MULTI-SEGMENT ROLLER EXERCISE APPARATUS, KIT, AND METHOD FOR USE THEREOF

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a multipurpose exercise apparatus, kit, and method for use thereof and, more particularly, to a multi-segment roller exercise apparatus, kit, and method for use thereof. In an embodiment, a plurality of exercise apparatuses may be created by combining elements contained in a kit. One exercise apparatus includes a multi-segment roller exercise device; the weight of the device may be adjusted by adding or removing weights from an interior space of the device. The segments contained in the kit may be used together or separately. The kit includes weighted bags which may be used alone or in conjunction with the multi-segment roller exercise device.

Description

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present invention generally relates to a multi-purpose exercise apparatus and method for use thereof, and more particularly to a multi-segment roller exercise apparatus with a padded external surface and opened internal volumes for storage and weight control, and method for use thereof.

BACKGROUND

There are multiple types of exercise devices that can be used by athletes or users, as part of training, warming-up phases, or post-exercise routines. Some devices also serve a therapeutic role helping athletes and users keep their bodies in optimal shape. One such technology takes the form of compressible cylinders, commonly referred to as foam rollers, which are currently utilized by individuals to enhance core strength, help remove lactic acid buildup in a muscle, help stretch a muscle, and many other useful purposes such as, for example, to improve balance.

These rollers often have a padded exterior surface that can come in contact with the skin without damage. The padding, often made of foam, polymer, rubber, or other material, is often designed to offer both a cushion/padding effect and also has a surface capable of not absorbing sweat and being washable to remove any dirt or odor caused by frequent use. For example, these products could be used by multiple people in a class setting and therefore these products must be able to be disinfected using ordinary washing means.

An individual can use such a device by placing it on the floor and using gravity and the weight of his/her body, by pressing a portion of his or her body against the device (e.g., by lying on his or her back or side with the foam roller between his or her back or leg and the floor), or by pressing the foam roller against a wall or other static structure using the user's legs. Alternatively, a user could perform a body-weight exercise (e.g., a pushup) with the foam roller between the floor and his or her hands or feet. Also, to help offer diversity, such tools when used for one purpose can also be used for additional purposes such as a weight to be lifted above a user's head. These exercises enable an individual to improve balance and posture, tone muscles, and release muscle tension. Coaches and trainers also use different types of devices in classes to help enhance training experiences.

Foam rollers are generally made of a semi-rigid exterior material such as ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), polyethylene foam, or another semi-compressible material. Foam rollers may include a rigid interior material, which lends strength to the device and constrains the amount by which the foam roller can deform. The utility of existing foam rollers is often limited. For example, the weight of the foam roller itself cannot be adjusted; therefore a studio owner, will own several different size rollers, often of different colors like hand weights. The exercises that may be performed with a foam roller are very limited. Accordingly, there is a need to provide an improved foam roller which can be adjusted by a user and is more versatile than existing designs.

SUMMARY

The presently described apparatus and method overcome the disadvantages of the prior art by providing a novel exercise system. In accordance with one embodiment of the presently claimed invention, a multi-segment roller exercise device is provided, along with a method for using and configuring such device.

In accordance with one embodiment of the presently claimed invention, an exercise apparatus comprises a substantially cylindrical hollow body with an interior surface and an exterior surface, wherein said body comprises a plurality of segments, each substantially cylindrical in shape, and a locking mechanism configured to connect adjacent removable segments of said plurality of segments together, wherein, when said plurality of segments are joined together, said interior surface of said body substantially surrounds an interior space, and wherein, at least one of said plurality of segments comprises an open end such that when said plurality of segments are separated, said interior space is accessible through said open end.

In accordance with another embodiment of the presently claimed invention, a method for using an exercise kit is provided, the exercise kit comprising a first end segment and a second end segment, each hollow, substantially cylindrical in shape, and comprising an open end opposite a closed end, an exterior surface extending between said open end and said closed end, and an interior surface opposite said exterior surface; a locking mechanism configured to removably connect said open ends of said first end segment and said second end segment such that together the interior surfaces of the first end segment and the second end segment substantially bind an interior space together; and a weighted bag sized so as to be removably contained within said interior space; the method comprising the steps of:

(a) inserting at least a portion of the weighted bag through the open end of the first end segment adjacent;

(b) placing the open end of the first end segment adjacent to the open end of the second end segment, such that the weighted bag is contained within the interior space;

(c) engaging the locking mechanism so as to secure the first end segment to the second end segment, forming a combination exercise device comprising the first end segment, the weighted bag, the locking mechanism, and the second end segment;

(d) performing a first exercise using the combination exercise device;

(e) disengaging the locking mechanism so as to separate the first end segment from the second end segment;

(f) removing the weighted bag from the first end segment and the second end segment; and

(g) performing a second exercise using the weighted bag.

In accordance with another embodiment of the presently claimed invention, an exercise kit is provided, the exercise kit comprising:

a first end segment, wherein the first end segment is hollow, substantially cylindrical in shape, and comprises an open end opposite a closed end, an exterior surface extending between said open end and said closed end, and an interior surface opposite said exterior surface;

a second end segment, wherein the second end segment is hollow, substantially cylindrical in shape, and comprises an open end opposite a closed end, an exterior surface extending between said open end and said closed end, and an interior surface opposite said exterior surface;

a locking mechanism configured to removably connect said open ends of said first end segment and said second end segment, such that together the interior surfaces of the first end segment and the second end segment substantially bind an interior space; and

at least one weighted bag, sized so as to be removably contained within said interior space.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present disclosure generally relates to exercise devices, and in particular to a modular exercise device comprising multiple tubular-shaped segments that is easily configurable for use for performing different exercises in a wide variety of environments.

The following disclosure as a whole may be best understood by reference to the provided detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, drawing descriptions, abstract, background, field of the disclosure, and associated headings. Identical reference numerals, when found on different figures, identify the same elements or functionally equivalent elements. The elements listed in the abstract are not referenced but nevertheless refer by association to the elements of the detailed description and associated disclosure.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a assembled multi-segment roller exercise device in accordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the perspective view of the multi-segment roller exercise device of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a plurality of weights for use within the multi-segment roller exercise device of FIG. 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the multi-segment roller exercise device of FIG. 1 without the latches, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a multi-segment roller exercise device, including a plurality of straps providing a detailed view of a connector according to a present embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 6 is an exploded view of the perspective view of a third embodiment of a multi-segment roller exercise device, with the outer foam layer and straps removed.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the multi-segment roller exercise device of FIG. 6 as assembled, with the outer foam layer and straps in place.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure is not limited to the particular details of the apparatus depicted, and other modifications and applications may be contemplated. Further changes may be made in the apparatus, device, or methods without departing from the true spirit and scope of the disclosure herein involved. It is intended, therefore, that the subject matter in this disclosure should be interpreted as illustrative, not in a limiting sense.

For purposes of contrasting various embodiments with the prior art, certain aspects and advantages of these embodiments are described where appropriate herein. Of course, it is to be understood that not necessarily all such aspects or advantages may be achieved in accordance with any particular embodiment. Modifications and variations can be made by one skilled in the art without departing from the sprit and scope of the invention. Moreover, any one or more features of any embodiment may be combined with any one or more other features of any other embodiment without departing from the scope of the invention.

Disclosed herein is a modular, multi-segment roller exercise device and kit that is configured to be used in a variety of configurations. The modular, multi-segment roller exercise device allows a user to perform a large number of exercises by easily adjusting the configuration of the device, for example the number and width of each segment, and the weight of the overall multi-segment device so as to provide varying levels of resistance and varying levels of weight to the various exercises. For example, a user may have a much wider back or leg and this specific user would require a roller with a larger overall weight while in the same class setting, while a smaller user may be more comfortable with a narrower roller. Furthermore, the use of a wider multi-segment device may allow a user to lower the pressure per square inch on a muscle to allow for a more therapeutic approach to the use.

FIG. 1 provides a perspective view of a first embodiment of a modular, multi-segment roller device 100. As shown, the device 100 is substantially cylindrical along its length and comprises three segments: first end segment 102, middle section 104, and second end segment 106. In the embodiment as shown, the three segments 102, 104, and 106 are removably attached to one another by locking mechanisms 108a, 108b. As shown, these locking mechanisms 108a, 108b comprise curved tabs with internal locking mechanisms (not shown), thereby avoiding having the locking mechanisms 108a, 108b come into contact with the user's body during use. In another embodiment, instead of such mechanisms, other types of locking mechanisms are contemplated. By way of example, in the embodiment depicted in FIG. 6, a lock-and-turn locking system is used, which allows two segments to be pushed into each other and after rotating the two segments relative to one another by a fraction of a turn, the lock is secured. In an embodiment, the lock-and-turn locking system further comprises a compression locking system wherein an O-ring is located between two adjacent segments, at least one of which is fitted with one or more metal ball plungers. As the segments are pressed together, the O-ring compresses and the one or more metal ball plungers retracts, permitting the segments to be rotated into a locked configuration. The O-ring and one or more metal ball plungers then push the segments apart a small distance, thereby causing the locking tabs to engage and the tabs to lock together. The segments are disengaged by pressing them together, causing the O-ring to compress and the one or more metal ball plungers to retract, permitting the segments to rotate relative to one another until the locking tabs disengage, permitting the segments to be separated from one another. What is also contemplated is the use of joint mechanisms, such as, for example, fasteners comprising loops with clips or tabs and longitudinal reinforcement mechanisms, such as bars configured to be slid along the width of the device so as to increase its resistance.

Returning to the mechanism shown in FIG. 1 and shown with greater detail in later figures, using locking mechanism 108a, first end 102 can be removed from middle section 104. Similarly, using locking mechanism 108b, second end 106 can be removed from middle section 104. In yet another contemplated embodiment, the end sections 102 and 106 can include other openings, places, and sub-sections, which allow for internal access.

As shown in FIG. 1, different sections can have different external surfaces. For example, a portion of the exterior surface of the device 100 may comprise a layer of foam, while other portions may not. In an embodiment, as shown, substantially all of the exterior surface of the device may comprise foam made of different density, weight, or surface finish. As shown, the foam may be textured comprising one or more ridges, small protrusions or nubs, or waves. In an alternative embodiment, the exterior surface of the device 100 is substantially smooth. As shown in FIG. 1, at least a portion of the exterior surface of the device 100 comprises a rigid material, such as (but not limited to) polycarbonate or metal. In a embodiment, the exterior surface of first end 102 comprises foam, while the exterior surface of second end 106 comprises a rigid material.

In an embodiment, different densities of foam are applied to various portions of the exterior surface of the device 100. By way of example, end section 102 may comprise a softer foam (illustrated by the wavy shading), while end section 106 comprises a firmer foam (illustrated by the darker shading) that is more resistant to compression.

In an embodiment, an interior layer of the device 100 is substantially rigid and incapable of deformation. The interior layer may comprise, by way of example, a layer of polycarbonate or hard plastic. The interior layer may be configured to support a user's weight without deforming. The device 100 is used to perform a type of exercise termed “foam rolling” or “self-myofascial release” (often abbreviated as “SMR”). In use, a user positions a muscle group to be targeted (such as, by way of example and not limitation, the gastrocnemius, latissimus dorsi, piriformis, adductors, quadriceps, hamstrings, hip flexors, or thoracic spine) over the device 100. The user then pushes down on the device 100 using his or her body weight, so as to apply pressure to the targeted muscle group. The device 100 is then rolled under the targeted muscle group for a predetermined length of time, ranging from a period of 15 seconds to several minutes.

The device 100 may range from 12 to 48 inches in length and from 4 to 8 inches in diameter. In a preferred embodiment, the device 100 is 28 inches in length and 6 inches in diameter. As shown in FIG. 2, in an embodiment, the device 100 is hollow. By separating the first end 102 from the middle section 104 and/or the middle section 104 from the second end 106, the interior of the device 100 may be accessed. In this manner, objects may be stored inside the device 100.

In an embodiment, the segments of the roller device 100 (i.e., first end segment 102, middle section 104, and second end segment 106) may be used independently. For example, a user may determine that an apparatus with a length less than the length of the entire device 100 is desirable for a particular exercise (e.g., because a particular targeted muscle is best reached by using a smaller device). Rather than employing the entire device 100 for the exercise, the user may separate end segment 102 from the remainder of the device 100 and perform the exercise using only end segment 102.

The sections of the device 100 may each have a different length, giving a user flexibility in performing exercises. In an embodiment where the entire device 100 has a length of 36 inches, first end segment 102 has a length of 20 inches, middle section 104 has a length of 12 inches, and second end segment 106 has a length of 4 inches. In an embodiment, two or more of the segments of the device may be used together, for example by combining first end segment 102 and second end segment 106 or by combining first end segment 102 and middle section 104.

FIG. 3 provides a perspective view of a plurality of weighted bags 302, 304, and 306. As shown, each weighted bag 302, 304, 306 may have a different weight, shape and size to allow for modular use of one or a plurality of bags working together. In an embodiment, weighted bag 302 weighs 2.5 pounds, weighted bag 304 weighs 5 pounds, and weighted bag 306 weighs 10 pounds. As will be clear to one of skill in the art from the present disclosure, a greater or lesser number of weighted bags may be used, and various weights may be used for each weighted bag.

The weighted bags 302, 304, 306 may be substantially cylindrical in shape and configured so as to be placed inside the device 100. In this manner, the weighted bags 302, 304, 306 may be stored within the device 100 while not in use. Similarly, the weighted bags 302, 304, 306 may be placed within or removed from the device 100 so as to adjust the weight of the device. In an embodiment, each weighted bag 302, 304, 306 includes a strap which may be used to lift the respective weighted bag 302, 304, 306. As shown, a user can hold one or more of the weighted bags 302, 304, 306 and perform weight exercises (such as, but not limited to, one-armed biceps curls and triceps curls). In an embodiment, a user may pass the strap of one of the weighted bags 302, 304, 306 over his or her foot and use the weighted bags 302, 304, 306 to perform leg exercises (such as, but not limited to, leg lifts). The user can increase the difficulty of the exercise by either using heaver weighted bags 302, 304, 306 or by using multiple weighted bags 302, 304, 306 at once.

In an embodiment, each weighted bag 302, 304, 306 comprises an outer wall 308 comprising two layers of fabric, such as Cordura® fabric, in a substantially cylindrical shape surrounding an interior cavity filled with a weighted material. The weighted material may comprise a blend of sand and metal shot or other suitable materials. In an embodiment, each weighted bag 302, 304, 306 further comprises one of a padded end strap 310 and a padded side strap 312. The padded straps 310, 312 are affixed to the outer wall and are configured such that a user may lift the weighted bag 302, 304, 306 using the padded straps 310, 312.

In an embodiment, the device 100 is configured to be held by a user and used to perform weight exercises. A user grips the device in both hands, lifts the device 100, and performs an exercise such as a biceps curl, a triceps curl, a bench press, a military press, etc. A user can adjust the difficulty of the exercise by inserting or removing weighted bags 302, 304, 306 within the device 100.

As shown in FIG. 4, in an embodiment, the locks 108a, 108b may be released by pulling up on the locks 108a, 108b. In an embodiment, each lock 108 is sized so as to be frictionally restrained in a locked position. While closed, the locks 108 hold the segments 102, 104, 106 of the device 100 together. When released, the locks 108 permit the segments 102, 104, 106 to be separated from one another.

As shown in FIG. 5, in an embodiment, a multi-segment roller device 500 further comprises a plurality of straps 502, 504. In an embodiment, the second end 106 includes a pair of straps 502a, 502b. The pair of straps 502a, 502b may comprise grips used to hold the device 100 and perform various exercises.

As used herein, the verb “grip” refers to the action of interlocking a device and a body part. When used in an exercise device, a grip is attached to other elements that permit the force to be transferred to the device. Grips include devices that can be surrounded by a body part, for example, a flexible loop or a hook—or that a body part can surround, such as an elongated member that can fit within the grasp of a user's hand. In this context, a member that can be gripped, or is grippable, is one that can either surround a body part or be surrounded by a body part and has a size and configuration that permits the transfer of force from the user to the grip. A “hand grip” is a grip that is sized for grasping by the hand, a “foot grip” is a grip that is sized for being supported by or holding a foot, and a “finger grip” is a grip that is sized for grasping by one or more of a user's fingers

In an embodiment (not shown), the pair of straps 502a, 502b comprise a single closed loop forming a grip that may be held in a user's hand, held by a user's foot, or otherwise grasped by a user (e.g., placed over a user's arm or leg so as to support the device 100). In an embodiment, the device 100 comprises a plurality of straps 504a, 504b, 504c, 504d, each extending from a respective segment 102, 104, 106 of the device 100. Each strap 504a, 504b, 504c, 504d may be used to hold the device 100. In an embodiment, two overlapping straps, each fitted with a hook and loop fastener along a surface thereof, are used to create adjustable-length grips.

FIG. 6 provides a perspective exploded view of a third embodiment of a modular, multi-segment roller device 600 comprising a twist lock system. FIG. 6 depicts the roller device 600 with the outer foam covering and straps removed to better illustrate the functionality of the twist lock. As shown, the various segments 602, 604, 606, 608 are configured to removably connect together by rotatably joining male twist locking portion 612a with female twist lock portion 612b. To connect two adjacent segments, such as end cap 608 and segment 606, the male twist lock portion 612a is inserted into the female portion 612b with a material (not shown) that is compressibly interposed therebetween. To secure the segments 606 and 608 together, the user compresses the material and rotates the male twist lock portion 612a (by rotating the entire segment 608) relative to the female portion 612b such that protrusion 614 is secured within a matching groove (not shown) on the female portion 612b. The compressed material tends to push segment 606 away from end cap 612, thereby holding the protrusion 614 within the groove and securing the two segments 606, 608 together. To separate the two segments 606 and 608, the user merely pushes the segments 606 and 608 together and twists the male twist lock portion 612a in the opposite direction, thereby removing the protrusion 614 from the groove. In an embodiment, the outer foam covering (not shown) covers substantially all of the outer surface of segments 604 and 606 and extends over the female twist lock portion 614b between the segments, and thereby functions as the compressible material.

As shown in FIG. 7, with the outer foam coating 706a, 706b in place over the outer surface of segments 604, 606, substantially all of the exterior surface of these segments 604, 606 is covered. In an embodiment, segment 605 and 606 are not connected internally (i.e., one of segment 604 and 606 contains an internal partition or divider such that the hollow portions in these segments 604, 606 are separated). In this manner, one or more weighted bags 302, 304, 306 may be placed inside the device 600 so as to asymmetrically distribute the load inside the device. For example, segment 604, and thus the portion of the device 600 proximate the first end cap 602, may contain more weight than segment 606, and thus the portion of the device 600 proximate the second end cap 608. The weighted bags 302, 304, 306 are constrained within the appropriate segment(s) by the internal divider.

In an alternative embodiment, the interior of the device 600 is open and a removable spacer is used to secure one or more weighted bags 302, 304, 306 in place. For example, a spacer may be inserted so as to secure one or more weighted bags 302, 304, 306 in a desired location within the device 600, thereby creating a asymmetrical load within the device 600. In an embodiment, the spacer is made of foam and is compressible, such that weighted bags 302, 304, 306 of varying sizes may all be secured in place. In an embodiment, both internal dividers and a removable spacer are used to enable a user to configure an asymmetrical load using one or more weighted bags 302, 304, 306 in any configuration, such that the weighted bags are incapable of moving during use.

As shown in FIG. 7, a first plurality of handles 702a, 702b, 702c are spaced located longitudinally along the device 600. A second plurality of handles 704a, 704b run laterally on the device 600. As discussed above, these handles running in both directions may be used to perform a variety of exercises.

One of skill in the art will recognize that all the various components identified in this disclosure may be made from any material or combination of materials suitable for the expected structural load and environment, without limitation—metals, composites, engineered plastics, natural or synthetic materials, etc.

Furthermore, while the particular preferred embodiments have been shown and described, it is obvious to those skilled in the art that changes and modifications may be made without departing from the teaching of the disclosure. The matter set forth in the foregoing description and accompanying drawings is offered by way of illustration only and not as limitation. The actual scope of the disclosure is intended to be defined in the following claims when viewed in their proper perspective, based on the related art.

Claims

1. A method for using an exercise kit, the exercise kit comprising: a first end segment and a second end segment, each hollow, substantially cylindrical in shape, and comprising an open end opposite a closed end, an exterior surface extending between said open end and said closed end, and an interior surface opposite said exterior surface; a locking mechanism configured to removably connect said open ends of said first end segment and said second end segment such that together the interior surfaces of the first end segment and the second end segment substantially bind an interior space together; and a weighted bag sized so as to be removably contained within said interior space; the method comprising the steps of:

(a) inserting at least a portion of the weighted bag through the open end of the first end segment adjacent;

(b) placing the open end of the first end segment adjacent to the open end of the second end segment, such that the weighted bag is contained within the interior space;

(c) engaging the locking mechanism so as to secure the first end segment to the second end segment, forming a combination exercise device comprising the first end segment, the weighted bag, the locking mechanism, and the second end segment;

(d) performing a first exercise using the combination exercise device;

(e) disengaging the locking mechanism so as to separate the first end segment from the second end segment;

(f) removing the weighted bag from the first end segment and the second end segment; and

(g) performing a second exercise using the weighted bag.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the exercise kit further comprises a strap extending from the exterior surface of the first end segment, the combination exercise device further comprises the strap, and the first exercise comprises grasping the strap and lifting the combination exercise device.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the first exercise comprises pressing a portion of a user's body on the combination exercise device and rolling the user's body against the combination exercise device.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the second exercise comprises lifting the weighted bag.

5. The method of claim 1, further comprising performing a third exercise using the first end segment.

6. An exercise kit comprising:

a first end segment, wherein the first end segment is hollow, substantially cylindrical in shape, and comprises an open end opposite a closed end, an exterior surface extending between said open end and said closed end, and an interior surface opposite said exterior surface;

a second end segment, wherein the second end segment is hollow, substantially cylindrical in shape, and comprises an open end opposite a closed end, an exterior surface extending between said open end and said closed end, and an interior surface opposite said exterior surface;

a locking mechanism configured to removably connect said open ends of said first end segment and said second end segment, such that together the interior surfaces of the first end segment and the second end segment substantially bind an interior space; and

at least one weighted bag, sized so as to be removably contained within said interior space.

7. The exercise kit of claim 6, wherein said locking mechanism is a first locking mechanism, the exercise kit further comprising:

a middle segment, wherein the middle segment is hollow, substantially cylindrical in shape, and comprises a pair of open ends, an exterior surface extending between said pair of open ends, and an interior surface opposite said exterior surface; and

a second locking mechanism configured to removably connect one of said pair of open ends of said middle segment to said open end of second end segment;

wherein said first locking mechanism is configured to removably connect one of said pair of open ends of said middle segment to said open end of first end segment; and

wherein, with said first end segment, said middle segment, and said second end segment removably connected together, the interior surfaces of the first end segment, the middle segment, and the second end segment substantially bind the interior space.

8. The exercise kit of claim 6, further comprising a strap extending from the exterior surface of the first end segment.

9. The exercise kit of claim 8, wherein said strap comprises a grip.

10. The exercise kit of claim 9, wherein said strap comprises a closed loop attached to the closed end of said first end segment.

11. The exercise kit of claim 6, wherein a first portion of said exterior surface of said first end segment comprises foam.

12. The exercise kit of claim 11, wherein a second portion of said exterior surface of said first end segment comprises a rigid material.

13. The exercise kit of claim 6, wherein said interior surfaces of said first end and said second end segments comprise a rigid material.

14. The exercise kit of claim 6, wherein said weighted bag comprises a grip.

15. The exercise kit of claim 6, wherein said at least one weighted bag comprises a plurality of weighted bags, wherein each of said plurality of weighted bags has a different weight, and each of the plurality of weighted bags is sized so as to be removably contained within said interior space.

13. A method of configuring a kit for use, the exercise kit comprising: a plurality of hollow, substantially cylindrical segments, the plurality of segments comprising a first end segment and a second end segment, each comprising an open end opposite a closed end, an exterior surface extending between said open end and said closed end, and an interior surface opposite said exterior surface and a middle segment that is hollow and substantially cylindrical in shape and which comprises a pair of open ends, an exterior surface extending between said pair of open ends, and an interior surface opposite said exterior surface; a plurality of locking mechanisms, each configured to removably connect the open ends of two of said plurality of segments together such that together the interior surfaces of the two of said plurality of segments substantially bind an interior space; and at least one weighted bag sized so as to be removably contained within said interior space; the method comprising the steps of:

(a) selecting a first segment of said plurality of segments, a second segment of said plurality of segments, a first locking mechanism of said plurality of locking mechanisms, and a first weighted bag of said at least one weighted bags;

(b) inserting at least a portion of the first weighted bag through the open end of the first segment;

(c) placing the open end of the first segment adjacent to the open end of the second segment, such that the first weighted bag is contained within the interior space formed by the interior surfaces of the first segment and the second segment;

(d) engaging the first locking mechanism so as to secure the first segment to the second segment.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein the step of engaging the locking mechanism comprises turning a curved tab of the locking mechanism towards the inner surfaces of the first segment and the second segment, such that the exterior surfaces of the first segment and the second segment extend further from the interior surfaces of the first segment and the second segment than does the curved tab.

15. The method of claim 13, wherein the step of engaging the locking mechanism comprises rotating two portions of the locking mechanism relative to one another a fraction of a turn before pushing the two segments of the locking mechanism into one another.