Weight Training Apparatus

Abstract

A weight training apparatus reconfigurable between an open configuration and a compact configuration in which the apparatus is packed into a smaller form than in the open configuration. The apparatus includes one or more storage compartments configured to removably receive and retain a weighted material to selectively increase the weight of the apparatus. If including more than one storage compartment, each can be movable relative to one other and are shaped and arranged to enable the apparatus to be reconfigured to the compact configuration in a filled condition in which the storage compartments contain weighted material. The apparatus can be configured in the compact configuration without weighted material for transport or storage. The absence of any weighted material makes the apparatus lightweight to carry, as well as enabling it to compact to a much smaller size than in the in-use filled configuration.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A weight training apparatus reconfigurable between an open configuration and a compact configuration, the apparatus comprising a plurality of storage compartments configured to removably receive and retain a weighted material to increase the weight of the apparatus, the storage compartments being movable relative to each other during reconfiguration and arranged to enable the apparatus to be reconfigured to the compact configuration in a filled condition containing the weighted material. 
     
     
         2 . The weight training apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the apparatus is unfurled in the open configuration and rolled or folded in the closed configuration. 
     
     
         3 . The weight training apparatus according to  claim 2 , wherein at least one storage compartment comprises a sealable opening that is accessible when the apparatus is unfurled. 
     
     
         4 . The weight training apparatus according to  claim 2 , wherein each storage compartment comprises a sealable opening that is accessible when the apparatus is unfurled;
 wherein each storage compartment comprises a plurality of pockets; and   wherein each pocket is configured to receive and retain flowable material and comprises closure means for closing the pocket and sealing the flowable material within the pocket.   
     
     
         5 . The weight training apparatus according to  claim 3 , wherein at least one storage compartment comprises a plurality of pockets. 
     
     
         6 . The weight training apparatus according to  claim 4  further comprising a flexible support sheet, wherein the plurality of pockets are secured to a common surface of the support sheet and arranged such that the support sheet may be rolled into cylindrical form in the compact configuration in which the pockets are contained within the support sheet. 
     
     
         7 . The weight training apparatus according to  claim 5 , wherein the plurality of pockets are configured to receive and retain flowable material and comprise closure means for closing the pockets and sealing the flowable material within the pockets. 
     
     
         8 . The weight training apparatus according to  claim 6 , wherein the support sheet can be rolled into cylindrical form when the pockets are filled and empty. 
     
     
         9 . The weight training apparatus according to  claim 6 , wherein the plurality of pockets each comprise first and second front panels hingedly connected to each other their distal edges and hingedly connected to the support sheet along their proximal edges, side panels arranged at either side of the first and second front panels connected to the side edges of the front panels and to the support sheet. 
     
     
         10 . The weight training apparatus according to  claim 6 , wherein the plurality of pockets are arranged such that in the rolled configuration they extend radially inwards from the inner surface of the support sheet. 
     
     
         11 . The weight training apparatus according to  claim 6  further comprising at least one strap extending from one end of the support sheet arranged to extend circumferentially around the outer surface of the apparatus in rolled configuration to hold the apparatus in said configuration. 
     
     
         12 . The weight training apparatus according to  claim 6  further comprising at least one handle arranged on the opposing side of the support sheet to the pockets such that it is arranged on the outer surface of the apparatus in the rolled configuration to enable the apparatus to be gripped by a user to lift the apparatus. 
     
     
         13 . The weight training apparatus according to  claim 9 , wherein the plurality of pockets define a bellows arrangement in which the second front panel and the side panels are collapsible such that the first front panel is pivotable between a collapsed position in which it is arranged parallel to the inner surface of the support sheet, and an expanded position in which it is angled away from the support sheet. 
     
     
         14 . The weight training apparatus according to  claim 10 , wherein the plurality of pockets are configured such that in the rolled configuration they taper inwardly in the radially inwards direction. 
     
     
         15 . The weight training apparatus according to  claim 11 , wherein at least one strap includes releasable fastening means to fasten the strap in position when wrapped around the apparatus. 
     
     
         16 . A weight training apparatus reconfigurable between an open configuration and a compact configuration, the apparatus comprising:
 a plurality of storage compartments; and   a flexible support sheet;   wherein each of storage compartments are configured to removably receive and retain a weighted material to increase the weight of the apparatus;   wherein each storage compartment is movable relative to one another during reconfiguration and arranged to enable the apparatus to be reconfigured to the compact configuration in a filled condition containing the weighted material;   wherein the apparatus is unfurled in the open configuration and rolled or folded in the closed configuration;   wherein each of the storage compartments comprise a sealable opening that is accessible when the apparatus is unfurled;   wherein each of the storage compartment comprise a plurality of pockets;   wherein each of the pockets are configured to receive and retain flowable material and comprise closure means for closing the pockets and sealing the flowable material within the pocket; and   wherein each of the pockets is secured to a common surface of the support sheet and arranged such that the support sheet can be rolled into cylindrical form in the compact configuration in which the pockets are contained within the support sheet.   
     
     
         17 . A weight training apparatus reconfigurable between an open configuration and a compact configuration, the apparatus comprising:
 a plurality of storage compartments; and   a flexible support sheet;   wherein at least one storage compartment is configured to removably receive and retain a weighted material to increase the weight of the apparatus;   wherein at least two storage compartments are movable relative to one another during reconfiguration and arranged to enable the apparatus to be reconfigured to the compact configuration in a filled condition containing the weighted material;   wherein the apparatus is unfurled in the open configuration and rolled or folded in the closed configuration;   wherein at least one storage compartment comprises a sealable opening that is accessible when the apparatus is unfurled;   wherein at least one storage compartment comprises a plurality of pockets;   wherein at least one pocket is configured to receive and retain flowable material and comprises closure means for closing the pocket and sealing the flowable material within the pocket; and   wherein at least one pocket is secured to a common surface of the support sheet and arranged such that the support sheet can be rolled into cylindrical form in the compact configuration in which the pocket is contained within the support sheet.