Abstract:
A weight training apparatus reconfigurable between an open configuration and a compact configuration in which the apparatus is packed into a smaller form than in the open configuration. The apparatus includes one or more storage compartments configured to removably receive and retain a weighted material to selectively increase the weight of the apparatus. If including more than one storage compartment, each can be movable relative to one other and are shaped and arranged to enable the apparatus to be reconfigured to the compact configuration in a filled condition in which the storage compartments contain weighted material. The apparatus can be configured in the compact configuration without weighted material for transport or storage. The absence of any weighted material makes the apparatus lightweight to carry, as well as enabling it to compact to a much smaller size than in the in-use filled configuration.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of UK Patent Application No. 1400933.6, filed 20 Jan. 2014, the entire contents and substance of which is hereby incorporated by reference. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    The present invention relates to a weight training apparatus, and in particular to a refillable weight lifting bag. 
         [0004]    2. Description of Related Art 
         [0005]    Weight training is a common form of exercise for developing strength and power through an increase in the strength and size of skeletal muscles. Weight training requires the performance of specific movements involving the contraction of the muscles during which the force generated by the muscles is opposed by a weighted device such as a dumbbell acting under the force of gravity. A wide range of weighted devices are available that enable an even wider range of weight training exercises to be performed. 
         [0006]    Weight training devices require a weighted element to provide the required resistance. This weighted element may be metal such as cast iron, or a flowable material such as sand or metal shot. The weight of this material provides the necessary resistance force, but also makes the apparatus difficult for a user to move, store and transport. For example, it would not be practically possible to carry a weight suitable for weight training while travelling both due to the burden of the weight as well as the significant space consumed by the apparatus. In addition, the weight of such apparatus significantly increases the cost of transport for the manufacturer and hence the cost of the apparatus to the consumer. 
         [0007]    It is known to provide weight training apparatus such as dumbbells that comprise hollow weight sections that may be filled at the point of use with weighted material such as sand. However, dumbbells of this type still comprise a rigid form that is space consuming. It is also known to use rudimentary weight apparatus such as sand bags that may be filled at the point of use, but sandbags are difficult for a user to hold and manipulate during exercise in part due to the fact that they do not maintain a fixed shape and structure. 
         [0008]    It is therefore desirable to provide an improved weighted apparatus for exercise which addresses the above described problems and/or which offers improvements generally. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0009]    According to the present invention there is provided a weight training apparatus as described in the accompanying claims. 
         [0010]    In an exemplary embodiment of the invention there is provided a weight training apparatus reconfigurable between an open configuration and a compact configuration, the apparatus comprising a plurality of storage compartments configured to removably receive and retain a weighted material to increase the weight of the apparatus, the storage compartments being movable relative to each other during reconfiguration and arranged to enable the apparatus to be reconfigured to the compact configuration in a filled condition containing the weighted material. The apparatus can be unfurled in the open configuration and rolled or folded in the closed configuration. 
         [0011]    At least one storage compartment can comprise a sealable opening that is accessible when the apparatus is unfurled. At least one storage compartment can comprise a plurality of pockets. 
         [0012]    The apparatus can further comprise a flexible support sheet, wherein the plurality of pockets are secured to a common surface of the support sheet and arranged such that the support sheet may be rolled into cylindrical form in the compact configuration in which the pockets are contained within the support sheet. 
         [0013]    The plurality of pockets can be configured to receive and retain flowable material and comprise closure means for closing the pockets and sealing the flowable material within the pockets. 
         [0014]    The support sheet can be rolled into cylindrical form when the pockets are filled and empty. 
         [0015]    The plurality of pockets can comprise first and second front panels hingedly connected to each other their distal edges and hingedly connected to the support sheet along their proximal edges, side panels arranged at either side of the first and second front panels connected to the side edges of the front panels and to the support sheet. The plurality of pockets can be arranged such that in the rolled configuration they extend radially inwards from the inner surface of the support sheet. 
         [0016]    The apparatus can further comprise at least one strap extending from one end of the support sheet arranged to extend circumferentially around the outer surface of the apparatus in rolled configuration to hold the apparatus in said configuration. At least one strap includes releasable fastening means to fasten the strap in position when wrapped around the apparatus 
         [0017]    The apparatus can further comprise at least one handle arranged on the opposing side of the support sheet to the pockets such that it is arranged on the outer surface of the apparatus in the rolled configuration to enable the apparatus to be gripped by a user to lift the apparatus. 
         [0018]    The plurality of pockets can define a bellows arrangement in which the second front panel and the side panels are collapsible such that the first front panel is pivotable between a collapsed position in which it is arranged parallel to the inner surface of the support sheet, and an expanded position in which it is angled away from the support sheet. 
         [0019]    The plurality of pockets can be configured such that in the rolled configuration they taper inwardly in the radially inwards direction. 
         [0020]    In another exemplary embodiment of the invention there is provided a weight training apparatus reconfigurable between an open configuration and a compact configuration, the apparatus comprising a plurality of storage compartments, and a flexible support sheet, wherein at least one storage compartment is configured to removably receive and retain a weighted material to increase the weight of the apparatus, wherein at least two storage compartments are movable relative to one another during reconfiguration and arranged to enable the apparatus to be reconfigured to the compact configuration in a filled condition containing the weighted material, wherein the apparatus is unfurled in the open configuration and rolled or folded in the closed configuration, wherein at least one storage compartment comprises a sealable opening that is accessible when the apparatus is unfurled, wherein at least one storage compartment comprises a plurality of pockets, wherein at least one pocket is configured to receive and retain flowable material and comprises closure means for closing the pocket and sealing the flowable material within the pocket, and wherein at least one pocket is secured to a common surface of the support sheet and arranged such that the support sheet can be rolled into cylindrical form in the compact configuration in which the pocket is contained within the support sheet. 
         [0021]    In another exemplary embodiment of the invention there is provided a weight training apparatus reconfigurable between an open configuration and a compact configuration in which the apparatus is packed into a smaller form than in the open configuration. The apparatus comprises a plurality of storage compartments configured to removably receive and retain a weighted material to selectively increase the weight of the apparatus. The storage compartments are movable relative to each other and are shaped and arranged to enable the apparatus to be reconfigured to the compact configuration in a filled condition in which the storage compartments contain weighted material. The apparatus may be configured in the compact configuration without weighted material within the pockets for transport or storage. The absence of any weighted material makes the apparatus lightweight to carry, as well as enabling it to compact to a much smaller size than in the in-use filled configuration. At the location of use the apparatus can be opened and weighted material added into the storage compartments, with the apparatus then being returned to the compact configuration for use. The compact configuration is preferable to the open configuration for use as it enables the apparatus to be handled and manipulated more easily. 
         [0022]    The use of multiple storage compartments enables the shape of the apparatus to be controlled when filled by controlling the size and arrangement of the storage compartments. A single volume fillable device such as a sandbag is provided in a fixed form that must be filled to capacity to provide a form that is suitable for handling, but will still experience sag regardless of how much it is filled, and be difficult to manipulate. The form is difficult to maintain as the weighted material is able to flow throughout the entire body. In contrast, the use of multiple storage compartments enables the weighted material to be localized in discrete pockets enabling a more usable form to be maintained. 
         [0023]    The apparatus is unfurled in the open configuration and furled in the closed configuration. The term unfurled means opened, unrolled, unfolded, or spread out from a furled state such as a rolled or folded state. Rolling or folding the apparatus forms a compact, tightly bound body that resists sagging or other deformation. 
         [0024]    The storage compartments each comprise an opening that is accessible when the apparatus is unfurled. Rolling or folding the apparatus to the compact configuration binds and encloses the pockets thereby enclosing and shielding the weighted material to mitigate the risk of damage and release in use. 
         [0025]    The plurality of storage compartments preferably comprises a plurality of pockets formed of a flexible material. The pockets are preferable provided on a flexible support substrate to fix them in a predetermined relationship to each other. 
         [0026]    The plurality of pockets may be configured to receive and retain flowable material and comprise closure means for closing the pockets and sealing the flowable material within the pockets. The use of flowable material such as sand is advantageous as such material may be present on site, which is the case for example for members of the armed forces based in arid or desert environments, meaning that the weighted material is readily available at the point of use without requiring transportation. By the same token this material may be readily disposed of following use. Flowable material also has the advantage of taking the form of the pockets, without requiring specific manufacture to provide a weighted element configured to fit the pockets. 
         [0027]    The support substrate may be a flexible support sheet or panel. The plurality of pockets are secured to a common inner surface of the support panel and arranged such that the support panel may be rolled into cylindrical form in which the pockets are contained within and surrounded by the support panel. This provides a continuous cylindrical outer surface that may be include handles or other means for gripping the apparatus, with the weighted material housed within the confines of the support panel and shielded from impact thereby minimizing the risk of splitting or other damage to the pockets, as well as preventing the pockets from providing an obstruction to the user during use. 
         [0028]    The support sheet may be rolled into cylindrical form when the pockets are filled with weighted material and may also be rolled into cylindrical form when the pockets do not contained weighted material with the unfilled ‘stowed’ compact configuration having a diameter less than the second filled compact configuration. In the stowed configuration the pockets may be arranged substantially flush with the inner surface of the support panel and the panel is able to be rolled several providing a very compact form when no filling is present in the pockets. 
         [0029]    The pockets may each comprise first and second front panels hingedly connected to each other their distal edges and hingedly connected to the support panel along their proximal edges. Side panels are arranged at either side of the first and second front panels connected to the side edges of the front panels and to the support sheet. The distal and proximal edges of the front panels extend transversely across the support panel. 
         [0030]    The pockets may effectively define a bellows arrangement in which the second front panel and the side panels are formed from a flexible material and are collapsible such that first front panel is pivotable between a collapsed position in which it is arranged parallel to the inner surface of the support panel, and an expanded position in which it is angled away from the support panel. The first front panel may be formed from a flexible material that is stiffer than the second front panel and side panels such that it retains its planer form more readily than the second front panel, with the second front panels and side panels configured to collapse beneath the first front panel. 
         [0031]    The opening to each pocket is preferably arranged proximate to and parallel with the proximal edge of the first front panel. Alternatively the opening may be defined by the proximal edge of the first front panel. 
         [0032]    The pockets are preferably arranged such that in the compact configuration, when the pockets are filled, they extend radially inwards from the inner surface of the support panel. The pockets preferably define a substantially v-shaped wedge when filled. Preferably four pockets are provided and in the compact configuration the pockets extend and taper inwardly and substantially define quarter segments of the circular cross section of the apparatus to fill the central volume of the rolled apparatus with minimal void that could lead to sagging. 
         [0033]    At least one strap may be included that extends from and is preferably secured to one end of the support panel and arranged to extend circumferentially around at least part of the circumference of the apparatus in both compact arrangements to hold the apparatus in said configurations. 
         [0034]    The at least one strap wraps at least partially around the apparatus and preferably includes releasable fastening means to fasten the strap in position when wrapped around the apparatus, which may be Velcro® or similar hook and eye fabric. 
         [0035]    At least one handle may be arranged on the opposing side of the support panel to the pockets such that it is on the outer surface of the apparatus in the compact configurations to enable the apparatus to be gripped by a user to lift the apparatus. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0036]    Various features and advantages of the present invention may be more readily understood with reference to the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals designate like structural elements, and in which: 
           [0037]      FIG. 1  shows a weight training apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the invention in the open unrolled configuration; 
           [0038]      FIG. 2  shows a pocket of the apparatus of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0039]      FIG. 3  shows the reverse side of the arrangement of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0040]      FIG. 4  shows the apparatus of  FIG. 2  in the stowed filled configuration; 
           [0041]      FIG. 5  shows an end view of the arrangement of  FIG. 4 ; and 
           [0042]      FIG. 6  shows the apparatus of  FIG. 1  in the filled compact configuration. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0043]    To facilitate an understanding of the principles and features of the various embodiments of the invention, various illustrative embodiments are explained below. Although exemplary embodiments of the invention are explained in detail, it is to be understood that other embodiments are contemplated. Accordingly, it is not intended that the invention is limited in its scope to the details of construction and arrangement of components set forth in the following description or examples. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or carried out in various ways. Also, in describing the exemplary embodiments, specific terminology will be resorted to for the sake of clarity. 
         [0044]    It must also be noted that, as used in the specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an” and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. For example, reference to a component is intended also to include composition of a plurality of components. References to a composition containing “a” constituent is intended to include other constituents in addition to the one named. 
         [0045]    Also, in describing the exemplary embodiments, terminology will be resorted to for the sake of clarity. It is intended that each term contemplates its broadest meaning as understood by those skilled in the art and includes all technical equivalents which operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar purpose. 
         [0046]    Ranges may be expressed herein as from “about” or “approximately” or “substantially” one particular value and/or to “about” or “approximately” or “substantially” another particular value. When such a range is expressed, other exemplary embodiments include from the one particular value and/or to the other particular value. 
         [0047]    Similarly, as used herein, “substantially free” of something, or “substantially pure”, and like characterizations, can include both being “at least substantially free” of something, or “at least substantially pure”, and being “completely free” of something, or “completely pure”. 
         [0048]    By “comprising” or “containing” or “including” is meant that at least the named compound, element, particle, or method step is present in the composition or article or method, but does not exclude the presence of other compounds, materials, particles, method steps, even if the other such compounds, material, particles, method steps have the same function as what is named. 
         [0049]    It is also to be understood that the mention of one or more method steps does not preclude the presence of additional method steps or intervening method steps between those steps expressly identified. Similarly, it is also to be understood that the mention of one or more components in a composition does not preclude the presence of additional components than those expressly identified. 
         [0050]    The materials described as making up the various elements of the invention are intended to be illustrative and not restrictive. Many suitable materials that would perform the same or a similar function as the materials described herein are intended to be embraced within the scope of the invention. Such other materials not described herein can include, but are not limited to, for example, materials that are developed after the time of the development of the invention. 
         [0051]    Referring to  FIG. 1 , a weight training apparatus  1  comprises a support sheet or panel  2  formed of a flexible material. The support sheet  2  is a substantially rectangular flexible panel having sides  4  defining the length of the support sheet and ends  6  shorted than the sides. The support sheet  2  is substantially planar in the unfolded condition as represented in  FIG. 1  and includes an inner surface  8  and outer surface  10 . 
         [0052]    A plurality of elongate straps  12  are secured to the outer side  10  of the support sheet  2  and extend past one end  6   a . The straps  12  are transversely spaced and extend longitudinally past the end  6   a  and include free ends  14 . The straps  12  have an outer surface  16  and an inner surface  18  that includes securing fabric such as one part of a hook and eye fabric arrangement such as Velcro®. Alternatively the straps  14  may be provided with mechanical fasteners. 
         [0053]    A plurality of pockets  18  are provided on the inner surface  8  of the support sheet  2 . Preferably the apparatus  1  comprises four pockets  18 . The pockets  18  are transversely aligned and regularly spaced longitudinally. Each pocket  18  includes a front panel  20 , base panel  22  connected along a common edge, and side panels  24  located transversely either side of the front  20  and base  22  panels and connected to both. The front  20 , base  22  and side  34  panels are formed of a flexible material and preferably of the same material as the base panel  2 . The side panels  24  are substantially triangular and the front panel  20  and base panel  22  are substantially rectangular such that the pockets form a wedge shaped configuration. As the base panel  22  and side panels  243  are flexible they are able to collapse when the pockets  18  are empty in a bellows type arrangement such that the front panel  20  is able to lie substantially parallel with the base panel  2 , and expand when full to the wedge configuration. 
         [0054]    As shown in  FIG. 2 , the pockets  18  are stitched, adhered or otherwise permanently secured to the support sheet, with the outer surface of the support sheet  2  contained within the pocket, and the inner surfaces of the front  20 , base  22  and side  34  panels combining to define a sealed enclosure. Each pocket  18  includes an opening arranged to permit access to the interior of the pocket  18 . In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1  the opening is a transversely extending slit  26  formed width-wise across the proximal end of the front panel  20  proximate its intersection with the base panel  2 . A fastener  28  such as a zip is provided along the slit to close and seal the slit  26 . 
         [0055]      FIG. 3  shows the outer surface  10  of the support sheet  2 . The straps  12  extend longitudinally along substantially the whole length of the support sheet  2 , with the portion of the straps overlying the support sheet  2  being secured directly to the support sheet, preferably by stitching and/or adhesion. The outer surface  16  of at least the proximal end  19  includes a Velcro® material configured to be secured to by the corresponding Velcro® sections on the inner surface of the opposing free ends  14 . The Velcro® material on the outer surface  16  may extend fully along the length of the straps  12  or in another alternative as far as the ends of the support sheet  2 . The straps  12  also provide reinforcement for the support sheet  2  in the longitudinal direction. Additional straps  21  extend transversely across the outer surface  10  of the support sheet  2  and extend past the sides  4  to form handles  23  which in use are located at longitudinally opposed ends of the apparatus  1 . Securing eyes  27  and  29  are also located to the end  6   a  and sides  4  respectively and enable the apparatus to be suspended in the open configuration. This allows the pockets  18  to be used as storage means when they are not filled with weighted material for use in exercise. 
         [0056]    As shown in  FIG. 4 , in a first stowed configuration in which the pockets are empty, the base panel  2  may be rolled length-wise into a substantially cylindrical form. With the empty pockets collapsed a tightly rolled arrangement is possible comprising several concentric spiraled layers. The base panel  2  is rolled from the opposing  6   b  to the straps  12  in the direction of the straps  12 . When the base panel  2  is fully rolled the straps  12  are pulled and wrapped around the rolled arrangement. As described above, the inner surface of the straps  18 , which in the rolled configuration face radially inwards, comprise a Velcro® material. A corresponding Velcro material is provided on a portion of the outer surface such that when the straps  12  are pulled tight around the rolled panel  2  the inner surface may be secured to the corresponding portion of the outer surface  16  to hold the straps  12  in position, to clamp and retain the panel  2  in the rolled configuration. 
         [0057]    In use, when the apparatus is to be used to perform weight training exercises, the straps  12  are released and the base panel  2  is unrolled to the flat configuration of  FIG. 1 . The pockets  18  are then opened by releasing the zips  28 . The pockets  18  are then filled with a weighted material such as sand or metal shot. The material of the pockets  18  and base panel  2  is selected to be non-porous to ensure that even fine sand particles are retained within the pockets  18  when sealed. As an alternative to sand or shot a waterproof bladder may be provided that is configured to fit within the pockets  18  which may be filled with water to provide the required resistance weight. The bladder may be removable from the pocket  18  to allow it to be offered to a source of water more easily. 
         [0058]    In the filled condition the pockets  18  adopt the wedged configuration. With each of the pockets  18  filled, the apparatus  1  may again be reconfigured to the closed configuration by rolling the support sheet  2 . With the pockets  18  filled the support sheet  2  is no longer able to be rolled into the tight stowed configuration. As the support sheet  2  is rolled, each pocket  18  moves into abutment with the longitudinally adjacent pocket  18 . Again the support sheet  2  is rolled from the lower end  6   b  until the lower end  6   b  comes into engagement with the upper end  6   a  which wraps over the outer surface of the lower end  6   b . In the configuration the apparatus  1  is now substantially cylindrical. Internally, the pockets  18  are in abutment with each other. 
         [0059]    As shown in  FIG. 5 , the wedge shape of the pockets  18  is such that when viewed in cross section from the end  30  of the rolled apparatus each of the pockets  18  taper in the radially inwards direction with each of the four pockets  18  substantially forming a quarter segment of the overall circular cross section. Each pocket  18  tapers from a wide base  33  to an apex  35 . In an alternative arrangement including more or less than four pockets the pockets would be sized and arranged to substantially fill the circular cross section to avoid gaps that may lead to sagging. 
         [0060]    In the compact cylindrical form the pockets  18  extend longitudinally along the length of the apparatus. In this way, a circular outer shape is achieved with apparatus being maintained in a cylindrical form having a greater diameter than when in the stowed configuration due the internal presence of the weighted filling material. As the pockets  18  are flexible, they may be selectively filled with varying amounts of material to achieve differing weights. Where the pockets are not completely filled their flexible nature allows them to compact against each other as the support sheet is rolled, with the support sheet  2  being rolled tightly to compress the pockets such that the resultant cylindrical rolled form is retained and the apparatus remains longitudinally rigid, having a diameter less than the completely filled form and greater than the stowed form. 
         [0061]    A plurality of handles  32  are arranged along the length of the outer surface  10  of the support sheet  2 . The straps  32  are arranged transversely such that in the rolled configuration they extend circumferentially around part of the circumference of the apparatus  1 . In use the handles  32  allow the filled apparatus to be gripped by the user to enable it to be manipulated to perform weight training exercises. Further straps  34  extend transversely from the sides of the panel  2 , which in the rolled configuration extend longitudinally away from the ends of the cylindrical body of the apparatus  1  to provide an alternative grip position. 
         [0062]    Following use the zip  28  of each pocket  18  is opened and the filling material may be emptied from the pockets  18  allows the apparatus  1  to be rolled back into the stowed configuration for transit or storage. 
         [0063]    As shown in  FIG. 6 , in the compact stowed configuration, the absence of filled weighted material in the pocket  18  means the pockets are able to deform and lie substantially parallel to the inner surface of the support sheet  2  and confirm to the same shape as the sheet  2  as it is rolled. This enables a close compact rolled arrangement in which there is minimal spacing between adjacent concentric layers of the rolled configuration. This optimizes the compact arrangement for storage and transport. 
         [0064]    Whilst endeavoring in the foregoing specification to draw attention to those features of the invention believed to be of particular importance it should be understood that the Applicant claims protection in respect of any patentable feature or combination of features hereinbefore referred to and/or shown in the drawings whether or not particular emphasis has been placed thereon.