Weighted exercise device

Abstract

A weighted exercise device having a pliable cover, and a displaceable fill material located within the cover, such that the overall device exhibits some degree of malleability and deformability while still substantially retaining its intended shape. Embodiments generally include bulbous or otherwise enlarged ends that are separated but connected by an intermediate portion of lesser cross-sectional dimension, which intermediate portion may have an arcuate shape. Weighted exercise device embodiments remain malleable after filling but retain a contoured and ergonomic shape that facilitates retention between the limbs or by the hands of a user during exercise.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A weighted exercise device, comprising:
 a pliable cover having a shape that includes spaced apart, bulbous end portions that are separated but connected by an arcuate intermediate portion; and   a fill material located in a sealed manner within the cover;   wherein, the device exhibits a degree of malleability and deformability, but substantially retains the shape of the cover.   
     
     
         2 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the cover is comprised of a thermoplastic elastomer shell. 
     
     
         3 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the fill material is a displaceable material and is selected from the group consisting of sand, crushed shells, metallic pellets, and combinations thereof. 
     
     
         4 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the cover further includes a port through which the fill material may be introduced, and a sealing element for sealing the port. 
     
     
         5 . The device of  claim 1 , further comprising internal bracing within the cover in a form selected from the group consisting of spines, bulk heads, webbing, and combinations thereof. 
     
     
         6 . The device of  claim 1 , further comprising a reinforcing rod or tube that traverse the interior of the intermediate portion of the cover. 
     
     
         7 . The device of  claim 1 , further comprising texturing on an exterior surface of the cover. 
     
     
         8 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the overall length of the device is between about 6-10 inches, and the diameter of the intermediate portion is between about 2-3 inches. 
     
     
         9 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the hardness of the device is between approximately 80-90 on the Shore A scale. 
     
     
         10 . A set of weighted exercise devices of different weights, each weighted exercise device comprising:
 a pliable cover having a shape that includes spaced apart, bulbous end portions that are separated but connected by an arcuate intermediate portion; and   a fill material located in a sealed manner within the cover;   wherein, each device exhibits a degree of malleability and deformability, but substantially retains the shape of its cover.   
     
     
         11 . The set of  claim 10 , wherein the cover of one or more of the weighted exercise devices is comprised of a thermoplastic elastomer, and the fill material is a displaceable material selected from the group consisting of sand, crushed shells, metallic pellets, and combinations thereof. 
     
     
         12 . The set of  claim 10 , further comprising internal bracing within the cover of one or more of the weighted exercise devices, the internal bracing in a form selected from the group consisting of spines, bulk heads, webbing, and combinations thereof. 
     
     
         13 . The set of  claim 10 , further comprising texturing on an exterior surface of the cover of one or more of the weighted exercise devices. 
     
     
         14 . The set of  claim 10 , wherein at least some of the weighted exercise devices have the same volume, despite being of different weights. 
     
     
         15 . The set of  claim 14 , wherein at least the weighted exercise devices of like volume are color coded to indicate the weight thereof. 
     
     
         16 . The set of  claim 10 , wherein the volumes of the weighted exercise devices differ with the differing weights thereof. 
     
     
         17 . A weighted exercise device kit, comprising:
 a pliable cover having a shape that includes spaced apart, bulbous end portions that are separated but connected by an arcuate intermediate portion;   an opening in the cover through which a fill material may be introduced;   a sealing element for sealing the opening in the cover; and   instructions providing the amount of one or more fill materials to be added to the cover to produce a device of a given weight;   wherein, after filling the cover, the device will exhibit a degree of malleability and deformability, but will substantially retain the shape of the cover.   
     
     
         18 . The kit of  claim 17 , wherein the cover is comprised of a rotational molded thermoplastic elastomer shell. 
     
     
         19 . The kit of  claim 17 , wherein the fill material is a displaceable material selected from the group consisting of sand, crushed shells, metallic pellets, and combinations thereof. 
     
     
         20 . The kit of  claim 1 , wherein a plurality of covers are provided and the instructions advise how to create a set of weighted exercise devices of different weights using particular fill materials or combinations of fill materials.