WO2016011545A1

WO2016011545A1 - Portable training device

Info

Publication number: WO2016011545A1
Application number: PCT/CA2015/050674
Authority: WO
Inventors: Kurt MATSON; Gregory MATIICHINE
Original assignee: Udurance Inc.
Priority date: 2014-07-21
Filing date: 2015-07-21
Publication date: 2016-01-28
Also published as: US20170203141A1

Abstract

A portable training device includes a structural component including a weighted mass; and first and second elongate arms associated with and extending symmetrically from opposite sides of the weighted mass, the arms being resiliently biased to a rest position in which the arms form a fixed, generally U-shape together with the weighted mass, the arms being universally manipulable against the bias out of the rest position.

Description

PORTABLE TRAINING DEVICE

Cross-Reference to Related Application

[0001] This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. 119(e) from United States

Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 62/027,227 filed on July 21, 2014.

Field of the Invention

[0002] The following relates generally to exercise and fitness equipment and more particularly to a portable training device having a structural component.

Background of the Invention

[0003] Much of the equipment provided for physical training and exercise is not portable or multipurpose. Those who seek training or personal fitness improvements are therefore generally required to invest in many different pieces of equipment or to join gyms. Furthermore, traditional physical training and fitness workout routines are not efficient time-wise, requiring extensive workout time to achieve the desired degree of effectiveness.

[0004] Various weighted objects (bags, blocks, balls) with handles attached thereto are known in the art of exercise equipment, and have been promoted as able to achieve specialized or mid- and upper-body workouts with the use of a single portable piece of equipment. Despite their partial effectiveness, such prior art implements suffer from various drawbacks, such as cumbersome handling, safety issues, jerky movement, limited range of exercises, and so forth.

[0005] A particular series of drawbacks of prior weighted bags known in the art is due to the manner in which the handles are attached to the main weighted bag. Such handles are either sewn-on straps (or strap loops), or are attached in a manner equivalent to a hinged articulation, with a full range of pivoting motion between the handles and the weighted bag. As such, there is limited control (as to the direction and/or force) that may be imparted from the user' s wrists to the weighted bag, aside from a general swinging motion.

[0006] Furthermore, as a result of the loose or hinged attachment of the handles to the weighted bag, serious strain is transmitted in a sudden, shock-like manner to the user's wrists at those points where the motion of the weighted bag changes or reverses direction during workouts, or whenever the user must stop the momentum of the device at the top of a movement. During use, the center of gravity and the balance point of such equipment also tends to shift significantly in relation to the handles, resulting in lack of control and additional undesired strain on the user's wrists. With loose or hinged handles, it is often impossible for a user to prevent the weighted bag from flipping around the handles and hitting/bruising the hands and the forearms of a user during some exercises whenever the user must stop the momentum of the device at the top of a movement, especially if the user is a beginner.

Summary of the Invention

[0007] In accordance with an aspect, there is provided a portable training device comprising a structural component comprising a weighted mass; and first and second elongate arms associated with and extending symmetrically from opposite sides of the weighted mass, the arms being resiliently biased to a rest position in which the arms form a fixed, generally U-shape together with the weighted mass, the arms being universally manipulable against the bias out of the rest position.

[0008] In an embodiment, the training device further comprises flexible cladding at least partially encapsulating and corresponding in shape to the structural component.

[0009] In an embodiment, the cladding comprises an outer layer; and filler material intermediate the structural component and the outer layer.

[0010] The portable training device has a shape and structure that permits a user to controllably manipulate a weighted mass during training or exercise, such as by pulling, pushing, throwing, swinging and lifting the weighted mass via the first and second arms. The user may controllably perform these activities along with body movements such as twisting, bending, rotating, squatting, and lunging, in order to train and strengthen various parts of their body. The portable training device appears and can be operated in a similar manner to a weighted training bag. However, the resilience of the structural component maintains the training device in an aesthetically-pleasing rest position when not in use, and provides sufficient rigidity to the training device for controlled manipulation of the weighted mass via the arms. Because the arms are manipulable agamst the bias out of the rest position, they are able to partially absorb shocks due to weight transfers and drastic changes in momentum that would otherwise be fully transmitted along the first and second arms to the user' s hands, wrists, forearms and beyond during training. As such, as compared to known weighted bags and the like, the training device is relatively controllable, predictable, safe, ergonomic and attractive.

[0011] In embodiments incorporating flexible cladding, the flexible cladding cooperates with the structural component to ensure resilience, protects the structural component during rigorous use of the training device, and also helps the structural component to maintain the training device in a fixed overall shape thereby to ensure it remains aesthetically-pleasing.

[0012] As regards resilience, in one embodiment, each of the arms of the structural component is universally deformable against the bias out of the rest position. In an alternative embodiment, each of the arms is rigid and universally pivotable with respect to the weighted mass against the bias. Additional alternatives are possible.

Brief Description of the Drawings [0013] Embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the appended drawings in which:

[0014] Figure la is front elevation view of a training device, according to an embodiment;

[0015] Figure lb is a front elevation view of the training device of Figure la, showing location of the centre of mass of the training device and the handles of the training device parallel to each other when in a rest position;

[0016] Figure 2 is a front perspective view of the training device of Figure la;

[0017] Figure 3 is a side elevation view of the training device of Figure la;

[0018] Figure 4 is a top view of the training device of Figure la;

[0019] Figure 4a is a side view of the training device of Figure la being used to provide posture support for a user;

[0020] Figure 5 is a bottom view of the training device of Figure la;

[0021] Figure 6 a is a front elevation view of a structural component of a training device in a rest position, according to an embodiment;

[0022] Figure 6b is a front elevation view of a unitary resilient structure of the structural component of Figure 6a in the rest position, in isolation;

[0023] Figure 6c is a front elevation view of the structural component of Figure 6a, with its arms having been manipulated towards each other and thereby out of the rest position against a bias;

[0024] Figure 6d is a front elevation view of the structural component of Figure 6a, with its arms having been manipulated away from each other and thereby out of the rest position against the bias;

[0025] Figure 6e is a front elevation view of the structural component of Figure 6a, with a first of its arms having been manipulated towards a second of its arms and thereby out of the rest position against the bias;

[0026] Figure 6f is a front elevation view of the structural component of Figure 6a, with a first of its arms having been manipulated away from a second of its arms and thereby out of the rest position against the bias;

[0027] Figure 6g is a side elevation view of the structural component of Figure 6a in the rest position;

[0028] Figure 6h is a side elevation view of the structural component of Figure 6a with its arms having been manipulated leftwards out of the plane of the rest position and thereby out of the rest position against the bias;

[0029] Figure 6i is a side elevation view of the structural component of Figure 6a with its arms having been manipulated rightwards out of the plane of the rest position and thereby out of the rest position against the bias;

[0030] Figure 6j is a side elevation view of the structural component of Figure 6a with the first of its arms having been manipulated leftwards out of the plane of the rest position against the bias, thereby rendering the structural component out of the rest position, while the second of its arms remains within the plane of the rest position;

[0031] Figure 6k is a side elevation view of the structural component of Figure 6a with the first of its arms having been manipulated rightwards out of the plane of the rest position against the bias, thereby rendering the structural component out of the rest position, while the second of its arms remains within the plane of the rest position;

[0032] Figure 7 a is a front elevation view of a structural component of a training device in a rest position, according to an alternative embodiment;

[0033] Figure 7b is a front elevation view of the structural component of Figure 7 a, with its arms having been manipulated towards each other and thereby out of the rest position against a bias;

[0034] Figure 7c is a front elevation view of the structural component of Figure 7a, with its arms having been manipulated away from each other and thereby out of the rest position against the bias;

[0035] Figure 7d is a front elevation view of the structural component of Figure 7a, with a first of its arms having been manipulated towards a second of its arms and thereby out of the rest position against the bias;

[0036] Figure 7e is a front elevation view of the structural component of Figure 7a, with a first of its arms having been manipulated away from a second of its arms and thereby out of the rest position against the bias;

[0037] Figure 7f is a side elevation view of the structural component of Figure 7a in the rest position;

[0038] Figure 7g is a side elevation view of the structural component of Figure 7a with its arms having been manipulated leftwards out of the plane of the rest position and thereby out of the rest position against the bias;

[0039] Figure 7h is a side elevation view of the structural component of Figure 7 a with its arms having been manipulated rightwards out of the plane of the rest position and thereby out of the rest position against the bias;

[0040] Figure 7i is a side elevation view of the structural component of Figure 7a with the first of its arms having been manipulated leftwards out of the plane of the rest position against the bias, thereby rendering the structural component out of the rest position, while the second of its arms remains within the plane of the rest position;

[0041] Figure 7j is a side elevation view of the structural component of Figure 7a with the first of its arms having been manipulated rightwards out of the plane of the rest position against the bias, thereby rendering the structural component out of the rest position, while the second of its arms remains within the plane of the rest position;

[0042] Figure 8 a is a front elevation view of a structural component of a training device in a rest position, according to an alternative embodiment; [0043] Figure 8b is a front elevation view of the structural component of Figure 8 a, with its arms having been manipulated towards each other and thereby out of the rest position against a bias;

[0044] Figure 8c is a front elevation view of the structural component of Figure 8a, with its arms having been manipulated away from each other and thereby out of the rest position against the bias;

[0045] Figure 8d is a front elevation view of the structural component of Figure 8a, with a first of its arms having been manipulated towards a second of its arms and thereby out of the rest position against the bias;

[0046] Figure 8e is a front elevation view of the structural component of Figure 8a, with a first of its arms having been manipulated away from a second of its arms and thereby out of the rest position against the bias;

[0047] Figure 8f is a side elevation view of the structural component of Figure 8a in the rest position;

[0048] Figure 8g is a side elevation view of the structural component of Figure 8a with its arms having been manipulated leftwards out of the plane of the rest position and thereby out of the rest position against the bias;

[0049] Figure 8h is a side elevation view of the structural component of Figure 8 a with its arms having been manipulated rightwards out of the plane of the rest position and thereby out of the rest position against the bias;

[0050] Figure 8i is a side elevation view of the structural component of Figure 8a with the first of its arms having been manipulated leftwards out of the plane of the rest position against the bias, thereby rendering the structural component out of the rest position, while the second of its arms remains within the plane of the rest position;

[0051] Figure 8j is a side elevation view of the structural component of Figure 8a with the first of its arms having been manipulated rightwards out of the plane of the rest position against the bias, thereby rendering the structural component out of the rest position, while the second of its arms remains within the plane of the rest position.

[0052] Figure 9 is front elevation view of a training device, according to an alternative embodiment;

[0053] Figure 10 is a side perspective view of the training device of Figure 9;

[0054] Figure 11 is a bottom view of the training device of Figure 9; and

[0055] Figure 12 is a side view of the training device of Figure 9.

Detailed Description

[0056] Figure la is front elevation view of a portable training device 5, according to an embodiment. Generally speaking, training device 5 has an elongate crescent shape (generally, a U- shape) and includes a first handle 10a, a second handle 10b, and a weighted body 20 that may be lifted, swung, thrown, pulled or otherwise manipulated by a user of training device 5 via first and second handles 10a and 10b.

[0057] To achieve controllability, predictability, safe operation and aesthetic appeal, training device 5 includes a number of components including a structural component 100, to be described in further detail below, and flexible cladding having an outer layer 300 at least partially encapsulating and corresponding in shape to the structural component 100, and filler material 200 in at least part of the volume between (i.e. intermediate) the structural component 100 and the outer layer 300. Different implementations of training device 5 may have different weights and overall sizes based on the materials used for its construction, and based on the intended user, whether it is a child, and adult, a very strong person or one who is less so. For example, the overall weight of training device 5 may be between 1 and 100 pounds.

[0058] In this embodiment, outer layer 300 of the cladding is a bag that is formed of multiple patches of leather, sewn together into a single structure with strong thread or twine. The filler material 200 encapsulated by the outer layer 300 of the cladding includes a resilient foam-based insert in two parts that can be fitted snug inside the outer layer 300. The two parts of the resilient foam- based clamshell together enclose at least part of the structural component 100 and provide structure and protection around the structural component 100 so that training device 5 may withstand rigours during use such as being dropped or thrown to the ground. The filler material 200 also fills the volume between the outer layer 300 and the structural component 100 thereby to provide training device 5 with an overall "filled-out" appearance. Additional filler material 200 is distributed up from the body 20 towards the handles 10a, 10b, which are made conformable by the outer layer 300 and filler material 200 to facilitate a user gripping the handles 10a and 10b for rigorous use. Generally, the filler material 200 is distributed non-uniformly within the outer layer 300 and, in this embodiment, the majority of the filler material 200 is located in the area of the body 20 proximate to the structural component 100.

[0059] Figure lb is a front elevation view of training device 5, showing from the front the location C of the centre of mass of training device 5 and the handles 10a, 10b of training device 5 parallel to each other when in a rest position, and at their distal ends extending upwards at 90 degrees to the horizontal. As will be described below, it is the structural component 100 that is primarily responsible for biasing the handles 10a, 10b to this rest position. The handles 10a and 10b extending in this way are straightforward for a user to grasp, and appear somewhat inviting. In this embodiment, at least half of the overall mass of training device 5 is distributed below line M.

[0060] Figures 2 through 5 are front perspective, side elevation, top and bottom views, respectively, of training device 5. As can be seen from the top and bottom views, in this embodiment the base of the training device 5 has an oval-like or elliptical shape, and the handles 10a, 10b are generally circular in cross-section. In the top view of training device 5 shown in Figure 4, stitching is shown at a crotch position of training device between handles 10a and 10b. This stitching closes an entry point for filler material 200 being placed within the cladding 300 after insertion of the structural component 100 therewithin. In this embodiment, the stitching is stylistically similar to that of a football. As an added advantage, the crotch position of training device 5 has an inner curvature that fits comfortably around the back waist of a user, and may provide posture support by gently pushing in the lumbar portion of the spine when leaned against, as shown in Figure 4a.

[0061] Training using training device 5 may involve accelerating and decelerating movements with the training device 5 to swing and spin training device 5 at various angles to a user's body. For example, a user may swing the training device 5 between the user's legs, snatch training device 5 to an intermediate position, completing a snatch of training device 5 by moving training device 5 to a past overhead position, turning the body with the training device 5 overhead, shifting the weight of training device 5 to build muscles of minor muscle groups, and the like. This interplay between gravity, momentum and inertia can provide an efficient and marked increase in the overall strength and agility of the body. Training device 5 can be used for various simple and dynamic movements such as pushing, spinning, swinging and rotating, and training device 5 may be added to a user' s body weight to perform jumps, squats, push-ups, pull-ups, power crunches, and so forth.

[0062] Training device 5 can be used to strengthen and increase the muscular endurance of the grip, wrists, arms, shoulders, back, legs, and rotational muscles. In particular, the present invention aids in building and strengthening the core musculature of the body (as well as the hip flexors muscles), coordination, and improving overall shoulder and joint mobility, making it very useful for training for any sport that involves swinging one's body, such as golf, baseball, wrestling, and the like.

[0063] Figure 6a is a front elevation view of the structural component 100 of training device 5 in a rest position, according to an embodiment. In this embodiment, structural component 100 includes a weighted mass 104; and first and second arms 102_L and 102_R associated with and extending symmetrically from opposite sides of the weighted mass 104.

[0064] The arms 102_L and 102_R, forming at their distal ends the underlying structure for the handles 10a and 10b, are elongate. Each are part of a single bar 102 that is arced in a U-shape as shown in isolation in the front elevation view of Figure 6b. Bar 102 serves as a unitary resilient structure and the weighted mass 104 is connected to the middle of bar 102. Bar 102 is sized and shaped to be resilient and to provide a limited degree of springiness. This enables arms 102_L and 102_R to be manipulable with respect to the weighted mass 104 by deforming the bar 102 against a bias in various directions (i.e. universally) out of the rest position. However, arms 102_L and 102_R are biased to the rest position that is shown in Figures 6a and 6b whereby the arms 102_L and 102_R form a fixed, generally U-shape together with the weighted mass 104. Due to the limited springiness, shocks due to weight transfers and drastic changes in momentum that would otherwise be fully transmitted along the arms 102_L and 102_R to the user's hands, wrists, forearms and beyond during training may be absorbed. However, the amount of springiness, which depends somewhat on the chosen amount of the weighted mass 104, is not so great as to impede useful control of the weighted mass 104 during training. For example, a user grasping handles 10a and 10b and holding training device 5 statically out in front of the user, will not experience significant sag of the bottom of training device 5 under its own weight due to weak bias. However, the bias can be overcome more significantly when the weight has momentum such that shocks due to weight shifts are not fully transmitted to the user. While the strength of the bias is a primary factor in the "stiffness" of training device 5, the filler material 200 may be selected to further regulate the overall range of motion and springiness of the structural component 100. Furthermore, handles 10a, 10b may be underpinned by inserts or materials cooperating with the distal ends of arms 102_L and 102_R that can affect rigidity and springiness, such as rods, tubes, wires, springs made of metal or other material.

[0065] Various exercises may cause the structural component 100 to be manipulated out of the rest position against the bias in various ways. For example, Figure 6c is a front elevation view of the structural component 100, with its arms 102_L and 102_R having been manipulated towards each other and thereby out of the rest position against the bias imposed by arc 102. The rest position of the structural component 100 is shown in dotted lines. Figure 6c also depicts the maximum extent to which, under intended use, the arms 102_L and 102_R may be manipulated towards each other.

[0066] Similarly, Figure 6d is a front elevation view of the structural component 100, with its arms 102_L and 102_R having been manipulated away from each other and thereby out of the rest position against the bias. Figure 6d also depicts the maximum extent to which, under intended use, the arms 102_L and 102_R may be manipulated away from each other.

[0067] The variability of uses for training device 5 becomes apparent when it can be seen that arms 102_L and 102_R do not need to both be moved away from their respective rest positions together. For example, Figure 6e is a front elevation view of the structural component 100, with arm 102_L having been manipulated towards arm 102_R, without movement of arm 102_R relative to the weighted mass 104, and thereby out of the rest position against the bias. Similarly, as shown in Figure 6f, arm 102_L of structural component 100 may be manipulated away from arm 102_R, without movement of arm 102_R relative to the weighted mass 104, and thereby out of the rest position against the bias.

[0068] Further universality of movement of arms 102_L and 102_R out of the rest position is illustrated in Figures 6h through 6k. Figure 6g is a side elevation view of the structural component 100 in the rest position, whereas Figure 6h is a side elevation view of the structural component 100 with both arms 102_L and 102_R having been manipulated leftwards out of the plane of the rest position and thereby out of the rest position against the bias of arc 102. The rest position of the structural component 100 is shown in dotted lines. Figure 6h also depicts the maximum extent to which, under intended use, the arms 102_L and 102_R may be manipulated leftwards out of plane from the resting position. Similarly, Figure 6i is a side elevation view of the structural component 100 with both arms 102_L and 102_R having been manipulated rightwards out of the plane of the rest position and thereby out of the rest position against the bias. Figure 6i also depicts the maximum extent to which, under intended use, the arms 102_L and 102_R may be manipulated rightwards out of plane from the resting position.

[0069] Figure 6j is a side elevation view of the structural component 100 with arm 102_L having been manipulated leftwards out of the plane of the rest position against the bias, thereby rendering the structural component out of the rest position, while arm 102_R remains within the plane. Similarly, Figure 6k is a side elevation view of the structural component 100 with arm 102_L having been manipulated rightwards out of the plane of the rest position against the bias, thereby rendering the structural component out of the rest position, while arm 102_R remains within the plane.

[0070] It will be understood from the above that arms 102_L and 102_R may each be manipulated out of plane though not laterally, laterally though not out of plane, or both laterally and out of plane at the same time. That is, the arms 102_L and 102_R are universally deformable.

[0071] Figure 7a is a front elevation view of an alternative structural component 120 for a training device such as training device 5, in a rest position. Structural component 120 differs from structural component 100 in that arms 122a and 122b are rigid such that they do not have significant springiness. However, arm 122a is connected to a respective side weighted mass 124 via a universal spring joint 126a, and arm 122b is connected to a respective side of weighted mass 124 opposite to that of arm 122a via another universal spring joint 126b. Universal spring joints 126a and 126b each permit respective arms 122a and 122b to pivot against a bias out of the rest position. The bias is applied by the spring joints 126a and 126b.

[0072] Figure 7b is a front elevation view of structural component 120, with its arms 122a, 122b having been manipulated towards each other and thereby out of the rest position against the bias of the universal spring joints 126a and 126b. The rest position of the structural component 120 is shown in dotted lines. Figure 7b also depicts the maximum extent to which, under intended use, the arms 122a, 122b may be manipulated towards each other. Figure 7c is a front elevation view of structural component 120, with its arms 126a and 126b having been manipulated away from each other and thereby out of the rest position against the bias. Figure 7b also depicts the maximum extent to which, under intended use, the arms 122a, 122b may be manipulated away from each other.

[0073] Figure 7d is a front elevation view of structural component 120, with arm 122a having been manipulated towards arm 122b and thereby out of the rest position against the bias. Figure 7e is a front elevation view of the structural component 120, with arm 122a having been manipulated away from arm 122b and thereby out of the rest position against the bias. [0074] The universal spring joints 126a and 126b permit pivoting out of plane, as well as bias in such directions. Figure 7f is a side elevation view of the structural component 120 in the rest position, where the arms 122a and 122b are in plane with respect to the weighted mass 124. Figure 7g is a side elevation view of the structural component 120 with arms 122a and 122b having been manipulated leftwards out of the plane of the rest position and thereby out of the rest position against the bias applied by universal spring joints 126a and 126b. The rest position of the structural component 120 is shown in dotted lines. Figure 7g also depicts the maximum extent to which, under intended use, the arms 122a and 122b may be manipulated leftwards out of plane from the resting position. Figure 7h is a side elevation view of the structural component 120 with arms 122a and 122b having been manipulated rightwards out of the plane of the rest position and thereby out of the rest position. Figure 7h also depicts the maximum extent to which, under intended use, the arms 122a and 122b may be manipulated rightwards out of plane from the resting position.

[0075] Figure 7i is a side elevation view of the structural component 120 with arm 122a having been manipulated leftwards out of the plane of the rest position against the bias, thereby rendering the structural component 120 to be out of the rest position, while arm 122b remains within the plane of the rest position. Similarly, Figure 7j is a side elevation view of the structural component 120 with arm 122a having been manipulated rightwards out of the plane of the rest position against the bias, thereby rendering the structural component 120 out of the rest position, while arm 122b remains within the plane of the rest position.

[0076] It will be understood from the above that arms 122a and 122b may each be manipulated out of plane though not laterally, laterally though not out of plane, or both laterally and out of plane at the same time. That is, the arms 122a and 122b are universally pivotable.

[0077] Figure 8a is a front elevation view of another alternative structural component 140 for a training device such as training device 5, in a rest position. Structural component 140 differs from structural components 100 and 120 in that arms 142a and 142b are not part of a unitary resilient structure, nor are arms 142a and 142b rigid. Rather, each of arms 142a and 142b incorporate a respective resilient structure that is, in this embodiment, an elongate coil spring. The elongate coil spring is generally linear when at rest but is universally deformable against its bias. Arm 142a is attached to a respective side of a weighted mass 144, and arm 142b is attached to a respective side of weighted mass 144 opposite to that of arm 142a.

[0078] Figure 8b is a front elevation view of structural component 140, with its arms 142a and 142b having been manipulated towards each other and thereby out of the rest position against the bias. The rest position of the structural component 140 is shown in dotted lines. Figure 8b also depicts the maximum extent to which, under intended use, the arms 142a, 142b may be manipulated towards each other. Figure 8c is a front elevation view of the structural component 140, with its arms 142a and 142b having been manipulated away from each other and thereby out of the rest position against the bias. Figure 8c also depicts the maximum extent to which, under intended use, the arms 142a, 142b may be manipulated away from each other.

[0079] Figure 8d is a front elevation view of structural component 140, with arm 142a having been manipulated towards arm 142b and thereby out of the rest position against the bias. Similarly, Figure 8e is a front elevation view of the structural component 140, with arm 142a having been manipulated away from arm 142b and thereby out of the rest position against the bias.

[0080] The respective resilient structures of arms 142a and 142b are deformable out of plane also, as shown in Figures 8f to 8j. Figure 8f is a side elevation view of the structural component 140 in the rest position. Figure 8g is a side elevation view of the structural component 140 with its arms 142a and 142b having been manipulated leftwards out of the plane of the rest position and thereby out of the rest position against the bias. The rest position of the structural component 140 is shown in dotted lines. Figure 8g also depicts the maximum extent to which, under intended use, the arms 142a and 142b may be manipulated leftwards out of plane from the resting position. Similarly, Figure 8h is a side elevation view of the structural component 140 with its arms 142a and 142b having been manipulated rightwards out of the plane of the rest position and thereby out of the rest position against the bias. Figure 8h also depicts the maximum extent to which, under intended use, the arms 142a and 142b may be manipulated rightwards out of plane from the resting position.

[0081] Figure 8i is a side elevation view of the structural component 140 with arm 142a having been manipulated leftwards out of the plane of the rest position against the bias, thereby rendering the structural component 140 out of the rest position, while arm 142b remains within the plane of the rest position. Similarly, Figure 8j is a side elevation view of the structural component 140 with arm 142a having been manipulated rightwards out of the plane of the rest position against the bias, thereby rendering the structural component 140 out of the rest position, while arm 142b remains within the plane of the rest position.

[0082] It will be understood from the above that arms 142a and 142b may each be manipulated out of plane though not laterally, laterally though not out of plane, or both laterally and out of plane at the same time. That is, the arms 142a and 142b are universally deformable.

[0083] Figure 9 is front elevation view of a portable training device 5A, according to an alternative embodiment. Training device 5A is similar to training device 5, in that it may have a structural component such as structural component 100, 120 or 140 as described above, and filler material such as filler material 200 as described above. In this embodiment, training device 5A has a handle to handle span of 433 millimetres, handle diameters of 43 millimetres, and an overall height of 55 millimetres. Furthermore a portion of the external surface of the training device (ie. at the outer layer 300 of the cladding) that is near to, or proximate to, the weighted mass (104, 124 or 144) - that is, at the bottom of training device 5A - is configured to facilitate training device 5A resting as an upright U-shape on a corresponding horizontal surface. In this embodiment, training device 5A has a planar external face 302 in this location thereby to enable training device 5A to sit upright on a correspondingly planar surface such as a floor, a table, or a bench. However, other configurations of outer layer 300 and corresponding filler material 200 of the cladding adjacent to the bottom of training device 5A may be employed in order to achieve the same result. For example, the outer layer 300 at the bottom of training device 5A may alternatively be provided with short legs or some other structure for enabling training device 5A to remain upright when set down on a surface. One benefit of having training device 5 A remain upright even when not in use is an aesthetic one: the arms handles reach upwards, making training device appear as though it is appealing to be grasped and used.

[0084] Figures 10, 11 and 12 are side perspective, bottom and side views of training device 5A.

[0085] Although embodiments have been described with reference to the drawings, those of skill in the art will appreciate that variations and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit, scope and purpose of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

[0086] For example, while in embodiments described above the outer layer 300 of the cladding is made of multiple pieces of leather, other materials for the cladding may be used, such as vinyl, rubber, synthetic textile, natural textile, a knit, a non-woven, a multiple -ply, a multi-layer laminate, combinations of these materials, and other suitable materials and combinations thereof. The outer layer 300 may be made of one piece or multiple pieces stitched or otherwise fastened together securely so as to withstand rigours of use. Fastening could be done by stitching, sewing, heat sealing, gluing, zippers, lacing, hook and loop, buttons, snap fittings, welding, bonding, riveting or the like. As the portable training device is meant to withstand rigorous use over a long period of time, it is important for the fastening to be suitably strong and resilient to damage.

[0087] In alternative embodiments, the cladding may be a coating. In other alternative embodiments, the cladding may consist simply of a molded or casted body, in one or more parts, of a protective material such as engineered rubber encapsulating the structural component and thus may not be considered to have both an outer layer and a fill material.

[0088] While in embodiments described above where cladding has an outer layer and a filler material 200, the filler material 200 is made of resilient foam-based material, other materials for the filler material 200 may be used, such as sand, pellets, pebbles, spheres, bars, irregular chunks, looser filler, blocks of solid or flexible material, and so forth, combinations of these materials, and other suitable materials and combinations thereof. An inner container such as a bag or multiple bags, each containing filler material and each encapsulated within the cladding, may be employed.

[0089] Furthermore, it is preferred primarily for aesthetic considerations that the handles of the portable training device, when it is in the rest position, appear to be parallel to each other at their distal ends when training device is faced from the front. It is also preferred that the handles of the portable training device, when it is in the rest position, appear to be in the same plane as each other when viewed from the side. However, it will be understood that alternatives are contemplated in which handles extend such that on casual inspection training device appears, when in a rest position, to be substantially U-shaped and planar though the handles may not actually rest precisely parallel to each other or rest precisely within the same plane.

[0090] Furthermore, while structural component 100 described above incorporates a flexible bar 102 to serve as a unitary resilient structure, other configurations are possible. For example, a single coil spring having first and second distal ends and having the weighted mass connected intermediate the first and second ends may alternatively be used for a resilient structure. Various alternatives are possible. For example, combinations of multiple coil springs, flexible or rigid bars along with coil or other kinds of springs, resilient plastic rods or bundles thereof, bundles of resilient metal strands or wiring and the like, may be used to provide elongate arms that are resilient and biased to a generally U-shaped rest position.

[0091] Furthermore, embodiments may be constructed in which a structural component, with a resilience and bias to a rest position as described above, is provided as the entirety of the portable fitness device. That is, an alternative structural component may be formed of a material such as engineered rubber that either itself encapsulates a weighted mass or is itself sufficient in weight and weight distribution to serve as a unitary structure itself forming both the weighted mass and the elongate resilient arms associated with the weighted mass. If cladding was desired for such a unitary structural component, it could be provided as an outer layer of leather or some other material, without any filler material. Variations are possible.

[0092] Furthermore, while as shown in Figure la handles 10a, 10b of portable training device 5 are integral with the body 20, alternatives are contemplated in which the handles 10a, 10b and their underlying structures are separately attached to the body 20 and its underlying structures.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A portable training device comprising:

a structural component comprising:

a weighted mass; and

first and second elongate arms associated with and extending symmetrically from opposite sides of the weighted mass, the arms being resiliently biased to a rest position in which the arms form a fixed, generally U-shape together with the weighted mass, the arms being universally manipulable against the bias out of the rest position.

2. The training device of claim 1, wherein each of the arms is universally deformable against the bias out of the rest position.

3. The training device of claim 2, wherein the arms incorporate a unitary resilient structure having first and second ends, wherein the weighted mass is connected to the unitary resilient structure at a position along the unitary resilient structure intermediate the first and second ends.

4. The training device of claim 4, wherein the unitary resilient structure is a coil spring.

5. The training device of claim 4, wherein the unitary resilient structure is a U-shaped bar.

6. The training device of claim 3, wherein each of the arms incorporates a respective resilient structure.

7. The training device of claim 6, wherein each resilient structure is a coil spring.

8. The training device of claim 1, wherein each of the arms is rigid and universally pivo table with respect to the weighted mass against the bias.

9. The training device of claim 1 , wherein the structural component is formed of a single material.

10. The training device of one of claims 1 to 9, further comprising:

flexible cladding at least partially encapsulating and corresponding in shape to the structural component.

11. The training device of claim 10, wherein the flexible cladding comprises: an outer layer; and

filler material intermediate the structural component and the outer layer.

12. The training device of claim 11, wherein the outer layer is selected from a group consisting of: a coating and a bag.

13. The training device of claim 12, wherein the outer layer is a bag having one or more parts formed from a material selected from the group consisting of: leather, vinyl, rubber, synthetic textile, natural textile, a knit, a non- woven, a multiple-ply, a multi-layer laminate, and combinations thereof.

14. The training device of one of claims 1 to 13, wherein at least a portion of an external surface of the training device proximate to the weighted mass is configured to facilitate the training device resting as an upright U-shape on a corresponding horizontal surface.

15. The training device of claim 14, wherein the portion of the external surface of the training device proximate to the weighted mass is planar.

16. The training device of one of claims 1 through 15, wherein at least a portion of the training device proximate to a distal end of each arm forms, along with the arm, a handle.

17. The training device of claim 16, wherein each handle is conformable thereby to facilitate a user gripping the training device during use.

18. The training device of claim 11, wherein the filler material is selected from the group consisting of: sand, pellets, pebbles, foam, and combinations thereof.

19. The training device of one of claims 11, wherein the filler material is non-uniformly distributed within the outer layer.

20. The training device of claim 19, wherein a majority of the filler material is located proximate to the weighted mass.

21. The training device of one of claims 1 and 2, wherein the structural component is a unitary component forming the entirety of the portable fitness device.