GB2474062A

GB2474062A - An unstable weight

Info

Publication number: GB2474062A
Application number: GB0917339A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Lee Booth; Wayne Smith
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2009-10-05
Filing date: 2009-10-05
Publication date: 2011-04-06
Also published as: WO2011042712A3; WO2011042712A2; GB0917339D0

Abstract

The weight comprises an elongated cylindrical outer bag 2 within which a number of elongated, flexible inner-bags, filled with a flowable substance are placed and the outer bag having at least two handles 3 which protrude both axially and circumferentially. The inner-bags may come in a range of weights, however all contain the same volume of flowable substance. The outer-bag may include a resealable opening 4 using a zip or hook and loop fastener. The handles can range in colour depending on the position and use.. The packing density of the inner-bags and the structural support and padding added by the outer-bag allow the bag to sag and bend, thus altering the centre of gravity of the bag and the weight displacement.

Description

PATENT APPLICATION

TITLE

An unstable weight contained within an outer bag for use in performing multi-functional movements.

BACKGROUND

Exercising with weights, such as dumbbells or barbells, works on a restricted number of muscles and only exercises them on one level. When this invention is used with the same or similar movements, the instability and movement within the bag plus the bags ability to change shape, bring more muscle groups into play.

STATEMENT OF INVENTION

Due to the bag constantly changing shape and shifting weight with every movement, the bodies stabilizing muscles (core) are worked. These core muscles form the foundation for all sporting movements, thus improving balance, propeoseption, strength, speed and explosive power. This unstable movement also increases handgrip and forearm strength.

DESCRIPTION

1. The present invention relates to a piece of equipment and an accompanying training system for use in performing multi-functional training and exercise. The invention can also relate to equipment used in physical medical recovery (physiotherapy).

2. The present invention seeks to provide a weight for use in performing multi -functional training and exercise that represents a safer, more versatile training system and specifically increases stamina, speed, power, balance, core strength and functional movements. Using the invention involves different techniques compared to traditional weights constructed from barbells with weights attached.

3. The substance contained in the inner-bags could be liquid or solid incompressible particles and it should be able to flow. The flowable substance is preferably a mixture of kiln-dried sand and uPVC pellets, but other fine grain or liquid could be used.

These are used in conjunction with the kiln-dried sand to ensure that volume of an inner bag is constant, regardless of its weight.

4. The inner-bags should be made from a suitable flexible and preferably waterproof material, suited to contain a flowable substance, preferably a mixture of kiln-dried sand and uPVC. The inner-bags are filled to a given capacity. This allows the flowable substance to freely move within the inner-bag. Once sealed, the elongated inner-bags are able to sag, bend and change shape.

5. The outer-bag should preferably contain a minimum of three (3) inner-bags at all times, however any number can be used. This should be made from a suitable flexible and waterproof material. The outer-bag consists of a resealable opener and a number of specially placed, colour coded handles. The inside of the outer-bag may consist of specially placed supports, to strengthen any stress points within the bag.

6. The handles are specifically designed to allow comfort along with quick grip, allowing smooth interchange between exercises and speedy pick up during movement. This provides a more fluent exercise routine allowing greater fitness and safety benefits.

The handles are colour-coded dependent on position and use, as well as varying in double and single grip. This makes the invention a versatile training tool allowing coaches, teachers and trainers the ability to teach at maximum speed with minimum effort and explanation. Over time, the colour-coded handle system helps the brain recognise colours with certain exercises and movement, thus improving technique and performance.

7. Exercising with weights, such as dumbbells or barbells, works on a restricted number of muscles and only exercises them on one level. When this invention is used with the same or similar movements, the instability and movement within the bag plus the bags ability to change shape, bring more muscle groups into play. Due to the bag constantly changing shape and shifting weight with every movement, the bodies stabilizing muscles (core) are worked. These core muscles form the foundation for all sporting movements, thus improving balance, propeoseption, strength, speed and explosive power. This unstable movement also increases handgrip and forearm strength.

8. The invention can additionally be used to perform an array of multi-functional exercises that are not comfortable, safe or possible to do with conventional or other sporting equipment. For example, the invention will comfortably shape to the body's contours, and can therefore be carried across the shoulder while running; across the back to increase the weight resistance during press ups; or across the chest during sit ups. This involves using the handles in a variety of combinations to maximise this effect.

9. The flowable substance contained within the inner-bags absorbs much impact, which stops the invention rolling or bouncing during use. This also permits the invention to be thrown, for example, during ballistic movements/exercises (quick, powerful, multi muscle movements) or can be thrown and caught safely in the same way as a medicine ball.

10. The handles of the invention may extend both axially and circumferentially on all sides of the invention. The handles are positioned for comfort and to maximise the benefits of each and every exercise and movement.

11. The invention itself would be made from a suitable, strong, flexible, preferably waterproof material, that is comfortable to touch, easy to wipe and does not irritate the skin or make it sweat. It must also be suited to the task of containing a flowable substance.

12. To permit the weighted inner-bags to be changed, the outer-bag will be provided with a resealable opening, such as a zip fastener, or Velcro. The opening may run parallel to the axis of the bag or circumferentially. The opening may also be covered with a protective/safety lip, which protects the fastener from damage and the user from the fastener.

DRAWINGS

The invention will now be described further, by the way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:- 1. Figure A is a perspective view of the outer bag that encases the inner bags.

2. Figure B is a vertical transverse section through the outer bag when encasing 3 inner bags.

3. Figure C is a horizontal transverse view through the outer bag encasing 3 inner bags.

4. The unstable exercise product (1] shown in Figure A has a flexible outer bag (2] made from a durable, waterproof material. Attached are numerous colour coded handles [3] that relate to the specific WayFit routine and training system. The exercise product [1] has a resealable Velcro or zipper opening which is covered with a protective lip (4].

5. Figure B shows a transverse section of the exercise system (5] with the outer-bag encasing three unstable, flexible inner-bags. The flexible outer bag [6] is oversized allowing free space (7] for the flexible inner-bags to freely move about. The flexible inner-bags are made from a durable, waterproof material [8] and are filled with a flowable substance [9]. The inner bags are not filled to capacity with the flowable substance [9]. This allows free space (10] for the flowable substance (9] to move freely around the inner-bags, allowing the exercise product (5] to constantly remain unstable. The outer-bag has a resealable opening covered by a protective lip (11].

6. Figure C is an alternate transverse section of the exercise system [13], showing three inner-bags (16] lying flat within the outer-bag (15] and are filled with a flowable substance (14]. External Colour coded handles (17] are attached to the outer-bag (15].

7. Fig C shows the inner-bags will come in a distinct set of different sizes. Any combination of inner bags can be placed in the outer-bag, with the optimal number being three (3).

8. Regardless of the combination of inner-bags used, the invention should retain the same volume and, therefore, sag to the maximum amount that the weight displacement allows. This shifting in the bag, caused by the weight displacement, increases the number of muscles that are used during the exercise routine.

9. The size and density of the flowable substance within the inner-bags, combined with the shape and size of the outer-bag, enables the invention to sag to the maximum weight displacement. This is key to the invention and its constituent handle-based training system as the exercises can be repeated, irrespective of the combination of inner-bags used.

10. As shown in Fig A/C, the handles are specially placed in order for the training system to be incorporated into the invention. The amount of handles may ultimately vary, but will still relate to the aforementioned training scheme and be designed to incorporate it.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A weight designed to be used in both physical training exercises and physical medical recovery (physiotherapy). This is comprised of a cylindrical outer-bag, within which a variable number of inner bags (a minimum of three 3), can be manually placed. The inner-bags contain a flowable substance. The outer-bag has at least two [2] handles, which protrude both axially and circumferentially.The inner-bags do not have any handles.
2. A weight, as described in claim 1, wherein the flowable substance within the inner-bags is a combination of kiln-dried sand and uPVC pellets. This contributes towards the weight of the inner-bag.
3. A weight, as described in claim 2, wherein the kiln-dried sand provides the vast majority of the mass of the inner-bag and the recycled uPVC pellets are used to ensure that all the inner-bags have the same volume, regardless of their weight.
4. A weight, as in claim 1, wherein, the outer-bag contains a zipper or VELCRO in order for it to be opened so that the inner-bags can be removed from or placed within the outer-bag.
5. A weight, as in the preceding claims, wherein the flowable substance within the inner-bag means that the invention will maintain its volume regardless of the combination of inner-bags placed within the outer bag, provided there are a minimum of three [3]. The corollary of this is that the maximum sag is constant regardless of its weight.
6. A weight as claimed in the preceding claims have a minimum of two [2] handles extending circumferentially and axially.
7. A weight, as in claim 1, wherein the handles are specially placed and colour-coded.
8. A weight, as in claim 1, wherein the layout and design of the handles is to incorporate a colour-coded training system.
9. A weight constructed substantially as herein described with reference to and as illustrated in the accompanying diagrams.