Patent Publication Number: US-11648444-B2

Title: Fitness device for exercise and balance development

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present application claims the benefit of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/439,447 for a “Fitness Device for Exercise and Balance Development” filed Jun. 12, 2019 (and published Dec. 19, 2019 as U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2019/0381358), now U.S. Pat. No. 11,033,778, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/684,555 for a “Fitness Device for Exercise and Balance Development” filed Jun. 13, 2018. The contents of each of the above-referenced applications, publication, and patent are hereby incorporated by reference herein in their entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to the field of fitness devices. In particular, the field of exercise devices for developing balance and providing stabilization. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Exercise balance balls not only assist in fitness development, but can also provide a seating option alternative to traditional desk chairs. When used in place of traditional chairs, balance balls assist in developing a user&#39;s balance, stabilization, and body strength, while the user focuses on maintaining a proper seated position. This is especially beneficial for children as the typically inflated ball provides an outlet for idle energy while simultaneously developing their physical health. Furthermore, users with disabilities (e.g., cerebral palsy) may benefit from the added sensory input of an exercise ball over a regular chair. However, due to the spherical design of traditional exercise balls, loss of user balance in any direction while seated on the ball may cause distraction and even lead to potential injury. As such, there is a need for an improved exercise ball design that provides a dedicated support and stabilization structure to increase safety of a user. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY 
     The following presents a simplified summary of one or more embodiments of the invention to thereby provide a basic understanding of such embodiments. This summary is not an extensive overview of all contemplated embodiments, and is intended to neither identify key or critical elements of all embodiments, nor delineate the scope of any or all embodiments. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts of one or more embodiments in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later. 
     A fitness device is provided, the fitness device comprising: a spheroidal member having an interior cavity, the spheroidal member comprising a cylindrical portion extending between a first hemispherical endcap and a second hemispherical endcap, wherein a surface of the spheroidal member defines an aperture positioned between the interior cavity and an exterior of the elastomeric member; and a structured surface positioned on the surface of the spheroidal member over the aperture, the structured surface extending into the interior cavity of the spheroidal member. 
     In a specific embodiment, the spheroidal member has a central axis, and the spheroidal member is shaped to limit movement of the fitness device along a resting surface in a direction non-perpendicular to the central axis. 
     In another embodiment, the spheroidal member further comprises an elastomeric material, wherein the spheroidal member is recoverably deformable. In yet another embodiment, the spheroidal member is inflatable and further comprises a valve configured for transferring air into the interior cavity of the spheroidal member. 
     In yet another embodiment, the surface of the spheroidal member comprises a textured surface. In yet another embodiment, the textured surface comprises at least one rib or stud. 
     In yet another embodiment, the structured surface is sealed to the spheroidal member about the aperture. In yet another embodiment, the aperture and the structured surface are positioned on the cylindrical portion of the elastomeric member. In yet another embodiment, the structured surface further comprises: a first rigid portion and a second rigid portion each extending from the surface of the elastomeric member to join at a shared edge within the interior cavity; and a side wall, wherein the first rigid portion, the second rigid portion, and the side wall form an externally accessible compartment within the interior cavity, and wherein the first rigid portion and the second rigid portion are not parallel. 
     A fitness device is also provided, the fitness device comprising: an elastomeric member having an interior cavity and a surface, the surface defining an aperture; and a structured surface positioned on the surface of the elastomeric member over the aperture, the structured surface comprising: a first rigid portion and a second rigid portion each extending from the surface of the elastomeric member to join at a shared edge within the interior cavity; and a side wall, wherein the first rigid portion, the second rigid portion, and the side wall form an externally accessible compartment within the interior cavity, and wherein the first rigid portion and the second rigid portion are not parallel. 
     In a specific embodiment, the first rigid portion is perpendicular to the second rigid portion. In another embodiment the structured surface is shaped to follow the curvature of the surface of the elastomeric member. In yet another embodiment, the elastomeric member has a central axis, and wherein the first rigid portion and the second rigid portion extend toward the central axis. In yet another embodiment, the structured surface is sealed to the elastomeric member about the aperture. 
     In yet another embodiment, the structured surface forms a seat configured to provide support to a user. In yet another embodiment, at least one of the first rigid portion and the second rigid portion are contoured to conform to a body of the user. 
     In yet another embodiment, the elastomeric member comprises a cylindrical portion extending between a first hemispherical endcap and a second hemispherical endcap. In yet another embodiment, the aperture and the structured surface are positioned on the cylindrical portion of the elastomeric member. 
     A fitness device is also provided, the fitness device comprising: an elastomeric oblong member having an interior cavity and a surface, the surface defining an aperture; and a rigid structure positioned within the aperture, the rigid structure extending into the interior cavity of the elastomeric oblong member. 
     In a specific embodiment, the elastomeric oblong member has a spheroidal shape, an ellipsoidal shape, a cylindrical shape, a dumbbell shape, or an hourglass shape. 
     The features, functions, and advantages that have been discussed may be achieved independently in various embodiments of the present invention or may be combined with yet other embodiments, further details of which can be seen with reference to the following description and drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Having thus described embodiments of the invention in general terms, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
         FIG.  1    depicts a perspective view of a fitness device, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG.  2 A  depicts a perspective view of a fitness device, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG.  2 B  depicts a perspective view of a fitness device, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG.  2 C  depicts a bottom view of a fitness device, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG.  2 D  depicts a top view of a fitness device and a structured surface, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG.  2 E  depicts a cross-sectional view of a fitness device, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG.  3    depicts a perspective view of a fitness device used as a chair, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG.  4    depicts a perspective view of a fitness device used as a chair, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG.  5    depicts a rear view of a fitness device used as a chair, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention; and 
         FIG.  6    depicts a perspective view of a structured surface of a fitness device, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Embodiments of the invention are directed to a fitness device for providing support and stabilization while developing strength and balance in users, and in particular, children and those with disabilities. In one embodiment, the fitness device generally has a capsule-like shape for limiting motion (i.e., rolling) of the device in one or more directions, thus reducing the chance of accidental loss of balance and potential injury from falling. Furthermore, the device, in one embodiment, is inflatable and made of an elastomeric material, which provides tactile feedback and a stimulating sensory response to users. The device further incorporates a structured surface which may be used as a seat to provide further stabilization for a user seated on the fitness device. 
     Embodiments of the present invention will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all, embodiments of the invention are shown. Indeed, the invention may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements. In the drawings, like reference characters and numbers refer to like elements throughout. Also, the drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead generally being placed upon illustrating the principles of the disclosure. Where possible, any terms expressed in the singular form herein are meant to also include the plural form and vice versa, unless explicitly stated otherwise. Also, as used herein, the term “a” and/or “an” shall mean “one or more,” even though the phrase “one or more” is also used herein. 
     Also, it will be understood that, where possible, any of the advantages, features, functions, devices, and/or operational aspects of any of the embodiments of the present invention described and/or contemplated herein may be included in any of the other embodiments of the present invention described and/or contemplated herein, and/or vice versa. 
     It should be understood that “operatively coupled,” as used herein, means that the components may be formed integrally with each other, or may be formed separately and coupled together. Furthermore, “operatively coupled” means that the components may be formed directly to each other, or to each other with one or more components located between the components that are operatively coupled together. Furthermore, “operatively coupled” may mean that the components are detachable from each other, or that they are permanently coupled together. Furthermore, operatively coupled components may mean that the components retain at least some freedom of movement in one or more directions or may be rotated about an axis (i.e., rotationally coupled, pivotally coupled). 
     A “user” as used herein may refer to any entity or individual associated with the fitness device. In one embodiment, the user is be an individual directly interacting with the fitness device (i.e., sitting, using for support, etc.). In another embodiment, the user is an individual providing additional support to another individual directly interacting with the fitness device. In one embodiment, the user is a child. In yet another embodiment, the user is an individual with a disability or injury. In some embodiments, the user is an individual utilizing the fitness device for stabilization support, sensory input, muscle and balance development, or the like. 
       FIG.  1 - 6    depict a collection of views of a fitness device  100 , in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. The fitness device  100  generally includes a spheroidal or oblong member  102  and a structured surface  122  located within an aperture  142  of the spheroidal member  102 . In the illustrated embodiment, the spheroidal member  102  has a capsule-like shape, wherein the member  102  further includes a cylindrical middle portion  104  extending between a first endcap  106  and a second endcap  108 . The endcaps  106  and  108  are approximately hemispherical. In a particular embodiment, the spheroidal member  102  is approximately 32 inches in length and 21 inches in diameter. It should be understood that in alternative embodiments, the spheroidal member  102  may have larger or smaller dimensions to accommodate users of a variety of sizes (e.g., adult-sized). 
     It should also be understood that in alternative embodiments, the spheroidal member  102  may embodied as other shapes. In one embodiment, the spheroidal member  102  is an ellipsoidal shape. In another embodiment, the spheroidal member  102  is a spherical shape. In yet another embodiment, the spheroidal member  102  has multiple spherical elements (e.g., dumbbell-shaped). In yet another embodiment, the member  102  may have endcaps  106  and  108  that are flat or non-spherical (e.g., cylindrical, hourglass-shaped, or the like). 
     Due to the spheroidal or oblong shape of the fitness device  100 , the fitness device is generally limited to a rolling motion along a surface in only directions approximately perpendicular to a longitudinal, central axis  110  of the spheroidal member  102 . By limiting the directions of possible movement of the fitness device  100  along the surface, the potential for accidental injury from a user&#39;s spontaneous loss of balance may be reduced when compared to traditional exercise balance balls. 
     The spheroidal member  102  further includes a hollow, interior cavity  144  and is inflatable. Air may be transferred into the interior cavity  144  of the spheroidal member  102  via a valve  112 . The spheroidal member  102  is made of an elastomeric, recoverably deformable material (e.g., polyvinylchloride (PVC)) that is also durable and of a sufficient thickness to prevent air leakage or bursting of the spheroidal member  102  during inflation or use. Due to the inflatable and elastic natures of the spheroidal member  102 , the fitness device  100  is generally soft, lightweight, and recoverably deformable under an applied force of a user (e.g., sitting, bouncing, squeezing, rolling, etc.). In an alternative embodiment, the spheroidal member  102  is a solid member and does not include an interior cavity  144 , wherein the spheroidal member  102  is made from a solid material (e.g., foam rubber or the like). In another embodiment, the spheroidal member  102  has a textured surface (e.g., studded, ribbed, etc.). For example, as illustrated in  FIG.  2 C , in one embodiment, the spheroidal member  102  comprises one or more ribs  132  encircling the cylindrical middle portion of the  104 . In another embodiment, the spheroidal member  102  is formed of a structural material with a hollow interior, where the structural material is of sufficient rigidity to withstand the weight of the user on its own without collapsing. 
     The spheroidal member  102  further comprises an aperture  142  positioned on the surface of the member  102 . In the illustrated embodiment, the aperture  142  is positioned between the endcaps  106  and  108  at a midpoint along the surface of the member  102 . A structured surface  122  is positioned within the aperture  142  of the spheroidal member  102 . The structured surface  122  is operatively coupled to the spheroidal member  102  about the edges of the aperture  142 . In one embodiment, a tape or heat-seal  140  extends over the joined edges of both the structured surface  122  and the spheroidal member  102  to operatively couple the structured surface  122  to the spheroidal member  102 , wherein an air-tight seal is formed over and/or between the joined edges. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the structured surface  122  includes a first surface  124 , a second surface  126 , a first side wall  128 , and a second side wall  130  that partially extend into the interior cavity  144  of the spheroidal member  102  to form an externally accessible cavity or compartment  120 . The first  124  and second  126  surfaces or portions of the structured surface  122  extend into the interior of the spheroidal member  102  approximately perpendicular to the surface of the spheroidal member  102  from the edges of the aperture  142  toward the central axis  110  of the spheroidal member  102 . Said another way, the first  124  and second  126  surfaces extend radially from the surface of the spheroidal member  102  towards the interior cavity  144 . The first  124  and second  126  surfaces meet or join together at a shared edge within the interior of the member  102  at an angle of approximately 90° relative to one another. The side walls  128  join the remaining edges of the first  124  and second  126  surfaces to the spheroidal member  102  to form the cavity  120 . The edges of the side walls  128  are curved to generally follow the curvature of the spheroidal member  102  where the side walls  128  couple to the surface of the spheroidal member  102 . 
     In a specific embodiment the first  124  and second  126  surfaces of the structured surface  122  each have a length of 6 inches that extends into the interior of the spheroidal member  102  and a width of 10 inches that is coupled along the edge of the aperture  142 . It should be understood that the components of the structured surface  122  may be embodied as having alternative dimensions, wherein the structured surface  122  may extend to a greater or lesser extent into the spheroidal member  102 . Furthermore, in other embodiments, the first  124  and second  126  surfaces may be dimensioned so as to meet at an angle other than 90° so as to increase or decrease an opening of the formed cavity  120 . 
     The structured surface  122  is made of a substantially rigid material (e.g. plastic) that is able to retain the shape of the cavity  120  even while under the influence of external forces (e.g., from the inflated spheroidal member  102  or from user interaction). In one embodiment, an exterior surface of the structured surface  122  is covered with the same material used to make the spheroidal member  102 . 
     In some embodiments, the structured surface may be an integral part of the spheroidal member, where the portion of the spheroidal member defining the structured surface is structured to form a cavity and is rigid so as to support a user. In this embodiment, the portion of the spheroidal member forming the structured portion, could be formed with walls and structured seams to create the desired shape for the structured surface  122  with proper rigidity. 
     As illustrated in  FIGS.  3 - 5   , the structured surface  122  provides a seat within the cavity  120 , wherein the fitness device  100  may be used as a chair by a user  160 . The user  160  positions his or her backside within the cavity  120  and sits on the first surface  124  while the user&#39;s back is properly supported and oriented by the second surface  126  (as seen in  FIG.  5   ). In one embodiment, at least one of the first surface  124  and second surface  126  are contoured to conform to a user&#39;s legs and/or back. The user  160  is partially retained in the seat of the cavity  120  by the side walls  128  of the structured surface  122 . The user  160  may place his or her feet on the ground to further support the user  160  on the chair and prevent or control movement of the chair along the surface. In this way, the user  160  is enabled by the fitness device  100  to maintain or safely develop a sense of balance while safely sitting. 
     The user  160  is further enabled by the fitness device  100  to develop strength (e.g., leg and core) and balance through the active support and tactile feedback received from resisting rolling movement of the device  100  while maintaining a seated position. The user  160  may further receive a stimulating tactile response or sensory feedback from intentional movement of the device  100  along the surface due to the elastic nature of the device materials. For example, the user  160  may bounce in place while seated on the fitness device  100  or safely rock in directions permitted by the shape of the device  100 . Alternatively, as illustrated in  FIGS.  4  and  5   , the user  160  may sit in the cavity  120  of the fitness device  100  while receiving additional support from another user to help maintain and develop balance. 
     As illustrated in  FIG.  6   , the structured surface  122  provides a platform or work space. For example, in the illustrated embodiment of  FIG.  6   , the cavity  120  formed by the structured surface  122  provides a table-like space in which a user (e.g., a child) may play or perform activities while actively supporting themselves with the fitness device  100  while standing or kneeling. In this way, a small child can develop his or her balance through the active support of the fitness device while the cavity  120  partially retains items (e.g., toys, building blocks, notebooks, etc.). In this way, the user  160  may be enabled by the fitness device  100  to develop strength and balance through the active support and tactile feedback received from the fitness device  100 . 
     In alternative embodiments, the aperture  142  of the spheroidal member  102  may be positioned in other locations about the member  102 . For example, the aperture  142  may be positioned on one of the endcaps  106 ,  108 . In other embodiments, the spheroidal member  102  may have multiple apertures and/or structured surfaces  122  positioned about the spheroidal member  102 . For example, in one embodiment, the fitness device  100  may include two cavities  120  providing back-to-back seats on a single fitness device  100 , wherein two users may sit on the fitness device  100 . 
     While certain exemplary embodiments have been described and shown in the accompanying drawings, it is to be understood that such embodiments are merely illustrative of and not restrictive on the broad invention, and that this invention not be limited to the specific constructions and arrangements shown and described, since various other changes, combinations, omissions, modifications and substitutions, in addition to those set forth in the above paragraphs, are possible. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that various adaptations, modifications, and combinations of the just described embodiments can be configured without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. Therefore, it is to be understood that, within the scope of the appended claims, the invention may be practiced other than as specifically described herein.