U.S. patent application number 11/263286 was filed with the patent office on 2006-05-04 for device for enhancing bilateral dexterity and methods therefor.
This patent application is currently assigned to BOSU Fitness, LLC. Invention is credited to David Weck.
Application Number | 20060094573 11/263286 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36262797 |
Filed Date | 2006-05-04 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060094573 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Weck; David |
May 4, 2006 |
Device for enhancing bilateral dexterity and methods therefor
Abstract
A bola-like device for enhancing bilateral dexterity includes an
elastic member having a first end and a second end, a first hand
held object connected with the first end of the elastic member
cord, and a second hand held object connected with the second end
of the elastic member. At least one of the hand held objects has
visual indicia for distinguishing the first hand held object from
the second hand held object.
Inventors: |
Weck; David; (San Diego,
CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
LERNER, DAVID, LITTENBERG,;KRUMHOLZ & MENTLIK
600 SOUTH AVENUE WEST
WESTFIELD
NJ
07090
US
|
Assignee: |
BOSU Fitness, LLC
Wilmington
DE
|
Family ID: |
36262797 |
Appl. No.: |
11/263286 |
Filed: |
October 31, 2005 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60624622 |
Nov 3, 2004 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
482/126 ;
482/121 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 21/0555 20130101;
A63B 21/0552 20130101; A63B 21/4017 20151001; A63B 21/00043
20130101; A63B 2208/0204 20130101; A63B 67/08 20130101; A63B
21/00061 20130101; A63B 43/00 20130101; A63B 21/0004 20130101; A63B
21/00069 20130101; A63B 21/0557 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
482/126 ;
482/121 |
International
Class: |
A63B 21/02 20060101
A63B021/02 |
Claims
1. A bola-like device for enhancing bilateral dexterity comprising:
an elastic member having a first end and a second end; a first hand
held object connected with the first end of said elastic member
cord; a second hand held object connected with the second end of
said elastic member, wherein at least one of said hand held objects
has visual indicia for distinguishing said first hand held object
from said second hand held object.
2. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said first and second
hand held objects are balls having outer surfaces and said visual
indicia appear on the outer surfaces of said balls.
3. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said visual indicia
include one or more numbers.
4. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said visual indicia
include one or more colors.
5. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least one of said
hand held objects has an asymmetrical exterior surface.
6. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said elastic member
has a length of greater than one (1) foot and less than five (5)
feet.
7. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said elastic member
has a length of between approximately 2-4 feet.
8. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the visual indicia
indicate a physical characteristic of the hand held objects.
9. A system for conducting bilateral dexterity exercises
comprising: a plurality of bola-like devices, each said bola-like
device including first and second hand held objects and an elastic
member interconnecting said first and second hand held objects;
said hand held objects of a first one of said bola-like devices
having a first physical characteristic; said hand held objects of a
second one of said bola-like devices having a second physical
characteristic that is different than the first physical
characteristic for changing a difficulty level of bilateral
dexterity exercises.
10. The system as claimed in claim 9, wherein said hand held
objects of said first one of said bola-like devices and said hand
held objects of said second one of said bola-like devices are the
same size, and wherein said second one of said bola-like devices is
heavier than said first one of said bola-like devices.
11. The system as claimed in claim 9, wherein said hand held
objects of said first one of said bola-like devices are larger than
said hand held objects of said second one of said bola-like
devices.
12. The system as claimed in claim 9, wherein said hand held
objects of said first one of said bola-like devices are harder than
said hand held objects of said second one of said bola-like
devices.
13. The system as claimed in claim 9, wherein said elastic member
of said first bola-like device has a greater tensile strength than
said elastic member of said second bola-like device.
14. A method of exercising a body having hands for improving
bilateral dexterity comprising: a) providing a bola-like device
including an elastic member having a first end and a second end, a
first hand held object attached to the first end of said elastic
member and a second hand held object attached to the second end of
said elastic member; b) grasping said first hand held object in a
first hand; c) directing said second hand held object away from
said first hand held object until the elastic member is under
tension, wherein said elastic member transfers tension force to
said second hand held object for redirecting said second hand held
object from a path away from to a path toward said first hand held
object; d) catching said second hand held object with the second
hand; and repeating steps a) through d) by reversing the order of
the hands contacting said hand held objects so as to exercise in a
bilateral manner.
15. The method as claimed in claim 14, wherein said first and
second hand held objects have a primary component of motion that is
parallel to the ground.
16. The method as claimed in claim 14, wherein said first and
second hand held objects have a primary component of motion that is
vertical to the ground.
17. A method of exercising a body having hands for improving
bilateral dexterity comprising: providing a bola-like device
including an elastic member having a first end and a second end, a
first hand held object attached to the first end of said elastic
member and a second hand held object attached to the second end of
said elastic member; grasping said first hand held object in a
first hand; directing said second hand held object along a path
including a segment extending away from said first hand held object
until the elastic member is under tension, wherein the elastic
member transfers tension force to said second hand held object for
redirecting said second hand held object from the segment extending
away from said first hand held object to a path toward said first
hand held object; releasing said first hand held object from the
first hand as said second hand held object approaches said first
hand held object; and catching said second hand held object with
the first hand.
18. The method as claimed in claim 17, further comprising: after
the catching step and while grasping said second hand held object
in the first hand, grasping said first hand held object with the
second hand; stretching said elastic cord by moving said second
hand held object grasped in the first hand away from said first
hand held object grasped in the second hand; releasing said second
hand held object from the first hand for directing said second hand
held object along a path including a segment that extends away from
said first hand held object until said elastic cord is under
tension, wherein said elastic cord transfers tension force to said
second hand held object for redirecting said second hand held
object from the segment that extends away from said first hand held
object to a path toward said first hand held object; as said second
hand held object approaches said first hand held object, releasing
said first hand held object from the second hand for freeing said
second hand; catching said second hand held object with the second
hand.
19. The method as claimed in claim 18, further comprising
continuously repeating the steps of claims 17 and 18.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] The present applications claims the benefit of U.S.
Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/624,622, filed Nov. 3, 2004,
the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference
herein.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to exercise devices and more
particularly relates to exercise devices and method for improving
hand-eye coordination and bilateral dexterity.
[0003] Numerous studies have shown that improving an individual's
hand-eye coordination will result in an improved athletic
performance. This relationship is particular true for sports such
as baseball, basketball, golf and tennis.
[0004] There are a wide variety of devices used for improving
hand-eye coordination. One particular device, commonly sold under
the trademark KETCH-IT, includes an elastic cord having a ball
attached at one end and a wrist strap at the other end. The device
is used by attaching the strap to a user's wrist, tossing the ball
away from the user for stretching the elastic cord, and then
catching the ball as the elastic cord returns the ball to the user.
This device is typically used for baseball or softball training
whereby a participant tends to throw and catch with designated
hands for each task. Adjusting the strap can be cumbersome making
this device less than ideal for bilateral dexterity exercises.
[0005] Another device for improving hand-eye coordination uses a
paddle and a rubber ball that is attached to the paddle by an
elastic cord. In operation, the ball is hit by the paddle and
returned by the elastic cord. The paddle/rubber ball device only
allows one hand to be exercised at a time.
[0006] Recent studies have shown that exercises that force an
individual to develop hand-eye coordination with both hands will
dramatically improve athletic performance. One study, conducted at
Arizona State University by exercise scientist Debbie Crews, sought
to prove that one key to success in golf is balancing the left and
right hemispheres of the brain during the golf swing. The left
hemisphere is the analytical and verbal side of the brain that
allows an athlete to focus on body mechanics. The right hemisphere
of the brain controls rhythm, timing, balance and imagery. During a
golf swing, the left hemisphere of the brain is active, which
allows a golfer to focus on his or her mechanics. However, Crews
hypothesized that it is equally important for the right side of the
brain to be active during the swing so that the two sides of the
brain are synchronized. Crews sought to prove that a synchronized
brain is in balance, and that an individual will become a better
golfer as a result.
[0007] In her study, Crews used actor Alan Alda, a non-golfer, to
illustrate her concept of brain balance. She used a cap with
electrodes to pick up and chart Mr. Alda's brainwaves. She then had
Alda putt on a green located in an Arizona State University lab.
After Alda used several techniques to balance his brain, his golf
putting improved dramatically. Crews then had Alda engage in
cardiovascular exercises to increase his heart rate. By continuing
to use the brain balancing techniques, however, he maintained his
improved level of putting. Crews later had Alda compete in a
putting competition against a professional golfer. When Alda used
the balancing techniques and the professional golfer used her
regular methods, Alda out-putted the professional.
[0008] Another study, reported in Nature, showed that the area of
the brain associated with the processing and storage of complex
visual motion will expand when an individual learns to juggle.
Draganski, B. Nature, Jan. 22, 2004; vol 427: pp 311-312. In order
to determine whether the structure of the brain changes in response
to stimuli, the researchers used magnetic resonance imaging to
examine the brains of two groups of adults. A first group of adults
learned to juggle and a second group of adults did not learn to
juggle. The juggling group had three different brain scans
conducted: a first scan at the start of the study, a second scan
after the jugglers could juggle for at least 60 seconds, and a
third scan three months later. The adults in the juggling group did
not juggle during the time between the second scan and the third
scan. The first scan of the jugglers showed a baseline. The second
scan, after the adults learned to juggle, showed that the juggler's
had experienced significant expansion in the area of the brain
associated with the processing and storage of complex visual
motion. The amount of brain expansion also correlated with the
juggler's performance level. In other words, the better the
individual could juggle, the greater the expansion of the brain. By
the third scan, after the period of inactivity, the increased areas
seen on the brain scans had declined. In contrast, the non-jugglers
showed no increase in brain structure during the study.
[0009] One method for enhancing hand-eye coordination in both hands
is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,268,254 to McCormick. The '254
patent teaches a method of enhancing bimanual dexterity of a person
having a dominant arm and hand and a non-dominant arm and hand. The
method involves a person participating in an athletic exercise
whereby a bouncing ball is projected toward the person equipped in
each hand with a paddle for striking the ball and returning it in
the direction from which it was projected. The paddle held in the
non-dominant hand has a larger ball-striking area than the paddle
held in the dominant hand. The '254 patent teaches that the method
may be used by an individual, such as a handicapped person, to
improve the performance of an injured or defective arm.
Unfortunately, a handicapped person may have a difficult time
continuing the exercise if the ball does not return to the
individual. This may occur if the ball is struck improperly or if
the ball bounces erratically off a wall.
[0010] In spite of the above advances, there remains a need for a
device and methods for improving hand-eye coordination. In
addition, there is a need for a device and methods for improving
bilateral dexterity, which may result in the left and right
hemispheres of the brain being in balance. Such methods of
enhancing bilateral dexterity may result in expansion in the area
of the brain associated with the processing and storage of complex
visual motion, which may result in improved athletic performance.
There is also a need for a device that is easy to use, whereby an
individual can easily continue an exercise. This is particularly
true for a handicapped person having limited mobility.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
[0011] One aspect of the invention relates to bola-like devices,
which generally consist of a cord having opposite ends and balls
attached to the opposite ends of the cord. In the past, bolas were
developed as hunting tools and typically consisted of two, three,
or more weighted objects tied together by a cord or string. When
hunting, the bola is thrown at prey in order to ensnare and capture
the prey.
[0012] Many games use bola-like devices whereby the bola-like
devices are tossed back and forth between participants. For
example, U.S. Pat. No. 3,717,348 discloses a bola-like device
including two rubber balls attached together by an elastic cord,
with a tab located midway between the two rubber balls. The tab is
used to hold the bola device and throw it toward a catching post.
In this game having a scoring system similar to that found in
darts, points are awarded based upon where the bola-like device is
ensnared on the catching post. The '348 patent, however, does not
teach a device and method that encourages uniform bilateral usage
of a person's body, whereby both hands and arms alternately reverse
roles and perform similar functions.
[0013] Although the present invention is not limited by any
particular theory of operation, it is believed that exercises that
encourage uniform bilateral usage of both sides of the body are
particularly beneficial because the uniform bilateral usage
encourages the development of ambidexterity and "whole-brain"
thinking conducive to better performance in many activities
including athletics. One example of an exercise/activity that
accomplishes this objective of developing hand-eye coordination
while encouraging uniform bilateral usage of the body is juggling.
While juggling is a very useful training technique, there exists
the need for an exercise/activity using the present invention that
allows the participant to benefit from alternating bilateral usage
of the body while increasing the range and scope of exercises
beyond what is currently known and that accommodates various levels
of skill of different participants.
[0014] The present invention provides an improved bola-like device
and method of use. The bola-like device preferably includes an
elastic member that allows an individual to engage in alternating
bilateral tossing and catching activities to develop hand-eye
coordination and ambidextrous bilateral usage of the body.
[0015] In certain preferred embodiments, the present invention
includes a device having two moderately weighted balls attached to
either end of an elastic member to form a bola-like device for the
specific method of use described below. The weighted balls do not
have to be actual balls and may be beanbags, hacky sacks or
juggling beanbags. The weighted balls may also be molded balls that
are hollow, solid rubber, foam rubber, sponge-like balls, PVC
balls, or the like. The balls may be similar in weight and
dimension to tennis balls. In certain preferred embodiments, the
balls have a diameter of approximately 1.5-4 inches. Larger balls
may make the exercise activities easier while smaller balls may
make the exercises more challenging. The balls may be asymmetrical
or uneven (i.e. not round). It is believed that balls that are not
round will tend to fly through the air in a less predictable manner
thereby increasing the challenge to the participant. The balls are
preferably softer than a baseball to reduce the risk of injury
during use. The hardness of the balls may vary. The hardness of the
balls may also vary between a first bola-like device and a second
bola-like device. The harder the ball, the faster one can engage in
the exercises. The balls in a bola-like device are preferably
similar to one another. However, the balls in a device may vary in
weight and shape for particular uses.
[0016] In preferred embodiments, the balls have a weight similar to
the weight of a hacky sack or a tennis ball or a baseball or
softball. The balls are preferably substantial enough in weight to
fly through the air with some speed as the participant develops
hand-eye coordination and ambidexterity. If the ball is too light,
speed may be compromised and the snapping/bouncing action of the
elastic member and ball described herein will be difficult. If the
balls are too heavy, for instance if they are made of solid metal
or stone, the risk of injury may be too great for most individuals.
The balls may be brightly colored to facilitate easy spotting by
the eyes.
[0017] In certain preferred embodiments, the elastic member is
approximately two to four feet in length. In more preferred
embodiments, the elastic member is about three feet in length,
which is preferred for the alternating bilateral exercises
disclosed herein. The elastic member may be shorter or longer
depending upon the particular activity and the size of the
participant, however, a cord one foot in length may be too short
and a cord five feet in length may be too long for engaging in
effective exercises. The elasticity of the elastic member may be
increased or decreased for controlling the bounce or snap action of
the device. In certain preferred embodiments, the length of the
elastic member may be adjustable so as to accommodate growing
individuals or individuals of various sizes. In further preferred
embodiments, the balls are detachable and different length elastics
are provided. These elastics can also have different tensile
properties depending upon the intended application. In yet further
preferred embodiments, portions of the balls or weighted objects
are detachable such that the size, weight, and/or firmness of the
balls or weighted objects can be easily modified by attaching
different coverings or ball bodies to change the properties of the
device.
[0018] In preferred embodiments, the balls are attached to the
elastic member so that nothing projects out from the ball or cord
(i.e. a seamless attachment). If the attachment includes a
projecting element, there may be an unnecessary risk of injury to a
participant's eyes. In certain preferred embodiments, the elastic
member is molded into a ball for providing a seamless attachment.
In other preferred embodiments, the balls are molded with an
attachment area countersunk into the ball. The balls may be
constructed such that two or more elements are put together around
the cord to facilitate attachment. In other preferred embodiments,
however, the elastic member may be attached by taping, stitching,
gluing, tying a knot, using a knotted cord countersunk into the
ball, clamping, welding, or by other known attachment techniques.
In further preferred embodiments, the attachment involves a swivel
device to help prevent tangling the elastic cord.
[0019] In one particular preferred embodiment, a method of using
the bola-like device to participate in an alternating bilateral
tossing and catching pattern includes holding a first ball in a
first hand and a second ball in a second hand. The first hand and
first ball are then moved in a direction away from the second hand
and second ball for stretching the elastic member. The second hand
then releases the second ball at the appropriate time to allows the
second ball to snap outwardly toward the first ball. The
participant allows the second ball to continue outwardly past the
first ball until the second ball reaches its farthest point away
from the participant at which time the participant then pulls back
the first hand that is holding the first ball, which places the
elastic member under tension and causes the second ball in motion
to return back toward the participant. The participant then catches
the second ball with the second hand. If the second ball is caught,
the participant then repeats the same action to the other side
reversing roles of the hands. This action can be done in multiple
planes of movement simply by twisting the body or by using the arms
to direct the ball in motion in different planes. In certain
preferred embodiments, the balls are directed side to side to side,
front to back to front, back to front to back, up to down to up,
and down to up to down and various combinations thereof. The
possible combinations are nearly infinite. One preferred pattern
may include performing the action to the right, then the left, then
to the back on the right side, then to the left, then to the right,
then to the back on the left side, etc. While the bola-like device
of the present invention may be used to develop only one side of
the body, it is believed that a participant is much more likely to
significantly benefit by being capable of performing the action in
an alternating bilateral pattern and thus should practice in this
manner in addition to any unilateral training.
[0020] Exercises for a new user may be broken down into simple
steps until one sequence to either side can be performed. One
preferred teaching method may include having an individual perform
a simplified version that involves dropping one ball and using the
other hand holding onto one of the balls to bounce the free ball
back up so as to be caught with the free hand. This simple exercise
gets the participant accustomed to bouncing the free ball back in a
controlled manner and is very easy to learn when simply dropping
the ball. If the participant is unable to catch the free ball,
he/she need not chase it around the room as he/she maintains a
grasp on one ball, keeping the device under their control despite a
miss. This is particularly useful for beginners and makes the
learning process easier and more user friendly than juggling.
[0021] In certain preferred embodiments an exercise for enhancing
bilateral dexterity includes holding a first ball in a first hand
and a second ball in a second hand and moving the balls away from
one another for stretching the elastic member. The user then
releases the second ball from the second hand. The tension in the
stretched elastic member is transferred to the second ball, which
directs the second ball on a path including a first segment in
which the second ball moves toward the first ball and a second
segment in which the second ball continues in a direction away from
the participant. As the second ball reaches its furthest point from
the body, the participant pulls on the first ball, which
re-tensions the elastic member. The tension in the elastic member
is transferred to the second ball, which changes the direction of
the second ball and directs the second ball back toward the
participant. The participant then releases or drops the first ball
from the first hand and catches the approaching second ball with
the first hand. The participant then switches the roles of the
first and second hands and repeats the process to the other side.
After a period of practice, a participant should be able to time
his or her movement so as to simultaneously initiate the movement
with one hand and dropping the ball with the other hand for
stretching the elastic member. Additionally, with much practice
this technique can be performed while only manipulating one ball
with one hand at a time. In other words, the participant can
perform this technique and alternate sides only touching one ball
at a time.
[0022] Performing the above-described alternating bilateral
repetitive motion will improve a participant's bilateral dexterity
and hand-eye coordination skills. Although the present invention is
not limited by any particular theory of operation, it is believed
that dexterity and coordination will improve because both hands are
constantly involved with each other and are constantly switching
roles. As a result, a participant is not able to favor one side
over the other, which forces the participant to develop both sides
equally. This forced bilateral activity is crucial to developing
true ambidexterity and encourages balanced bilateral usage of both
hemispheres of the brain for controlling body movement. Although
the hand holding one of the balls (the control hand) tends to
influence the flight of the ball in motion, the snapping action of
the elastic cord and ball tends to create a random trajectory of
the ball in motion that is difficult to control, which makes the
exercise especially useful for hand-eye coordination. Another
advantage of such activity is that the participant is able to
engage in many more repetitions per unit of time than is possible
with other hand-eye coordination devices and techniques. For
instance, if a participant using the present device while
performing certain techniques and is unable to catch the ball,
he/she can immediately engage in another attempt without having to
pick balls up off the floor or chase the balls around the room.
Such a rapid reinstitution of an exercise regimen is not possible
when juggling or exercising in the manner disclosed in the
above-mentioned '254 patent. Another advantage of the present
invention is that the participant may vary the speed at which the
free ball moves through the air from very slow to extremely fast.
The participant may also vary the planes of movement in which the
balls travel which is very useful for spatial awareness training.
This provides an improvement over juggling, which is predominantly
performed with the ball(s) moving in planes that are generally
vertical to the ground. Yet another advantage is that the device
and method of the present invention may be performed anywhere, on
any surface, without requiring a large monetary investment in
equipment and without requiring the assistance of a coach or
partner.
[0023] In preferred embodiments in which a first ball is dropped
from a first hand and the second ball is caught with the first
hand, the action of dropping the first ball before catching the
second ball traveling toward the participant tends to create an
anchoring effect for the device. As a result, if the participant is
unable to catch the second ball, the device tends to drop at the
participant's feet, which makes it convenient to pick up the device
without having to chase the device around the room or outdoor
space. This result also provides a measure of safety, because the
dropping ball will often stop the ball traveling toward the
participant before hitting the participant.
[0024] In certain preferred embodiments, the bilateral exercises
may be simplified during initial training with the device. In this
preferred embodiment, the technique involves dropping one ball and
using the hand holding onto the other ball to bounce the dropped
ball back up. As the free, dropped ball bounces up, the participant
drops the ball they are holding and catches the free ball. After
this catch, the participant can practice bouncing the ball that is
now free up to be caught by the other hand. Again this
simplification gets the participant accustomed to bouncing, then
dropping and catching with one hand and then bouncing the free ball
back up to be caught with the other hand.
[0025] More alternating bilateral patterns involving a snapping or
bouncing action of the free ball back to the participant may be
performed in various planes of movement including going behind the
back, through the legs, etc. However, the two techniques described
above provide a solid foundation that will convey tremendous
benefit to most participants. Advanced participants may engage in
techniques that involve multiple snapping actions of the bola
device, i.e. such that the first hand drops the first ball as the
second ball snaps back toward the participant. Instead of catching
the incoming second ball, the participant lets the second ball
reach its full distance against the elastic cord and then snap back
away from the participant. This then causes the first ball to snap
back toward the participant who then catches the first ball.
Depending upon skill level, a participant may be able to cause the
device to snap back and forth multiple times before catching either
ball before the device hits the ground.
[0026] In addition to the above exercises, there are many more
simplified techniques useful for beginners and many more advanced
exercises for more experienced participants. Participants can
benefit substantially from practicing various techniques. It can
also be useful to utilize certain techniques as transitional
movements between different exercises. The following are examples
of simplified techniques that are useful for learning and/or useful
as transitional moves that allow a participant to keep moving
between exercises.
[0027] The repetitive bounce simply consists of holding a first
ball in a first hand while bouncing the second ball repetitively up
and down. The user attempts to control the bounce of the second
ball with the first hand holding the first ball. This is useful as
a technique to learn control for more advanced moves like the
reverse juggling move described in this application and is also
very useful as a transitional movement.
[0028] The one hand drop bounce catch is useful for learning the
reverse juggle. The participant begins with both balls in one hand
and drops the second ball while maintaining a grasp on the first
ball. He/she then attempts to bounce the second ball that has been
dropped up to be caught with the same hand that is holding first
ball.
[0029] As a further progression, the participant can perform the
switch move which when performed repetitively is reverse juggling.
To perform the switch move the participant now drops the first ball
as he/she catches the second ball that is bouncing up. It may be
useful for the participant to first practice catching the second
ball while maintaining a grasp on the first ball, then letting go
of the first ball to get accustomed to the timing of performing the
switch on the fly.
[0030] An exercise called knockers is performed in multiple planes
and is very useful for learning the switch as well. To perform the
basic knocker movement, the participant engages in the repetitive
bounce exercise and attempts to touch the first ball he/she is
holding to the second ball as it bounces up and reaches its apex.
This exercise can also be performed in various planes of
motion.
[0031] One technique that can be highly effective for the beginner
is the floor bounce up. This technique is performed by resting the
second ball on the floor while holding the first ball and
attempting to raise the second ball in the air using the hand
holding the first ball to elevate the second ball that is then
caught with the second hand. By adjusting the speed by which the
participant raises the ball, he/she can experience success
easily.
[0032] The kick and catch movement involves holding a first ball in
a first hand and using a foot to kick the second ball, while it is
either stationary or in motion, and attempting to catch that second
ball with the second hand as it travels as a result of the
kick.
[0033] Some examples of more advanced exercises include a technique
called the stall. The stall consists of holding a first ball in a
first hand and directing that ball away from the second ball
(either while holding the second ball in the second hand or, more
advanced, while the second ball is free) stretching the elastic
member so as to direct the second ball first away from the
participant and then back toward the participant via the
appropriate pull on the first ball. As the second ball approaches
the participant, he/she catches the second ball with the first hand
that is holding the first ball without dropping the first ball.
Because the incoming ball is traveling in the transverse plane,
this technique is quite challenging.
[0034] Another challenging exercise is the side double hand catch.
To perform this technique, the participant directs a first ball in
the first hand away from the second ball (either while holding the
second ball in the second hand or more advance while the second
ball is free) stretching the elastic member so as to direct the
second ball first away from the participant and then back toward
the participant via the appropriate pull on the first ball. As the
second ball approaches the participant, he/she switches the first
ball he/she is holding in the first hand to the second hand, either
by tossing or handing it off, and then catches the second ball with
the first hand that is now free.
[0035] Another move that requires skill is called knotting the
cord. To engage in this maneuver, the participant holds a first
ball in a first hand while bouncing the second ball up and down
such that he/she is able to intentionally place a knot in the
cord.
[0036] Another useful exercise for reaction training involves
performing lateral snapping actions with the bola-like device in
close proximity to a wall or an object such as a punching bag or a
tree in order to hit the object with the snapping ball of the
bola-like device in order to cause a more random and more
challenging trajectory as the ball snaps back toward the
participant. A very advanced technique involves the alternating
bilateral techniques described above to be performed between
objects equidistant and on both sides of the participant such that
each snap back toward the participant is made more challenging.
[0037] The device described above may also be used for other
alternating bilateral tossing and catching movement patterns and
exercises that do not necessarily incorporate the snapping action
of the elastic member and ball, but rather involve swinging one
ball around in various planes of motion to be caught by the other
hand and then repeating the movement with the hands reversing roles
to develop ambidextrous hand-eye coordination. The elastic member
may be utilized with these movements to increase the challenge.
Exercises that do not tend to incorporate the snapping action of
the elastic member and ball may be particularly useful for
beginners and for participants at all levels that are engaged in
balance training exercises. Such balance training exercises may
involve standing on one leg or standing on an unstable surface,
such as described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,422,983 and 6,554,753. As
participant tracks the ball in motion through various planes of
motion with his/her eyes, demands upon balance are significantly
increased. Any of the exercises or activities described in the
present application may be made more challenging by adding a
balancing component to the exercise, such as by standing on one leg
or using an unstable surface.
[0038] Other preferred bilateral exercises may include holding one
ball in one hand while the other ball is free and bouncing the free
ball upwardly. The participant then releases the held ball and
catches the free, bounced ball with the same hand, and then bounces
the released ball upwardly and repeats the pattern. This activity,
which is akin to a reverse juggling action, requires only one
bounce to execute, but is very useful for developing quickness and
agility. Some participants may have to use two or more bounces
before releasing the held ball and catching the bounced ball with
the same hand, not unlike an individual who cannot jump rope with
only a single jump. To fully realize the benefit of this activity,
the participant should switch hands and do equal repetitions with
each side of the body. For example, the participant may choose to
execute two bounce catches with one hand then two bounce catches
with the other hand while attempting to switch hands "on the fly"
without interrupting the bouncing rhythm. This is akin to
performing a reverse juggle action which allows both arms to
alternate and perform equal repetitions and functions.
[0039] In other preferred embodiments, the bola-like device may be
twirled around the arms, hands or body of a participant in a manner
similar to using Nunchakus, a Chinese martial arts tool.
[0040] In certain preferred embodiments of the present invention, a
bola-like device for enhancing bilateral dexterity includes an
elastic member having a first end and a second end, a first hand
held object connected with the first end of the elastic member and
a second hand held object connected with the second end of the
elastic member, whereby the elastic member includes a resilient
core encased in stretchable fabric. The resilient core may be made
of rubber and may include a plurality of stretchable filaments. The
stretchable fabric may be made of fibers selected from the group
consisting of natural fibers such as cotton and/or synthetic fibers
such as nylon.
[0041] The first and second hand held objects may be balls having a
diameter of approximately 1.5 -4 inches. The balls may be solid
balls, hollow balls, rubber balls, foam rubber balls, balls with a
weighted core and softer casing, sponge-like balls,
polyvinylchloride (PVC) balls and/or tennis balls. In certain
preferred embodiments, at least one of the balls desirably has an
asymmetrical exterior surface.
[0042] The hand held objects may also include a flexible material
surrounding a filling material, such as a hacky sack or beanbag.
Additionally the balls may comprise a harder core surrounded by a
softer material so as to protect the user from impact. In certain
preferred embodiments, the first hand held object of each bola-like
device may have first visual indicia and the second hand held
object of each bola-like device may have second visual indicia
differing from the first visual indicia. The distinct visual
indicia may indicate a physical characteristic of a particular hand
held object, i.e. weight or size.
[0043] In certain preferred embodiments, the elastic member has a
length of greater than one (1) foot and less than five (5) feet. In
more preferred embodiments, the elastic member has a length of
between approximately 2-4 feet.
[0044] In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, a
system for conducting bilateral dexterity exercises includes a
plurality of bola-like devices, each bola-like device having first
and second hand held objects and an elastic member interconnecting
the first and second hand held objects. The hand held objects of a
first one of the bola-like devices desirably has a first physical
characteristic, and the hand held objects of a second one of the
bola-like devices desirably has a second physical characteristic
that is different than the first physical characteristic for
changing a difficulty level or properties of bilateral dexterity
exercises. The hand held objects of the first one of the bola-like
devices and the hand held objects of the second one of the
bola-like devices may be the same size, with the second one of the
bola-like devices being heavier than the first one of the bola-like
devices.
[0045] In other preferred embodiments, the hand held objects of the
first one of the bola-like devices may be larger than the hand held
objects of the second one of the bola-like devices. In still other
preferred embodiments, the hand held objects of the first one of
the bola-like devices are harder than the hand held objects of the
second one of the bola-like devices. In yet another preferred
embodiment, at least one of the hand held objects of one of the
bola-like devices has visual indicia for distinguishing at least
one of the hand held objects from other ones of the hand held
objects. In still further preferred embodiments of the present
invention, the elastic member of the first bola-like device has a
greater tensile strength than the elastic member of the second
bola-like device.
[0046] In a further preferred embodiment of the present invention,
a bola-like device for enhancing bilateral dexterity includes an
elastic member having a first end and a second end, a first hand
held object connected with the first end of the elastic member and
a second hand held object connected with the second end of the
elastic member. At least one of the hand held objects has visual
indicia for distinguishing the first hand held object from the
second hand held object. The first and second hand held objects may
be balls having outer surfaces and the visual indicia may appear on
the outer surfaces of the balls. In certain embodiments, the visual
indicia desirably include one or more numbers or letters. The
visual indicia may also include one or more colors. In certain
preferred embodiments, the visual indicia may indicate a physical
characteristic of the hand held objects.
[0047] In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, a
method of exercising a body having hands for improving bilateral
dexterity includes providing a bola-like device including an
elastic member having a first end and a second end, a first hand
held object attached to the first end of the elastic member and a
second hand held object attached to the second end of the elastic
member. The method includes, grasping the first hand held object in
a first hand, directing the second hand held object along a path
including a segment extending away from the first hand held object
until the elastic member is under tension. Although the present
invention is not limited by any particular theory of operation, it
is believed that the elastic member comes under tension when it is
stretched. The elastic member transfers tension force to the second
hand held object for redirecting the second hand held object from
the segment extending away from the first hand held object to a
path toward the first hand held object. The first hand held object
is released from the first hand as the second hand held object
approaches the first hand held object, and the second hand held
object is caught with the first hand.
[0048] The method may also include after the catching step and
while grasping the second hand held object in the first hand,
grasping the first hand held object with the second hand,
stretching the elastic cord by moving the first hand held object
grasped in the second hand away from the second hand held object
grasped in the first hand, releasing the second hand held object
from the first hand for directing the second hand held object along
a path including a segment that extends away from the first hand
held object until the elastic member is under tension, wherein the
elastic member transfers tension force to the second hand held
object for redirecting the second hand held object from the segment
that extends away from the first hand held object to a path toward
the first hand held object. As the second hand held object
approaches the first hand held object, the first hand held object
is released from the second hand for freeing the second hand and
the second hand held object is caught with the second hand. The
method may include continuously repeating the above steps for
exercising both hands in a bilateral manner. During the exercise,
the first and second hand held objects may have a primary component
of motion that is parallel to the ground. In other preferred
embodiments, during the exercise, the first and second hand held
objects may have a primary component of motion that is vertical to
the ground.
[0049] In yet another preferred embodiment of the present
invention, a method of exercising a body having hands for improving
bilateral dexterity includes providing a bola-like device having an
elastic member with a first end and a second end, a first hand held
object attached to the first end of the elastic member and a second
hand held object attached to the second end of the elastic member,
grasping the first hand held object in a first hand, directing the
second hand held object away from the first hand held object until
the elastic member is under tension, whereupon the elastic member
transfers tension force to the second hand held object for
redirecting the second hand held object from a path away from to a
path toward the first hand held object, catching the second hand
held object with the second hand, repeating the above steps by
reversing the order of the hands contacting the hand held objects
so as to exercise in a bilateral manner.
[0050] In still another preferred embodiment of the present
invention, a kit for use in enhancing bilateral dexterity includes
a container, and a first bola-like device storable in the
container, the first bola-like device including first and second
hand held objects interconnected by an elastic member. The kit
includes a second bola-like device storable in the container, the
second bola-like device including first and second hand held
objects interconnected by an elastic member, wherein the first and
second bola-like devices have different physical characteristics
for changing the skill level necessary to handle the devices during
bilateral dexterity exercises. The kit may also include different
length bola-like devices to accommodate a growing participant over
time or various size participants. The container may be comprised
of anything suitable for storing or displaying the bola-like
devices.
[0051] In certain preferred embodiments of the present invention, a
system for conducting bilateral dexterity exercises includes a
plurality of bola-like devices, each bola-like device including
first and second hand held objects and an elastic member
interconnecting the first and second hand held objects. The hand
held objects of a first one of the bola-like devices desirably has
a first physical characteristic, and the hand held objects of a
second one of the bola-like devices desirably has a second physical
characteristic that is different than the first physical
characteristic for changing a difficulty level of bilateral
dexterity exercises. In certain preferred embodiments, the hand
held objects of the first one of the bola-like devices and the hand
held objects of the second one of the bola-like devices are the
same size. In other preferred embodiments, the second one of the
bola-like devices is heavier than the first one of the bola-like
devices. In still other preferred embodiments, the hand held
objects of the first one of the bola-like devices are larger than
the hand held objects of the second one of the bola-like devices.
The hand held objects of the first one of the bola-like devices may
be harder than the hand held objects of the second one of the
bola-like devices. The elastic member of the first bola-like device
may have greater tensile strength than the elastic member of the
second bola-like device.
[0052] These and other preferred embodiments of the present
invention will be described in more detail below.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0053] FIG. 1 shows a front elevational view of a bola-like device
including an elastic member and two hand held objects, in
accordance with certain preferred embodiments of the present
invention.
[0054] FIG. 2 shows a cross-sectional view of an elastic member of
a bola-like device, in accordance with preferred embodiments of the
present invention.
[0055] FIG. 3 shows a cross-sectional view of an elastic member of
a bola-like device, in accordance with other preferred embodiments
of the present invention.
[0056] FIG. 4 shows a cross-sectional view of an elastic member of
a bola-like device, in accordance with another preferred embodiment
of the present invention.
[0057] FIG. 5 shows a front elevational view of a bola-like device,
in accordance with yet another preferred embodiment of the present
invention.
[0058] FIG. 6 shows a system including a plurality of bola-like
devices, in accordance with still further preferred embodiments of
the present invention.
[0059] FIGS. 7A-7F show an exercise for enhancing bilateral
dexterity, in accordance with certain preferred embodiments of the
present invention.
[0060] FIGS. 8A-8F show an exercise for enhancing bilateral
dexterity, in accordance with still other preferred embodiments of
the present invention.
[0061] FIGS. 9A-9F show an exercise for enhancing bilateral
dexterity, in accordance with yet further preferred embodiments of
the present invention.
[0062] FIGS. 10A-10G show an exercise for enhancing bilateral
dexterity, in accordance with yet another preferred embodiment of
the present invention.
[0063] FIGS. 11A-11E show an exercise for enhancing bilateral
dexterity, in accordance with further preferred embodiments of the
present invention.
[0064] FIGS. 12A-12B show an exercise for enhancing bilateral
dexterity, in accordance with still further preferred embodiments
of the present invention.
[0065] FIGS. 13A-13B show an exercise for enhancing bilateral
dexterity, in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the
present invention.
[0066] FIGS. 14A-14D show elevational views of various components
of one end of a bola-like device with multiple ball attachments, in
accordance with certain preferred embodiments of the present
invention.
[0067] FIG. 15 shows a system including a plurality of bola-like
devices, in accordance with still further preferred embodiments of
the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0068] Referring to FIG. 1, in certain preferred embodiments of the
present invention, a bola-like device 20 includes an elastic member
22 having a first end 24 and a second end 26. The bola-like device
20 includes a first ball 28 attached to the first end 24 of elastic
member 22 and a second ball 30 attached to the second end 26 of
elastic member 22. The first and second balls 28, 30 may be molded
balls, and may be hollow, solid rubber, foam rubber, sponge-like
balls, PVC balls or the like. The balls may be similar in weight
and dimension to tennis balls and preferably have a diameter of one
and one half--four inches.
[0069] Referring to FIG. 2, in certain preferred embodiments,
elastic member 22 has a resilient core 32 surrounded by a sheath 34
made of a stretchable fabric. The resilient core preferably is made
of a polymer material such as rubber. Although the present
invention is not limited by any particular theory of operation, the
construction shown in FIG. 2 is preferably similar to that found in
a bungee cord. Providing the stretchable fabric 34 over the
resilient core 32 limits the extent to which the resilient core 32
may stretch. This enables better control of the bola-like device
during bi-lateral exercises. In addition, it is believed that the
stretchable fabric 34 is able to slide and/or glide over an
individual's body much easier that a rubber material, which may
tend to bind to the user's body.
[0070] FIG. 3 shows an elastic member 22', in accordance with
another preferred embodiment of the present invention. The elastic
member 22' includes a core 32' made up of a plurality of resilient
filaments 36'. The elastic member 22' also includes a sheath 34'
that surrounds the resilient core 32'. The sheath is preferably
made of a stretchable fabric such as natural fabric including
cotton fibers or a synthetic fabric including nylon fibers.
[0071] FIG. 4 shows another preferred embodiment of the present
invention whereby elastic member 22'' is a resilient tube 32''
having an inner surface 38'' and an outer surface 40''. In
preferred embodiments, the resilient member 32'' is a rubber
tube.
[0072] FIG. 5 shows a bola-like device 120, in accordance with
another preferred embodiment of the present invention. The
bola-like device 120 includes an elastic member 122 having a first
end secured to first hand held object 128 and a second end secured
to second hand held object 130. The first hand held object 128 has
first visual indicia 142 provided thereon and the second hand held
object 130 has second visual indicia 144 provided thereon. The
visual indicia 142, 144 enable a user to distinguish the first hand
held object 128 from the second hand held object 130. Although FIG.
5 shows the visual indicia 142, 144 in the form of numbers, other
forms of visual indicia such as color, patterns, etc. may also be
used.
[0073] FIG. 6 shows a set of bola-like devices assembled in a kit,
in accordance with certain preferred embodiments of the present
invention. The kit 146 includes a case 148 having an upper half 150
and a lower half 152. The lower half 152 of the case 148 includes a
series of wells 154a-154c adapted to receive respective bola-like
devices 120a-120c. The first and second balls 128a, 130a of first
bola-like device 120 have a combined weight that is less than the
combined weight of the first and second balls 128b, 130b of second
bola-like device 120b. In turn, the first and second balls 128c,
130c of third bola-like device 120c have combined weight that is
greater than the combined weight of the first and second balls
128b, 130b of second bola-like device 120b. Thus, each of the three
bola-like devices 120a-120c has a different weight, which provides
different properties to the bola-like devices. For example, the
greater weight of the first and second balls 128c, 130c of third
bola device 130c enables the balls to be moved more rapidly than is
possible with the lighter first and second balls 128a, 130a of the
first device 120a. In other preferred embodiments, other physical
properties of the respective bola-like devices 120a, 120c may be
modified. For example, in one particular embodiment, the tensile
strength of the elastic members 122a-122c may vary between the
three devices and/or the lengths of the elastics can vary. In other
preferred embodiments, the size of the respective first and second
balls may vary between the three bola-like devices so as to change
the difficulty of handling the hand held objects. In still other
preferred embodiments, the first and second hand held objects of a
first bola-like device may be symmetrical and the hand held objects
of a second device may be asymmetrical. Although the present
invention is not limited by any particular theory of operation, it
is believed that the physical properties of bola-like devices may
be modified so as to alter the difficulty level when using the
devices during bilateral dexterity exercises. The easiest device
could be used by beginners and a more difficult to handle device
may be used by intermediate and advanced users.
[0074] FIGS. 7A-7F show a bilateral exercise, in accordance with
certain preferred embodiments of the present invention. Referring
to FIG. 7A, an individual 156 holds a bola-like device 120
including an elastic member 122 having a first ball 128 secured to
a first end thereof and a second ball 130 secured to a second end
thereof. The first ball 128 is held in the individual's right hand
and the second ball 130 is held in the individual's left hand.
[0075] Referring to FIG. 7B, the individual 156 then moves the
first and second balls 128, 130 away from one another for
stretching elastic member 120. Referring to FIG. 7C, after elastic
member 122 has been stretched, the first ball 128 is released from
the user's right hand 158. After the first ball 128 is released,
the elastic member 122 transfers the stored tension force therein
to the first ball 128 for moving the first ball in the direction
indicated by the arrow designated A. Referring to FIG. 7D, the
first ball 128 moves away from individual 156 until elastic member
122 is fully extended. At that point, individual 156 pulls second
ball 130 in the direction indicated by direction arrow designated B
to apply a tension force though elastic member 122 for changing the
direction of flight of first ball 128. FIG. 7E shows first ball 128
moving in the direction of arrow B and at a point at which the
elastic member 122 is collapsed. The first ball 128 continues to
move in the direction of arrow B while the second ball 130 is held
in the individual's left hand 160. Referring to FIG. 7E, the
individual 156 then catches the first ball 128 with his right hand
158. At that point, first ball 128 is held in the individual's
right hand 158 and second ball 130 is held in the individual's left
hand 160. The process is then repeated in the reverse direction to
that shown in FIGS. 7A-7F. In this reverse process, the first and
second balls are stretched apart, the second ball is released by
the user's left hand until it extends away and then rebounds back
to the user for being caught in the user's left hand. The
above-described exercise encourages an individual to utilize both
hands and both sides the body to complete the exercise. Although
the present invention is not limited by any particular theory of
operation, it is believed that such bilateral exercise will result
in synchronization of the left and right hemispheres of the brain,
which has been shown to improve athletic performance.
[0076] FIGS. 8A-8F shows a bilateral exercise, in accordance with
another preferred embodiment of the present invention whereby the
balls of the bola-like device are directed outwardly in front of an
individual and returned by the elastic member. Referring to FIG.
8A, individual 256 is holding a bola-like device 220 including an
elastic member 222 having a first ball 228 connected to a first end
thereof and a second ball 230 connected to a second end thereof.
The first ball 228 is held in the user's right hand 258 and the
second ball is held in the user's left hand 260.
[0077] Referring to FIG. 8B, the user 256 moves the right and left
hands 258, 260 apart for stretching the elastic member 222. The
second ball 230 held in the left hand 260 is in front of the
individual's body and the first ball 228 held in the user's right
hand 258 is held behind the user's body.
[0078] Referring to FIG. 8C, the user releases first ball 228 from
his right hand 258 while holding second ball 230 in front of the
body. Once the first ball 228 is released, the tension in elastic
member 222 directs first ball 228 in a forward direction indicated
by arrow C. Referring to FIG. 8D, the first ball 228 continues to
move in the forward direction until the elastic member 222 is fully
extended. At about the time the elastic member 222 is fully
extended, the user holds back on second ball 230 to retention
elastic member 222. The user pulls in the direction indicated by
arrow D. Referring to FIG. 8E, the tension in the elastic member
222 is transferred to first ball 228 for changing the direction of
the ball from the direction indicated by arrow C to the direction
indicated by arrow D. Referring to FIG. 8F, the user then catches
the first ball 228 in his right hand 258. The user may then reverse
the order by stretching the balls apart and releasing the second
ball 230 from the left hand 260 and then catching the second ball
with the left hand when it is returned by elastic member 222.
[0079] FIGS. 9A-9F show a bilateral exercise using the bola-like
device of the present invention, whereby the ball is directed
behind a user's body. Referring to FIG. 9A, individual 356 holds a
first ball 328 in his right hand 358 and a second ball 330 in his
left hand 360. The bola-like device 320 includes elastic member
322.
[0080] Referring to FIG. 9B, individual 356 pulls first and second
balls 328, 330 apart so that elastic member 322 is under tension
and with second ball 330 held in front of the individual and first
ball 328 held behind the individual. Referring to FIG. 9C, second
ball 330 is released from the individual's left hand 360 while the
first ball 328 is held behind the individual's back in right hand
358. The tension force on elastic member 322 causes second ball 330
to move in the direction indicated by arrow E. As a result, the
second ball 330 moves from the position shown in FIG. 9C to the
position shown in FIG. 9D. When the elastic member 322 is fully
extended as shown in FIG. 9D, the individual 356 moves first ball
328 in the direction indicated by arrow F so as to retention the
elastic member 322. FIG. 9E shows second ball 330 moving forward in
the direction indicated by arrow F whereby the tension force in the
elastic member 322 has been transferred to the second ball 330.
Referring to FIG. 9F, the user 356 catches second ball 330 in left
hand 360. The process may be reversed whereby first ball 328 is
held in front of the individual and second ball 330 is held behind
the individual and first ball 328 is released and then caught on
the rebound by the individual's right hand.
[0081] FIGS. 10A-10G show a bilateral exercise whereby a user drops
a first ball and catches the second ball as the second ball is
rebounded toward the user by an elastic member. Referring to FIG.
10A, user 456 is holding a bola-like device 420. The bola-like
device 420 includes an elastic member 422, a first ball 428 secured
to the first end of the elastic member 422 and a second ball 430
secured to a second end of the elastic member 422. The first ball
428 is held in the user's right hand 458 and the second ball 430 is
held in the user's left hand 460.
[0082] Referring to FIG. 10B, the user 456 moves the right and left
hands 458, 460 apart for stretching the elastic member 422. The
user then releases first ball 428 from his right hand 458 so that
first ball 428 moves in the direction indicated by arrow G in FIG.
10C. Referring to FIG. 10D, as user 456 holds second ball 430 in
left hand 460, the first ball 428 moves away from the user until
the elastic member 422 is fully extended. The user 456 then moves
left hand 460 in the direction indicated by arrow H for changing
the direction of first ball 428. Referring to FIG. 10E, as the
first ball 428 moves toward the user in the direction indicated by
arrow H, the user releases the second ball 430 from his left hand
460. After the second ball 430 is released, the second ball falls
toward the ground 462 in the direction indicated by arrow I. As the
second ball 430 is falling toward the ground 462, the first ball
428 continues to move toward the user 456 in the direction
indicated by arrow H. Referring to FIG. 10F, the user catches the
first ball 428 in his left hand 460. The user then moves first ball
428 upward in the direction indicated by arrow J for applying
tension to elastic member 422 for snapping second ball 430 in an
upward direction. Referring to FIG. 10G, the second ball 430
continues to move in an upward direction until it is caught by the
right hand 458 of the user. The user can continue the bilateral
exercise by reversing the order of the steps outlined above. In one
preferred embodiment, the user stretches the balls apart, releases
the first ball from his left hand, and as the first ball is
rebounding back towards the user, releases the second ball from his
right hand and catches the first ball.
[0083] FIGS. 11A-11E show a bilateral exercise using a drop bounce
pattern, in accordance with other preferred embodiments of the
present invention. Referring to FIG. 11A, user 556 is holding a
bola-like device 520. The bola-like device 520 includes an elastic
member 522, a first ball 528 and a second ball 530. The user holds
the first ball 528 in the user's right hand.
[0084] Referring to FIG. 11B, the user 556 pulls first ball 528
upward to place elastic member 522 under tension. The tension force
in the elastic member is transferred to the second ball 530, which
moves second ball 530 in an upward direction indicated by arrow K.
Referring to FIG. 11C, as the second ball 530 moves in an upward
direction toward the user's right hand 558, the user drops first
ball 528 which moves toward ground 562 in the direction of the
arrow designated L. At this point, the user's right hand 558 is
free to catch the second ball 530. Referring to FIG. 11D, as the
first ball 528 falls to ground 562, the user catches second ball
530 in his right hand 558. The user may then repeat the process for
tensioning elastic member 522 for jerking first ball 528 upwardly
in the direction indicated by arrow K. Referring to FIG. 11E, the
user 556 may then perform the above-described steps using his left
hand 560.
[0085] FIGS. 12A and 12B show another bilateral exercise including
an alternating bilateral toss and catching activity. Referring to
FIG. 12A, an individual holds a bola-like device 620 in his
respective left and right hands 658, 660. Holding the first ball
628 in right hand 658, the user releases second ball 630 from his
left hand 660 and allow the second ball 630 to twirl along path 664
until the second ball 630 is recaptured by the left hand 660. The
user can then reverse the process by holding second ball 630 in his
left hand 660 and releasing the first ball 628 from his right hand
658. Using the second ball 630, the user will twirl the first ball
628 along the path 666 until the first ball is recaptured by right
hand 658. FIG. 12B shows the user 656 holding the first and second
balls 628, 630 after the balls have traveled along the respective
paths 664, 666.
[0086] FIGS. 13A and 13B show another bilateral exercise, in
accordance with certain preferred embodiments of the present
invention. Referring to FIG. 13A, user 756 holds first ball 728 in
his right hand 758 and second ball 730 in his left hand 760. While
holding the first ball 728 in his right hand 758, user releases the
second ball 730 and utilizes the elastic member 722 to twirl the
second ball 730 along the path designated 768. Referring to FIG.
13B, the user continues to twirl the second ball 730 along the path
768 until the second ball 730 is caught by left hand 760. The user
may reverse the process, whereby the second ball is held in the
user's left hand and the first ball 728 is twirled about using the
elastic member 722 until the first ball 728 is captured by the
right hand.
[0087] FIGS. 14A-14D show a bola-like device with multiple ball
attachments, in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the
invention. Referring to FIG. 14A, an elastic member 822 has an end
and a threaded element 829 is provided adjacent the end of the
elastic member 822. The device may include a clamp 831 for securing
the threaded element 829 to the elastic member 822. Element 829 is
integral with multiple ball attachments as seen in FIGS. 14B and
14C. The ball attachments seen in FIGS. 14B and 14C are of
different size and weight, however these balls can be variable in
firmness, bounce, weight, size, color, texture, and/or shape,
though they need not differ in all aspects. In some cases these
balls may have removable soft coverings that are interchangeable.
Referring to FIG. 14D, the threaded element 829 has external
threads to facilitate a screw like attachment with the ball
attachments. In certain preferred embodiments, at least one face
833 of the threaded element 829 has notches 835 to facilitate
screwing and unscrewing of the ball attachments onto the threaded
element. In certain preferred embodiments, the threaded element 829
may have a locking mechanism to prevent unwanted separation or
unscrewing. This type of construction makes for easy modification
of ball attachments and cord length adjustments and/or
replacement.
[0088] FIG. 15 shows a set of bola-like devices assembled in a kit,
in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present
invention. The kit 946 includes case 948 having an upper half 950
and a lower half 952. The lower half 952 of case includes a series
of wells 954a-954c adapted to receive respective bola-like devices
920a-920c. The first and second balls 928a, 930a of first bola-like
device 920 have a combined weight that is less than the combined
weight of the first and second balls 928b, 930b of second bola-like
device 920b. In turn, the first and second balls 928c, 930c of
third bola-like device 920c have combined weight that is greater
than the combined weight of the first and second balls 928b, 930b
of second bola-like device 920b. Thus, each of the three bola-like
devices 920a-920c has a different weight, which provides different
properties to the bola-like devices. For example, the greater
weight of the first and second balls 928c, 930c of third bola
device 930c enables the balls to be moved more rapidly than is
possible with the lighter first and second balls 928a, 930a of the
first device 920a. In other preferred embodiments, other physical
properties of the respective bola-like devices 920a, 920c may be
modified. For example, in one particular embodiment, the tensile
strength of the elastic members 922a-922c may vary between the
three devices and/or the lengths of the elastics can vary. In other
preferred embodiments, the size of the respective first and second
balls may vary between the three bola-like devices so as to change
the difficulty of handling the hand held objects. In still other
preferred embodiments, the first and second hand held objects of a
first bola-like device may be symmetrical and the hand held objects
of a second device may be asymmetrical. Although the present
invention is not limited by any particular theory of operation, it
is believed that the physical properties of bola-like devices may
be modified so as to alter the difficulty level when using the
devices during bilateral dexterity exercises. The easiest device
could be used by beginners and a more difficult to handle device
may be used by intermediate and advanced users. Although FIG. 15
shows a kit with three bola-like devices, other preferred
embodiments may have four or more bola-like devices.
[0089] Although the invention herein has been described with
reference to particular embodiments, it is to be understood that
these embodiments are merely illustrative of the principles and
applications of the present invention. It is therefore to be
understood that numerous modifications may be made to the
illustrative embodiments and that other arrangements may be devised
without departing from the spirit and scope of the present
invention as defined by the appended claims.
* * * * *