JP2014515968A - Flexible weight pad - Google Patents

Abstract

According to the present invention, a pad (10) as a weight that provides resistance to operation includes a holding medium and a plurality of bodies. The holding medium covers at least a part of the body and holds them in the holding medium. Moreover, since it has a softness | flexibility substantially, when using a pad, it can curve, reflecting the contour surface of a user's body. The pad has at least a substantially porous region that circulates air from one side to the other side and serves as an outlet for water vapor. The present invention extends to a mounting device for mounting a pad to a user.

Description

  The present invention relates to weight exercise equipment including exercise wear and exercise equipment such as swim equipment including swim wear.

  The problem with the conventional weight used for exercise is that it is difficult to hold and handle. Furthermore, since the weight is generally hard, the user is particularly uncomfortable when using it while running. Also, grasping the weight limits other activities that the user can perform, which can interfere with changing the music track of a portable music player, for example, as many people do during exercise.

  Conventional water-filled weights usually have one chamber made of a non-breathable plastic material, and when the water in the chamber collects at the lowest point, the weight is biased according to the position. Further, when the user's limb moves from the horizontal state, the weight can move along the limb due to the concentration of water, but as a result, an undesirable position change occurs in the resistance acting on the user.

  Furthermore, weight training devices are generally not “breathable” and make sweating users uncomfortable. Since the airflow to the user's skin is limited, a sweaty area occurs, which can cause malodor and fungal infection.

  The weight vest is a vest containing weight and sand. These are generally uncomfortable and are designed to apply large loads around the upper body. The load distribution is designed to contribute to the development of larger muscles than smaller muscles. In addition, when the weight vest applies pressure to the chest, deep breathing may not be possible, and the weight vest may limit movement of the limbs and intercostals.

  Accordingly, the present invention relates to a pad that provides resistance to operation, the pad comprising a holding medium and a plurality of bodies, the holding medium covering at least a portion of the body and placing them in the holding medium. Holding and substantially flexible, it can be substantially curved to reflect the contour of the user's body when the pad is used, and the pad can be viewed from one side of the pad. A substantially solid and spherical metal sphere having at least a substantially porous region for circulating air to the other side and serving as an outlet for water vapor, wherein the body is held in individual recesses of the holding medium The pad includes a plurality of protrusions on the contact surface with the user, the protrusion corresponds to the position of the metal ball, and the protrusion contacts the user when the pad is used. When the void between at least a portion is generated of the user and the holding medium, air passage to allow the circulation of air is provided.

  Since the pad of the present invention has a plurality of bodies and bends, it fits comfortably to the user. Moreover, since the weight is pad-like, it can contribute to the formation of small muscles rather than large muscles. Furthermore, the pad of the present invention is flexible and includes a plurality of bodies that can be bent in accordance with the user's movement, so that it is difficult to prevent breathing. Since the pad of the present invention bends in all three dimensions, it does not unduly limit any user action.

  Since the pad of the present invention can be worn on the user's body, the user can freely use both hands. Furthermore, since the pad of the present invention bends reflecting the shape of the user's body part to which the pad is attached, it can be worn under clothes, and the weight can be used even on weekdays. A further advantage is that the pads of the present invention can also be used in yoga, taichi, pilates and similar exercises, enhancing the exercise effect without undue bulk.

  The protrusions on the outside of the pad provide a space between the user and the holding medium and assist air to flow around the pad. That is, the protrusions make point contact with the user and create a channel between the pad and the user's skin so that air can pass through the channel. This air flow makes the user more comfortable and hygienic. Furthermore, a massage effect is obtained when the protrusions press or rub the user.

  Since a substantially flexible material is used for the pad of the present invention, a massage effect is achieved when the protrusion is pressed against the user's muscle during use of the pad and the protrusion is maintained in place. Is obtained. This helps remove lactic acid from the muscle. Providing compression therapy is beneficial both during and after exercise, and can speed up the body's recovery.

  In one embodiment of the invention, the body is held substantially non-removable in the holding medium. The pad with the body sealed in the pad is a known weight invariant weight. Furthermore, the risk of the body being shaken off during exercise is reduced.

  Another advantage is that the protrusions are not sharp. For example, in order to improve grip properties, it may be desirable to have a sharp and sharp protrusion, but a protrusion that is not round and sharp is preferable. Since the protrusion is not sharp, the pad can be moved more easily over the user's muscles. Furthermore, it provides a smoother and more comfortable feel when the pad contacts the user. This massage effect promotes blood circulation as well as the discharge of lactic acid from the muscles. Although the protrusions are not pointed, they are in point contact rather than being in flat contact with the user's skin and blocking the flow of air between the user's skin and the device.

  It is preferred that the body is substantially solid. By using a solid body, the density of the body can be maximized and the weight weight can be increased.

  The body is made of a metal or metal alloy, in particular the body is a substantially hemispherical steel ball. Since the metal is relatively dense, it is advantageous to increase the weight of the pad without unduly increasing the size of the pad. The steel ball is a relatively low cost body for filling the pad. Other suitable metals include lead, cast iron, stainless steel, galvanized steel, zinc, tungsten and the like. A ceramic material can also be used. When a magnetic material is used, the material can be magnetized to provide a therapeutic effect.

  Preferably, the pad comprises an integral mounting means. Such a configuration is particularly advantageous when assisting a joint such as a knee support. The device can be in the form of a body sandwiched between two layers of material that forms part of the wearable item. In such an embodiment, a breathable material is selected for comfort.

  The present invention extends to a mounting device for mounting a pad according to the present invention to a user. For quick replacement or easy placement of a pad, it is convenient to wear the pad to the user via a mounting device. In such a mounting device, it is possible to change to many devices by replacing the pad instead of replacing the entire weight or the entire mounting system. The body is held by a cast rubber-based resin and a mounting device used to connect the pad to the user.

  Preferably, the mounting device is selected from the group consisting of a strap, a joint support, a substantially tubular sleeve, a sock, a band, a corset and a harness. A plurality of mounting devices can be used in combination. For example, multiple pads can be applied to operate in the limbs or specific muscle groups. The mounting device is suitable for use in combination with the pad and holds the pad firmly in place against the user. The protrusions of the device can be placed over muscle groups avoiding bone areas and indirect portions, thus providing the most advantageous weight distribution.

  The wearing device may be a body suit, and may include means for holding the pad on or in the body suit. In addition, the pads can be worn on shorts, socks, underwear or outerwear.

  In a preferred configuration, the bodysuit of the present invention comprises a removable and sealable pocket for holding the pad. Since the pocket can be opened to take out the pad, the weight can be adjusted in various ways according to the user's request. Furthermore, it is desirable to take out these pads from the suit before washing from the viewpoint of extending the suit and the pads and reducing the risk of damaging the washing machine. It may be desirable for the pad to be permanently attached to the attachment device, rather than being removable.

  The present invention also extends to an exercise kit comprising a pad according to the present invention and a mounting device according to the present invention for mounting the pad to a user. Both the pad and mounting device of the present invention are preferably provided together in the form of a kit. By including additional pads in such a kit, the weight can be varied as required.

  The present invention extends to a swim device, which is similar to the weight device described above, but includes a body that is less dense than water.

  Advantageously, the swimming device comprises a holding medium and a plurality of bodies, the holding medium covering at least a part of the body and holding them in the holding medium, and substantially flexible. Therefore, when the pad is used, it can be substantially curved reflecting the contour surface of the user's body. The swim device further includes a plurality of bodies contained in the holding medium, and the bodies are closed to the outside and have a lower density than water. By using a plurality of bodies closed to the outside, the material of the device can be made more flexible than the bodies to be joined.

  Also, the swim device is effectively hemispherical on at least one side thereof, on at least a first layer of the holding medium on the first side of the device and on a second layer of the holding medium on the second side of the device. A body having at least two protrusions in the shape of the first, the first holding medium is bonded to the second holding medium, the body is held between them, and the body is closed to the outside It is less dense than water. By providing a plurality of projecting portions on one body, the construction method of the device is further simplified. As a result, the amount of the buoyancy material is increased, and a device having a larger buoyancy can be obtained.

  Preferably, the device, body or at least two bodies comprise a liquid for reducing density therein. When the body effectively evacuates or is filled with air, the pad provides significant buoyancy to provide resistance to motion in water.

  Advantageously, a single body or at least two bodies are substantially solid. Thereby, the body can maintain its shape more easily. This is especially true when the user drops the body and an impact is applied to the body.

  It is particularly advantageous for the body to bend substantially flexibly. By deforming the body against an impact, a part of the force can be dispersed and the user can be protected. The body can then return to its original shape.

    In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the body or at least two bodies comprise a closed cell foam. The closed cell foam protects the body from water intrusion that can puncture and damage the device. In addition, the body can include a sponge or open cell foam.

  Preferably, the protrusion substantially makes point contact with the user. By making point contact, air flows around the device, and water can flow in the device. This makes the user more comfortable and reduces the user's risk of infection.

  The swim device can be incorporated in the form of a swimsuit or buoyancy aid. By incorporating this device into a swimsuit, the user can easily wear the device, and in addition to being aesthetically appealing, the device is relatively inconspicuous. Furthermore, the device of the present invention is a buoyancy aid that can be removed when the user wants to reduce buoyancy. In addition, the device of the present invention is removable, so that a goldfish swimmer can be used until it is fully swimable without the device and can be removed when it is fully swimable.

  The device of the present invention can comprise a UV filter to protect the skin from sunlight. The device of the invention is particularly advantageous when used for infant outdoor activities.

  The present invention extends to a method of manufacturing an exercise device according to the present invention.

This manufacturing method is
a) providing a first layer of retention medium;
b) disposing a plurality of substantially spherical bodies on the first holding medium, or a single body comprising a plurality of substantially hemispherical protrusions on the first holding medium. Steps,
c) placing a second layer of holding medium on the body;
d) joining the first layer of the retention medium to the second layer of the retention medium;
including.

  The body or protrusion is held in individual depressions in the layer of holding medium. The range of motion of the body or protrusion is limited by the size of the recess in which they are held. This range of motion is useful for the massage effect of the device.

  The second layer of the holding medium may be a separate part from the first holding medium folded back so as to be sandwiched between a single material.

  The holding medium can include, for example, an elastomeric material such as polyurethane or ethylene vinyl acetate.

  Preferably, the joining method is selected from high-frequency welding, ultrasonic welding, sewing, thermal welding, or joining using an adhesive.

  Embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

It is an exploded view of 1st embodiment of the instrument based on this invention. It is a top view of the instrument shown in FIG. FIG. 3 shows a garment according to the invention for use in combination with the device of FIGS. FIG. 3A is an enlarged view of the pocket portion of the garment shown in FIG. 3. It is a figure which shows the wearable device which provides the weight pad which concerns on this invention.

1 and 2 show a weight 10, which constitutes a pad including a lower holding part 12, an upper holding part 14, and a plurality of steel spherical bodies 16. Each of the lower holding portion 12 and the upper holding portion 14 is made of a flexible elastomer material such as rubber, neoprene, fiber, ethylene vinyl acetate, polyurethane, spandex, or silicon material, and includes a plurality of recesses 18. Each of the recesses 18 is appropriately sized to receive the hemispherical portion of the spherical body 16. The recesses 18 are arranged in parallel rows, and each row is offset with respect to an adjacent row. The reason why the parallel lines are offset is to increase the number of bodies 16 by the number that can be reasonably fitted onto the weight 10 as compared with the case where the parallel lines are in the same phase. The upper holding part 14 and the lower holding part 12 have a hole 20 between the positions of the recess 18, and allow air and water vapor to pass through the hole 20.

  In the manufacturing process, an adhesive is applied to the lower holding portion 18, and the body 16 is attached to the concave portion 18 of the lower holding portion 12. The upper holding part 14 is disposed so as to cover the lower holding part 12 and the body 16, and receives the body 16 in the recess 18 of the upper holding part 14. Once the body 16 is sandwiched between the upper holding part 14 and the lower holding part 12, both holding parts are fixed by an adhesive. The body 16 is held in the lower holding portion 12 and the upper holding portion 16 and is substantially bonded. In such a structure, the upper holding portion 14 and the lower holding portion 12 form the outer surface of the pad-shaped weight 10.

  The weight 10 can be worn by the user by various known methods and loads the weight on a specific part of the user's body. Further, depending on the shape of the body 16, the weight 10 can provide a massage effect. This massage effect can be obtained during exercise, or it can be used in other work to assist the discharge of lactic acid from the muscle after exercise.

  In a further configuration based on the illustration of FIGS. 1 and 2, the holding part can partially cover each of the bodies. For example, the lower holding part 12 and the upper holding part 14 may include an opening instead of the recess. In such a case, the diameter of the recess in the holding portion (corresponding to the opening of the recess 18 in FIGS. 1 and 2) is smaller than the diameter of the body 16. When the two holding portions 12 and 14 are combined, the body cannot be passed through the recess 18 due to a difference in diameter from the opening of the recess, and is thus held in the holding portion. In this way, the body is held without being completely covered. In such a configuration in which the body 16 protrudes from the holding portions 12 and 14, an outer skin (not shown) is used for the pad.

  The holding parts 12 and 14 can be vacuum-sealed (using vacuum forming or thermoforming) to be in close contact with the periphery of the body. In such a case, the holding parts 12 and 14 can be made of a plastic material that is impermeable to air. After covering the body 16 in a vacuum, air can be flowed through the pad by drilling or removing the material regions of the holding parts 12,14. In the case of the holding portions 12 and 14 made of “breathable” material, the body 16 can be sealed by wrapping with the non-breathable material in the manufacturing process. This non-breathable material is later removed. In another possible configuration, the pad can be formed by a heat-shrinkable outer that holds the retainers 12, 14 around the body 16.

  Other joining techniques can be used for attaching the holding portions 12 and 14, for example, joining techniques using chemicals or heat. Further, it is possible to join by casting, particularly injection molding, and it is possible to employ an overmolding method in which the body 16 is sealed without using an adhesive.

  FIG. 3 shows a usage pattern of the body suit to which the weight according to the present invention is attached. Suit 50 includes pockets 52 located at various locations on the user's body. The illustrated example is not intended to limit the present invention, and can be suitably placed in other locations together with a suitable mounting device. For example, it is possible to place a weight on the user's head by using a headband or a hat. A suit that partially covers the body or a full body suit is configured to include mounting means for attaching weights to the user. The mounting means can be in a pocket shape or other shape as long as the weight is held at a predetermined position during exercise. 3A is an enlarged view of the pocket 52 of FIG. It is more clearly shown that a zipper 54 is provided that seals the weight placed in the pocket 52 to hold it in the pocket 52. The outer surface of the pocket 52 can be transparent, and the opening of the pocket 52 can have a flap shape, particularly a V-shaped flap shape.

  FIG. 4 shows the bodysuit 110 with the base material 112 and the pad area 114 incorporated. The pad region 114 includes a plurality of bodies sandwiched between base materials, and thus holds the body in each pocket. A portion of the bodysuit 110 that includes the integrated pad region 114 can be used in place of the full bodysuit 110, for example, only the sleeve for weighting the arm can be used.

  As an example, the weight 10 has a weight in the range of 100 to 500 g depending on the arrangement location. Therefore, the suit as shown in FIG. 3 or 4 is about 10 kg in total. This is merely an example, and other weights and other weights are included in the present invention.

  The holding portion can be made of any suitable material, for example, a plastic material, or a combination of a plurality of natural materials or synthetic materials. The upper holding part and the lower holding part comprise a substantially planar material and surround the periphery of the body. The upper and lower holders can be enveloped rather than as separate parts. This is particularly advantageous when a chamber is needed to hold the body. The body can be held in the substrate without being connected to one or more surfaces of the pad by an adhesive or using an adhesive. The pad can comprise a single layer material to which the body is bonded.

  When a suitable material is used, the pad is heated or cooled to assist in hot or cold compression. This is particularly useful for rehabilitation after injury. Also, the pad can be used in conjunction with a dielectric loop to warm the pad body or steel ball using electromagnetic induction. Also, the pad can be warmed in a microwave oven, and the pad is manufactured using materials that are not dangerous in such situations. The pad can be cooled using a household freezer or other cooling techniques including chemical cooling techniques.

  It may be desirable to fix the metal spheres in the holding medium using a mandrel. The mandrel can rotate the metal ball, which allows the weight to roll smoothly over the user's muscles. The mandrel can be run through the entire length of the pad and through all the metal balls in a particular row. Alternatively, each metal sphere can have an individual mandrel, in which case it is particularly advantageous that the direction of rotation of the different metal spheres varies across the pad. By attaching the metal balls in this way, the weight rolls over the user's muscle after training to massage the muscle, thereby reducing the accumulation of lactic acid. When the weight is attached to the user, the rotation axis of the metal sphere is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the user's body part, reducing the risk that the weight will rotate along the user's body part that is not the intended position.

  With regard to the swim device, the device may be configured such that a vacuum body or a gas-filled body is held in a holding medium. Such devices are advantageous for exercise in water fields such as underwater aerobics, for example, while the pad is underwater, the user is resisted by the buoyancy of the body in the pad. A body filled with a gas, for example helium gas, is particularly advantageous for providing buoyancy assistance to the child, and is further advantageous when used in combination with closed cell foam. In addition, the device can include both a vacuum body and a substantially solid body, so that it can be used in water or used out of water.

  Since the pad has bodies of various sizes and / or shapes, various weights and weight distributions are possible, and since the pads have various protrusion shapes, various massage feelings can be obtained. By combining a body filled with a high density and a body filled with a low density, the overall weight can be reduced while maintaining the shape and massage effect of the body.

  The invention extends to garments and extends, for example, to a bodysuit in which the pad described above is incorporated or attached by conventional methods. As an example, a method for attaching the pad to a suit or a method for attaching the pad to a user using another attachment method includes Velcro, Velcro, a zipper, a button, a popper, a band, an adjustable strap, and the like. . Other types of clothing that can be adapted to accept the pad include shorts, shirts, T-shirts, trunks, corsets, leggings, trousers and jeans. This is not a comprehensive list and other attachment means can be used.

  It may be desirable to increase the total weight of the weight by layering one or more pads. By using a joining member that fits between the pads, the pads can be held more easily. Such a joining member can be in the form of a material layer that complements the shape of both the upper surface of the first pad and the lower surface of the second pad.

  The systems disclosed herein can be used for fitness exercises, rehabilitation, and physical therapy.

  By making the flexible elastomeric material transparent and visualizing the body from the outside, the user can detect any damage in the body.

  The configuration of the swim device is substantially similar to the configuration of the weight device, except that instead of a heavy body, a body filled with foam and / or liquid is used. Thus, the swim device is practically similar to the construction of the weight device, one of the major differences being that it is buoyant in water.

Claims (14)

A pad that provides resistance to operation,
The pad includes a holding medium and a plurality of bodies,
The holding medium covers at least a portion of the body to hold them in the holding medium and is substantially flexible so that it reflects the contour of the user's body when the pad is used. Can be curved,
The pad has at least a substantially porous region that circulates air from one side of the device to the other and serves as an outlet for water vapor;
The body is a substantially solid and spherical metal sphere held in an individual recess of the holding medium;
The pad includes a plurality of protrusions on a contact surface with a user, the protrusion corresponds to the position of the metal ball, and when the protrusion contacts the user when the pad is used, A pad provided with an air passage that allows air to circulate between the holding medium and at least part of the holding medium.   The pad of claim 1, wherein the body is held substantially non-removable in the holding medium.   The pad according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the bodies are regularly spaced apart in the holding medium and arranged in rows and adjacent rows are offset from each other.   The pad according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the pad comprises an integral mounting means for mounting the pad to a user.   The mounting device for mounting | wearing a user with the pad as described in any one of Claims 1-4.   6. The mounting device of claim 5, wherein the mounting device is selected from the group consisting of a strap, a joint support, a substantially tubular sleeve, socks, a band, a corset and a harness.   6. The mounting device of claim 5, wherein the mounting device is a bodysuit and comprises means for holding the pad on or in the bodysuit.   The mounting device of claim 7, wherein the bodysuit comprises a removable and sealable pocket for holding the pad.   An exercise kit comprising the pad according to any one of claims 1 to 4 and the mounting device according to claim 6. A swim device,
The swim device includes a holding medium and a plurality of bodies,
The holding medium covers at least a portion of the body to hold them in the holding medium and is substantially flexible so that it reflects the contour of the user's body when the pad is used. Can be curved,
The swim device further comprises a plurality of bodies contained within the holding medium,
The swim device, wherein the body is closed to the outside and has a lower density than water. A swim device,
On at least one side of the device, on at least a first layer of the retention medium on the first side of the device and on a second layer of the retention medium on the second side of the device, at least two substantially hemispherical A body having a protrusion, wherein the first holding medium is bonded to the second holding medium, the body is held between them, and the body is closed to the outside and has a lower density than water; A device for swimming.   12. A swim device according to claim 10 or 11, wherein one of the bodies or at least two of the bodies comprises a closed cell foam.   The swim device according to any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein the swim device is incorporated in a swim suit.   The swim device according to any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein the swim device assists buoyancy.

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