Flexible weight pad

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.

The claims are as follows: 
     
         1 . 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. 
     
     
         2 . A pad according to  claim 1 , wherein the bodies are substantially unreleasably retained within the holding medium. 
     
     
         3 . A pad according to  claim 1 , wherein the bodies are regularly spaced apart within the holding material and they are positioned in rows with adjacent rows offset with respect to one another. 
     
     
         4 . A pad according to  claim 1 , wherein the pad is provided with an attachment for attaching the pad to a user. 
     
     
         5 . (canceled) 
     
     
         6 . A pad according to  claim 4 , wherein the attachment is selected from a group comprising a strap; a joint support;
 a substantially tubular sleeve; a sock; a band; a corset; and a harness.   
     
     
         7 . A pad according to  claim 4 , wherein the attachment is a body suit comprising means for retaining the pad thereon, or therein. 
     
     
         8 . A pad according to  claim 7 , wherein the suit comprises releasably sealable pockets. 
     
     
         9 . (canceled) 
     
     
         10 . A swimming device comprising 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. 
     
     
         11 . A swimming device comprising a body, the 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 closed body and is less dense than water. 
     
     
         12 . A swimming device according to  claim 10 , wherein the body, comprises a closed cell foam. 
     
     
         13 . A swimming device according to  claim 10 , wherein the swimming device is incorporated into a swim suit. 
     
     
         14 . A swimming device according to  claim 10 , wherein the swimming device is a buoyancy aid. 
     
     
         15 . A swimming device according to  claim 11 , wherein the at least two bodies comprise a closed cell foam. 
     
     
         16 . A swimming device according to  claim 11 , wherein the swimming device is incorporated into a swim suit. 
     
     
         17 . A swimming device according to  claim 11 , wherein the swimming device is a buoyancy aid. 
     
     
         18 . A pad according to  claim 4 , wherein the pad is provided with an integral attachment for attaching the pad to a user.