WEIGHTMASTER MK II

PORTE-POIDS MK II

English Abstract

The invention consists of a main component assembly that acts as a chassis for abelt and pouch assembly which house and carry weights. The weights tie into the
assembly by a belt that runs through slots in the weights. The weights and belt are
in turn supported by a pouch assembly that holds the weights firmly in place.
The main component, belt and pouch assembly, and weights are supported by a
shoulder harness. The invention's belt and shoulder harness are adjustable.
Adjustments allow weights to be positioned along the user's side from the waist to
the upper rib cage (depending on the user's needs).

Claims

Page 5
The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property or privilege
is claimed are defined as follows:
A weight carrying platform used in training/physical fitness activities that utilizes a
main component, belt, pouch, and harness assembly as described in Figures 4, 5,
and 6.
A weight carrying platform used in training/physical fitness activities that utilizes a
pouch and belt assembly as described in Figure 5 that permits a variety of weight
sizes, styles, and configurations to be used and held firmly in place.
A weight carrying platform used in training/physical fitness activities that has a one
size fits all utility and comes in a variety of colors made of nylon and polyester (non
natural fibers).
A weight carrying platform used in training/physical fitness activities that is tough,
durable, is not damaged by water, requires low maintenance, and is multi-purposein nature (different sports or training needs).
A weight carrying platform used in training/physical fitness activities that is
symmetrically constructed, easy to mass produce parts for and assemble.
A weight carrying platform used in training/physical fitness activities that comes in
two configurations, harness and belt-only.
A weight carrying platform used in training/physical fitness activities that can use
existing and readily available weights (available in SCUBA shops).

Description

~ 1~ 2~q~
S Pecification
Generaf Character of the Invention
This invention relates to a support system and platform for weights (see Figures 1 -
8). These weights provide incremental resistance for athletic training purposes
thereby increasing the training effect and results of these activities. The invention
also has application for SCUBA diving in terms of it's use as a weight plafform for
buoyancy control purposes.
Nahlre in Ge.~era/ Terms of the /nver~ti~n
It is common for those involved in athletic training to add resistance to increase the
degree of difficulty to the exercise. Previously, the only articles or processes known
whereby the training individuals in locomotion could affix weight or resistance to
their body was to use ankle weights, wrist weights, or carry weights in their hands.

- Invention Submission by Randy Shier to the Canadian Patent Office Page 2
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The aforementioned methods for adding weight resistance are however, inefficientand ineffective. Weights on ankles, wrists, or carried in hands are limited or fixed in
the amount of weight and/or style of weight they can acco"""odate and impede thenatural gait of the user. As well, they are uncomfortable and lack aesthetic appeal.
In the SCUBA diving capacity, weights are usually placed on a basic belt around
the waist (the belt passing through slots in the weights). This places excessivestrain on the lower back of the diver given the typically horizontal position of the
diver in the water. Other configurations put weight in the buoyancy compensator
device (BCD). This increases the BCD's weight to intolerable levels. As well, the
BCD configuration is a dedicated assembly without the multipurpose utility of the
invention.
The Inventive Idea of the New Product
I have found that the aforementioned disadvantages are eliminated by my
invention. A significant increase in the amount of weight carried can be realized by
the invention, particularly when using the shoulder harness. As well, due to thebelt and pouch assemblies, different styles or shapes of weights can be used.
These weights can be acquired from already existing sources (example: SCUBA
shops) The belt and pouch assemblies also hold the weights firmly and comfortably
in place. The invention's harness assembly allows the weight load to be transferred
cor"rol lably to the shoulders and does not impede the gait of the user. The harness
also has aesthetic appeal.
In the SCUBA diving capacity, the product allows significant weight to be
transferred from an ordinary SCUBA belt to the invention's harness assembly. This
allows all or a portion of the weight load to be borne on the upper back instead of
the lower or small of the back. As well, the product allows for the load to be
broken-up for easier assembly of gear (as opposed to having all the weight
included in the belt or BCD).
Uses and users could include joggers, participants in aerobics, in-line skaters,stair-climbers, cross-county skiers, power-walkers, circuit trainers, cyclists, teams
sports in training (example: hockey and football players), and others in training,
rehabilitation, or in pursuit of physical fitness that requires some weight-induced
resistance. As well, SCUBA divers would use the invention to relieve lower back
strain caused by weight-belt only configurations.
The product is made of non-natural materials, not subject to water damage,
requires low maintenance, and is durable.

Invention Submission by Randy Shier to the Canadian Patent Office Page 3
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Description of Puffing the Invention into Service
Drawings enclosed:
Table of Contenls/Parts List
Figure 1 WeightMaster MK ll Assembly
Figure 2 WeightMaster MK ll Assembly - Harness
Figure 3 WeightMaster MK ll Assembly - Belt
Figure 4 Main Component
Figure 4 Belt Assembly
Figure 5 Pouch Assembly
Figure 6 Harness Assembly
Figure 7 Buckle Assembly
Figure 8 WeightMaster MK ll in Position
The invention wonks in the following manner:
First, the user selects the desired amount of weight for their training or fitness
purposes. Weights are incorporated into the invention by doing the following:
-The pouch assemblies (right and left) are placed in the open position (see Figure
2 for harness model, Figure 3 for belt-only model). Weights (Part 6) are placed in
the pouches as needed (Figure 2 uses 12 * 1.14 kilograms). The belt (Part 2.1 of2.0, see Figure 4) is then fed through the right front harness islet (Part 4.2.1) and
through the slots in the weights (see Figure 5) and then through the right rear
harness islet (Part 4.2.2). Repeat these steps in the reverse order for the left side
of the invention (For belt-only configurations, do the above but substitute Part 5.0
for Parts 4.2.1 and 4.2.2, see Figure 3).
-As depicted in Figure 5, the lower part of the pouch assembly (Part 3.0) is raised
in a counter-clockwise movement to partially enclose the weights. The upper part of
the pouch assembly (Part 3.0) is then lowered to complete the enclosure of the
weights. The upper and lower pouches are then joined by their Velcro (Parts 3.4.1
and 3.4.2 respectively) to firmly enclose the weights. This is done for both right and
left pouch assemblies.
-The belt is then threaded onto the male buckle (Part 2.2.17 see Figure 7). The
assembly now with weights in place is put on the torso as depicted in Figure 8
(depending on harness or belt-only configurations). The user then adjusts the
harness (Part 4.0) and/or belt (Part 2.0) where necessary to achieve the desiredposition and level of colllrc7,l (Note, with the belt only configuration, adjustment
would be necessary only for part 2.0).

Invention Submission by Randy Shier to the Canadian Patent Office Page 4
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As training requirements change, weight can be added or removed in the manner
described above.
For SCUBA users, do the above procedures and place over exposure suit and
under the BCD configuration.
Once in place, the user can then use the invention to provide resistance during
locomotion for a variety of fitness or training needs.

Representative Drawing