VARIABLE-RESISTANCE FUNCTIONAL FITNESS BAG

Abstract

One example embodiment includes an exercise bag for allowing a user to exercise. The exercise bag includes a body, where the body is configured to contain a fill material. The exercise bag also includes a fill mechanism. The fill mechanism is configured to allow a user to insert the fill material into the body or remove the fill material from the body.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The benefits of exercise are numerous and well documented. For example, exercise can reduce the instance and severity of many diseases. In addition, exercise can make a person feel better about themselves and provide the user with increased self-confidence and feelings of self-worth. However, many would be exercisers are intimidated by complex fitness machines and uncomfortable and unnatural motions associated with exercising. In addition, they may be reluctant to use heavy weights which can cause injury to the user.

Fitness machines have been made in the past that eliminate the heavy weights by using resistance within materials, such as elastic materials. These can allow the user to vary resistance. However, this creates the side effect of creating “reactive-force”. I.e., as the user performs the exercise movement, the resistance being used causes a reaction force into the user's body. The greater the resistance, the greater the reactive force.

Reactive force can cause damage to the user's body if the resistance is too strong for a user and the exercise movement becomes uncontrolled. Additionally, reactive force can also accumulate a “break-down” effect in the ligaments, tendons or other soft tissues in the exercising user, and their associated muscle groups. Further, reactive force is a dissipated energy, and means a less than optimal result to the exerciser, meaning a poor return on time and effort invested in the exercise.

Additionally, many exercise systems allow only a single resistance setting. I.e., the system allows for a single exercise at a single resistance. This does not allow the exercise system to be used by individuals of different fitness levels. In particular, some individuals will be too new to exercising to use the exercise system while other individuals will be too advanced. Only the small group in the middle will be able to use the system.

In addition, elastic materials can rebound if the material fails. I.e., as the elastic material is stretched, the force is stored in the material. When the material fails the force in the material can cause sudden and unpredictable movement, which has potential to injure the user or damage the equipment. This is an inherent danger of the materials and the ability to reduce or eliminate this danger is very limited.

Further, many exercise systems use unnatural movements. I.e., they involve movements that the user does not perform when not doing that particular exercise. These unnatural movements can cause injury to the user. Often, the user will not even be aware of the injury until it becomes a major injury because they don't perform that movement unless exercising.

Moreover, many exercise systems are large and bulky. This makes them difficult or impossible for a user to transport. This can reduce the desire of the user to exercise. For example, if the exercise system cannot be transported the user may not exercise when traveling or may not begin an exercise routine that will be frequently interrupted by travel.

Accordingly, there is a need in the art for an exercise system which uses resistance that is not produced by elastic materials. Additionally, there is a need in the art for the exercise system to allow the user to select from variable resistance. Further, there is a need in the art for the system to prevent reactive forces from entering the user's body. Moreover, there is a need in the art for the exercise system to allow the user to exercise using natural movements. In addition, there is a need in the art for the user to be able to travel with the exercise system.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF SOME EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential characteristics of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

One example embodiment includes an exercise bag for allowing a user to exercise. The exercise bag includes a body, where the body is configured to contain a fill material. The exercise bag also includes a fill mechanism. The fill mechanism is configured to allow a user to insert the fill material into the body or remove the fill material from the body.

Another example embodiment includes an exercise bag for allowing a user to exercise. The exercise bag includes a body, where the body is configured to contain a fill material. The body includes a first layer of material and a second layer of material. The exercise bag also includes a power rim, where the power rim is configured to secure at least a portion of the outer edge of the first layer to the outer edge of the second layer. The exercise bag further includes a fill mechanism, where the fill mechanism is configured to allow the user to insert the fill material into the body.

Another example embodiment includes an exercise bag for allowing a user to exercise. The exercise bag includes a body, where the body is configured to contain a fill material. The body includes a first layer of material and a second layer of material. The exercise bag also includes a power rim, where the power rim is configured to secure at least a portion of the outer edge of the first layer to the outer edge of the second layer. The power rim includes a layer of material, where the layer of material is configured to be placed around at least a portion of the outer edge of the first layer and the outer edge of the second layer. The power rim also includes a quadruple stitch, where the quadruple stitch is configured to attach the power rim to the first layer and the second layer. The exercise bag further includes a fill mechanism. The fill mechanism is configured to allow the user to insert the fill material into the body and remove the fill material from the body. The exercise bag additionally includes a double stitch, where the double stitch is configured to secure the fill mechanism to the body.

These and other objects and features of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, or may be learned by the practice of the invention as set forth hereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

To further clarify various aspects of some example embodiments of the present invention, a more particular description of the invention will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof which are illustrated in the appended drawings. It is appreciated that these drawings depict only illustrated embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope. The invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates an example of an exercise bag;

FIG. 2 illustrates a cross-section of an exercise bag;

FIG. 3 illustrates an example of a power rim;

FIG. 4 illustrates an alternative example of a fill mechanism; and

FIG. 5 illustrates an example of a user using the exercise bag.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SOME EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

Reference will now be made to the figures wherein like structures will be provided with like reference designations. It is understood that the figures are diagrammatic and schematic representations of some embodiments of the invention, and are not limiting of the present invention, nor are they necessarily drawn to scale.

FIG. 1 illustrates an example of an exercise bag 100. In at least one implementation, the exercise bag 100 is configured to support a large mass of fill material. The user can insert the fill material to exercise and remove the fill material when desired. In particular, the user can easily transport the exercise bag 100 for convenient exercise away from a home or gym, as the user can add fill material to exercise and remove fill material when done for convenience in travelling.

FIG. 1 shows that the exercise bag 100 can include a body 102. In at least one implementation, the body 102 is configured to hold a fill material. The fill material can add mass to the exercise bag 100 allowing a user to exercise using the bag as a weight. The fill material can include any desired material including sand, metal shot, water or any other fill material. The body 102 can be made of any suitable material of sufficient strength to support the fill material. For example, the body 102 can be made of neoprene.

FIG. 1 also shows that the exercise bag 100 can include a power rim 104. In at least one implementation, the power rim 104 is configured to hold the body 102 together. In particular, the body 102 can be made of two or more layers of material. The power rim 104 can hold the layers together and ensure that when the exercise bag 100 is being used in an exercise routine that the layers remain together. Additionally or alternatively, the power rim 104 can prevent the fill material from leaking out of the body 102. The power rim 104 can be made of any material with sufficient strength to hold the body together. For example, the power rim 104 can include a neoprene polymer mix.

FIG. 1 further shows that the exercise bag 100 can include a neck funnel 106. In at least one implementation, the neck funnel 106 can allow a user to insert or remove the fill material. In particular, the neck funnel 106 can include an opening that allows the user to access the interior of the body 102. The user can then add fill material or remove fill material from the interior of the body to add mass or remove mass, as desired. The neck funnel 106 can be made of any suitable material.

FIG. 1 additionally shows that the exercise bag 100 can include a drawstring 108. In at least one implementation, the drawstring 108 can be configured to keep the neck funnel 106 closed when so desired by a user. In particular, the drawstring can include a cord or string which is threaded through the neck funnel 106. As the user pulls more of the cord out of the neck funnel 106 the opening of the neck funnel 106 becomes more narrow, preventing fill material from being added or removed. In contrast, as the user inserts more cord into the neck funnel 106 the opening of the neck funnel 106 becomes wider, allowing fill material to be added or removed.

FIG. 1 also shows that the exercise bag 100 can include a clamp 110. In at least one implementation, the clamp 110 can be used to secure the drawstring 108 in the desired position. In particular, the clamp 110 can keep the drawstring 108 pulled out of the neck funnel 106, which can, in turn, ensure that the fill material is nor removed. For example, during an exercise routine, the fill material will tend to leave the exercise bag 100. The clamp 110 can keep the drawstring 108 in position to prevent the fill material from exiting.

FIG. 1 further shows that the exercise bag 100 can include a sealing button 112. In at least one implementation, the sealing button 112 can be located in the body 102 near the neck funnel 106. The sealing button 112 can prevent fill material from entering the neck funnel 106. In particular, the fill material can move while the exercise bag 100 is being used in an exercise routine. The sealing button 112 can prevent the fill material from entering the neck funnel 106 where it could potentially rip the neck funnel 106. Additionally or alternatively, the sealing button 112 can be opened to allow fill material to be inserted or removed into the body 102.

In at least one implementation, the exercise system 100 can be configured to electronically communicate with an external device. For example, the exercise system 100 can be connected to a computer, a smart phone, a gaming console or any other electronic device. The electronic device can monitor the user's movements and/or the effectiveness of the user's exercise routine. For example, the electronic device can measure the user's heart rate or provide feedback for the user's exercise routine. E.g., the electronic device can monitor the motion of the various parts of the exercise system 100 and inform the user regarding motion that is overextended or underextended or regarding motion that includes starts and stops or interruptions to the user's exercise routine. Additionally or alternatively, the electronic device can provide information over numerous exercise sessions or routines. For example, the electronic device can show the user's progress as the user increases in strength and health.

The exercise system 100 can connect to the external device using any communications means. For example, the exercise system 100 can be physically connected or can be wirelessly connected to the external device. Additionally or alternatively, the exercise system 100 can connect to the external device using a network. The network exemplarily includes the Internet, including a global internetwork formed by logical and physical connections between multiple wide area networks and/or local area networks and can optionally include the World Wide Web (“Web”), including a system of interlinked hypertext documents accessed via the Internet. Alternately or additionally, the network includes one or more cellular RF networks and/or one or more wired and/or wireless networks such as, but not limited to, 802.xx networks, Bluetooth access points, wireless access points, IP-based networks, or the like. For example, the network can include cloud based networking and computing. The network can also include servers that enable one type of network to interface with another type of network.

FIG. 2 illustrates a cross-section of an exercise bag 100. In at least one implementation, the exercise bag 100 can be configured to hold a fill material. For example, the exercise bag 100 can include a waterproof lining. The waterproof lining can be configured to allow a user to place water within the exercise bag 100 for exercising. Additionally or alternatively, the fill material can include any other material desired by the user.

FIG. 2 shows that the exercise bag 100 can include a first layer 202 of material. In at least one implementation, the first layer 202 can be made of a material that of sufficient thickness to ensure that the fill material does not rip the first layer 202 and that the fill material does not leak. For example, the first layer 202 can between 4 millimeters and 6 millimeters thick. In particular, the first layer 202 can be approximately 5 millimeters thick. As used in the specification and the claims, the term approximately shall mean that the value is within 10% of the stated value, unless otherwise specified.

FIG. 2 also shows that the exercise bag 100 can include a second layer 204 of material. In at least one implementation, the second layer 204 can be attached to the first layer 202. The second layer 204 can include the same material as the first layer 202 or different material than the first layer 202 without restriction unless otherwise specified in the claims. Additionally or alternatively, the second layer 204 can be of the same thickness and size as the first layer 202 or can be of different size and thickness without restriction unless otherwise specified in the claims.

FIG. 2 further shows that the sealing button 112 can include a male half 206a and a female half 206b. In at least one implementation, the male half 206a can include a protrusion with a circular groove. In contrast, the female half 206b can include a circular lip. The circular lip of the female half 206b can fit into the groove of the male half 206a, attaching the male half 206a and the female half 206b until a certain amount of force is applied. In particular, the sealing button 112 can withstand very high lateral forces but be disconnected by the use of moderate force separating the male half 206a from the female half 206b.

FIG. 3 illustrates an example of a power rim 104. In at least one implementation, the power rim 104 can attach the first layer of the body to the second layer of the body 102. I.e., the power rim 104 can be used to secure the outer edge of the body 102. In particular, the power rim 104 can ensure that the fill material remains in the body 102 during an exercise routine.

FIG. 3 shows that the power rim 104 can include a sheet 302 of material. In at least one implementation, the sheet 302 can be placed around the edge of the body 102. The sheet 302 can reinforce the body 102 at the edges. In particular, as the exercise bag 100 is used in an exercise routine, the fill material can impact the edges of the body 102. The sheet 302 can provide extra strength to resist tearing or ripping along the edge. The sheet 302 can be the same material as the body 102 or can be a different material. For example, the sheet 302 can include the same material as the body 102 but be thinner than the material used in the body 102.

FIG. 3 also shows that the power rim 104 can include a thread 304. In at least one implementation, the thread 304 can be used to secure the sheet 302 to the body 102. The thread 304 can be any material of sufficient strength to secure the sheet 302 to the body 102. For example, the thread 304 can include a mixture of neoprene, cotton and polymer.

FIG. 3 further shows that the power rim 104 can include a quadruple stitch 306 securing the sheet 302 to the body 102. In at least one implementation, the quadruple stitch 306 can include two rows of twin stitches. In particular, a twin stitch is a stitch in a zigzagging pattern. The zigzagging pattern creates two approximately parallel lines of stitches. The parallel lines can reinforce each other and can make a breach in the twin stitching less likely. Likewise, the two rows of twin stitches creates four lines of approximately parallel stitching, with the stiches reinforcing each other.

FIG. 3 additionally shows that the power rim can include a double stitch 308 securing the neck funnel 106 to the body 102. In at least one implementation, a double stitch 308 can include two parallel rows of stiches. The double stitch secures the neck funnel 106 to the body 102, preventing the neck funnel 106 from separating when the fill material is inserted or removed through the neck funnel 106. One of skill in the art will appreciate that the button 112 can provide additionally protection to the neck funnel 106.

FIG. 4 illustrates an alternative example of a fill mechanism 400 for an exercise bag 100. In at least one implementation, the fill mechanism 400 can be used to add fill material to the exercise bag 100. In particular, the fill mechanism 400 can be used to quickly add or remove material from the body 102 of the exercise bag 100.

FIG. 4 shows that the fill mechanism 400 can include a collar 402. In at least one implementation, the collar 402 can provide an opening to the inside of the body 102. The fill material can be moved through the collar 402 by a user to either insert or remove fill material. The collar 402 can be of sufficient size or shape to make inserting the fill material easier for the user. For example, the collar 402 can include a large opening or a funnel shape.

FIG. 4 also shows that the fill mechanism 400 can include a cap 404. In at least one implementation, the cap 404 is configured to cover the fill mechanism 400. In particular, the cap 404 can prevent filling material from being inserted or removed. For example, if the cap 404 is secured to the collar 402 the user can move the exercise bag 100 in any direction without the fill material exiting the body 102.

FIG. 4 further shows that the fill mechanism 400 can include an attachment mechanism 406. In at least one implementation, the attachment mechanism 406 can secure the cap 404 to the collar 402. In particular, the attachment mechanism 406 can ensure that the cap 404 remains attached to the collar 402 even during high force situations such as an exercise routine. For example, the attachment mechanism 406 can include threading or other devices configured to secure the cap 404.

FIG. 5 illustrates an example of a user 502 using the exercise bag 100. In at least one implementation, the user 502 can use the exercise bag 100 to tone or strengthen his/her muscles. In particular, the exercise bag 100 recreates natural movements of the human body, allowing the user 502 to exercise with little or no detrimental impact to the body of the user 502. I.e., the exercise bag 100 allows the user 502 to exercise using natural movements and low impact resistance.

FIG. 5 shows that the user 502 can lift or otherwise move the exercise bag 100. In at least one implementation, the user 502 must use his/her muscles to change the momentum of the exercise bag 100. In particular, as the user 502 begins to exercise the user 502 will move the exercise bag 100 in a desired direction. As the mass provided by the exercise bag 100 and the fill material gains momentum, the user 502 will have to use his/her muscles to either arrest or redirect the momentum of the exercise bag 100

FIG. 5 also shows that the user 502 can use a supplemental exercise device 504, such as a vertical movement vibrating exercise and wellness platform. An example of a vertical movement vibrating exercise and wellness platform is disclosed in co-pending U.S. application Ser. No. ______, filed on May 17, 2011, and entitled, “VERTICAL MOVEMENT VIBRATING EXERCISE AND WELLNESS PLATFORM” (Attorney Docket No. 10314.3), previously referenced. In particular, the user 502 can balance himself/herself on the platform 102. However, the platform is moving up and down. Therefore, the user 502 must balance himself/herself while directing the movement of the exercise bag 100, making the exercise routine more difficult and, consequently, more beneficial to the user.

Additionally or alternatively, the user 502 can use a supplemental exercise device 504, such as a tri-circular exercise device. An example of a tri-circular exercise device is disclosed in co-pending U.S. application Ser. No. ______, filed on May 17, 2011, and entitled, “TRI-CIRCULAR EXERCISE DEVICE WITH VARIABLE ROTATION RESISTANCE” (Attorney Docket No. 10314.6), previously referenced. In particular, the user 502 can balance himself/herself on the secondary plates or the main plates while using the exercise bag 100. However, the secondary plate and/or the main plate are rotating. Therefore, the user 502 must balance himself/herself while directing the movement of the exercise bag 100, making the exercise routine more difficult and, consequently, more beneficial to the user.

Additionally or alternatively, the user 502 can use a supplemental exercise device, such as the exercise system using a variable resistance fitness chamber. An example of a variable resistance fitness chamber is disclosed in co-pending U.S. application Ser. No. ______, filed on ______, 2011, and entitled, “VARIABLE RESISTANCE FITNESS CHAMBER FOR ROTATIONAL TORQUE” (Attorney Docket No. 10314.1), previously referenced. In particular, the user 502 can balance the exercise bag 100 to the resistance chamber. The user can then hold a handle attached to the resistance chamber to move the exercise bag 100.

Additionally or alternatively, the user 502 can use other supplemental exercise devices, such as weights or other exercise systems, while using the exercise system 100.

The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.

Claims

1. An exercise bag for allowing a user to exercise, the exercise bag comprising: a body, wherein the body is configured to contain a fill material; anda fill mechanism, wherein the fill mechanism: is configured to allow a user to: insert the fill material into the body; andremove the fill material from the body.

2. The exercise bag of claim 1, wherein the body includes a waterproof interior lining.

3. The exercise bag of claim 1, wherein the body includes: a first layer of material; anda second layer of material;wherein at least a portion of the outer edge of the first layer is attached to the outer edge of the second layer.

4. The exercise bag of claim 1, wherein the body includes neoprene.

5. The exercise bag of claim 1, wherein the fill material includes one of: water; ormetal shot.

6. An exercise bag for allowing a user to exercise, the exercise bag comprising: a body, wherein the body includes: a first layer of material;a second layer of material;wherein the body is configured to contain a fill material;a power rim, wherein the power rim is configured to secure at least a portion of the outer edge of the first layer to the outer edge of the second layer; anda fill mechanism, wherein the fill mechanism is configured to allow the user to insert the fill material into the body.

7. The exercise bag of claim 6, wherein the fill mechanism includes a neck funnel.

8. The exercise bag of claim 7, wherein the neck funnel is attached to the first later and the second layer.

9. The exercise bag of claim 8, wherein the neck funnel includes a drawstring, wherein the drawstring is configured to be at least partially removed from the neck funnel, closing the neck funnel.

10. The exercise bag of claim 9, wherein the drawstring includes a clamp, wherein the clam is configured to secure the position of the drawstring relative to the neck funnel.

11. The exercise bag of claim 7, wherein the fill mechanism includes a sealing button, wherein the sealing button is configured to prevent fill material from entering the neck funnel from the body.

12. An exercise bag for allowing a user to exercise, the exercise bag comprising: a body, wherein the body includes: a first layer of material;a second layer of material;wherein the body is configured to contain a fill material;a power rim, wherein the power rim includes: a layer of material, wherein the layer of material is configured to be placed around at least a portion of: the outer edge of the first layer; andthe outer edge of the second layer;a quadruple stitch, wherein the quadruple stitch is configured to attach the power rim to the first layer and the second layer;wherein the power rim is configured to secure at least a portion of the outer edge of the first layer to the outer edge of the second layer;a fill mechanism, wherein the fill mechanism: is configured to allow the user to: insert the fill material into the body; andremove the fill material from the body; anda double stitch, wherein the double stitch is configured to secure the fill mechanism to the body.

13. The exercise bag of claim 12, wherein the fill mechanism includes a collar, wherein the collar provides an opening to the interior of the body.

14. The exercise bag of claim 13, wherein the fill mechanism includes a cap.

15. The exercise bag of claim 14, wherein the fill mechanism includes an attachment mechanism, wherein the attachment mechanism is configured to secure the cap to the collar.

16. The exercise bag of claim 15, wherein the attachment mechanism includes a threaded connection.

17. The exercise bag of claim 12, wherein the layer of material in the power rim includes a mixture of: neoprene; andpolymer.

18. The exercise bag of claim 12, wherein the quadruple stitch includes a thread.

19. The exercise bag of claim 12, wherein the thread includes a mixture of: neoprene;cotton; andpolymer.

20. The exercise bag of claim 12, wherein the double stitch includes a thread.