Patent Publication Number: US-2003224914-A1

Title: Flexible multiple-positional net-like strap assembly/resilient shape configurations

Description:
FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH  
       [0001] Not Applicable  
       SEQUENCE LISTING OR PROGRAM  
       [0002] Not Applicable  
       BACKGROUND  
       [0003] 1. Field of Invention  
       [0004] This invention generally relates to therapeutic/athletic exercise equipment specifically to exercise equipment that uses a flexible multi-positional net-like strap assembly in conjunction with therapeutic resilient balls of all different shapes and resistance bands or tubes to provide a means of controlled body system responses.  
       [0005] 2. Description of Prior Art  
       [0006] Extensive prior art exist which utilize one or more strap assembly configuration that attach to different ball size medium. Examples of this prior art may be found in U.S. Pat. No. 3,918,618 wherein the strap assembly&#39;s main object is to provide a shot holder whereby shot may be readily carried onto and from an athletic field.  
       [0007] U.S. Pat. No. 3,351,343 main object is to tether a ball in order to practice, such as in the game of baseball, without having the ball loosen itself from the tethering strap mechanism. U.S. Pat. No. 3,709,491, similarly to U.S. Pat. No. 3,351,343 also demonstrates a tethering device composed of straps that individually harnessed around the ball. U.S. Pat. No. 4,247,117 does depict a harness strap assembly similar to the present invention the function of the strap assembly is completely different. Although this prior art exist called an encapsulating harness; the invention depicts an encapsulating harness simply to tether the ball to a torso-training device. The inventor created the harness to simply return the ball to the user to relieve the tediousness of having to retrieve a practice ball after each use. The encapsulating harness is also described as having a loop at the apex of the longitudinal bands from which it is attached to the torso-training device. The strap assembly once again is used to tether the ball to a torso-training device and does not disclose any other function similar to the present invention.  
       [0008] U.S. Pat. No. 5,810,700, prior art exist to demonstrate a strap used in surrounding the resilient ball to gain the benefit of the swiss ball&#39;s instability. The straps are coupled in such a manner that the user could easily pull away the strap and dis-attach from the ball and not be able to create sufficient resistance for dynamic strengthening. The strap attachment does not allow the user to place the resistance tubes or bands in multiple positions on the resilient ball that will enhance the proper biomechanic function of the joint being exercise. The resilient balls are described, in prior art such as in U.S. Pat. No. 5,810,700, as being useful to develop a user&#39;s stability, flexibility, balance and coordination. However, according to the inventor not particularly suited for traditional strength programs.  
       [0009] Although, strap harnesses have been found in prior art, the prior art suffers from these disadvantages;  
       [0010] 1. The single strap is attached by Velcro, which limits the strap&#39;s ability to sustain heavy pulling such as used in strengthening exercise motions.  
       [0011] 2. The single strap does not allow the possibility of attaching multiple straps at varying degrees  
       [0012] 3. The single strap limits the motion to a single plane, which is to the front and between the legs of the user. If one deviates from that plane, the strap unattaches from the Velcro because of the pulling action.  
       [0013] 4. This invention does not provide for placement of multiple pulling straps to exercise the body with multi-directional movements.  
       OBJECTS AND ADVANTAGES  
       [0014] Several objects and advantages of the present invention are:  
       [0015] a. To provide an exercise system which encapsulates any shape of resilient balls.  
       [0016] b. To provide an exercise system which allows the multiple attachment of a plurality of resistance bands with which to exercise.  
       [0017] c. To provide an exercise system that enhances the proper biomechanic function of the joint being exercised caused by the correct attachment and alignment of the joint with the resistance band.  
       [0018] d. To provide an exercise system which increases the users proprioceptive body trunk responses while moving the extremity.  
       [0019] e. To provide an exercise system which allows the user to rest upon it in any position and exercise.  
       [0020] f. To provide an exercise system that allows the user to manipulate the movement of the resilient balls as determined by the positioning of the attachment of the resistance tubes or bands.  
       [0021] g. To provide an exercise system which allows the user to engage in multiple physiological strengthening exercises.  
       [0022] h. To provide an exercise system which uniformly reproduces specific movement for optimal performance in relationship to specific sports, occupational, recreational activities and job performance tasks.  
       [0023] i. To provide an exercise system which provides the medium to increase strength, endurance, cardiovascular fitness, mobility and flexibility, relaxation, coordination and skill, postural awareness and correction.  
       [0024] j. To provide an exercise system which allows the user&#39;s body system to react and develop in response to the forces and stresses placed upon it by the resistance band or tubes.  
       [0025] k. To provide an exercise system that allows the stresses and forces placed o the body system to be positive, progressive and appropriately planned in a manner that ultimately improves the overall body function of the individual or multiple users.  
       [0026] l. To provide an exercise system which can be set up easily and used in different physical environment such as in the home, gym, fitness center, swimming pool, in the air, hard or land surfaces.  
       [0027] m. To provide an exercise system which allows the user to maintain the affected joint in a static position and to strengthen the joint and surrounding muscle by manipulating the ball and finding an adequate position to create a reciprocal reverse reaction of the joint tissue.  
       [0028] n. To provide an exercise system which forces the body system to respond to its controlled instability and that stabilizes the body system (trunk and extremities) in a more efficient and safe manner.  
       [0029] o. To provide an exercise system which can be used as an active body massager by adding extra strap attachments to position between the fixed straps of the encapsulating harness and adding hard balls.  
       [0030] Further objects and advantages are to provide an exercise system that may be used easily and conveniently by all users such as seniors, disabled persons and children. Still further objects and advantages will become apparent fro a consideration of the ensuing description and drawings.  
       SUMMARY  
       [0031] In accordance with the present invention, an exercise system comprises a flexible multi-positional net-like strap assembly, which harnesses a resilient ball shape and provides a medium to attach a plurality of resistive bands or tubes upon which to exercise. 
     
    
    
     DRAWINGS  
     [0032] A greater understanding of the present invention will be gained by referring to the detailed description and claims when considered in connection with the figures.  
     [0033]FIG. 1. Is a superior view of an inflated resilient ball covered with a double-knotted mesh net # 01  partially covering the ball surface without covering the top sitting area of the resilient ball.  
     [0034]FIG. 2. Is a perspective view of the inflated resilient ball covered with said mesh net # 01 .  
     [0035]FIG. 3. Is an inferior view an inflated resilient ball covered with said mesh net # 01  partially covering the ball surface without covering the bottom area (base) of the resilient ball in FIG. 1.  
     [0036]FIG. 4. Is a superior view of an inflated resilient ball covered with light duty strap, flexible net like strap assembly # 02  partially covering the ball surface  
     [0037]FIG. 5. Is a perspective view of the inflated resilient ball covered with said strap assembly # 02  partially covering the ball.  
     [0038]FIG. 6. Is an inferior view of an inflated resilient ball covered with said strap assembly # 02  partially covering the ball shown without covering the bottom resting area (base) of the resilient ball.  
     [0039]FIG. 7. Is a superior view of an inflated resilient ball covered with heavy duty strap, flexible net like strap assembly # 03  partially covering the ball surface with  2  straps covering the top sitting area of the resilient ball.  
     [0040]FIG. 8. Is a perspective view of said strap assembly # 03  partially covering the ball.  
     [0041]FIG. 9. Is an inferior view of an inflated resilient ball covered with said strap assembly # 03  partially covering the ball surface with  2  straps covering the bottom resting area (base) of the resilient ball.  
     [0042]FIG. 10. Is a perspective view of an inflated peanut shape resilient ball covered with heavy duty strap, flexible net like strap assembly # 04  covering and contouring the peanut shape ball surface.  
     [0043]FIG. 11. Is a perspective view of an inflated egg shape resilient ball covered with heavy duty strap, flexible net like strap assembly # 05  covering and contouring the egg shape ball surface.  
     [0044]FIG. 12. Is a superior view of an inflated resilient disc covered with heavy duty strap, flexible net like strap assembly # 06  partially covering the disc surface with except of the standing area of the resilient disc.  
     [0045]FIG. 13. Is a side view of the inflated resilient disc covered with said strap assembly # 06  partially covering the disc.  
     [0046]FIG. 14. Is an inferior view of an inflated resilient disc covered with said strap assembly # 06  partially covering the disc shown with 2 straps covering the bottom resting area (base) of the resilient ball.  
     [0047]FIG. 15. Is a superior view of an inflated resilient convex spherical segment covered with heavy duty strap, flexible net like strap assembly # 07  partially covering the resilient convex spherical segment surface with the exception of the standing area of the resilient convex spherical segment.  
     [0048]FIG. 16. Is a side view of the inflated resilient convex spherical segment partially covered by the strap assembly # 07  on the sides and bottom.  
     [0049]FIG. 17. Is a inferior view of an inflated resilient convex spherical segment covered with said strap assembly # 07  partially covering the inflated resilient convex spherical segment shown with 2 straps covering the bottom resting area (base) of the inflated resilient convex spherical segment.  
     [0050]FIG. 18. Illustrates the strap sewing detail.  
     [0051]FIG. 19. Is a side view of an inflated resilient ball covered with said strap assembly # 02  used like massager partially covering the ball surface with golf balls inserted between every strap sewn junction and the resilient ball.  
     [0052]FIG. 20. Is a perspective view of the inflated resilient ball covered said strap assembly # 02  partially covering the ball as shown in FIG. 19.  
     [0053]FIG. 21. Is a side view of an inflated resilient ball covered with said strap assembly # 02  partially covering the ball surface with golf balls inserted between strap sewn junctions and the resilient ball on the top section only.  
     [0054]FIG. 22. Is a side view of an inflated resilient ball covered with said strap assembly # 02  used like massager partially covering the ball surface with golf balls inserted between every strap sewn junction and the resilient ball and with additional strap massager # 08  straps.  
     [0055]FIG. 23 is a perspective of strap massager # 08  straps with golf ball inserted  
     [0056]FIG. 24. Shows progressive resistive bands.  
     [0057]FIG. 25. Shows handles.  
     [0058]FIG. 26. Shows progressive resistive tubes.  
     [0059]FIG. 27 through FIG. 31 Show user on resilient ball with  02  and  11  or  09 , performing exercises specific for single joint or multiple joint in different positions.  
     [0060]FIG. 32 through FIG. 33. Shows user on resilient ball with  02 ,  09  and/or convex spherical segment, performing exercise specific for standing balance and proprioception.  
     [0061]FIG. 35. Shows user with  02 ,  09  or  11  with convex spherical segment performing turtle exercises for children specific to increase coordination and strengthening.  
     [0062]FIG. 36. Shows use on massager # 08  kneading his back in different rolling positions.  
     [0063]FIG. 37. Shows user with  02 ,  09  or  11  on resilient ball performing exercises specific for balance against resistance such as in skydiving.  
     [0064]FIG. 38. Shows users with  02 ,  11  attached at ankles, to resilient ball opposing each other and swimming away from each performing exercises specific to increasing strength and buoyancy.  
     [0065]FIG. 39. Shows users with  02 ,  11  attached at ankles to resilient ball facing each other and pulling force against each other performing exercises specific to lower extremity strengthening with partial weight bearing.  
     [0066]FIG. 40. Shows 2 wheel chair bound users with  02 ,  11  with resilient ball performing exercises specific for multi-directional upper extremity movement and strengthening. 
    
    
     REFERENCE NUMERALS IN DRAWINGS  
     [0067] 01  Double-knotted mesh net  
     [0068] 02  Light Duty Strap Flexible Net-like assembly  
     [0069] 03  Heavy Duty Strap Flexible Net-like assembly  
     [0070] 04  Peanut Strap Flexible Net-like assembly  
     [0071] 05  Egg Strap Flexible Net-like Assembly  
     [0072] 06  Disc Strap Flexible Net-like Assembly  
     [0073] 07  Convex Spherical Segment Strap Net-like assembly  
     [0074] 08  Additional Strap Massager  
     [0075] 09  Progressive Resistive bands  
     [0076] 10  Handles  
     [0077] 11  Progressive resistive tubes  
     DESCRIPTION  
     [0078] A preferred embodiment of the exercise system is illustrated in FIG. 4, superior view, FIG. 5, perspective view and FIG. 6 inferior view. The present invention exercise device comprises  6  different shape configurations of a flexible multi-positional net-like strap assembly ( 02 ,  03 ,  04 ,  05 ,  06 ,  07 ) as shown in FIGS.  5 ,  8 ,  10 ,  11 ,  12 ,  15  that encapsulate different resilient structures. Additionally, the same configurations used with said strap assemblies can be used with the double-knotted mesh net ( 01 ) as shown in FIG. 2 but not limited as to the form of covering or configurations. The size, shape or any other physical characteristic may vary to suit the needs of the specific application, user or production limitation. Some of these variations may occur in the selection of the straps, such as smooth vs. rough textures to increase sensation response. The said strap assemblies are composed of water resistant nylon or sturdy cotton web-like material up to a least 400 pounds of resistance, preferably one inch in width, cut to fit the circumference of the shape to be fitted. The individual straps are sewn together with a domestic or commercial sewing machine with reinforced box and cross shape zigzag stitch as shown on FIG. 18.  
     [0079] The said strap assembly requires the use of resilient ball shapes with multiple resistance tubes or bands attached to the said strap assembly. The preferred mode of attachment to the said strap assembly is a knot, which provides a cheap alternative to expensive attachment mechanisms; however, any other form of attachment may be used.  
     [0080] The said strap assembly encapsulates the resilient ball shapes. In order to create the strengthening component, the resistance tubes or bands are attached with a knot to the said strap assembly. Even though FIG. 27 through FIG. 33 depicts the user(s) performing exercises with light duty Strap flexible net-like assembly  02  on resilient ball, different ball shape configurations may be adapted for geriatric and pediatric users. Use of the said strap assembly with different resilient ball shape configurations will allow the user to gain greater stability or instability as required to gain the maximum joint exercise response. Due to the shape of the different ball configurations, varying degrees of instability will be produced. The movement of the body on the different resilient ball shapes is controlled by the placement and attachment of the resistance tubes or bands on said strap assembly by the user or users as shown on FIG. 27 through FIG. 40. Even though these exercises may show one or two users, those skilled in the art will be able to incorporate multiple users and exercises adapted to the user&#39;s own needs.  
     [0081] Another alternate embodiment is to attach additional individual straps  08  on to said strap assembly. These straps sewn with hook and loop at the ends create a massager strap. The massage straps have cut out slits through which hard balls are placed and create a rounded hard surface over which the body can roll. As many additional massage straps as preferred may be attached to said strap assembly to increase the area of the active body massager by the user.  
     OPERATION  
     [0082] In operation, user selects the desired said strap assembly to encapsulate the selected ball shape. The deflated resilient ball shape is inserted into said strap assembly. The user inflates the resilient ball shape to create a uniform non-bulging, non-obstruction to the selected ball shape. The user selects and attaches the resistance bands or tubing with knots on said strap assembly. The selected exercises will determine the correct positioning of the resistance bands on said strap assembly. The Pullonixx Exercise System manual is a guide that the user may refer to when setting up the exercise system.  
     [0083] In order to convert the use of said strap assembly to a massager, the user will determine the massage area and will attach additional massage straps to said strap assembly.  
     [0084] The increased advantages to the user will be:  
     [0085] (1) The resistance bands or tubes will be tightly secured to the said strap assembly without danger that the said assembly will pull apart since the said strap assembly is sewn together.  
     [0086] (2) The user will be able to very easily change the resistance or position of the resistance bands in the event of incorrect alignment of the body.  
     [0087] (3) The user will have the ability to control the stability or instability of the necessary ball shape to attain the maximum benefit for the exercise goals.  
     [0088] (4) The system provides a safe and fun product for multiple users in different exercise environments on the air, water or hard surfaces.  
     [0089] (5) The system is economical to use because of the low cost of production.  
     [0090] (6) The system is portable and transportable in a bag to different use locations.