Ergonomic-Sphere-Shaped-Casing Exercise Ball Cover

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/931,616, filed 2014 Jan. 25, by the present inventor, per, Petition to Restore the Right of the Benefit of the Priority Date of Provisional Application Under 37 CFR 1.78. Petition for Review by the Office of Petitions.

BACKGROUND

Exercise balls have been on the market for approximately 20 years or more. The term exercise ball, or ball, herein, is referring to the sphere-shaped ball that individuals use to perform various bodily-exercises. Exercises performed with the ball include, (and are not limited to), stretching, yoga, over-all strengthening, core strengthening, balancing, and physical therapy. Exercise balls are called by many names. Some of the names include, (and are not limited to), the following: exercise ball, therapy ball, yoga ball, fitness ball, birth ball, gym ball, swiss ball, stability ball, workout ball, balance ball. The balls are inflated to a predetermined size, usually, (and not limited to), sizes: 55 cm, 65 cm, and 75 cm, in their circumference.

There are some exercise balls that are commonly referred to as medicine balls. These balls are smaller, non-inflated, and are weighted. Medicine balls are used in conjunction with many of the same types of bodily-exercises as the large inflated balls. They also are called by many different names.

The inflatable exercise balls are a great workout tool. However, there are some problems that need remedied.

Some of these problems include, (and are not limited to), the following:

• • The balls can unexpectedly burst, while in use, resulting in fractures, multiple bruises, or more serious injuries.
  • (This has been shown to occur in cases of improper maintenance, or improper use.)
  • The slick surface of the ball combined with sweat increases the opportunity for people to slip or fall from the ball and become injured.
  • Inflatable exercise balls may fail, possibly violently, due to wear, if used beyond their suggested lifespan. (The lifespan of inflatable exercise balls is typically one year.)

Within the packaging of exercise balls you may find caution statements that include, (some of, or all of, and not limited to), the following:

• • This ball is not recommended for use during pregnancy.
  • Be sure to wear appropriate exercise clothing and footwear such as sneakers or exercise shoes.
  • Remove all objects from your body including rings, watches, necklaces, etc.
  • Remove all pins, buckles, belts and pocket content such as keys, pens, pencils that could potentially puncture the ball during use and when stored.
  • Wear clothing that is free of decorations or anything dangling that could potentially puncture the ball while in use.
  • Use the ball on a padded floor material as the ball can slip on carpet surfaces or hard waxed floor surfaces.
  • Make sure you have adequate clearance (3 ft) in the area around the ball where you are using it.
  • The area should be a clean, level, non-slip, solid surface.
  • Keep the ball away from any sharp objects or debris.
  • Keep the ball away from direct sunlight.
  • The ball should not be placed anywhere it would be exposed to high temperatures or heat sources.
  • The ball should only be used indoors. The ball is not intended for outdoor use.
  • This concludes the examples of caution statements.
  • Other problems with inflatable exercise balls are as follows:
  • They are made out of a variety of plastics, latex and vinyl. These can be toxic, irritating or cause allergic reactions.
  • They can bleed plasticizers to the surface. Degrading plastic has been shown to affect anything that touches it.
  • They also have a tendency to become electromagnetically charged.
  • They can become unsanitary, attracting dust, dirt, and germs.
  • They are difficult to clean and the use of cleaning-agents, of all types, are cautioned against.
  • Cleaning-agents degrade the surface, potentially causing the balls to violently burst.
  • To some, the balls are unsightly.
  • They can become sticky, feel unpleasant and can be cold to the touch.

SUMMARY

In accordance with one embodiment, an exercise ball cover, (defined as an; ergonomic-sphere-shaped-casing, hollow-compressive-pliable sphere), comprised of a plurality of spherical-lunes, (a spherical-lune resembles a crescent moon shape, or the shape of the outer surface area of an orange-segment), made out of compressive, resilient stretch-fabric. The spherical-lune-edges are ergonomically sewn together, congruently, creating a sphere, with a placket—, (meaning; a slit),—opening within a portion of the ergonomic-sphere-shaped-casing.

A sphere-shaped exercise ball may be inserted into the ergonomic-sphere-shaped-casing. The ergonomic-sphere-shaped-casing covers the entire surface area of a sphere-shaped exercise ball. Alternatively, other embodiments may use various pliable material and/or continuous circular-knit processes, in place of, or in addition to, the use of the spherical-lunes made with stretch-fabric.

Various embodiments include the embodiments of the first embodiment, adding one or more hollowed-cincture, (i.e. sleeve), along the placket-opening, and a cinching pull-tie cord, (defined as; a tension-creating-lever), that slides through the hollowed-cincture that allows users to adjust the amount of compression along the surface of the exercise ball when the user draws upon opposing ends of the tension-creating-lever. A pliable-stop may be used, as desired, for securing the adjustment. In some embodiments a welt may be added, primarily longitudinally, within the area of the placket-opening or in other portions of the ergonomic-sphere-shaped-casing. Other embodiments may include alternatives, or additions to, the fabric, or pliable material, including: infusion-technologies, chemical treatments, and embellishments.

Advantages

The ergonomic-sphere-shaped-casing may be left on the ball without any need for adjustments during a full range of exercises; in such a way as to allow the user to perform the very same exercises in the very same way, that they normally would with an exercise ball, with the added benefits of the ergonomic-sphere-shaped-casing. The use of the ergonomic-sphere-shaped-casing doesn't hinder any bodily exercises users perform with an exercise ball, according to the exercise balls intended uses.

Accordingly several more advantages, of one or more aspects, are as follows:

• • The ergonomic-sphere-shaped-casing protects the entire surface area of the ball, in such a way as to not hinder the balls intended use.
  • It protects the ball from sunlight, germs, dirt, and other substances.
  • It also eliminates the need for using cleaning-agents directly on the surface of the ball. Cleaning-agents are cautioned against because they degrade the surface of the exercise ball. (The elimination of these problems makes the ball safer.)
  • Instead of washing the ball, one may keep the ball in the protective ergonomic-sphere-shaped-casing and wash the casing, as desired, separately, (by hand, or in a washing machine).
  • The ergonomic-sphere-shaped-casing keeps the ball cleaner and more sanitary.
  • The ergonomic-sphere-shaped-casing creates a pleasant barrier between the exercise ball and the user.
  • Embodiments of the ergonomic-sphere-shaped-casing invites the use of an additional barrier, such as a gym towel, by giving the towel a surface texture that the towels fibers can “interlock” with, instead of the slick surface of the exercise ball where the towel easily slides off.
  • It prevents the users from having to have direct contact with the balls potentially toxic surface and bleeding plasticizers.
  • It significantly reduces or eliminates the balls electromagnetic charge.
  • It decreases the chances of injury by eliminating the slick surface.
  • Some ergonomic-sphere-shaped-casing embodiments include those made with high performance fabrics, such as, (and not limited to), moisture-wicking and quick drying capability.

Some embodiments are treated with various other protections including, (but not limited to), the following:

• • anti-microbial
  • ionization
  • flame-resistant
  • flame-retardant
  • fungicide
  • fungi-stat
  • anti-static
  • anti-bacterial

Some embodiments include other types of infusion-technologies that increase durability while allowing the casing to remain lightweight and flexible.

• • The ergonomic-sphere-shaped-casing is aesthetically pleasing.
  • It can be personalized.
  • It can be used as a medium for marketing, advertising, and logos.
  • Embodiments of the ergonomic-sphere-shaped-casing use various fabrics and colors that have a wide commercial appeal.
  • Embodiments are very pleasant to the touch.
  • The texture of fabric in some embodiments increases the ability for the user to grip the ball while performing various exercises,
  • (the ability to grip the ball, during many exercises, is a very important safety factor).
  • In some embodiments there is a handle, making it easier to carry.
  • The handle can also be used for hanging the ball when storing.
  • The handle can also be used as a way to keep the ball from rolling.

Other advantages of one or more aspects will be apparent from a consideration of the drawings, and the detailed description.

DRAWINGS

Figures

(Closely related figures have the same FIG number but different alphabetic suffixes.)

FIG. 1A, and FIG. 1B, Illustrates embodiments, showing views of spherical-lunes.

FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B Illustrates embodiment, showing view of the ergonomic-sphere-shaped-casing with placket-opening.

FIG. 3A FIG. 3B Illustrates embodiment, showing view of the ergonomic-sphere-shaped-casing using a plurality of 4 and 5 spherical-lunes with a placket-opening, hollowed-cinctures, tension-creating-lever, before actuation of tension-creating-lever and before securing closure of placket-opening.

FIG. 4 Illustrates embodiment, showing view of the ergonomic-sphere-shaped-casing with placket-opening, hollowed-cinctures, tension-creating-lever, at maximum closure, with a bow-knot-stop with bight-handles.

FIG. 5A and FIG. 5B Illustrates embodiments, showing south pole view of a spherical-lune seams-vertex using a plurality 4 and of 5 spherical-lunes, (creating a 5-fold radial symmetry).

REFERENCE NUMERALS

• • (The following embodiments are 3D spheres, therefore, the references numbers and the aspects locations are being described as on a globe.)

6	north pole	10	bow-knot-stop
9	south pole	11	cincture-openings
12	spherical-lune	14	tension-creating-lever
15	spherical-lune-edge	13	bight-handle
7	plurality of 4 spherical-lunes	8	hollowed-cincture
	seams-vertex	17	knitted-in welt
16	placket-opening	19	continuous circular-knit
18	plurality of 5 spherical-lunes
	seams-vertex

(Note:

These embodiments are designed to be in compliance with any standards that may be set forth by consumer protection agencies. They are in accordance with exercise ball manufacture caution statements, and warnings that clearly state that the use of hardware near or on inflated exercise balls is dangerous and should not be allowed. Some examples of hardware include, (and are not limited to), the following: zippers, grommets, and hard-plastic-cord-stops). Therefore, hardware will not be used in any of the embodiments herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

One embodiment of the ergonomic-sphere-shaped-casing is illustrated in FIG. 2 A, (views are after insertion of sphere-shaped exercise ball into the ergonomic-sphere-shaped-casing), including a placket-opening 16 at the north pole 6 using a continuous circular knit 19 with various denier throughout to adjust to varying degrees of compression needed, the ergonomic-sphere-shaped casing, being of a predetermined size, is completely surrounding the sphere-shaped exercise ball, ergonomically, with compression, in all directions along the balls entire outer surface.

The ergonomic-sphere-shaped-casing, in a second embodiment, is comprised of a plurality of 4 spherical-lunes 12, FIG. 1 A, made out of a compressive, resilient stretch-fabric where the spherical-lune-edges 15 are ergonomically sewn together congruently; and where the spherical-lunes seams-vertex 7 at the south pole 9, FIG. 5B, and at the north pole 6, FIG. 2B, a sphere, with a placket-opening 16 along a portion of the ergonomic-sphere-shaped-casing; where a sphere-shaped exercise ball, of a predetermined size, may be inserted, removed and reinserted repeatedly.

The ergonomic-sphere-shaped-casing compresses, conforms, and adheres to the surface area of the ball, ergonomically, as the ball creates stress against the inside of the ergonomic-sphere-shaped-casing. One or more aspects may include, one or more, elastic welts 17 sewn within the area of the placket-opening 16 or anywhere within the ergonomic-sphere-shaped-casing; and any number of a plurality of lunes 12 may be used.

One or more aspects include using a fabric made of a yarn that is 100% spun polyester fiber. The yarn count is 22/1 polyester and is produced using a 1.2 denier high tenacity fiber. The supplier of this textile is Volunteer Knit Apparel Inc., TN. This fabric is used for U.S. Army t-shirts. It has athletic qualities that make it very desirable for use in these embodiments. It is very resilient and compressive. It has a texture that is not too slick or slippery. The texture is very slightly course making it easy to grip, (which is a very important safety factor during many exercises). This fabric is also moisture-wicking. Embodiments can be made with other fabrics and materials and are not limited to only to this fabric.

Additional Embodiments

FIGS. 2-4

Additional embodiments include the prior described aspects of the ergonomic-sphere-shaped-casing, FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B, (views are after insertion of an exercise ball into the ergonomic-sphere-shaped-casing), with additions, FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B, (before actuation, or closure of the ergonomic-sphere-shaped-casing), where the spherical-lunes 12 have their edges sewn together 15, ergonomically, and congruently, adding hollowed-cinctures 8 along the edge of the placket-opening 16, placed at the north pole 6, and further adding, a tension-creating-lever 14, that slides through, and within, the hollowed-cinctures 8, with portions of the tension-creating-lever 14, accessible from the hollowed-cincture-openings 11.

FIG. 4 showing view, (after insertion of an exercise ball into the ergonomic-sphere-shaped-casing), where the tension-creating-lever 14 is drawn at opposing ends until the spherical-lunes 12 are drawn together, at the north pole 6, to a desired degree, up to maximum closure, of the placket-opening 16, while it simultaneously creates more compression along the surface of the exercise ball, adding a bow-knot-stop 10, with the tension-creating-lever 14, at the desired point, to secure. FIG. 4 shows a bow-knot—, (i.e. doubly-slipped-reef-knot),—stop 10, that creates bight—, (i.e. loops),—handles 13. Other types of knots or pliable-stops may be used to secure the tension-creating-lever 14.

Advantages of having a placket-opening 16 and closure of this type, with the addition of the hollowed-cinctures 9 and the tension-creating-lever 14, are that they create a simple-mechanical-advantage, that is adjustable. Inflatable exercise balls are often inflated at varying degrees by users. In this embodiment, the ergonomic-sphere-shaped-casing is made to adjust to the varying degrees accordingly. When the tension-creating-levers 14 opposing ends are drawn upon, by the user, it closes and decreases the size, of the placket-opening 16 while simultaneously increasing the amount of compression along the sphere-shaped exercise ball, uniformly, even with the varying degrees of inflation.

The tension creating lever 14 in this embodiment is made of kermantle rope, 550 cord, it is also used in the U.S. Army and is manufactured by Miltex Industries, N.C. Embodiments are not limited to only using this type of rope for a tension-creating-lever 14, and other materials may be used in other embodiments.

There is no known general algorithm to arrange a given number of nodes evenly on a sphere, (for any of several definitions of even distribution), however a useful approximation results from dividing the sphere into parallel bands of equal surface area and placing one node in each band at longitudes space by a golden section of the circle. These embodiments use spherical geometry and spherical trigonometry to create an ergonomic-sphere-shaped-casing where the space between the sphere-shaped exercise ball and the spherical shell of the ergonomic-sphere-shaped-casing is infinitesimal.

In one or more aspects, the ergonomic-sphere-shaped-casing compresses and adheres uniformly, in a membrane-like way, along the entire surface area of a sphere-shaped exercise ball. This prevents any movement in between the ergonomic-sphere-shaped-casing and the exercise ball, essentially making the two act as one.

This is a very important safety feature when exercising, especially when balancing against an apparatus such as an exercise ball. It prevents slipping, or movement of material, between the ball, the casing, and the user. While the user is engaging in bodily-exercises, they are able to concentrate on their exercises, while they are using the ergonomic-sphere-shaped-casing. The ergonomic-sphere-shaped-casing stays flat and smooth against the surface area of the ball so that there is nothing interfering between the ball and the user.

These embodiments allow for the textured surface of the exercise ball to still be utilized with the ergonomic-sphere-shaped-casing. (The textured ribbing of the exercise ball was created along it's surface during manufacturing to help reduce slipping and increase safety). This texture on the ball can still be felt through embodiments of the ergonomic-sphere-shaped-casing. Embodiments of the ergonomic-sphere-shaped-casing enhances this safety feature of the ball.

In their design embodiments incorporate the golden ratio, (i.e., golden mean, divine ratio), into the dimensions of the ergonomic-sphere-shaped-casing, the spherical-lunes 12 upper portions and lower portions combined length is to the lower portion, proportionally, the same as the lower portion is to the upper portion. The ergonomic-sphere-shaped-casing design, (pattern), may be scaled to fit any size sphere-shaped exercise ball.

To calculate the size of the ergonomic-sphere-shaped-casing, in embodiments, that use spherical lunes 12, and for the spherical lunes 12 individually, one must take into consideration the following: the size of the balls surface area to be covered, (A=4πr2), the number of spherical-lunes 12 desired, and the “stretchability” of the material used to make the spherical-lunes 12. Depending upon the amount of stretch desired, one would calculate the dimensions according to the size of the material when stretched. Calculate the spherical-lunes 12 width by taking the circumference of the sphere-shaped ball to be inserted into the, ergonomic-sphere-shaped-casing and divide that number by the number of spherical-lunes 12 desired and subtract, by a percentage, the percentage of stretch within the fabric, leaving out the percentage of stretch desired. The spherical-lunes 12 longitude is half the circumference minus a percentage of stretch, leaving out the percentage of stretch desired, making a calculated adjustment for embodiments that modify the spherical-lunes 12 when adding a hollowed-cincture, or other modifications.

Embodiments include embodiments comprising five spherical-lunes 12, although any plurality of spherical-lunes may be used to form the ergonomic-sphere-shaped-casing. The five spherical-lune embodiment creates an efficient and elegant design that incorporates pentagonal geometry, and the golden ratio throughout the design, (resembling Napiers circle at it's spherical-lunes seams-vertex 18), FIG. 5A, creating a 5 fold radial symmetry.

The embodiments described herein have been created with the up-most consideration for the safety and well-being of the user. All embodiments are ergonomically designed, meaning; they are organically designed with the understanding of the interactions among humans and other elements for which they interact. Theory, principles, and data are applied in order to optimize human well-being and overall performance. All of the embodiments are created with consideration of the quality of interaction between the user, the equipment, and their environments.

Ergonomic, as it is being used herein, is also pertaining to the overall design, including any seaming, has been constructed to run smoothly along curved surfaces, in such a way that is best, (in this case), for the sphere-shaped exercise ball, how it is being used, and for the user of the ball. All embodiments work well with the full range of exercises that are intended to be used in conjunction with exercise ball; still, users are given options, so they may choose the embodiment that, at their discretion, best fits their needs. For an example, if a user only wants to perform a controlled slow movement, such as, stretching across the surface of the exercise ball, this type of exercise could be referred to as “light-exercise”.

For light exercise, a user may want to choose, at their discretion, the first ergonomic-sphere-shaped-casing embodiment, without the tension-creating-lever 14. In another example a user may want to only perform slow controlled stretching and quick sit-ups, this may be referred to as “moderate-exercise”. In that example the user may choose, at their discretion, either the first ergonomic-sphere-shaped-casing embodiment, without the tension-creating-lever 14, or they may choose, at their discretion, an embodiment with the tension-creating-lever 14, to add more compression and add more security with a bow-knot-stop 10, or another type of pliable-stop may be used.

In an example where the user is quickly moving the ball about, thrusting, thrusting their body against it, or thrusting it against something in their environment, this type of exercise may be referred to as “vigorous-exercises”, where a great amount of movement is taking place between the ball and the user.

In that case, the user, at their discretion, may want to use an embodiment with a tension-creating-lever 14 with the added security of a bow-knot-stop 10, or other type of pliable-stop.

Embodiments have special treatments incorporated into the materials including, (and not limited to), the following:

• • moisture-wicking fabric, (meaning; moisture, such as sweat, is absorbed and dissipated through the fabric)
  • anti-microbial
  • quick-drying
  • ionization
  • flame-resistant
  • flame-retardant
  • fungicide
  • fungi-stat
  • anti-static
  • anti-bacterial
  • types of infusion technologies that increase durability while allowing the embodiments to remain lightweight and flexible

The ergonomic-sphere-shaped-casing is,

• • aesthetically pleasing
  • made with embellishments
  • used as a medium for marketing, advertising, and logos
  • using various fabrics, materials and colors, having a wide commercial appeal
  • very pleasant to the touch
  • uses a fabric or material that increases the ability for the user to grip the ball while performing various exercises.
  • (During many exercises, this is a very important safety factor)
  • made with a handle that may be used to store the ball
  • made with a handle making it easier to carry
  • made with a handle that may be used to keep the ball from rolling

CONCLUSION

Accordingly, as described, these embodiments serve a purpose. The ergonomic-sphere-shaped-casing is a very marketable accessory for sphere-shaped exercise balls. The ergonomic-sphere-shaped-casing provides many benefits for the exercise ball and for the ball's users. Exercise balls have been used, shopped for, (along with all the items related to them), for approximately twenty years or more. The balls have been in the marketplace including major retailers, marketed by the ball manufactures, used in gyms, from all around the globe, and sold online. Yet, there has never been anything known to be on the market, ergonomically, spherically, tailor made, to cover a sphere-shaped exercise ball, until these embodiments.

These embodiments successfully and substantially fulfill the need in the market place with a product of integrity.

Although the descriptions of embodiments contain many specifications, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments. They are there to provide illustrations of some of several embodiments and used in a generic and descriptive sense only. Thus the scope of the embodiments should be determined by the claims and their legal equivalents, rather than by the examples given.