U.S. patent application number 11/389649 was filed with the patent office on 2007-09-27 for break apart spherical exercise apparatus.
Invention is credited to Miguel Jose Castro.
Application Number | 20070225133 11/389649 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38534210 |
Filed Date | 2007-09-27 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070225133 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Castro; Miguel Jose |
September 27, 2007 |
Break apart spherical exercise apparatus
Abstract
A spherical exercise apparatus including two flexible inflatable
hemispherical members that can be inflated with fluid or air and
attached together to form a spherical object. The flat bases of the
hemispherical member are made to adjoin with means to attach them,
permitting a user to perform exercises on the spherical object, or
each hemispherical member. The hemispherical members include
gripping and anti-slip features on their round surfaces. The
apparatus further includes a plate-like member that acts as a base
for the hemispherical members when used individually. Alternately,
each hemispherical member can include a permanently attached base
member attached to its flat surface, wherein the base members
include a means to attach the hemispherical members.
Inventors: |
Castro; Miguel Jose; (North
Hollywood, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
EDWIN TARVER
16830 Ventura Blvd.
SUITE 360
Encino
CA
91436
US
|
Family ID: |
38534210 |
Appl. No.: |
11/389649 |
Filed: |
March 23, 2006 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
482/140 ;
482/121 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 2208/0252 20130101;
A63B 21/00047 20130101; A63B 26/00 20130101; A63B 21/0004 20130101;
A63B 2225/62 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
482/140 ;
482/121 |
International
Class: |
A63B 21/02 20060101
A63B021/02; A63B 26/00 20060101 A63B026/00 |
Claims
1. An exercise apparatus comprising two flexible and inflatable
hemispherical members filled with fluid or air, said hemispherical
members include anti-slip or gripping features on their exterior
surfaces; a means to attach said hemispherical members to form a
spherical object; wherein several exercises can be performed by
using each of said hemispherical members or by using said spherical
object formed by connecting said hemispherical members.
2. The exercise apparatus of claim 1, wherein the hemispherical
members can be made of rubber, plastic, or a similar pliable and
inflatable material with flexible and anti-slip properties.
3. The exercise apparatus of claim 1, wherein one of the
hemispherical members includes a plate-like member attached to its
flat surface, said plate-like member including a rim or a slight
projection on its circumference, which can be used to align said
hemispherical members before attaching them.
4. The exercise apparatus of claim 3, wherein flat surfaces of the
hemispherical members and the plate-like member can include hook
and loop fasteners, which can be used as the means to attach said
hemispherical members to form the spherical object.
5. The exercise apparatus of claim 3, wherein the circumference of
the plate-like member is of an oval or oblong shape.
6. The exercise apparatus of claim 3, wherein a plurality of
loop-like members along with a plurality of straps with hook and
loop fasteners, snaps, or the like can be used as the means to
attach the two hemispherical members, the plurality of loop-like
members are located at suitable locations on said apparatus and are
aligned before attaching the two hemispherical members.
7. The exercise apparatus of claim 3, wherein the plate-like member
is made of any resilient and lightweight material such as plastic,
rubber, foam, or other suitable materials that are soft, and yet
firm enough to withstand pressure while performing exercises.
8. The exercise apparatus of claim 1, wherein the exterior surfaces
of the hemispherical members include hook and loop fasteners, which
help in providing good grip when used in conjunction with hook and
loop fasteners on a user's glove.
9. The exercise apparatus of claim 1, wherein several sizes of the
hemispherical members are possible.
10. The exercise apparatus of claim 1, wherein snaps, laces,
buckles, latches, or the like can be used as the means to attach
the hemispherical members.
11. The exercise apparatus of claim 1, wherein a separate
plate-like member can act as a base for the hemispherical
members.
12. The exercise apparatus of claim 11, wherein a plurality of
loop-like members along with a plurality of straps comprising
fastening means, including hook and latch fasteners, snaps, or the
like can be used as the means to attach the two hemispherical
members, the plurality of loop-like members are located at suitable
locations on said apparatus and are aligned before attaching the
two hemispherical members.
13. The exercise apparatus of claim 11, wherein the plate-like
member includes a hole at its center, and a rim outlines the
circumference of the plate-like member and the hole, on both top
and bottom sides.
14. The exercise apparatus of claim 11, wherein the plate-like
member includes a dome-like member at its center projecting on its
either sides and a rim outlining the circumference of the
plate-like member.
15. The exercise apparatus of claim 11, wherein the plate-like
member includes a hole at its center and the surface of the
plate-like member gradually slopes downward starting from its
circumference until the hole, thereby resulting in a concave
surface on both top and bottom sides of the plate-like member.
16. The exercise apparatus of claim 11, wherein the base members
include at least one carved out portion, which are used to receive
a user's hands so that he/she can break apart the spherical object
formed by attaching the two hemispherical members.
17. The exercise apparatus of claim 11, wherein the circumference
of the plate-like member is of an oval or oblong shape.
18. The exercise apparatus of claim 11, wherein the plate-like
member comprises a plurality of detachable sections, which can be
assembled by the user.
19. The exercise apparatus of claim 11, wherein the plate-like
member is made of any resilient and lightweight material such as
plastic, rubber, foam, or other suitable materials that are soft,
and yet firm enough to withstand pressure while performing
exercises.
20. The exercise apparatus of claim 1, wherein each hemispherical
member includes a base member attached to its flat surface.
21. The exercise apparatus of claim 20, wherein each base member
includes a dome-like member at its center that projects into the
hemispherical member.
22. The exercise apparatus of claim 21, wherein the dome-like
members create a cavity when the two hemispherical members are
attached, thereby reducing the amount of air or fluid needed to
inflate said hemispherical members and creating a pocket that can
be used to store small exercise accessories such as resistance
bands, gloves, or the like.
23. The exercise apparatus of claim 20, wherein each base member
includes a plurality of support members on the side that is
attached to the hemispherical members.
24. The exercise apparatus of claim 20, wherein the base members
include hook and loop fasteners to attach the hemispherical
members.
25. The exercise apparatus of claim 20, wherein the circumference
of the base member is of an oval or oblong shape.
26. The exercise apparatus of claim 20, wherein rings, snaps,
laces, buckles, latches, or the like can be used to attach the
hemispherical members.
27. The exercise apparatus of claim 20, wherein a plurality of
loop-like members along with a plurality of straps with hook and
loop fasteners, snaps, or the like can be used as the means to
attach the two hemispherical members, the plurality of loop-like
members are located at suitable locations on said apparatus and are
aligned before attaching the two hemispherical members.
28. The exercise apparatus of claim 20, wherein the base members
include at least one carved out portion, which are used to receive
a user's hands so that he/she can break apart the spherical object
formed by attaching the two hemispherical members.
29. The exercise apparatus of claim 1, wherein a plurality of
loop-like members along with a plurality of straps with hook and
loop fasteners, snaps, or the like can be used as the means to
attach the two hemispherical members, the plurality of loop-like
members are located at suitable locations on said apparatus and are
aligned before attaching the two hemispherical members.
30. The exercise apparatus of claim 1, wherein two semi-oval
members are used instead of the two hemispherical members, thereby
resulting in an oval structure when said semi-oval members are
attached.
31. The exercise apparatus of claim 1, wherein the inner, outer or
both surfaces of the hemispherical member include a ballast member,
which helps the hemispherical member to keep its shape when it is
inflated.
32. The exercise apparatus of claim 3, wherein snaps, laces,
buckles, latches, or the like can be used as the means to attach
the hemispherical members.
33. The exercise apparatus of claim 11, wherein snaps, laces,
buckles, latches, or the like can be used as the means to attach
the hemispherical members.
Description
[0001] TABLE-US-00001 CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPPLICATION: None
FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH: Not Applicable SEQUENCE LISTING OR
PROGRAM: Not Applicable
STATEMENT REGARDING COPYRIGHTED MATERIAL
[0002] Portions of the disclosure of this patent document contain
material that is subject to copyright protection. The copyright
owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of
the patent document or the patent disclosure as it appears in the
Patent and Trademark Office file or records, but otherwise reserves
all copyright rights whatsoever.
BACKGROUND
[0003] The present invention relates in general to exercise
devices, more particularly to inflatable spherical exercise device
constructions, and more particularly, to an exercise apparatus that
includes two flexible and inflatable hemispherical members, which
can be attached to form a spherical exercise sphere.
[0004] Exercise devices of spherical and hemispherical construction
are well known in the art and may be used for different fitness
purposes. These devices are made from a range of materials, and
their structures are designed for particular purposes. Several
spherical exercise devices have been developed in the past. For
example, U.S. Pat. No. 3,176,982 to O'Daniell discloses a resilient
inflatable device that mainly includes a flat base and an
inflatable resilient dome-shaped member. The flat base is secured
to the dome-shaped member. The device is adapted to repel or bounce
away persons or objects when they come into contact with the
device, especially with an excess of force. This device can be used
for amusement or fitness purposes, but is merely hemispherical in
shape.
[0005] U.S. Pat. No. 2,689,357 to Hornback discloses a device that
includes a pair of buoyant and semi-spherical members which are
preferably hollow and are adapted to be inflated. The two
semi-spherical members, when separated by a distance and connected
by a flexible connecting member, can be used as swimming wings. The
two semi-spherical members can also be connected together after
their respective flat surfaces are in abutting relationship. In
this mode, the device can be used as a beach ball. However, this
device lacks the connectivity disclosed by the present invention,
and does not support the weight of a person in various
configurations.
[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 1,116,393 to Despot discloses an inflatable
foldable device that can be secured to a person for preventing
drowning. The device is spherical and includes a framework formed
of semi-circular ribs. One of the ribs has its collar secured to a
shaft, which can be turned by means of an externally positioned
crank. Upon turning the crank, the device can be easily folded when
not in use.
[0007] In U.S. Pat. No. 1,234,826 to Tortomasi a spherical device
that can be used as a life saving float is disclosed. The device
mainly includes two hollow hemispheres, which can be secured
together in a spherical formation by means of a plurality of
locking latches. A side pocket or compartment is provided in the
hemispheres to store necessary articles.
[0008] Although the above devices are of generally spherical or
hemispherical construction, their detailed structure and purposes
differ from the present invention. Furthermore, none of the
inventions in the current art have the capability for a wide range
of excercises as contemplated by the present invention.
[0009] Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to
provide a spherical exercise apparatus, which provides gripping and
ant-slip features.
[0010] A further object is to provide a spherical exercise
apparatus, which can be formed by removably attaching two
hemispherical members.
[0011] A further object is to provide a spherical exercise
apparatus, which is flexible and inflatable.
[0012] Finally, it is an object of the present invention to provide
a spherical exercise apparatus, which can also be used to perform
exercises by using the individual hemispheres. These and other
objects of the present invention will become better understood with
reference to the appended Summary, Description, and Claims.
SUMMARY
[0013] The present invention is directed to a flexible spherical
exercise apparatus. The apparatus is includes two inflatable
hemispherical members, which can be removably attached together to
form a spherical object. The spherical object can be used for
performing a variety of exercises. In addition, each hemispherical
member can also be used individually to perform other exercises.
The hemispherical members can be made of flexible materials, such
as rubber, so that they can be inflated with fluid or air. The flat
bases of the hemispherical members are made to abut each other and
fasten together. Hook and loop fasteners, snaps, laces, buckles,
latches, or the like can be used as the means to removably attach
the hemispherical members.
[0014] The hemispherical members include gripping and anti-slip
features on their convex surfaces. Hook and loop fasteners disposed
on the convex surfaces of the hemispherical members can provide
good grip when used in conjunction with hook and loop fasteners on
a user's glove. The material used for fabricating the hemispherical
members comprises rubber or another malleable material with
anti-slip properties.
[0015] In another preferred embodiment, the apparatus includes a
separate plate-like member that acts as a base between the
hemispherical members. The flat plate-like member also includes a
hook and loop fastener system, so that it can be removably attached
between the flat surfaces of the hemispherical members. In another
preferred embodiment, each hemispherical member can include a base
member attached to its flat surface. The base members include a
suitable means comprising hook and loop fasteners, rings, snaps,
laces, buckles, latches, or the like, to removably attach the
hemispherical members.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0016] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the exercise apparatus in
accordance with the present invention.
[0017] FIGS. 2A and 2B are front views of two embodiments of the
exercise apparatus.
[0018] FIG. 3 is a front view of one of the hemispherical member
with its flat surface on the ground.
[0019] FIG. 4 shows various exercises that can be performed by
using the exercise apparatus.
[0020] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the exercise apparatus that
includes a separate plate-like member.
[0021] FIGS. 6A through 6E are perspective and sectional views of
different designs of the plate-like members.
[0022] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the base member of the
exercise apparatus.
[0023] FIG. 8 is a top view of the base member of the exercise
apparatus.
[0024] FIG. 9 is a bottom view of the base member of the exercise
apparatus.
[0025] FIG. 10 is a front view of the exercise apparatus that
includes the base members.
[0026] FIGS. 11A and 11B are sectional views of the exercise
apparatus that includes the base members with and without the
dome-like members, respectively.
[0027] FIG. 12 illustrates sectional views of different shapes of
the base members and attachment rings.
[0028] FIG. 13 is a front view of the exercise apparatus that
includes the base members and a buckle-like member.
[0029] FIG. 14 illustrates sectional views of different attachment
configurations using loop-like members and straps.
[0030] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of one of the hemispherical
member and the plate-like member that include the loop-like
members.
[0031] FIG. 16 is a top view of one of the hemispherical member and
the loop-like members.
[0032] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the strap with hook and
loop fasteners.
[0033] FIGS. 18A and 18B are perspective views of the hemispherical
member with the thin and semi-rigid base.
FIGURES--REFERENCE NUMERALS
[0034] 10 . . . Spherical Exercise Apparatus [0035] 11 . . .
Hemispherical Member [0036] 12 . . . Plate-like Member [0037] 13 .
. . Rim [0038] 14 . . . Flat Surface of the Hemispherical Member
[0039] 15 . . . Hook and Loop Fastener [0040] 16 . . . Base Member
[0041] 17 . . . Support Member [0042] 18 . . . Carved-out Portion
[0043] 19 . . . Dome-like Member [0044] 20 . . . Attachment Ring
[0045] 21 . . . Bolt [0046] 22 . . . Loop-like Member [0047] 23 . .
. Strap [0048] 24 . . . Buckle-like Member [0049] 25 . . . Concave
Surface of the Plate-like Member
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0050] Referring to the drawings, the preferred embodiment of the
spherical exercise apparatus is illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 16.
The apparatus 10 mainly includes two flexible and inflatable
hemispherical members 11 and means to attach the hemispherical
members 11 to form a spherical object. Several exercises can be
performed using the apparatus 10.
[0051] Referring to FIGS. 1 through 3, the hemispherical members
11A and 11B can be made of any suitable material, such as rubber,
plastic, or the like, which is flexible and inflatable. The
hemispherical members 11 can be filled with fluid or air before
performing exercises. Suitable inlets and valves (not shown) can be
provided to inflate the hemispherical members 11. One of the
hemispherical members 11A includes a plate-like member 12A with a
rim 13 outlining its flat surface. The plate-like member 12A is
permanently attached to the hemispherical member 11A. The rim 13 is
to help align the other hemispherical member 11B to be attached on
the plate-like member 12A. The rim can be made of plastic, rubber,
foam, or other suitable materials that are soft and safe enough for
human contact. The rim can also act as a base when the
hemispherical member 11A is positioned with its flat surface 14 on
the ground. The flat surface 14 of the hemispherical member and the
plate-like member 12A include hook and loop fasteners 15, which can
be used to attach the two hemispherical members 11. In one
embodiment, snaps, laces, buckles, latches, or the like can be used
as the means to attach the hemispherical members 11 to form the
spherical object.
[0052] The exterior surfaces of the hemispherical members 11 can
include anti-slip and gripping features. The material used for
fabricating hemispherical members has anti-slip properties, or is
covered in an anti-slip material. One of the hemispherical members
includes hook and loop fasteners 15 on their convex surfaces to
provide a gripping means when used in conjunction with hook and
loop fasteners on a user's glove. The user wearing the glove
presses his hands against the hook and loop fasteners 15 on the
hemispherical member 11 for performing various exercises.
[0053] Referring to FIG. 4, each hemispherical member 11 can be
used separately to perform several upper and lower body exercises.
The hemispherical members can be positioned with their flat
surfaces 14 or round surfaces on the ground depending on the type
of exercises to be performed. Additionally, the hemispherical
members 11 can be attached to form the spherical object, which in
turn can be used to perform a multitude of exercises. The anti-slip
and gripping features will prevent the user from slipping while
performing the exercises.
[0054] Several additional embodiments regarding the structure and
methods of attachment of the hemispherical members are possible and
are described as: A separate plate-like member 12B used as a base
for the hemispherical members 11, as seen in FIG. 5. The rim 13
outlining the plate-like member 12A, on both top and bottom sides,
will help in aligning the two hemispherical members 11. This
plate-like member 12B includes hook and loop fasteners 15 on its
flat surfaces. The hemispherical members also include hook and loop
fasteners 15 on their flat surfaces. Therefore, the plate-like
member 12B can be attached to the flat surface of one of the
hemispherical members, thereby acting as a base. Also, the
plate-like member 12B can be attached between the two hemispherical
members 11. The plate-like member 12B can be made of any resilient
and lightweight material such as plastic, rubber, foam, or other
suitable materials that are soft, and yet slightly firm to
withstand pressure while performing exercises.
[0055] Different designs and structures for the separate plate-like
members 12B are possible. For example, the plate-like member
includes a hole at its center, and the rim 13 outlines the
circumference of the plate-like member and the hole, on both top
and bottom sides, as shown in FIG. 6A. The plate-like member 12B
may also include a dome-like member 19 at its center on its either
sides and the rim 13 outlining the circumference of the plate-like
member 12B, as shown in FIG. 6B. The dome-like member 19 provides
additional structural stability thereby preventing the plate-like
member from bending and breaking. The dome-like member 19 can be of
different sizes, but is smooth without any sharp features. The
plate-like members 12B may also include at least one carved-out
portion 18, preferably two diametrically opposite carved-out
portions 18 as shown in FIG. 6C, to receive a user's hands to break
apart the spherical object formed when the two hemispherical
members 11 are attached.
[0056] In another embodiment shown in FIG. 6D, the surface of the
plate-like member 12B gradually slopes downward starting from its
circumference, until a hole at the center. This results in a
concave surface 25 on both top and bottom sides of the base, which
provides a smooth surface and support for the inflated
hemispherical members 11, as seen in FIG. 6E. And above all, each
of the plate-like members 12B discussed above can comprise a
plurality of detachable sections, which can be assembled by the
user. This will facilitate the whole apparatus, including the
detachable sections of the plate-like member 12B and the two
deflated hemispherical members 11, to be packaged into a smaller
box or carrying means.
[0057] Referring to FIGS. 7 through 10, in another embodiment, both
hemispherical members 11 include a base member 16 permanently
attached to their flat surfaces 14. The base member mainly includes
a plurality of support members 17 on the side facing the
hemispherical member 11. These support members 17 make the base
member more rigid and can be of different configurations, such as a
honeycomb shape. The side of the base member 16 opposite the
hemispherical member 11 is relatively flat and includes a ring of
hook and loop fasteners 15, which can be used to attach the two
hemispherical members 11. The base members 16 also include at least
one carved-out portion, preferably two diametrically opposite
carved-out portions 18, to receive a user's hands to break apart
the spherical object formed when the two hemispherical members 11
are attached. The base members 16 may also be made of a resilient
and lightweight material such as plastic.
[0058] The base members 16 also include a dome-like member 19 at
their centers. These dome-like members 19 project into the
hemispherical members 11, thereby minimizing the amount of air or
fluid needed to inflate them. When the two hemispherical members 11
are attached, the dome-like members 19 create a pocket or empty
space, as seen in FIG. 11A, which can be used to store small
exercise accessories such as resistance bands, gloves, or the like.
In another embodiment of the spherical exercise apparatus, one of
the hemispherical members 11A includes the dome-like member 19 with
the rim 13, as seen in FIG. 2B. In yet another embodiment, the base
members 16 of the hemispherical members 11 do not include the
dome-like member, as shown in FIG. 11B. Also, in the embodiment
shown in FIGS. 1 through 3, the base member 16 with or without the
dome-like member 19 can be used instead of the plate-like member
12A. The base member can be used when one or both of the
hemispherical members are needed to have a rigid base.
[0059] Referring to FIGS. 12 and 13, different shapes of the
circumference of the base members 16 and flat surfaces 14 of the
hemispherical members are illustrated. Accordingly, attachment
rings 20 can be used to attach the two hemispherical members 11.
The flat surfaces 14 of the hemispherical members are aligned and
attachment rings 20 are secured with bolts 21. A buckle-like member
24 can be used with the attachment rings 20 for holding
accessories. Alternately, snaps, laces, buckles, latches, or the
like can be used as the means to attach the hemispherical members
11 that include the base members 16.
[0060] Referring to FIGS. 14 through 17, a plurality of loop-like
members 22 along with a plurality of straps 23 with hook and loop
fasteners can also be used to attach the two hemispherical members
11. This method of attachment is contemplated for each of the
embodiments of the hemispherical members 11 discussed herein, such
as the hemispherical members with or without the plate-like
member/base members. The loop-like members 22 are attached at
suitable locations on the hemispherical members 11, plate-like
members 12, and/or base members 16. The loop-like members 22 are
aligned before attaching the two hemispherical members 11 and
straps 23 are made to pass through the loop formed by the loop-like
members 22. Following which, the straps are secured by the hook and
loop fasteners 15. FIG. 13 illustrates different attachment
configurations using the loop-like members and the straps adopted
for different embodiments of the apparatus 10.
[0061] In another embodiment, the hemispherical member comprises a
flexible hemispherical surface attached to a lightweight and thin
or semi-rigid base, as shown in FIG. 18A. When inflated, the base
member becomes perfectly flat, as seen in FIG. 18B. The flexible
hemispherical surface is attached to the semi-rigid base by thermal
welding or other suitable methods. In another embodiment, the inner
surface of the hemispherical member includes a semi-rigid member
comprising a flat panel that rests against the interior edges of
the base of the hemispherical member designed to reduce the bulge
caused by inflation. The semi-rigid member helps the hemispherical
member keep its shape when it is inflated. The semi-rigid member
could be flat, but could also have a shape that arches up toward
the middle, so that it flattens under pressure rather than bowing
out and down.
[0062] Finally, two semi-oval members can be used instead of the
two hemispherical members 11. This results in an oval structure
(not shown) when the two semi-oval members are attached.
Accordingly, the shapes of the plate-like member and the base
members can be altered.
[0063] All features disclosed in this specification, including any
accompanying claims, abstract, and drawings, may be replaced by
alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar
purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly
stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a
generic series of equivalent or similar features.
[0064] Any element in a claim that does not explicitly state "means
for" performing a specified function, or "step for" performing a
specific function, is not to be interpreted as a "means" or "step"
clause as specified in 35 U.S.C. .sctn. 112, paragraph 6. In
particular, the use of "step of" in the claims herein is not
intended to invoke the provisions of 35 U.S.C. .sctn. 112,
paragraph 6.
[0065] Although preferred embodiments of the present invention have
been shown and described, various modifications and substitutions
may be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of
the invention. Accordingly, it is to be understood that the present
invention has been described by way of illustration and not
limitation.
* * * * *