Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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AN EXERCISE DEVICE
Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an exercise device.
The invention has been developed primarily for use with exercise activities
and will be
described hereinafter with reference to this application. However, it will be
appreciated
that the invention is not limited to this particular field of use.
Background of the Invention
There are many exercise products presently available in the market. Most are
individual
machines which focus on specific body parts only. Some products, such as
Kettlebells,
Swiss Exercise Balls and free weights offer a wider range of exercises but all
have a
limitation the range of exercises they offer, the location where such devices
can be used
and how such devices can be used.
The present invention seeks to provide an exercise device, which will overcome
or
substantially ameliorate at least some of the deficiencies of the prior art,
or to at least
provide an alternative.
It is to be understood that, if any prior art information is referred to
herein, such reference
does not constitute an admission that the information forms part of the common
general
knowledge in the art, in Australia or any other country.
Summary of the Invention
According to a first aspect, the present invention provides an exercise device
comprising:
a hollow body comprising a flexible wall which defines a cavity therein,
wherein
the cavity can be substantially emptied to configure the body into a collapsed
configuration and the cavity can be substantially filled to configure the body
into
an expanded configuration; and
at least one handle having first and second mounting means and a grip
therebetween, wherein the first and second mounting means are fixedly attached
to the body.
Preferably, the at least one handle comprises at least two handles fixedly
attached to
spaced portions of the body.
Preferably, the body is substantially flat in the collapsed configuration.
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Preferably, the exercise device further comprises a valve assembly mounted in
the body
for emptying or filling the cavity.
Preferably, the cavity can be filled with a solid and/or a gas and/or a
liquid.
Preferably, the body comprises a tubular mid-portion.
Preferably, the body comprises substantially hemispherical first and second
end portions
attached to the mid-portion.
In one embodiment, the body is at most 30 cm in length when in the expanded
configuration, most preferably around 25 to 27 cm.
Preferably, the body is at most 20 cm in width when in the expanded
configuration, most
preferably between 15 to 18 cm.
Preferably, the body is made from polyurethane, polyvinyl chloride or
chlorosulfonated
polyethylene synthetic rubber.
Preferably, the valve assembly comprises a one way filling valve.
Preferably, the filling valve is adapted such that both air and liquid can be
inserted into
the cavity via the filling valve.
Preferably, the filling valve is mounted in a valve housing which is
attachable to the
body.
Preferably, the body comprises an aperture having a tube mounted therein,
wherein the
valve housing is mountable to the tube.
Preferably, the valve housing comprises an externally threaded hollow section
and the
tube comprises an internally threaded section.
Preferably, the valve housing comprises a generally flat section which is
substantially
flush with an external surface of the body when mounted,
Preferably, the flat section includes a central recess within which the
filling valve is
mounted.
Preferably, the valve assembly further includes a closing cap.
Preferably, the at least one handle is attached to a side wall of the mid-
portion.
Preferably, the first and second mounting means mount the grip in a spaced
manner from
the body in use.
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Preferably, the grip comprises a curved rubberised tube.
Preferably, the grip comprises first and second end straps which attach to the
respective
first and second mounting means.
Preferably, each mounting means comprises a first pad attached to a lower
surface of a
respective end strap, and a second pad positioned over a respective end strap
and first pad
and attached thereto.
Preferably, the second pad is larger than the first pad and edges of the
second pad
extending beyond edges of the first pad are attached to the body.
Preferably, the first and second pads are attached to the body via cold glue
or other
suitable adhesive.
In one embodiment, the cavity is formed with multiple chambers which can be
separately
emptied or filled.
In one embodiment, the handle is rigidly attached to the body.
In one embodiment, the handle is configured as a glove shaped attachment.
In one embodiment, the exercise device further comprises at least one
additional handle
attached to the body.
In one embodiment, two handles are on opposing sides of the body.
In one embodiment, the handle is disposed at an end portion of the body.
In one embodiment, the exercise device further includes a second handle
disposed at an
opposite end portion of the body.
In one embodiment, the exercise device further includes a connection means
disposed at
an end portion of the body.
Preferably, the connection means comprises a ring.
The present invention also provides an exercise device comprising:
a hollow body comprising a flexible wall which defines a cavity therein,
wherein
the cavity is filled such that the body is in an expanded configuration; and
a handle attached to the body;
wherein the body is made from polyurethane, polyvinyl chloride or
chlorosulfonated polyethylene synthetic rubber.
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Preferably, the handle is fixedly attached to the body.
Preferably, the cavity is filled with a solid and/or a gas and/or a liquid.
Preferably, the body comprises a tubular mid-portion.
Preferably, the body comprises substantially hemispherical first and second
end portions
attached to the mid-portion.
Preferably, the body is at most 30 cm in length.
Preferably, the body is at the most 20 cm in width, most preferably between 15
to 18 cm.
In another embodiment, the body is between 30 cm and 100 cm in length.
Preferably, the body comprises at least one supplementary weight within the
cavity.
Preferably, the at least one supplementary weight comprises a solid weight.
Preferably, the at least one supplementary weight is fixedly attached to an
internal wall of
the cavity.
Preferably, the at least one supplementary weight is positioned at a centre
portion of the
body.
In another embodiment, the at least one supplementary weight is positioned off
centre to
the longitudinal length of the body.
In another embodiment, the at least one supplementary weight comprises two or
more
weights either side by side or spaced along the longitudinal length of the
body.
Preferably, the at least one supplementary weight has a round circumference
which fits
with the inner circumference of the cavity.
In another embodiment, the at least one supplementary weight is disposed off
centre to
the central longitudinal axis of the body
In another embodiment, the at least one supplementary weight extends
longitudinally in
shape.
In another embodiment, the two or more weights are spaced relative to the
central
longitudinal axis of the body.
Preferably, the remainder of the cavity not occupied by the supplementary
weight(s) can
be fully filled or partially filled with other material.
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individually receives
the materials as desired.
In another embodiment, the exercise device comprises a first pair and a second
pair of
handles.
Preferably, the handles of the first pair are arranged adjacent the respective
first and
second end portions.
Preferably, the grips of the first pair are generally parallel to each other
and transverse to
the central longitudinal axis of the body.
Preferably, the handles of the second pair arranged inwardly of the first
pair.
Preferably, the grips of the second pair are generally aligned with each other
and parallel
to the central longitudinal axis of the body.
Preferably, the effective length of the grip between the first and second
mounting means
is adjustable.
Preferably, the grip comprises an elongated strap having a first end portion
attached to the
first mounting means, looped through a ring in the second mounting means and a
second
end portion of the strap is adjustably attached to the first end portion.
Alternatively, the grip comprises a first portion attached to the first
mounting means and a
second portion attached to the second mounting means, wherein the first and
second
portions are detachably attachable to each other.
Preferably, the position of the second portion relative to the first portion
is adjustable
Preferably, the respective lengths of the first and second portions are
adjustable prior to
these portions being attached to each other.
In another embodiment, the exercise device comprises at least two handles on
each of
generally opposing sides thereof, the handles on each respective side being
disposed with
their grips generally aligned with each other and parallel to a central
longitudinal axis of
the body.
In another embodiment, the exercise device comprises at least three handles on
each of
generally opposing sides thereof, the handles on each respective side being
disposed with
their grips generally aligned with each other and parallel to a central
longitudinal axis of
the body.
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Preferably. the handles are fixed length handles, variable length handles or
any
combination thereof.
Preferably. the exercise device further comprises means for substantially
retaining the
exercise device in position on the ground or other structure.
Preferably. the retaining means comprises at least one device retainer, each
device
retainer comprising two portions for engaging opposing sides of the exercise
device.
Preferably. the two portions are wedges joined at their narrow edge portions
to form a
generally concave upper portion which receives the exercise device.
Preferably. the retaining means comprises an elevated platform.
Preferably. the retaining means comprises spaced elevated platforms having
differing
heights for orienting the exercise device at an inclined angle.
In another embodiment, the exercise device comprises:
a hollow body comprising a flexible wall which defines a cavity therein,
wherein the
cavity can be substantially emptied to configure the body into a collapsed
configuration
and the cavity can be substantially filled to configure the body into an
expanded
configuration; and
at least one handle having a grip and at least one mounting means, wherein the
at least
one mounting means is fixedly attached to the body.
Other aspects of the invention are also disclosed.
Brief Description of the Drawings
Notwithstanding any other forms which may fall within the scope of the present
invention, preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be
described, by way
of examples only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
Fig. 1 is a front view of an exercise device in accordance with a preferred
embodiment of
the present invention;
Fig. 2 is an end perspective view of the exercise device of Figure 1 showing
the filling
valve;
Fig. 3 shows the filling valve of the exercise device of Figure 1 removed
using a valve
removal tool;
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Figure 4 shows a bottom view of an attachment pad of the handle for the
exercise device
of Figure 1;
Figure 5 shows a first step in the attachment of the handle to the exercise
device of Figure
1;
Figure 6 shows a second step in the attachment of the handle to the exercise
device of
Figure 1;
Figure 7 shows the exercise device as held by a user in use using the handle;
and
Figure 8 is a front view of an exercise device in accordance with a second
preferred
embodiment of the present invention;
Fig. 9 is a side view of the exercise device of Figure 8;
Fig. 10 is an enlarged view of one end of the exercise device of Figure 8;
Fig. 11 shows the exercise device of Figures 1 to 7 with a modified handle;
Fig. 12 shows the exercise device of Figures 8 to 10 with a modified handle;
Fig. 13 shows another embodiment of the modified handle
Figure 14 is a first perspective view of an exercise device in accordance with
another
embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 15 is a second perspective view of the exercise device of Figure 15;
Figure 16 is a first perspective view of the exercise device of Figure 14 with
device floor
retainers for use of the exercise device as an exercise bench;
Figure 17 is a second perspective view of the assembly of Figure 14;
Figure 18 is a front perspective view of the assembly of Figure 14;
Figure 19 is a side perspective view of the device floor retainers of Figure
16;
Figure 20 show the collapsed exercise device of Figure 14 and folded device
floor
retainers of Figure 19; and
Figure 21 is an end perspective view of the exercise device of Figure 14.
Description of Embodiments
It should be noted in the following description that like or the same
reference numerals in
different embodiments denote the same or similar features.
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Figures 1 to 7 show an exercise device 10 according to a preferred embodiment
of the
present invention. The exercise device 10 comprises a hollow body 12 having a
handle
20 and a valve assembly 30.
The body 12 comprises a tubular mid-portion 14 with substantially
hemispherical first
and second end portions 15 and 16 which together define an internal cavity 18
within the
body 12. The body 12 is made from a flexible fluid impervious wall material.
The cavity
18 can be substantially emptied to configure the body 12 into a collapsed
substantially flat
configuration (substantially shown in Figure 3), and the cavity 18 can be
substantially
filled to configure the body 12 into a (filled) expanded configuration (as
shown in Figures
1, 2 and 7). The body 12 is at most about 30 cm in length and 20 cm in
width/diameter
when in the expanded configuration. In the preferred embodiment, the body 12
is 26 cm
in length and 16 cm in width in the expanded configuration.
The body 12 is made from polyurethane, polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or
chlorosulfonated
polyethylene (CSPE) synthetic rubber (CSM) such as that sold under the trade
marks
HYPALON, TOSOH-CSM and EXTOS.
The valve assembly 30 comprises an internally threaded tube 17 and a valve
housing 35.
The tube 17 is mounted to an aperture 19 formed in the first end portion 15.
The valve
housing 35 comprises an externally threaded hollow first section 31 and a
generally flat
second section 32. The second section 32 includes a central recess 33 within
which a one
way filling valve 36 is mounted. The central recess 33 also includes an
internal thread or
bayonet mount tabs which are engaged by a closing cap 38 for covering the
valve cavity
33 and the protecting the filling valve 36.
When the valve housing 35 is attached to the tube 17 as shown in Figures 1 and
2, the
second section 32 is substantially flush with the external surface of the
first end portion
15. The filling valve 36 functions as a one way valve which means air can be
pumped into
the cavity 18 but does not allow air to escape from the cavity 18 except when
desired. A
valve adaptor (not shown) is used which attaches to the threads or mount tabs
of the
central recess 33. The valve adaptor is attached to a hose nozzle of an air
pump (not
shown), which can be a manual or an electric air pump. Thus, the cavity 18 can
be filled
with air into the expanded configuration of the body 12.
Additionally or alternatively, the cavity 18 can be partially or fully filled
with liquid such
as water. In this case, a liquid valve adaptor can be used which attaches to
the cavity 33.
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Such an adaptor allows liquid to be inserted into the cavity 18 as desired via
the valve 36
without having to remove the valve housing 35. Alternatively, the valve
housing 35 can
be removed from the tube 17 by unthreading using a valve wrench 40. Water can
then be
poured into the cavity 18 as desired, until it is full or only partially full.
The remaining
space in the cavity 18 is then filled with air by reattaching the valve
housing 35 to the
body 12. Further alternatively, the cavity 18 can be partially or fully filled
with a solid
product such as sand if a heavy weight is desired.
The handle 20 is fixedly attached to a side wall of the mid-portion 14. The
handle 20
comprises a grip 21 and first and second mounting means 25a and 25b attached
to ends
thereof The grip 21 comprises a curved rubberised tube dimensioned for
gripping with a
user's hand and fingers and adapted to avoid slippage. The grip 21 comprises
end straps
22a and 22b which attach to the respective mounting means 25a and 25b.
As shown in Figures 4 to 6, each mounting means 25 comprises a first pad 26
and a
second larger pad 27. The first pad 26 is attached to a lower surface of a
respective end
strap 22, and a lower surface of the first pad 26 is attached to the mid-
portion 14. The
second (larger) pad 27 is the positioned over a respective end strap 22 and
first pad 26,
and attached thereto. Edges of the second pad 27 extending beyond the edges of
the first
pad 26 are attached to the mid-portion 14. The first and second pads 26 and 27
are
attached to the mid-portion 14 and to each other via suitable means, such as
cold glue or
other suitable adhesive. This ensures that the mounting means 25 are fixedly
attached to
the body 12 to securely attach the grip 21 thereto.
Use of the exercise device 10 will now be described. In the empty unassembled
configuration, the exercise device 10 is soft, light, small in size and easily
transported.
To use, the exercise device 10 is filled as desired with only air, only water,
sand or any
mixture thereof, using the filling attachment nozzles which can be done in
about one
minute.
The exercise device 10 can then be used in conjunction with any exercise, such
as lifting,
walking, jogging, lunges, jumping, skipping, running, or it can be used in
exercises
similar to those used with medicine balls and kettle bells. The exercise
device 10 can also
be used in conjunction with many other exercise items like Swiss Balls.
Because of the
soft wall structure of the exercise device 10, it can be swung around with
possible injury
from impacts with the body being reduced compared to steel weights and
kettlebells.
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assembled exercise device 10 is user friendly as it is soft and comfortable to
use, and
minimises potential injury and safety issues. In a partially liquid filled
state (10% to 80%
water filled and the rest air filled), the water will slosh within the cavity
18 and this
unstableness requires the user to stabilise the exercise device 10 using his
core and
stabilising muscles, thus providing an advantage not provided by other
exercise devices.
10 The
exercise device 10 allows a user to emulate sport functional exercises such as
cricket
bowling, tennis swing or golf swing. The exercise device 10 can also be used
in the water
for aqua exercises for rehabilitation or elderly exercises. When used in a
stable format
(full of water or solid material such as sand), the exercise device 10 is then
used as a true
weighted training device.
The exercise device 10 thus provides a number of advantages. Typically, only
specialised
water equipment can be used for training in the water. However, the exercise
device 10
can also be used for exercising in the water. The exercise device 10 is user
friendly and
can be used in a huge number of different exercises. The exercise device 10 is
light and
packs flat when empty which makes it handy to take and use on holidays, which
is
generally not possible with conventional weights. The exercise device 10 can
be made
into any shape, colour and can include a pattern or advertising thereon. It
can be used in
aqua training aid for the elderly and injury rehabilitation. The exercise
device 10 can be
used in a stable or unstable form, which provides a distinct advantage over
conventional
weights. It can also be used for sports specific exercises and movements. The
exercise
device 10 is very strong & durable and can be thrown to the ground. This is
handy for
example in Boot Camp style group classes where participants can perform
lifting
exercises with the exercise device 10 and drop it to the ground before doing a
sprint. The
risk of injury to the participant and damage to the ground is minimised
compared to
conventional weights.
Resistance, Kettlebell, compound, isolation, functional,
cardiovascular and power training exercises are thus all possible with the
exercise device
10.
The exercise device folds substantially flat and is very light when empty.
This allows a
personal trainer for example to easily transport ten or more of such exercise
device 10 in a
bag in the collapsed state, and then assemble the exercise device 10 prior to
a group class
for use by participants using an air pump and a water tap on site. The
exercise device 10
can then be collapsed again after a group class. In contrast, such number of
conventional
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steel weights generally cannot be conveniently carried. Another advantage of
the present
exercise device is that the weight thereof can be varied as desired.
It is apparent that modifications can be made with the exercise device 10
described. For
example, the cavity 18 can be formed with multiple chambers which may be
separately
inflated or filled with different materials. For example, one half of the
exercise device 10
can be filled with water and the other half filled with air. This provides
different exercise
dynamics to the exercise device 10. In other possibilities, the chambers can
extend the
length of the exercise device 10. Also, the chambers for liquids can be formed
in a
helical manner within the cavity 18, which can add to the unstableness of the
direction of
liquid sloshing within the cavity 18.
In relation to the handle, the handle can be made to have a rigid attachment
to the exercise
device body, rather than the flexible end strap attachment shown in the
exercise device
10. Also, the grip can be configured into a glove shaped attachment such that
the user
grips the body 12. The exercise device body can also be provided with more
than one
handle, for example two handles on opposing sides. The handles can
alternatively be
provided at one end portion or both end portions.
A ring or other connection means can also be attached to one or both end
portions. The
ring can be used to attach two or more exercise devices to each other via a
connecting
strap. Also, when filled with water or solid material such as sand, a user can
wear a
harness which is attached to the exercise device such that the user would then
drag the
exercise device whilst doing walking, jogging, sprints, etc.
The cover cap 38 can also include a soft cover to avoid any injury to users.
Figures 8 to 10 show an exercise device 10a according to a second preferred
embodiment
of the present invention. The exercise device 10a is similar to the exercise
device 10
above and also comprises a hollow body 12a and a valve assembly 30a. The body
12a
also comprises a tubular mid-portion 14a with substantially hemispherical
first and
second end portions 15a and 16a. The body 12a in this embodiment is still
about 16 cm in
width/diameter when in the expanded configuration.
The main differences between the exercise device 10a and the exercise device
10 above
are that the exercise device 10a is longer at about 75 cm in length, includes
a solid weight
within its cavity 18 and includes four handles 20 as further described below.
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The cavity 18 comprises at least one supplementary weight (not shown) therein,
such as a
four or five kilo lead or steel weight fixedly attached to an internal wall of
the cavity 18.
The supplementary weight(s) can be positioned anywhere along the longitudinal
length of
the body 12a but is preferably positioned at a centre portion thereof. It is
however
possible to have the supplementary weight(s) disposed off centre to the
longitudinal
length of the body 12a to provide different exercise dynamics. It is also
possible to have
two or more of such weights either side by side or spaced along the
longitudinal length of
the body 12a.
The supplementary weight(s) can also be of any desired shape and can be
positioned
anywhere along the inner circumference of the cavity 18. In the preferred
embodiment,
the supplementary weight has a round circumference which fits with the inner
circumference of the cavity 18. It is however possible to have the
supplementary
weight(s) disposed off centre to the central longitudinal axis 24a of the body
12a to
provide different exercise dynamics. The supplementary weight(s) can also be
longitudinally extended in shape and two or more of such weights can be spaced
relative
to the central longitudinal axis 24a of the body 12a.
The remainder of the cavity 18 not occupied by the supplementary weight(s) can
be fully
filled or partially filled with other material, such as sand, air, water, or
any combination
thereof. The cavity 18 can be divided into chambers which individually
receives the
materials as desired.
The exercise device 10 comprises four handles, a first pair 23a being handles
20a and
20b, and a second pair being handles 20c and 20d. The handles 20a and 20b of
the first
pair 23a are arranged adjacent the respective first and second end portions
15a and 16a,
with their grips 21a and 2 lb generally parallel to each other and transverse
to the central
longitudinal axis 24a of the body 12a. The first pair 23a of handles thus
allows a user to
have a wide grip on the exercise device 10a. The handles 20c and 20d of the
second pair
23b are arranged inwardly of the first pair 23a with their grips 21c and 21d
generally
aligned with each other and parallel to the central longitudinal axis 24a of
the body 12a.
The second pair 23b of handles thus allows a user to have a narrower straight
grip on the
exercise device 10a.
The exercise device 10a thus provides a vast array of exercises with a heavier
weight as
well as two handed dynamic exercises.
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Fig. 11 shows the exercise device of Figures 1 to 7 with a modified handle
20e. The
handle 20e is fixedly attached to a side wall of the mid-portion 14. In this
embodiment,
the effective length of the grip 21 between the first and second mounting
means 25a and
25b is adjustable. The handle 20e comprises the first and second mounting
means 25a
and 25b and the grip 21 comprises an elongated strap 21. The second mounting
means
25b includes a ring 29 attached thereto. The strap 21 has a first end portion
28a attached
to the mounting means 25a, the strap 21 is then looped through the ring 29 and
a second
end portion of the strap 28b is adjustably attached back to the first end
portion 28a via
hook and loop means (VELCROTm), buttons or other suitable attachment which
allows
the effective length of the strap 21 between the first and second mounting
means 25a and
25b to be adjustable.
Fig. 12 shows the exercise device of Figures 8 to 10 with two modified handles
20e. The
handles 20e are the same position as the handles 21c and 21d described above.
The adjustable handle 20e allows a user to use such handles 20e as foot
straps, in that the
user can insert their respective foot between the mid-portion 14 and the
handles 20e,
tighten the grip 21 onto their foot, and perform exercises as desired.
Fig. 13 shows another embodiment of the modified handle 20f which allows for
the
effective length of the grip 21 between the first and second mounting means
25a and 25b
to be adjustable. The grip 21 in this embodiment comprises a first portion 21a
attached to
the first mounting means 25a and a second portion 2 lb attached to the second
mounting
means 25b. The first portion 21a has a lower section 61 and an upper section
62. In use,
the second portion 21b is sandwiched between the lower and upper sections 61
and 62
and attached to each other via hook and loop means (VELCRO). By adjusting the
position of the second portion 21b relative to the first portion 21a, the
effective length of
the strap 21 between the first and second mounting means 25a and 25b is
adjustable
In other embodiments, the first and second portions 21a and 21b can be
connectable to
each other via suitable buckles such as side release buckles used in bags and
camping
equipment. The respective length of the first and second portions 21a and 21b
will then
be made adjustable prior to these portions being connected to each other via
the buckle,
which thus allows the effective length of the strap 21 to be adjustable.
In other possible modifications, the body can be of any desired dimensions and
can have a
diameter of 25 cm to 32 cm and a length 1 m to 1.2 m. The number of handles 20
may
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vary from 2 to 8, or adjustable handles 20e or 20f which can vary in number
from 2 to 6.
Such devices allow for many different exercises.
Figures 14 and 15 show an exercise device 10b in accordance with another
embodiment
of the present invention. The exercise device 10b is similar to the exercise
device 10a
above and also comprises a hollow body 12b and a valve assembly 30. The body
12a also
comprises a tubular mid-portion 14a with substantially hemispherical first and
second end
portions 15a and 16a.
The body 12b in this embodiment has a maximum width/diameter of 30 cm when in
the
expanded configuration and a maximum length of 120 cm. The cavity 18 can also
comprises at least one supplementary weight (not shown) therein if desired,
The exercise device 10b comprises six handles, being handles 20a to 20c on one
side and
handles 20d to 20f on an opposite side thereof The handles 20 on each
respective side
are disposed with their grips 21 generally aligned with each other and
parallel to the
central longitudinal axis 24a of the body 12b.
The handles 20a and 20d, 20c and 20f are arranged adjacent the respective
first and
second end portions 15a and 16a. The handles 20b and 20e are arranged at the
mid-
portion 14a. .
The handles 20 can have a fixed length or be variable length handles and the
device 10b
can have any desired combination of such handles. The exercise device 10b, due
to its
size and handle configuration again provides different exercises to the other
exercise
devices above.
Figures 16 to 18 show the exercise device 10b with device floor retainers 80
for use of the
exercise device 10b as an exercise bench.
Referring to Figures 19 and 20, each device floor retainer 80 comprises two
wedge
portions 82 joined at their narrow edge portions 84. Each floor retainer 80
thus forms a
generally concave upper portion 86 and a flat lower portion 88.
Referring back to Figures 16 to 18, the floor retainers 80 are positioned in a
spaced
manner with the lower portions 88 engaging the floor or table 100. The
exercise device
10b is then disposed over the concave upper portions 86 such that the exercise
device 10b
is retained laterally by the wedge portions 82.
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5 The exercise device 10b can then be used as a resistance training bench
and core balance
device. A user can lay on the body 12 between the handles 20. Also, by using
the
different handles 20, the exercise device 10b can be used as an unstable
resistance
training device.
Figure 20 shows the collapsed exercise device of Figure 14 and folded device
floor
10 retainers of Figure 19. This allows the device to be transported or
stored easily unlike
conventional exercise benches.
In another embodiment, the retainers 80 can be formed with elevated platforms
for raising
the exercise device 10b off the ground. The elevated platforms can also have
differing
heights for orienting the exercise device 10b at an inclined angle.
15 Further, with air out of the exercise device 10b and having water or
sand within its cavity
18, the exercise device 10b can be used like a Sand Bag. Figure 21 is an end
perspective
view of the exercise device 10b showing an attachment and/or ring 90 for
attaching the
exercise device 10b to an exercise harness.
In another possible embodiment of the exercise device 10, the handle can only
have one
mounting means with the other end being a free end.
The present invention also provides a set of exercise devices comprising at
least one of
each of the exercise devices 10 and 10a, and preferably with the exercise
device 10b, and
preferably with the floor retainers 80.
Interpretation
Embodiments:
Reference throughout this specification to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment"
means
that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection
with the
embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention.
Thus,
appearances of the phrases "in one embodiment" or "in an embodiment" in
various places
throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same
embodiment, but
may. Furthermore, the particular features, structures or characteristics may
be combined
in any suitable manner, as would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the
art from this
disclosure, in one or more embodiments.
Similarly it should be appreciated that in the above description of example
embodiments
of the invention, various features of the invention are sometimes grouped
together in a
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16
single embodiment, figure, or description thereof for the purpose of
streamlining the
disclosure and aiding in the understanding of one or more of the various
inventive
aspects. This method of disclosure, however, is not to be interpreted as
reflecting an
intention that the claimed invention requires more features than are expressly
recited in
each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive aspects lie in
less than all
features of a single foregoing disclosed embodiment. Thus, the claims
following the
Detailed Description of Specific Embodiments are hereby expressly incorporated
into this
Detailed Description of Specific Embodiments, with each claim standing on its
own as a
separate embodiment of this invention.
Furthermore, while some embodiments described herein include some but not
other
features included in other embodiments, combinations of features of different
embodiments are meant to be within the scope of the invention, and form
different
embodiments, as would be understood by those in the art. For example, in the
following
claims, any of the claimed embodiments can be used in any combination.
Different Instances of Objects
As used herein, unless otherwise specified the use of the ordinal adjectives
"first",
"second", "third", etc., to describe a common object, merely indicate that
different
instances of like objects are being referred to, and are not intended to imply
that the
objects so described must be in a given sequence, either temporally,
spatially, in ranking,
or in any other manner.
Specific Details
In the description provided herein, numerous specific details are set forth.
However, it is
understood that embodiments of the invention may be practiced without these
specific
details. In other instances, well-known methods, structures and techniques
have not been
shown in detail in order not to obscure an understanding of this description.
Terminology
In describing the preferred embodiment of the invention illustrated in the
drawings,
specific terminology will be resorted to for the sake of clarity. However, the
invention is
not intended to be limited to the specific terms so selected, and it is to be
understood that
each specific term includes all technical equivalents which operate in a
similar manner to
accomplish a similar technical purpose. Terms such as "forward", "rearward",
"radially",
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"peripherally", "upwardly", "downwardly", and the like are used as words of
convenience
to provide reference points and are not to be construed as limiting terms.
Comprising and Including
In the claims which follow and in the preceding description of the invention,
except
where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary
implication,
the word "comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising" are used
in an
inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features but not
to preclude the
presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the
invention.
Any one of the terms: including or which includes or that includes as used
herein is also
an open term that also means including at least the elements/features that
follow the term,
but not excluding others. Thus, including is synonymous with and means
comprising.
Scope of Invention
Thus, while there has been described what are believed to be the preferred
embodiments
of the invention, those skilled in the art will recognize that other and
further modifications
may be made thereto without departing from the spirit of the invention, and it
is intended
to claim all such changes and modifications as fall within the scope of the
invention. For
example, any formulas given above are merely representative of procedures that
may be
used. Functionality may be added or deleted from the block diagrams and
operations may
be interchanged among functional blocks. Steps may be added or deleted to
methods
described within the scope of the present invention.
Although the invention has been described with reference to specific examples,
it will be
appreciated by those skilled in the art that the invention may be embodied in
many other
forms.
Industrial Applicability
It is apparent from the above, that the arrangements described are applicable
to the
exercise and fitness industries.
