Multi-function isotonic exercise ball

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'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.

1 . 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   one or more of:
 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 controlled bleeding of pressurized air within the inner recess when air pressure within the inner recess exceeds air pressure of ambient air, wherein the valve is further configured to allow ambient to flow back into the sphere after the sphere is compressed; and 
 an air pressure gauge mounted on the surface of the sphere for measuring air pressure within the sphere as compressive forces as applied to the sphere. 
   
     
     
         2 . The multi-function exercise ball of  claim 1 , further comprising 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. 
     
     
         3 . The multi-function exercise ball of  claim 1 , wherein 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 check valve for regulating air flow into the inner recess.   
     
     
         4 . (canceled) 
     
     
         5 . The multi-function exercise ball of  claim 1 , wherein the valve further comprises one or more adjustable apertures for increasing the rate of air release from the inner recess when air in the inner recess is pressurized. 
     
     
         6 . The multi-function exercise ball of  claim 1 , wherein the sphere's original shape reforms after compression by tension created by one or more of:
 elastic foam filling the inner recess;   elastic foam defining the inner recess; and   a 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.   
     
     
         7 . The multi-function exercise ball of  claim 1 , further comprising an inflatable bladder encapsulating the sphere, the inflatable bladder and the sphere defining a second airtight recess between sphere and bladder which second recess is isolated atmospherically from both the inner recess and the ambient air, the inflatable bladder further comprising a second valve for inflating the second recess. 
     
     
         8 . The multi-function exercise ball of  claim 1 , wherein the valve comprises one of a one-way check valve, a presta valve, Schrader valve, leaf valve, one or more perforation in the sphere, and a relief valve. 
     
     
         9 . The multi-function exercise ball of  claim 1 , wherein the sphere comprises one or more perforations which act as air pressure release valves when pressure is applied to the sphere. 
     
     
         10 . (canceled) 
     
     
         11 . The multi-function exercise ball of  claim 1 , further comprising one or more of internal stretchable elastomeric band(s) and internal springs, attached at opposing ends to opposing internal sides of the sphere. 
     
     
         12 . The multi-function exercise ball of  claim 1 , further comprising one or more internal stretchable elastomeric band(s), the elastomeric band(s) traversing a conduit within the sphere, the elastomeric band(s) for resisting tensile forces applied to the sphere, the elastomeric band(s) attached to handles on opposing ends of the sphere. 
     
     
         13 . The multi-function exercise ball of  claim 1 , further comprising one or more external stretchable elastomeric band(s), detachably affixed exteriorly to the sphere. 
     
     
         14 . The multi-function exercise ball of  claim 1 , further comprising a plurality of sockets on the exterior of the sphere for receiving detachable handles, each detachable handle lockable within a socket. 
     
     
         15 . The multi-function exercise ball of  claim 1 , wherein the sphere further comprises a sealable aperture, the aperture unsealable for filling the inner recess with water. 
     
     
         16 . The multi-function exercise ball of  claim 1 , further comprising one or more internal springs connected at diametrically opposed points within the exercise object for resisting compressive and tensile forces. 
     
     
         17 . A multi-function isotonic exercise object comprising:
 an elastomeric object for enduring compressive and tensile forces, the object comprising:
 an outer surface comprising one of elastomeric polymer and leather; and 
 an inner core comprising elastic foam; 
   and   one or more of:
 a valve disposed between the inner core and surrounding ambient air, affixed within the spherical bladder, the check valve connecting the inner core 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 surface of the object acting as valve(s) to facilitate the flow of pressurized air out of the inner core; and 
 one or more internal spring(s) connected at diametrically opposed points within the exercise object for resisting compressive and tensile forces. 
   
     
     
         18 . The multi-function exercise object of  claim 17  wherein the object is one of spherical, cylindrical, cubic, conical, and polyhedral in shape. 
     
     
         19 . A method of strengthening muscle isotonically using an airtight elastic spheroid, 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;   
     
     
         20 . The multi-function exercise object of  claim 19 , further comprising pulling the two handles affixed to the spheroid apart so as to apply tensile force(s) to the spheroid. 
     
     
         21 . The multi-function exercise object of  claim 17 , further comprising a sealable aperture for receiving scented oil in a vial, the scented oil housed in the inner core, the scented oil released with air housed in the inner core which is ejected when the object is compressed.