FR2585254A1 - Pneumatic and inflatable sports device with a spherical structure, for movement over any bearing surface - Google Patents

Abstract

The subject of the invention relates to a pneumatic and inflatable sports device with a spherical structure, for movement over any bearing surface. It consists of a horizontal hooping 3 and a vertical hooping 2 along spaced and inflatable peripheral sectors forming a spherical structure 1 with a hollowed-out inner space protected by bracing having a shock-absorbing elasticity and accommodation for the user. It is intended, more particularly, for permitting floating on a liquid surface so that the user, by means of muscular effort, maintains his stabilisation at the same time as his progress.

Description

 The object of the invention relates to a sports device with a pneumatic and inflatable spherical structure for movement on any bearing surface.

 I1 is more particularly intended to allow flotation on a liquid surface so that the user by muscular effort proceeds to maintain its stabilization at the same time as its advancement.

 There are multiple sports, nautical or other devices, but none allowed at the same time as a flotation in the open air, a possibility of advancement by tilting up to 3600.

 The device according to the invention eliminates these difficulties and allows the user while remaining in the open air to maintain balance, to resist any agitation of the water and even to move on a solid bearing surface.

 It is constituted by a horizontal strapping and a vertical strapping by spaced and inflatable peripheral sectors forming a spherical structure with hollow internal space protected by armatures having a shock absorbing elasticity and housing for the user.

In the accompanying drawings, given by way of nonlimiting example, of one of the embodiments of the subject of the invention
Figure 1 shows schematically seen in perspective, the spherical structure of the machine.

 Figure 2 is a plan view through one of its ends the vertical and horizontal structures of the spherical object.

 Figure 3 shows in elevation an arc of the inflatable structure.

 Figure 4 is a view of the distribution and deflation armature of the diametrically opposite circular structures positioning the vertical or longitudinal straps.

 FIGS. 5, 6 schematically represent the opening of the spherical machine and the stabilizing clips for use.

 The machine, FIGS. 1 to 6, is constituted by a hollow spherical structure 1 comprising vertical circular inflatable mounts 2 connected and reinforced by horizontal circular mounts 3, such as the meridians, the peripheral straps are spaced in order to ensure the visibility of outside.

 The vertical straps constituted by semicircles 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, FIGS. 2 and 4, are mounted on reinforcements or circular flanges 10, 11, comprising peripherally end caps 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 19 '.

 A safety partition 20 separates the sectors 21, 22 from the arcs of a circle.

 The vertical straps are provided with valves 23, 24 placed on their internal faces.

 These horizontal straps 3 and others can be independent or intercommunicating by their assembly with the vertical straps 2 but should preferably not constitute any projection at the general perimeter of the sphere. They are also fitted with inflation valves.

 The vertical straps 25, 26 form a strong but elastic reinforcement preventing the deformation of the "sphere" the median horizontal strapping is also reinforced so as to resist any omnidirectional deformation.

 They are elastic, that is to say that after having undergone a deformation, they immediately resume their circular shape as soon as the stress force has ceased to act on them.

 An empty space 27 is provided between one of the vertical straps 25, 26 to make an entrance (fig 5).

 Fasteners 28, 29 are provided for wedging the feet (fig 6).

 Handles 30, 31 allow the user to maintain himself in a stable position, even if he performs inside the "sphere" a rotation of 3600.

The straps can be reinforced in their axial internal parts to enhance the stiffening effect of the compressed air
This fully deflatable structure is easily transportable and can be stored in small spaces.

 Its use on liquid surfaces is possible on sand on lawns and others. The user for his movement and his stabilization spends a muscular effort only which constitutes a sporting exercise making work all the parts of the body in all positions reaching on all plans 3600.

 However, the shapes, dimensions and arrangements of the various elements may vary within the limit of the equivalents, like the materials used for their manufacture, without changing the general conception of the invention which has just been described.

Claims (4)

REVNDICATIONS  10 Sports device with spherical structure, inflatable tire for movement on any bearing surface, more particularly intended to allow flotation, so that the user by muscular effort can at the same time as maintaining a stabilized position cause its advancement, while being able to perform omnidirectionally a rotation of 3600, characterized by longitudinal or vertical strapping (2) of identical diameters combined with horizontal circular strapping (3) of declining and progressive diameters, These structures being pneumatic inflatable or sufficiently rigid and elastic reinforced or not to have a sufficient strength with elasticity allowing them to resume their initial shape after the force which deforms them, has ceased to act, but still striking a spherical profile (1).  20 Device according to Claim 1, characterized in that the circular structures produce shock absorbing linings against impacts formed longitudinally by circular arcs of the same diameter (4 to 9) positioned by a rigid circular flange (10) with end caps. assembly (11 to 19 ').  30 Device according to claim 2 characterized in that the longitudinal sectors of the same diameter (4) and the like are partitioned (20) and are fitted on end pieces (12 to 19 ') carried by the flanges (10, 11).  40 Device according to Claim 1, characterized in that the horizontal straps (3) and the like are assembled on the vertical structures with or without intercommunications, they are inflatable with safety partitions (20), they also include inflation valves (23, 24) oriented inward.  5 Device according to claims 1, 2, 3, 4 characterized in that the machine in the form of an inflatable and deflatable sphere to present a reduced bulk includes a sector space of horizontal strapping (3) between two longitudinal structures (25, 26) to constitute an entry (27), while the lower flange (8) is provided with toe clips (28, 29) and the upper parts of the longitudinal, vertical diametrically opposite structures include stabilizing handles (30 , 31) especially to keep the user's hands able to rotate 360 ".