Abstract
A modular weight training bag system, made up of a main bag constructed of heavy pliable fabric with a zipper-less closure, an inner lining that holds a granular material which adds weight and volume to the main bag, and also has a uniquely designed closure, using various size pouches to increase weight, an add-on weight attachments installed on the main bag for the purpose of quickly increasing the weight of the bag, a capsule sleeve for securing two main bags together, and a soft shell constructed to cover the main bag or capsule sleeve.
Claims
1. A modular handheld weight training apparatus and closure system comprising: a main cylindrical bag constructed from a pliable material and accessible from a top section; a single handle located on the top section that runs at a midsection of the main cylindrical bag; wherein the main cylindrical bag opens partially from the top section for placement of an inner lining and/or a prepackaged packet; a series of fasteners, for securing contents within the main cylindrical bag, incorporated into the main cylindrical bag; wherein the inner lining and/or the prepackaged packet is cinched into place and secured initially using two internal side flaps integrated with fasteners; wherein the inner lining can be filled with a granular medium; wherein the prepackaged packet can be filled in with a heavier and denser substrate relative to the granular medium; wherein the inner lining and/or the prepackaged packet are further secured by reinforcement bands sewn unto both ends of the main cylindrical bag; and wherein the reinforcement bands are cinched down using fasteners.
2. The modular handheld weight training apparatus and closure system of claim 1, further comprising: a soft-shell cover that is inserted over the main cylindrical bag; and wherein the soft-shell cover is secured in place using integrated fasteners.
3. The modular handheld weight training apparatus and closure system of claim 2, further comprising a designated area on the soft-shell cover for incorporating a fastening fabric that displays information.
4. The modular handheld weight training apparatus and closure system of claim 1, further comprising: a sleeve capsule constructed from a pliable material and accessible from a top section; wherein the sleeve capsule is accessible from its top section where two main cylindrical bags can be stored side-by-side; wherein the sleeve capsule incorporates cinching belts with fasteners to secure the top section of the sleeve capsule; wherein the sleeve capsule incorporates wrap around flaps with fasteners to secure the single handle of each main cylindrical bag and contents of the sleeve capsule; and wherein the underside of the sleeve capsule incorporates a low-profile handle that runs at its midsection.
5. The modular handheld weight training apparatus and closure system of claim 4, further comprising a designated area on the sleeve capsule for incorporating a fastening fabric that displays information.
6. The modular handheld weight training apparatus and closure system of claim 1, wherein: the inner lining is stitched shut on three of its sides running continuously; the inner lining is turned inside out reversing the stitching so that it no longer is visible to the user; the inner lining incorporates a set of funnel walls that extend into the inner lining creating two lips; the two lips are integrated with complementary fasteners that when closed shut, keep the funnel closed from the outside environment; the lips remain shut as the granular medium provides negative pressure unto the set of funnel walls extending into the inner lining; and the set of funnel walls extending out of the inner lining incorporates a set of complementary fasteners that fold inwards and fasten unto an external part of the inner lining.
7. The modular handheld weight training apparatus and closure system of claim 6, further comprising a designated area on the main cylindrical bag for incorporating a fastening fabric that displays information.
8. The modular handheld weight training apparatus and closure system of claim 1, further comprising: an add-on weight attachment with pockets containing granular medium; and wherein the add-on weight attachment integrates a set of fasteners for securing it unto the main cylindrical bag as the add-on weight is wrapped around the midsection of the main cylindrical bag.
9. The modular handheld weight training apparatus and closure system of claim 8, further comprising a designated area on the add-on weight attachment for incorporating a fastening fabric that displays information.
10. A modular handheld weight training apparatus and closure system, comprising: a main cylindrical bag constructed from a pliable material and accessible from a top section; wherein the main cylindrical bag incorporates a single handle located on the top section that runs at its midsection; wherein the main cylindrical bag opens partially from the top section for placement of an inner lining and/or a prepackaged packet; wherein the main cylindrical bag integrates a series of fasteners for securing contents within the main cylindrical bag; wherein the inner lining and/or the prepackaged packet is cinched into place and secured initially using two internal side flaps integrated with fasteners; wherein the inner lining can be filled with a granular medium; wherein the prepackaged packet can be filled in with a heavier and denser substrate relative to the granular medium; wherein the inner lining and/or the prepackaged packet are further secured by reinforcement bands sewn unto both ends of the main cylindrical bag; and wherein the reinforcement bands are cinched down using fasteners.
11. The modular handheld weight training apparatus and closure system of claim 10, wherein: the inner lining is stitched shut on three of its sides running continuously; the inner lining is turned inside out reversing the stitching so that it no longer is visible to the user; the inner lining incorporates a set of funnel walls that extend into the inner lining creating two lips; the two lips are integrated with complementary fasteners that when closed shut, keep the funnel closed from the outside environment; the lips remain shut as the granular medium provides negative pressure unto the set of funnel walls extending into the inner lining; and the set of funnel walls extending out of the inner lining incorporates a set of complementary fasteners that fold inwards and fasten unto an external part of the inner lining.
12. The modular handheld weight training apparatus and closure system of claim 11, further comprising: a sleeve capsule constructed from a pliable material and accessible from a top section; wherein the sleeve capsule is accessible from its top section where two main cylindrical bags can be stored side-by-side; wherein the sleeve capsule incorporates cinching belts with fasteners to secure the top section of the sleeve capsule; wherein the sleeve capsule incorporates wrap around flaps with fasteners to secure the single handle of each main cylindrical bag and contents of the sleeve capsule; and wherein the underside of the sleeve capsule incorporates a low-profile handle that runs at its midsection.
13. The modular handheld weight training apparatus and closure system of claim 12, further comprising: a soft-shell cover that is inserted over the sleeve capsule; and wherein the soft-shell cover is secured in place using integrated fasteners.
14. The modular handheld weight training apparatus and closure system of claim 13, further comprising a designated area on the soft-shell cover for incorporating a fastening fabric that displays information.
15. The modular handheld weight training apparatus and closure system of claim 12, further comprising a designated area on the sleeve capsule for incorporating a fastening fabric that displays information.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
(1) The invention will be further described by reference to the accompanying drawings wherein:
(2) FIG. 1 is a component view of the invention described showing the modular weight, the add-on weight, the sleeve capsule with two modular weights stored inside and the shell.
(3) FIG. 2 is a front view of the modular weight illustrating the individual parts thereon.
(4) FIG. 3 is a top-down view of the main bag exposing the compartment where the weights are stored in.
(5) FIG. 4 is a top-down view of the main bag being closed shut when the compartment has been filled in.
(6) FIG. 5 is a side view of the main bag as it is being closed using the hook and loop fasteners.
(7) FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view and a planar view of the inner lining illustrating how granular medium can be filled into the inner lining and secured in place with the hook and loop fasteners.
(8) FIG. 7 shows a cross-sectional view and a planar view of the prepackaged packets of the heavier and denser metallic substrate that can be used in conjunction with the inner lining to add weight.
(9) FIG. 8 is an application view of how an inner lining can be filled with a granular medium and combined with a prepackaged packet as both of those parts are inserted into the main bag.
(10) FIG. 9 is an application view of the add-on weight being installed unto the main bag.
(11) FIG. 10 is an application view of how the main bag is secured inside of the shell using the hook and loop fasteners.
(12) FIGS. 11a-11b is an application view showing how the sleeve capsule is used to insert two modular weights inside them to significantly increase the weight of the exercise weight.
(13) FIGS. 12a-12f is an application view showing how the two modular weights are secured in place with use of a series of hook and loop fasteners on the sleeve capsule.
(14) FIGS. 13a-13b shows a finalized view of a bigger modular weight apparatus, with a single handle, that is packed with the lighted modular weights.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
(15) The present invention, as shown in FIG. 1, illustrates one of the modular weights 100, the add-on weight 200, the sleeve capsule 300 and the shell 400.
(16) In one embodiment, the modular handheld weight training apparatus and closure system of this application shows the various components in FIG. 2. The single handle 110 of each modular weight 100 is shown in the midsection. The single handle 110 is made from a rigid tubular substance that is inserted over a thicker material or fabric that the rest of the main bag 104 is made of The single handle 110 can be made of a tubular plastic device or any compatible rigid material such as PVC (polyvinyl chloride), ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) plastic, thermoplastic, plastic, aluminum, steel, wood, a similar pliable tubing material or a similar material that the main bag is made of. The purpose of the single handle 110 is to allow the user to lift the modular weight 100. The single handle 110 is installed in such a way as to keep a lower profile which enables the user to maintain a uniform form in performing their desired exercise. The single handle 110 may have some inherent flexibility built in as the contents of the modular weight 100 are increased by weight. However, the general structure of the modular weight 100 and the single handle 110 do not change regardless of how much weight is added and what type of exercise is conducted. The single handle 110 remains in place and is secured by robust stitching in and around the single handle 110 where the modular weight 100 has reinforcement bands 106 sewn unto the main bag 104. It is contemplated that the embodiments of the modular weight 100 have single or double stitching in order to provide a secure construction.
(17) The modular weight 100 has two reinforcement bands 106 wrapped circumferentially around the modular weight 100, at each end. The reinforcement bands 106 can be made of the same material that the main bag 104 is made of Those materials are heavy-duty but also flexible. Examples of them are: vinyl, nylon, canvas, rubber, nylon or a compatible flexible substance. The two reinforcement bands 106 are then stitched unto the main bag 104. The reinforcement bands 106 have one end which terminates on itself at section 108 which invariably creates a section where a ring 120 can be installed. These rings 120 can be “D-rings” or a square fitted ring which are used as a guide for securing the flap ends 118 of the reinforcement bands 106. The flap ends 118 have a hook and loop type fasteners sewn on the inside part of the flap ends 118 allowing them to fold over and provide closure. The flap ends 118 are inserted through the rings 120, and then folded over for the hook and loop fastener to close the system. That secures the contents of the main bag 104. The rings 120 can be made of a plastic material, a composite material or even a metallic material. Furthermore, the closure mechanisms used can be something other than a traditional hook and loop fastener such as a snap in fastener, button style or any type of system known in the art.
(18) The main bag 104 has an extension flap 112 sewn unto it that extends over the other end of the main bag 104 material. The extension flap 112 overlaps about an inch or two in order to provide further closure in the midsection. Underneath the extension flap 112 a section of a hook 116 is sewn onto it which meets the loop 114 section sewn onto the main bag 104. The hook 116 and loop 114 sections come together to provide closure at the midsection seem.
(19) In FIG. 3, an embodiment of this invention is shown with the main bag 104 exposing the inside compartment. The extension flap 112 shows the underside where the hook 116 section is incorporated on the fabric. Moreover, another hook section 138 and loop section 136 is shown to be incorporated on the inside section of the flap ends 118. The main bag 104 also shows the inside flaps 128 extending from each side of the main bag 104. The inside flaps 128 are used to further secure the contents of the main bag 104 by overlapping on each section of the inside flaps 128 and fastening them together using another set of hook 130 and loop 132 sections (on the opposite side) incorporated on the inside flaps 128. The midsection of the main bag 104 also incorporates a running hook 122a and a running loop 134a along with an extended hook 122b and extended loop 134b to provide for further securing of the one end of the main bag 104 unto itself. On the radial sides of the main bag 104, there exist another set of hooks 126 and loops (not pictured) sections so that when the main bag 104 is closed onto itself, all three sides (midsection, both radial ends) close tightly with a hook and loop fastener. The series of hook and loop fasteners are intended to really dial in and tightly compress the weight inside the main bag 104 which guarantees that the contents of the main bag 104 do not shift around or eject out from a rigorous exercise routine. Because it is envisioned that the main bag 104 can take up to 40 lbs of load, the multiple points of contact are needed by the combination of the hook and loop fasteners in order to allow free movement of the modular weight 100 while keeping the contents secure.
(20) In FIG. 4, the modular weight 100 is shown where the inside flaps 128 are folded over on one another to secure the contents of the main bag 104. The portion where the hook 130 and loop 132 sections fasten together is magnified for illustrative purposes. Furthermore, radially placed hooks 126 and loops 140 are now exposed as the inside flaps 128 are folded over.
(21) After the inside flaps 128 are secured, FIG. 5 depicts how the main bag 104 is completely enclosed using the hooks 122a, 122b with the loops, 134a and 134b. The radial hook 126 and loop 140 are also depicted as being fastened where all three sides (midsection and pair of radial ends) of the main bag 104 are completely fastened.
(22) In this embodiment, the inner lining 172 is depicted through its cross-sectional and planar views in FIG. 6. The inner lining 172 is the main compartment where the weight is inserted by the user. The inner lining 172 can be shaped to be a cylindrical pouch, a rectangular pouch or a square pouch so long as it firmly fits in the main bag 104. The weight inserted within the inner lining 172 can be a granular medium 146 such as sand, rice or some other type of fine or coarse material. Moreover, the granular medium 146 can be mixed in with other substances such as a heaver or denser substrate. The purpose of the inner lining 172 is to contain the weight in a secured state so that the contents do not spill out of the main bag 104. The inner lining 172 is projected to be made of the same material that the main bag 104 is made of, however, it is not limited to those materials. The contents of the inner lining 172 are secured into place by the sewn walls of the inner lining 172 and a series of hook and loop fasteners. For example, in one embodiment, the inner lining 172 has funnel walls 150 that extend from the inner lining 172 and further extend into the inner lining 172 creating lips 148. The set of lips 148 have sewn or incorporated on their inside walls a set of hook 152 and loop 154 fasteners such that when the hook 152 and loop 154 sections meet one another, they create a closing liner. When the user fills the inner lining 172 with the desired content such as a granular medium 146 guided by the funnel walls 150, the hook 152 and loop 154 fastener can then be closed. Because the granular medium 146 provides negative pressure unto the lips 148, the hook 152 and loop 154 fasteners are solidly locked into place. In fact, the more pressure that is applied unto the lips, 148 (indicated by the arrows), the better the hook 152 and loop 154 fastener performs. So, if a user drops the modular weight 100, which contains the inner lining 172, the hook 152 and loop 154 would be engaged further due to this negative pressure applied to the lips 148 virtually guaranteeing that the contents do not spill out from the inner lining 172.
(23) The inner lining 172 has the extending funnel walls 150 with a set of hook 158 and loop 156 sections sewn unto it. The funnel walls 150 are then folded over as indicated by the operations 166 and 168 where the loop 156 meets its designated hook 160 to create a fastener. Likewise, the hook 158 is now fastened, by operation 170, in place using a lining flap 162 which also has a loop 164 sewn on the inside end of the lining flap 162. These series of folds and fastening of the hook and loops guarantees that the excess end of the inner lining 172 is secured in place and the contents within it are guaranteed not to spill out. Moreover, the other ends 144 of the inner lining 172 is sewn together shut so that no material can pass through. Because the inner lining 172 just needs one side to be accessible for filling in at the outset, only the funnel walls 150 can allow for such an access. The other ends 144 are sewn shut throughout the three sides of the inner lining 172. Because this figure illustrates a cross-sectional view, it depicts one end 144. The other two sides are all connected with this end 144 which would otherwise be shown as a connected whole depicting a “U” shape. Nonetheless, the ends 144 that shows the stitching which runs on three sides of the inner lining 172 is then reversed inside out before the contents are filled. In some embodiments, it is projected that the inner lining 172 is only filled with a granular medium 146 and another filled packet (discussed below) can be inserted along with the inner lining 172 into the main bag 104 to increase the weight. In another embodiment, the filled packet is inserted into the inner lining 172 and mixed in with the granular medium 146.
(24) The funnel walls 150 can be varied in size to allow for different materials to pass through and into the inner lining 172. It is contemplated that large sized metal beads, pellets, shavings, bearings or even bars can be inserted into the inner lining 172. In some embodiments, these heavier and denser substrates can be inserted into the inner lining 172 in packaged packets. In FIG. 7, an example of a packet 174 is shown in its cross-sectional and planar views. The packet 174 is already packed with a heavier and denser substrate 178 such as metal beads, bearings, shavings or bars. This substrate 178 can be inserted using the funnel 180 and then the funnel 180 can be folded down in operations 184 and 186 and stitched or sewn at various locations 188. The packet also has the other ends 176 folded and stitched unto itself and the overall packet 174 can be reversed inside out, much like the inner lining 172. Once the packet 174 is stitched on its three sides 176, the whole bag is turned inside out and then the contents filled. The reversing of the stitching provides further security of the packet 174 as well as making it easier to insert and take it out of the inner lining 172 without the packet 174 snagging other materials. After the packet 174 is filled, the other end can be folded down and stitched 188 to guarantee that the contents do not spill out. As stated before, the packet 174 can either be inserted into the inner lining 172 or placed alongside it when inserting it into the main bag 104.
(25) In FIG. 8, the embodiment is depicted as the user is inserting the inner lining 172 along with the packet 174 into the main bag 104. The user fills the inner lining 172 with the desired amount of granular medium 146 and pairs it with the desired packet 174 that he wishes to insert into the main bag 104 with operations 194 and 196. It is contemplated that the user can vary the proportion of the granular medium 146 with the prepackaged packet 174 to make the modular weight 100 heavier or lighter based on the exercise routine. As stated before, the packet 174 can instead be inserted into the inner lining 172 and then with the series of hooks and loops the inner lining 172 can be fastened to secure the contents. Then the combination of the packet 174 and inner lining 172 can be inserted into the main bag 104. The varying of the proportions of the granular medium 146 and the heavier denser metal substrate 178 allows a more flexible exercise equipment. These proportions are shown for example in Table 1, however, different combinations are also contemplated as these numbers are for illustrative purposes only.
(26) TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Total weight Granular Medium Steel Shots Coated Lead Shot (lbs) (lbs) (lbs) (lbs) 10 10 0 0 15 10 5 0 20 10 10 0 25 5 20 0 30 5 25 0 35 5 30 0 40 0 40 0 45 0 10 35 50 0 10 40 55 0 0 55
(27) The heavier and denser substrate 178 contained in the packet 174 can be placed in the inner most part of the inner lining 172 or on top of the inner lining 172 so that when the main bag 104 is dropped unto the floor or unto someone's limb, the force is distributed evenly across the granular medium 146 and the energy is absorbed in uniform fashion. This is how the level of noise is cut down and the impact of the drop does not hurt the user or bystander if it lands on their limbs. Packing the heaver and denser substrate 178 (contained within the packet 174) closer to the middle of the main bag 104 or at the top allows the bottom side, where the granular medium 146 (filled within the inner lining 172) is likely located, to take the brunt of the impact. Furthermore, because the main bag 104 employs various flaps and hook and loop fasteners throughout the modular weight 100, the contents will not shift around and thus the granular medium 146 is likely to stay in place.
(28) In FIG. 9. the add-on weight 202 is shown in various stages of being installed unto the main bag 104. The add-on weight 202 is a flexible pouch filled with some granular substance in the linear pockets 214. The ribbed linear pockets 214 are spaced apart and stitched unto the fabric which secures the contents in place. The add-on weight 202 can be made of the same material that the main bag 104 is made of. The add-on weight 202 also has on one end a hook strip 204 which is met at its companion loop strip 206 when the add-on eight 202 is wrapped around the main bag 104. The add-on weight 202 is draped underneath the single handle 110, wrapped around the main bag 104 and secured in place using the hook strip 204 and loop strip 206 as shown by operation 218. Once this is done, the attachment flap which has a hook section 208 sewn unto it is closed up and fastened in place using the loop section 210 in operation 220. This is to further make sure that if the add-on weight 202 turns or shifts around, the two ends will not come undone. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the add-on weight 202 can have another hook 212 section sewn unto it such that the add-on weight 202 can be collapsed or wrapped around itself and secured using the hook 212 and loop strip 206 for storage purposes. Moreover, either a hook or loop section 216 can be stitched unto the add-on weight 202 and then used as a means to secure a patch of loop or hook fabric, respectively, which can have the gym insignia or weight information of the add-on weights 202. As a variation, the hook or loop 216 section can be a transparent window that enables the user to see the underside of the add-on weight 202 and discern from the main bag 104 what the gym insignia is or its weight information.
(29) The add-on weights 202 are used as a temporary means of increasing the overall weight of the modular weights 100. The incremental weight increase provided by the add-on weights 202 is sometimes what the user needs to add as part of their exercise routine, rather than switching over to another prefilled modular weight 100. Usually, these incremental weight increases can be in the amount of 2.5 lbs, however, the add-on weight 202 can have any weight increment desired by the user.
(30) In FIG. 10, the soft shell 402 is depicted inserting over the main bag 104. The soft shell 402 is intended to cover the main bag 104 and provide some padding when the user exercises with the modular weights 100. The soft shell 402 can be made of some flexible material such as rubber, foam or neoprene. The soft shell has an opening 404 large enough to stretch and fit the main bag 104 into it as shown in operation 414. The soft shell 402 has a closing flap 408 with a hook strip 410 incorporated thereon (outer or inner surface) which can be used to wrap underneath the single handle 110, as shown in operation 416, and fastened unto the loop strip 412. The loop strip 412 can be incorporated unto the outer surface of the soft shell 402 or in the inner surface of the soft shell 402 in the vicinity of the opening 404. The soft shell 402 also has a hook or loop section 406 where either the gym insignia or the weight information can be attached. Alternatively, the hook or loop section 406 can be a transparent window where the gym insignia or weight information can be discerned by the user. It is contemplated that the soft shell 402 can be in various colors and print patterns to suit the gym or the user's needs. Furthermore, the soft shell 402 can come in an enlarged size in order to accommodate fitting of the soft shell 402 unto two modular weights 100 as discussed below.
(31) In FIGS. 11a-11b, the modular weights 100 are depicted where a sleeve capsule 502 surrounds two modular weights 100 in order to significantly increase the weights for a particular exercise. The sleeve capsule 502 is made of similar material that the main bag 104 is made of but has a wider profile in order for two modular weights 100 to fit into it. At first, the user inserts one modular weight 100 into the sleeve capsule 502 on the longer, non-radial side. Then the second modular weight 100 is inserted right next to the other modular weight 100 with both of their single handles 110 being exposed on the top, right next to one another. This operation is indicated by arrows 1 and 2 when the modular weights 100 are inserted into the sleeve capsule 502 and then the side flaps 504 and 506 are wrapped around both modular weights 100. The sleeve capsule 502 has a hook 508 section and a loop 510 section incorporated at the ends of the flaps 504 and 506, respectively.
(32) In FIGS. 12a-12f, the sleeve capsule 502 is closed using a series of extension belts. In all, two extension belts are used. The extension belts 511 that are structurally identical are incorporated at the opening of the sleeve capsule 502 on either end and near the flap 506. These extension belts 511 each have their inside surface stitched with a hook 512 section and a loop 514 section, somewhat spaced apart. Approximately one to two inches of a hook 512 section is followed by a one to two-inch loop 514 section, which is stitched unto the extension belts 511. In between the hook 512 section and the loop 514 section, there can be material of the extension belt 511 or the hook 512 or loop 514 can run the length of the extension belt 511 one after the other. The hook 512 and loop 514 sections facing up are ran through an eyelet 515 sewn unto the opposite end of the sleeve capsule 502 near flap 504, as shown by operation iv. The user then pulls the extension belts 511 tightly through the eyelets 515 so the sleeve capsule 502 further hugs the modular weights 100 and cinches it down tight. Once the extension belts 511 are tightly pulled where no slack remains, the hook 512 and loop 514 sections are closed on one another, fastening them together as shown in operation v. Once the hook 512 and loop 514 section are fastened together, the extension belt 511 outside surface is exposed to the user. About a two-inch section of the extension belt 511 is visible at that point which also has a hook section 516 sewn unto it. On the extension belt 511 towards the end facing the flap 506, a security cover 517 is sewn unto the sleeve capsule 502 where the extension belt 511 terminates. The inside part of the security cover 517 is also stitched with a loop section 518. The hook section 516 and loop section 518 are then closed together, as shown in operation vi, to completely fasten the extension belts 511, ensuring that any impact will not let the extension belts 511 come undone. As a redundancy measure, two horizontal flaps 523 have complementing hook 524 and loop 525 sewn unto the horizontal flaps 523. The user can bring the hook 524 and loop 525 sections together and close it shut as shown in operations vii and viii.
(33) At this point, both extension belts 511 are completely cinched down and secured in place using the sets of hook and loops as described. However, the midsection where the flap 506 and flap 504 meet for the hook 510 and loop 508 to fasten have a two handle flaps 520 that need to be secured. These handle flaps 520 have a hook 521 and loop 522 sections sewn unto them in order to fasten them together. Either handle flap 520 can have the hook 521 or loop 522 on either in the inside or outside surface of the handle flap 520 so long as the opposite end is structured so that the handle flaps 520 meet and fasten together. Once the handle flaps 520 wrap around the two single handles 110 of each modular weight 100, as shown in operations ii and iii, the hook 521 and loop 522 are fastened together to keep the single handles 110 together.
(34) In FIGS. 13a-13b, the modular weights 100 are depicted to show the two modular weights 100 inserted into the sleeve capsule 502. In this rendition, two 40 lb modular weights 100 are conjoined to makeup a large modular weight 600. The modular weight 600 is then turned over to expose a unitary handle 602. The unitary handle 602 is made of the same material that the single handle 110 is made of. The unitary handle 602 is constructed so to keep the same type of low profile as any individual modular weight 100 so that the kinematics of the exercise routine are not affected. As indicated above, a larger sized soft shell 402 can be used to cover the large modular weight 600. Moreover, the side of the large modular weight 600 has a section sewn with a hook or loop patch 604 allowing the user to install insignia of the gym and/or information regarding the weight of the large modular weight 600. Furthermore, another hook or loop section 606 is incorporated to allow the user to fold up the sleeve capsule 502 and store it once it is no longer used.
(35) This detailed description has been provided only for illustrative purposes. It is recognized that other embodiments maybe articulated without departing from the objects and scope of the present invention. Any such modifications and variations are meant to be within the scope of the invention as contained within the following claims.
