U.S. patent application number 12/147025 was filed with the patent office on 2009-12-31 for exercise ball and similar stationary exercise equipment.
Invention is credited to Robert Joseph Baschnagel.
Application Number | 20090325770 12/147025 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 41445336 |
Filed Date | 2009-12-31 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090325770 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Baschnagel; Robert Joseph |
December 31, 2009 |
EXERCISE BALL AND SIMILAR STATIONARY EXERCISE EQUIPMENT
Abstract
An exercise ball including: a spherical elastomer ball; and a
device one of mounted and integral therewith for one or more of;
increasing a usefulness of the ball for performing a greater range
of exercises than would be possible without the device; increasing
a stability of the ball to minimize injuries resulting from use
thereof; and increasing an easiness of use of the ball than would
be possible without the device.
Inventors: |
Baschnagel; Robert Joseph;
(Garden City, NY) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Robert J. Baschnagel
118 Locust St.
Garden City
NY
11530
US
|
Family ID: |
41445336 |
Appl. No.: |
12/147025 |
Filed: |
June 26, 2008 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
482/142 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 22/18 20130101;
A63B 21/4035 20151001; A63B 2225/62 20130101; A63B 71/0054
20130101; A63B 2071/0072 20130101; A63B 21/4029 20151001; A63B
23/12 20130101; A63B 23/0211 20130101; A63B 71/023 20130101; A63B
2208/0233 20130101; A63B 43/04 20130101; A63B 23/1209 20130101;
A63B 43/02 20130101; A63B 21/154 20130101; A63B 23/0355 20130101;
A63B 23/03575 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
482/142 |
International
Class: |
A63B 26/00 20060101
A63B026/00 |
Claims
1. An exercise ball comprising: a spherical elastomer ball; and a
device one of mounted and integral therewith for one or more of;
increasing a usefulness of the ball for performing a greater range
of exercises than would be possible without the device; increasing
a stability of the ball to minimize injuries resulting from use
thereof; and increasing an easiness of use of the ball than would
be possible without the device.
2. A device adapted for mounting on an exercise ball, the device
comprising one or more of: means for increasing a usefulness of the
ball for performing a greater range of exercises than would be
possible without the device; means for increasing a stability of
the ball to minimize injuries resulting from use thereof; and means
for increasing an easiness of use of the ball than would be
possible without the device.
3. The device of claim 2, wherein the means for increasing a
usefulness of the ball comprises: a band for attaching
circumferentially around the ball and having one or more securing
means for securing the band to the ball; and a pair of arm rest
members secured to the band, each of the pair of arm rest members
having a hand grip for being grasped by a user.
4. The device of claim 3, wherein each of the pair of armrest
members further comprises a height adjustment device for adjusting
a height of the handgrip relative to the ball.
5. The device of claim 2, wherein the means for increasing a
usefulness of the ball comprises: a band for attaching
circumferentially around the ball and having one or more securing
means for securing the band to the ball; and one or more pulley
devices for performing resistance exercises while using the
ball.
6. The device of claim 5, wherein the one or more pulley devices
are adapted for use with one or more of the arms and legs of the
user.
7. The device of claim 2, wherein the means for increasing an
easiness of use of the ball comprises one or more handle members
secured to the ball and having at least one hand grip for being
grasped by a user.
8. The device of claim 7, further comprising a band for attaching
circumferentially around the ball and having one or more securing
means for securing the band to the ball wherein the one or more
handle members are secured to the band.
9. The device of claim 7, further comprising means for rotatably
securing the one or more handles to the ball.
10. The device of claim 9, wherein the means for rotatably securing
the one or more handles to the ball comprises a shaft running
through the ball and rotatably secured to the ball.
11. The device of claim 2, wherein the means for increasing a
stability of the ball comprises three or more stability projections
integrally formed with an outer surface of the ball, each of the
three of more stability projections projecting radially out from
the outer surface of the ball and having a surface adapted to
contact a surface upon which the ball rests.
12. The device of claim 2, wherein the means for increasing a
stability of the ball comprises: a band for attaching
circumferentially around the ball; and three or more stabilizers
secured to the band for stabilizing the ball relative to a surface
upon which the ball rests.
13. The device of claim 12, wherein the three of more stabilizers
comprise three or more projections projecting radially out from a
portion of the band and having a surface adapted to contact the
surface upon which the ball rests.
14. The device of claim 2, wherein the means for increasing a
stability of the ball comprises three or more stabilizing feet
secured to the band, each of the three of more stabilizing feet
having a surface adapted to contact a surface upon which the ball
rests.
15. The device of claim 14, wherein each of the individual
stabilizing feet comprise a spring mechanism for biasing an outer
surface towards the surface upon which the ball rests.
16. The device of claim 14, wherein each of the individual
stabilizing feet comprises an extension adjustment mechanism for
adjusting an extension length of the stabilizing feet.
17. The device of claim 14, further comprising one or more handles
secured to the band and having at least one hand grip for being
grasped by a user.
18. The device of claim 2, wherein the means for increasing a
stability of the ball comprises two pairs of stabilizing feet
secured to the ball, each pair having two individual stabilizing
feet, each of the individual stabilizing feet having a surface
adapted to contact a surface upon which the ball rests.
19. The device of claim 18, further comprising means for rotatably
securing the pairs of stabilizing feet to the ball.
20. The device of claim 18, wherein each of the individual
stabilizing feet in the stabilizing pair are angled with respect to
each other.
21. The device of claim 18, wherein each of the individual
stabilizing feet comprise a spring mechanism for biasing an outer
surface towards the surface upon which the ball rests.
22. The device of claim 18, wherein each of the individual
stabilizing feet comprises an extension adjustment mechanism for
adjusting a extension length of the stabilizing feet.
23. The device of claim 18, wherein at least one of the pairs of
stabilizing feet includes a handle having at least one hand grip
for being grasped by a user.
24. The device of claim 2, wherein the means for increasing a
stability of the ball comprises: a band for attaching
circumferentially around the ball; and a hoop extending at least
partially circumferentially extending from the band and adapted to
contact a surface upon which the ball rests.
25. The device of claim 2, wherein the means for increasing a
stability of the ball comprises a ballast adapted to be rotatably
secured on an interior of the ball and having an internal volume to
sealingly contain one or a liquid, gel or solid.
26. The device of claim 25, wherein the ballast is secured to a
rotatable shaft rotatably secured through the ball, the ballast
extending radially from the shaft.
27. The device of claim 26, wherein the shaft is secured through a
diameter of the ball.
28. The device of claim 26, wherein the shaft includes a conduit in
communication with the internal volume of the ballast, the conduit
having an inlet on an end of the shaft for filling the one of the
liquid, gel or solid into the internal volume.
29. The device of claim 25, further comprising one of a handle or
body rest secured to the shaft.
30. An exercise device comprising: a base; a user platform for
holding a user of the device, the user platform having one or more
handles for being grasped by the user; and a spring element for
connecting the user platform to the base and allowing a restricted
range of motion of the user platform relative to the base.
31. The exercise device of claim 30, wherein the spring element
comprises a compression spring.
32. The exercise device of claim 30, wherein the user platform is
configured as a solid sheet.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates generally to exercise
equipment, and more particularly to exercise balls and similar
stationary exercise equipment.
[0003] 2. Prior Art
[0004] Use of a large ball for exercising is well known in the art.
Typically, such balls, known in the art as exercise or stability
balls are very useful for developing the abdominal muscles and can
also be used to develop other core muscle groups.
[0005] However, the spherical shape of an exercise ball is
inherently unstable, making it easy for users to fall from the ball
during exercise leading to injury, including head trauma. Users of
exercise balls may try to increase the stability of the ball by
using it while it is propped against a wall or other stable member.
However, use of the exercise ball in such a way severely limits it
usefulness and effectiveness.
[0006] Furthermore, exercise balls are also inherently clumsy to
use and are generally limited to developing the core muscle
groups.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] Thus, there is a need in the art of exercise equipment to
provide a stable exercise ball to limit the likelihood of injury
from use therefrom without limiting the usefulness and/or
effectiveness of the exercise ball.
[0008] There is also a need in the art of exercise equipment to
provide an exercise ball that is easier to use and can be used to
develop a wider range of muscle groups.
[0009] Accordingly, an exercise ball is provided, the Exercise ball
comprising: a spherical elastomer ball; and a device one of mounted
and integral therewith for one or more of; increasing a usefulness
of the ball for performing a greater range of exercises than would
be possible without the device; increasing a stability of the ball
to minimize injuries resulting from use thereof; and increasing an
easiness of use of the ball than would be possible without the
device.
[0010] Also provided is a device adapted for mounting on an
exercise ball, the device comprising one or more of: means for
increasing a usefulness of the ball for performing a greater range
of exercises than would be possible without the device; means for
increasing a stability of the ball to minimize injuries resulting
from use thereof; and means for increasing an easiness of use of
the ball than would be possible without the device.
[0011] The means for increasing a usefulness of the ball can
comprise: a band for attaching circumferentially around the ball
and having one or more securing means for securing the band to the
ball; and a pair of arm rest members secured to the band, each of
the pair of arm rest members having a hand grip for being grasped
by a user. Each of the pair of armrest members can further comprise
a height adjustment device for adjusting a height of the handgrip
relative to the ball.
[0012] The means for increasing a usefulness of the ball can
comprise: a band for attaching circumferentially around the ball
and having one or more securing means for securing the band to the
ball; and one or more pulley devices for performing resistance
exercises while using the ball. The one or more pulley devices can
be adapted for use with one or more of the arms and legs of the
user.
[0013] The means for increasing an easiness of use of the ball can
comprise one or more handle members secured to the ball and having
at least one handgrip for being grasped by a user. The device can
further comprise a band for attaching circumferentially around the
ball and having one or more securing means for securing the band to
the ball wherein the one or more handle members are secured to the
band. The device can further comprise means for rotatably securing
the one or more handles to the ball. The means for rotatably
securing the one or more handles to the ball can comprise a shaft
running through the ball and rotatably secured to the ball.
[0014] The means for increasing a stability of the ball can
comprise three or more stability projections integrally formed with
an outer surface of the ball, each of the three of more stability
projections projecting radially out from the outer surface of the
ball and having a surface adapted to contact a surface upon which
the ball rests.
[0015] The means for increasing a stability of the ball can
comprise: a band for attaching circumferentially around the ball;
and three or more stabilizers secured to the band for stabilizing
the ball relative to a surface upon which the ball rests. The three
of more stabilizers can comprise three or more projections
projecting radially out from a portion of the band and having a
surface adapted to contact the surface upon which the ball
rests.
[0016] The means for increasing a stability of the ball can
comprise three or more stabilizing feet secured to the band, each
of the three of more stabilizing feet having a surface adapted to
contact a surface upon which the ball rests. Each of the individual
stabilizing feet can comprise a spring mechanism for biasing an
outer surface towards the surface upon which the ball rests. Each
of the individual stabilizing feet can comprise an extension
adjustment mechanism for adjusting an extension length of the
stabilizing feet. The device can further comprise one or more
handles secured to the band and having at least one hand grip for
being grasped by a user.
[0017] The means for increasing a stability of the ball can
comprise two pairs of stabilizing feet secured to the ball, each
pair having two individual stabilizing feet, each of the individual
stabilizing feet having a surface adapted to contact a surface upon
which the ball rests. The device can further comprise means for
rotatably securing the pairs of stabilizing feet to the ball. Each
of the individual stabilizing feet in the stabilizing pair can be
angled with respect to each other. Each of the individual
stabilizing feet can comprise a spring mechanism for biasing an
outer surface towards the surface upon which the ball rests. Each
of the individual stabilizing feet can comprise an extension
adjustment mechanism for adjusting a extension length of the
stabilizing feet. At least one of the pairs of stabilizing feet can
include a handle having at least one handgrip for being grasped by
a user.
[0018] The means for increasing a stability of the ball can
comprise: a band for attaching circumferentially around the ball;
and a hoop extending at least partially circumferentially extending
from the band and adapted to contact a surface upon which the ball
rests.
[0019] The means for increasing a stability of the ball can
comprise a ballast adapted to be rotatably secured on an interior
of the ball and having an internal volume to sealingly contain one
or a liquid, gel or solid. The ballast can be secured to a
rotatable shaft rotatably secured through the ball, the ballast
extending radially from the shaft. The shaft can be secured through
a diameter of the ball. The shaft can include a conduit in
communication with the internal volume of the ballast, the conduit
having an inlet on an end of the shaft for filling the one of the
liquid, gel or solid into the internal volume. The device can
further comprise one of a handle or body rest secured to the
shaft.
[0020] Still further provided is an exercise device comprising: a
base; a user platform for holding a user of the device, the user
platform having one or more handles for being grasped by the user;
and a spring element for connecting the user platform to the base
and allowing a restricted range of motion of the user platform
relative to the base.
[0021] The spring element can comprise a compression spring.
[0022] The user platform can be configured as a solid sheet.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0023] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the
apparatus of the present invention will become better understood
with regard to the following description, appended claims, and
accompanying drawings where:
[0024] FIG. 1a illustrates an embodiment of an exercise ball having
a device for increased easiness of use and increased ability to
develop muscle groups other than core muscles.
[0025] FIG. 1b illustrates the device of FIG. 1a shown without the
exercise ball.
[0026] FIG. 1c illustrates a height adjustment mechanism of FIG.
1b.
[0027] FIG. 2a illustrates an embodiment of an exercise ball having
means for additional stability.
[0028] FIG. 2b illustrates an embodiment of an exercise ball having
means for additional stability and easiness of use.
[0029] FIGS. 3a and 3b illustrate an isometric and front view,
respectively, of another embodiment of an exercise ball having
means for additional stability and easiness of use.
[0030] FIG. 4 illustrates another embodiment of an exercise ball
having means for additional stability and easiness of use.
[0031] FIG. 5a illustrates an isometric view of another embodiment
of an exercise ball having means for additional stability and
easiness of use.
[0032] FIG. 5b illustrates an isometric view of the exercise ball
of FIG. 5a having additional features for exercising a wider range
of muscle groups.
[0033] FIG. 5c illustrates the exercise ball of FIG. 5b in use.
[0034] FIGS. 6a and 6b illustrate an isometric and front view,
respectively, of another embodiment of an exercise ball having
means for additional stability and easiness of use.
[0035] FIGS. 7a, 7b and 7c illustrate front views of another
embodiment of an exercise ball having means for additional
stability and easiness of use.
[0036] FIG. 8a illustrates an embodiment of an exercise device
similar in function to an exercise ball and having increased
stability as compared to an exercise ball.
[0037] FIG. 8b illustrates the range of motion of the exercise
device of FIG. 8a.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0038] Referring now to FIGS. 1a-1c, a first embodiment of a device
is shown for use with an exercise ball, the device being referred
to in general with reference numeral 100. FIG. 1a shows the device
100 while FIG. 1b shows the device 100 secured to an exercise ball
102. The exercise ball is a spherical elastomer ball that has an
internal cavity that is generally inflated with air. Alternatively,
the ball can be made of semi-rigid materials so inflation thereof
is not necessary. The device 100 can be secured to the ball by any
method known in the art, such as by mounting the device 100 with
flexible straps 104 or fabricated integral with the ball. In
general, the device can be for one or more of increasing a
usefulness of the ball for performing a greater range of exercises
than would be possible without the device; increasing a stability
of the ball to minimize injuries resulting from use thereof; and
increasing an easiness of use of the ball than would be possible
without the device.
[0039] Specifically with regard to FIGS. 1a-1c, the device 100 is
particularly useful for increasing a usefulness of the ball 102.
The device 100 includes a band 106 for attaching circumferentially
around the ball 102 and secured to the ball 102 by means of the
flexible straps 104. The band 106 can be a simple band or include
further structure such as a second band 108 attached to the band
106 by way of attachment members 110 spanning between the band 106
and the second band 108. Such attachment members 110 can be rigid
or have flexibility, such as being fabricated with spring steel or
other biasing material.
[0040] A pair of armrest members 112 are secured to the band 106,
such as by welding and can include features such as padded rests
114 and handgrips 116 for being grasped by a user. Each of the pair
of armrest members can further comprise a height adjustment device
118, as are known in the art, for adjusting a height of the
handgrip 116 relative to the ball 102. FIG. 1c shows the height
adjustment device 118 in greater detail and can include a series of
openings 120 and a corresponding pin for engaging one of the
openings. The pin can be biased in an extended position to keep it
from coming out of the opening 120.
[0041] The armrest members 112 can be used to increase an easiness
of use of the ball as well as increase the usefulness of the ball
by providing holding members for a user to grasp and allowing
additional exercises to be done on the ball 102. The ball can be
further modified to add a liquid, such as water 122 (shown in
phantom lines) to partially fill an interior volume of the ball to
increase a stability of the ball by lowering its center of
gravity.
[0042] Referring now to FIG. 2a, there is shown another embodiment
of a device for use with an exercise ball, referred to generally by
reference numeral 200. FIG. 2a illustrates a means for increasing a
stability of an exercise ball 202 comprising three or more
stability projections 204 integrally formed with an outer surface
206 of the ball 202. A single stabilizer can also extend around the
entire circumference of the ball. Such stability projections 204
can be formed as a solid piece of elastomer or can be to at least
some degree hollow. Also, the stability projections 204 can be
molded integrally with the outer surface 206 of the ball 202 or be
insert molded therewith. The stability projections 204 project
radially out from the outer surface 206 of the ball 202 and can
have a surface 208 adapted (shaped and sized) to contact a surface
upon which the ball rests when the ball is rotated more than a
predetermined amount. Thus, the stability projections 204 limit the
amount of roll the ball can make, thereby limiting the range of
motion possible. Such limited range provides stability to the ball
202 such that the user will not fall or be thrown off while using
it and the user also does not have to be conscious of falling off
the ball while using it and can thereby concentrate on the workout
without additional worrying.
[0043] Referring now to FIG. 2b, there is shown another embodiment
of a device for use with an exercise ball 102, the device being
referred to generally by reference numeral 250. The device 250
helps to increase the stability of the ball 102 with the use of
stabilizers 252 similar to those described with regard to FIG. 2.
However, such stabilizers 252 are secured to a band 254, which is
attached circumferentially around the ball 102. The stabilizers 252
can be provided in any number, however three or more stabilizers
can be used to provide a minimum amount of necessary stability. A
single stabilizer can also extend around the entire circumference
of the ball. The stabilizers 252 can project radially out from a
portion of the band 254 and can also have a surface 256 adapted to
contact the surface upon which the ball 102 rests. The stabilizers
252 can be formed in a plate-like shape or as a solid and secured
to the band 254 by any means known in the art, such as by welding.
The stabilizers 252 can also be formed integrally with the band
254. The device 250 can also be used for increasing an easiness of
use of the ball by providing one or more handle members 258 secured
to the band 254 and having at least one handgrip 260 for being
grasped by a user. The handle members 258 can be secured to the
band 254 by any means known in the art, such as by welding. The
handle members can also be used to increase a usefulness of the
ball 102.
[0044] Referring now to FIGS. 3a and 3b, there is shown another
embodiment of a device for use with an exercise ball, the device
being referred to generally by reference numeral 300, the ball
being referred to by reference numeral 302. The device 300
illustrated in FIGS. 3a and 3b can be used for increasing a
usefulness, stability and easiness of use of the ball 302. The
device 302 includes three or more stabilizing feet 304 secured to
the ball 302. Each of the three of more stabilizing feet 304 can
have a surface 306 adapted to contact a surface upon which the ball
rests. Each of the individual stabilizing feet 304 can also
comprise a spring mechanism 308 for biasing the surface 306 towards
the surface upon which the ball 302 rests. Each of the individual
stabilizing feet 304 can also comprise an extension adjustment
mechanism 310 for adjusting an extension length of the stabilizing
feet. Such adjustment mechanism can be any of those known in the
art, including that previously described with regard to FIG.
1c.
[0045] In the configuration of FIGS. 3a and 3b, two pairs of
stabilizing feet 304 are provided and secured to the ball 302. The
stabilizing feet 304 can be angled with respect to each other as
shown in FIGS. 3a and 3b and can also be rotatably secured to the
ball 302. The means by which the stabilizing feet 304 are rotatably
secured to the ball 302 can include a central shaft 312 (shown in
phantom in FIG. 3b) running through the ball 302 and connected at
each end to the pairs of stabilizing feet 304. The ball 302 can be
retrofitted with an inner tube through which the shaft 312 is
disposed and sealed at its ends or molded with such a tube.
[0046] The ball 302 can further include at least one handle 314
having at least one handgrip 316 for being grasped by a user. The
handle 314 can be secured to the pairs of stabilizing feet 304 and
can also include an adjustment for height and/or angle with respect
to the ball as is shown generally at reference numeral 316 in FIG.
3b.
[0047] Referring now to FIG. 4, the same shows an embodiment of a
device, generally referred to by reference numeral 400. The device
is similar to the embodiment of FIGS. 1a-1c where similar features
are denoted with similar reference numerals. However, the device
400 of FIG. 4 includes a means for increasing a stability of the
ball 102 comprising a hoop 402 extending at least partially
circumferentially extending from the band 106 acting as a base and
adapted to contact a surface upon which the ball 102 rests.
[0048] Referring now to FIG. 5a, there is shown another embodiment
of a device, generally referred to by reference numeral 500. The
device has features similar to the embodiments of FIGS. 1a-1c and
FIGS. 3a and 3b where similar features are denoted with similar
reference numerals. In the device 500 of FIG. 5a, the stabilizing
feet 304 are secured to one of the bands 106, 108 (shown secured to
band 108) and the handles 314 are also secured to one of the bands
106, 108 (shown secured to band 106).
[0049] Referring now to FIG. 5b, there is shown another embodiment
of a device for use with an exercise ball 102, the device being
generally referred to by reference numeral 550. The device 550 has
features similar to the embodiments of FIG. 5a where similar
features are denoted with similar reference numerals and includes
one or more pulley devices 504 for performing resistance exercises
while using the ball 102. The one or more pulley devices 504 can be
adapted for use with one or more of the arms 504a and legs 504b of
the user as is known in the art. The device can also include a
backrest 506 which can include an adjustment mechanism 508 and can
be rotatably secured to one of the bands 106, 108 about a shaft
510. The backrest 506 can also be biased with spring members 512.
FIG. 5c illustrates the device 550 of FIG. 5b in use with a
user.
[0050] Referring now to FIGS. 6a and 6b, there is shown another
embodiment of a device for use with an exercise ball, the device
being generally referred to with reference numeral 600. The device
600 helps to increase a stability of the ball 602 and can comprise
a ballast 604 adapted to be rotatably secured on an interior of the
ball 604. The ballast includes an internal volume to sealingly
contain one or a liquid, gel or solid. The ballast 604 can be
secured to a rotatable shaft 606 rotatably secured through the ball
602 (similar to that described above with regard to FIGS. 3a and
3b). The ballast 604 extends radially from the shaft 604 in a
direction of gravity to lower a center of gravity of the ball 602
to increase the stability thereof. Due to the rotation of the
ballast 604, the ballast 604 maintains its orientation of greatest
stability when the ball rotates about the shaft 606. The shaft 606
can be secured through a diameter of the ball 602. The shaft can
include a conduit 608 in communication with the internal volume of
the ballast 604. The conduit can have an inlet 608a on an end of
the shaft 606 for filling the one of the liquid, gel or solid into
the internal volume. A cap 610 can be sealingly secured to the
shaft 606 to seal the inlet 608a by any means known in the art such
as by mating threads. The device 600 can further comprise one or
more of a handle or body rest (together referred to by reference
numeral 612) secured to the shaft 606 and rotatable therewith.
[0051] Referring now to FIGS. 7a-7c, there is shown a variation of
the embodiment of FIGS. 6a and 6b, the device illustrated therein
being generally referred to by reference numeral 700. In the
variation of FIGS. 7a-7b, the device is used with an exercise ball
702 and comprises a ballast 704 extending towards an inner surface
706 the shell 708 of the ball 702 to provide a very low center of
gravity and additional stability. The ballast 704 is rotatably
secured to the ball 702 by way of a shaft 710 which is rotatably
secured to the ball 702 similarly to that described above. However,
the shaft can be offset from a center diameter of the ball 702 away
from the surface upon which the ball 702 rests (e.g., the floor).
The shaft 710, as discussed above, can include a conduit and an
inlet for filling an internal cavity of the ballast 704 with a
liquid (e.g., water), gel and/or solid (e.g., sand). Thus, the ball
702 and device 700 can be used as is shown in FIG. 7a with an
increased stability.
[0052] The device 700 can also be used with modular handles 712 as
shown in FIGS. 7b and 7c. Such modular handles 712 can be
constructed of two or more pieces (712a-712c) which snap together
as is known in the art, such as with a biased pin 714 and
corresponding opening 716. At least one of the pieces (712c in FIG.
7b) can include a handle grip 718 for being grasped by a user. The
handles 712 can be manipulated into a variety of configurations
(lengths and angles) to satisfy different height and/or sizes of
users and/or different exercises being performed on the ball 702.
The shaft 710 and handle can be provided with female and male
connection fittings, 720a, 720b, respectively, to connect the
handles 712 to the device 700. The device 700 can be used with one
handle 712 or two as shown in FIG. 7c.
[0053] Referring now to FIGS. 8a and 8b, there is shown an exercise
device generally referred to by reference numeral 800. The device
800 comprises a base 802 for sifting on a surface such as the floor
and a user platform 804 for holding a user of the device 800. The
platform 804 can be configured in any way known in the art, such as
a frame having a fabric stretched within the frame to support a
user or as a solid member as shown in FIGS. 8a and 8b. The platform
804 can also include one or more handles for being grasped by the
user. The handles can be configured in any way known in the art or
as described above, such as handles 712 described with regard to
FIGS. 7b and 7c. The device 800 includes a spring element 806, such
as a compression spring for connecting the user platform 804 to the
base 802 and allowing a restricted range of motion of the user
platform relative to the base. FIG. 8b illustrates an exemplary
range of motion of the platform 804 relative to the base 802 in
phantom lines. The device 800 can have similar exercise effects as
an exercise ball without the inherent problems associated
therewith, as discussed above. Although not shown, the device 800
can have a means for securing the user to the platform 804, such as
a seatbelt and the base can be fillable with a liquid (e.g.,
water), gel or solid (e.g., sand) to increase its stability.
Alternatively, the base 802 can be fixed to a surface upon with it
is used (e.g., the floor) by bolting or the like.
[0054] While there has been shown and described what is considered
to be preferred embodiments of the invention, it will, of course,
be understood that various modifications and changes in form or
detail could readily be made without departing from the spirit of
the invention. It is therefore intended that the invention be not
limited to the exact forms described and illustrated, but should be
constructed to cover all modifications that may fall within the
scope of the appended claims.
* * * * *