U.S. patent application number 10/718005 was filed with the patent office on 2005-05-19 for partially stabilized exercise device.
Invention is credited to Wickens, Krista Marie.
Application Number | 20050107229 10/718005 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34574633 |
Filed Date | 2005-05-19 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050107229 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Wickens, Krista Marie |
May 19, 2005 |
Partially stabilized exercise device
Abstract
A stability ball is disclosed that includes an inflatable
bladder with a filler such as sand disposed therein. The amount of
sand is selected to stabilize the stability ball with respect to a
support surface, thereby preventing the stability ball from moving
on a flat surface when the stability ball is not being utilized by
the user. The amount of filler is sufficiently small that the user
is substantially unaffected by the extra weight when performing
core body exercises.
Inventors: |
Wickens, Krista Marie;
(Ogden, UT) |
Correspondence
Address: |
WORKMAN NYDEGGER
(F/K/A WORKMAN NYDEGGER & SEELEY)
60 EAST SOUTH TEMPLE
1000 EAGLE GATE TOWER
SALT LAKE CITY
UT
84111
US
|
Family ID: |
34574633 |
Appl. No.: |
10/718005 |
Filed: |
November 19, 2003 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
482/140 ;
482/142 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 41/00 20130101;
A63B 23/0211 20130101; A63B 2225/62 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
482/140 ;
482/142 |
International
Class: |
A63B 026/00; A63B
071/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A partially stabilized exercise device for performing core body
exercises, comprising: a flexible inflatable bladder having a
degree of curvature, the bladder being configured and arranged to
support a user exercising thereon when said bladder is inflated;
and a loose filler disposed within the bladder to stabilize the
bladder with respect to a support surface, the filler being
configured to move in the bladder when the bladder is moved.
2. The exercise device of claim 1, wherein the filler is selected
from the group comprising sand, beads, gel, water, and combinations
thereof.
3. The exercise device of claim 1, wherein the bladder is
impermeable to air.
4. The exercise device of claim 3, wherein the bladder comprises
polyvinyl chloride.
5. The exercise device of claim 1, wherein a weight of the filler
and a volume of the inflated bladder have a ratio within a range
from about 2 grams/liter to about 26 grams/liter.
6. The exercise device of claim 1, wherein a weight of the filler
and a volume of the inflated bladder have a ratio within a range
from about 6 grams/liter to about 20 grams/liter.
7. The exercise device of claim 1, wherein a weight of the filler
and a volume of the inflated bladder have a ratio within a range
from about 10 grams/liter to about 16 grams/liter.
8. The exercise device of claim 1, wherein the bladder is
substantially spherical.
9. The exercise device of claim 1, wherein the bladder is
substantially oval or substantially egg-shaped.
10. The exercise device of claim 1, wherein the outer surface of
the ball is grip texturized.
11. The exercise device of claim 1, wherein the bladder is
translucent and the filler therein has a color selected to
correspond to a specific weight of filler therein.
12. The exercise device of claim 1, wherein the bladder is
translucent and the filler therein has a color selected to
correspond to a specific size of bladder.
13. The exercise device of claim 1, wherein the volume of the
filler is less than about 75 percent of the overall volume of the
bladder.
14. The exercise device of claim 1, wherein the volume of the
filler is less than about 50 percent of the overall volume of the
bladder.
15. The exercise device of claim 1, wherein the volume of the
filler is less than about 25 percent of the overall volume of the
bladder.
16. The exercise device of claim 1, wherein the volume of the
filler is less than about 10 percent of the overall volume of the
bladder.
17. The exercise device of claim 1, wherein the volume of the
filler is less than about 5 percent of the overall volume of the
bladder.
18. The exercise device of claim 1, wherein the volume of the
filler is less than about 1 percent of the overall volume of the
bladder.
19. The exercise device of claim 1, wherein the volume of the
filler is approximately 0.5 percent of the overall volume of the
bladder.
20. The exercise device of claim 1, wherein the diameter of the
bladder is in the range of about 15 cm to about 115 cm.
21. The exercise device of claim 1, wherein the diameter of the
bladder is in the range of about 23 cm to about 105 cm.
22. The exercise device of claim 1, wherein the diameter of the
bladder is more than about 25 cm.
23. The exercise device of claim 22, wherein the weight of the
filler is in the range of about 28 grams to about 6.8
kilograms.
24. The exercise device of claim 22, wherein the weight of the
filler is in the range of about 113 grams to about 4.5
kilograms.
25. The exercise device of claim 22, wherein the weight of the
filler is in the range of about 681 grams to about 1.36
kilograms.
26. The exercise device of claim 22, wherein the weight of the
filler is at least about 113 grams.
27. The exercise device of claim 1, wherein the diameter of the
bladder is more than about 35 cm.
28. The exercise device of claim 27, wherein the weight of the
filler is in the range of about 28 grams to about 6.8
kilograms.
29. The exercise device of claim 27, wherein the weight of the
filler is at least about 113 grams.
30. The exercise device of claim 27, wherein the weight of the
filler is at least about 681 grams.
31. A partially stabilized exercise device for performing core body
exercises, comprising: a flexible inflatable bladder having a
degree of curvature and a diameter of at least about 35 cm, the
bladder being configured and arranged to support a user exercising
thereon when said bladder is inflated; a loose filler disposed
within the bladder, the filler being selected to flow on an inner
surface of the bladder when the bladder is rolled; and wherein a
weight of the filler and a volume of the inflated bladder have a
ratio within a range from about 2 grams/liter to about 26
grams/liter, such that the weight of the filler stabilizes the
bladder with respect to the support surface.
32. The exercise device of claim 31, wherein the filler is
sand.
33. The exercise device of claim 31, wherein the weight to volume
ratio is within a range from about 6 grams/liter to about 20
grams/liter.
34. The exercise device of claim 31, wherein the weight to volume
ratio is within a range from about 10 grams/liter to about 16
grams/liter.
35. The exercise device of claim 31, wherein the bladder is
translucent and the filler therein has a color selected to
correspond to a specific weight of particulate therein.
36. The exercise device of claim 31, wherein the bladder is
translucent and the filler therein has a color selected to
correspond to a specific size of bladder.
37. A partially stabilized exercise device for performing core body
exercises, comprising: a flexible inflatable bladder having a
degree of curvature and a diameter between about 55 cm and about 75
cm, the bladder being configured and arranged to support a user
exercising thereon when said bladder is inflated; a loose
particulate disposed within the bladder, the particulate being
selected to flow on an inner surface of the bladder when the
bladder is rolled; and wherein a weight of the filler and a volume
of the inflated bladder have a ratio within a range from about 6
grams/liter to about 20 grams/liter, such that the weight of the
particulate stabilizes the bladder with respect to the support
surface.
38. The exercise device of claim 37, wherein the particulate is
sand.
39. The exercise device of claim 37, wherein the weight to volume
ratio is within a range from about 10 grams/liter to about 16
grams/liter.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. The Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates generally to exercise
equipment. More specifically, embodiments of the present invention
relate to exercise devices, such as stability balls, that enhance
the users exercise by destabilizing the user.
[0003] 2. The Related Technology
[0004] Over the years those engaging in physical fitness exercises
have used a variety of different ways to achieve their desired
exercise goals. For example, individuals exercise by carrying out
routines using their own weight for resistance, such as push-ups
and sit-ups. To meet their exercise needs, exercisers have also
used hand weights and/or devices that use a system of cables,
pulleys, weights, springs, and/or resilient bars.
[0005] Recently, however, those engaging in physical fitness
activities have recognized the value of exercise devices that place
the user in an unstable position. One such device is a stability
ball, also known as an exercise ball or Swiss ball.
[0006] The stability ball is a large flexible ball that is used to
create instability during an exercise routine. As the unstable user
exercises, he or she exercises his or her core muscles to maintain
balance during the exercise routine. For instance an exerciser can
lie on the stability ball while exercising with hand weights. The
instability of the ball requires the user to flex and exert core
body muscles to maintain balance while performing the hand weight
exercise. Instead of simply exercising a targeted group of muscles,
the exerciser on a stability ball also uses core or stabilizing
muscles, particularly those in the abdominal region. Stability
balls are known to develop balance and stability by exercising the
core body muscles.
[0007] One problem with stability balls, however, is that stability
balls have a tendency to move or roll relative to an underlying
support surface. While it is desirable for the stability ball to
create instability in an exerciser, it is undesirable for the
stability ball to randomly move or roll relative to the support
surface. For example, a stability ball that is instable with
respect to the support surface tends to roll out of position unless
the user is continuously in contact with it. A user can become
occupied with maintaining the position of the ball, thus detracting
from the core body training experience.
[0008] Such instability can be particularly inconvenient during an
exercise routine incorporating a large stationary exercise device
such as a cable exercise device. Since the cable device or other
exercise device cannot be easily repositioned, the stability ball
must remain in position while the exerciser positions himself or
herself with respect to the cable device. With existing stability
balls, however, the ball rolls out of position before the user can
engage the cable device and position himself or herself on the
ball.
[0009] Others have solved the instability problem associated with
stability balls by adding a base to it. A base limits rolling of
the ball, however, it may prevent an exerciser from using the ball
as a free ball. Many important core body exercises require the
stability ball to roll in at least one direction. Also, in some
instances, a stability ball with a base is too heavy to perform the
desired exercise.
[0010] Furthermore, stabilizing the stability ball using a base
dramatically increases the manufacturing costs. Typically, a
different exerciser may desire an exercise ball having different
sizes. Therefore, it is important that individual stability balls
be relatively low in cost such that a gym or individual users can
afford multiple units.
[0011] Therefore, what is needed is a low cost solution for
stabilizing a stability ball with respect to a support surface,
without compromising the benefits that the stability ball provides
to its users.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0012] Embodiments of the present invention overcome the
aforementioned problems by providing an exercise device, such as a
stability ball, that is stabilized with respect to the support
surface. In an exemplary embodiment, the partially stabilized
exercise device includes a flexible, inflatable bladder. Upon
inflation, the bladder forms a ball or similar shaped device. The
ball has a diameter greater than 15 cm and its thickness and
surface are configured to support the weight of a user exercising
thereon.
[0013] A loose filler is disposed within the ball. The filler is
selected to move when the ball is moved. For example, the filler
can flow on the inner surface of the ball in the event that the
ball is moved, such as when the ball is rolled along a floor.
[0014] The weight of the filler is selected according to the size
of the ball and the desired stability. Generally the more
voluminous the ball the more filler that can be utilized to
stabilize the exercise device with respect to the support surface.
In one embodiment, the ratio of the weight of the filler to the
diameter of the ball is in a range from about 3.5 grams/cm to about
35 grams/cm. In another embodiment, the ratio is in the range from
about 10 grams/cm to about 25 grams/cm. In yet another embodiment,
the ratio is about 15 grams/cm to about 20. In another embodiment,
the amount of filler is related to the volume of the inflated
bladder. For example, in one embodiment the ratio of the weight of
the filler to the volume of the ball is in a range from about 2
grams/liter to about 26 grams/liter. In another embodiment, the
ratio is from about 6 grams/liter to about 20 grams/liter. In yet
another embodiment, the ratio is from about 10 grams/liter to about
16 grams/liter.
[0015] The filler is selected to flow on the interior surface of
the ball. The amount of filler in the ball is relatively small such
that it forms a small pile or layer at the bottom of the ball. This
small amount of weight, however, is effective for minimizing
movement of the ball on a flat surface. The amount of filler
utilized is sufficiently small that it does not appreciably affect
the instability that a user experiences when exercising or
balancing on the ball.
[0016] The improved exercise ball of the present invention
advantageously provides a stability ball that is instable with
respect to a user but stabilized with respect to a surface. The
stability of the ball with respect to the surface allows a user to
place the stability ball at a desired location without the ball
moving or rolling away. This feature frees the user to attend to
other devices and/or matters without needing to prevent movement or
rolling of the ball.
[0017] In one embodiment, the stability ball of the present
invention has a small amount of filler so that the overall
operability of the ball during exercises is largely unchanged,
while the movement of the ball is minimized when the ball is not in
use. The forces exerted by the user on the ball are much greater
than the resistance to rotation created by the filler.
Consequently, the user's stability on the ball and exercise
benefits provided by the ball are essentially unaffected by the
filler. As such users of the stability ball of the present
invention can perform all the beneficial exercises associated with
other stability balls.
[0018] These and other features of the present invention will
become more fully apparent from the following description and
appended claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0019] To further clarify the above and other advantages and
features of the present invention, a more particular description of
the invention will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments
thereof, which are illustrated in the appended drawings. It is
appreciated that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of
the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of
its scope. The invention will be described and explained with
additional specificity and detail through the use of the
accompanying drawings in which:
[0020] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary
exercise device of the present invention;
[0021] FIG. 2 shows a cross-section elevational view of the
exercise device of FIG. 1;
[0022] FIG. 3A shows a cross-section elevational view of the
exercise device of FIG. 1, prior to movement of the ball;
[0023] FIG. 3B shows a cross-section elevational view of the
exercise device of FIG. 3A, undergoing movement;
[0024] FIG. 3C shows a cross-section elevational view of the
exercise device of FIG. 3A, after the exercise device has undergone
movment and come to rest;
[0025] FIG. 4A shows a perspective view of the exercise device of
FIG. 1 having a translucent bladder;
[0026] FIG. 4B shows a perspective view of the exercise device of
FIG. 4A in a larger size and having more filler therein;
[0027] FIG. 4C shows a perspective view of the exercise device of
FIG. 4B in a larger size and having more filler therein;
[0028] FIG. 5 shows an exerciser performing sit-ups on the exercise
device of FIG. 1; and
[0029] FIG. 6 shows an exerciser using a cable exercise device
while sitting on the exercise device of FIG. 1.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS
[0030] The present invention relates generally to a partially
stabilized exercise device. In one embodiment, the exercise device
is stabilized with respect to a support surface. By being
stabilized with respect to the support surface, rolling, rotation
along the support surface, or other movement of the ball is
minimized. Such movements can be referred to as rotation along a
surface and should not be considered as limiting as to the type or
nature of movement of the bladder. For simplicity, the exercise
device will be referred to as a stability ball. The term stability
ball is used to generally describe the exercise devices that relate
to the present invention and can be used to refer to a variety of
types and configurations of balls including exercise ball, Swiss
Ball, physioball, fitness ball, yoga ball, Pilates Ball, etc.
Furthermore, those skilled in the art typically refer to the size
of a stability ball by its diameter as measured in centimeters. For
ease of understanding, the disclosure herein follows this
convention of measuring stability balls by their diameter in
centimeters.
[0031] Various ratios disclosed herein are calculated based on the
diameter, volume, or other parameter of a bladder inflated to its
normal operating pressures. The size of the bladder inflated to
normal operating pressures can be substantially similar to the size
of the bladder at the point where the bladder has sufficient air
pressure such that it does not significantly deflected under its
own weight.
[0032] Calculations made herein also assume that the inflated
bladder has a spherical shape. This convention is used for the ease
of describing the invention and is in no way a limitation on the
shape of the invention. Those skilled in the art will recognize
that the diameter of a sphere is easily converted to and from
volume by the equation 4/3.pi.r.sup.3. Where size of a
non-spherical bladder is relevant, the diameter of that bladder
should be determined by taking the volume of the non-spherical
bladder and calculating its diameter as if it where a sphere.
[0033] With reference now to FIGS. 1 and 2, a stability ball 10 has
an inflatable bladder 12 that defines a chamber. Bladder 12 is
inflated and deflated through valve 14. Stability ball 10 also
includes a small amount of filler 16 disposed within bladder
12.
[0034] Bladder 12 is inflated with air by passing a needle through
valve 14 and pumping air into the interior chamber. The amount of
air pressure in the bladder can vary according to personal
preferences. The air pressure should be sufficient to support the
weight of the user thereon. A user's weight is sufficiently
supported by bladder 12 so long as when the user is position
thereon. Bladder 12 does not flex so far that the user's weight is
directly supported by the underlying support surface.
[0035] Further reference herein to bladder 12 assumes that bladder
12 is inflated. In addition, while bladder 12 has been described as
having air therein, it should be understood that bladder 12 can be
inflated with other gases or low density substances.
[0036] Bladder 12 sufficiently large enough for a user to perform
exercises utilizing bladder 12. In one embodiment the diameter of
the ball is in the range of about 15 cm to about 115 cm, e.g. about
23 cm to about 105 cm. Typically, bladder 12 is utilized by a user
by performing exercises thereon.
[0037] Examples of useful sizes of bladders include spherical
bladders with diameters of 23 cm, 35 cm, 45 cm, 55 cm, 65 cm, 75
cm, 85 cm, 95 cm, and 105 cm. Typically, for an adult the bladder
is about 55 cm to about 75 cm in diameter. Youth sizes can
typically begin at about 35 cm in diameter.
[0038] The stability ball of the present invention can also have a
non-spherical shape. Non-spherical shapes include various shapes
such as elliptical, egg-shaped, and bi-lobed. Stability ball 10 can
be any shape that has some degree of curvature such that a user
will be destabilized when positioned thereon. The curvature also
causes instability of the ball with respect to the support
surface.
[0039] To keep the weight of stability ball 10 at a minimum,
bladder 12 is made from a thin, lightweight and sturdy material
such as polyvinyl chloride. In one embodiment, bladder 12 is formed
from a burst resistant material such as a material comprising
primarily polyvinyl chloride in combination with other materials,
compounds, or the like. Generally the lighter and stronger the
material, the more suitable the material is for forming bladder 12.
To be suitable for exercising thereon, bladder 12 resists bursting
under pressures exerted by a user thereon. Example burst weights
include weights from 200 to 1000 lbs. The texture, flex, and cost
of the bladder material parameters can be selected to allow for
such weights and pressures. In one embodiment, the outside surface
of the ball is grip texturized. Those skilled in the art will
recognize that bladder 12 can be formed from any one of a number of
materials.
[0040] Filler 16 is deposited within bladder 12 by way of valve 14.
Filler 16 is a particulate or other dense material that can flow on
the inner surface 18 of bladder 12. Suitable fillers include sand,
weighted beads, gel, water, and the like. Filler 16 forms a small
pile or layer on the bottom of inner surface 18. The small amount
of filler 16 is sufficient to weight stability ball 10 and provide
a small amount of resistance against rolling.
[0041] The amount of filler utilized with respect to the overall
volume of the bladder can be selected to provided desired results.
In one embodiment, the volume of the filler is less than about 75
percent of the overall volume of the bladder. In another
embodiment, the volume of the filler is less than about 50 percent
of the overall volume of the bladder. In another embodiment, the
volume of the filler is less than about 25 percent of the overall
volume of the bladder. In another embodiment, the volume of the
filler is less than about 10 percent of the overall volume of the
bladder. In another embodiment, the volume of the filler is less
than about 5 percent of the overall volume of the bladder. In
another embodiment, the volume of the filler is less than about 1
percent of the overall volume of the bladder. In one embodiment,
the volume of the filler is approximately 0.5 percent of the
overall volume of the bladder. In one embodiment, the volume of
filler relative to the overall volume of the bladder is dependent
on the type of filler utilized. For example, in one embodiment in
which the filler comprises sand the volume of the filler is
approximately 0.5 percent of the overall volume of the bladder.
[0042] A variety of types and configurations of methods and
apparatuses can be utilized to introduce filler 16 into bladder 12.
For example, in one embodiment, a funnel is utilized alone or in
combination with a cylindrical member inserted into, or through
valve 14. Filler is deposited into the funnel providing a conduit
for the bladder from the exterior of bladder 12 into the interior
of bladder 12. In another embodiment, an injection system is
utilized to introduce the filler into the interior of the bladder.
In yet another embodiment, an automated mechanism is utilized to
introduce the filler into the interior of the bladder.
[0043] FIGS. 3A-3B show the rotation of an exemplary stability ball
10 with filler disposed therein. As shown in FIG. 3A, initially
stability ball 10 is at rest and filler 16 is disposed in the
bottom thereof. As shown in FIG. 3B, as stability ball 12 begins to
roll along a support surface, the friction between inner surface 18
and filler 16 causes filler 16 to move with bladder 12. The weight
of filler 16, applied to inner surface 18 through friction, causes
stability ball 18 to resist rotation. In order for stability ball
10 to roll, the rotational force applied to ball 10 must be greater
than the rotational resistance created by filler 16. By resisting
rotation of the ball, unexpected movement of the ball is minimized
providing predictability of the location of the ball. This allows
users to exercise in the vicinity of the ball while enjoying a safe
periphery around the ball. This can be advantageous in certain
circumstances in which the stability balls are utilized. For
example, in aerobics or cross-training routines in which the ball
is intermittently utilized and/or where exercisers are moving in
the proximity of the ball.
[0044] As shown in FIG. 3B, if a sufficiently large rotational
force is applied to stability ball 10, ball 10 will roll, despite
the presence of filler 16. Filler 16 is a particulate such as sand
or other material that can flow on inner surface 18. Since filler
16 is loose, gravity causes filler 16 to flow toward the bottommost
portion of bladder 12.
[0045] As shown in FIG. 3C, once stability ball 10 has come to
rest, filler 16 is again positioned at the bottom of bladder 12.
While FIGS. 3A-3C show filler 16 flowing directly on the inner
surface of a single layered bladder, it should be understood, that
bladder 12 can have multiple layers.
[0046] In one embodiment, the amount of filler 16 is selected to
have as little weight as possible and still prevent unwanted ball
movement. Existing stability balls are subject to unwanted movement
for a variety of reasons including manufacturing imperfections in
the ball, imperfections in the floor or support surface, and air
currents in the exercise room. The amount of filler in stability
ball 10 only needs to produce enough resistance against rotation to
overcome the slight forces that cause unwanted movements. Because
the forces that cause unwanted rotation are generally relatively
small, stability ball 10 generally requires only small amounts of
filler.
[0047] FIGS. 4A-4C show stability ball 10 in progressively larger
sizes. In one embodiment, the weight of the filler utilized is in
the range of about 28 grams to about 6.8 kilograms. In one
embodiment, the weight of the filler is in the range of about 28
grams of a pound to about 4.55 kilograms. In another embodiment,
the weight of the filler is in the range of about 681 grams to
about 1.36 kilograms. In yet another embodiment, the weight of the
filler is dependent on the type of filler utilized. By way of
example, in one embodiment a 23 cm diameter ball has a filler
weight of about 113 grams. In another example, a 65-75 cm diameter
ball has a filler weight of about 1.13 kilograms.
[0048] Filler 16a-16c disposed in the respective balls of FIGS.
4A-4C increase in weight as the ball size increases. In one
embodiment, the amount of weight of the filler utilized is
dependent on the size of the bladder. In an exemplary embodiment,
the weight of filler 16 disposed in bladder 12 increases with
diameter by about 3.5 grams/cm to about 35 grams/cm. In another
embodiment, the weight to diameter ratio is in the range of about
10 grams/cm to about 25 grams/cm. In another embodiment, the weight
to diameter ratio is from about 15 grams/cm to about 20
grams/cm.
[0049] In another embodiment, the amount of filler is related to
the volume of the inflated bladder. For example, in one embodiment
the ratio of the weight of the filler to the volume of the ball is
in a range from about 2 grams/liter to about 26 grams/liter. In
another embodiment, the ratio is from about 6 grams/liter to about
20 grams/liter. In yet another embodiment, the ratio is from about
10 grams/liter to about 16 grams/liter.
[0050] The amount of filler 16 disposed in bladder 12 can depend on
the users' preferences. Thus, a number of stability balls having
the same diameter can have different weights. In yet another, the
amount of filler is calculated based on another parameter of the
bladder. Examples of other parameters can include the weight of the
ball, the type of material utilized, the thickness of the material,
the type of filler utilized, or the like.
[0051] In one embodiment of the invention, filler 16 is colored and
bladder 12 is translucent such that the color of filler 16 can be
detected. The color of filler 16 corresponds to the weight of the
filler such that a user can readily identify a particular stability
ball among a selection of stability balls. The color of filler 16
can also correspond to the size of bladder 12 such that a user can
readily identify a particular sized stability ball. In another
embodiment, the color of the filler 16 is selected to correspond to
the color of a semi-translucent and colored ball. In yet another
embodiment, glitter is utilized alone or in combination with
another filler. In yet still another embodiment, indicia are
utilized with the balls to indicate the weight of the exercise ball
or other parameter of the ball. This can be useful where stability
balls of different weights are utlilized for resistance during an
exercise routine.
[0052] The stability ball of the present invention can be used for
numerous activities including all activities performed by a
conventional stability ball. FIG. 5 illustrates a user performing
sit-ups using stability ball 10 of the present invention. As the
user prepares to perform a given exercise the stability ball
remains in position on the support surface. If the user has his or
her hands occupied with hand weights for example, the user need not
worry about controlling stability ball 10 prior to positioning
himself or herself thereon.
[0053] Once positioned on stability ball 10, the user performs
exercises to develop core muscles involved in stabilizing the
user's body. The forces of the user's body on stability ball 10 are
so much greater than the resistance provided against rotation
provided by filler 16 that the user is substantially unaffected by
filler 16 disposed within bladder 12. Thus, as the user performs
exercise stability ball 10 can roll or move according to the
curvature of bladder 12 so long as the rotation is due to the
influence of the user.
[0054] FIG. 6 illustrates the advantages of stability ball 10 of
the present invention when used in combination with a cable
exercise device 20. The user positions stability ball 10 and then
grasps handles 22a and 22b. While the user grasps handles 22a and
22b, stability ball 10 remains in position due to the presence of
filler 16 disposed therein. The user positions himself or herself
on stability ball 10 and uses core muscles to stabilize himself or
herself as he or she pulls on handles 22a and 22b.
[0055] A variety of types and configurations of exercises can be
utilized with stability balls of the present invention. For
example, a stability ball having a diameter of 23 cm can be placed
between the legs of the exerciser to perform certain stability and
other types of exercises. The filler minimizes movement of the
stability ball when the user places the ball on a support surface
during rest or at the completion of the exercise routine.
[0056] The present invention can be embodied in other specific
forms without departing from its spirit or essential
characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in
all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of
the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims
rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come
within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be
embraced within their scope.
* * * * *