CA1319375C - Exercise apparatus - Google Patents
Exercise apparatusInfo
- Publication number
- CA1319375C CA1319375C CA000582866A CA582866A CA1319375C CA 1319375 C CA1319375 C CA 1319375C CA 000582866 A CA000582866 A CA 000582866A CA 582866 A CA582866 A CA 582866A CA 1319375 C CA1319375 C CA 1319375C
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- fabric
- exercise apparatus
- handles
- sectors
- elastic material
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Fee Related
Links
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63F—CARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- A63F7/00—Indoor games using small moving playing bodies, e.g. balls, discs or blocks
- A63F7/22—Accessories; Details
- A63F7/36—Constructional details not covered by groups A63F7/24 - A63F7/34, i.e. constructional details of rolling boards, rims or play tables, e.g. frame, game boards, guide tracks
- A63F7/3603—Rolling boards with special surface, e.g. air cushion boards
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B23/00—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for particular parts of the body
- A63B23/035—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for particular parts of the body for limbs, i.e. upper or lower limbs, e.g. simultaneously
- A63B23/12—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for particular parts of the body for limbs, i.e. upper or lower limbs, e.g. simultaneously for upper limbs or related muscles, e.g. chest, upper back or shoulder muscles
Landscapes
- Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Orthopedic Medicine & Surgery (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Multimedia (AREA)
- General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Physical Education & Sports Medicine (AREA)
- Professional, Industrial, Or Sporting Protective Garments (AREA)
Abstract
ABSTRACT
The present invention provides for an exercise apparatus comprising a generally circular, flexible fabric with at least three generally closed elastic loop handles spaced about the circumference of said fabric. The apparatus is useful for developing hand-eye co-ordination and muscle tone of, for example, elderly patients.
The present invention provides for an exercise apparatus comprising a generally circular, flexible fabric with at least three generally closed elastic loop handles spaced about the circumference of said fabric. The apparatus is useful for developing hand-eye co-ordination and muscle tone of, for example, elderly patients.
Description
1 31 q375 ~X~RCISE ~PPARhT~
FIELD OF INV~NTION
The present invention is directed to an exercise apparatus or game to be used by several players It is particularly useful for developing and improving dexterity, co-ordination and strength of the user.
G~OUND OF THE INVENTION
Physically and mentally challenged persons quite frequently have difficulties with motor stimulation and hand and eye co-ordination, among other characteristics. Such difficulties with motor stimulation and hand and eye co-ordination include reactions to stimulus which vary widely from normal ranges, both in terms of the time to react to the stimulus and in the strength of the reaction. The reaction speed upon receiving a stimulus is often slower and the reaction is often stronger and lasts longer than comparable reactions of non-physically or mentally challenged persons. Other characteristics in which the physically or mentally challenged persons vary from normal ranges, include skill levels of motor stimulation and hand and eye co-ordination reactions, as well as interest levels or attention span for numerous tasks.
SUMMARY OF TH~ INVENTION
According to the present invention, there is provided an exercise apparatus comprising a generally circular, flexible fabric with at least three generally closed elastic loop handles spaced about the circumference of said fabric.
,, -I' ~
1 31 ~375 In another aspect of the invention, the fabric is constructed of a plurality of individual sectors joined together.
In yet another aspect of the invention, the sectors are of contrasting colours thereby providing visual stimulation to the users of the apparatus.
In yet another aspect of the invention, the handles are attached to the fabric at the junction between the adjacent sectors.
In yet another aspect of the invention, the elastic handles are arranged in equally spaced diametric pairs about the circumference of said fabric portion.
BRIEF D~RIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
In drawings which illustrate the preferred embodiment of the present invention, Figure 1 is a perspective view of the preferred apparatus in use, Figure 2 is a perspective view of the apparatus of Figure 1 showing details of the construction, Figure 3 is a perspective view of the detail of the loop handles of the apparatus of Figure 1, Figure 4 is a second perspective view of the preferred apparatus in use.
~ALLED DESC~IPTION OF A ~REFERF~D EMBODIMENT
131~37~
Figure 1 illustrates the use of the preferred e~oodiment of the exercise apparatus, of the present invention shown generally at 10. The apparatus is useful for developing hand-eye co-ordination and muscle tone of, for example, elderly patients shown generally at 20 as will be explained further herebelo~l.
Figure 2 illustrates the details of the preferred embodiment of the present invention shown generally at 10. The apparatus comprises a generally circular, flexible fabric 12. Any suitable fabric material could be used, however, it has been found that ideally a light weight material such as nylon is particularly useful. The circular fabric 12 is preferably constructed of a number of sectors 14 sewn together. In the preferred embodiment illustrated, the circular fabric 12 is constructed of eight individual sectors 14, however, the actual number of sectors 14 chosen to make up fabric 12 can be varied depending upon the overall size of the fabric and the visual effect which one wishes to create by said fabric.
Owing to the method of using the apparatus, as will be explained herebelow, the minimum number of users of the apparatus is 3. The apparatus, depending upon the size, can accommodate any number greater than this, however, the preferable sizes of the apparatus are those accommodating anywheres from 6 to 12 users, most preferably 8.
The size of the apparatus is dependent upon the number of users of the apparatus and is easily determined. It has been found that for ideal use of the apparatus, each of the users requires between 2 to 4 feet of circumference of the apparatus and ideally about 3 feet of circumference of the apparatus. As the circumference of the apparatus is related to the diameter by the formula ~ x D, where ~ is approximately 3.14, there is an approximate 1 to 1 relationship between the number of users and the diameter of the apparatus. Thus, for an apparatus for use by 8 people, the circular fabric should be approximately 8 feet in diameter. In the same way, one can determine the number of users for a particular size fabric. Thus a fabric 12 feet in diarneter will generally accommodate approximately 12 users. In the preferred embodiment where the circular portion i5 constructed of a number of individual sectors, the number of sectors is directly related to the number of users and hence is one sector for every foot of diameter of the fabric or for every user.
Placed about the circumference of the circular portion, are elastic loop handles 16. In the preferred embodiment, where the fabric 12 is comprised of a number of sectors 14, the elastic loop handles 16 are placed at the junction between the individual sectors 14. The handles are constructed of an elastic material with a stretch capability of approximately 1.5 to 3 times its length in the relaxed state and ideally within the range of 1.5 to 2. The handles are attached to the fabric by forming a loop through joining of the two ends of a linear piece of the elastic material, preferably by sewing through the ends of the loop handle and the fabric. In certain applications where, for example, the apparatus may be used by persons whose reaction may be extremely strong, it may be advantageous to provide extra reinforcement for the handle. In such an instance, it is desirable to sandwich the fabric between the two ends of the loop handle and sew the loop handle to the fabric in this manner.
The elastic loop handles 16 are preferably of a si~e such that the handle may encircle the users' wrist and be gripped within the palm of the hand. It has been found that a handle extending approximately 6 to 9 inches from the fabric is ' desirable. The single point attachment of the elastic handle nas also been found to be beneficial as it makes it easier for the user to shift the fabric up and down and from side to side during utilization of the apparatus. There may be instances where the user may not have full digit control and may be unable to completely grip the handle within the palm of the hand. As the handle is attached to the fabric at a single point, it is possible for the user to draw the handle about their wrist and twist it about itself. In this way, as the handle is attached to a single point on the circumference, even such persons may easily use the apparatus.
The use of the apparatus is illustrated further in Figures 1 and 4. A number of participants 20 sit in a circle about the apparatus 10 and, gripping the elastic handles 16, raise the apparatus to a position approximating waist level. An inflated plastic beach ball 22 is placed in the center of the fabric 12 with the object of the exercise or game being to attempt to maintain the ball 22 within the center of the fabric 12 while the exercise apparatus 10 is maintained at a generally horizontal position.
Should one side of the apparatus 10 drop below the horizontal position, the ball 22 will have a tendency to roll toward that lower portion. In order to return the apparatus 10 to a horizontal position and thereby the ball 22 to the center of the fabric 12, the person or persons towards whom the ball is rolling must raise the elastic handles 16 and thereby elevate the apparatus 10 until the ball returns to the center of the fabric 12.
The use of elastic handles with the apparatus results in the player having to both raise the apparatus and overcome some of 131~375 the stretch capability of the handle, thereby resulting in an increase in the required movement to elevate the apparatus until the ball returns to the center of the fabric portion. In this "ay the amount of exercise which the user of the apparatus obtains is greater than if the handles were made of a non-elastic material.
As will be appreciated, especially with elderly or infirm patients, with the apparatus 10 at a taut horizontal position, if one of the o-ther players 20 were to pull the fabric portion towards him or her as they are raising the apparatus to return the ball 22 to the center, there may be an undue strain placed upon the person opposite such a player. The handles 16 being constructed of an elastic material provide for some stretch and give and thereby reduce this strain and eliminate the risk of potential injury.
There is also a beneficial aspect to the strain of the elastic handles on the person opposite the player raising the apparatus to return the ball. The benefit being that exercise due to the stretching handle, remote from the players raising the apparatus, provides some passive stimulus to the muscles of the person. This stimulus may also aid in maintaining interest of all of the users of the apparatus.
The apparatus of the present invention not only teaches and enhances such things as hand-eye co-ordination, but also can be used for enhancement of co-operation since, if the ball is rolling towards the periphery of the fabric portion at a position between two players, the two players must co-operate to raise their portion of the fabric circle equally in order for the ball to be returned to the center of the fabric portion.
Although various preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described herein in detail, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that variations may be made thereto without departing from the spirit of the invention or the scope of the appendent claims.
FIELD OF INV~NTION
The present invention is directed to an exercise apparatus or game to be used by several players It is particularly useful for developing and improving dexterity, co-ordination and strength of the user.
G~OUND OF THE INVENTION
Physically and mentally challenged persons quite frequently have difficulties with motor stimulation and hand and eye co-ordination, among other characteristics. Such difficulties with motor stimulation and hand and eye co-ordination include reactions to stimulus which vary widely from normal ranges, both in terms of the time to react to the stimulus and in the strength of the reaction. The reaction speed upon receiving a stimulus is often slower and the reaction is often stronger and lasts longer than comparable reactions of non-physically or mentally challenged persons. Other characteristics in which the physically or mentally challenged persons vary from normal ranges, include skill levels of motor stimulation and hand and eye co-ordination reactions, as well as interest levels or attention span for numerous tasks.
SUMMARY OF TH~ INVENTION
According to the present invention, there is provided an exercise apparatus comprising a generally circular, flexible fabric with at least three generally closed elastic loop handles spaced about the circumference of said fabric.
,, -I' ~
1 31 ~375 In another aspect of the invention, the fabric is constructed of a plurality of individual sectors joined together.
In yet another aspect of the invention, the sectors are of contrasting colours thereby providing visual stimulation to the users of the apparatus.
In yet another aspect of the invention, the handles are attached to the fabric at the junction between the adjacent sectors.
In yet another aspect of the invention, the elastic handles are arranged in equally spaced diametric pairs about the circumference of said fabric portion.
BRIEF D~RIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
In drawings which illustrate the preferred embodiment of the present invention, Figure 1 is a perspective view of the preferred apparatus in use, Figure 2 is a perspective view of the apparatus of Figure 1 showing details of the construction, Figure 3 is a perspective view of the detail of the loop handles of the apparatus of Figure 1, Figure 4 is a second perspective view of the preferred apparatus in use.
~ALLED DESC~IPTION OF A ~REFERF~D EMBODIMENT
131~37~
Figure 1 illustrates the use of the preferred e~oodiment of the exercise apparatus, of the present invention shown generally at 10. The apparatus is useful for developing hand-eye co-ordination and muscle tone of, for example, elderly patients shown generally at 20 as will be explained further herebelo~l.
Figure 2 illustrates the details of the preferred embodiment of the present invention shown generally at 10. The apparatus comprises a generally circular, flexible fabric 12. Any suitable fabric material could be used, however, it has been found that ideally a light weight material such as nylon is particularly useful. The circular fabric 12 is preferably constructed of a number of sectors 14 sewn together. In the preferred embodiment illustrated, the circular fabric 12 is constructed of eight individual sectors 14, however, the actual number of sectors 14 chosen to make up fabric 12 can be varied depending upon the overall size of the fabric and the visual effect which one wishes to create by said fabric.
Owing to the method of using the apparatus, as will be explained herebelow, the minimum number of users of the apparatus is 3. The apparatus, depending upon the size, can accommodate any number greater than this, however, the preferable sizes of the apparatus are those accommodating anywheres from 6 to 12 users, most preferably 8.
The size of the apparatus is dependent upon the number of users of the apparatus and is easily determined. It has been found that for ideal use of the apparatus, each of the users requires between 2 to 4 feet of circumference of the apparatus and ideally about 3 feet of circumference of the apparatus. As the circumference of the apparatus is related to the diameter by the formula ~ x D, where ~ is approximately 3.14, there is an approximate 1 to 1 relationship between the number of users and the diameter of the apparatus. Thus, for an apparatus for use by 8 people, the circular fabric should be approximately 8 feet in diameter. In the same way, one can determine the number of users for a particular size fabric. Thus a fabric 12 feet in diarneter will generally accommodate approximately 12 users. In the preferred embodiment where the circular portion i5 constructed of a number of individual sectors, the number of sectors is directly related to the number of users and hence is one sector for every foot of diameter of the fabric or for every user.
Placed about the circumference of the circular portion, are elastic loop handles 16. In the preferred embodiment, where the fabric 12 is comprised of a number of sectors 14, the elastic loop handles 16 are placed at the junction between the individual sectors 14. The handles are constructed of an elastic material with a stretch capability of approximately 1.5 to 3 times its length in the relaxed state and ideally within the range of 1.5 to 2. The handles are attached to the fabric by forming a loop through joining of the two ends of a linear piece of the elastic material, preferably by sewing through the ends of the loop handle and the fabric. In certain applications where, for example, the apparatus may be used by persons whose reaction may be extremely strong, it may be advantageous to provide extra reinforcement for the handle. In such an instance, it is desirable to sandwich the fabric between the two ends of the loop handle and sew the loop handle to the fabric in this manner.
The elastic loop handles 16 are preferably of a si~e such that the handle may encircle the users' wrist and be gripped within the palm of the hand. It has been found that a handle extending approximately 6 to 9 inches from the fabric is ' desirable. The single point attachment of the elastic handle nas also been found to be beneficial as it makes it easier for the user to shift the fabric up and down and from side to side during utilization of the apparatus. There may be instances where the user may not have full digit control and may be unable to completely grip the handle within the palm of the hand. As the handle is attached to the fabric at a single point, it is possible for the user to draw the handle about their wrist and twist it about itself. In this way, as the handle is attached to a single point on the circumference, even such persons may easily use the apparatus.
The use of the apparatus is illustrated further in Figures 1 and 4. A number of participants 20 sit in a circle about the apparatus 10 and, gripping the elastic handles 16, raise the apparatus to a position approximating waist level. An inflated plastic beach ball 22 is placed in the center of the fabric 12 with the object of the exercise or game being to attempt to maintain the ball 22 within the center of the fabric 12 while the exercise apparatus 10 is maintained at a generally horizontal position.
Should one side of the apparatus 10 drop below the horizontal position, the ball 22 will have a tendency to roll toward that lower portion. In order to return the apparatus 10 to a horizontal position and thereby the ball 22 to the center of the fabric 12, the person or persons towards whom the ball is rolling must raise the elastic handles 16 and thereby elevate the apparatus 10 until the ball returns to the center of the fabric 12.
The use of elastic handles with the apparatus results in the player having to both raise the apparatus and overcome some of 131~375 the stretch capability of the handle, thereby resulting in an increase in the required movement to elevate the apparatus until the ball returns to the center of the fabric portion. In this "ay the amount of exercise which the user of the apparatus obtains is greater than if the handles were made of a non-elastic material.
As will be appreciated, especially with elderly or infirm patients, with the apparatus 10 at a taut horizontal position, if one of the o-ther players 20 were to pull the fabric portion towards him or her as they are raising the apparatus to return the ball 22 to the center, there may be an undue strain placed upon the person opposite such a player. The handles 16 being constructed of an elastic material provide for some stretch and give and thereby reduce this strain and eliminate the risk of potential injury.
There is also a beneficial aspect to the strain of the elastic handles on the person opposite the player raising the apparatus to return the ball. The benefit being that exercise due to the stretching handle, remote from the players raising the apparatus, provides some passive stimulus to the muscles of the person. This stimulus may also aid in maintaining interest of all of the users of the apparatus.
The apparatus of the present invention not only teaches and enhances such things as hand-eye co-ordination, but also can be used for enhancement of co-operation since, if the ball is rolling towards the periphery of the fabric portion at a position between two players, the two players must co-operate to raise their portion of the fabric circle equally in order for the ball to be returned to the center of the fabric portion.
Although various preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described herein in detail, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that variations may be made thereto without departing from the spirit of the invention or the scope of the appendent claims.
Claims (13)
1. An exercise apparatus comprising a generally circular light-weight, flexible fabric and at least three generally closed elastic loop handles spaced equally about the circumference of said fabric.
2. An exercise apparatus as claimed in claim 1 comprising a plurality of individual sectors joined together to form said fabric.
3. An exercise apparatus as claimed in claim 2, wherein the number of said sectors approximately equals the diameter of said fabric.
4. An exercise apparatus as claimed in claim 3, wherein said handles are attached to said fabric at the junction between adjacent sectors.
5. An exercise apparatus as claimed in claim 4, wherein the number of said handles equals the number of said sectors.
6. An exercise apparatus as claimed in claim 5, wherein each of said handles is formed from an elastic material having two ends, each of said ends being attached on opposite surfaces of said fabric.
7. An exercise apparatus as claimed in claim 6, wherein said handles are attached to said fabric by sewing through both said handle and said fabric.
8. An exercise apparatus as claimed in claim 7 comprising an even number of said sectors and said handles arranged in diametric pairs.
9. An exercise apparatus comprising a plurality of individual fabric sectors sewn together to form a generally circular light-weight fabric, at least three generally closed loop handles, spaced equally about the circumference of said fabric, said handles being constructed from an elastic material, said elastic material when stretched having 1.5 to 3 times its relaxed condition, each of said handles being attached to said circular fabric at the junction of said sectors.
10. An exercise apparatus as claimed in claim 9, wherein said elastic material stretches 1.5 to 2 times its relaxed length.
11. An exercise apparatus as claimed in claim 10 further comprising an inflatable ball having a thin, light-weight wall.
12. An exercise apparatus as claimed in claim 10, wherein the number of said sectors approximately equals the diameter of said fabric in feet.
13. An exercise apparatus as claimed in claim 8, wherein said fabric is 6 to 12 feet in diameter.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000582866A CA1319375C (en) | 1988-11-10 | 1988-11-10 | Exercise apparatus |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000582866A CA1319375C (en) | 1988-11-10 | 1988-11-10 | Exercise apparatus |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1319375C true CA1319375C (en) | 1993-06-22 |
Family
ID=4139082
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000582866A Expired - Fee Related CA1319375C (en) | 1988-11-10 | 1988-11-10 | Exercise apparatus |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA1319375C (en) |
Cited By (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WO2007102009A1 (en) | 2006-03-09 | 2007-09-13 | Katrina Cross | A game comprising a playing surface formed from a resilient material |
| RU2478004C2 (en) * | 2009-08-06 | 2013-03-27 | Юрий Аркадьевич Дудин | Method of playing, in particular, chess, checkers, go and similar |
-
1988
- 1988-11-10 CA CA000582866A patent/CA1319375C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Cited By (5)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WO2007102009A1 (en) | 2006-03-09 | 2007-09-13 | Katrina Cross | A game comprising a playing surface formed from a resilient material |
| GB2450055A (en) * | 2006-03-09 | 2008-12-10 | Katrina Cross | A game comprising a playing surface formed from a resilient material |
| GB2450055B (en) * | 2006-03-09 | 2010-05-05 | Katrina Cross | A game comprising a playing surface formed from a resilient material |
| US7722042B2 (en) | 2006-03-09 | 2010-05-25 | Katrina Cross | Game comprising a playing surface formed from a resilient material |
| RU2478004C2 (en) * | 2009-08-06 | 2013-03-27 | Юрий Аркадьевич Дудин | Method of playing, in particular, chess, checkers, go and similar |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| MKLA | Lapsed |