Abstract:
A portable isotonic compression-expansion exercise device is disclosed which can also function as a recreational object, therapy tool, and strength measurement apparatus. One embodiment comprises of an elastomeric, resilient ball with a detachable removable and interchangeable exterior resistance band with two opposing handles. Some embodiments include a pneumatic airflow control valve, which valve reaches into the hollow core of an internal foam center. Resistance from the device during these exercises comes from static pneumatic resistance from within the sealed elastic object, changing pneumatic resistance as air flows in and out of the foam-filled device through the airflow control valve. Internal springs, internal foam resistance, external band(s) on the device&#39;s surface, and/or internal apparatus can create multiple forms of resistance. The disclosed device, in some embodiments, further comprises a strength measurement gauge in the form of an air pressure gauge.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/461,064 entitled “Portable, Resistance-based Exercise Device,” filed Jan. 13, 2011 for Daniel Wilson, which is incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    This invention relates to exercise equipment, and more particularly relates to a spherical, polymer ball for strengthening muscles with compressive and tensile forces. 
         [0004]    2. Description of the Related Art 
         [0005]    The need for people to engage in regular exercise and recreation is well established. Many and varied types of resilient hand held exercise devices are available to help them in their efforts to improve and measure their strength, their conditioning, and to mitigate specific health issues that need physical therapy. One such device is the common resilient exercise ball, and other tension based equipment that compliments them. 
         [0006]    Exercise balls, whether they are inflatable or solid medicine balls are used for a large variety of conditioning activities including cardiovascular and spinal therapy, as well as increasing core strength, and strengthening in the upper and lower body muscles. 
         [0007]    Prior art teaches exercise balls which are lacking in their functionality. They are designed for limited use, and more often than not end up being no more than a simple support device for other exercises. 
         [0008]    The same is true of other exercise devices that employ elastic resistance as a means of developing or measuring strength. Often they are designed with a very limited exercises or muscle groups in mind, and are constrained by their own components and design to those limited areas. Certain muscles groups, such as the pectoral muscles, have very few simple portable devices designed for their exercise or strength measurement, due to the difficulties in designing a simple apparatus that can correctly resist the muscle motions leading to such development and measurement. Many patented portable devices that target difficult areas of the body to exercise such as these are complicated and difficult to find on the market. 
         [0009]    Thus it would be highly beneficial to provide a simple portable exercise ball or similar device that significantly widens the range of exercises it can facilitate, as well as the muscle groups it can target for development, conditioning, force measurement, and giving physical therapy. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0010]    From the foregoing discussion, it should be apparent that a need exists for a multi-functional isotonic exercise ball. Beneficially, such an exercise ball would overcome many of the difficulties with prior art by providing a more functional apparatus to consumers. 
         [0011]    The present invention has been developed in response to the present state of the art, and in particular, in response to the problems and needs in the art that have not yet been fully solved by currently available apparatii and methods. Accordingly, the present invention has been developed to provide a multi-function isotonic exercise ball comprising: a flexible impermeable airtight elastic sphere for enduring compressive and tensile forces, the sphere comprising elastomeric polymer, the sphere defining an inner recess comprising inlet ambient air, the inner recess between 0.2 liters and 60 liters in volume, the sphere configured to reinflate itself after deformation from compression; and a valve disposed between the inner recess and surrounding ambient air, disposed within the sphere, the valve connecting the inner recess to ambient air surrounding the exercise ball, wherein the valve is configured to allow valve leakage of pressurized air within the inner recess when air pressure within the inner recess exceeds air pressure of ambient air; 
         [0012]    In some embodiments, the multi-function exercise ball further comprises a plurality of handles affixed to the sphere for engaging extremities of a human operator and for withstanding tensile and compressive forces, the handles comprising graspable protruding extensions between 0.05 meters and 2 meters in length. In other embodiments, the sphere comprises one or more sockets, each socket for receiving one of: a pressure gauge for measuring pneumatic pressure during exercise; a sealable valve for filling the inner recess with water; and a one-way check valve for regulating air flow into the inner recess. 
         [0013]    In various embodiments, the valve may be used for bleeding pressurized entrapped air from the inner recess, wherein the valve has a valve body that is detachably mounted in a socket on the spherical bladder, the valve body including a longitudinal passage provided with a recessed valve seat. 
         [0014]    In still further embodiments, the valve may further comprise one or more adjustable apertures for increasing the rate of air release from the inner recess when air in the inner recess is pressurized. The inner recess may be filled with permeable foam. 
         [0015]    The multi-function exercise ball may further comprise an inflatable bladder encapsulating the sphere, the inflatable bladder and the sphere defining a second recess between sphere and bladder which second recess is isolated atmospherically from both the inner recess and the ambient air. This multi-function exercise ball further may comprise a second valve for inflating the second recess independently of the inner recess, the inflatable bladder further comprising a second valve for inflating the second recess. 
         [0016]    The valve may comprise one of a check valve, a presta valve, Schrader valve, leaf valve, one or more perforation in the bladder, and a relief valve. The bladder may further comprise one or more perforations which act as air pressure release valves when pressure is applied to the bladder. 
         [0017]    The exercise ball may also further comprise an outer spherical pad encapsulating the sphere, wherein the outer spherical pad is substantially fabricated from one of elastomeric foam and silicone gel, wherein the outer spherical pad is between 1 millimeter and 50 centimeters thick. 
         [0018]    In some embodiments, the multi-function exercise ball further comprises one or more internal stretchable elastomeric band(s) and internal springs, attached at opposing ends to opposing internal sides of the spherical bladder. 
         [0019]    In still further embodiments, the multi-function exercise ball further comprises one or more internal stretchable elastomeric band(s), the elastomeric band(s) traversing a conduit within the spherical bladder, the elastomeric band(s) for resisting tensile forces applied to the spherical bladder, the elastomeric band(s) attached to handles at opposing ends of the spherical bladder. 
         [0020]    The multi-function exercise ball may also comprise one or more external stretchable elastomeric band(s), detachably affixed exteriorly to the spherical bladder. 
         [0021]    The multi-function exercise ball may also comprise a plurality of sockets on the exterior of the spherical bladder for receiving detachable handles, each detachable handle lockable within a socket. 
         [0022]    In still further embodiments, the spherical bladder comprises a sealable aperture, the aperture unsealable for filling the inner recess with water. In some embodiment variations, the multi-function exercise ball further comprises one or more internal springs connected at diametrically opposed points within the exercise object for resisting compressive and tensile forces. 
         [0023]    In a second independent embodiment, a multi-function isotonic exercise object is disclosed comprising: an impermeable bladder for enduring compressive and tensile forces, the spherical bladder partially comprising one of elastomeric polymer and leather, the bladder defining an inner recess filled with ambient air, the inner recess between 0.2 liters and 60 liters in volume; and one or more of: a valve disposed between the inner recess and surrounding ambient air, affixed within the spherical bladder, the valve connecting the inner recess to ambient air surrounding the exercise object, wherein the valve is designed to allow valve leakage of pressurized air when the air pressure within the exercise object in the inner recess exceeds the pressure of surrounding ambient air; one or more perforation(s) in the bladder acting as valve(s) to facilitate the flow of pressurized air out of the inner recess; and one or more internal spring(s) connected at diametrically opposed points within the exercise object for resisting compressive and tensile forces. The bladder may be one of spherical, cylindrical, cubic, conical, and polyhedral in shape. 
         [0024]    A method of strengthening muscle isotonically using an airtight elastic spheroid is disclosed, the steps of the method comprising: holding the spheroid at torso level, the spheroid touching the torso; gripping one of: handles in diametrically opposed positions on the spheroid, the handles parallel to the ground; the spheroid with one of fingertips and palms of two hands, the hands pushing against the spheroid inwardly at diametrically opposed points; and crushing the spheroid such that diametrically opposed internal points within the spheroid contact one another. 
         [0025]    Still further embodiments of the comprise pulling the two handles affixed to the spheroid apart so as to apply tensile force(s) to the spheroid. 
         [0026]    These features and advantages of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, or may be learned by the practice of the invention as set forth hereinafter. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0027]    In order that the advantages of the invention will be readily understood, a more particular description of the invention briefly described above will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments that are illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are not therefore to be considered to be limiting of its scope, the invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings, in which: 
           [0028]      FIG. 1A  is a sectioned side perspective view of a multifunction exercise ball in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0029]      FIG. 1B  is a sectioned side perspective view of a multifunction exercise ball in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0030]      FIG. 2  is a side elevational perspective view of a disassembled multifunction exercise ball in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0031]      FIG. 3  is a side elevational perspective view of a multifunction exercise ball in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0032]      FIG. 4  is a sectioned side perspective view of a multifunction exercise ball in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0033]      FIG. 5A  is a side perspective view of a handle of a multifunction exercise ball in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0034]      FIG. 5B  is a side perspective view of a handle of a multifunction exercise ball in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0035]      FIG. 5C  is a side perspective view of a handle of a multifunction exercise ball in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0036]      FIG. 5D  is a sectioned side perspective view of a multifunction exercise ball in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0037]      FIG. 6  is a sectioned side perspective view of a multifunction exercise ball in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0038]      FIG. 7A  is a sectioned side perspective view of a multifunction exercise ball in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0039]      FIG. 7B  is a sectioned side perspective view of a multifunction exercise ball in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0040]      FIG. 8  is a sectioned side perspective view of a multifunction exercise ball in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0041]      FIG. 9A  is a side perspective view of a handle of a multifunction exercise ball in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0042]      FIG. 9B  is an exploded side perspective view of a handle of a multifunction exercise ball in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0043]      FIG. 10A  is a side elevational perspective view of a pressure gauge in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0044]      FIG. 10B  is a side perspective view of a multifunction exercise ball in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0045]      FIG. 11A  is a side elevational perspective view of a check-valve of a multifunction exercise ball in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0046]      FIG. 11B  is a side elevational perspective view of a check-valve of a multifunction exercise ball in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0047]      FIG. 12A  is a side perspective view of a multifunction exercise ball in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0048]      FIG. 12B  is a side perspective view of a multifunction exercise ball in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0049]      FIG. 12C  is a side perspective view of a multifunction exercise ball in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0050]      FIG. 13  is a cross-sectional side perspective view of a multifunction exercise ball in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0051]      FIG. 14  is a side perspective view of a multifunction exercise ball in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0052]      FIG. 15A  is a forward perspective view of an exercise performed with a multifunction exercise ball in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0053]      FIG. 15B  is a forward perspective view of an exercise performed with a multifunction exercise ball in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0054]      FIG. 15C  is a lower perspective view of an exercise performed with a multifunction exercise ball in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0055]      FIG. 15D  is a forward perspective view of an exercise performed with a multifunction exercise ball in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0056]      FIG. 15E  is a forward perspective view of an exercise performed with a multifunction exercise ball in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0057]      FIG. 15F  is a forward perspective view of an exercise performed with a multifunction exercise ball in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0058]      FIG. 15G  is a forward perspective view of an exercise performed with a multifunction exercise ball in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0059]      FIG. 15H  is a forward perspective view of an exercise performed with a multifunction exercise ball in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0060]      FIG. 15I  is a forward perspective view of an exercise performed with a multifunction exercise ball in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0061]      FIG. 15J  is a forward perspective view of an exercise performed with a multifunction exercise ball in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0062]      FIG. 15K  is a forward perspective view of an exercise performed with a multifunction exercise ball in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0063]      FIG. 15L  is a forward perspective view of an exercise performed with a multifunction exercise ball in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0064]      FIG. 15M  is a side perspective view of an exercise performed with a multifunction exercise ball in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0065]      FIG. 15N  is a forward perspective view of an exercise performed with a multifunction exercise ball in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0066]      FIG. 16  is a lower perspective view of a handle of a multifunction exercise ball in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0067]      FIG. 17  is a lower view of a multifunction exercise ball in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0068]      FIG. 18  is a side view of a multifunction exercise ball in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0069]      FIG. 19A  is a side view of a multifunction exercise ball in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0070]      FIG. 19B  is a side view of a sectioned multifunction exercise ball in accordance with the present invention; and 
           [0071]      FIG. 19C  is a side view of sub-components of a multifunction exercise ball in accordance with the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0072]    Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” or similar language means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment,” “in an embodiment,” and similar language throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment. 
         [0073]    Furthermore, the described features, structures, or characteristics of the invention may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. In the following description, numerous specific details are provided to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the invention. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize, however, that the invention may be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with other methods, components, materials, and so forth. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of the invention. 
         [0074]      FIG. 1A  is a sectioned side perspective view of a multifunction exercise ball  100  in accordance with the present invention. The exercise ball  100  comprises a bladder  102 , an inner recess  104 , an aperture, a one-way check-valve  106 , an outer spherical pad  108 , an outer skin  110 , an elastomeric band  112 , a handle  114   a , a handle  114   b , and a fixture point  116 . 
         [0075]    The bladder  102  may comprise any impermeable bladder fabricated from polymer, leather, or any other material commonly known to those of skill in the art. The bladder in the shown embodiment and in the preferred embodiment is spherical in shape. In other embodiments, the bladder  120  is cubic, cylindrical, or polygonal in shape. In many embodiments, the bladder  102  is inflatable. 
         [0076]    In some embodiments, the bladder  102  comprises simply an airtight elastic skin, which may consist of a flexible coating. 
         [0077]    The bladder  102  defines an inner recess  104  filled with ambient air. In various embodiments, the inner recess  104  is between 0.1 liters and 80 liters in volume. 
         [0078]    The exercise ball  100  comprises an inefficient one-way check valve  106  disposed between the inner recess  104  and surrounding ambient air. The valve  106  is affixed within an aperture  106  penetrating the bladder  102 , such that the valve  106  interconnects the ambient air and inner recess  104 . In some embodiments, the check valve  106  is designed to allow valve leakage of pressurized air within the inner recess  105 . In other embodiments, the valve  106  is designed to allow valve leakage when the air pressure within the inner recess  104  exceeds a predetermined threshold. 
         [0079]    The aperture  105  may comprise or be circumscribed with a metal, plastic and/or polymer rim. 
         [0080]    In various embodiments, the predetermined threshold is two (2) atmospheres. In other embodiments, the predetermined threshold is eight (8) atmospheres. In still further embodiments, the predetermined threshold is set by a human user of the exercise ball  100 . In some embodiments, the valve  106  is designed with an adjustable and/or screwable cap which alters the pressure threshold at which significant air leakage occurs by altering the degree at which a necked opening in the valve  106  is recessed, or degree at which all or a portion of the necking in a valve  106  is angled. 
         [0081]    While in the shown embodiment, the bladder  102  houses a valve  106  interconnecting the inner recess  104  to ambient air surrounding the exercise ball  100 , in some embodiments, the bladder  102  does not house the valve  106 , nor does the exercise ball  100  comprise a valve  106 . In those embodiments not comprising a valve  106 , the inner recess  104  may be permanently isolated atmospherically from surrounding ambient air, or ambient air may interflow with the inner recess  104  only through perforations in the bladder  102  and/or the spherical pad  108  and/or the outer skin  110 . The spherical pad  108  helps reshape the exercise ball  150  after compression and resists compressive forces applied to the exercise ball  150 . 
         [0082]    The valve  106  comprises a check-valve in the shown embodiment, but in other embodiments, the valve  106  may comprise a presta valve, Schrader valve, leaf valve, or a relief valve. 
         [0083]    The outer skin  110  comprises a uniform thin layer of textured or non-textured skin overlaying the spherical pad  108 . The outer skin  110  is elastic and airtight. In some embodiments, the outer skin  110  comprises leather, rubber, vinyl, or other materials known to those of skill in the art. In some embodiments, the outer skin  110  is scored. In some embodiments, the outer skin  110  is merely an elastic coating that is sprayed on or applied through a dipping process. Likewise, the bladder  102  may comprise or consist of an elastic coating that is sprayed on or applied through a dipping process. 
         [0084]    In various embodiments, the exercise ball  100  may comprise one or more external elastomeric band(s)  112 . In the shown embodiment, an elastomeric strap, or elastomeric band  112 , circumscribes the exercise ball  100 . The elastomeric band  112  stretches to apply tensile forces to the hands of a human operator attempting to pull apart the handles  114   a - b.    
         [0085]    The elastomeric band  112  is affixed at one or more fixture points  116  to the exercise ball  100 . The fixture point  116  comprises the point, or area, on the exercise ball  100  at which the elastomeric band  112  is affixed to the exercise ball  100 . The elastomeric band  112  may be permanently or detachably affixed using means known to those of skill in the art. 
         [0086]    In various embodiments, the elastomeric band  112  is affixed to two or more handles  114   a - b  as shown. Handles are well-known to those of skill in the art. The handles  114   a - b  may be used to stretch the exercise ball  100 , or to compress the exercise ball  100  in accordance with a variety of exercise steps defined further below. 
         [0087]      FIG. 1B  is a sectioned side perspective view of a multifunction exercise ball  150  in accordance with the present invention. The exercise ball  100  comprises a bladder  102 , an inner recess  104 , an aperture, a one-way check-valve  106 , an inner spherical pad  152 , an elastic airtight outer skin  110 , an elastomeric band  112 , a handle  114   a , a handle  114   b , and a fixture point  116 . 
         [0088]    In the shown embodiment, the bladder  102  comprises the exterior of the exercise ball  150 . Unlike the exercise ball  100 , the exercise ball  150  contains an inner spherical pad  152 , which helps reshape the exercise ball  150  after compression and resists compressive forces applied to the exercise ball  150 . 
         [0089]    The inner spherical pad  152  may comprise foam, gel, organic materials, and the like. 
         [0090]      FIG. 2  is a side elevational perspective view of a disassembled multifunction exercise ball  200  in accordance with the present invention. The exercise ball  200  comprises an elastomeric hollow foam hemisphere  202   a , an elastomeric hollow foam hemisphere  202   b , an outer bladder  204   a , an outer bladder  204   b , an aperture  105 , and a valve  106 . 
         [0091]    The aperture  105  and valve  106  are substantially described above in relation to  FIG. 1 . 
         [0092]    The bladder  102 , in the shown embodiment, is formed from two principal components, the outer bladder  204   a  and the outer bladder  204   b . Each of the outer bladders  204   a - b  comprise hemispherical-shaped concave cups fabricated separated and permanently affixed together to form the bladder  102 . 
         [0093]    Likewise, the inner spherical pad  152  is formed from the foam hemisphere  202   a , and the foam hemisphere  202   b . Each of the foam hemispheres  202   a - b  comprise hemispherical-shaped concave cups fabricated separated or together and permanently affixed together to be housed by the bladder  102  and form the inner spherical pad  152 . 
         [0094]      FIG. 3  is a side elevational perspective view of a multifunction exercise ball  300  in accordance with the present invention. The exercise ball  300  comprises a bladder  102 , a valve  106 , a handle  104   a , a handle  104   b , a handle  104   c , a handle  104   d , and a counter  302 . 
         [0095]    The handles  104   a - d  may be interchangeably attached to the exercise ball  300 . A variety of handles  104   a - d , of different shapes and sizes, may be attached to sockets on the exterior of the exercise ball  300 . The sockets may be located in any location on the external of the exercise ball  300 . 
         [0096]    The counter  302  is mounted within the bladder  102  and measures the number of times the exercise ball  300  is compressed. In some embodiments, the counter  302  measures rises and falls in the pressure of the inner recess  104  using means well-known to those of skill in the art. 
         [0097]      FIG. 4  is a sectioned side perspective view of a multifunction exercise ball  400  in accordance with the present invention. The exercise ball  400  comprises a bladder  102 , a valve  106 , a handle  114   a , a handle  114   b , a conduit  402 , and an elastomeric band  404 . 
         [0098]    In the shown embodiment, the exercise ball  400  comprises a conduit  402 , or channel, which traverses the entirety of the exercise ball  400 , from one side of the bladder  102  to the other side of the bladder  102 . The inner recess  104  is isolated atmospherically from the ambient air by the bladder  102  and the conduit  402 . 
         [0099]    The elastomeric band  404  traverses the exercise ball  400  through the conduit  402  and is affixed, detachably or permanently, to two or more handles  114 . 
         [0100]    The bladder  102 , valve  106 , handle  114   a , and handle  114   b  are all described above in relation to  FIGS. 1-3 . 
         [0101]      FIG. 5A  is a side perspective view of a handle  500  of a multifunction exercise ball  500  in accordance with the present invention. 
         [0102]    The handle  114  in the shown embodiment, comprises a dowel mounted to a bracket. The bracket is attached to the elastomeric band  404 . 
         [0103]    The dowel may be fabricated from wood, polymers, metals, or metal alloy(s). 
         [0104]      FIG. 5B  is a side perspective view of a handle of a multifunction exercise ball  520  in accordance with the present invention. 
         [0105]    The handle  114  in the shown embodiment, comprises a dowel mounted to a bracket. The bracket is connected to an end point on the elastomeric band  404  such that the handle  114  is rotatably connected to the end point of the elastomeric band  404 . 
         [0106]      FIG. 5C  is a side perspective view of a handle of a multifunction exercise ball  540  in accordance with the present invention. 
         [0107]    The handle in the shown embodiment may twist the elastomeric band  404  around the bracket when the handle is rotated to increase tension on the elastomeric band  402  and consequently the exercise ball  400 . 
         [0108]      FIG. 5D  is a sectioned side perspective view of a multifunction exercise ball  560  in accordance with the present invention. The exercise ball  560  comprises a bladder  102 , a handle  114   a , a handle  114   b , a conduit  402 , and an elastomeric band  404 . Each are substantially described above in relation to  FIGS. 1-5C . 
         [0109]    In some embodiments, the handles  114  are detachably connected to the elastomeric band  404 . 
         [0110]      FIG. 6  is a sectioned side perspective view of a multifunction exercise ball  600  in accordance with the present invention. The exercise ball  600  comprises a bladder  102 , a handle  114   a , a handle  114   b , a spring  602 , and an inner sleeve  604 . 
         [0111]    The bladder  102 , handle  114   a , and handle  114   b  are all described above in relation to  FIGS. 1-5 . 
         [0112]    The inner sleeve  604 , in the shown embodiment, comprises a wood, metal or polymer sleeve which diametrically traverses the bladder  102 . In the shown embodiment, a spring  602  spans the length of the inner sleeve  604 . The spring  602  is affixed to the handles  114   a - b  to resist both compressive and tensile forces applied to handles  114   a - b.    
         [0113]      FIG. 7A  is a sectioned side perspective view of a multifunction exercise ball  700  in accordance with the present invention. The exercise ball  700  comprises a bladder  102 , a handle  114   a , a handle  114   b , external bands  702 , and a spring  704 . 
         [0114]    The bladder  102 , handle  114   a  and handle  114   b  are all described above in relation to  FIGS. 1-6 . 
         [0115]    In the shown embodiment, the external bands  702  comprises elastomeric bands, tubes, cords or the like which circumscribes or is wrapped around a portion of the exterior of the bladder  102 . In the shown the embodiment, the exercise ball  700  comprises three bands  702  which are conjoined at fixture points, which fixture points are affixed to the exterior of the bladder  102 . External bands  702  also serving as potential supportive tension ribs to help the ball  700  re-inflate after compression. 
         [0116]    In various embodiments of the present invention, the exercise ball  700  becomes deformed after repeated use. The external bands  702  help force the exercise ball  700  back into its spherical or otherwise intended shape. 
         [0117]      FIG. 7B  is a sectioned side perspective view of a multifunction exercise ball  720  in accordance with the present invention. The exercise ball  720  comprises a bladder  102 , a handle  114   a , a handle  114   b , an external band  702 , and a spring  704 . 
         [0118]    The bladder  102 , spring  704 , external band  702 , handle  114   a  and handle  114   b  are all described above in relation to  FIGS. 1-6 . 
         [0119]    In the shown embodiment, three external bands  702  circumscribe the exterior of the bladder  102  across its lateral axis. 
         [0120]      FIG. 8  is a sectioned side perspective view of a multifunction exercise ball  800  in accordance with the present invention. The exercise ball  800  comprises a bladder  102 , a valve  106 , and a spring  804 . 
         [0121]    The bladder  102  and valve  106  are described above in relation to  FIGS. 1-7B . 
         [0122]    In this hand-sized exercise ball  800 , a sprint  804  is strung diametrically across the interior of the exercise ball  700 . 
         [0123]      FIG. 9A  is a side perspective view of a handle of a multifunction exercise ball  900  in accordance with the present invention. The exercise ball  900  comprises a bladder  102  and a pressure gauge  902 . 
         [0124]    The bladder is substantially described above in relation to  FIGS. 1-8 . 
         [0125]    The exercise ball  900  comprises a pressure gauge  902  which measures the pressure being exerted by a human operator against the exercise ball  900 . 
         [0126]      FIG. 9B  is an exploded side perspective view of a handle of a multifunction exercise ball  920  in accordance with the present invention. The exercise ball  900  comprises a bladder  102  and a pressure gauge  902  to measure strength during compression exercise. 
         [0127]    The pressure gauge  902  measures the pressure that a use of the exercise ball  920  is exerting on the exercise ball. The pressure gauge  902  is inserted into the bladder  102  through a socket. In alternate embodiments, a counter is inserted through the socket in place of the pressure gauge  902 , which counter tallies the number of compressions against the exercise ball  920 . 
         [0128]    The bladder  102  is substantially described above in relation to  FIGS. 1-9A . 
         [0129]      FIG. 10A  is a side elevational perspective view of a pressure gauge  1000  in accordance with the present invention. 
         [0130]    As shown, the pressure gauge  1000  in inserted into the exercise ball through a socket. 
         [0131]      FIG. 10B  is a side perspective view of a multifunction exercise ball  1020  in accordance with the present invention. The exercise ball  1020  comprises a bladder  102  and a gauge  1002 . 
         [0132]    The pressure and/or tallied number compressions may displayed to a human operator using an LCD display, or through other means known to those of skill in the art. 
         [0133]      FIG. 11A  is a side elevational perspective view of a check-valve  1100  of a multifunction exercise ball in accordance with the present invention. The check-valve  1100  comprises a stem  1102 , threading  1104 , a valve body  1106 , a valve element  1108 , a necked recess  1110 , and a sealing cap  1112 . 
         [0134]    The one-way check valve is shown for use in bleeding entrapped air from the inner recess. This check valve has a one-piece valve body  1106  that is mounted permanently or detachably to the spherical bladder. This valve body  1106  includes a longitudinal passage having its inner end provided with a recessed valve seat. 
         [0135]    By design, the one way check valve of the present invention is designed to be inefficient. The one-way check valve releases air from the inner recess, in some embodiments, when the air pressure within the inner recess exceeds either the ambient air pressure or a predetermined threshold, and allows air to flow into the inner recess when the pressure of the inner recess is less than the pressure of the ambient air surrounding the spherical bladder. In the shown embodiments, the predetermined threshold is two (2) atmospheres. In other embodiments, the predetermined threshold is three (3) to ten (10) atmospheres. 
         [0136]    A section  1110  of the passage is of smaller diameter for receiving an adjustable valve sealing cap  1112  by means of a threaded connection  1104 . Positioned within this section is a valve element  1108  for blocking escaping air from the inner recess. 
         [0137]      FIG. 11B  is a side elevational perspective view of a check-valve  1120  of a multifunction exercise ball in accordance with the present invention. The check-valve  1120  comprises a valve element  1108 , apertures  1122 , a lower member  1124 , and a cap  1126 . 
         [0138]    In some embodiments, the valve  1120  comprises a cap  1126  which can be screwed down to adjust the rate of airflow out of the inner recess  104 . 
         [0139]    In some embodiments, the valve element  1108  comprises a ball, sphere, ball bearing, marble, piston, and the like. The valve element  1108  may be fabricated of glass, metals, wood, polymers, and the like. 
         [0140]    In some embodiments, the valve  1120  comprises apertures  1122  which increase the rate of air flow out of the inner recess  104 . The apertures  1122  may be located anywhere on the body of the valve  106 . 
         [0141]      FIG. 12A  is a side perspective view of a multifunction exercise ball  1200  in accordance with the present invention. The exercise ball  1200  comprises a bladder  102 , a handle  114   a , a handle  114   b , and perforations  1202 . 
         [0142]    The bladder  102 , handle  114   a  and handle  114   b  are all described above in relation to  FIGS. 1-11B . 
         [0143]    In the shown embodiment, the handles  114   a - b  are permanently affixed to the exercise ball  1220 . The exercise ball  1220  comprises perforations  1202  which, in some embodiments, are closed when the exercise ball  1220  is at rest. When the exercise ball  1220  is distorted by pressure applied to the bladder  102 , the perforations release air until the pressure is released, acting a miniature valves. 
         [0144]      FIG. 12B  is a side perspective view of a multifunction exercise ball  1220  in accordance with the present invention. The exercise ball  1220  comprises a bladder  102 , a handle  114   a , a handle  114   b , and perforations  1202 . 
         [0145]    The bladder  102 , handle  114   a  and handle  114   b  are all described above in relation to  FIGS. 1-12A . 
         [0146]    In the shown embodiment, the handles  114   a - b  are pulled apart, opening the perforations  1202 . In some embodiments, air flows freely in and out of the perforations  1202  whenever the shape of the bladder  102  is distorted. 
         [0147]      FIG. 12C  is a side perspective view of a multifunction exercise ball  1230  in accordance with the present invention. The exercise ball  1240  comprises a bladder  102 , a handle  114   a , and a handle  114   b.    
         [0148]    The bladder  102 , handle  114   a  and handle  114   b  are all described above in relation to  FIGS. 1-12B . 
         [0149]    Once the handles  114   a - b  have been pulled apart, in the shown embodiment, the handles  114   a - b  may be quickly forced back together, forcing air out of the valve  106 . In some of these embodiments, the bladder  102  may comprise a plurality of valves  106 , some of which are oriented or configured to stop or slow air entering the inner recess  104 , some of which are oriented or configured to stop or slow air exiting the inner recess  104 . 
         [0150]      FIG. 13  is a cross-sectional side perspective view of a multifunction exercise ball  1300  in accordance with the present invention. The exercise ball  1300  comprises a bladder  102 , a valve  106 , an outer bladder  1302 , a rib  1304   a , a rib  1304   b , and an outer valve  1306 . 
         [0151]    In the shown embodiment, the exercise ball  1300  comprises an outer bladder  1302  and an inner bladder  102 . The outer bladder  1302  comprises a number of ribs  1304   a - c  which interconnect the outer bladder  1302  to the inner bladder  102 . 
         [0152]    The ribs  1304   a - c  may comprise flexible cables or cords fabricated from polymer materials. In some embodiments, these ribs  1304   a - c  constitute sidewalls which define compartments inside the recess defined by the outer bladder  1302  and the inner bladder  102 . 
         [0153]    The outer bladder  1302  may be inflated separately from the inner bladder  102  using the valve  1306 . The outer bladder  1302  encapsulates the inner bladder  102 . 
         [0154]    In the shown embodiments, the valve  106  traverses the outer bladder  1302  to the inner recess  104 . 
         [0155]      FIG. 14  is a side perspective view of a multifunction exercise ball in  1400  accordance with the present invention. The exercise ball  1400  comprises a bladder  102 , a handle  114   a , and a handle  114   b.    
         [0156]    In the shown embodiment, the handles  114   a - b  are affixed to the inflatable bladder  102  in close proximity making certain exercises, such as butterflies, easier. 
         [0157]    In some of these embodiments, the handles  114   a - b  are affixed into separate sockets. In other embodiments, the handles  114   a - b  are affixed together and secured to the bladder  102  vis-à-vis a single socket. 
         [0158]      FIG. 15A  is a forward perspective view of an exercise performed with a multifunction exercise ball in accordance with the present invention. 
         [0159]    The shown embodiment depicts a female user forcing the walls of an exercise ball inward to exercise inter alia pectorals and biceps. 
         [0160]      FIG. 15B  is a forward perspective view of an exercise performed with a multifunction exercise ball in accordance with the present invention. This is the same exercise depicted in  FIG. 15A . 
         [0161]      FIG. 15C  is a lower perspective view of an exercise performed with a multifunction exercise ball in accordance with the present invention. In the shown embodiment, the exercise ball is held at chin level between the heels of the hands, with fingers interlaced on the top of the ball, the hands compressing the ball in a collapsing A-frame shape of hands and arms, in front of the chest, pushing elbows inwardly as far as possible, to work the pectoral, arm and shoulder muscles. 
         [0162]      FIG. 15D  is a forward perspective view of an exercise performed with a multifunction exercise ball in accordance with the present invention. The exercise ball is held at torso level, touching the body, with each hand gripping the ball on a handle on diametrically opposed positions on the ball; handles parallel to the ground. 
         [0163]      FIG. 15E  is a forward perspective view of an exercise performed with a multifunction exercise ball in accordance with the present invention. The exercise ball is held between the thighs and knees with the inward pressure of the inside of the legs keeping the exercise ball in place while sitting. The knees are forced together, then returned to the starting position. The exercise is repeated to exercise the inner thigh muscles. 
         [0164]      FIG. 15F  is a forward perspective view of an exercise performed with a multifunction exercise ball in accordance with the present invention. The exercise ball is held at chin level, touching the body, with each hand gripping near the 11 and 1 o&#39;clock positions as viewed from a forward vantage point, with wrists and forearms centered on sides of the exercise ball, perpendicular to the ground. The forearms are pushed straight inward as far as possible, keeping them perpendicular to the ground, to work the pectoral, arm and shoulder muscles in a butterfly exercise. The exercise ball is returned to initial position and the exercise repeated. 
         [0165]      FIG. 15G  is a forward perspective view of an exercise performed with a multifunction exercise ball in accordance with the present invention. The exercise ball is held in front of the chest with one hand below, one on top, the fingertips and palms of the hands pushing on the surface of the exercise ball in a compression motion against the force of the opposite hand to work the shoulder/arm muscles. 
         [0166]      FIG. 15H  is a forward perspective view of an exercise performed with a multifunction exercise ball in accordance with the present invention. The exercise ball is held between the shoulder and one hand, wedged into the inner angle of the arm at elbow connection, held in place with the fingers and palms of the hand of the arm being exercised. The other hand can be used to compress the exercise ball towards the body as far as possible to exercise the bicep muscles and wrist. 
         [0167]      FIG. 15I  is a forward perspective view of an exercise performed with a multifunction exercise ball in accordance with the present invention. In this exercise, the exercise is not compressed, but rather curled upwards to strengthen biceps. 
         [0168]      FIG. 15J  is a forward perspective view of an exercise performed with a multifunction exercise ball in accordance with the present invention. The exercise ball is then pulled outwardly as far as possible. The ball contracts in reverse motion to initial position, working the arms, wrist, back, and shoulder muscles; and return to initial position and repeat. This one can be done together as one set of compression and expansion motions; 
         [0169]      FIG. 15K  is a forward perspective view of an exercise performed with a multifunction exercise ball in accordance with the present invention. 
         [0170]    In the shown embodiment, the exercise ball is squeezed laterally to develop biceps and pectorals, but the exercise ball does not comprise handles  114 . 
         [0171]      FIG. 15L  is a forward perspective view of an exercise performed with a multifunction exercise ball in accordance with the present invention. The exercise ball (i.e. spheroid) is held between the chest and both hands; the hands gripping the face of the spheroid furthest away from the chest, gripping by the fingertips and palm of the hand pushing on the surface of the spheroid inwardly against the force of the stationary chest; compress the spheroid towards the chest, chest giving equal compressing force, to exercise both the abdominal, pectoral, and bicep muscles simultaneously; repeat as desired. 
         [0172]      FIG. 15M  is a side perspective view of an exercise performed with a multifunction exercise ball in accordance with the present invention. The spheroid is held between the forehead and both hands, with the hands gripping the spheroid by the fingertips and the palms of the hands pushing on the surface of the spheroid inwardly against the forehead to exercise both the neck and bicep muscles. 
         [0173]      FIG. 15N  is a forward perspective view of an exercise performed with a multifunction exercise ball in accordance with the present invention. The spheroid is held at chin level, touching the body, with the hands gripping the spheroid by the handles at the approximate 11 and 1 o&#39;clock positions as viewed from the forward position, with the forearms centered on sides of the spheroid. The elbows are rotated inwardly as far as possible to work the pectoral and shoulder muscles. 
         [0174]      FIG. 16  is a lower perspective view of a handle  1600  of a multifunction exercise ball in accordance with the present invention. The handle  1600  comprises a handle  1602   a , a handle  1602   b , and bracket  1604 . 
         [0175]    In some embodiments, a plurality of handles  114  are joined together and affixed to the exercise ball in a single socket for use as described in  FIGS. 15A and 15C . 
         [0176]      FIG. 17  is a lower view of a multifunction exercise ball  1700  in accordance with the present invention. The exercise ball  1700  comprises a bladder  102 , a handle  114   a , and a handle  114   b.    
         [0177]    The handles  114   a - b  are shown in a configuration in which they are closer than diametrically located to one another. 
         [0178]    The bladder  102 , handle  114   a , and handle  114   b  are substantially described above in relation to  FIGS. 1-17 . 
         [0179]      FIG. 18  is a side view of a multifunction exercise ball  1800  in accordance with the present invention. The exercise ball  1800  comprises a bladder  102  and a recessed handle  1802 . 
         [0180]    The bladder  102  is substantially described above in relation to  FIGS. 1-17 . 
         [0181]    In some embodiments, the handles  114  merely comprise a recess within the bladder  102  sufficient for users to grip it as shown in  FIG. 13C . 
         [0182]      FIG. 19A  is a side view of a multifunction exercise ball  1900  in accordance with the present invention. The exercise ball  1900  comprises a bladder  102 , a top plate  1902 , and a baseplate  1904 . 
         [0183]    The bladder  102  is substantially described above in relation to  FIGS. 1-18 . 
         [0184]    The top plate  1902  comprises a metal, wood or polymer plate which rests on the exterior of the bladder  102 , a portion of which extends through the bladder  102  into the inner recess  104 . The top plate  1902  comprises a concave lower surface which contours the exterior of the bladder  102 . 
         [0185]    The baseplate  1904  comprises a metal, wood or polymer plate which rests on the lower exterior of the bladder  102 , a portion of which extends through the bladder  102  into the inner recess  104 . The baseplate  1902  comprises a concave upper surface which contours the exterior of the bladder  102 . 
         [0186]    The top plate  1902  and the baseplate  1904  are interconnected with a elastomeric band or spring stretched between the top plate  1902  and the baseplate  1904  such that compressive force is applied to the bladder  102  across the breadth of the axis formed by the elastomeric band. 
         [0187]    In some embodiments, the top plate  1902  and the baseplate  1904  are permanently or detachably affixed to one or more valves  106 , which serve as anchors for the top plate  1902  and the baseplate  1904 . 
         [0188]      FIG. 19B  is a side view of a sectioned multifunction exercise ball  1920  in accordance with the present invention. The exercise ball  1920  comprises a bladder  102 , a top plate  1902 , a baseplate  1904 , an elastomeric band  1922 , a cylindrical bar  1924   a , a cylindrical bar  1924   b.    
         [0189]    The bladder  102 , top plate  1902 , and baseplate  1904  are substantially described above in relation to  FIGS. 1-19A . 
         [0190]    The elastomeric band  1922  is detachably connected to the top plate  1902  and the baseplate  1904 . The elastomeric band is flexible and stretchable. The elastomeric band, in its relaxed state, is shorter in length than the diameter of the bladder  102 . 
         [0191]    In some embodiments, the elastomeric band  1922  comprises a hollow tube, such as a surgical tube. 
         [0192]    The top plate  1902  and the baseplate  1904  each comprise a cylindrical bar  1924   a - b  which is inserted into the hollow elastomeric band  1922  and secured with a pipe clamp or using other means known to those of skill in the art. 
         [0193]    In some embodiments, the cylindrical bars  1924   a - b  comprise valves  106 , which serve the dual purpose of securing the top plate  1902  and the bottom plate  1904  to the bladder  102 . In those embodiments, the elastomeric band  1902  comprises holes or apertures to facilitate the free flow of air from the inner recess  104  to the valves  106 . 
         [0194]      FIG. 19C  is a side view of sub-components  1940  of a multifunction exercise ball in accordance with the present invention. The sub-components  1940  comprise a top plate  1902 , a baseplate  1904 , an elastomeric band  1922 , a valve  106   a , and a valve  106   b.    
         [0195]    The elastomeric band  1922 , in the shown embodiment, is detached from the top plate  1902  and from the baseplate  1904 . The elastomeric band  1922  is replaceable when worn or fatigued. 
         [0196]    The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.