GB2491817A

GB2491817A - A pad comprising a holding medium and a plurality of bodies

Info

Publication number: GB2491817A
Application number: GB1109518.9A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Shelley Sinclair
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2011-06-07
Filing date: 2011-06-07
Publication date: 2012-12-19
Anticipated expiration: 2031-06-07
Also published as: JP2014515968A; BR112013031491A8; CN103717267A; WO2012168698A1; CA2876030A1; GB201109518D0; KR20140063561A; ZA201309340B; EP2717975A1; RU2013158877A; EP2717975B1; JP6096765B2; GB2491817B; BR112013031491A2; AU2012266017A1; US20140302970A1

Abstract

A pad 10, or weight, for providing resistance to movement, wherein the pad comprises a holding medium 12,14 and a plurality of bodies 16. The holding medium surrounds at least part of the bodies and retains them therein. The holding medium is substantially flexible so as to allow the pad to substantially flex to reflect a contoured surface of the user when in use. Additionally, the pad is provided with at least one substantially porous region to provide air-flow and the egress of water vapour from one side of the device to the other. An attachment device for attaching a pad to a user is also described.

Description

Exercise apparatus

Field of the Invention

This invention relates to exercise apparatus.

Background to the Invention

A problem with existing weights for use during exercise is that they are often cumbersome and awkward to hold. Additionally, weights are generally rigid, thereby making them uncomfortable for the user, especially when running. Where the weights are hand-held, the user is then limited in what further activities they can perform, causing problems the user changing music tracks on their portable music player as many people do when exercising.

Existing water filled weights comprise a single chamber, usually made of non-breathable plastics material, wherein the water congregates at the lowest point making the weight biased according to its position. Furthermore, when a user's limb is on an angle away from horizontal, the congregation of the water can lead to the weight moving along a limb, thereby creating an undesirable change in the position of the resistance experienced by the user.

Furthermore, devices for weight training are often not breathable', making them uncomfortable when a user perspires.

Weight vests are vests into which weights or sand can be put. These are often uncomfortable or are designed to apply a large weight around the upper body. The distribution of the weight is designed to aid with developing bulky muscle rather than lean muscle. Additionally, weight vests may inhibit deep breathing as they apply pressure on the chest and can restrict movement of the ribs and intercostal muscles.

Summary of the Invention

Accordingly, the present invention is directed to a pad for providing resistance to movement, wherein the pad comprises a holding medium and a plurality of bodies, the holding medium surrounding at least part of the bodies and retaining them therein, the holding medium being substantially flexible so as to allow the pad to substantially flex to reflect a contoured surface of the user when in use, and wherein the pad is provided with at least one substantially porous region to provide air-flow and the egress of water vapour from one side of the device to the other.

Because the pad comprises a plurality of bodies and can flex, it provides a comfortable fit against the user. Also, because the weight is in the form of a pad, it can assist with creating lean muscle rather than bulk muscle. Furthermore, because the pads are flexible and comprise a plurality of bodies that can flex according to the user's movements, breathing is less inhibited. The pads can flex in three dimensions thereby not unduly restricting any movement of the user.

The pad can be attached to a user's body in order to leave their hands free.

Additionally, because the pad flexes to reflect the shape of the part of the user's body to which it is attached, the user can wear the pads under clothing to enable weight to be applied during the working day. A further advantage is that the pads can be used during yoga, thai chi, pilates and similar exercises to enhance the exercise without being unduly bulky.

In one construction according to the present invention the bodies are substantially unreleasbly retained within the holding medium. By sealing in the bodies the pad is a known and unchangeable weight. Furthermore, the risk of the bodies falling out during exercise is reduced.

In an alternative construction, the bodies are substantially releasably retained within the device. By allowing the bodies to be accessed, the weight and/or configuration of the pad can be altered in accordance to a user's requirements. For example, when a user plateaus in their exercise plan, they can increase the mass of the pad accordingly to overcome the plateau.

Preferably at least one outer surface of the pad comprises a plurality of protrusions. The outer protrusions of the pad provide a space between the user and the holding medium to assist with air-flow around the pad. Additionally, the protrusions can provide a massaging effect when pressed or rubbed against a user.

It is advantageous that the protrusions are dull. Although it may be desirable to have sharp or pointed protrusions, for example for improving grip, dull or rounded protrusions are preferable. Dull protrusions allow the pad to more easily move over the user's muscles. Additionally, they provide a smoother and more comfortable feeling when the pad is in contact with a user. The massaging effect can assist with blood flow as well and the draining of lactic acid from the muscle.

It is preferable that the bodies are substantially solid. By employing solid bodies the density can be maximised, thereby increasing the mass of the weight.

Advantageously, the bodies comprise a metal or metal alloy, and in particular, the bodies are substantially spherical steel balls. Metals have a relatively high density and are therefore advantageous for increasing mass of the pads without unduly increasing the size of the pad. Steel balls are a relatively low cost body with which to fill the pad. Other suitable metals include lead, cast iron, stainless steel, zinc and tungsten. Alternatively, ceramic material may be used. Where magnetic materials are used, the material may be magnetised to provide a therapeutic effect.

Preferably, the bodies are receptacles adapted for receiving a substance. By using hollow receptacles, the mass of the pad can be kept low, which is advantageous for transit of the pad. Subsequently, the bodies can be filled with a substance such as sand or water, or a mixture of both, to increase their density and mass. Additionally, where the bodies either substantially evacuated or filled with air, the pad is provided with significant buoyancy such as to provide resistance to movement in water. Alternatively, the body may comprise sponge or foam. Pebbles and/or stones may be used to fill the bodies, thereby providing a cost-effective filling material.

In an advantageous construction, at least some of the receptacles are in fluid communication with one another such that a single inlet can be used to fill multiple bodies. Having a single inlet for filling multiple bodies reduces the effort required to prepare the pad for use.

Preferably, the pad is provided with integral attachment means. Such an arrangement may be particularly advantageous in the case of a joint support, such as a knee support.

The invention extends to an attachment device for attaching a pad according to the present invention to a user. In order to allow for the pads to be replaced quickly and easily positioned, it may be useful for the pad to be attached to a user via an attachment device.

Such a device can allow for the mass of the device to be altered by replacing the pad, rather than replacing the whole weight and attachment system.

Preferably, the attachment device is selected from a group comprising a strap; a joint support; a substantially tubular sleeve; a sock; a band; a corset; and a harness. Multiple attachment devices may be used in combination, for example to specifically work on a limb or particular muscle group by applying a plurality of pads. The attachment device is adapted for use in combination with the pad such that it holds the pad in place and firmly against the user.

Alternatively, the device may be in the form of a body suit comprising means for retaining the pad thereon, or therein. Additionally, the pads may be attached to clothing such as swimwear, shorts, socks, underwear or outer clothing.

In a preferred construction, the suit comprises releasably sealable pockets for retaining the pad. Where the pockets can be opened and the pads removed, the weight can be varied according to the requirements or the user. Additionally, it may be desirable to remove any pads prior to washing in order to prolong the life of the suit and the pads and to reduce the risk of damage to a washing machine. It may be desirable for the pads to be permanently attached to the attachment device rather than being removable.

The invention also extends to an exercise kit comprising a pad according to the present invention and an attachment device according to the present invention. Preferably, the pad and attachment device both are provided in together in the form of a kit. Additional pads might be included in such a kit so as to be able to vary the weight as required.

The invention further extends to a receptacle for attachment to a user comprising a sealable inlet and a body, wherein the external surface of the body is provided with substantially dull protrusions. A sealable receptacle having protrusions can be attached to a user in a similar fashion to the pad disclosed herein. Such a receptacle is provided with dull protrusions in order to provide the aforementioned massaging effect.

Preferably, the protrusions comprise ribs. The ribs can be shaped such that the receptacle has an overall contour that is able to assist with providing a massaging effect when the receptacle is rubbed over a user's muscles.

Brief Description of the Drawings

An embodiment of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a diagram showing an exploded view of a first embodiment of a device according to the present invention; Figure 2 is a diagram showing a top view of the device shown in Figure 1; Figure 3 is a diagram of a suit according to the present invention for use in combination with the device of Figures to 3; Figure 3A is an enlarged view of a pocket of the suit shown in Figure 3; Figure 4 is a perspective view of a receptacle with massaging ribs according to an aspect of the present invention; and Figure 4A is an enlarged view of a part of the receptacle shown in Figure 4.

Detailed Description of Exemplary Embodiments

Figures 1 and 2 show a weight 10, constituting a pad, comprising a lower holding part 12, an upper holding part 14 and a plurality of bodies in the form of steel balls 16. The lower holding part 12 and upper holding part 14 each comprise a layer of soft elastomer material, such as rubber, neopreme, fabric, ethylene vinyl acetate, polyurethane, Spandex or silicon material, and comprise a plurality of concave recesses 18 that are each suitably sized to receive a hemisphere of the balls 16. The recesses 18 are positioned in parallel rows, each row being off-set with respect to the next. The off-set parallel lines are intended to increase the number of balls 16 that can be comfortably fitted onto the weight as compared to the rows being in phase. The upper holding part 14 and lower holding part 12 are provided with holes 20 between the position of the recesses 18 through which air and water vapour can pass.

During manufacture, adhesive is applied to the lower holding part 18 and the steel balls 16 are placed into the concave recesses 18 of the lower holding part 12. The upper holding part 14 is placed over the lower holding part 12 and the balls 16 such that the balls are received within the concave recesses 18 of the upper holding part 14. Once the balls 16 are held within the upper and lower holding parts 12 and 14, the adhesive is allowed to set such that the balls 16 are retained within the lower holding part 12 and the upper holding part 14, which are substantially unreleasably sealed together. In such a construction, the 14 upper holding part and the lower holding 12 part form an outer skin to the pad weight 10.

The weight 10 can be attached to a user by various known methods in order to apply weight to a specific part of a user's body. Additionally, due to the shape of the balls 16, the weight can provide a massaging effect, which can be applied during exercise or as a separate operation subsequent to exercise in order to aid with draining lactic acid from the user's muscles.

In a further construction based on that shown in Figures 1 and 2, the holding parts may each partially enclose the body. For example, the holding parts 12 and 14 may comprise apertures instead of concave recesses. In such a situation, the diameter of the recesses (equivalent to the openings of recesses 18 on Figures 1 and 2) in the holding parts is less that the diameter of the body 16. When the two retaining parts 12 and 14 are sealed together, the body is then retained in the holding parts as it cannot pass through the apertures 18 due to the differences in diameter, thereby retaining the body without completely enclosing it. The bodies 16 will protrude through the retaining material 12 and 14. In such a construction, an outer skin (not shown) may be applied to the pad.

The holding parts 12 and 14 may be vacuum sealed (using vacuum forming or thermoforming) in order to wrap closely around the bodies. In such a situation the holding parts may be constructed from plastics material which is non-permeable to air.

Subsequent to vacuum wrapping the bodies 116, areas of the material of the holding parts 12 and 14 may be perforated or removed to allow the flow of air through the pad.

Alternatively, breathable' holding materials 12 and 14 may be wrapped in non-permeable material (not shown) during the manufacture process in order to seal the bodies 16 and the non-permeable material later removed. In a further possible construction, the pad may be formed by heat shrinking outer holding parts 12 and 14 around the bodies 16.

Other bonding techniques may be employed to join the holding parts 12 and 14, such as bonding using chemicals or heat. Alternatively, moulding, especially injection moulding may be used, which may incorporate over-moulding to encapsulate the bodies 16 without the use of adhesive.

Figure 3 shows a suit for use with weights according to the present invention. The suit 50 comprises pockets 52 positioned in various locations on a user's body. The Figure is not intended to be limiting and further locations may be suitable in conjunction with an appropriate attachment device; for example, weights could be positioned on a user's head using a head-band or hat. A partial or full-body suit may be constructed with attachment means for attaching weights to a user. The attachment means may be in the form or a pocket or other means for keeping the weight in position during exercise. Figure 3A shows a close-up view of a pocket 52 of Figure 3, more clearly showing that the pocket 52 is provided with a zipper 54 into which a weight may be placed and the zipper 54 sealed to retain it within the pocket 52. The pocket 52 may be provided with a transparent outer surface. The opening to the pocket 52 may be in the form of a flap, and particularly a V-shaped flap.

As an example, the weight 10 may range from 100 grams to 500 grams each depending upon their intended location. Therefore, a suit such as that show in Figure 3 might have a total weight of 10 kilograms. This is merely an example and other weights and total masses are considered to be within the scope of the invention.

Figure 4 shows a pad 110 comprising a body 112 and a sealable inlet 114. The body 110 is hollow and is able to accept liquid or small particles, such as sand. The outside surface of the body 112 comprises slots 116 along its length, which, in turn, forms protrusions in the form of ribs 118. In use, the ribs 118 are applied to a user's body and as the pad 110 moves during exercise, a massaging effect may be experienced in the user's soft tissue.

Alternatively, once exercise is complete, or during rest, the pad 110 can be applied to soft tissue and can be used to massage the said soft tissue region, thereby assisting in the draining of lactic acid.

The bodies may not be individually retained but may instead be retained within a chamber in which they are able to move freely.

The retaining parts may comprise any suitable materials, for example a plastics material, or a combination of multiple materials which may be natural or synthetic. The upper and lower holding parts may comprise substantially flat material and upon being wrapped around the bodies any required recesses may be formed, rather than the recesses being pre-formed. The upper and lower parts may be in the form of an envelope rather than being separate parts. This is particularly advantageous when a chamber to retain the bodies is required. The bodies may be connected to the pad by adhesion to one or more surface or by being retained within a substrate without the need for adhesive. The pad may comprise a single layer of material to which the bodies are adhered.

Where suitable materials are used the pad can be heated or cooled so as to assist with hot and cold compressions. This may be especially useful during rehabilitation after injury.

Additionally, the pad may be used in conjunction with induction loops in order to heat the bodies, or balls, using electromagnetic induction. Alternatively, the pad may be warmed in a microwave, the pad manufactured using materials that are not dangerous in such situations. Cooling may be performed using a domestic freezer or other cooling techniques including chemical cooling techniques.

It may be desirable to secure the metal balls in the holding medium using axles. The axles allow the balls to rotate so that the weight is able to smoothly roll over a user's muscles.

The axle may pass through the length of the pad and pass through all of the balls in a particular row. Alternatively, each ball may have its own individual axle, which is especially advantageous of the direction of rotation of different balls is to be varied across the pad. By attaching the balls in this way, the weight can be rolled over a user's muscles post-workout in order to massage the muscles, reducing the build-up of lactic acid. When the weight is attached to the user, the axis of rotation of the balls may perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the user's body part to reduce the risk of the weight rolling along to the user's body part away from its intended position.

The device may be in the form of evacuated or gas filled bodies retained in a holding medium. Such a device may be advantageous for water based exercises, for example aqua-aerobics, wherein the user experiences resistance while the pad is underwater due to the buoyancy of the bodies within the pad. Gas filled bodies, for example Helium-filled, may be especially advantageous for providing floatation assistance for children.

Additionally, the device may comprise both evacuated and substantially solid bodies to enable use in and out of water.

Where hollow bodies are employed, the bodies may be filled with sand or water, or a combination of both. Additionally, or alternatively, the bodies may comprise a substance that hardens in the presence of water, such as concrete. Water may be added to such a substance to substantially solidify the substance thereby creating a solid state. Such an arrangement assists in reducing the transport weight (and cost). It may be desirable to fill the receptacles with liquid to a position less than full so as to take advantage of the free surface effect that will occur during use. It may be preferable to use integral cavities that constitute bodies rather than separate articles.

The pad may be provided with bodies of varying size and/or shape to allow for varying weight or weight distribution and different protrusion shapes to allow for different massaging feelings. The bodies may be a combination of filled or dense bodies and unfilled or less dense bodies to provide an overall low weight but retain the shape and massaging effects.

The pad may be incorporated into a joint support, such as a knee or elbow support, or a tubular bandage.

The invention extends to a garment, for example a body suit, with pads incorporated or attached to it by conventional means. As an example, methods of attaching the pads to a suit or other attachment means for applying the pads to a user include: hook-and-loop fasteners (Velcro®); zippers; buttons; poppers; bands; and adjustable straps. Other types of garment that might be adapted to receive the pads include: shorts; shirt; t-shirt; trunks; corset; legging; trousers; and jeans. This is not an exhaustive list and other attachment means may be used.

It may be desirable to layer' more than one pad so as to increase the mass of the weight.

By providing a joining member to fit between the pads, the pads will hold together more easily. Such a joining member may be in the form of a layer of material that complements the profile of both the upper surface of one pad and the lower surface of the second pad.

The system disclosed herein may be used for exercise for fitness, prehabilitation, rehabilitation or physiotherapy.

The soft elastomer may by transparent in order to be able to view the bodies so that a user can detect any damage thereto.

Claims

Claims 1. A pad for providing resistance to movement, wherein the pad comprises a holding medium and a plurality of bodies, the holding medium sunounding at least part of the bodies and retaining them therein, the holding medium being substantially flexible so as to allow the pad to substantially flex to reflect a contoured surface of the user when in use, and wherein the pad is provided with at least one substantially porous region to provide air-flow and the egress of water vapour from one side of the device to the other.
2. A pad according to claim 1, wherein the bodies are substantially unreleasbly retained within the holding medium.
3. A pad according to claim 1, wherein the bodies are substantially releasably retained within the device.
4. A pad according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein at least one outer surface of the pad comprises a plurality of protrusions.
5. A pad according to claim 4, wherein the protrusions are dull.
6. A pad according to any preceding claim, wherein the bodies are substantially solid.
7. A pad according to claim 6, wherein the bodies comprise a metal or metal alloy.
8. A pad according to claim 7, wherein the bodies are substantially spherical steel balls.
9. A pad according to claim 5, wherein the bodies are receptacles adapted for receiving a substance.
10. A pad according to claim 9, wherein at least some of the receptacles are in fluid communication with one another such that a single inlet can be used to fill multiple bodies.
11. A pad according to any preceding claim, wherein the pad is provided with integral attachment means.
12. An attachment device for attaching a pad according to any one of claims 1 to 10 to a user.
13. A device according to claim 12, wherein the device is selected from a group comprising a strap; a joint support; a substantially tubular sleeve; a sock; a band; a corset; and a harness.
14. A device according to claim 12, wherein the device is a body suit comprising means for retaining the pad thereon, or therein.
15. A device according to claim 14, wherein the suit comprises releasably sealable pockets for retaining the pad.
16. An exercise kit comprising a pad according to any one of claims 1 to 10 and an attachment device according to any one of claims 12 to 15.
17. A receptacle for attachment to a user comprising a sealable inlet and a body, wherein the external surface of the body is provided with substantially dull protrusions.
18. A receptacle according to claim 17, wherein the protrusions comprise ribs.Amendments to the claims hae been filed as follows Claims 1. An exercise pad intended to provide resistance to movement of a user, wherein the pad comprises a holding medium and a plurality of bodies, the holdinë medium surrounding at least part of the bodies and retaining them therein, the holding medium being substantially flexible so as to allow the pad to substantially flex to reflect a contoured surface of the user when in use, and wherein the pad is provided with at least one substantially porous region to provide air-flow and the egress of water vapour from one side of the device to the other, wherein the bodies are substantially solid, substantially spherical steel balls and each body is secured in an individual pocket at a predetermined position within the pad, and wherein the surface of the pad intended to face a user comprises a plurality of protrusions, the protrusions corresponding positions of the balls, wherein, when in use, the protrusions contact the user and a gap is created between the *: .: user and at least part of the holding medium to provide a ventilation channel to allow air to flow between the user and the side of the pad closest to the user.* *s*** * * 2. A pad according to claim 1, wherein the bodies are substantially unreleasbly * retained within the holding medium.*. _*** * 20 3. A pad according to any preceding claim, wherein the bodies are regularly spaced apart within the holding material.4. A pad according to claim 3, wherein the bodies are positioned in rows and adjacent rows are offset with respect to one another.5. A pad according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the pad comprises attachment means.6. A pad according to any preceding claim, wherein the pad is provided with integral attachment means.