cyclone sack

Abstract

Bag (210) configured for filling with a filling material and comprising the following: a shell (12) comprising a central body section (212) and opposing upper and lower ends (216, 217) connected to the central body section (212), wherein the central body section (212) and the upper and lower ends (216, 217) of the shell (12) together define and enclose an inner cavity (21) configured to receive the filling material, wherein the central body section (212) has a tapered shape such that at least one of a minimum width and a circumference of the central body section (212) is smaller at the lower end (216) and larger at the upper end (217), and the lower end (216) is smaller than the upper end (217), and wherein the shell (12) has an opening (24) providing access to the inner cavity (21).

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application is a non-provisional application and claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 544,973, filed August 14, 2017, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 544,957, filed August 14, 2017, and also claims priority to U.S. Design Patent Application No. 29 / 651,235, filed April 19, 2018, U.S. Design Patent Application No. 29 / 638,918, filed March 1, 2018, and U.S. Design Patent Application No. 29 / 647,410, filed May 11, 2018, all of which prior applications are incorporated herein by reference and made a part hereof. BACKGROUND OF REVELATION 1. Area of ​​Revelation

[0002] The disclosure relates generally to weight lifting equipment and, more particularly, to a weight bag for use in various weight lifting and other exercises. 2. State of the art

[0003] The use of various equipment in weightlifting and general training is well known in the art. Many of these exercises and lifts generally involve a rigid or solid weight connected to a handle, bar, or cable and pulley system. Such equipment includes, for example, lat pulldown machines, barbells, kettlebells, dumbbells, and the like.

[0004] Increasingly, however, dynamic or shape-changing devices are being used. These devices include, without limitation, shape-changing platforms, such as hemispherical structures that are semi-rigid, inflatable structures, and the like. Other such devices include balls or bags that can be lifted, carried, thrown, or otherwise manipulated.

[0005] The problem is that these non-rigid, flexible devices are often subjected to unpredictable forces and uneven loading depending on how they are handled and / or gripped, dropped, or otherwise impacted. At the same time, the materials from which such devices are made are generally flexible by definition and can change shape. Furthermore, when using a handle or similar device, the connection between the handle and the bag is problematic and often leads to wear, tear, and defects in the bag. For example, holes, tears, breaks, and the like often form near the seams or other connections between the handle and the bag parts, as stress concentrations occur at such locations. SUMMARY

[0006] The disclosure generally relates to various embodiments of a bag having an outer shell defining an internal cavity configured to receive a fill material for forming a weighted bag. Any of the embodiments described herein may further include an inner bag positioned within the internal cavity and connected to an inner surface of the shell, and configured to be filled with the fill material, e.g., by communicating with an opening in the shell.

[0007] Aspects of the disclosure relate to a bag configured for filling with a filling material, comprising a shell having a cylindrical portion with a circular cylindrical shape and opposite circular ends connected to the cylindrical portion, the cylindrical portion and the ends of the shell together defining and enclosing an interior cavity, and the shell having an opening providing access to the interior cavity and a closure mechanism configured to selectively open and close the opening, an inner bag positioned within the interior cavity and connected to an interior surface of the shell, a filling mechanism, and a handle assembly. The inner bag is in communication with the opening and is configured to be filled with the filling material through the opening.The filling mechanism comprises a funnel having a proximal end connected to the inner surface of the sheath and a distal end defining an inlet communicating with the inner sack, the funnel being flexible and configured to be extendable by extending the distal end outwardly through the opening to fill the filling material through the opening into the inner sack, and collapsible by folding the funnel within the opening.The filling mechanism further comprises a funnel closure and a funnel securing structure, wherein the funnel closure has a first engagement portion and a second engagement portion positioned on inner surfaces of opposite sides of the funnel proximate the distal end and configured to releasably engage with each other to close the inlet, and the funnel securing structure has a first securing element and a second securing element positioned on outer surfaces of the funnel at different distances from the distal end, the first and second securing elements being configured to releasably engage with each other to secure the funnel in a collapsed position.The handle assembly includes a handle configured to be grasped by a user, and first and second strap portions engaging the handle and extending from the handle to engage the cylindrical portion of the sleeve. The first strap portion extends in a first circumferential direction around at least a first portion of a circumference of the cylindrical portion, and the second strap portion extends in a second circumferential direction around at least a second portion of the circumference of the cylindrical portion. The opening may, in one embodiment, be defined in the cylindrical portion of the sleeve, but may also be located in a different portion of the sleeve.

[0008] In one aspect, the first and second strap portions are in non-tight engagement with the handle and / or non-tight engagement with the sheath.

[0009] In another aspect, the handle has a central passage, and the first and second strap portions extend into the central passage of the handle.

[0010] According to another aspect, the filling mechanism further comprises a pair of handles mounted on opposite sides of the funnel near the distal end and configured for gripping by the user.

[0011] According to a further aspect, the first and second strap portions extend together around the entire circumference of the cylindrical portion and are joined together at a junction to form a circumferential strap that engages the handle.

[0012] According to another aspect, the cylindrical portion of the sleeve is formed by a single cylindrical panel of a fabric material, and each of the opposite ends is formed by a single circular panel of the fabric material.

[0013] Further aspects of the disclosure relate to a bag comprising a shell having a cylindrical portion having a circular cylindrical shape and opposite ends connected to the cylindrical portion and each having a circular shape, wherein the cylindrical portion and the ends of the shell together define and enclose an internal cavity, and wherein the shell has an opening providing access to the internal cavity and a closure mechanism configured to selectively open and close the opening, and further comprising an inner bag positioned within the internal cavity and connected to an internal surface of the shell, the inner bag communicating with the opening and configured to be filled with the filling material through the opening, a filling mechanism, and a handle assembly.The filling mechanism comprises a funnel having a proximal end connected to the inner surface of the sheath and a distal end defining an inlet communicating with the inner sack, the funnel being flexible and configured to be extendable by extending the distal end outwardly through the opening to fill the filling material through the opening into the inner sack, and collapsible by folding the funnel within the opening.The filling mechanism further comprises a funnel closure and a funnel securing structure, wherein the funnel closure has a first engagement portion and a second engagement portion positioned on inner surfaces of opposite sides of the funnel proximate the distal end and configured to releasably engage with each other to close the inlet, and the funnel securing structure has a first securing element and a second securing element positioned on outer surfaces of the funnel at different distances from the distal end, wherein the first and second securing elements are configured to releasably engage with each other to secure the funnel in a collapsed position.The handle assembly includes a handle configured to be grasped by a user, and first and second strap portions engaging the handle and extending from a first end of the handle to engage the cylindrical portion of the sleeve. The first strap portion extends around the circumference of at least a first portion of the cylindrical portion, and the second strap portion extends around the circumference of at least a second portion of the cylindrical portion, wherein the first strap portion and the second strap portion are parts of a continuous strap extending through the handle from the first end to the second end. The opening may, in one embodiment, be defined in the cylindrical portion of the sleeve, but may also be located in a different portion of the sleeve.

[0014] In one aspect, the first and second strap portions are in non-tight engagement with the handle and / or in non-tight engagement with the sheath.

[0015] According to another aspect, the cylindrical portion of the sleeve is formed by a single cylindrical panel of a fabric material, and each of the opposite ends is formed by a single circular panel of the fabric material.

[0016] In another aspect, the continuous strap may be a single, integrated strap extending through the handle from the first end to the second end.

[0017] Further aspects of the disclosure relate to a bag comprising a shell having a cylindrical portion, a first end, and a second end opposite the first end, wherein the cylindrical portion and the first and second ends of the shell together define and enclose an internal cavity configured to receive the filler material, and wherein the shell has an opening providing access to the internal cavity to fill the filler material into the internal cavity, and further comprising a handle assembly.The handle assembly includes a handle configured to be grasped by a user, a first peripheral strap engaged with the handle and extending peripherally from the handle around the cylindrical portion proximate the first end to engage the sheath, and a second peripheral strap engaged with the handle and extending peripherally from the handle around the cylindrical portion proximate the second end to engage the sheath. The handle assembly further includes a central strap extending from the handle around the first end, a portion of the cylindrical portion, and the second end to engage the sheath.

[0018] In one aspect, the cylindrical portion has a circular cylindrical shape, the first and second ends are circular, and the first and second peripheral belts are circumferential belts extending around a circumference of the cylindrical portion.

[0019] According to another aspect, the first peripheral strap extends from a first end of the handle in first and second opposite peripheral directions, the second peripheral strap extends from a second end of the handle opposite the first end in the first and second peripheral directions, and the central strap extends from the first end and the second end of the handle.

[0020] In another aspect, the handle is positioned over a top surface of the case and the central strap extends over the portion of the cylindrical portion on a bottom surface of the case.

[0021] According to another aspect, the first peripheral strap comprises a first strap portion extending from the handle in a first peripheral direction and a second strap portion extending from the handle in a second peripheral direction opposite the first peripheral direction, the first and second strap portions being joined at a first junction spaced from the handle to form the first peripheral strap. In this embodiment, the second peripheral strap comprises a third strap portion extending from the handle in the first peripheral direction and a fourth strap portion extending from the handle in the second peripheral direction, the third and fourth strap portions being joined at a second junction spaced from the handle to form the second peripheral strap.

[0022] In an additional aspect, the first peripheral strap, the second peripheral strap, and the central strap are all non-rigidly engaged with the sheath and movable relative to the sheath. In one embodiment, the first end of the sheath has a first slot and the second end of the sheath has a second slot, and the central strap extends through the first slot and the second slot to maintain the central strap in non-rigid engagement with the sheath.The bag may further include a first support structure having a first channel extending at least partially circumferentially around the cylindrical portion proximate the first end and a second support structure having a second channel extending at least partially circumferentially around the cylindrical portion proximate the second end, wherein the first circumferential strap extends through the first channel and the second circumferential strap extends through the second channel to hold the first and second circumferential straps in non-tight engagement with the shell.

[0023] Still further aspects of the disclosure relate to a bag configured to be filled with a fill material, comprising a shell having a cylindrical portion having a circular cylindrical shape and first and opposite second ends connected to the cylindrical portion and each having a circular shape, wherein the cylindrical portion and the first and second ends of the shell together define and enclose an interior cavity configured to receive the fill material, and wherein the shell has an opening providing access to the interior cavity to fill the fill material into the interior cavity, and a handle assembly and first and second loop assemblies engaging the handle and the shell.The handle assembly includes a handle configured to be grasped by a user and having a first and opposite second handle end, a first circumferential strap engaged with the handle and extending from the first handle end around a circumference of the cylindrical portion proximate the first handle end to engage the sheath, and a second circumferential strap engaged with the handle and extending from the second handle end around the circumference of the cylindrical portion proximate the second handle end to engage the sheath.The first loop assembly defines a first channel extending at least partially around the circumference of the cylindrical portion proximate the first end and includes a plurality of first cross-mounts extending across the first channel, wherein the first circumferential strap is received in the first channel and the first cross-mounts engage the first circumferential strap to hold the first circumferential strap in non-tight engagement with the sheath. The second loop assembly defines a second channel extending at least partially around the circumference of the cylindrical portion proximate the second end and includes a plurality of second cross-mounts extending across the second channel, wherein the second circumferential strap is received in the second channel and the second cross-mounts engage the second circumferential strap to hold the second circumferential strap in non-tight engagement with the sheath.

[0024] According to one aspect, the first circumferential strap comprises a first strap portion extending from the first handle end in a first circumferential direction and a second strap portion extending from the first handle end in a second circumferential direction opposite the first peripheral direction, the first and second strap portions being joined at a first junction spaced from the handle to form the first circumferential strap. The second circumferential strap comprises a third strap portion extending from the second handle end in the first circumferential direction and a fourth strap portion extending from the second handle end in the second circumferential direction, the third and fourth strap portions being joined at a second junction spaced from the handle to form the second circumferential strap.In one embodiment, the first strap portion and the third strap portion are formed as a first one-piece strap extending through the handle from the first handle end to the second handle end, and the second strap portion and the fourth strap portion are formed as a second one-piece strap extending through the handle from the first handle end to the second handle end.

[0025] According to another aspect, the first cross supports are arranged in a first alternating pattern and extend at oblique angles across the first channel, and the second cross supports are arranged in a second alternating pattern and extend at oblique angles across the second channel. In one embodiment, the first cross supports and the second cross supports form triangular gaps between adjacent cross supports of the first cross supports and the second cross supports. In an additional embodiment, each of the first cross supports overlaps with adjacent first cross supports, and each of the second cross supports overlaps with adjacent second cross supports.In a further embodiment, all of the plurality of first transverse supports are connected to the shell along first and second continuous circumferential seams that are spaced apart from each other and located on opposite sides of the first channel, and all of the plurality of second transverse supports are connected to the shell along third and fourth continuous circumferential seams that are spaced apart from each other and located on opposite sides of the second channel.In this or another embodiment, the first loop assembly may further include a first circumferential fastener connected to the sleeve and extending at least partially around the sleeve between the first transverse fasteners and the sleeve such that the first channel is defined between the first transverse fasteners and the first circumferential fastener, and the second loop assembly may further include a second circumferential fastener connected to the sleeve and extending at least partially around the sleeve between the second transverse fasteners and the sleeve such that the second channel is defined between the second transverse fasteners and the second circumferential fastener. In this embodiment, the first and second continuous circumferential seams may also connect the first circumferential fastener to the sleeve, and the third and fourth continuous circumferential seams may also connect the second circumferential fastener to the sleeve.In a further embodiment, the first and second transverse supports are aligned such that adjacent first transverse supports and adjacent second transverse supports have an angle of 60-70° to each other.

[0026] Other aspects of the disclosure relate to a bag configured to be filled with a fill material, comprising a shell having a cylindrical portion with a circular cylindrical shape and first and opposite second ends connected to the cylindrical portion and each having a circular shape, wherein the cylindrical portion and the first and second ends of the shell together define and enclose an interior cavity configured to receive the fill material, and wherein the shell has an opening providing access to the interior cavity to fill the fill material into the interior cavity, and a handle assembly and first and second retaining structures engaging the handle and the shell.The handle assembly includes a handle configured to be grasped by a user and having first and second opposite handle ends, a first circumferential strap engaged with the handle and extending from the first handle end at least partially around a circumference of the cylindrical portion proximate the first handle end to engage the sheath, and a second circumferential strap engaged with the handle and extending from the second handle end at least partially around the circumference of the cylindrical portion proximate the second handle end to engage the sheath. The first support structure includes a first channel extending at least partially around the circumference of the cylindrical portion proximate the first end, the first circumferential strap extending through the first channel to maintain the first circumferential strap in non-tight engagement with the sheath.The second support structure includes a second channel extending at least partially around the circumference of the cylindrical portion proximate the second end, wherein the second circumferential strap extends through the second channel to hold the second circumferential strap in non-tight engagement with the shell.

[0027] According to one aspect, the first circumferential strap comprises a first strap portion extending from the first handle end in a first circumferential direction and a second strap portion extending from the first handle end in a second circumferential direction opposite the first peripheral direction, the first and second strap portions being joined at a first junction spaced from the handle to form the first circumferential strap. The second circumferential strap comprises a third strap portion extending from the second handle end in the first circumferential direction and a fourth strap portion extending from the second handle end in the second circumferential direction, the third and fourth strap portions being joined at a second junction spaced from the handle to form the second circumferential strap.In one embodiment, the first strap portion and the third strap portion are formed as a first one-piece strap extending through the handle from the first handle end to the second handle end, and the second strap portion and the fourth strap portion are formed as a second one-piece strap extending through the handle from the first handle end to the second handle end.

[0028] According to another aspect, the first support structure comprises a plurality of first transverse supports extending across the first channel such that the first transverse supports engage the first circumferential strap to hold the first circumferential strap in non-tight engagement with the shell, and the second support structure comprises a plurality of second transverse supports extending across the second channel such that the second transverse supports engage the second circumferential strap to hold the second circumferential strap in non-tight engagement with the shell.

[0029] According to another aspect, the first cross supports are arranged in a first alternating pattern and extend at oblique angles across the first channel, and the second cross supports are arranged in a second alternating pattern and extend at oblique angles across the second channel.

[0030] Other aspects of the disclosure relate to a bag configured to be filled with a fill material, comprising a shell having a cylindrical portion having a circular cylindrical shape and first and opposite second ends connected to the cylindrical portion and each having a circular shape, wherein the cylindrical portion and the first and second ends of the shell together define and enclose an internal cavity configured to receive the fill material, the shell having an opening providing access to the internal cavity to fill the fill material into the internal cavity, and a handle assembly engaging the shell.The first end comprises a first outer panel on an outer surface of the sleeve and a first inner panel on an inner surface of the sleeve, with a first slit defined between the first outer and inner panels, and the second end comprises a second outer panel on the outer surface of the sleeve and a second inner panel on the inner surface of the sleeve, with a second slit defined between the second outer and inner panels. The handle assembly includes a handle configured to be grasped by a user and having first and second opposite handle ends, and a central strap engaged with the handle and extending from the first handle end around the first end of the sleeve and through the first slit, over a bottom surface of the cylindrical portion, around the second end of the sleeve and through the second slit.The central strap extends through the first and second slots and holds the central strap in loose engagement with the case.

[0031] In one aspect, the central strap comprises a first strap portion extending from the first handle end around the first end of the sleeve and through the first slot and at least partially over the underside of the sleeve, and a second strap portion extending from the second handle end around the second end of the sleeve and through the second slot and at least partially over the underside of the sleeve, the first and second strap portions being joined at a junction spaced from the handle to form the central strap. In one embodiment, the first strap portion and the second strap portion are formed as a single, one-piece strap extending through the handle from the first handle end to the second handle end.

[0032] In another aspect, the first slot has a first upper opening and a first lower opening in the first outer panel such that the central strap extends through the first upper and lower openings, and the second slot has a second upper opening and a second lower opening in the second outer panel such that the central strap extends through the second upper and lower openings.

[0033] Other aspects of the disclosure relate to a bag configured for filling with a fill material, comprising a shell having a central body portion and upper and opposite lower ends connected to the central body portion, wherein the central body portion and the upper and lower ends of the shell together define and enclose an internal cavity configured to receive the fill material. The central body portion has a tapered shape such that at least one of a minimum width and a circumference of the central body portion is smaller at the lower end and larger at the upper end, and the lower end is smaller than the upper end, and wherein the shell has an opening providing access to the internal cavity.

[0034] In one aspect, the central body portion has a frustoconical shape and the upper and lower ends are circular such that the minimum width of the central body portion is a diameter and the circumference of the central body portion is a circumference of a circle.

[0035] According to another aspect, a ratio between a minimum width of the upper end and a minimum width of the lower end is 1.25:1 to 2:1. In one embodiment, the ratio between the minimum width of the upper end and the minimum width of the lower end is 1.5:1 to 1.75:1.

[0036] According to another aspect, a ratio between a surface area of ​​the upper end and a surface area of ​​the lower end is 1.5:1 to 4:1. In one embodiment, the ratio between the surface area of ​​the upper end and the surface area of ​​the lower end is 2.25:1 to 3:1.

[0037] According to another aspect, the central body portion has a taper angle of 6-10° relative to a central axis of the bag. In one embodiment, the taper angle of the central body portion relative to the central axis of the bag is 7-9°.

[0038] According to a further aspect, the central body portion has a cross-sectional area orthogonal to the central axis of the bag that is smaller at the lower end and larger at the upper end.

[0039] Other aspects of the disclosure relate to a bag configured to be filled with a fill material and comprising a shell having a central body portion that is elongated between a first and opposite second end and has a top and a bottom extending between the first and second ends, wherein the central body portion and the first and second ends of the shell together define and enclose an interior cavity configured to receive the fill material, and wherein the shell has an opening providing access to the interior cavity and a closure mechanism configured to selectively open and close the opening, and a handle assembly engaging the shell.The handle assembly includes a first gripping member connected to the sleeve proximate a first connection point between the top surface and the first end, and a second gripping member connected to the sleeve proximate a second connection point between the top surface and the second end. The first gripping member extends outwardly from the sleeve at an oblique angle to at least one of the top surface, the first end, and the lateral centerline, and the second gripping member extends outwardly from the sleeve at an oblique angle to at least one of the top surface, the second end, and the lateral centerline.

[0040] According to one aspect, the first gripping element comprises a first loop whose ends are connected to the front and back of the cover, and the second gripping element comprises a second loop whose ends are connected to the front and back of the cover.

[0041] In another aspect, the sleeve is formed from a single fabric panel extending around the front and back of the sleeve and joined to itself by seams at the first and second ends and a side seam extending between the first and second ends. In one embodiment, the side seam extends across the back of the sleeve, and the opening is defined on the front of the sleeve.

[0042] According to another aspect, the handle assembly further comprises a first base connected to the sleeve and extending across the front and back of the sleeve and having a first crossing portion extending across the top between the front and back near a first connection point between the top and the first end, and a second base connected to the sleeve and extending across the front and back and having a second crossing portion extending across the top between the front and back near a second connection point between the top and the second end. The first gripping member is connected to the first base and extends outwardly from the first base, and the second gripping member is connected to the second base and extends outwardly from the second base.In one embodiment, the first crossing portion has a first inner edge and the second crossing portion has a second inner edge, and the first and second inner edges each form an angle of 80-100° with the top surface of the shell.

[0043] According to another aspect, the shell has a rectangular shape defined by the top, the bottom, and the first and second ends, and / or the shell is configured to have an oval shape when viewed from the first or second end when filled.

[0044] According to another aspect, the sleeve has a length measured between the first and second ends and a height measured between the top and bottom, and the length is at least twice the height.

[0045] Other aspects of the disclosure relate to a bag configured to be filled with a fill material and comprising a shell having a front and a back, a central body portion, and first and opposite second ends, the central body portion having a top and a bottom extending between the first and second ends, the central body portion and the first and second ends of the shell together defining and enclosing an interior cavity configured to receive the fill material, and the shell having an opening providing access to the interior cavity and a handle assembly engaging the shell.The handle assembly includes a first base connected to the sleeve and extending across the front and back surfaces and having a first crossing portion extending across the top surface between the front and back surfaces proximate a first connection point between the top surface and the first end, a first gripping member connected to the first base and extending outwardly from the first base, a second base connected to the sleeve and extending across the front and back surfaces and having a second crossing portion extending across the top surface between the front and back surfaces proximate a second connection point between the top surface and the second end, and a second gripping member connected to the second base and extending outwardly from the second base.The first crossing portion has a first inner edge and the second crossing portion has a second inner edge, and the first and second inner edges each form an angle of 80-100° with the top of the shell.

[0046] In one aspect, the first base further comprises a first front angle portion extending on the front side of the shell at oblique angles to the first end and top of the shell to the top of the shell, and a first rear angle portion extending on the rear side of the shell at oblique angles to the first end and top of the shell to the top of the shell, wherein the first intersection portion extends between the first front angle portion and the first rear angle portion. In one embodiment, the first front angle portion extends on the front side of the shell from the first end to the top of the shell, and the first rear angle portion extends on the rear side of the shell from the first end to the top of the shell.In an additional embodiment, the second base further comprises a second front angle portion extending on the front side of the shell from the second end to the top of the shell at oblique angles to the second end and the top of the shell, and a second rear angle portion extending on the rear side of the shell from the second end to the top of the shell at oblique angles to the second end and the top of the shell, wherein the second crossing portion extends between the second front angle portion and the second rear angle portion. In a further embodiment, the first crossing portion forms connecting angles of 110-140° with the first front angle portion and the first rear angle portion.In a further embodiment, the first crossing portion has a first width between the first inner edge and a first outer edge of the first crossing portion, and the first front angle portion and the first rear angle portion have widths defined between their inner and outer edges, the first width being smaller than the widths of the first front angle portion and the first rear angle portion. In yet another embodiment, the first base is formed from a continuous panel of fabric, and the first base is folded over itself at the first crossing portion such that a first surface of the continuous panel of fabric forms an outer surface of the first front angle portion and an inner surface of the first rear angle portion.

[0047] In another aspect, the sleeve has a lateral centerline extending between the first and second ends, the first gripping element extending from the first base at an oblique angle outwardly to at least one of the top, the first end, and the lateral centerline, and the second gripping element extending from the first base at an oblique angle outwardly to at least one of the top, the second end, and the lateral centerline.

[0048] According to another aspect, the first gripping element comprises a first loop whose ends are connected to the first base at the front and back of the cover, and the second gripping element comprises a second loop whose ends are connected to the second base at the front and back of the cover.

[0049] In another aspect, the sleeve is formed from a single fabric panel extending around the front and back sides and joined to itself by seams at the first and second ends and a side seam extending between the first and second ends. In one embodiment, the side seam extends across the back of the sleeve, and the opening is defined on the front of the sleeve.

[0050] According to another aspect, the shell has a rectangular shape defined by the top, the bottom, and the first and second ends, and / or the shell is configured to have an oval shape when viewed from the first or second end when filled.

[0051] Further features and advantages of the disclosure will become apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0052] The disclosure will now be described with reference to the drawings, in which: Fig. 1 is a front perspective view of an embodiment of a weight bag according to aspects disclosed herein; Fig. 2 a front view of the weight bag from Fig. 1 is; Fig. 3 a rear view of the weight bag from Fig. 1 is; Fig. 4 a bottom view of the weight bag from Fig. 1 is; Fig. 5 a bottom view of the weight bag from Fig. 1 is; Fig. 6 a cross-sectional view of the weight bag from Fig. 1 along a central plane with a filling mechanism in the form of a funnel protruding from the weight bag and a filling material with which the weight bag is filled; Fig. 7 a cross-sectional view of the weight bag from Fig. 6, wherein the funnel is in a partially folded configuration; Fig. 8 a cross-sectional view of the weight bag from Fig. 6, with the funnel in a fully folded configuration; Fig. 9 is a front perspective view of another embodiment of a weight bag according to aspects disclosed herein; Fig. 10 a perspective front view of the weight bag from Fig. 9, wherein a releasable cover of the bag has been moved to expose an opening of the bag; Fig. 10A is a front perspective view of the weight bag of Fig. 9 from the bottom; Fig. 11 a front view of the weight bag from Fig. 9 is; Fig. 12 is a rear perspective view of another embodiment of a weight bag according to aspects disclosed herein; Fig. 13 a rear view of the weight bag from Fig. 12 is; Fig. 14 a front view of the weight bag from Fig. 12 is; Fig. 15 a side view of the weight bag from Fig. 12 from the right; Fig. 16 a side view of the weight bag from Fig. 12 from the left; Fig. 17 an enlarged view of a part of the weight bag from Fig. 13 is; and Fig. 18 an enlarged view of a part of the weight bag from Fig. 14 is. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF REVELATION

[0053] While this disclosure may be embodied in many different forms, one or more specific embodiments are illustrated in the drawings and described in detail herein, it being understood that the present disclosure is to be considered as exemplary and is not intended to be limited to the illustrated embodiment(s).

[0054] It is understood that identical or analogous elements and / or components referred to herein may be designated by the same reference numerals throughout the drawings. Furthermore, it is understood that the drawings are merely schematic representations of the invention and that some components may be deviated from actual scale for clarity.

[0055] In the drawings and especially in the Fig. 1-8, a weight bag with a handle for weightlifting is generally shown at reference numeral 10. The weight bag 10 includes an outer shell 12 and a handle assembly 14. The handle assembly 14 is connected to the outer shell 12 at two or more points along the weight bag 10, for example, by a strap assembly 70 as described herein. The weight bag 10, as shown in FIGS. Fig. 1-8, is configured for weightlifting and similar exercises and can be lifted, carried, thrown, dropped, and otherwise used to improve strength, mobility, and the like.

[0056] The Fig. 1-8 includes one or more fabric panels 20 connected by one or more seams 22 and an opening 24 having a sleeve closure member 26. Each of the fabric panels 20 has an inner surface 31 defining an interior cavity 21 configured to receive a fill material 16 and an outer surface 32 opposite the inner surface 31. The sleeve 12 has a top surface 38 and a bottom surface 39 such that the opening 24 is located on the top surface 38 and the bag 10 is configured to rest on the bottom surface 39. It should be understood that the top surface 38 and the bottom surface 39 are relative terms that depend on the orientation of the bag 10.

[0057] It should be understood that the inner surface 31 and outer surface 32 of the fabric panels 20 may be defined by one or more surface layers, which may be composed of substantially the same or different materials. Generally, these are designs having two or more layers bonded together. In the illustrated design, the fabric panels are shown as individual pieces, but it should be understood that they may represent multiple layers of material. In one embodiment, the fabric panels 20 are of a two-layer construction, with the outer and inner layers being composed of different grades of ballistic nylon fabric (the outer surface being 1000 denier and the inner surface being 500 denier). Of course, other designs are also possible.

[0058] With reference to the example design of the outer shell 12 in the Fig. 1-8, the fabric panels 20 include at least two opposing end fabric panels 50 and a central body fabric panel 58. Each end fabric panel 50 has an outer fabric panel 51, an inner fabric panel 52, and a slit 57 defined between the inner and outer fabric panels 51, 52. The outer fabric panel 51 is joined to the inner fabric panel 52 by any number of different structures, for example, cross-stitching, heat sealing, adhesive, but not limited to. As shown in the Fig. 6-8, each slit 57 in this embodiment extends between the outer and inner fabric panels 51, 52 and has upper and lower openings 53 to allow passage into and out of the slit 57, and the slit 57 extends continuously between the openings 53. In a Fig. 1-5, the outer and inner panels 51, 52 are joined together around the outer regions of the panels 51, 52, and in other embodiments, the panels 51, 52 may have inner walls, seams, adhesives, heat seals, or other structures that define a slit 57 that is narrower than the width of the panels 51, 52. In the embodiment of Fig. 1-8, the end fabric webs 50 run essentially parallel to each other and the central body fabric web 58 extends between the end fabric webs 50. The cover 12 is in the embodiment of the Fig. 1-8 is defined entirely or substantially by the end panels 50 and the central body panel 58. In this embodiment, the sleeve 12 has a cylindrical configuration including a circular, cylindrical portion or central body portion 54 formed by the central body panel 58 and circular, flat, or curved ends 55 formed by the end panels 50. In other embodiments, the sleeve 12 may have a different shape, such as an oval cylinder, a cube, a rectangular cylinder, a triangular cylinder, etc. It should be understood that the cylindrical portion 54 may simply be referred to as the "central body portion" when describing a sleeve 12 having a cylindrical or other shape.Likewise, the relative sizes and shapes of the end panels 50 and the central body panel 58 may vary in other embodiments, and the cylindrical portion 54 and / or the ends 55 may be formed from a greater or lesser number of panels in other embodiments. Generally, the cylindrical portion 54 and the ends 55 may each be formed by one or more panels 22.

[0059] In the embodiment of the Fig. 1-8, the bag 10 has an opening 24 and a filling mechanism 25 which is accessible through the opening 24 for filling the bag 10. In the embodiment of Fig. 1-8, the opening 24 is arranged along the central body panel 58 in such a way that it allows access to the inner cavity 21 of the bag 10. The Fig. 1 and Fig. The opening 24 shown in Figure 5 runs along the length of the central body panel 58 at the top of the bag 10, but the opening 24 may be oriented and / or arranged differently in other embodiments. The opening 24 includes a closure member 26 (also called a sleeve closure member) configured to releasably close the opening 24. When engaged, the sleeve closure member 26 prevents movement of the fill material 16 into or out of the opening 24. In the illustrated embodiment, the opening 24 and sleeve closure member 26 are positioned directly below the natural position of the handle 60, which may reduce stresses in the area around the opening.

[0060] As in the Fig. 1 and 5-8, the opening 24 is defined by the first side edge 140, the second side edge 142, the first end 144, and the second end 146, which together define the perimeter of the opening. The first side edge 140 and the second side edge 142 are opposite and substantially parallel to each other and are separated by the width of the opening 24. Furthermore, the first end 144 and the second end 146 are opposite and separated by the length of the opening 24. The first side edge 140 and the second side edge 142 are connected at their respective ends by a first end 144 and a second end 146. The first and second ends 144, 146 may, in one embodiment, be formed as V-shaped or U-shaped structures, or in another embodiment, be straight linear sides that are substantially parallel to each other and orthogonal to the side edges 140, 142.In general, the opening 24 in the embodiment of . Fig. 1-8 has an elongated, rectangular design, and in other embodiments the opening 24 may have a differently shaped design.

[0061] The sleeve closure element 26 is substantially planar to the opening 24 and is connected to the edges of the opening 24 such that closing the sleeve closure element 26 substantially closes the opening 24. The sleeve closure element 26 comprises, in the embodiment of the Fig. 1-8 a zipper. In this embodiment, the dimensions of the opening 24 are similar to the size of the sleeve closure member 26. In other words, the lengths of the edges of the sleeve closure member 26 are substantially parallel and comparable to the first side edge 140 and the second side edge 142 of the opening 24. In intended embodiments, the sleeve closure member 26 is attached in a manner that ensures a tight coupling along the entire edges 140, 142 of the opening 24. In other embodiments, the sleeve closure member 26 may have other designs, such as hook and loop fasteners, snaps, buttons, flaps, and other fastening and / or closing structures, or combinations of such structures may be used. It is understood that the design of the sleeve closure member 26 may depend at least in part on the design of the opening 24.For example, a zipper-type envelope closure element 26 may not be usable or optimal for some configurations of the opening 24, and a different type of closure element 26 may be used.

[0062] In the embodiment of the Fig. 1-8, the filling mechanism 25 comprises a funnel structure 27 with a flexible surrounding wall 160 forming a funnel shape, a handle or gripping element 168, a closure element 170 of the filling mechanism and a securing element 176. With particular reference to the Fig. 6-8, the flexible enclosure wall 160 has a proximal end 161, a distal end 162, a lower exit 164, and an upper inlet 166. The proximal end 161 and the distal end 162 are located at opposite ends of the funnel 27, and the proximal end 161 is a fixed end connected to the sheath 12, while the distal end 162 is a free end that can be extended out of the sheath 12 through the opening 24 or retracted into the sheath 12.

[0063] The proximal end 161 is connected to the inner surface 130 of the outer shell 12, as shown in the Fig. 6-8, and the connection between the proximal end 161 and the sheath 12 forms a lower periphery of the funnel 27. In the embodiment of the Fig. 6-8, the proximal end 161 of the funnel 27 is secured to the inner surface of the sheath 12 around the entire opening 24 along a joint spaced from the opening 24. This design prevents leakage of the filler material 16 through the connection between the proximal end 161 and the sheath 12 and also provides a pocket 17 within the opening 24 into which the funnel 27 can be placed after being collapsed, e.g., by folding or rolling, as described herein. The distal end 162, when fully extended and expanded, forms an upper perimeter of the funnel, and it is understood that the upper perimeter may be larger than the lower perimeter in one embodiment.Further, the funnel 27 may include a neck or narrowest portion 163 located between the proximal and distal ends 161, 162 and having a circumference and maximum width that are smaller than the circumference and maximum width at the proximal and distal ends 161, 162. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. Fig. 6-8, the neck 163 is located closer to the proximal end 161 than to the distal end 162 and is configured to be generally within the opening 24 when the funnel 27 is fully extended and expanded. It is understood that the actual circumference or width at some points during operation, movement, and folding of the funnel 27 is subject to changes in shape, size, and / or width, and that the relative circumferences and widths described herein represent the maximum dimensions of such a type when the funnel 27 is fully extended and expanded. In one embodiment, the wall 160 in the Fig. 6-8, including the lower exit 164 and the upper inlet 166, may be substantially oval or rectangular, but these components may be variable in length and width in the intended designs and desired sizes of the weight bag 10. It is understood that the openings (exit 164 and inlet 166) are substantially large enough to allow the entry of physical materials such as sand or polymer beads with minimal interference or resistance from the filling mechanisms 25.

[0064] The funnel 27 may have one or more handles 168 at or near the distal end 162 to facilitate pulling the funnel 27 through the opening 24 and / or opening the funnel closure 170 as described herein. The funnel 27 in the Fig. 6-8 includes two handles 168 on opposite sides of the inlet 166, each handle 168 in the form of a thin strap connected to the exterior of the wall 160 of the funnel 27. The handles 168 are oriented to extend outwardly from the distal end 162 when the funnel 27 is in an open and extended position. The placement of the handle 168 on the funnel is variable and may vary depending on the intended configuration of the funnel 27. The handle 168 may be connected to the wall 160 by, among other things, sewing, gluing, or heat sealing, or by a combination of such techniques.

[0065] The funnel 27 also includes a funnel closure 170 configured to close the inlet 166 to prevent the particulate material 16 from escaping. In the embodiment of the Fig. 6-8, the funnel closure 170 includes a first engagement portion 172 and a second engagement portion 174 positioned on opposite sides 165, 167 of the wall 160 at the inlet 166 near the distal end 162 and configured to engage with each other to releasably close the inlet 166. The first engagement portion 172 and the second engagement portion 174 include elongated strips of complementary hook-and-loop materials that releasably connect to each other upon engagement. When engaged, the engagement portions 172, 174 seal the sides 165, 167 against each other to close the upper inlet 166 and prevent the entry or exit of material through the upper inlet 166. In the embodiment of the Fig. 6-8, the strips forming the first and second engagement portions 172, 174 extend equal distances across the entirety of both sides of the inlet 166 to completely close the inlet 166 when engaged. In other embodiments, other releasable connecting or fastening structures may be used as the funnel closure 170, such as snap fasteners, buttons, zippers, and the like, as well as optionally complementary structures or combinations of various structures.

[0066] The hopper 27 also includes a hopper securing structure 176 configured to secure the hopper 27 and further prevent material from entering or exiting therethrough. The hopper securing structure 176 in the Fig. 6-8 includes a first securing element 177 and a second securing element 178 configured to engage with each other to releasably close the inlet 166. The funnel securing structure 176 in the Fig. 6-8 lies lower on the flexible surrounding wall 160 than the funnel closure 170. The securing elements 177, 178 in this embodiment are connected to the outer surface of the flexible surrounding wall 160 on opposite sides 165, 167 of the wall 160 at different distances from the distal end 162. The first securing element 177 is connected to the first side 165, which is closer to the distal end 162, and the second securing element 178 is connected to the second side 167, which is farther from the distal end 162. In this embodiment, the wall 160 is configured to be rolled or folded by rolling or folding the first side 165 over the second side 167, as in Fig. 8 to achieve engagement of the securing elements 177, 178 and releasably hold the funnel 27 in the rolled or folded position. The securing elements 177, 178 include elongated strips of complementary hook-and-loop materials that releasably interconnect upon engagement. The size and positioning of the securing elements 177, 178 may vary in other embodiments. Furthermore, the securing structure 176 may have a different design in other embodiments, such as any design of the funnel closure 170 discussed herein.

[0067] The inner cavity 21 of the outer shell 12 contains filler material 16 when the device is prepared for use. The filler material 16 is designed as a heavy, but loose and flowable material, including, without limitation, sand, polymer beads, or other such particulate materials. In the embodiment of the Fig. 1-8, the bag 10 includes an inner bag 135 mounted around the opening 24 to receive the fill material 16, with seams (not shown) defining the shape of the inner bag 135 and / or connecting portions forming the inner bag 135. The inner bag 135 has an open end 136 connected to the sleeve 12 around the opening 24 such that the inner bag 135 communicates with the outlet 164 of the hopper 27. In this embodiment, fill material 16 introduced into the inner cavity 21 by the filling mechanism 25 enters the inner bag 135 and is retained by the inner bag 135. The inner bag 135 and the sleeve 12 may vary in material, connections (e.g., seams 22), and structure.For example, the materials, joints, and structure of the sleeve 12 may be designed for strength, durability, abrasion resistance, and ease of use, while the materials, joints, and structure of the inner bag 135 may be designed primarily for strength and leak resistance.

[0068] The bag 10 can be filled by opening the sleeve closure element 26 to open the opening 24 and extending the filling mechanism 25 through the opening 24. The funnel 27 in the Fig. 6-8 can be fully extended by pulling the hopper 27 through the opening, releasing the securing structure 176, and then fully extending the hopper 27. Once the hopper 27 is fully extended, it can be opened by releasing the closure 170 to open the inlet 166, which can be done with the aid of the handles 168. It should be noted that the handles can also be used to keep the upper inlet 166 open during filling. Once opened, the filling material 16 can be filled into the cavity 21 (and the inner bag 135, if present) by entering through the upper inlet 166, traveling through the hopper 27, and exiting through the lower exit 164 into the bag 10.

[0069] After the desired amount of filling material 16 has been filled into the inner cavity 21 of the weight bag 10, the closure 170 of the filling mechanism 25 is actuated to close the inlet 166. In the embodiment of the Fig. 6-8, the first and second engagement portions 172, 174 engage with each other to close the inlet 166 of the funnel 27. The filling mechanism 25 can then also be folded into the opening 24, with the securing structure 176 being used to further secure the folded filling mechanism 25. In the embodiment of Fig. 6-8, the funnel 27 is collapsed by rolling or folding the top of the flexible enclosure wall 160 to such an extent and degree that the securing elements 177, 178 interlock and secure the funnel 27 in a collapsed position. The filling mechanism 25 can then be slid through the opening 24 and into the cavity 21 of the sleeve 12, and the sleeve closure element 26 is then actuated to close the opening 24. In this collapsed embodiment, the funnel 27 is received in a pocket 17 defined below the opening 24 between the proximal end 161 of the funnel 27 and the inner surface 31 of the sleeve 12.The resulting embodiment of the filling mechanism 25 is sealed against the ingress and egress of material in several ways, including by the sleeve closure member 26, the filling mechanism closure 170, and folding or rolling the filling mechanism 25 (secured by the securing structure 176), thereby creating a tortuous path for the exit of the filling material 16.

[0070] The handle assembly 14 of the bag 10 in the Fig. 1-8 includes a handle 60 and a strap assembly 70 having one or more straps connecting the handle 60 to the sleeve 12 to enable the bag 10 to be lifted by grasping the handle 60. In an embodiment in which the sleeve 12 has a cylindrical shape, as shown in FIGS. Fig. 1-8, the belt assembly 70 includes at least one circumferential belt 71 extending partially or completely around the circumference of the cylindrical portion 54 of the shell 12. The belt assembly 70 in the Fig. 1-8 comprises first and second circumferential or peripheral straps 71 extending around at least a portion of the periphery of the shell 12, and a central or transverse strap 80 extending transversely to the circumferential straps 71 around at least a portion of the periphery of the shell 12. The circumferential straps 71 extend, as shown in the Fig. 1-5, parallel to each other around the cylindrical portion 54 of the shell 12, with the two circumferential straps 71 each located near one of the ends 55 and the central strap 80 extending perpendicularly or transversely to both circumferential straps 71 around the cylindrical portion 54 and the circular ends 55 of the shell 12. It is noted that the term "circumferential" is used herein in reference to a circular cylindrical structure, as in the Fig. 1-8, however, it is shown that the term "peripheral" can be used to describe these straps for use with a structure that is not necessarily circular. The terms "circumferential" and "peripheral" as described herein are not intended to imply that the strap in question necessarily extends around the entire circumference or periphery of the bag 10, but are intended merely to indicate the direction in which the strap extends, i.e., around the circumference or periphery.

[0071] In the embodiment of the Fig. 1-5, the first and second circumferential straps 71 extend from opposite ends 66 of the handle 60 circumferentially around the periphery of the cylindrical portion 54, around the bottom 39 of the sheath 12, and back toward the top 38 of the sheath 12 to engage the handle 60. The first circumferential strap 71, in this embodiment, includes a first strap portion 74 engaging the handle 60 at one end 66 and extending in a first circumferential direction around a portion of the cylindrical portion 54 of the sheath 12, and a second strap portion 75 engaging the handle 60 at one end 66 and extending in a second, opposite circumferential direction around a portion of the cylindrical portion 54 of the sheath 12. The belt sections 74, 75 of the first circumferential belt 71 are joined together at a connection point 76 on the underside 39 of the cover 12 to form a single belt 71.In other embodiments, the belt sections 74, 75 may be parts of a single, one-piece or continuous belt 71 or need not be connected to one another, e.g., by a connection to the sheath 12. The second circumferential belt 71 in the . Fig. 1-5 is similarly configured and includes a first strap portion 77 engaging the handle 60 at one end 66 and extending in a first circumferential direction around a portion of the cylindrical portion 54 of the sheath 12, and a second strap portion 78 engaging the handle 60 at one end 66 and extending in a second, opposite circumferential direction around a portion of the cylindrical portion 54 of the sheath 12. The strap portions 77, 78 of the second circumferential strap 71 are joined together to form a single strap 71 at a joint 79 on the underside 39 of the sheath 12. In other embodiments, the strap portions 77, 78 may be parts of a single, integral, or continuous strap 71 or may not be connected to one another, e.g., by a connection to the sheath 12.The joints 76, 79 are formed in one embodiment by a combination of seams and adhesives, but may also be formed by additional joining structures and techniques described herein or combinations thereof.

[0072] In the embodiment of the Fig. 1-5, the first belt portions 74, 77 of the first and second circumferential belts 71 are formed as a single, or continuous, belt 72 extending from the connection point 76 into and through the handle 60 and to the other connection point 79, and the second belt portions 75, 78 of the first and second circumferential belts 71 are similarly formed as a single, or continuous, belt 73. In this embodiment, the first and second circumferential belts are all formed as part of a continuous belt and are connected by the connection points 76, 79.It is understood that a "continuous" strap, as used herein, refers to a strap that functions or functions as a single piece (which may have internal joints or other connection points), while a "unitary" strap, as used herein, refers to a strap that is made of a single, one-piece piece without joints, seams, etc. These straps 72, 73, in this embodiment, each extend around the circumference of the same side of the cylindrical portion 54 near the opposite ends 55, but it is understood that in another embodiment, the straps 72, 73 may cross within the handle 60 and extend on opposite sides.The strap portions 74, 75, 77, 78 in this embodiment engage the handle 60 by extending at least through the handle 60 and may be fixedly connected to the handle 60, or the handle 60 may be capable of sliding relative to the strap portions 74, 75, 77, 78. In other embodiments, the strap portions 74, 75, 76, 77 may be separate pieces that separately engage the handle 60, or each circumferential strap 71 may itself be formed as a single piece that engages the handle 60. In another embodiment, both circumferential straps 71 may be formed by a single strap that extends twice through the handle 60 and around both ends of the cylindrical portion 54 of the sheath 12.It is understood that the engagement between the strap portions 74, 75, 77, 78 and the handle 60 and the sheath 12 is sufficient to allow the sheath 12 to be lifted by exerting an upward force on the handle 60.

[0073] In the embodiment of the Fig. 1-5, the circumferential straps 71 are in a slidable embodiment connected or engaged with the shell 12 by retaining structures 28 in the form of loop arrangements or belt loop arrangements, instead of being fixedly connected to the shell 12. It is understood that the retaining structures 28 are not used in the explanation of the embodiment of the Fig. 1-5 may be referred to herein as loop assemblies 28, however, other support structures may be used to achieve similar functionality. In another embodiment, one or both of the circumferential straps 71 may be provided in the same or a similar design while being firmly connected to the shell 12, for example, by stitching, adhesive, heat seal, etc. The loop assemblies 28 in the Fig. 1-5 are arranged around the cylindrical portion 54 of the sheath 12 at or near the opposite ends 55 and may be referred to as the first end loop assembly 28 and the second end loop assembly 28. In the embodiment of the Fig. 1-5, the first end loop assembly 28 secures the first circumferential strap 71 to the shell 12, and the second end loop assembly 28 secures the second circumferential strap 71 to the shell 12. The loop assemblies 28, in this embodiment, extend in both circumferential directions around the cylindrical portion 54 of the shell 12, from the top 38 to the bottom 39 of the shell 12.

[0074] The cover 12 in the Fig. 1-5 also includes peripheral fasteners 30 that are fixedly connected to the shell 12 (e.g., to the central body panel 58) around the circumference of the cylindrical portion 54 near the ends 55 and extend below the loop assemblies 28. The peripheral fasteners 30 in the embodiment of Fig. 1-5 are connected to the shell 12 around the entire perimeter of the shell 12 and across the entire width of each bracket 30, except where the perimeter brackets 30 intersect the opening 24 and closure 26, where the perimeter brackets 30 are connected only around the outer edge (the connection points to the end panels 50). The perimeter brackets 30 may be made of woven nylon or other durable fabric material and may be connected to the shell 12 by stitching and adhesives in one embodiment, but may be configured differently in other embodiments.

[0075] The loop arrangements 28 in the embodiment of the Fig. 1-5 each include a plurality of cross brackets 33 defining a channel 35 below the cross brackets 33 such that the cross brackets 33 extend over the channel 35. The cross brackets 33 in the Fig. 1-5 are arranged in an alternating or oscillating pattern, with each cross support 33 oriented at an oblique angle to the circumferential direction, the longitudinal direction (i.e., between the ends 55), the channels 35, the circumferential straps 71, and the seams 22 around the end panels 50 (e.g., in a "zigzag" pattern). In this embodiment, adjacent cross supports 33 have triangular gaps 37 therebetween to expose portions of the underlying circumferential straps 71. In one embodiment, the end of each cross support 33 overlaps the end(s) of the adjacent cross support(s) 33, as shown in FIGS. Fig. 1-5, and these overlapping sections of the cross supports 33 are sewn together at the connection points between the cross supports 33 and the shell 12. These connection points can be formed by continuous circumferential seams 29 that are spaced apart and parallel to each other and located on opposite sides of the respective channel 35, as shown in the Fig. 1-5. In one embodiment, the transverse supports 33 form angles of 55-60° or 50-65° with the edges of the circumferential supports and / or the circumferential direction, and adjacent transverse supports 33 are oriented at angles of 60-70° to each other, although other angular orientations may be used in other embodiments.

[0076] In the embodiment of the Fig. 1-5, each channel 35 is defined by a single strip of material folded over itself to form an overlapping, alternating pattern, and sewn to and around the folds on the sleeve 12 to form the cross supports 33. In another embodiment, the cross supports 33 defining each channel 35 may be separate pieces that are connected to one another. The cross supports 33 are, in the embodiment of Fig. 1-5 are directly connected to the circumferential supports 30, but this design may vary. In this design, the circumferential straps 71 are slidably held between the loop assemblies 28 and the circumferential supports 30, and the circumferential supports 30 provide strength, durability, and abrasion resistance in these areas. The channels 35 are formed between the undersides of the transverse supports 33 and the opposite surface of the shell 12, which supports the circumferential supports 30 as in the embodiment of Fig. 1-5, or the outer surface 32 of the shell 12 or other structures in other embodiments. Additionally, in one embodiment, the transverse supports 33 are connected to the peripheral supports 30, and both structures are connected to the shell 12 by two parallel, spaced peripheral seams 29. In the embodiment of Fig. 1-8, one of these circumferential seams 29 also forms the connection between the outer and inner end fabric panels 51, 52 and the central body fabric panel 58. In another embodiment, in which no circumferential fastener 30 or other fastener layer is present, the transverse fasteners 33 may be connected directly to the shell 12 along such circumferential seams 29.

[0077] The channels 35 of each of the loop arrangements 28 in the Fig. 1-5 include an entry region 34 on or near the top 38 of the bag 10 and an exit region 36 on or near the bottom 39 of the bag 10. In this embodiment, the circumferential belts 71 extend through the channels 35 such that each of the belt sections 74, 75, 77, 78 extends into the entry region 34 of one of the channels 35, through the respective channel 35, and out the exit region 36 of the channel 35. The connection points 76, 79 of the circumferential straps 71 lie in the spaces between the exit regions 36 of the two channels 35 of the respective loop arrangement 28. In another embodiment, the support structures 28 may not be in the form of loop arrangements with transverse supports 33 and may instead use solid or porous fabric panels to create the channels 35 similar to the slots 57, or may use another structure for supporting the circumferential straps 71.It will be understood that the support structures or loop assemblies 28 and associated structures such as the circumferential supports 30 are not shown in the drawings for the sake of simplicity. Fig. 6-8 are not shown.

[0078] The strap assembly 70 further includes a central or cross strap 80 extending peripherally from the handle 60 around both ends 55 of the sheath 12. The central strap 80 includes first and second central strap portions 81, 82 engaging the handle 60 and extending from the ends 66 of the handle 60 around opposite ends 55 of the sheath 12, and the strap portions 81, 82 of the central strap 80 are joined together at a junction 83 on the underside 39 of the sheath 12 to form a single strap 80. In the embodiment of the Fig. 1-8, the central strap 80 is formed as a single piece that extends through the handle 60 to form the strap portions 81, 82 on opposite sides of the handle 60 and has two ends that meet at the joint 83. In another embodiment, the central strap portions 81, 82 may be separate pieces that separately engage the handle 60. The joint 83 is formed by a combination of stitching and adhesives in one embodiment, but may also be formed by additional joining structures and techniques described herein, or combinations thereof. In another embodiment, the central strap portions 81, 82 may not be joined to each other and may instead be joined to the shell 12 at the ends 55 or at the bottom 39.It is understood that the engagement between the strap portions 81, 82 and the handle 60 and the sheath 12 is sufficient to allow the sheath 12 to be lifted by exerting an upward force on the handle 60.

[0079] The sections 81, 82 of the central belt 80 in the Fig. 1-8 extend around the ends 55 of the sheath 12 by extending through the slots 57 in the ends 55. As shown in the Fig. 6-8, the central strap portions 81, 82 extend between the outer and inner fabric panels 51, 52 and through the upper and lower openings 53 to enter and exit the slot 57. The central strap portions 81, 82 in this embodiment also extend under the circumferential strap 71 and over the underside 39 of the shell 12. The central strap 80 is slidably received in the slots 57 and is Fig. 1-8 are not fixedly connected to the shell 12, but one or both central strap portions 81, 82 may be fixedly connected to the shell 12, e.g., in the slot 57 or on the underside 39 of the shell 12. In another embodiment, the strap portions 81, 82 may extend around the ends 55 of the shell 12 by extending on the outer sides of the outer panels 51. In such an embodiment, the inner panels 52 and / or the slots 57 may be omitted, or the slots 57 may be formed by an external structure.

[0080] The belt arrangement 70 in the embodiment of the Fig. 1-8 helps distribute forces around the shell 12, allowing the bag 10 to be roughly handled and even thrown into the air (e.g., 4.572 m [15 feet] or more) and dropped to the ground while containing heavy fill material 16 (e.g., 22.68-45.359 kg [50-100 pounds]). The positions and orientations of the straps 71, 80 evenly distribute the forces encountered during lifting and throwing with the handle 60 around the shell 12, avoiding stress concentrations that might occur at seams, glued joints, or other fixed joints. Furthermore, the ability of the belts 71, 80 to slide and move with respect to the sheath 12 allows for more even application of forces to the belts 71, 80 and allows each belt 71, 80 to balance forces applied unevenly to other belts 71, 80.Among other advantages, the design of the belt arrangement 70 further improves the longevity of the belts 71, 80 themselves and of the bag 10 as a whole.

[0081] The handle 60 in the embodiment of the Fig. 1-8 is formed as an elongated, tubular body 62 having a circular cross-section and a central bore or passage 64 extending longitudinally between opposite ends 66. The body 62, in this embodiment, is also slightly curved or arcuate and rises in the center relative to the ends 66. In this embodiment, the handle 60 is oriented to extend longitudinally with respect to the shell 12, that is, between the ends 55 and parallel to the central axis of the cylindrical portion 54. The outer surface of the body 62 of the handle 60 forms a gripping surface configured for gripping by the user, and a coating, sleeve, or other structure is applied to the body 62 to enhance grip.The handle 60 may also include a coating, sleeve, or other structure on the inside of the central passage 64 to increase or decrease grip or friction with respect to the straps 72, 73, 80 extending through the central passage 64. In one embodiment, the handle 60 and / or its body 62 may be made of a flexible and resilient material, such as PVC tubing or the like. In the embodiment of FIG. Fig. 1-8, the handle 60 is positioned above the outer shell 12 and the opening 24. In other embodiments, the handle 60 may have a different structure or material construction, including other shapes including, without limitation, ovals, squares, rectangles, or other shapes. In another embodiment, the handle 60 may not have a central passage 64, such as in an embodiment where the straps 72, 73, 80 are not continuous or where the handle 60 has other structures for engaging the continuous straps 72, 73, 80. In another embodiment, the handle 60 may have structures for fixedly connecting to the straps 71, 80.

[0082] An embodiment of a method for assembling a weight bag 10 as shown in the Fig. 1-8, can be performed using sewing, adhesives, heat sealing or pressing or various other joining techniques to create seams and other connections between the various components. The loop assemblies 28 are made in this embodiment by folding four strips of material to form the cross supports 33 and by firmly connecting the cross supports 33 (e.g., by sewing, gluing, heat sealing, etc.) along the edges of the peripheral supports 30 to create the alternating design of the cross supports 33. The cross supports 33 are not connected along the center of the peripheral supports 30 to define the channels 35 between the cross supports 33 and the peripheral supports 30. The peripheral straps 71 and the central strap 80 are connected to the handle 60, which in the embodiment of Fig. 1-8 is achieved by pulling and / or pushing the one-piece straps 72, 73, 80 through the central passage 64 of the handle 60 so that the straps 72, 73, 80 protrude from both ends 66 of the handle. In one embodiment, the straps 72, 73, 80 may be connected to each other at one or more points within the handle 60.

[0083] The funnel 27 is assembled by making the surrounding wall 160, for example, from a single piece of fabric, which is wrapped and bonded to itself to form a funnel structure. The engaging portions 172, 174 and the securing elements 177, 178 are in the embodiment of the Fig. 1-8 in the form of complementary strips of hook-and-loop material at suitable locations. The grab handles 168 may also be connected to the wall 160 at or near the inlet 166, and in one embodiment, the grab handles 168 are connected in front of the engaging portions 172, 174 so that the engaging portions 172, 174 overlie the grip portions 168.

[0084] The central body panel 58 is manufactured by cutting the opening 24 through the central body panel 58 and connecting the sleeve closure member 26 to the opening 24. The sleeve closure member 26 may be provided with a cover tape or other covering to protect the sleeve closure member 26 and increase comfort when the sleeve closure member 26 is touched by the user during use, including a movable cover or a static cover to cover, for example, rigid surfaces such as zipper teeth. The perimeter fasteners 30 and loop assemblies 28 are then positioned over the outer surface 32 of the central body panel 58 and connected thereto along opposite edges of the central body panel 58.The inner sack 135 is joined to the central body panel 58 by joining the open end 136 to the inner surface 31 around the opening 24. The inner sack 135 may be formed prior to joining to the central body panel 58, for example, by joining multiple panels of material together or by using stitching to form a single piece of material in the proper shape for the inner sack 135. The funnel 27 is also joined to the central body panel 58 by joining the proximal end 161 of the wall 160 to the inner surface 31 around the opening 24. In one embodiment, the funnel 27 and the inner sack 135 may be joined together to the central body panel 58.

[0085] The shell 12 is then completed by joining the end panels 50 to the central body panel 58 around the seams 22, forming the cylindrical portion 54 with circular ends 55. In one embodiment, the inner panels 52 and the outer panels 51 are joined to the central body panel 58 with the same seam 22 or join, and in another embodiment, the inner panels 52 are joined before the outer panels 51. In this embodiment, the inner panels 52 are joined along their entire perimeter, and the outer panels 51 are joined along most of their perimeter, except in strategic areas to form the slits 57. It will be understood that for durability and abrasion resistance, a covering or liner may be applied around the openings 53 of each slit 57.The handle assembly 14 is then connected to the sleeve 12 by passing the peripheral strap portions 74, 75, 77, 78 through the channels 35 and joining them at the joints 76, 79 to form the peripheral straps 71, and by passing the central strap portions 81, 82 through the slots 57 and joining them at the joint 83 to form the central strap 80. After these steps have been performed, the bag 10 is the . Fig. 1-8 essentially finished.

[0086] The Fig. 9-11 show another embodiment of a weight bag 210 that shares many components and features with the Fig. 1-8 and described herein. These common features and components are referred to in the Fig. 9-11 with the same reference numbers used herein with respect to the Fig. 1-8, and these common features and components are described herein with respect to the embodiment of the Fig. 9-11 may not be described in detail again. Although not shown in the drawings, the bag 210 of the Fig. 9-11 in one embodiment, a filling mechanism 25 similar to that described herein and in the Fig. 6-8. The filling mechanism 25 in this embodiment comprises a hopper 27 which has all the features described herein with respect to the hopper 27 of the Fig. 6-8 and functions in the same manner, but may include additional or alternative features as described herein in other embodiments. For example, the bag 210 in the Fig. 9-11, a funnel 27 having a flexible surrounding wall 160, the proximal end 161 of which is connected to the inner surface 31 of the sheath 12 around the opening 24 and the distal end 162 of which can be pulled through the opening 24 to extend the funnel 27 for filling. In this embodiment, the wall 160 of the funnel 27 defines an inlet 166 near the distal end 162 and an outlet 164 into the sheath 12, and the funnel 27 also has a funnel closure 170 comprising a first engagement portion 172 and a second engagement portion 174 positioned on opposite sides 165, 167 of the wall 160 at the inlet 166, as well as securing elements 176, as in the Fig. 6-8 and described herein. The bag 210 in the Fig. 9-11 also has an inner bag 135 as shown in the Fig. 6-8 and described herein, which is shown in the Fig. 9-11 is also not shown. It is understood that the inner bag 135 in the embodiment of the Fig. 9-11 is shaped so that it matches the shape of the cover 12 of the bag 210.

[0087] The cover 12 of the bag 210 in the Fig. 9-11 has a frustoconical or tapered shape and may be composed of multiple fabric panels 20 joined by seams 22, as described herein. In this embodiment, the sleeve 12 defines a tapered configuration having a central body portion 212 formed by a central body panel 214 and circular flat or curved ends 216, 217 formed by end panels 218, 219. The central body portion 212 in the Fig. 9-11 is formed as a tapered section and has a frustoconical shape having a smaller width, a smaller circumference (e.g., circumference of a circle), and a smaller cross-sectional area (relative to the central axis of the shell 12) at the bottom 38 and a larger width, a larger circumference, and a larger cross-sectional area at the top 39, and the central body panel 214 is configured to create this shape. The central body portion 212 has, in the embodiment of the Fig. 9-11, when viewed from the side or in cross-section, has a continuous linear taper between the ends 216, 217. The contour and taper of the central body portion 212 may be different in other embodiments, for example, a concavely curved taper creating a funnel shape, or a convexly curved taper, or a discontinuous linear taper. Furthermore, in another embodiment, the central body portion 212 may not be tapered over the entire distance between the ends 216, 217, i.e., the tapered portion may be a smaller portion of the central body portion 212. In such an embodiment, the central body portion 212 may have a non-tapered portion or a reverse-tapered portion adjacent to the tapered portion.

[0088] The ends 216, 217 of the sheath 12 in the embodiment of the Fig. 9-11 are circular, and the end panels 218, 219 forming the ends 216 are circular panels that may be curved or flat. The upper end 216 and the upper end panel 218 have larger widths, circumferences (e.g., circumferences of a circle), and surface areas than the lower end 217 and the lower end panel 219, which complements the tapering of the central body portion 212. In one embodiment, the upper end 216 may have a width of 30.48-50.80 cm (12-20 inches) or 35.56-45.72 cm (14-18 inches), the lower end 217 may have a width of 15.24-35.56 cm (6-14 inches) or 20.32-30.48 cm (8-12 inches), and the height of the central body portion 212 may be 48.26-63.50 cm (19-25 inches) or 50.80-62.23 cm (20-24.5 inches). In another embodiment, the bag 210 may be larger or smaller, but the ends 216, 217 may have similar proportions, i.e.The ratio of the width of the upper end 216 to the width of the lower end 217 is 1.25:1 to 2:1 or 1.5:1 to 1.75:1. In such embodiments, the ratio of the area of ​​the upper end 216 to the area of ​​the lower end 217 is 1.5:1 to 4:1 or 2.25:1 to 3:1. In a sleeve 12 in which the central body portion 212 has a continuous linear taper, the taper angle T of the central body portion 212 in such an embodiment is 6-10° or 7-9° with respect to the vertical direction and / or the central axis of the sleeve 12. It is understood that the central axis is an axis that passes through the volume center of the sleeve 12 when fully expanded and through the geometric center of the upper and lower ends 216, 217, which may be an axis of symmetry in a symmetrical structure. The bag 210 in the . Fig. 9-11 is designed so that the user can lift it by pressing the bag 210 to his chest and wrapping his arms around the central body portion 212, and the tapering of the central body portion 212 results in a shape that is advantageous for such use because it helps the user to hold the bag 210 without it slipping down due to the weight of the bag 210.

[0089] The bag 210 has an opening 24 on the upper side 38 of the cover 12, which in the embodiment of the Fig. 9-11 is formed by an opening along the centerline of the upper end fabric panel 218. The opening 24 is provided in this embodiment with a closure mechanism 26 in the form of a zipper. It is understood that the opening 24 and the closure mechanism 26 may have any structure described herein with respect to the opening 24 and the closure mechanism 26 of the Fig. 1-8. The opening 24 and the closure mechanism 26 function in this embodiment in the same way as in the bag 10 of Fig. 1-8, wherein the closure mechanism 26 opens to allow the extension of the funnel 27 for filling the bag 210, and the closure mechanism 26 can be closed after the folding of the funnel 27 to seal the opening 24. The closure mechanism 26 in the Fig. 9-11 has a movable cover 220 which can be moved to cover the opening 24, as in Fig. 9, or to release the opening 24, as shown in Fig. 10. The cover 220 in the Fig. 9-11 has the form of a flap anchored at a proximal end 221 and having a free distal end 222 that can be folded to cover or uncover the opening 24 as desired. Additionally, the bag 210 in this embodiment has a releasable connecting structure 223 configured to secure the cover 220 to the top 38 of the sheath 12 to cover the opening 24, and which includes complementary engagement elements 224, 225 in the form of strips of hook-and-loop material. Fig. The releasable connecting structure 223 shown in Figure 10 comprises engagement elements 224 in the form of two strips of hook and loop material connected to the upper end panel 218 on opposite sides of the opening 24, and one or more further engagement elements 225 in the form of a complementary strip of hook and loop material connected to the underside of the cover 220.

[0090] The bag 210 may be manufactured using the same materials and techniques described herein with respect to the embodiment of the Fig. 1-8. In particular, the shell 12, the inner bag 135 and the filling mechanism 25 can be assembled in a similar manner to the same components in the Fig. 1-8 are assembled. The assembly of the bag 210 in the Fig. 9-11 further includes joining the engagement members 224 to the upper end panel 218 around the opening 24 and joining the engagement member 225 to the underside of the cover 220 and then joining the cover 220 to the shell 12 using any of the joining structures and techniques described herein, including sewing, gluing, and heat sealing.

[0091] The Fig. 12-18 show another embodiment of a weight bag 310 that shares many components and features with the Fig. 1-8 shown bag 10 and the one in the Fig. 9-11 and described herein. These common features and components are referred to in the Fig. 12-18 with the same reference numbers used herein with respect to the Fig. 1-11, and these common features and components are described herein with respect to the embodiment of the Fig. 12-18 may not be described in detail again. Although not shown in the drawings, the bag 310 of the Fig. 12-18 in one embodiment, a filling mechanism 25 similar to that described herein and in the Fig. 6-8. The filling mechanism 25 in this embodiment comprises a hopper 27 which has all the features described herein with respect to the hopper 27 of the Fig. 6-8 and functions in the same manner, but may include additional or alternative features as described herein in other embodiments. For example, the bag 310 in the Fig. 12-18, a funnel 27 having a flexible surrounding wall 160, the proximal end 161 of which is connected to the inner surface 31 of the sheath 12 around the opening 24 and the distal end 162 of which can be pulled through the opening 24 to extend the funnel 27 for filling. In this embodiment, the wall 160 of the funnel 27 defines an inlet 166 near the distal end 162 and an outlet 164 into the sheath 12, and the funnel 27 also has a funnel closure 170 comprising a first engagement portion 172 and a second engagement portion 174 positioned on opposite sides 165, 167 of the wall 160 at the inlet 166, as well as securing elements 176, as in the Fig. 6-8 and described herein. The bag 310 in the Fig. 12-18 also has an inner bag 135 as shown in the Fig. 6-8 and described herein, which is shown in the Fig. 12-18 is also not shown. It is understood that the inner bag 135 in the embodiment of the Fig. 12-18 is shaped to match the shape of the cover 12 of the bag 210.

[0092] The cover 12 of the bag 310 in the Fig. 12-18 has a rectangular shape from the front and back and an oval shape from the sides (when filled). In this embodiment, the shell 12 defines a rectangular configuration that is elongated between two opposite ends 315. The shell 12 has a central body portion 312 consisting of a single panel of fabric 314 wrapped around a top 316 and a bottom 318 of the central body portion 312 and joined to itself along end seams 313 at opposite ends 315 and along a transverse seam 317 extending between the ends 315 on the back 319 of the shell 12. The back seam 317 extends across the back parallel to the lateral centerline L of the shell 12 (see Fig. 13) and below the lateral center line L, ie between the lateral center line L and the bottom 318. The cover 12 of the bag 310 in the Fig. 12-18 is elongated between ends 315 to form the rectangular shape with four corners 324. When the bag 310 is filled with the filling material 16, the corners 324 retain their semi-pointed shape, while the top 316 and bottom 318 are rounded to create the oval shape of the filled sleeve 12. In this embodiment, the top 316 and bottom 318 may develop a slight outward curve toward the corners 324 and a flatter shape near the lateral centerline of the bag 310. In other embodiments, the sleeve 12 may have a different shape and / or in other embodiments, the sleeve 12 may be composed of multiple panels of fabric.

[0093] The bag 310 has an opening 24 on the front side 320 of the cover 12, which in the embodiment of the Fig. 12-18 is formed by an opening through the fabric panel 314 along the centerline of the front side 320. The opening 24 is provided in this embodiment with a closure mechanism 26 in the form of a zipper. It is understood that the opening 24 and the closure mechanism 26 may have any structure described herein with respect to the opening 24 and the closure mechanism 26 of the Fig. 1-8. The opening 24 and the closure mechanism 26 function in this embodiment in the same way as in the bag 10 of Fig. 1-8, wherein the closure mechanism 26 opens to allow the extension of the funnel 27 for filling the bag 310, and the closure mechanism 26 can be closed after the folding of the funnel 27 to seal the opening 24. The closure mechanism 26 in the Fig. 12-18 has a fixed cover 325 covering one end of the opening 24, as in Fig. 14. The cover 325 is positioned so that the handle 326 of the zipper of the closure mechanism 26 can be positioned under the cover 325 when the closure mechanism 26 is in the closed position, to prevent the zipper handle 326 from pressing into the user's skin during use, which increases comfort. The cover 325 in Fig. 14 has the shape of an arch which is anchored at the ends and arches over the end of the opening 24.

[0094] In one embodiment, the bag 310 has two handles 321 connected to the sleeve 12 near the connection points between the top 316 and the ends 315, i.e., the corners 324 along the top 316 of the sleeve 12 in the rectangular sleeve 12 shown in the Fig. 12-18. The handles 321 in this embodiment each include a base 322 that is fixedly connected to the shell 12 and a gripping element 323 that extends outwardly from the base 322. In the embodiment of Fig. 12-18, the gripping elements 323 are each formed as a loop through which the user's hand can reach. In this embodiment, each of the gripping elements 323 has ends connected to the front and back 320, 319 of the sleeve 12, with the gripping element 323 forming a loop configuration between these connections. In other embodiments, the gripping elements 323 may be connected only to the front or back 320, 319 of the sleeve 12 and still have a loop configuration, or the gripping elements 323 may have a different configuration (e.g., a tethered handle). Additionally, in one embodiment, the gripping elements 323 extend outwardly at oblique angles A to the lateral centerline L of the sleeve 12 (see Fig. 13) and at oblique angles B to the nearest peripheral edges of the sleeve 12. In one embodiment, the angles A are about 45° (40-50°) to the lateral centerline L and the angles B are about 135° (125-145°) to the nearest peripheral edge, ie in this embodiment to the top 316 or the nearest end 315 of the sleeve 12. The angles B are measured with respect to the edges 334 of the gripping elements 323 that are closest to the respective peripheral edge of the sleeve 12. In other embodiments, the gripping elements 323 may extend outwardly at angles A of 30-60° to the lateral centerline L of the sheath 12, and the edges 334 of the gripping elements 323 form angles B of approximately 120-150° with the nearest peripheral edge, ie, in such embodiments, with the top 316 or the nearest end 315 of the sheath 12.It is understood that the angles A and B described herein are measured with respect to the gripping elements 323 when extended in their most natural extension direction to their extreme degree of extension, as shown in . Fig. 13. It is also understood that the angle A, measured with respect to the lateral centerline L, in an embodiment as shown in Fig. 13 may be measured with respect to either the edge 334 or the geometric centerline GC of the gripping element 323, wherein the edges 334 and the geometric centerline GC are all parallel to each other, although in some less symmetrical embodiments, the geometric centerline GC may be more suitable. In other words, the angle A may be measured with respect to at least one of the edges and / or the geometric centerline. It should also be understood that the angles A and B are measured when the bag 310 is empty and pressed flat against the ground.

[0095] The bases 322 of the handles 321 are connected to the shell 12 near the upper corners 324, and the bases 322 in the Fig. 12-18 extend on both the front 320 and the back 319 of the cover 12 to enable connection of the gripping elements 323 to both sides 319, 320. In the embodiment of the Fig. 12-18, each base 322 is formed from a single strip of material that extends from the nearest end 315 at an angle across the front 320 of the shell 12, across the top 316 of the shell 12, and then at an angle across the back 319 of the shell 12 back to the end 315. In this embodiment, the base 322 is not connected to the corner 324, thereby exposing the corner 324. The base 322 in this embodiment has a crossing portion 327 that extends across the top 316 of the shell 12, and the inner edge 328 of the crossing portion 327 (i.e., the innermost edge from the nearest end 315) in the Fig. 12-18 extends approximately perpendicular (90°) to the top surface 316 of the sleeve 12 when the bag 310 is empty and pressed against the ground. In other words, the angle C between the inner edge 328 of the crossing portion 327 and the top surface 316 of the sleeve 12 is 80-100° or 85-95°. The inner edge 328 of the crossing portion 327 may additionally or alternatively form the same or similar angles with respect to the lateral centerline L of the sleeve 12 and / or a line (not shown) running directly between the top corners 324 of the sleeve 12. This embodiment is described in the Fig. 17-18 in more detail. The inner edge 328 of the crossing section 327 is in the embodiment of Fig. 12-18 a straight edge, ie the inner edge 328 would be straight and linear if the base 322 were laid flat. In addition, the base 322 has Fig. 12-18 angle sections 329, which extend over the front and back 320, 319 of the sleeve and are connected to the crossing section 327, and the inner edge 330 of each angle section 329 forms a connecting angle D of 110-140° or 120-130° with the crossing section 327. The angle E at the connection point between the inner edge 330 of each angle section 329 and the nearest end 315 of the sleeve 12 is 40-70° or 50-60°. It is understood that the angles C, D and E are measured when the bag 310 is empty and pressed flat against the ground. The crossing section 327 in the embodiment of the Fig. 12-18 has a smaller width, measured between the inner edge 328 and the opposite (outer) edge, which is smaller than the width of the angle sections 329.

[0096] The smaller width and the angles C and D in the embodiment of the Fig. 12-18 are produced by folding the base 322 over itself towards the nearest end 315 of the sheath 12 and connecting the folded portion 333 to the base 322 as shown in Fig. 17. Each base 322, in one embodiment, may be comprised of a single or continuous fabric panel or strip having first and opposite second surfaces 331, 332. In this embodiment, the first surface 331 forms the outer surface of the angled portion 329 on the front side 320 of the sleeve 12 and the inner surface of the angled portion 329 (in contact with the sleeve 12) on the back side 319 of the sleeve 12, and the second surface 332 forms the outer surface of the angled portion 329 on the back side 319 of the sleeve 12 and the inner surface of the angled portion 329 (in contact with the sleeve 12) on the front side 320 of the sleeve 12.

[0097] The angles AE described herein provide a more ergonomic and athletically efficient shape for the bag, designed to be picked up by a user and slung over their back for carrying, so that the top 316 rests on the user's neck and shoulders. The angles AB of the gripping elements 323 provide effective and comfortable angles for lifting and carrying, and the angles CE of the base 322 provide durability and a favorable distribution of forces and stresses on the shell 12 during lifting and carrying. As a particular example, the angle C between the inner edge 328 of the crossing portion 327 and the top 316 of the shell 12 avoids excessive stress concentration at the connection point between the base 322 and the top 316 of the shell 12, which could result in separation of the base 322 from the shell 12 and / or tearing of the shell 12 at that location.It is also noted that the position of the rear seam 317 below the lateral centerline L of the shell 12 avoids stress concentrations at the seam 317 by spacing the seam 317 from the handles 321 and also reduces the likelihood of the user wearing the bag 310 with the seam 317 in contact with his neck or shoulders, which could reduce comfort.

[0098] The bag 310 can be manufactured using the same materials and techniques described herein with respect to the embodiment of the Fig. 1-8. In particular, the shell 12, the inner bag 135 and the filling mechanism 25 can be assembled in a similar manner to the same components in the Fig. 1-8 are assembled. The assembly of the bag 310 in the Fig.12-18 further includes connecting the gripping elements 323 to the bases 322 of the handles 321 and then connecting the handles 321 to the top 316 of the sleeve 12 using any of the connecting structures and techniques described herein, including sewing, gluing, and heat sealing.

[0099] Several alternative embodiments and examples have been described and illustrated herein. One skilled in the art will appreciate the features of each embodiment, as well as the possible combinations and variations of the components. One skilled in the art will also appreciate that each of the embodiments could be provided in any combination with the other embodiments disclosed herein. It is to be understood that the invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or central characteristics. The present examples and embodiments are, therefore, to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, and the invention is not to be limited to the details given herein.The terms "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "side," "back," "proximal," "distal," and the like, as used herein, are for illustrative and relational purposes only and are not limiting of the embodiments in any way. Unless expressly stated otherwise in the claims, nothing in this specification should be construed as requiring a particular three-dimensional orientation of the structures to fall within the scope of this invention. Furthermore, the term "plurality," as used herein, refers to any number greater than one, either disjunctive or conjunctive as appropriate, up to an infinite number. For quantitative values ​​described herein without decimals, any digit to the left of the decimal point is considered a significant digit.Accordingly, although the specific embodiments have been illustrated and described, numerous modifications are possible without materially departing from the spirit of the invention, and the scope of protection is limited only by the scope of the appended claims. QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] US 62 / 544,973

[0001] US 62 / 544,957

[0001] US 29 / 651,235

[0001] US 29 / 638,918

[0001] US 29 / 647,410

[0001]

Claims

[1] A bag (210) configured to be filled with a filling material and comprising: a shell (12) comprising a central body portion (212) and opposite upper and lower ends (216, 217) connected to the central body portion (212), the central body portion (212) and the upper and lower ends (216, 217) of the shell (12) together defining and enclosing an internal cavity (21) configured to receive the filler material, the central body portion (212) having a tapered shape such that at least one of a minimum width and a circumference of the central body portion (212) is smaller at the lower end (216) and larger at the upper end (217), and the lower end (216) is smaller than the upper end (217), and the shell (12) having an opening (24) providing access to the internal cavity (21). [2] The sack (210) of claim 1, wherein the sleeve (12) comprises a circular upper end panel (218) defining the upper end (217) and having the opening (24) defined therein, a circular lower end panel (219) defining the lower end (216) and having a smaller circumference than the upper end panel (218), and a central body panel (214) joined by seams to the upper end panel (218) and the lower end panel (219) and defining the central body portion (212), the central body panel (212) defining a tapered frusto-conical shape. [3] A bag (210) according to claim 1 or claim 2, further comprising a movable cover flap (220) having a fixed end (221) anchored to the shell (12) and a free end (222) movable to selectively cover and uncover the opening (24), and a releasable connecting structure (223) at the upper end (217) configured to hold the movable cover flap (220) to cover the opening (24). [4] A bag (210) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the central body portion (212) has a frusto-conical shape and the upper and lower ends (216, 217) are circular, such that the minimum width of the central body portion (212) is a diameter and the circumference of the central body portion (212) is a circumference of a circle. [5] Bag (210) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a ratio between a minimum width of the upper end (217) and a minimum width of the lower end (216) is 1.25:1 to 2:

1. [6] Bag (210) according to claim 5, wherein the ratio between the minimum width of the upper end (217) and the minimum width of the lower end (216) is 1.5:1 to 1.75:

1. [7] A bag (210) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a ratio between a surface area of ​​the upper end (217) and a surface area of ​​the lower end (216) is 1.5:1 to 4:

1. [8] A bag (210) according to claim 7, wherein the ratio between the surface area of ​​the upper end (217) and the surface area of ​​the lower end (216) is 2.25:1 to 3:

1. [9] A bag (210) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising an inner bag (135) positioned in the inner cavity (21) and connected to an inner surface (31) of the shell (12), the inner bag (135) communicating with the opening (24) and configured to be filled with the filling material through the opening (24). [10] The bag (210) of claim 9, further comprising a hopper (27) in communication with the inner bag (135), the hopper (27) being selectively extendable through the opening (24) to enable filling of the inner bag (135), and the hopper (27) being selectively retractable into the opening (24) to close the inner bag (135). [11] A bag (210) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the central body portion (212) has a taper angle of 6-10° with respect to a central axis of the bag (210). [12] The bag (210) of claim 11, wherein the taper angle of the central body portion (212) relative to the central axis of the bag (210) is 7-9°. [13] A bag (210) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the central body portion (212) further defines a cross-sectional area orthogonal to the central axis of the bag (210) that is smaller at the lower end (216) and larger at the upper end (217). [14] A bag (210) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the central body portion (212) has a continuous linear taper, a convex curved taper, a concave curved taper, or a discontinuous linear taper.

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