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

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
       [0001]    This invention relates to exercise apparatus, including weighted exercise equipment, including clothing, and swimming apparatus, including swimwear. 
       BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION  
       [0002]    A problem with existing weights for use during exercise is that they are often cumbersome and awkward to hold. Additionally, weights are generally rigid, thereby making them uncomfortable for the user, especially when running. Where the weights are hand-held, the user is then limited in what further activities they can perform, causing problems the user changing music tracks on their portable music player as many people do when exercising. 
         [0003]    Existing water filled weights comprise a single chamber, usually made of non-breathable plastics material, wherein the water congregates at the lowest point making the weight biased according to its position. Furthermore, when a user&#39;s limb is on an angle away from horizontal, the congregation of the water can lead to the weight moving along a limb, thereby creating an undesirable change in the position of the resistance experienced by the user. 
         [0004]    Furthermore, devices for weight training are often not ‘breathable’, making them uncomfortable when a user perspires. The restricted air-flow over a user&#39;s skin creates sweaty regions, which may lead to unpleasant smells and fungal infections. 
         [0005]    Weight vests are vests into which weights or sand can be put. These are often uncomfortable or are designed to apply a large weight around the upper body. The distribution of the weight is designed to aid with developing bulky muscle rather than lean muscle. Additionally, weight vests may inhibit deep breathing as they apply pressure on the chest and can restrict movement of the ribs and intercostal muscles. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0006]    Accordingly, the present invention is directed to a pad for providing resistance to movement, wherein the pad comprises a holding medium and a plurality of bodies, the holding medium surrounding at least part of the bodies and retaining them therein, the holding medium being substantially flexible so as to allow the pad to substantially flex to reflect a contoured surface of the user when in use, wherein the pad is provided with at least one substantially porous region to provide air-flow and the egress of water vapour from one side of the device to the other, wherein the bodies are substantially solid, substantially spherical metal balls retained in individual pockets and wherein the surface of the pad intended to face a user comprises a plurality of protrusions, the protrusions corresponding positions of the balls, wherein, when in use, the protrusions contact the user and a gap is created between the user and at least part of the holding medium to provide a ventilation channel through which air can flow. 
         [0007]    Because the pad comprises a plurality of bodies and can flex, it provides a comfortable fit against the user. Also, because the weight is in the form of a pad, it can assist with creating lean muscle rather than bulk muscle. Furthermore, because the pads are flexible and comprise a plurality of bodies that can flex according to the user&#39;s movements, breathing is less inhibited. The pads can flex in three dimensions thereby not unduly restricting any movement of the user. 
         [0008]    The pad can be attached to a user&#39;s body in order to leave their hands free. Additionally, because the pad flexes to reflect the shape of the part of the user&#39;s body to which it is attached, the user can wear the pads under clothing to enable weight to be applied during the working day. A further advantage is that the pads can be used during yoga, thai chi, pilates and similar exercises to enhance the exercise without being unduly bulky. 
         [0009]    The outer protrusions of the pad provide a space between the user and the holding medium to assist with air-flow around the pad. The protrusions comprise a point contact against the user and so create channels between the pad and the user&#39;s skin, thereby allowing air to flow in those channels. This makes the user more comfortable and leads to a more hygienic situation. Additionally, the protrusions can provide a massaging effect when pressed or rubbed against a user. 
         [0010]    Where a substantially elastic material is used, the protrusions are compressed against the user&#39;s muscles, when in used, which keeps the protrusions in place and provides a massaging effect, which may help to remove lactic acid from the muscles. The provision of compression therapy may be useful both during and after exercise and may assist in speeding up recovery. 
         [0011]    In one construction according to the present invention the bodies are substantially unreleasably retained within the holding medium. By sealing in the bodies the pad is a known and unchangeable weight. Furthermore, the risk of the bodies falling out during exercise is reduced. 
         [0012]    It is advantageous that the protrusions are dull. Although it may be desirable to have sharp or pointed protrusions, for example for improving grip, dull or rounded protrusions are preferable. Dull protrusions allow the pad to more easily move over the user&#39;s muscles. Additionally, they provide a smoother and more comfortable feeling when the pad is in contact with a user. The massaging effect can assist with blood flow as well and the draining of lactic acid from the muscle. Whilst the protrusions may be dull, they still provide a point contact with the user, rather than a substantially flat contact that will remove air-flow between the user&#39;s skin and the device. 
         [0013]    It is preferable that the bodies are substantially solid. By employing solid bodies the density can be maximised, thereby increasing the mass of the weight. 
         [0014]    The bodies comprise a metal or metal alloy, and in particular, the bodies are substantially spherical steel balls. Metals have a relatively high density and are therefore advantageous for increasing mass of the pads without unduly increasing the size of the pad. Steel balls are a relatively low cost body with which to fill the pad. Other suitable metals include lead, cast iron, stainless steel, galvanized steel, zinc and tungsten. Alternatively, ceramic material may be used. Where magnetic materials are used, the material may be magnetised to provide a therapeutic effect. 
         [0015]    Preferably, the pad is provided with integral attachment means. Such an arrangement may be particularly advantageous in the case of a joint support, such as a knee support. The device may be in the form of bodies sandwiches between two layers of material, wherein the material forms part of a wearable item. In such an embodiment, breathable materials may be selected for comfort. 
         [0016]    The invention extends to an attachment device intended for attaching a pad according to the present invention to a user. In order to allow for the pads to be replaced quickly and easily positioned, it may be useful for the pad to be attached to a user via an attachment device. Such a device can allow for the mass of the device to be altered by replacing the pad, rather than replacing the whole weight and attachment system. The bodies may be retained in a cast rubber resin and an attachment device used to connect the device to the user. 
         [0017]    Preferably, the attachment device is selected from a group comprising a strap; a joint support; a substantially tubular sleeve; a sock; a band; a corset; and a harness. Multiple attachment devices may be used in combination, for example to specifically work on a limb or particular muscle group by applying a plurality of pads. The attachment device is adapted for use in combination with the pad such that it holds the pad in place and firmly against the user. The protrusions in the device may be positioned over the muscle groups and avoid any bony regions or joints in order to provide the most advantageous weight distribution. 
         [0018]    Alternatively, the device may be in the form of a body suit comprising means for retaining the pad thereon, or therein. Additionally, the pads may be attached to clothing such as shorts, socks, underwear or outer clothing. 
         [0019]    In a preferred construction, the suit comprises releasably sealable pockets for retaining the pad. Where the pockets can be opened and the pads removed, the weight can be varied according to the requirements or the user. Additionally, it may be desirable to remove any pads prior to washing in order to prolong the life of the suit and the pads and to reduce the risk of damage to a washing machine. It may be desirable for the pads to be permanently attached to the attachment device rather than being removable. 
         [0020]    The invention also extends to an exercise kit comprising a pad according to the present invention and an attachment device according to the present invention intended for attaching a pad to a user. Preferably, the pad and attachment device both are provided in together in the form of a kit. Additional pads might be included in such a kit so as to be able to vary the weight as required. 
         [0021]    The invention extends to a swimming device similar to the weighted device but comprising bodies that are less dense than water. 
         [0022]    Advantageously, the swimming device comprises a holding medium and a plurality of bodies, the holding medium surrounding at least part of the bodies and retaining them therein, the holding medium being substantially flexible so as to allow the pad to substantially flex to reflect a contoured surface of the user when in use, wherein the device further comprises a plurality of bodies contained within a holding medium, wherein the bodies are closed bodies and are less dense than water. The use of a plurality of closed bodies allows the material of the device to be more flexible that bodies that are joined. 
         [0023]    Alternatively, the swimming device comprises a body having at least two substantially hemispherical protrusions on at least one surface and a first layer of holding medium on a first side and a second layer of holding medium on the second side, wherein the first holding medium is bonded to the second holding medium such that the body is retained therebetween, and wherein the body is a close body is less dense than water. A one-piece body comprising a plurality of protrusions allows for a more simple construction method and results in a more buoyant device due to the increased amount of buoyant material. 
         [0024]    Preferably, the device the body, or the at least two bodies, comprises a fluid within it so as to reduce its density. Where the bodies either substantially evacuated or filled with air, the pad is provided with significant buoyancy such as to provide resistance to movement in water. 
         [0025]    It is advantageous that the body, or the at least two bodies, is substantially solid. This allows the body, or bodies, to retain their shape more easily, especially in the case where the user&#39;s may fall and impact the body or bodies. 
         [0026]    It is especially advantageous that the body is, or bodies are, substantially elastically yieldable. This allows the bodies to change shape if they are impacted and so can disperse some of the force, thereby providing protection to a user. The bodies can then return to their original shape thereafter. 
         [0027]    In an particularly advantageous embodiment, the body, or the at least two bodies, comprises a close cell foam. A closed cell foam protects the body or bodies from the ingress of water should the device become punctured or damaged. Alternatively, the body may comprise sponge or open cell foam. 
         [0028]    Preferably, the protrusions provide a substantially point contact with the user. By providing a point contact, air is allowed to flow around the device and water can drain through the device, thereby making the user more comfortable and reducing the risk of infection of the user. 
         [0029]    The swimming device may be incorporated into a swim suit or, alternatively, may be in the form of a buoyancy aid. By incorporating the device into a swim suit, it will be easily worn by a user and will be relatively unnoticeable in addition to being aesthetically attractive. Alternatively, the device may be a buoyancy aid to allow a user to remove it should they wish to become less buoyant. Additionally, because it is removable it can be used by a non-competent swimmer until they are sufficiently able to swim without it, at which point it may be removed. 
         [0030]    The device may comprise a UV filter in order to provide protection against the sun. This is especially advantageous where the device is for use by young children during outdoor activities. 
         [0031]    The invention extends to a method of making a exercise apparatus according to the present invention. 
         [0032]    The method comprises the steps of: 
         [0033]    a) providing a first layer of holding medium; 
         [0034]    b) positioning a plurality of substantially spherical bodies onto the first holding medium, or positioning a single body comprising a plurality of substantially hemispherical protrusions onto the first layer of holding medium; 
         [0035]    c) positioning a second layer of holding medium over the body or bodies; and 
         [0036]    d) bonding the first layer of holding medium to the second layer of holding medium. 
         [0037]    The bodies or protrusions are retaining in individual pockets within the layers of holding medium. As such, they have a range of movement that is limited by the size of the pocket in which they are retained. This range of movement assists in the massaging effect of the device. 
         [0038]    The second layer of holding medium may be a different section of the first holding medium that has been folded over to create a sandwich using a single piece of material. 
         [0039]    The holding medium may comprise an elastomeric material such as polyurethane or ethylene vinyl acetate. 
         [0040]    Preferably, the bonding method is selected from a group comprising: high frequency welding; ultrasonic welding; stitching; heat welding or using adhesive. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0041]    An embodiment of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: 
           [0042]      FIG. 1  is a diagram showing an exploded view of a first embodiment of a device according to the present invention; 
           [0043]      FIG. 2  is a diagram showing a top view of the device shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0044]      FIG. 3  is a diagram of a suit according to the present invention for use in combination with the device of Figures to  3 ; 
           [0045]      FIG. 3A  is an enlarged view of a pocket of the suit shown in  FIG. 3 ; and 
           [0046]      FIG. 4  shows a wearable device with integrated weight pads according to the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS  
       [0047]      FIGS. 1 and 2  show a weight  10 , constituting a pad, comprising a lower holding part  12 , an upper holding part  14  and a plurality of bodies in the form of steel balls  16 . The lower holding part  12  and upper holding part  14  each comprise a layer of soft elastomer material, such as rubber, neoprene, fabric, ethylene vinyl acetate, polyurethane, Spandex or silicon material, and comprise a plurality of concave recesses  18  that are each suitably sized to receive a hemisphere of the balls  16 . The recesses  18  are positioned in parallel rows, each row being off-set with respect to the next. The off-set parallel lines are intended to increase the number of balls  16  that can be comfortably fitted onto the weight  10  as compared to the rows being in phase. The upper holding part  14  and lower holding part  12  are provided with holes  20  between the position of the recesses  18  through which air and water vapour can pass. 
         [0048]    During manufacture, adhesive is applied to the lower holding part  18  and the steel balls  16  are placed into the concave recesses  18  of the lower holding part  12 . The upper holding part  14  is placed over the lower holding part  12  and the balls  16  such that the balls are received within the concave recesses  18  of the upper holding part  14 . Once the balls  16  are held within the upper and lower holding parts  12  and  14 , the adhesive is allowed to set such that the balls  16  are retained within the lower holding part  12  and the upper holding part  14 , which are substantially unreleasably sealed together. In such a construction, the  14  upper holding part and the lower holding  12  part form an outer skin to the pad weight  10 . 
         [0049]    The weight  10  can be attached to a user by various known methods in order to apply weight to a specific part of a user&#39;s body. Additionally, due to the shape of the balls  16 , the weight can provide a massaging effect, which can be applied during exercise or as a separate operation subsequent to exercise in order to aid with draining lactic acid from the user&#39;s muscles. 
         [0050]    In a further construction based on that shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the holding parts may each partially enclose the body. For example, the holding parts  12  and  14  may comprise apertures instead of concave recesses. In such a situation, the diameter of the recesses (equivalent to the openings of recesses  18  on  FIGS. 1 and 2 ) in the holding parts is less that the diameter of the body  16 . When the two retaining parts  12  and  14  are sealed together, the body is then retained in the holding parts as it cannot pass through the apertures  18  due to the differences in diameter, thereby retaining the body without completely enclosing it. The bodies  16  will protrude through the retaining material  12  and  14 . In such a construction, an outer skin (not shown) may be applied to the pad. 
         [0051]    The holding parts  12  and  14  may be vacuum sealed (using vacuum forming or thermoforming) in order to wrap closely around the bodies. In such a situation the holding parts may be constructed from plastics material which is non-permeable to air. Subsequent to vacuum wrapping the bodies  116 , areas of the material of the holding parts  12  and  14  may be perforated or removed to allow the flow of air through the pad. Alternatively, ‘breathable’ holding materials  12  and  14  may be wrapped in non-permeable material (not shown) during the manufacture process in order to seal the bodies  16  and the non-permeable material later removed. In a further possible construction, the pad may be formed by heat shrinking outer holding parts  12  and  14  around the bodies  16 . 
         [0052]    Other bonding techniques may be employed to join the holding parts  12  and  14 , such as bonding using chemicals or heat. Alternatively, moulding, especially injection moulding may be used, which may incorporate over-moulding to encapsulate the bodies  16  without the use of adhesive. 
         [0053]      FIG. 3  shows a suit for use with weights according to the present invention. The suit  50  comprises pockets  52  positioned in various locations on a user&#39;s body. The Figure is not intended to be limiting and further locations may be suitable in conjunction with an appropriate attachment device; for example, weights could be positioned on a user&#39;s head using a head-band or hat. A partial or full-body suit may be constructed with attachment means for attaching weights to a user. The attachment means may be in the form or a pocket or other means for keeping the weight in position during exercise.  FIG. 3A  shows a close-up view of a pocket  52  of  FIG. 3 , more clearly showing that the pocket  52  is provided with a zipper  54  into which a weight may be placed and the zipper  54  sealed to retain it within the pocket  52 . The pocket  52  may be provided with a transparent outer surface. The opening to the pocket  52  may be in the form of a flap, and particularly a V-shaped flap. 
         [0054]      FIG. 4  shows a body suit  110  comprising a base material  112  and incorporating pad regions  114 . The pad regions  114  comprise a plurality of bodies sandwiches between layers of base material, thereby retaining them in individual pockets. Sections of the suit  110  comprising the integrated pad regions  114  may be used in place of a whole suit  110 , for example, a sleeve for providing weight to the forearm only. 
         [0055]    As an example, the weight  10  may range from 100 grams to 500 grams each depending upon their intended location. Therefore, a suit such as that show in  FIG. 3  or  FIG. 4  might have a total weight of 10 kilograms. This is merely an example and other weights and total masses are considered to be within the scope of the invention. 
         [0056]    The retaining parts may comprise any suitable materials, for example a plastics material, or a combination of multiple materials which may be natural or synthetic. The upper and lower holding parts may comprise substantially flat material and upon being wrapped around the bodies any required recesses may be formed, rather than the recesses being pre-formed. The upper and lower parts may be in the form of an envelope rather than being separate parts. This is particularly advantageous when a chamber to retain the bodies is required. The bodies may be connected to the pad by adhesion to one or more surface or by being retained within a substrate without the need for adhesive. The pad may comprise a single layer of material to which the bodies are adhered. 
         [0057]    Where suitable materials are used the pad can be heated or cooled so as to assist with hot and cold compressions. This may be especially useful during rehabilitation after injury. Additionally, the pad may be used in conjunction with induction loops in order to heat the bodies, or balls, using electromagnetic induction. Alternatively, the pad may be warmed in a microwave, the pad manufactured using materials that are not dangerous in such situations. Cooling may be performed using a domestic freezer or other cooling techniques including chemical cooling techniques. 
         [0058]    It may be desirable to secure the metal balls in the holding medium using axles. The axles allow the balls to rotate so that the weight is able to smoothly roll over a user&#39;s muscles. The axle may pass through the length of the pad and pass through all of the balls in a particular row. Alternatively, each ball may have its own individual axle, which is especially advantageous of the direction of rotation of different balls is to be varied across the pad. By attaching the balls in this way, the weight can be rolled over a user&#39;s muscles post-workout in order to massage the muscles, reducing the build-up of lactic acid. When the weight is attached to the user, the axis of rotation of the balls may perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the user&#39;s body part to reduce the risk of the weight rolling along to the user&#39;s body part away from its intended position. 
         [0059]    In respect of a swimming device, the device may be in the form of evacuated or gas filled bodies retained in a holding medium. Such a device may be advantageous for water based exercises, for example aqua-aerobics, wherein the user experiences resistance while the pad is underwater due to the buoyancy of the bodies within the pad. Gas filled bodies, for example Helium-filled, may be especially advantageous for providing floatation assistance for children, especially when used in combination with a closed cell foam. Additionally, the device may comprise both evacuated and substantially solid bodies to enable use in and out of water. 
         [0060]    The pad may be provided with bodies of varying size and/or shape to allow for varying weight or weight distribution and different protrusion shapes to allow for different massaging feelings. The bodies may be a combination of filled or dense bodies and unfilled or less dense bodies to provide an overall low weight but retain the shape and massaging effects. 
         [0061]    The invention extends to a garment, for example a body suit, with pads incorporated or attached to it by conventional means. As an example, methods of attaching the pads to a suit or other attachment means for applying the pads to a user include: hook-and-loop fasteners (Velcro®); zippers; buttons; poppers; bands; and adjustable straps. Other types of garment that might be adapted to receive the pads include: shorts; shirt; t-shirt; trunks; corset; legging; trousers; and jeans. This is not an exhaustive list and other attachment means may be used. 
         [0062]    It may be desirable to ‘layer’ more than one pad so as to increase the mass of the weight. By providing a joining member to fit between the pads, the pads will hold together more easily. Such a joining member may be in the form of a layer of material that complements the profile of both the upper surface of one pad and the lower surface of the second pad. 
         [0063]    The system disclosed herein may be used for exercise for fitness, prehabilitation, rehabilitation or physiotherapy. 
         [0064]    The soft elastomer may by transparent in order to be able to view the bodies so that a user can detect any damage thereto. 
         [0065]    It is intended that the construction of the swimming device may be substantially the same as that of the weighted device but using a foam, and/or fluid, filled body or bodies in place of a weighted body or bodies. Therefore, the swimming device may appear substantially the same as that of the weighted device, one major difference being that it is buoyant in water.