초록 ▼

A versatile bidirectional isometric exercise device is provided in the form of an inflatable flexible exercise ball, about 18 inches in diameter, fitted with a pair of looped handles, secured to diametrically opposite points of the ball, through which arms or legs can be placed for performing specia

A versatile bidirectional isometric exercise device is provided in the form of an inflatable flexible exercise ball, about 18 inches in diameter, fitted with a pair of looped handles, secured to diametrically opposite points of the ball, through which arms or legs can be placed for performing specialized exercises that use the ball in a tension mode. The ball is only partially inflated so as to provide soft compliant accommodation to various body surfaces, and can be utilized bidirectionally, i.e. either in compression or in tension, in conjunction with various body parts such as hands, legs, knees, feet, etc., for a broad array of isometric muscle exercises directed to overall body strengthening, particularly for persons prone to and/or desiring protection from the effects of osteoporosis. A sequence of recommended exercises may be depicted directly on the surface of the ball. Attachment of the handles to the main ball portion may be made by sonic welding. In one embodiment an internal bladder is enclosed in a fabric cover, and in one version of this, two hemispheric portions are formed to each provide an integral looped handle. A pressure gauge and/or user-adjustable alarm indicator may be provided to indicate muscular force applied in either compression or tension.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] An exercise ball comprising:a hollow inflatable main ball portion made from flexible material shaped to form a sphere of predetermined volume capacity when fully inflated, said ball portion being partially inflated to within a range from about two-thirds to three-quarters

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] An exercise ball comprising:a hollow inflatable main ball portion made from flexible material shaped to form a sphere of predetermined volume capacity when fully inflated, said ball portion being partially inflated to within a range from about two-thirds to three-quarters of the volume capacity;a pair of like flexible looped handles disposed at diametrically opposed regions of the main ball portion, the handles being dimensioned to allow a human foot to pass through the looped handle;an inflatable bladder portion;first and second complementary hemispheric fabric cover portions constructed and arranged to each have a corresponding one of said looped handles attached integrally thereto at a peripheral region thereof by an attachment straps, said first and second fabric covers being mutually attached around the peripheral region, fully enclosing said bladder portion, each of said cover portions each being constructed and arranged to have pass-through slot means defined in a peripheral region opposite the location of the attachment strap, for utilizing an attachment strap passing through the slot means in order to assist in holding said cover portions together; andsaid first and second fabric covers being constructed and arranged to surround said bladder portion and to be mutually attached around peripheral regions thereof so as to form a spherical entity, such that the looped handles are caused to become effectively attached via the respective straps to diametrically opposed regions of the main ball portions, disposed at substantially equal distances outwardly from the main ball portion.