U.S. patent application number 11/341163 was filed with the patent office on 2007-08-02 for training ball.
Invention is credited to Wen-Ching Wang.
Application Number | 20070179021 11/341163 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38322815 |
Filed Date | 2007-08-02 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070179021 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Wang; Wen-Ching |
August 2, 2007 |
Training ball
Abstract
A training ball includes a ball body having an overall outer
ball surface, and two first and second ball halves which
cooperatively define the overall outer ball surface and which are
divided by a first imaginary plane that substantially passes
through a center of the ball body. At least one of the first and
second ball halves has an indented surface region extending
inwardly of the overall outer ball surface, and a grip unit which
spans the indented surface region. The grip unit has an inner grip
surface facing and spaced apart from the indented surface region,
and an outer grip surface opposite to the inner grip surface and
forming a part of the overall outer ball surface. The inner grip
surface and the indented surface region define therebetween a space
adapted for extension of fingers of hands thereinto.
Inventors: |
Wang; Wen-Ching; (Taichung
Hsien, TW) |
Correspondence
Address: |
LADAS & PARRY
5670 WILSHIRE BOULEVARD, SUITE 2100
LOS ANGELES
CA
90036-5679
US
|
Family ID: |
38322815 |
Appl. No.: |
11/341163 |
Filed: |
January 27, 2006 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
482/49 ;
482/139 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 65/06 20130101;
A63B 15/00 20130101; A63B 43/02 20130101; A63B 69/36 20130101; A63B
43/002 20130101; A63B 2220/17 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
482/049 ;
482/139 |
International
Class: |
A63B 23/16 20060101
A63B023/16; A63B 71/00 20060101 A63B071/00 |
Claims
1. A training ball comprising: a ball body including an overall
outer ball surface, and two first and second ball halves which
cooperatively define said overall outer ball surface and which are
divided by a first imaginary plane that substantially passes
through a center of said ball body, at least one of said first and
second ball halves having an indented surface region extending
inwardly of said overall outer ball surface, and a grip unit which
spans said indented surface region, said grip unit having an inner
grip surface facing and spaced apart from said indented surface
region, and an outer grip surface opposite to said inner grip
surface and forming a part of said overall outer ball surface, said
inner grip surface and said indented surface region defining
therebetween a space adapted for extension of fingers of hands
thereinto.
2. The training ball of claim 1, wherein said grip unit has two
spaced-apart grip sections adapted to be grasped by two hands, said
ball body and said grip unit being formed as separate pieces, said
grip sections being formed integrally as one piece.
3. The training ball of claim 2, wherein said grip unit has a
curved grip plate which has said inner and outer grip surfaces,
said curved grip plate further including two opposite free end
portions spanning said indented surface region, butt edges formed
in said free end portions, respectively, and finger recesses formed
in said outer grip surface, said butt edges serving as said grip
sections.
4. The training ball of claim 3, wherein said curved grip plate
further includes two spaced-apart slots formed between said butt
edges and extending through said inner and outer grip surfaces, and
a handle part formed between said slots.
5. The training ball of claim 2, wherein said grip sections of said
grip unit are formed as separate plates which span said indented
surface region, said grip unit further having a through hole
between said separate plates.
6. The training ball of claim 2, wherein said grip unit and said
ball body are formed integrally as one piece, said grip unit having
two spaced-apart curved strips that form said grip sections,
respectively, and that confine a through hole therebetween.
7. The training ball of claim 1, wherein said ball body further
includes first and second color surface portions which are divided
by a second imaginary plane perpendicular to said first imaginary
plane, said first and second color surface portions having
different colors.
8. The training ball of claim 7, wherein said ball body further
includes two auxiliary handles provided respectively on said first
and second color surface portions and at two diametrically opposite
positions of said ball body.
9. The training ball of claim 8, wherein said first and second
color surface portions respectively have recessed surface regions
which extend inwardly of said overall outer ball surface of said
ball body, each of said auxiliary handles having a curved handle
member spanning one of said recessed surface regions.
10. The training ball of claim 9, wherein said grip unit has a
curved grip plate that extends along a direction of a curve formed
by an intersection of said overall outer ball surface and said
second imaginary plane, said curved handle member extending along a
direction of a curve formed by an intersection of said overall
outer ball surface and a third plane that is perpendicular to both
of said first and second imaginary planes and that passes through
an intersection of said first and second imaginary planes.
11. The training ball of claim 1, wherein said overall outer ball
surface of said ball body has a rounded shape.
12. The training ball of claim 1, wherein said overall outer ball
surface of said ball body has a shape resembling a pear.
13. The training ball of claim 1, wherein said overall outer ball
surface of said ball body has a shape resembling an olive.
14. The training ball of claim 1, wherein said grip unit includes a
first grip plate integrally formed as one piece with said ball body
and having said inner and outer grip surfaces, and a second grip
plate mounted removably on said first grip plate.
15. The training ball of claim 14, wherein said first grip plate
spans said indented surface region and includes two opposite
widened end parts and a constricted part between said widened end
parts, said second grip plate having a groove to receive fittingly
said first grip plate when said second grip plate is attached to
said first grip plate.
16. The training ball of claim 1, wherein said grip unit includes a
grip plate integrally formed as one piece with said ball body and
having said inner and outer grip surfaces, said grip plate having
two opposite widened end parts and a constricted part between said
widened end parts.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The invention relates to a training device, more
particularly to a training ball.
[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0004] A conventional training ball has a roughened outer surface,
and can only provide limited exercise options to a user.
[0005] An exercise apparatus, as disclosed in U.S. Patent
Publication No. 2004/0048724 A1, includes a ball body, and two grip
members disposed respectively on two opposite sides of the ball
body to facilitate grasping of the ball body by the user so that
he/she can perform different exercises.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] The object of the present invention is to provide a training
ball that can accommodate different exercise requirements of a user
and that can allow for stable grasping by the user during
exercise.
[0007] According to this invention, a training ball comprises a
ball body including an overall outer ball surface, and two first
and second ball halves which cooperatively define the overall outer
ball surface and which are divided by a first imaginary plane that
substantially passes through a center of the ball body. At least
one of the first and second ball halves has an indented surface
region extending inwardly of the overall outer ball surface, and a
grip unit which spans the indented surface region. The grip unit
has an inner grip surface facing and spaced apart from the indented
surface region, and an outer grip surface opposite to the inner
grip surface and forming a part of the overall outer ball surface.
The inner grip surface and the indented surface region define
therebetween a space adapted for extension of fingers of hands
thereinto.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] Other features and advantages of the present invention will
become apparent in the following detailed description of the
preferred embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings,
of which:
[0009] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the first preferred
embodiment of a training ball according to the present
invention;
[0010] FIG. 2 is a partly sectional view of the first preferred
embodiment, illustrating how a grip unit is fastened to a ball
body;
[0011] FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken along line III-III of FIG.
2;
[0012] FIG. 4 is a schematic view of the first preferred embodiment
in a state of use;
[0013] FIG. 5 illustrates another state of use of the first
preferred embodiment;
[0014] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the second preferred
embodiment of a training ball according to the present
invention;
[0015] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the third preferred
embodiment of a training ball according to the present
invention;
[0016] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the fourth preferred
embodiment of a training ball according to the present
invention;
[0017] FIG. 9 illustrates the fourth preferred embodiment in a
state of use;
[0018] FIG. 10 is a partly exploded perspective view of the fifth
preferred embodiment of a training ball according to the present
invention;
[0019] FIG. 11 is a schematic view of the fifth preferred
embodiment in an assembled state; and
[0020] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the sixth preferred
embodiment of a training ball according to the present
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0021] Before the present invention is described in greater detail,
it should be noted that like elements are denoted by the same
reference numerals throughout the disclosure.
[0022] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, the first preferred embodiment of
a training ball according to the present invention is shown to
comprise a ball body 10 having a first imaginary plane (I) that
substantially passes through a central point (O) of the ball body
10 so as to divide the ball body 10 into first and second ball
halves 11, 12. The ball body 10 may be composed of three layers,
i.e., an inner layer, a fabric layer, and an outer layer, or may
just be a single layer. An overall outer ball surface of the ball
body 10 may have a rounded shape, or may have a shape resembling a
pear, an olive, etc. In this embodiment, the overall outer ball
surface of the ball body 10 has a rounded shape. The ball body 10
is resilient, and may be filled with air or a weighing material,
such as water or sand. The ball body 10 may or may not be provided
with an inflatable valve. When no valve is provided, air may be
filled in the ball body 10 during the forming process of the ball
body 10 so that inflating of the ball body 10 is unnecessary. In
addition to using water or sand as a weighing material, the ball
body 10 may be weighed by increasing the thickness of the ball body
10.
[0023] The first and second ball halves 11, 12 cooperatively define
the overall outer ball surface of the ball body 10. Each of the
first and second ball halves 11, 12 has an indented surface region
112, 122 extending inwardly of the overall outer ball surface of
the ball body 10, a plurality of spaced-apart screw seats 13
provided on two opposite ends of the corresponding indented surface
region 112, 122, and a grip unit 20 which spans the corresponding
indented surface region 112, 122 and which is screwed fixedly to
the screw seats 13 of the corresponding indented surface region
112, 122. However, if self-tapping screws are used, the screw seats
13 may be dispensed with.
[0024] Since the structures of the grip units 20 of the first and
second ball halves 11, 12 are similar, only the structure of the
grip unit 20 of the first ball half 11 will be detailed
hereinafter.
[0025] The grip unit 20 has two grip sections 21 that are formed
integrally as one curved grip plate 210. The curved grip plate 210
has an inner grip surface 214 facing and spaced apart from the
indented surface region 112, and an outer grip surface 213 opposite
to the inner grip surface 214 and forming a part of the overall
outer ball surface of the ball body 10. The inner grip surface 214
and the indented surface region 112 define therebetween a space 111
into which fingers of the user's hands may extend. The curved grip
plate 210 further has two opposite free end portions 219 spanning
the indented surface region 112 and formed respectively with butt
edges 216 to serve as the grip sections 21, two connecting end
portions 212 screwed fixedly to the screw seats 13 of the first
ball half 11, and an intermediate section 211 between the
connecting end portions 212. The intermediate section 211 includes:
two pairs of spaced-apart finger recesses 215 formed in the outer
grip surface 213; two spaced-apart slots 217 formed between the
finger recesses 215 and between the butt edges 216, and extending
through the inner and outer grip surfaces 214, 213; and a handle
part 218 formed between the slots 217.
[0026] In this embodiment, the grip unit 20 of each of the first
and second ball halves 11, 12 and the ball body 10 are formed as
separate pieces. The grip unit 20 may be made of a rigid
material.
[0027] A display unit 30 is provided on the intermediate section
211 of the grip unit 20 for displaying the time, the pulse rate,
the number of times an exercise has been performed, and the number
of calories consumed during exercise.
[0028] Referring to FIG. 4, using both hands (only one is visible),
the user grasps the grip unit 20 of the first ball half 11 such
that his or her thumbs are positioned on one of the pairs of the
finger recesses 215, and his or her remaining four fingers of each
hand extend into the space 111 and grip tightly onto the
corresponding butt edges 216. When both arms of the user are moved
sideways so as to simulate swinging a putter while playing golf,
training of the arms can be achieved.
[0029] Referring to FIG. 5, in this exercise, although the four
fingers of each hand are still positioned within the space 111 and
grip the corresponding butt edges 216, the thumbs of the hands
(only one hand of the user is shown) extend over the grip unit 20
and press tightly against the overall outer ball surface of the
ball body 10. Because the point of applied force and the location
of the center of gravity of the training ball are changed, the user
may perform a larger waist-twisting movement in this exercise to
thereby simulate swinging of, for example, a driver.
[0030] With reference to FIG. 1, when the user uses one hand to
grasp the handle part 218, the user can perform an exercise
simulating lifting of a dumbbell. When the user grasps both of the
handle parts 218 (one in each hand) of the grip units 20 of the
first and second ball halves 11, 12, the user can perform
push-ups.
[0031] Referring to FIG. 6, the second preferred embodiment of a
training ball according to the present invention is shown to be
similar to the first preferred embodiment. However, in this
embodiment, the grip sections 21' of the grip unit 20' of each of
the first and second ball halves (only the first ball half 11' is
visible) are formed as separate plates 210' which span the
corresponding indented surface region 112, 122 (see FIG. 2) and
which are screwed fixedly to the overall outer ball surface of the
ball body 10'. The grip sections 21' form therebetween a through
hole 22'. The exercises mentioned in relation to the first
preferred embodiment can also be performed using the second
preferred embodiment.
[0032] Referring to FIG. 7, the third preferred embodiment of a
training ball according to the present invention is shown to be
similar to the first preferred embodiment. However, in this
embodiment, the grip unit 20'' of each of the first and second ball
halves 11, 12 (see FIG. 2) and the ball body 10'' are formed
integrally as one piece. The grip unit 20'' has two spaced-apart
curved strips 210'' that form the grip sections 21'', respectively,
and that confine therebetween a through hole 22''. The exercises
mentioned in relation to the first preferred embodiment can also be
performed using the third preferred embodiment.
[0033] FIGS. 8 and 9 illustrate the fourth preferred embodiment of
a training ball according to the present invention. As in the first
preferred embodiment, the training ball of the present invention
includes a ball body (10a) having a first imaginary plane (I) that
substantially passes through the central point (O) of the ball body
(10a) so as to divide the ball body (10a) into first and second
ball halves (11a, 12a). However, in this embodiment, only the
second ball half (12a) has an indented surface region (122a)
extending inwardly of the overall outer ball surface of the ball
body (10a). The ball body (10a) further has first and second color
surface portions (A, B) which are divided by a second imaginary
plane (II) perpendicular to the first imaginary plane (I), and two
auxiliary handles 600 provided respectively on the first and second
color surface portions (A, B) and at two diametrically opposite
positions of the ball body (10a). The first and second color
surface portions (A, B) respectively have recessed surface regions
(A1, B1) which extend inwardly of the overall outer ball surface of
the ball body (10a). Each of the auxiliary handles 600 has a curved
handle member 601 spanning one of the recessed surface regions (A1,
B1). The grip unit (20a) has a curved grip plate (210a) that
extends along a direction of a curve formed by an intersection of
the overall outer ball surface of the ball body (10a) and the
second imaginary plane (II). The curved grip plate (210a) has butt
edges 216 (see FIGS. 3 and 4) that serve as the grip sections
(21a). The grip sections (21a) span the indented surface region
(122a). The curved handle member 601 of each auxiliary handle 600
extends along a direction of a curve formed by an intersection of
the overall outer ball surface of the ball body (10a) and a third
plane (not shown) that is parallel to the surface of the drawing
sheet of FIG. 8, that is perpendicular to both of the first and
second imaginary planes (I, II), and that passes through an
intersection of the first and second imaginary planes (I, II). The
first and second color surface portions (A, B) are differently
colored.
[0034] As best shown in FIG. 9, when the user's hands respectively
grasp the grip sections (21a), and move the training ball back and
forth along a sideways path while simultaneously reversing the
positioning of the hands, the first color surface portion (A)
changes from facing upward when viewed from above to facing
downward, while the second color surface portion (B) undergoes the
opposite change. This exercise allows the user to practice accurate
hitting of a ball with a golf club.
[0035] Referring to FIGS. 10 and 11, the fifth preferred embodiment
of a training ball according to the present invention is shown to
be similar to the first preferred embodiment. However, in this
embodiment, the grip unit (20b) of each of the first and second
ball halves (11b, 12b) includes a first grip plate (210b)
integrally formed as one piece with the ball body (11b) and having
the inner and outer grip surfaces (214b, 213b), and a second grip
plate (210b') mounted removably on the first grip plate (210b). The
inner grip surface (214b) and the corresponding indented surface
region (112b, 122b) (only the indented surface region 112b is
visible) define therebetween a space (111b). The first grip plate
(210b) spans the indented surface region (112b), and includes two
opposite widened end parts 2101 connected integrally to the ball
body (10b), and a constricted part 2102 between the widened end
parts 2101. The second grip plate (210b') has a groove (220) formed
on an outer surface thereof. The first grip plate (210b) is
inserted fittingly into the groove 220 when the second grip plate
(210b') is attached to an inner surface of the first grip plate
(210b). The second grip plate (210b') is attached to the first grip
plate (210b) by passing a screw 500 through the first grip plate
(210b) and the groove (220) to engage threadedly the second grip
plate (210b').
[0036] Through the detachable configuration of the grip unit (20b)
of each of the first and second ball halves (11b, 12b), the user
can perform a variety of exercises. For example, when the second
grip plate (210b') is fastened to the first grip plate (210b), the
user can perform an exercise that simulates hitting of a ball with
a golf club or swinging of a golf club. When the second grip plate
(210b') is removed from the first grip plate (210b) the user can
perform push-ups by grasping the first grip plates (210b) of the
first and second ball halves (11b, 12b), or an exercise that
simulates lifting of a dumbbell by grasping one of the first grip
plates (210b) of the first and second ball halves (11b, 12b).
[0037] FIG. 12 illustrates the sixth preferred embodiment of a
training ball according to the present invention. In this
embodiment, the grip unit (20c) of each of the first and second
ball halves (11c, 12c) includes a grip plate (210c) integrally
formed as one piece with the ball body (10c) and having inner and
outer grip surfaces (214c, 213c). The grip plate (210c) and the
ball body (10c) are made of the same material. The grip plate
(210c) has two opposite widened end parts (2101c) connected
integrally to the ball body (10c), and a constricted part (2102c)
between the widened end parts (2101c). The width of the constricted
part (2102c) may be about 5-30 cm to allow for both single-hand and
double-hand exercises.
[0038] While the present invention has been described in connection
with what is considered the most practical and preferred
embodiments, it is understood that this invention is not limited to
the disclosed embodiments but is intended to cover various
arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the broadest
interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and
equivalent arrangements.
* * * * *