 163
that is located between the proximal and distal ends 161, 162 and
has a perimeter and a maximum width that are smaller than the
perimeters and maximum widths at the proximal and distal ends 161,
162. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 6-8, the neck 163 is located
closer to the proximal end 161 than the distal end 162 and is
configured to be generally located within the opening 24 when the
funnel 27 is fully extended and expanded. It is to be understood
the actual circumference or width at some locations are subject to
change in shape, size and/or width during operation, articulation
and folding of the funnel 27, and that the relative circumferences
and widths described herein are the maximum such dimensions when
the funnel 27 is fully extended and expanded. The wall 160 in FIGS.
6-8, including the lower exit 164 and the upper inlet 166, may be
substantially oval or rectangular in shape in one embodiment, but
these components are subject to variable changes in length and
width in contemplated configurations and desired sizes of the
weighted bag 10. It is to be understood the openings (exit 164 and
inlet 166) are substantially large enough to allow entry of
physical materials, such as sand or polymer beads, with minimal
interference or resistance from the filling mechanisms 25.
[0083] The funnel 27 may have one or more grasping handles 168 at
or near the distal end 162 to assist in pulling the funnel 27
through the opening 24 and/or opening the funnel closure 170 as
described herein. The funnel 27 in FIGS. 6-8 has two grasping
handles 168 on opposite sides of the inlet 166, with each grasping
handle 168 in the form of a thin strap connected to the exterior of
the wall 160 of the funnel 27. The grasping handles 168 are
oriented to extend outwardly from the distal end 162 when the
funnel 27 is in an open and extended position. Placement of the
grasping handle 168 on the funnel is variable and subject to change
in contemplated configurations of the funnel 27. The grasping
handle 168 may be connected to the wall 160 by stitching, adhesive,
or heat sealing, among other techniques, or a combination of such
techniques.
[0084] The funnel 27 also has a funnel closure 170 configured to
close the inlet 166 to resist egress of the particulate material
16. In the embodiment of FIGS. 6-8, the funnel closure 170 includes
a first engaging portion 172 and second engaging portion 174
positioned on opposite sides 165, 167 of the wall 160 at the inlet
166 proximate the distal end 162 and configured to engage each
other to releasably close the inlet 166. The first engaging portion
172 and second engaging portion 174 include elongated strips of
complementary hook and loop materials that releasably connect to
each other when engaged. The engaging portions 172, 174, when
engaged, seal the sides 165, 167 to each other to close the upper
inlet 166 and resist the entry or exit of material through the
upper inlet 166. In the embodiment of FIGS. 6-8, the strips forming
the first and second engaging portions 172, 174 extend equal
distances along the entirety of both sides of the inlet 166 to
completely close the inlet 166 when engaged. In other embodiments,
other releasable connecting or fastening structures can be used as
the funnel closure 170, such as snaps, buttons, zippers, and the
like, as well as complementary structures when appropriate, or
combinations of different structures.
[0085] The funnel 27 also includes a funnel securing structure 176
configured to secure and further resist ingress or egress of
material through the funnel 27. The funnel securing structure 176
in FIGS. 6-8 includes a first securing member 177 and a second
securing member 178 that are configured to engage each other to
releasably close the inlet 166. The funnel securing structure 176
in FIGS. 6-8 is lower on the flexible encircling wall 160 than the
funnel closure 170. The securing members 177, 178 in this
embodiment are connected to the outer surface of the flexible
encircling wall 160 on opposite sides 165, 167 of the wall 160 at
different distances from the distal end 162. The first securing
member 177 is connected to the first side 165 closer to the distal
end 162, and the second securing member 178 is connected to the
second side 167 farther from the distal end 162. In this
configuration, the wall 160 is configured to be rolled or folded by
rolling or folding the first side 165 over the second side 167 as
shown in FIG. 8 to achieve engagement of the securing members 177,
178 to releasably retain the funnel 27 in the rolled or folded
position. The securing members 177, 178 include elongated strips of
complementary hook and loop materials that releasably connect to
each other when engaged. The size and positioning of the securing
members 177, 178 may be different in other embodiments.
Additionally, the securing structure 176 may have a different
configuration in other embodiments, such as any configuration of
the funnel closure 170 discussed herein.
[0086] The inner cavity 21 of the outer shell 12 has filler
material 16 within it when the device is prepared for use. Filler
material 16 is designed to be a heavy but loose and flowable
material including, but not limited to, sand, polymer beads, or
other such particulate materials. In the embodiment of FIGS. 1-8,
the bag 10 has an inner bag 135 connected around the opening 24 to
contain the filler material 16, with seams (not shown) that define
the shape of the inner bag 135 and/or connect pieces forming the
inner bag 135. The inner bag 135 has an open end 136 that is
connected to the shell 12 around the opening 24 such that the inner
bag 135 is in communication with the exit 164 of the funnel 27. In
this configuration, filler 16 fed into the inner cavity 21 through
the filling mechanism 25 enters the inner bag 135 and is held by
the inner bag 135. The inner bag 135 and the shell 12 may be
designed differently in materials, connections (e.g., seams 22),
and structure. For example, the materials, connections, and
structure of the shell 12 may be configured for strength,
durability, abrasion resistance, and comfort in handling, while the
materials, connections, and structure of the inner bag 135 may be
configured primarily for strength and resisting leakage.
[0087] The bag 10 can be filled by opening the shell closure member
26 to open the opening 24 and extending the filling mechanism 25
through the opening 24. The funnel 27 in FIGS. 6-8 can be fully
extended by pulling the funnel 27 through the opening,
disconnecting the securing structure 176, and then fully extending
the funnel 27. When fully extended, the funnel 27 can be opened by
disconnecting the closure 170 to open the inlet 166, which may be
done with the assistance of the grasping handles 168. It is noted
that the grasping handles may also be used to hold the upper inlet
166 open during filling. Once open, the filler material 16 can be
filled into the cavity 21 (and the inner bag 135 if present) by
entering through the upper inlet 166, travelling through the funnel
27, and exiting into the bag 10 through the lower exit 164.
[0088] After the desired amount of filler material 16 has been fed
into the inner cavity 21 of the weighted bag 10, the closure 170 of
the filling mechanism 25 is manipulated to close the inlet 166. In
the embodiment of FIGS. 6-8, the first and second engaging portions
172, 174 are engaged with each other to close the inlet 166 of the
funnel 27. The filling mechanism 25 can also then be collapsed into
the opening 24, using the securing structure 176 to further secure
the collapsed filling mechanism 25. In the embodiment of FIGS. 6-8,
the funnel 27 is collapsed by rolling or folding the top of the
flexible encircling wall 160 at such amounts and to such a degree
to cause the securing members 177, 178 to engage with each other
and secure the funnel 27 in a collapsed position. The filling
mechanism 25 can then be pushed through opening 24 and into the
cavity 21 of the shell 12, and the shell closure member 26 is then
manipulated to close the opening 24. In this collapsed
configuration, the funnel 27 is received within a pocket 17 defined
below the opening 24 between the proximal end 161 of the funnel 27
and the inner surface 31 of the shell 12. The resultant
configuration of the filling mechanism 25 is sealed against ingress
and egress of material in multiple ways, including by the shell
closure member 26, the filling mechanism closure 170, and the
folding or rolling of the filling mechanism 25 (secured by the
securing structure 176), which creates a tortuous path for the
filling material 16 to escape.
[0089] The handle assembly 14 of the bag 10 in FIGS. 1-8 includes a
handle 60 and a strap assembly 70 including one or more straps
connecting the handle 60 to the shell 12 to permit the bag 10 to be
lifted by grasping the handle 60. In one embodiment where the shell
12 has a cylindrical shape, such as shown in FIGS. 1-8, the strap
assembly 70 includes at least one circumferential strap 71 that
extends partially or completely around the circumference of the
cylindrical portion 54 of the shell 12. The strap assembly 70 in
FIGS. 1-8 includes first and second circumferential or peripheral
straps 71 extending around at least a portion of the periphery of
the shell 12, and a central or transverse strap 80 extending around
at least a portion of the periphery of the shell 12 transverse to
the circumferential straps 71. The circumferential straps 71 as
shown in FIGS. 1-5 extend parallel to each other around the
cylindrical portion 54 of the shell 12, with the two
circumferential straps 71 each located proximate one of the ends
55, and the central strap 80 extends around the cylindrical portion
54 and the circular ends 55 of the shell 12 perpendicular or
transverse to both circumferential straps 71. It is noted that the
term "circumferential" is used herein with respect to a circular
cylindrical structure as shown in FIGS. 1-8, but that the term
"peripheral" may be used to describe these straps for use with a
structure that is not necessarily circular. The terms
"circumferential" and "peripheral" as used herein are not intended
to imply that the relevant strap necessarily extends around the
entire circumference or periphery of the bag 10, but only specify
the direction in which the strap extends, i.e., around the
circumference or periphery.
[0090] In the embodiment of FIGS. 1-5, the first and second
circumferential straps 71 extend from opposite ends 66 of the
handle 60 circumferentially around the periphery of the cylindrical
portion 54, around the bottom 39 of the shell 12, and back toward
the top 38 of the shell 12 to engage the handle 60. The first
circumferential strap 71 in this embodiment includes a first strap
portion 74 that engages the handle 60 at one end 66 and extends in
a first circumferential direction around a portion of the
cylindrical portion 54 of the shell 12 and a second strap portion
75 that engages the handle 60 at one end 66 and extends in a
second, opposite circumferential direction around a portion of the
cylindrical portion 54 of the shell 12. The strap portions 74, 75
of the first circumferential strap 71 are joined together at a
joint 76 on the bottom 39 of the shell 12 to form a single strap
71. In other embodiments, the strap portions 74, 75 may be parts of
a single, integral or continuous strap 71, or may not connect
together, e.g., such as by connecting to the shell 12. The second
circumferential strap 71 in FIGS. 1-5 is similarly configured,
including a first strap portion 77 that engages the handle 60 at
one end 66 and extends in a first circumferential direction around
a portion of the cylindrical portion 54 of the shell 12 and a
second strap portion 78 that engages the handle 60 at one end 66
and extends in a second, opposite circumferential direction around
a portion of the cylindrical portion 54 of the shell 12. The strap
portions 77, 78 of the second circumferential strap 71 are joined
together at a joint 79 on the bottom 39 of the shell 12 to form a
single strap 71. In other embodiments, the strap portions 77, 78
may be parts of a single, integral or continuous strap 71, or may
not connect together, e.g., such as by connecting to the shell 12.
The joints 76, 79 are formed by a combination of stitching and
adhesives in one embodiment, but may be formed by additional
connecting structures and techniques described herein, or
combinations thereof.
[0091] In the embodiment of FIGS. 1-5, the first strap portions 74,
77 of the first and second circumferential straps 71 are formed as
an integral or continuous strap 72 that extends from the joint 76
into and through the handle 60 and to the other joint 79, and the
second strap portions 75, 78 of the first and second
circumferential straps 71 are similarly formed as an integral or
continuous strap 73. In this embodiment, the first and second
circumferential straps are all formed as part of a continuous
strap, connected by the joints 76, 79. It is understood that a
"continuous" strap as used herein refers to a strap that functions
or operates as a single piece (which may have joints or other
junctures within), while an "integral" strap as used herein refers
to a strap that is formed of a single, integral piece without
joints, seams, etc. These straps 72, 73 each extend
circumferentially around the same side of the cylindrical portion
54 proximate opposite ends 55 in this embodiment, but it is
understood that in another embodiment the straps 72, 73 may cross
each other within the handle 60 and extend on opposite sides. The
strap portions 74, 75, 77, 78 in this embodiment engage the handle
60 at least by extending through the handle 60, and may be fixedly
connected to the handle 60, or the handle 60 may be able to slide
with respect to the strap portions 74, 75, 77, 78. In other
embodiments, the strap portions 74, 75, 76, 77 may be separate
pieces that are separately engaged with the handle 60, or each
circumferential strap 71 may itself be formed as a single piece
engaged with the handle 60. In a further embodiment, both of the
circumferential straps 71 may be formed by a single-piece strap
that extends twice through the handle 60 and around both ends of
the cylindrical portion 54 of the shell 12. It is understood that
the engagement between the strap portions 74, 75, 77, 78 and the
handle 60 and the shell 12 is sufficient that the shell 12 can be
lifted by exerting an upward force on the handle 60.
[0092] In the embodiment of FIGS. 1-5, the circumferential straps
71 are connected to or engaged with the shell 12 in a slidable
configuration by retaining structures 28 in the form of loop
assemblies or belt loop assemblies, rather than being fixedly
connected to the shell 12. It is understood that the retaining
structures 28 may be referred to as loop assemblies 28 in
discussing the embodiment of FIGS. 1-5 herein, but that other
retaining structures may be used to achieve similar functionality.
In another embodiment, one or both of the circumferential straps 71
may be provided in the same or a similar configuration while being
fixedly connected to the shell 12, such as by stitching, adhesive,
heat sealing, etc. The loop assemblies 28 in FIGS. 1-5 are
positioned around the cylindrical portion 54 of the shell 12 at or
proximate to the opposed ends 55, and may be referred to as a first
end loop assembly 28 and a second end loop assembly 28. In the
embodiment of FIGS. 1-5, the first end loop assembly 28 secures the
first circumferential strap 71 to the shell 12, and the second end
loop assembly 28 secures the second circumferential strap 71 to the
shell 12. The loop assemblies 28 in this configuration extend in
both circumferential directions around the cylindrical portion 54
of the shell 12, from the top 38 to the bottom 39 of the shell
12.
[0093] The shell 12 in FIGS. 1-5 also has circumferential supports
30 that are fixedly connected to the shell 12 (e.g., to the central
body panel 58) circumferentially around the cylindrical portion 54
proximate the ends 55 and extend beneath the loop assemblies 28.
The circumferential supports 30 in the embodiment of FIGS. 1-5 are
connected to the shell 12 around the entire circumference of the
shell 12 and across the entire width of each support 30, except for
the locations where the circumferential supports 30 cross the
opening 24 and the closure 26, where the circumferential supports
30 are connected only around the outer edge (the junctures with the
end panels 50). The circumferential supports 30 may be made from
woven nylon or other durable fabric material and may be connected
to the shell 12 by stitching and adhesives in one embodiment, but
may be differently configured in other embodiments.
[0094] The loop assemblies 28 in the embodiment of FIGS. 1-5 each
include a plurality of cross supports 33 that define a channel 35
beneath the cross supports 33, such that the cross supports 33
extend across the channel 35. The cross supports 33 in FIGS. 1-5
are arranged in an alternating or oscillating pattern, where each
cross support 33 is oriented at an oblique angle to the
circumferential direction, the longitudinal direction (i.e.,
between the ends 55), the channels 35, the circumferential straps
71, and the seams 22 around the end panels 50 (e.g., a "zig-zag"
pattern). In this configuration, adjacent cross supports 33 have
triangular gaps 37 between them to expose portions of the
circumferential straps 71 beneath. In one configuration, the end of
each cross support 33 overlaps with the end(s) of the adjacent
cross support(s) 33 as shown in FIGS. 1-5, and these overlapping
portions of the cross supports 33 are stitched together at the
points of connection between the cross supports 33 and the shell
12. These points of connection may be formed by continuous
circumferential seams 29 that are spaced from each other, parallel
to each other, and located on opposite sides of the respective
channel 35, as shown in FIGS. 1-5. In one embodiment, the cross
supports 33 form angles of 55-60.degree. or 50-65.degree. with the
edges of the circumferential supports and/or the circumferential
direction, and adjacent cross supports 33 are oriented at angles of
60-70.degree. with each other, although other angular orientations
may be used in other embodiments.
[0095] Each channel 35 in the embodiment of FIGS. 1-5 is defined by
a single strip of material that is folded over itself to form an
overlapping, alternating pattern and stitched at and around the
folds to the shell 12 to form the cross supports 33. In another
embodiment, the cross supports 33 defining each channel 35 may be
separate pieces that are connected together. The cross supports 33
in the embodiment of FIGS. 1-5 are connected directly to the
circumferential supports 30, but this configuration may vary. In
this configuration, the circumferential straps 71 are slidably
restrained between the loop assemblies 28 and the circumferential
supports 30, and the circumferential supports 30 provide strength,
durability, and abrasion resistance at these areas. The channels 35
are defined between the undersides of the cross supports 33 and the
confronting surface of the shell 12, which may include the
circumferential supports 30 as in the embodiment of FIGS. 1-5, or
the outer surface 32 of the shell 12 or other structures in other
configurations. Additionally, in one embodiment, the cross supports
33 are connected to the circumferential supports 30, and both such
structures are connected to the shell 12, by two parallel, spaced
circumferential seams 29. In the embodiment of FIGS. 1-8, one of
such circumferential seams 29 also forms the connection between the
outer and inner end panels 51, 52 and the center body panel 58. In
another embodiment, where a circumferential support 30 or other
support layer is not present, the cross supports 33 may be directly
connected to the shell 12 along such circumferential seams 29.
[0096] The channels 35 of each of the loop assemblies 28 in FIGS.
1-5 include an entrance region 34 at or near the top 38 of the bag
10, and an exit region 36 at or near the bottom 39 of the bag 10.
In this configuration, the circumferential straps 71 extend through
the channels 35, such that each of the strap portions 74, 75, 77,
78 extends into the entrance region 34 of one of the channels 35,
through the respective channel 35, and out the exit region 36 of
the channel 35. The joints 76, 79 of the circumferential straps 71
are located in the spaces between the exit regions 36 of the two
channels 35 of the respective loop assembly 28. In another
embodiment, the retaining structures 28 may not be in the form of
loop assemblies with cross supports 33, and may instead use solid
or porous panels to create the channels 35, similar to the slots
57, or may use a different structure for retaining the
circumferential straps 71. It is understood that the retaining
structures or loop assemblies 28 and associated structures such as
the circumferential supports 30 are not illustrated in FIGS. 6-8
for simplification purposes.
[0097] The strapping assembly 70 also includes a central strap or
transverse strap 80 that extends in a peripheral direction from the
handle 60 around both ends 55 of the shell 12. The central strap 80
includes first and second central strap portions 81, 82 that are
engaged with the handle 60 and extend from the ends 66 of the
handle 60 around opposite ends 55 of the shell 12, and the strap
portions 81, 82 of the central strap 80 are joined together at a
joint 83 on the bottom 39 of the shell 12 to form a single strap
80. In the embodiment of FIGS. 1-8, the central strap 80 is formed
as a single piece, extending through the handle 60 to form the
strap portions 81, 82 on opposite sides of the handle 60 and having
two ends that meet at the joint 83. In another embodiment, the
central strap portions 81, 82 may be separate pieces that are
separately engaged with the handle 60. The joint 83 is formed by a
combination of stitching and adhesives in one embodiment, but may
be formed by additional connecting structures and techniques
described herein, or combinations thereof. In another embodiment,
the central strap portions 81, 82 may not connect to each other,
and may instead be connected to the shell 12 on the ends 55 or on
the bottom 39. It is understood that the engagement between the
strap portions 81, 82 and the handle 60 and the shell 12 is
sufficient that the shell 12 can be lifted by exerting an upward
force on the handle 60.
[0098] The portions 81, 82 of the central strap 80 in FIGS. 1-8
extend around the ends 55 of the shell 12 by extending through the
slots 57 in the ends 55. As shown in FIGS. 6-8, the central strap
portions 81, 82 extend between the outer and inner panels 51, 52
and through the upper and lower openings 53 to pass into and out of
the slot 57. The central strap portions 81, 82 further extend
beneath the circumferential straps 71 and across the bottom 39 of
the shell 12 in this embodiment. The central strap 80 is slidably
received within the slots 57 and is not fixedly connected to the
shell 12 in the embodiment of FIGS. 1-8, but one or both of the
central strap portions 81, 82 may be fixedly connected to the shell
12, e.g., within the slot 57 or on the bottom 39 of the shell 12.
In another embodiment, the strap portions 81, 82 may extend around
the ends 55 of the shell 12 by extending on the outsides of the
outer panels 51. The inner panels 52 and/or the slots 57 may be
absent, or the slots 57 may be created by an external structure, in
such a configuration.
[0099] The strap assembly 70 in the embodiment of FIGS. 1-8 assists
with distribution of forces around the shell 12, allowing the bag
10 to be handled roughly and even thrown into the air (e.g., 15
feet or more) and landing on the ground, while containing heavy
filler material 16 (e.g., 50-100 pounds). The positions and
orientations of the straps 71, 80 distribute the forces of lifting
and throwing by the handle 60 evenly around the shell 12 and avoid
concentration of stresses that can result at seams, bonds, or other
fixed connections. Additionally, the ability of the straps 71, 80
to slide and move with respect to the shell 12 allows more even
exertion of forces on the straps 71, 80 and allows each strap 71,
80 to compensate for forces exerted unevenly on other straps 71,
80. The configuration of the strap assembly 70 further improves
durability of the straps 71, 80 themselves and of the bag 10 as a
whole, among other benefits.
[0100] The handle 60 in the embodiment of FIGS. 1-8 is formed as an
elongated tubular body 62 having a circular cross section and a
central bore or passage 64 extending between opposing ends 66 along
the direction of elongation. The body 62 is also slightly curved or
arcuate in this configuration, rising in the middle with respect to
the ends 66. In this embodiment, the handle 60 is oriented to
extend longitudinally with respect to the shell 12, i.e., between
the ends 55 and parallel to the central axis of the cylindrical
portion 54. The outer surface of the body 62 of the handle 60 forms
a grasping surface configured to be grasped by the user, and a
coating, sleeve, or other structure applied to the body 62 to
enhance gripping. The handle 60 may also have a coating, sleeve, or
other structure applied to the inside of the central passage 64 to
either increase or decrease grip or friction with respect to the
straps 72, 73, 80 that extend through the central passage 64. In
one embodiment, the handle 60 and/or the body 62 thereof may be
made from a flexible and resilient material, such as a PVC hose
material or the like. In the embodiment of FIGS. 1-8, the handle 60
is positioned above the outer shell 12 and the opening 24. In other
embodiments, the handle 60 may have a different structure or
material construction, including different shapes including, but
are not limited to, ovals, squares, rectangles, or other shapes. In
another embodiment, the handle 60 may not have a central passage
64, such as in an embodiment where the straps 72, 73, 80 are not
continuous or where the handle 60 has other structures for engaging
continuous straps 72, 73, 80. In a further embodiment, the handle
60 may have structures for fixedly connecting to the straps 71,
80.
[0101] One embodiment of a method for assembly of a weighted bag 10
as shown in FIGS. 1-8 may be performed using stitching, adhesives,
heat sealing or pressing, or various other connection techniques to
form seams and other connections between the various components.
The loop assemblies 28 in this embodiment are constructed by
folding four strips of material to form the cross supports 33 and
fixedly connecting the cross supports 33 (e.g., by stitching,
adhesives, heat sealing, etc.) along the edges of the
circumferential supports 30 to create the alternating configuration
of the cross supports 33. The cross supports 33 are not connected
along the middle of the circumferential supports 30 to define the
channels 35 between the cross supports 33 and the circumferential
supports 30. The circumferential straps 71 and the central strap 80
are connected to the handle 60, which is accomplished in the
embodiment of FIGS. 1-8 by pulling and/or pushing the single-piece
straps 72, 73, 80 through the central passage 64 of the handle 60,
such that the straps 72, 73, 80 extend from both ends 66 of the
handle. The straps 72, 73, 80 may be connected together at one or
more points within the handle 60 in one embodiment.
[0102] The funnel 27 is assembled by creating the encircling wall
160, e.g., from a single piece of fabric wrapped and connected to
itself to form a funnel structure. The engaging portions 172, 174
and the securing members 177, 178 are connected to the wall 160 in
appropriate locations, in the form of complementary strips of hook
and loop material, in the embodiment of FIGS. 1-8. The grasping
handles 168 may also be connected to the wall 160 at or proximate
the inlet 166, and in one embodiment, the grasping handles 168 are
connected prior to the engaging portions 172, 174 such that the
engaging portions 172, 174 overlay the grasping portions 168.
[0103] The central body panel 58 is prepared by cutting the opening
24 through the central body panel 58 and the shell closure member
26 is connected to the opening 24. The shell closure member 26 may
be provided with a shroud or other cover to protect the shell
closure member 26 and increase comfort if the shell closure member
26 is contacted by the user during use, including a moveable cover
or a static cover, e.g., to cover rigid surfaces such as zipper
teeth. The circumferential supports 30 and the loop assemblies 28
are then positioned over and connected to the outer surface 32 of
the central body panel 58 along opposite edges of the central body
panel 58. The inner bag 135 is connected to the central body panel
58 by connecting the open end 136 around the opening 24 on the
inner surface 31. The inner bag 135 may be formed before connecting
to the central body panel 58, such as by connecting several panels
of material together or using seams to form a single piece of
material in the correct shape for the inner bag 135. The funnel 27
is also connected to the central body panel 58. by connecting the
proximal end 161 of the wall 160 around the opening 24 on the inner
surface 31. In one embodiment, the funnel 27 and the inner bag 135
may be connected together to the central body panel 58.
[0104] The shell 12 is then completed by connecting the end panels
50 to the central body panel 58 around the seams 22 shaped to form
the cylindrical portion 54 with circular ends 55. In one
embodiment, the inner panels 52 and the outer panels 51 are
connected to the central body panel 58 with the same seam 22 or
connection, and in another embodiment, the inner panels 52 are
connected before the outer panels 51. The inner panels 52 are
connected around their entire perimeters in this configuration, and
the outer panels 51 are connected around the majority of the
perimeters, but are not connected in strategic areas to form the
slots 57. It is understand that a cover or lining may be applied
around the openings 53 of each slot 57 for durability and abrasion
resistance. The handle assembly 14 is then coupled to the shell 12
by extending the circumferential strap portions 74, 75, 77, 78
through the channels 35 and joining them at the joints 76, 79 to
form the circumferential straps 71, and extending the central strap
portions 81, 82 through the slots 57, and then joining them at the
joint 83 to form the central strap 80. The bag 10 of FIGS. 1-8 is
substantially complete after these steps have been
accomplished.
[0105] FIGS. 9-11 illustrate another embodiment of a weighted bag
210 that includes many components and features in common with the
bag 10 illustrated in FIGS. 1-8 and described herein. Such common
features and components are referenced in FIGS. 9-11 with the same
reference numbers used herein with respect to FIGS. 1-8, and such
common features and components may not be re-described herein in
detail with respect to the embodiment of FIGS. 9-11. While not
illustrated in the drawings, the bag 210 of FIGS. 9-11 includes a
filling mechanism 25 that is the same or similar to the filling
mechanism 25 described herein and shown in FIGS. 6-8, in one
embodiment. The filling mechanism 25 in this embodiment includes a
funnel 27 having all the structural elements described herein with
respect to the funnel 27 of FIGS. 6-8 and functioning in the same
manner, but may include additional or alternate features as
described herein in other embodiments. For example, the bag 210 in
FIGS. 9-11 has a funnel 27 having a flexible encircling wall 160
with a proximal end 161 connected to the inner surface 31 of the
shell 12 around the opening 24 and a distal end 162 that can be
pulled through the opening 24 to extend the funnel 27 for filling.
The wall 160 of the funnel 27 in this embodiment defines an inlet
166 proximate the distal end 162 and an exit 164 into the shell 12,
and the funnel 27 also has a funnel closure 170 includes a first
engaging portion 172 and second engaging portion 174 positioned on
opposite sides 165, 167 of the wall 160 at the inlet 166 and
securing members 176 as shown in FIGS. 6-8 and described herein.
The bag 210 in FIGS. 9-11 also has an inner bag 135, as shown in
FIGS. 6-8 and described herein, which is also not illustrated in
FIGS. 9-11. It is understood that the inner bag 135 in the
embodiment of FIGS. 9-11 is shaped to be consistent with the shape
of the shell 12 of the bag 210.
[0106] The shell 12 of the bag 210 in FIGS. 9-11 has a
frusto-conical or tapered shape, and may be formed by multiple
panels 20 connected by seams 22 as described herein. In this
embodiment, the shell 12 defines a tapered configuration, having a
central body portion 212 formed by a central body panel 214 and
circular flat or bulged ends 216, 217 formed by end panels 218,
219. The central body portion 212 in FIGS. 9-11 is formed as a
tapered portion and has a frusto-conical shape that has a smaller
width, perimeter (e.g., circumference), and cross-sectional area
(relative to the central axis of the shell 12) at the bottom 38 and
a larger width, perimeter, and cross-sectional area at the top 39,
and the central body panel 214 is formed to create this shape. The
central body portion 212 has a continuous linear taper between the
ends 216, 217 when viewed from the side or in cross-section in the
embodiment of FIGS. 9-11. The contour and taper of the central body
portion 212 may be different in other embodiments, for example, a
concavely curved taper creating a funnel shape, or a convexly
curved taper, or a non-continuous linear taper. Additionally, in
another embodiment, the central body portion 212 may not be tapered
the entire distance between the ends 216, 217, i.e., the tapered
portion may be a smaller portion of the central body portion 212.
In such a configuration, the central body portion 212 may have a
non-tapered portion or a reverse-tapered portion adjacent the
tapered portion.
[0107] The ends 216, 217 of the shell 12 in the embodiment of FIGS.
9-11 are circular in shape, and the end panels 218, 219 forming the
ends 216 are circular panels that may be bulged or flat. The top
end 216 and the top end panel 218 have larger widths, perimeters
(e.g., circumferences) and surface areas than the bottom end 217
and the bottom end panel 219, which complements the taper of the
central body portion 212. In one embodiment, the top end 216 may
have a width of 12-20 in., or 14-18 in., the bottom end 217 may
have a width of 6-14 in., or 8-12 in., and the height of the
central body portion 212 may be 19-25 in., or 20-24.5 in. In
another embodiment, the bag 210 may be larger or smaller, but the
ends 216, 217 may have similar proportions, i.e., the ratio of the
width of the top end 216 to the width of the bottom end 217 is
1.25:1-2:1 or 1.5:1-1.75:1. In such embodiments, the ratio of the
area of the top end 216 to the area of the bottom end 217 is
1.5:1-4:1 or 2.25:1-3:1 In a shell 12 where the central body
portion 212 has a continuous linear taper, the taper angle T of the
central body portion 212 in such a configuration is 6-10.degree.,
or 7-9.degree., with respect to the vertical direction and/or
central axis of the shell 12. It is understood that the central
axis is an axis that passes through the center of volume of the
shell 12 when fully expanded and passes through the geometric
center of the top and bottom ends 216, 217, which may be an axis of
symmetry in a symmetrical structure. The bag 210 in FIGS. 9-11 is
configured for lifting by the user holding the bag 210 against
his/her chest and wrapping his/her arms around the central body
portion 212, and the tapering of the central body portion 212
produces a shape that is advantageous for such usage, by aiding the
user in holding the bag 210 without downward slippage due to the
weight of the bag 210.
[0108] The bag 210 has an opening 24 on the top 38 of the shell 12,
which is formed by an opening along the centerline of the top end
panel 218 in the embodiment of FIGS. 9-11. The opening 24 is
provided with a closure mechanism 26 in the form of a zipper in
this embodiment. It is understood that the opening 24 and the
closure mechanism 26 may have any structure discussed herein with
respect to the opening 24 and the closure mechanism 26 of FIGS.
1-8. The opening 24 and the closure mechanism 26 in this embodiment
function in the same way as in the bag 10 of FIGS. 1-8, whereby the
closure mechanism 26 opens to allow the funnel 27 to be extended
for filling the bag 210, and the closure mechanism 26 can be closed
after collapsing the funnel 27 to seal the opening 24. The closure
mechanism 26 in FIGS. 9-11 has a moveable cover 220 that can be
moved to cover the opening 24 as shown in FIG. 9, or to uncover the
opening 24 as shown in FIG. 10. The cover 220 in FIGS. 9-11 is in
the form of a flap that is anchored at a proximal end 221 and has a
free distal end 222 that can be folded to cover or uncover the
opening 24 as desired. Additionally, the bag 210 in this embodiment
has a releasable connecting structure 223 configured for retaining
the cover 220 to the top 38 of the shell 12 to cover the opening
24, including complementary engaging members 224, 225 in the form
of strips of hook and loop material. The releasable connecting
structure 223 illustrated in FIG. 10 includes engaging members 224
in the form of two strips of hook and loop material connected to
the top end panel 218 along opposite sides of the opening 24 and
another one or more engaging members 225 in the form of a
complementary strip of hook and loop material connected to the
underside of the cover 220.
[0109] The bag 210 may be made using the same materials and
techniques described herein with respect to the embodiment of FIGS.
1-8. In particular, the shell 12, the inner bag 135, and the
filling mechanism 25 can be assembled in a similar manner as the
same components in FIGS. 1-8. Assembly of the bag 210 in FIGS. 9-11
further includes connecting the engaging members 224 to the top end
panel 218 around the opening 24 and connecting the engaging member
225 to the underside of the cover 220, and then connecting the
cover 220 to the shell 12, using any of the connection structures
and techniques described herein, including stitching, adhesives,
and heat sealing, among others.
[0110] FIGS. 12-18 illustrate another embodiment of a weighted bag
310 that includes many components and features in common with the
bag 10 illustrated in FIGS. 1-8 and the bag 210 illustrated in
FIGS. 9-11 and described herein. Such common features and
components are referenced in FIGS. 12-18 with the same reference
numbers used herein with respect to FIGS. 1-11, and such common
features and components may not be re-described herein in detail
with respect to the embodiment of FIGS. 12-18. While not
illustrated in the drawings, the bag 310 of FIGS. 12-18 includes a
filling mechanism 25 that is the same or similar to the filling
mechanism 25 described herein and shown in FIGS. 6-8, in one
embodiment. The filling mechanism 25 in this embodiment includes a
funnel 27 having all the structural elements described herein with
respect to the funnel 27 of FIGS. 6-8 and functioning in the same
manner, but may include additional or alternate features as
described herein in other embodiments. For example, the bag 310 in
FIGS. 12-18 has a funnel 27 having a flexible encircling wall 160
with a proximal end 161 connected to the inner surface 31 of the
shell 12 around the opening 24 and a distal end 162 that can be
pulled through the opening 24 to extend the funnel 27 for filling.
The wall 160 of the funnel 27 in this embodiment defines an inlet
166 proximate the distal end 162 and an exit 164 into the shell 12,
and the funnel 27 also has a funnel closure 170 includes a first
engaging portion 172 and second engaging portion 174 positioned on
opposite sides 165, 167 of the wall 160 at the inlet 166 and
securing members 176 as shown in FIGS. 6-8 and described herein.
The bag 310 in FIGS. 12-18 also has an inner bag 135, as shown in
FIGS. 6-8 and described herein, which is also not illustrated in
FIGS. 12-18. It is understood that the inner bag 135 in the
embodiment of FIGS. 12-18 is shaped to be consistent with the shape
of the shell 12 of the bag 210.
[0111] The shell 12 of the bag 310 in FIGS. 12-18 has a rectangular
shape from the front and the rear and an oval shape (when filled)
from the sides. In this embodiment, the shell 12 defines a
rectangular configuration that is elongated between two opposed
ends 315. The shell 12 has a central body portion 312 formed by a
single panel 314 that is wrapped around a top 316 and a bottom 318
of the central body portion 312 and is connected to itself along
end seams 313 at opposed ends 315 and along a lateral seam 317
extending between the ends 315 on the rear side 319 of the shell
12. The rear seam 317 extends across the rear side parallel to the
lateral centerline L of the shell 12 (see FIG. 13) and below the
lateral centerline L, i.e., between the lateral centerline L and
the bottom 318. The shell 12 of the bag 310 in FIGS. 12-18 is
elongated between the ends 315 to form the rectangular shape having
four corners 324. When the bag 310 is filled with the filling
material 16, the corners 324 retain semi-pointed shapes, while the
top 316 and bottom 318 become rounded to create the oval shape of
the filled shell 12. In this configuration, the top 316 and bottom
318 may develop a slight outward curvature toward the corners 324
and a more flattened shape near the lateral centerline of the bag
310. The shell 12 may have a different shape in other embodiments,
and/or the shell 12 may be made from multiple panels in other
embodiments.
[0112] The bag 310 has an opening 24 on the front 320 of the shell
12, which is formed by an opening through the panel 314 along the
centerline of the front 320 in the embodiment of FIGS. 12-18. The
opening 24 is provided with a closure mechanism 26 in the form of a
zipper in this embodiment. It is understood that the opening 24 and
the closure mechanism 26 may have any structure discussed herein
with respect to the opening 24 and the closure mechanism 26 of
FIGS. 1-8. The opening 24 and the closure mechanism 26 in this
embodiment function in the same way as in the bag 10 of FIGS. 1-8,
whereby the closure mechanism 26 opens to allow the funnel 27 to be
extended for filling the bag 310, and the closure mechanism 26 can
be closed after collapsing the funnel 27 to seal the opening 24.
The closure mechanism 26 in FIGS. 12-18 has a fixed cover 325 that
covers one end of the opening 24 as shown in FIG. 14. The cover 325
is positioned so that the handle 326 of the zipper of the closure
mechanism 26 can be positioned beneath the cover 325 when the
closure mechanism 26 is in the closed position, in order to avoid
the zipper handle 326 from pressing into the user's skin during
use, enhancing comfort. The cover 325 in FIG. 14 is in the form of
an arch that is anchored at the ends and arches over the end of the
opening 24.
[0113] In one embodiment, the bag 310 has two handles 321 connected
to the shell 12 near the junctures between the top 316 and the ends
315, i.e., the corners 324 along the top 316 of the shell 12 in the
rectangular shell 12 shown in FIGS. 12-18. The handles 321 in this
embodiment each include a base 322 fixedly connected to the shell
12 and a gripping member 323 extending outward from the base 322.
The gripping members 323 are each formed as a loop for the user's
hand to extend through in the embodiment of FIGS. 12-18. In this
embodiment, each of the gripping members 323 has ends that are
connected to the front and rear sides 320, 319 of the shell 12 with
the gripping member 323 forming a loop configuration between these
connections. In other embodiments, the gripping members 323 may be
connected only to the front or rear side 320, 319 of the shell 12
and still have a loop configuration, or the gripping members 323
may have a different configuration (e.g., a tethered handle).
Additionally, the gripping members 323 in one embodiment extend
outward at oblique angles A with the lateral centerline L of the
shell 12 (see FIG. 13) and oblique angles B with the nearest
peripheral edges of the shell 12. In one embodiment, the angles A
are approximately 45.degree. (40-50.degree.) to the lateral
centerline L, and the angles B are approximately 135.degree.
(125-145.degree.) with the nearest peripheral edge, i.e., the top
316 or the nearest end 315 of the shell 12 in this embodiment. The
angles B are measured with respect to the edges 334 of the gripping
members 323 that are nearest the respective peripheral edge of the
shell 12. In other embodiments, the gripping members 323 may extend
outward at angles A that are 30-60.degree. to the lateral
centerline L of the shell 12), and the edges 334 of the gripping
members 323 form angles B of approximately 120-150.degree. with the
nearest peripheral edge, i.e., the top 316 or the nearest end 315
of the shell 12 in such embodiments. It is understood that the
angles A and B described herein are measured with respect to the
gripping members 323 when extended to their furthest degree of
extension in their most natural direction of extension, as shown in
FIG. 13. It is also understood that the angle A measured with
respect to the lateral centerline L can be measured with respect to
either edge 334 or the geometric centerline GC of the gripping
member 323 in an embodiment as in FIG. 13 where the edges 334 and
the geometric centerline GC are all parallel to each other,
although in some less symmetrical configurations, the geometric
centerline GC may be a more appropriate. In other words, the angle
A can be measured with respect to at least one of the edges and/or
the geometric centerline. It is further understood that the angles
A and B are measured when the bag 310 is empty and pressed flat to
the ground.
[0114] The bases 322 of the handles 321 are connected to the shell
12 proximate the top corners 324, and the bases 322 in FIGS. 12-18
extend on both the front side 320 and the rear side 319 of the
shell 12 to permit the gripping members 323 to connect to both
sides 319, 320. In the embodiment of FIGS. 12-18, each base 322 is
formed of a single strip of material that extends from the nearest
end 315 at an angle across the front 320 of the shell 12, over the
top 316 of the shell 12, and then at an angle across the rear 319
of the shell 12 back to the end 315. In this configuration, the
base 322 is not connected to the corner 324, leaving the corner 324
exposed. The base 322 in this configuration has a crossing portion
327 that extends over the top 316 of the shell 12, and the inner
edge 328 of the crossing portion 327 (i.e., farthest edge inward
from the nearest end 315) in FIGS. 12-18 extends approximately
perpendicular (90.degree.) to the top 316 of the shell 12 when the
bag 310 is empty and pressed to the ground. In other words, the
angle C between the inner edge 328 of the crossing portion 327 and
the top 316 of the shell 12 is 80-100.degree. or 85-95.degree.. The
inner edge 328 of the crossing portion 327 may additionally or
alternately form the same or similar angles with respect to the
lateral centerline L of the shell 12 and/or a line (not shown)
extending directly between the top corners 324 on the shell 12.
This configuration is shown in greater detail in FIGS. 17-18. The
inner edge 328 of the crossing portion 327 is a straight edge in
the embodiment of FIGS. 12-18, i.e., the inner edge 328 would be
straight and linear if the base 322 were laid flat. Additionally,
the base 322 in FIGS. 12-18 has angling portions 329 that angle
across the front and rear sides 320, 319 of the shell and juncture
with the crossing portion 327, and the inner edge 330 of each
angling portion 329 forms a juncture angle D with the crossing
portion 327 that is 110-140.degree. or 120-130.degree.. The angle
Eat the juncture between the inner edge 330 of each angling portion
329 and the nearest end 315 of the shell 12 is 40-70.degree. or
50-60.degree.. It is understood that the angles C, D, and E are
measured when the bag 310 is empty and pressed flat to the ground.
The crossing portion 327 in the embodiment of FIGS. 12-18 has a
narrower width measured between the inner edge 328 and the opposite
(outer) edge that is smaller than the widths of the angling
portions 329.
[0115] The narrower width and the angles C and D in the embodiment
of FIGS. 12-18 are created by folding the base 322 over itself
toward the nearest end 315 of the shell 12 and connecting the
folded portion 333 to the base 322, as shown in FIG. 17. Each base
322 may be formed of an integral or continuous panel or strap
having first and second opposed surfaces 331, 332, in one
embodiment. In this configuration, the first surface 331 forms the
outer surface of the angling portion 329 on the front side 320 of
the shell 12 and the inner surface of the angling portion 329
(contacting the shell 12) on the rear side 319 of the shell 12, and
the second surface 332 forms the outer surface of the angling
portion 329 on the rear side 319 of the shell 12 and the inner
surface of the angling portion 329 (contacting the shell 12) on the
front side 320 of the shell 12.
[0116] The angles A-E described herein provide a more ergonomic and
athletically efficient form for the bag, which is designed to be
picked up by a user and thrown over his/her back for carrying so
that the top 316 rests on the user's neck and shoulders. The angles
A-B of the gripping members 323 provide effective and comfortable
angles for lifting and carrying, and the angles C-E of the base 322
provide durability and advantageous distribution of forces and
stresses on the shell 12 during lifting and carrying. As one
particular example, the angle C between the inner edge 328 of the
crossing portion 327 and the top 316 of the shell 12 avoids
excessive concentration of stresses at the juncture between the
base 322 and the top 316 of the shell 12, which can result in
separation of the base 322 from the shell 12 and/or ripping of the
shell 12 at that location. It is also noted that the position of
the rear seam 317 below the lateral centerline L of the shell 12
avoids stress concentrations at the seam 317 by distancing the seam
317 from the handles 321 and also reduces the chance that the user
will carry the bag 310 with the seam 317 in contact with his/her
neck or shoulders, which could reduce comfort.
[0117] The bag 310 may be made using the same materials and
techniques described herein with respect to the embodiment of FIGS.
1-8. In particular, the shell 12, the inner bag 135, and the
filling mechanism 25 can be assembled in a similar manner as the
same components in FIGS. 1-8. Assembly of the bag 310 in FIGS.
12-18 further includes connecting the gripping members 323 to the
bases 322 of the handles 321, and then connecting the handles 321
to the top side 316 of the shell 12, using any of the connection
structures and techniques described herein, including stitching,
adhesives, and heat sealing, among others.
[0118] Several alternative embodiments and examples have been
described and illustrated herein. A person of ordinary skill in the
art would appreciate the features of the individual embodiments,
and the possible combinations and variations of the components. A
person of ordinary skill in the art would further appreciate that
any of the embodiments could be provided in any combination with
the other embodiments disclosed herein. It is understood that the
invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing
from the spirit or central characteristics thereof. The present
examples and embodiments, therefore, are to be considered in all
respects as illustrative and not restrictive, and the invention is
not to be limited to the details given herein. The terms "top,"
"bottom," "front," "back," "side," "rear," "proximal," "distal,"
and the like, as used herein, are intended for illustrative and
relative purposes only and do not limit the embodiments in any way.
Nothing in this specification should be construed as requiring a
specific three dimensional orientation of structures in order to
fall within the scope of this invention, unless explicitly
specified by the claims. Additionally, the term "plurality," as
used herein, indicates any number greater than one, either
disjunctively or conjunctively, as necessary, up to an infinite
number. For quantitative values described herein that do not
include decimal points, each digit to the left of the decimal point
is considered to be a significant digit. Accordingly, while the
specific embodiments have been illustrated and described, numerous
modifications come to mind without significantly departing from the
spirit of the invention and the scope of protection is only limited
by the scope of the accompanying claims.
* * * * *