AU2016200802B1 - Flexible exercise weight for plurality of users - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention is for an exercise weight or bag for simultaneous use by a plurality of users and includes an outer bag adapted to house one or more inner bags, the inner bags adapted to be able to be filled and emptied of material. The outer bag includes a plurality of handles so positioned to allow the users to simultaneously use the bag. (1 Y-} 1~&N A1 N< I N N> N N> -- N > I / x N> >N I vZN~> N N -~ >4 N' fl H H - --- ii 1 .7 -~- II K -r Fig 2 Fig 1 ft I" xK K; K It >,j. N N' N> '~N; Fig 3 K/~' N z ~ "N N" N K >< N N'> N /~'' N-N N -K / > N> ,jt N'\ / N' Fig 4

Description

FLEXIBLE EXERCISE WEIGHT FOR PLURALITY OF USERS FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] This invention relates to exercise weights suitable for simultaneous use by a plurality of users, more particularly the invention relates to an outer bag adapted to accommodate one or more inner bags adapted to be filled with a substance and including a plurality of handling means on the surface of the outer bag to enable lifting and carrying by a team of users.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

[0002] Numerous exercise devices are known for single users, common devices include exercise weights which can be repeatedly lifted by the user to build muscle strength and physical stamina.

[0003] Carrying solid logs, often wooden logs, simultaneously by a plurality of users is a popular form of exercise and team building activity in both civilian and military training settings. Such logs may vary from 45 kg to 120 kg, or 100 to 250 pounds in weight. Typically a plurality of users are positioned in a row in close proximity to the log then collectively hold the log, lift to the shoulders, then perform muscle and stamina building exercises in tandem as directed by an instructor or leader.

[0004] Drawbacks for the use of wooden logs in these situations include their defined cylindrical shape and smooth outer surface that hinder gripping by the user’s hand during lifting and subsequent exercises. Mishandling by just one of the group may result in the log moving in an uncontrolled manner resulting in injury to other members of the group. Wooden logs are inflexible and as a result require groups of users with similar heights to avoid uneven load bearing by taller members of the group. Furthermore the weight of a wooden log cannot be readily reduced or increased and are prone to splintering and eventual decomposition, via rotting, resulting in a negative user experience and short useful lifespan. Finally the standard log cannot be dismantled or folded away to a convenient portable size or manageable weight by a single user after the exercise period.

[0005] There is a need for a flexible exercise weight (bag) suitable for simultaneous use by a plurality of users which overcomes the limitations of uneven load bearing, difficulty in handling and restricted portability seen in the prior art weights but retains the robustness and sturdiness to be used in often demanding group exercise situation4s.

[0006] The object of this invention is to provide an exercise weight that alleviates the above problems, or at least provides the public with a useful alternative.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] In one form of the invention there is proposed an exercise bag for simultaneous use by a plurality of users including: a flexible outer bag adapted to house one or more removable inner bags; the inner bags adapted to be able to be filled and emptied of material; the outer bag including a plurality of handles so positioned to allow the plurality of users to simultaneously use the bag; wherein when not in use the outer bag can be folded for ease of storage..

[0008] In preference the outer bag is of elongated cylindrical shape and includes are four rows of circumferentially equally spaced handles located on the outer bag.

[0009] In preference each row includes at least five handles.

[0010] In preference access to the inside of the outer bag is through a zipper extending longitudinally across the outer bag.

[0011] In preference the zipper is covered by a flap adapted to be fixed to the outer bag.

[0012] In preference the inner bags are liquid impervious.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] Preferred features, embodiments and variations of the invention may be discerned from the following Detailed Description which provides sufficient information for those skilled in the art to perform the invention. The Detailed Description is not to be regarded as limiting the scope of the preceding Summary of the Invention in any way. The Detailed Description will make reference to a number of drawings as follows.

[0014] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an exercise weight according to the present invention; [0015] Figure 2 is a top view of the weight of Figure 1; [0016] Figure 3 is a perspective view of the exercise weight incorporating two inner bags; and [0017] Figure 4 is a perspective view of the exercise weight incorporating an inner bladder.

LIST OF COMPONENTS 10 exercise weight 12 outer bag 14 ends 16 handles 18 flap 20 studs 22 end handle 24 inner bags 26 inner bladder 28 inlet

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] The following detailed description of the invention refers to the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings and the following description to refer to the same and like parts. Dimensions of certain parts shown in the drawings may have been modified and/or exaggerated for the purposes of clarity or illustration.

[0019] Illustrated in the figures is an exercise weight 10 defined by an outer bagl2 of generally an elongated cylindrical shape having ends 14. Access to the inside of the bag 12 is provided through a zipper (not shown) extending along the top of the bag and covered by flap 18, the flap held in place by studs 20. Of course access to the bag may also be through one or both of ends 14. Of course, besides a zipper other well-known fastening means or a combination thereof may be employed, such as hook and loop, button, grip seal or Velcro.

[0020] The elongated cylindrical outer bag 12 is constructed from a strong, flexible and durable material, a suitable material for this purpose is 1000D Cordura® nylon although it will be apparent that other equivalent materials can be substituted. The outer bag 10 is furnished with four rows having a plurality of handles 16 attached by use of stitches or strong adhesive. The handles 16 can be attached directly onto the outer bag or through a strip constructed from durable material, for example strong polyester is first attached to the outer bag and the handles then attached to the strip to provide additional strength to the weight. The handles are positioned externally on the ends, sides and or on relative upper longitudinal surface of the outer bag as required. The exact distance between the handles can be varied during manufacture depending on the desired number of users for the weight.

[0021] The outer bag 10 defines an elongated internal body into which one can insert one or more inner bags 24 or inner bladder 26, the two variants illustrated in Figure 3 and [0022] In Figure 3 two inner bags 24 are positioned end to end along the cylindrical axis of the internal body of the outer bag. It is understood that the inner bags will be constructed from a material similar or same as those used for the external bag or it is contemplated that a durable watertight material such as polythene or other polymer will be used if a liquid is intended to be contained therein. The inner bags are adapted to be hold material and even liquid which enables the user to select the total weight of the exercise apparatus. They are sealable to prevent loss of the contents. The inner bags can be of the same or different lengths and have any shape suitable for fitting within the outer bag preferably cylindrical or approximate cylindrical, cube or cuboid. It is understood that end to end arrangement means positioning of the inner bags in a linear orientation within the outer bag, preferably the longitudinal axis of the inner bag running in parallel to the longitudinal axis of the outer cylindrical bag, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the orientation of the inner bags can be varied provided that the flexibility and or strength of the weight is not compromised. It is understood that no minimum weight is required for use of weights consistent of the present invention and may be carried by groups of users empty or may be filled with suitable material solid or liquid to the desired weight. In Figure 4 there is shown one bladder designed to hold liquid but may also hold solid material such as sand, the bladder designed to be filled and emptied through an inlet 28.

[0023] It is understood that weights consistent with this invention are for use by more than two, preferably 5 to 10, simultaneous users positioned a sufficient distance apart to enable lifting, walking, running with the weight during exercise activities. The weight can be of any longitudinal length, depth or width provided it is suitable for 2 or more users. A preferred embodiment is a weight suitable for the use of a group of about 5 users with an outer bag of 7 feet in length and 15 inches in diameter containing two inner bags each with a length of 3.5 feet and 14.5 inches in diameter.

[0024] Whilst no upper limit is contemplated for the mass of the weight for use by groups, teams or plurality of users during exercise activities, in a preferred embodiment the weight is in the range of about 50 to 200 kg, and more particularly is 100 to 150 kg.

[0025] The reader will now appreciate the present invention. The inner bags are filled with sand and sealed using Velcro fastening means. The inner bags are inserted in an end to end manner within the outer bag. The outer bag is then sealed using a zip running along the longitudinal length of the relative upper surface of the outer bag and then the flaps are folded over the zip and sealed using the a stud second fastening means to conceal the zip. A group of users positioned together in a linear arrangement, such as a line or row simultaneously hold the bag by gripping one or more handles and simultaneously lift the weight. The positioning of the handling means along the longitudinal length of the weight ensures that the users each experience about the same load and are approximately the same distance apart. The flexibility of the outer and inner bags ensure the shape of the weight automatically adjusts to the varying heights of the group resulting in an even bearing of the load. The users carry the weight over a predetermined distance or lift above their heads or in other manners as directed by the instructor. On conclusion of the exercise session the outer bag is opened via release of the studded second fastening means and opening of the zip and contents of the inner bags removed. The weight can then by folded away for storage by a single user.

[0026] The inner bags or the bladder may be filled with material such as sand, soil, wood chips and whilst in a preferred embodiment one would wish to use a fluid type material one may also use solid weights. The flexible properties of the elongated outer bag and inner bags allow the load to be distributed in a substantially even manner across each user. The inner bags can be emptied after use enabling the exercise weight to be folded or rolled to a size and mass convenient for storing or transportation of the weight. The presence and positioning of handles at intervals on the external surface of the outer bag enables safe gripping and holding by the plurality of users.

[0027] Further advantages and improvements may very well be made to the present invention without deviating from its scope. Although the invention has been shown and described in what is conceived to be the most practical and preferred embodiment, it is recognized that departures may be made therefrom within the scope and spirit of the invention, which is not to be limited to the details disclosed herein but is to be accorded the full scope of the claims so as to embrace any and all equivalent devices and apparatus. Any discussion of the prior art throughout the specification should in no way be considered as an admission that such prior art is widely known or forms part of the common general knowledge in this field.

[0028] In the present specification and claims (if any), the word "comprising" and its derivatives including "comprises" and "comprise" include each of the stated integers but does not exclude the inclusion of one or more further integers.

Claims (6)

1. An exercise bag for simultaneous use by a plurality of users including: a flexible outer bag adapted to house one or more removable inner bags; the inner bags adapted to be able to be filled and emptied of material; the outer bag including a plurality of handles so positioned to allow the plurality of users to simultaneously use the bag; wherein when not in use the outer bag can be folded for ease of storage.

2. An exercise bag as in claim 1 wherein the outer bag is of elongated cylindrical shape and includes four rows of circumferentially equally spaced handles located on the outer bag.

3. An exercise bag as in claim 2 where each row includes at least five handles.

4. An exercise bag as in any one of the abovementioned claims where access to the inside of the outer bag is through a zipper extending longitudinally across the outer bag.

5. An exercise bag as in claim 4 wherein the zipper is covered by a flap adapted to be fixed to the outer bag.

6. An exercise bag as in claim 1 wherein the one or more inner bags are liquid impervious.