Break apart spherical exercise apparatus
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.
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.
BACKGROUNDThe 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide a spherical exercise apparatus, which provides gripping and ant-slip features.
A further object is to provide a spherical exercise apparatus, which can be formed by removably attaching two hemispherical members.
A further object is to provide a spherical exercise apparatus, which is flexible and inflatable.
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.
SUMMARYThe 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.
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.
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
- 10 . . . Spherical Exercise Apparatus
- 11 . . . Hemispherical Member
- 12 . . . Plate-like Member
- 13 . . . Rim
- 14 . . . Flat Surface of the Hemispherical Member
- 15 . . . Hook and Loop Fastener
- 16 . . . Base Member
- 17 . . . Support Member
- 18 . . . Carved-out Portion
- 19 . . . Dome-like Member
- 20 . . . Attachment Ring
- 21 . . . Bolt
- 22 . . . Loop-like Member
- 23 . . . Strap
- 24 . . . Buckle-like Member
- 25 . . . Concave Surface of the Plate-like Member
Referring to the drawings, the preferred embodiment of the spherical exercise apparatus is illustrated in
Referring to
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.
Referring to
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
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
In another embodiment shown in
Referring to
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
Referring to
Referring to
In another embodiment, the hemispherical member comprises a flexible hemispherical surface attached to a lightweight and thin or semi-rigid base, as shown in
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.
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.
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. § 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. § 112, paragraph 6.
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.
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.
Type: Application
Filed: Mar 23, 2006
Publication Date: Sep 27, 2007
Inventor: Miguel Castro (North Hollywood, CA)
Application Number: 11/389,649
International Classification: A63B 21/02 (20060101); A63B 26/00 (20060101);