Spherical back exerciser apparatus

Abstract

An exercise apparatus for developing flexibility and strength in the back uses a captured ball to support the user's body. The ball is mounted in a receptacle with a substantial portion of the sphere exposed for contact with the user's body. The sphere has universal movement in the receptacle. In use, the user sits or lies on the ball in contact with the exposed sphere and their feet on the floor or a foot rest. The body is exercised by maintaining a point of contact between the ball and the user's back.

1 . An exercise device comprising an elongated frame, said elongated frame having a first end, a second end, and an underside for supporting the frame, said first end adjustably connected to an attachment, said attachment carrying a foot rest, a receptacle having an open mouth connected to said frame intermediate said first end and said second end for holding a sphere of a particular diameter and circumference, said receptacle having a depth less than the diameter of said sphere, said open mouth of said receptacle having a circumference closely circumscribing the circumference of said sphere to capture said sphere, whereby a user applies force to said sphere causing movement of said surface of said sphere resulting in exercise of the body in all axes to maintain contact between said sphere and the user.  
   
   
       2 . An exercise device of  claim 1  wherein said second end is adjustably connected to a second attachment, said second attachment including a first handle bar, said first handle bar disposed in a manner to provide a manual support for the user to maintain contact with said sphere.  
   
   
       3 . An exercise device of  claim 1  further comprising said foot rest having means for providing user support in the supine, prone and lateral positions.  
   
   
       4 . An exercise device of  claim 3  further comprising said foot rest including a support strap for securement of an individual's feet against said foot rest.  
   
   
       5 . An exercise device of  claim 2  further comprising said second attachment having a base connected to said frame, said base attached to a stabilizing bar extending laterally from said base, a support post extending upwardly from said stabilizing bar, said support post connected to a head rest.  
   
   
       6 . An exercise device of  claim 5  further comprising a flexible tether attached at one end to said stabilizing bar, said tether being adjustable in length, a grip attached to said tether at an other end thereof, said grip providing manual support for a user in all axes.  
   
   
       7 . An exercise device of  claim 5  further comprising a handle bar attached to said support post intermediate said stabilizing bar and said head rest.  
   
   
       8 . An exercise device of  claim 7  further comprising a second handle bar attached to said handle bar support post between said first handle bar and said frame.  
   
   
       9 . An exercise device of  claim 1  further comprising said sphere being resilient, said resilient sphere adapted to support a user's weight and maintain universal movement in said receptacle.  
   
   
       10 . An exercise device adapted for floor exercises said device comprising a frame, said frame having an open mouthed receptacle, said open mouth receptacle adapted to capture a sphere, said frame having vertical legs connected to said receptacle for supporting the receptacle above the floor, said frame including a radial frame member connected to said legs, said radial frame member having means for removable attachment of a manual rotary motor, whereby a user may place a sphere in supporting contact with the body and manually rotate said motor exercising in all axes.  
   
   
       11 . An exercise device of  claim 10  further comprising a second attachment having a base connected to said radial frame member, a support post extending upwardly from said attachment, said support post connected to a head rest.  
   
   
       12 . An exercise device of  claim 11  further comprising said support post connected to a handle bar.  
   
   
       13 . An exercise device of  claim 10  further comprising a second attachment having a base connected to said radial frame member, a support post extending upwardly from said attachment, said support post connected to a handle bar attached to said support post.  
   
   
       14 . An exercise device of  claim 13  further comprising a second handle bar attached to said handle bar support post between said first handle bar and said base.  
   
   
       15 . An exercise device for improving strength and flexibility of a user's body by continuous contact with a universally moving spherical surface through muscular responses to maintain equilibrium, said exercise device comprising a receptacle for capturing a sphere with a substantial portion of the surface of said sphere exposed, said receptacle having a circular frame member, said circular frame member connected to vertical frame members extending approximately normal to said circular frame member about said periphery, and supporting said circular frame member, said vertical frame members attached to accessories extending beyond said circular frame member, said accessories adapted to facilitate maintaining equilibrium.  
   
   
       16 . An exercise device of  claim 15  further comprising said frame members forming extensions beyond said periphery of said circular frame member and including removable connections to attachments whereby said device is easily disassembled.  
   
   
       17 . An exercise device of  claim 16  further comprising said attachments including vertical poles connected to said vertical frame members and extending upwardly to terminate in hand grips.  
   
   
       18 . An exercise device of  claim 16  further comprising said attachments including a foot rest.  
   
   
       19 . An exercise device of  claim 16  further comprising said attachments including a handle bar.  
   
   
       20 . An exercise device of  claim 16  further comprising said attachments including a head rest.