CA2245471A1 - Exercise ball - Google Patents

Exercise ball Download PDF

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Publication number
CA2245471A1
CA2245471A1 CA002245471A CA2245471A CA2245471A1 CA 2245471 A1 CA2245471 A1 CA 2245471A1 CA 002245471 A CA002245471 A CA 002245471A CA 2245471 A CA2245471 A CA 2245471A CA 2245471 A1 CA2245471 A1 CA 2245471A1
Authority
CA
Canada
Prior art keywords
exercise ball
opening
ball
ball according
pocket
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.)
Abandoned
Application number
CA002245471A
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Christopher Foster
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Individual
Original Assignee
Individual
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Priority to CA002245471A priority Critical patent/CA2245471A1/en
Publication of CA2245471A1 publication Critical patent/CA2245471A1/en
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63BAPPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B21/00Exercising apparatus for developing or strengthening the muscles or joints of the body by working against a counterforce, with or without measuring devices
    • A63B21/06User-manipulated weights
    • A63B21/0601Special physical structures of used masses
    • A63B21/0605Special physical structures of used masses with boxes, baskets or the like for stacking loose weights therein
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63BAPPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B65/00Implements for throwing  ; Mechanical projectors, e.g. using spring force
    • A63B65/06Heavy throwing-balls, i.e. "medicine balls", shots, weights or stones for putting
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63BAPPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B21/00Exercising apparatus for developing or strengthening the muscles or joints of the body by working against a counterforce, with or without measuring devices
    • A63B21/06User-manipulated weights
    • A63B21/072Dumb-bells, bar-bells or the like, e.g. weight discs having an integral peripheral handle
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63BAPPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B43/00Balls with special arrangements
    • A63B43/007Arrangements on balls for connecting lines or cords
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63BAPPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B43/00Balls with special arrangements
    • A63B43/02Balls with special arrangements with a handle

Landscapes

  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Physical Education & Sports Medicine (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Biophysics (AREA)
  • Orthopedic Medicine & Surgery (AREA)
  • Massaging Devices (AREA)

Abstract

The present invention provides an exercise ball comprising a pair of opposing hemispherical bodies each having a circular face, the pair of bodies joined together to form a sphere; the hemispherical bodies being connected defining an interface and being joined together along at least a portion of the interface; the interface including an opening providing access to the centre of the sphere thereby providing a pocket; an outer shell surrounding the sphere, the shell having a recloseable opening therein aligned with the opening on the interface; and at least one handle attached to the ball and extending across a portion of an outside surface of the shell.

Description

EXERCISE BALL
The present application relates to the field of exercise equipment. More specifically, the present application is directed to an adjustable weight exercise ball.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
There is a great deal of exercise equipment on the market today designed to maintain and increase the fitness level of healthy people and also help in the rehabilitation of people who have suffered physical injuries, strokes, degenerative diseases or the like. One article that has found particular use is the medicine ball. This is a weighted ball which can be used in a variety of ways to improve a person's grip, strength, muscle control and flexibility.
Medicine balls come in a variety of sizes and weights, typically ranging from one kilogram up to about 15 kilograms.
The lighter balls are used to develop speed and quickness and the heavier balls to improve strength and power.
As well as conventional spherical balls, medicine balls are also available which have integral handles, such as the Power Ball~, or with a rope handle attached, such as the Converta-Ball~.
Medicine balls currently available have a common disadvantage in that they are all made to a specific weight. If a person wishes to use different weights for different activities, they must have access to a number of different medicine balls. Further, the specialist balls with the integral handles or rope handles are ideal for specific exercises; however, these balls are not suitable for many other exercises such as catching and throwing. Accordingly, not only must a person have access to different weight balls, they must also have access to different styles of balls.
The present invention provides an exercise ball which overcomes the disadvantages of conventional devices.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Accordingly, the present invention provides an exercise ball, the ball comprising:
a pair of opposing hemispherical bodies each having a circular face, the pair of bodies being joined together to form a sphere;
the hemispherical bodies being connected defining an interface and being joined together along at least a portion of the interface;
the interface including an opening providing access to the centre of the sphere thereby providing a pocket;
an outer shell surrounding the sphere, the shell having a recloseable opening therein aligned with the opening on the interface; and at least one handle attached to the ball and extending across a portion of an outside surface of the shell.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the following figures, in which:
Figure 1 is a plan view of an exercise ball in accordance with the present invention;
Figure 2 is an exploded cross section through the core of the exercise ball of Figure l, along the line 2-2; and Figure 3 is a cross section through the exercise ball of Figure 1 along the line 3-3.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
An exercise ball in accordance with the present invention is shown generally at 10 in Figure 1. The ball comprises a flexible outer shell 12 which has a recloseable opening 14 therein. The recloseable opening is preferably formed with a zip, however, other closure systems such as VELCRO~ or buttons may also be used.
To facilitate handling of the ball and prevent abrasive injuries to hands, the closure mechanism is preferably covered by a flap of material 16, as shown in Figure 3.

Outer shell 12 is provided with at least one and preferably a pair of handles 18 which are located on diametrically opposite sides of the ball. Handles 18 will be described in more detail below.
The core of exercise ball 10 is shown in dashed line in Figure 1 and in a more detailed, exploded view in Figure 2. The core comprises a pair of hemispherical bodies 20 which are joined together face-to-face along a portion of their peripheral edges 22 to form a sphere having a pocket 24 therein. Pocket 24 is defined by the opposed circular face 26 of the hemispherical bodies 20.
Pocket 24 is sized to hold variable weights 28 which can be inserted into the pocket through an opening 30 formed by an unattached section of the peripheral edges 22.
A weight, or weights, 28 may be held in place within pocket 24 by frictional engagement with faces 26 of the hemispherical bodies 20. Alternatively, faces 26 may be provided with an attachment means such as VELCRO~. Weights 28 may then be provided with complementary VELCRO~ strips which will attach securely to the VELCRO~ on the circular face.
In a particularly preferred embodiment, both circular faces 26 are covered with the same type of VELCRO~ material 32, i.e., both with hooks or both with loops, and the weight has the complementary VELCRO~ material 34 on its surface. The primary purpose of the VELCRO~
material 32 is to keep the weights secured in the pocket.
Using an attachment means as described above serves to prevent movement of the weights within pocket 24 when the ball is rotated during exercise. Movement of the weight off centre during exercise can result in irregular ball flight when the ball is thrown, making use of the ball difficult and potentially dangerous. Further, displacement of the weights would lead to unbalancing of the ball's weight distribution.
Handles 18 which extend across a portion of the outer shell 12 of the ball are formed from adjustable straps 36. Straps 36 extend from pocket 24, through the hemispherical body 20, to the outer surface of outer shell 12 and back into the pocket again to form a continuous loop.
The length of the loop and thus the size of handles 18, can be adjusted using buckle 38 which is located within pocket 24. Location of the buckle within pocket 24 prevents both damage to the buckle during use of the ball and also potential injury to the user's hands which may occur on catching a ball with a buckle located on the outer surface thereof.
As will be apparent, the buckle arrangement shown is not the only form of adjustment means which can be used. Other types of adjustment means include overlaying VELCRO~
strips, laces and stud fasteners of the type used on baseball hats.
Opening 30 of pocket 24 may be closed by means of complementary VELCRO~ strips and 44 located on either side of opening 30. Closing the pocket helps maintain the shape of the ball and prevents inadvertent removal of the weights.
The core of the ball is preferably formed from a resilient compressible material such as foam or rubber, although solid hemispherical bodies are also contemplated as long as the solid body is shaped so that an accessible pocket is formed between the circular faces.
Flexible outer shell 12 is preferably formed from a rugged material such as nylon, rubber, plastic or leather. The outer surface of the shell may be provided with a finish having a suitable coefficient of friction to facilitate handling of the ball.
The entire firmer core of the ball is contained with inflexible outer shell 12 and oriented such that opening 30 aligns with the recloseable opening 14 in the outer shell.
In a preferred embodiment, recloseable opening 14 and opening 30 of pocket 24 extend approximately 90° around the circumference of the ball.
The aligned openings allow a user to add and remove weights from the pocket as required and thereby grade the ball (i.e. adjust the weight of the ball to the desired valve). Further, the user can adjust the size of handles 18 by simply altering buckle 38. When the handle has been adjusted correctly and the desired amount of weight placed in pocket 24, opening 30 to the pocket can be closed using VELCRO~ strips 42 and 44 and the outer shell 12 can be closed using closure system 14.
As will be apparent, if the ball is to be used for catching and throwing exercises, handles 18 can be pulled flush against the outer surface of outer shell 12.
In an alternative embodiment, the interior surface of handles 18 may be provided with loops 46 for attachment of a body strap. Placement of the loops 46 on the under side of handles 18 helps ensure that the loops are kept out of the way when not in use. The body strap can be used to attach the ball around the torso, waist, arms or legs of the user, i.e., portions of the user which cannot be accommodated within adjustable handles 18. This feature allows the ball of the present invention to be used for many exercises for which conventional medicine balls are not suitable.
In yet another embodiment, adjustable handles 18 may be overlaid with elasticated straps 48 which are attached directly to the outside surface of the outer shell 12.
The elasticated straps help to maintain handles 18 flush with the surface of the ball when the ball is being used for throwing and catching exercises. Further, the elastic straps provide a quick and simple means of gripping the ball for a short term use when the user does not wish to have to adjust handles 18.
The present application is being described with reference to various presently preferred embodiments. Modifications or variations of these embodiments will be apparent to a person of skill in the art. Such modifications and variations are believed to be within the scope of the present application as defined in the claims appended hereto.

Claims (10)

1. An exercise ball comprising:
a pair of opposing hemispherical bodies each having a circular face, the pair of bodies being joined together to form a sphere;
the hemispherical bodies being connected defining an interface and being joined together along at least a portion of the interface;
the interface including an opening providing access to the centre of the sphere thereby providing a pocket;
an outer shell surrounding the sphere, the shell having a recloseable opening therein aligned with the opening on the interface; and at least one handle attached to the ball and extending across a portion of an outside surface of the shell.
2. The exercise ball according to claim 1, comprising a pair of handles which extend across diametrically opposed portions of the outside surface of the shell.
3. The exercise ball according to claim 1, wherein the pair of hemispherical bodies are formed from a foam material.
4. The exercise ball according to claim 1, wherein each of the circular faces is provided with means for attaching a weight thereto.
5. The exercise ball according to claim 4, wherein the means for attachment comprises VELCRO R material and the weight has complementary VELCRO R material on its surface.
6. The exercise ball according to claim 1, wherein the opening includes a zip for releasably closing the opening.
7 7. The exercise ball according to claim 6, wherein the opening is covered with a flap.
8. The exercise ball according to claim 1, wherein the handle is formed from a looped strap which extends from the pocket of the sphere, through one of the pair of hemispherical bodies to an outer surface of the shell, across a portion of the outer surface of the shell and back through the hemispherical body to the pocket.
9. The exercise ball according to claim 8, wherein the length of the loop is adjustable.
10. The exercise ball according to claim 9, wherein the loop is provided with an adjustable buckle located within the pocket of the sphere.
CA002245471A 1998-08-25 1998-08-25 Exercise ball Abandoned CA2245471A1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
CA002245471A CA2245471A1 (en) 1998-08-25 1998-08-25 Exercise ball

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
CA002245471A CA2245471A1 (en) 1998-08-25 1998-08-25 Exercise ball

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
CA2245471A1 true CA2245471A1 (en) 2000-02-25

Family

ID=29409791

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
CA002245471A Abandoned CA2245471A1 (en) 1998-08-25 1998-08-25 Exercise ball

Country Status (1)

Country Link
CA (1) CA2245471A1 (en)

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2006067407A1 (en) * 2004-12-20 2006-06-29 Enanef Limited Isometric exercise device
US7703323B2 (en) 2007-09-07 2010-04-27 Enanef Limited Isometric exercise device
GB2504349A (en) * 2012-07-27 2014-01-29 Laura Honey Exercise Aid Capable of Housing a Plurality of Weighted Inserts

Cited By (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2006067407A1 (en) * 2004-12-20 2006-06-29 Enanef Limited Isometric exercise device
CN101142001B (en) * 2004-12-20 2010-08-04 埃纳内夫有限公司 Isometric exercise device
US7703323B2 (en) 2007-09-07 2010-04-27 Enanef Limited Isometric exercise device
GB2504349A (en) * 2012-07-27 2014-01-29 Laura Honey Exercise Aid Capable of Housing a Plurality of Weighted Inserts

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Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
FZDE Discontinued
FZDE Discontinued

Effective date: 20020826