US20070225133A1

US20070225133A1 - Break apart spherical exercise apparatus

Info

Publication number: US20070225133A1
Application number: US11/389,649
Authority: US
Inventors: Miguel Castro
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2006-03-23
Filing date: 2006-03-23
Publication date: 2007-09-27

Abstract

A spherical exercise apparatus including two flexible inflatable hemispherical members that can be inflated with fluid or air and attached together to form a spherical object. The flat bases of the hemispherical member are made to adjoin with means to attach them, permitting a user to perform exercises on the spherical object, or each hemispherical member. The hemispherical members include gripping and anti-slip features on their round surfaces. The apparatus further includes a plate-like member that acts as a base for the hemispherical members when used individually. Alternately, each hemispherical member can include a permanently attached base member attached to its flat surface, wherein the base members include a means to attach the hemispherical members.

Description



CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPPLICATION:	None
FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH:	Not Applicable
SEQUENCE LISTING OR PROGRAM:	Not Applicable

STATEMENT REGARDING COPYRIGHTED MATERIAL

Portions of the disclosure of this patent document contain material that is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever.

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates in general to exercise devices, more particularly to inflatable spherical exercise device constructions, and more particularly, to an exercise apparatus that includes two flexible and inflatable hemispherical members, which can be attached to form a spherical exercise sphere.
Exercise devices of spherical and hemispherical construction are well known in the art and may be used for different fitness purposes. These devices are made from a range of materials, and their structures are designed for particular purposes. Several spherical exercise devices have been developed in the past. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 3,176,982 to O'Daniell discloses a resilient inflatable device that mainly includes a flat base and an inflatable resilient dome-shaped member. The flat base is secured to the dome-shaped member. The device is adapted to repel or bounce away persons or objects when they come into contact with the device, especially with an excess of force. This device can be used for amusement or fitness purposes, but is merely hemispherical in shape.
U.S. Pat. No. 2,689,357 to Hornback discloses a device that includes a pair of buoyant and semi-spherical members which are preferably hollow and are adapted to be inflated. The two semi-spherical members, when separated by a distance and connected by a flexible connecting member, can be used as swimming wings. The two semi-spherical members can also be connected together after their respective flat surfaces are in abutting relationship. In this mode, the device can be used as a beach ball. However, this device lacks the connectivity disclosed by the present invention, and does not support the weight of a person in various configurations.
U.S. Pat. No. 1,116,393 to Despot discloses an inflatable foldable device that can be secured to a person for preventing drowning. The device is spherical and includes a framework formed of semi-circular ribs. One of the ribs has its collar secured to a shaft, which can be turned by means of an externally positioned crank. Upon turning the crank, the device can be easily folded when not in use.
In U.S. Pat. No. 1,234,826 to Tortomasi a spherical device that can be used as a life saving float is disclosed. The device mainly includes two hollow hemispheres, which can be secured together in a spherical formation by means of a plurality of locking latches. A side pocket or compartment is provided in the hemispheres to store necessary articles.
Although the above devices are of generally spherical or hemispherical construction, their detailed structure and purposes differ from the present invention. Furthermore, none of the inventions in the current art have the capability for a wide range of excercises as contemplated by the present invention.
Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide a spherical exercise apparatus, which provides gripping and ant-slip features.
A further object is to provide a spherical exercise apparatus, which can be formed by removably attaching two hemispherical members.
A further object is to provide a spherical exercise apparatus, which is flexible and inflatable.
Finally, it is an object of the present invention to provide a spherical exercise apparatus, which can also be used to perform exercises by using the individual hemispheres. These and other objects of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the appended Summary, Description, and Claims.

SUMMARY

The present invention is directed to a flexible spherical exercise apparatus. The apparatus is includes two inflatable hemispherical members, which can be removably attached together to form a spherical object. The spherical object can be used for performing a variety of exercises. In addition, each hemispherical member can also be used individually to perform other exercises. The hemispherical members can be made of flexible materials, such as rubber, so that they can be inflated with fluid or air. The flat bases of the hemispherical members are made to abut each other and fasten together. Hook and loop fasteners, snaps, laces, buckles, latches, or the like can be used as the means to removably attach the hemispherical members.
The hemispherical members include gripping and anti-slip features on their convex surfaces. Hook and loop fasteners disposed on the convex surfaces of the hemispherical members can provide good grip when used in conjunction with hook and loop fasteners on a user's glove. The material used for fabricating the hemispherical members comprises rubber or another malleable material with anti-slip properties.
In another preferred embodiment, the apparatus includes a separate plate-like member that acts as a base between the hemispherical members. The flat plate-like member also includes a hook and loop fastener system, so that it can be removably attached between the flat surfaces of the hemispherical members. In another preferred embodiment, each hemispherical member can include a base member attached to its flat surface. The base members include a suitable means comprising hook and loop fasteners, rings, snaps, laces, buckles, latches, or the like, to removably attach the hemispherical members.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the exercise apparatus in accordance with the present invention.
FIGS. 2A and 2B are front views of two embodiments of the exercise apparatus.
FIG. 3 is a front view of one of the hemispherical member with its flat surface on the ground.
FIG. 4 shows various exercises that can be performed by using the exercise apparatus.
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the exercise apparatus that includes a separate plate-like member.
FIGS. 6A through 6E are perspective and sectional views of different designs of the plate-like members.
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the base member of the exercise apparatus.
FIG. 8 is a top view of the base member of the exercise apparatus.
FIG. 9 is a bottom view of the base member of the exercise apparatus.
FIG. 10 is a front view of the exercise apparatus that includes the base members.
FIGS. 11A and 11B are sectional views of the exercise apparatus that includes the base members with and without the dome-like members, respectively.
FIG. 12 illustrates sectional views of different shapes of the base members and attachment rings.
FIG. 13 is a front view of the exercise apparatus that includes the base members and a buckle-like member.
FIG. 14 illustrates sectional views of different attachment configurations using loop-like members and straps.
FIG. 15 is a perspective view of one of the hemispherical member and the plate-like member that include the loop-like members.
FIG. 16 is a top view of one of the hemispherical member and the loop-like members.
FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the strap with hook and loop fasteners.
FIGS. 18A and 18B are perspective views of the hemispherical member with the thin and semi-rigid base.

FIGURES—REFERENCE NUMERALS

10 . . . Spherical Exercise Apparatus
11 . . . Hemispherical Member
12 . . . Plate-like Member
13 . . . Rim
14 . . . Flat Surface of the Hemispherical Member
15 . . . Hook and Loop Fastener
16 . . . Base Member
17 . . . Support Member
18 . . . Carved-out Portion
19 . . . Dome-like Member
20 . . . Attachment Ring
21 . . . Bolt
22 . . . Loop-like Member
23 . . . Strap
24 . . . Buckle-like Member
25 . . . Concave Surface of the Plate-like Member

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to the drawings, the preferred embodiment of the spherical exercise apparatus is illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 16. The apparatus 10 mainly includes two flexible and inflatable hemispherical members 11 and means to attach the hemispherical members 11 to form a spherical object. Several exercises can be performed using the apparatus 10.
Referring to FIGS. 1 through 3, the hemispherical members 11A and 11B can be made of any suitable material, such as rubber, plastic, or the like, which is flexible and inflatable. The hemispherical members 11 can be filled with fluid or air before performing exercises. Suitable inlets and valves (not shown) can be provided to inflate the hemispherical members 11. One of the hemispherical members 11A includes a plate-like member 12A with a rim 13 outlining its flat surface. The plate-like member 12A is permanently attached to the hemispherical member 11A. The rim 13 is to help align the other hemispherical member 11B to be attached on the plate-like member 12A. The rim can be made of plastic, rubber, foam, or other suitable materials that are soft and safe enough for human contact. The rim can also act as a base when the hemispherical member 11A is positioned with its flat surface 14 on the ground. The flat surface 14 of the hemispherical member and the plate-like member 12A include hook and loop fasteners 15, which can be used to attach the two hemispherical members 11. In one embodiment, snaps, laces, buckles, latches, or the like can be used as the means to attach the hemispherical members 11 to form the spherical object.
The exterior surfaces of the hemispherical members 11 can include anti-slip and gripping features. The material used for fabricating hemispherical members has anti-slip properties, or is covered in an anti-slip material. One of the hemispherical members includes hook and loop fasteners 15 on their convex surfaces to provide a gripping means when used in conjunction with hook and loop fasteners on a user's glove. The user wearing the glove presses his hands against the hook and loop fasteners 15 on the hemispherical member 11 for performing various exercises.
Referring to FIG. 4, each hemispherical member 11 can be used separately to perform several upper and lower body exercises. The hemispherical members can be positioned with their flat surfaces 14 or round surfaces on the ground depending on the type of exercises to be performed. Additionally, the hemispherical members 11 can be attached to form the spherical object, which in turn can be used to perform a multitude of exercises. The anti-slip and gripping features will prevent the user from slipping while performing the exercises.
Several additional embodiments regarding the structure and methods of attachment of the hemispherical members are possible and are described as: A separate plate-like member 12B used as a base for the hemispherical members 11, as seen in FIG. 5. The rim 13 outlining the plate-like member 12A, on both top and bottom sides, will help in aligning the two hemispherical members 11. This plate-like member 12B includes hook and loop fasteners 15 on its flat surfaces. The hemispherical members also include hook and loop fasteners 15 on their flat surfaces. Therefore, the plate-like member 12B can be attached to the flat surface of one of the hemispherical members, thereby acting as a base. Also, the plate-like member 12B can be attached between the two hemispherical members 11. The plate-like member 12B can be made of any resilient and lightweight material such as plastic, rubber, foam, or other suitable materials that are soft, and yet slightly firm to withstand pressure while performing exercises.
Different designs and structures for the separate plate-like members 12B are possible. For example, the plate-like member includes a hole at its center, and the rim 13 outlines the circumference of the plate-like member and the hole, on both top and bottom sides, as shown in FIG. 6A. The plate-like member 12B may also include a dome-like member 19 at its center on its either sides and the rim 13 outlining the circumference of the plate-like member 12B, as shown in FIG. 6B. The dome-like member 19 provides additional structural stability thereby preventing the plate-like member from bending and breaking. The dome-like member 19 can be of different sizes, but is smooth without any sharp features. The plate-like members 12B may also include at least one carved-out portion 18, preferably two diametrically opposite carved-out portions 18 as shown in FIG. 6C, to receive a user's hands to break apart the spherical object formed when the two hemispherical members 11 are attached.
In another embodiment shown in FIG. 6D, the surface of the plate-like member 12B gradually slopes downward starting from its circumference, until a hole at the center. This results in a concave surface 25 on both top and bottom sides of the base, which provides a smooth surface and support for the inflated hemispherical members 11, as seen in FIG. 6E. And above all, each of the plate-like members 12B discussed above can comprise a plurality of detachable sections, which can be assembled by the user. This will facilitate the whole apparatus, including the detachable sections of the plate-like member 12B and the two deflated hemispherical members 11, to be packaged into a smaller box or carrying means.
Referring to FIGS. 7 through 10, in another embodiment, both hemispherical members 11 include a base member 16 permanently attached to their flat surfaces 14. The base member mainly includes a plurality of support members 17 on the side facing the hemispherical member 11. These support members 17 make the base member more rigid and can be of different configurations, such as a honeycomb shape. The side of the base member 16 opposite the hemispherical member 11 is relatively flat and includes a ring of hook and loop fasteners 15, which can be used to attach the two hemispherical members 11. The base members 16 also include at least one carved-out portion, preferably two diametrically opposite carved-out portions 18, to receive a user's hands to break apart the spherical object formed when the two hemispherical members 11 are attached. The base members 16 may also be made of a resilient and lightweight material such as plastic.
The base members 16 also include a dome-like member 19 at their centers. These dome-like members 19 project into the hemispherical members 11, thereby minimizing the amount of air or fluid needed to inflate them. When the two hemispherical members 11 are attached, the dome-like members 19 create a pocket or empty space, as seen in FIG. 11A, which can be used to store small exercise accessories such as resistance bands, gloves, or the like. In another embodiment of the spherical exercise apparatus, one of the hemispherical members 11A includes the dome-like member 19 with the rim 13, as seen in FIG. 2B. In yet another embodiment, the base members 16 of the hemispherical members 11 do not include the dome-like member, as shown in FIG. 11B. Also, in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 through 3, the base member 16 with or without the dome-like member 19 can be used instead of the plate-like member 12A. The base member can be used when one or both of the hemispherical members are needed to have a rigid base.
Referring to FIGS. 12 and 13, different shapes of the circumference of the base members 16 and flat surfaces 14 of the hemispherical members are illustrated. Accordingly, attachment rings 20 can be used to attach the two hemispherical members 11. The flat surfaces 14 of the hemispherical members are aligned and attachment rings 20 are secured with bolts 21. A buckle-like member 24 can be used with the attachment rings 20 for holding accessories. Alternately, snaps, laces, buckles, latches, or the like can be used as the means to attach the hemispherical members 11 that include the base members 16.
Referring to FIGS. 14 through 17, a plurality of loop-like members 22 along with a plurality of straps 23 with hook and loop fasteners can also be used to attach the two hemispherical members 11. This method of attachment is contemplated for each of the embodiments of the hemispherical members 11 discussed herein, such as the hemispherical members with or without the plate-like member/base members. The loop-like members 22 are attached at suitable locations on the hemispherical members 11, plate-like members 12, and/or base members 16. The loop-like members 22 are aligned before attaching the two hemispherical members 11 and straps 23 are made to pass through the loop formed by the loop-like members 22. Following which, the straps are secured by the hook and loop fasteners 15. FIG. 13 illustrates different attachment configurations using the loop-like members and the straps adopted for different embodiments of the apparatus 10.
In another embodiment, the hemispherical member comprises a flexible hemispherical surface attached to a lightweight and thin or semi-rigid base, as shown in FIG. 18A. When inflated, the base member becomes perfectly flat, as seen in FIG. 18B. The flexible hemispherical surface is attached to the semi-rigid base by thermal welding or other suitable methods. In another embodiment, the inner surface of the hemispherical member includes a semi-rigid member comprising a flat panel that rests against the interior edges of the base of the hemispherical member designed to reduce the bulge caused by inflation. The semi-rigid member helps the hemispherical member keep its shape when it is inflated. The semi-rigid member could be flat, but could also have a shape that arches up toward the middle, so that it flattens under pressure rather than bowing out and down.
Finally, two semi-oval members can be used instead of the two hemispherical members 11. This results in an oval structure (not shown) when the two semi-oval members are attached. Accordingly, the shapes of the plate-like member and the base members can be altered.
All features disclosed in this specification, including any accompanying claims, abstract, and drawings, may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.
Any element in a claim that does not explicitly state “means for” performing a specified function, or “step for” performing a specific function, is not to be interpreted as a “means” or “step” clause as specified in 35 U.S.C. § 112, paragraph 6. In particular, the use of “step of” in the claims herein is not intended to invoke the provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112, paragraph 6.
Although preferred embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, various modifications and substitutions may be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, it is to be understood that the present invention has been described by way of illustration and not limitation.

Claims

1. An exercise apparatus comprising two flexible and inflatable hemispherical members filled with fluid or air, said hemispherical members include anti-slip or gripping features on their exterior surfaces; a means to attach said hemispherical members to form a spherical object; wherein several exercises can be performed by using each of said hemispherical members or by using said spherical object formed by connecting said hemispherical members.

2. The exercise apparatus of claim 1, wherein the hemispherical members can be made of rubber, plastic, or a similar pliable and inflatable material with flexible and anti-slip properties.

3. The exercise apparatus of claim 1, wherein one of the hemispherical members includes a plate-like member attached to its flat surface, said plate-like member including a rim or a slight projection on its circumference, which can be used to align said hemispherical members before attaching them.

4. The exercise apparatus of claim 3, wherein flat surfaces of the hemispherical members and the plate-like member can include hook and loop fasteners, which can be used as the means to attach said hemispherical members to form the spherical object.

5. The exercise apparatus of claim 3, wherein the circumference of the plate-like member is of an oval or oblong shape.

6. The exercise apparatus of claim 3, wherein a plurality of loop-like members along with a plurality of straps with hook and loop fasteners, snaps, or the like can be used as the means to attach the two hemispherical members, the plurality of loop-like members are located at suitable locations on said apparatus and are aligned before attaching the two hemispherical members.

7. The exercise apparatus of claim 3, wherein the plate-like member is made of any resilient and lightweight material such as plastic, rubber, foam, or other suitable materials that are soft, and yet firm enough to withstand pressure while performing exercises.

8. The exercise apparatus of claim 1, wherein the exterior surfaces of the hemispherical members include hook and loop fasteners, which help in providing good grip when used in conjunction with hook and loop fasteners on a user's glove.

9. The exercise apparatus of claim 1, wherein several sizes of the hemispherical members are possible.

10. The exercise apparatus of claim 1, wherein snaps, laces, buckles, latches, or the like can be used as the means to attach the hemispherical members.

11. The exercise apparatus of claim 1, wherein a separate plate-like member can act as a base for the hemispherical members.

12. The exercise apparatus of claim 11, wherein a plurality of loop-like members along with a plurality of straps comprising fastening means, including hook and latch fasteners, snaps, or the like can be used as the means to attach the two hemispherical members, the plurality of loop-like members are located at suitable locations on said apparatus and are aligned before attaching the two hemispherical members.

13. The exercise apparatus of claim 11, wherein the plate-like member includes a hole at its center, and a rim outlines the circumference of the plate-like member and the hole, on both top and bottom sides.

14. The exercise apparatus of claim 11, wherein the plate-like member includes a dome-like member at its center projecting on its either sides and a rim outlining the circumference of the plate-like member.

15. The exercise apparatus of claim 11, wherein the plate-like member includes a hole at its center and the surface of the plate-like member gradually slopes downward starting from its circumference until the hole, thereby resulting in a concave surface on both top and bottom sides of the plate-like member.

16. The exercise apparatus of claim 11, wherein the base members include at least one carved out portion, which are used to receive a user's hands so that he/she can break apart the spherical object formed by attaching the two hemispherical members.

17. The exercise apparatus of claim 11, wherein the circumference of the plate-like member is of an oval or oblong shape.

18. The exercise apparatus of claim 11, wherein the plate-like member comprises a plurality of detachable sections, which can be assembled by the user.

19. The exercise apparatus of claim 11, wherein the plate-like member is made of any resilient and lightweight material such as plastic, rubber, foam, or other suitable materials that are soft, and yet firm enough to withstand pressure while performing exercises.

20. The exercise apparatus of claim 1, wherein each hemispherical member includes a base member attached to its flat surface.

21. The exercise apparatus of claim 20, wherein each base member includes a dome-like member at its center that projects into the hemispherical member.

22. The exercise apparatus of claim 21, wherein the dome-like members create a cavity when the two hemispherical members are attached, thereby reducing the amount of air or fluid needed to inflate said hemispherical members and creating a pocket that can be used to store small exercise accessories such as resistance bands, gloves, or the like.

23. The exercise apparatus of claim 20, wherein each base member includes a plurality of support members on the side that is attached to the hemispherical members.

24. The exercise apparatus of claim 20, wherein the base members include hook and loop fasteners to attach the hemispherical members.

25. The exercise apparatus of claim 20, wherein the circumference of the base member is of an oval or oblong shape.

26. The exercise apparatus of claim 20, wherein rings, snaps, laces, buckles, latches, or the like can be used to attach the hemispherical members.

27. The exercise apparatus of claim 20, wherein a plurality of loop-like members along with a plurality of straps with hook and loop fasteners, snaps, or the like can be used as the means to attach the two hemispherical members, the plurality of loop-like members are located at suitable locations on said apparatus and are aligned before attaching the two hemispherical members.

28. The exercise apparatus of claim 20, wherein the base members include at least one carved out portion, which are used to receive a user's hands so that he/she can break apart the spherical object formed by attaching the two hemispherical members.

29. The exercise apparatus of claim 1, wherein a plurality of loop-like members along with a plurality of straps with hook and loop fasteners, snaps, or the like can be used as the means to attach the two hemispherical members, the plurality of loop-like members are located at suitable locations on said apparatus and are aligned before attaching the two hemispherical members.

30. The exercise apparatus of claim 1, wherein two semi-oval members are used instead of the two hemispherical members, thereby resulting in an oval structure when said semi-oval members are attached.

31. The exercise apparatus of claim 1, wherein the inner, outer or both surfaces of the hemispherical member include a ballast member, which helps the hemispherical member to keep its shape when it is inflated.

32. The exercise apparatus of claim 3, wherein snaps, laces, buckles, latches, or the like can be used as the means to attach the hemispherical members.

33. The exercise apparatus of claim 11, wherein snaps, laces, buckles, latches, or the like can be used as the means to attach the hemispherical members.