EXERCISE BALL AND SIMILAR STATIONARY EXERCISE EQUIPMENT

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to exercise equipment, and more particularly to exercise balls and similar stationary exercise equipment.

2. Prior Art

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.

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.

Furthermore, exercise balls are also inherently clumsy to use and are generally limited to developing the core muscle groups. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The spring element can comprise a compression spring.

The user platform can be configured as a solid sheet. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

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:

Figure Ia 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.

Figure Ib illustrates the device of Figure Ia shown without the exercise ball.

Figure Ic illustrates a height adjustment mechanism of Figure Ib.

Figure 2a illustrates an embodiment of an exercise ball having means for additional stability.

Figure 2b illustrates an embodiment of an exercise ball having means for additional stability and easiness of use.

Figures 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.

Figure 4 illustrates another embodiment of an exercise ball having means for additional stability and easiness of use.

Figure 5a illustrates an isometric view of another embodiment of an exercise ball having means for additional stability and easiness of use.

Figure 5b illustrates an isometric view of the exercise ball of Figure 5a having additional features for exercising a wider range of muscle groups.

Figure 5c illustrates the exercise ball of Figure 5b in use.

Figures 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.

Figures 7a, 7b and 7c illustrate front views of another embodiment of an exercise ball having means for additional stability and easiness of use.

Figure 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.

Figure 8b illustrates the range of motion of the exercise device of Figure 8a. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring now to Figures Ia-Ic, 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. Figure Ia shows the device 100 while Figure Ib 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.

Specifically with regard to Figures Ia-Ic, 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.

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. Figure Ic 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.

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.

Referring now to Figure 2a, there is shown another embodiment of a device for use with an exercise ball, referred to generally by reference numeral 200. Figure 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.

Referrring now to Figure 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 Figure 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.

Referring now to Figures 3 a 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 Figures 3 a 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 Figure Ic.

In the configuration of Figures 3 a 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 Figure 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 Figure 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.

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 Figure 3b.

Referring now to Figure 4, the same shows an embodiment of a device, generally referred to by reference numeral 400. The device is similar to the embodiment of Figures Ia-Ic where similar features are denoted with similar reference numerals. However, the device 400 of Figure 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.

Referring now to Figure 5 a, there is shown another embodiment of a device, generally referred to by reference numeral 500. The device has features similar to the embodiments of Figures Ia-Ic and Figures 3a and 3b where similar features are denoted with similar reference numerals, hi the device 500 of Figures 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).

Referring now to Figure 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 Figure 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. Figure 5c illustrates the device 550 of Figure 5b in use with a user.

Referring now to Figures 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 Figures 3 a 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.

Referring now to Figures 7a-7c, there is shown a variation of the embodiment of Figures 6a and 6b, the device illustrated therein being generally referred to by reference numeral 700. hi the variation of Figures 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 Figure 7a with an increased stability.

The device 700 can also be used with modular handles 712 as shown in Figures 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 Figure 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 Figure 7c.

Referring now to Figures 8a and 8b, there is shown an exercise device generally referred to by reference numeral 800. The device 800 comprises a base 802 for sitting 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 Figures 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 Figures 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. Figure 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.

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.