Weighted Vest Using Olympic Plates and Hook-and-Loop Fasteners
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing weighted vests are limited by the need for specifically designed weights, which are not standard and cannot be easily replaced or used elsewhere, restricting weight adjustment and versatility.
Innovation Solution
A weighted vest designed to accommodate standard Olympic weight plates, allowing users to adjust weight with a range of standard shapes and sizes, secured using hook and loop attachments, weight holders with locking mechanisms, and elastic pockets for secure and flexible weight distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If standard Olympic weight plates are used instead of specially designed weights, then weight availability and adjustability are improved, but the complexity of securing mechanisms increases
Solution Approach 1:
The weighted vest is designed to accommodate universal Olympic weight plates with standard 2-inch center holes, allowing the use of any Olympic plate from any gym or fitness equipment supplier. The vest structure includes pockets and weight holders that universally accept these standard plates, eliminating the need for proprietary weights.
Solution Approach 2:
Hook and loop fasteners (Velcro-style attachments) are introduced as intermediary elements to secure the weight plates. These fasteners provide a simple, reliable connection between the vest pockets and the weight plates, resolving the complexity issue by using a well-established, easy-to-operate fastening mechanism.
2Reliability
If multiple pockets with securement mechanisms are added to the vest, then weight plate security is improved, but the vest structure complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The vest is divided into multiple independent pockets distributed across the front and back panels. Each pocket can independently hold and secure weight plates, allowing for modular weight configuration. This segmentation provides security for each weight plate while maintaining overall vest simplicity through standardized pocket designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The hook and loop fasteners are designed to be self-adhering and self-securing, requiring no additional tools or complex mechanisms. The user simply attaches the fastener to secure the weight plate, and the same fastener type is used throughout, making the system self-consistent and easy to operate.
3Weight of moving object
If the vest is designed to hold up to 90 pounds of weight, then weight resistance capability is improved, but the comfort and weight distribution may be adversely affected
Solution Approach 1:
The vest distributes weight across multiple pockets positioned at different locations on the front and back panels. This local distribution of weight-bearing points prevents concentration of force on any single area, improving comfort while maintaining the total 90-pound weight capacity. The symmetrical arrangement of pockets ensures balanced weight distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The vest design creates equipotential weight distribution by placing pockets symmetrically on both front and back panels, ensuring that weight is evenly distributed across the user's body. This balanced arrangement prevents tilting or uneven stress, enhancing comfort during exercise activities.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables users to easily customize weight resistance up to 90 pounds using commonly available Olympic weight plates, enhancing versatility and convenience while minimizing weight plate movement and user discomfort.
Implementation Method 1
Each pocket has a flap with a hook and loop attachment to secure the weight plates in the pocket.
Implementation Method 2
The weight holder is a bar perpendicularly attached to the center of each pocket. Each weight holder has a locking mechanism at its free end to securely hold the weight plates on the weight holder.
Implementation Method 3
A pad made from a rigid material is placed in a pocket area. The bar is then rigidly fastened to the pad. The bar can fasten by threading and washer mechanism or any other rigid attachment mechanism.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is a weighted vest, for receiving standard Olympic weight plates. The vest has a plurality of vest pockets at least in two rows and in the front and in the rear. The top row pockets are each sized to receive up to three 2.5-pound standard Olympic weight plates and the bottom row pockets are sized to each receive up to three 5-pound standard Olympic weight plates. Each pocket has a weight holder with a length adapted to receive 1 to 3 standard Olympic weight and locked by a locking means and a pocket flap to securely hold the weight plates in the pocket.