Training Apparatus

Abstract

Training apparatuses are provided that include a substantially spherical, hollow shell formed from a pair of hemispherical portions. The hemispherical portions may each include an annular peripheral edge having a fastening mechanism, which may be adapted to provide rigidity and structure to the training apparatus. At least one hemispherical portion may further include a number of protrusions extending along an inner surface from the peripheral edge, the protrusions configured to provide structural support and durability to the training apparatus.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A training apparatus comprising:
 a substantially spherical, hollow shell defining an interior compartment, the shell comprising:   a pair of substantially hemispherical portions each portion comprising:
 a continuous outer surface; 
 a continuous inner surface; 
 an annular peripheral edge extending a thickness from the outer surface to the inner surface, the annular peripheral edge comprising a fastening mechanism; 
 a plurality of protrusions extending along the inner surface from the annular peripheral edge toward a center of the respective portion; 
   wherein the annular peripheral edges of the substantially hemispherical portions are fastened together via the fastening mechanisms to form the substantially spherical shell.   
     
     
         2 . A training apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of protrusions comprises one or more central protrusions extending through the center of the respective portion, from a first point on the annular peripheral edge to a second point on the annular peripheral edge. 
     
     
         3 . A training apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of protrusions comprises one or more short protrusions extending a length equal to from about 1/20 to less than about ⅛ of a circumference of the shell. 
     
     
         4 . A training apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of protrusions comprises one or more long protrusions extending a length equal to from about ⅛ to about ¼ of a circumference of the shell. 
     
     
         5 . A training apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of protrusions comprises:
 one or more central protrusions extending a length equal to about ½ of a circumference of the shell;   one or more short protrusions extending a length equal to from about 1/20 to less than about ⅛ the circumference of the shell; and   one or more long protrusions extending a length equal to from about ⅛ to about ¼ the circumference of the shell.   
     
     
         6 . A training apparatus according to  claim 5 , wherein the plurality of protrusions comprises:
 2 central protrusions;   12 short protrusions; and   6 long protrusions.   
     
     
         7 . A training apparatus according to  claim 5 , wherein each of the plurality of protrusions comprises a height of from about 0.1 inches to about 1 inch. 
     
     
         8 . A training apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the fastening mechanism comprises a plurality of apertures, each of the apertures adapted to securely hold a dowel therewithin. 
     
     
         9 . A training apparatus according to  claim 8 , wherein the fastening mechanism further comprises a rubber adhesive. 
     
     
         10 . A training apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein each of the portions comprises a thickness of from about 0.5 inches to about 2 inches. 
     
     
         11 . A training apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the portions each comprise one or more materials selected from the group consisting of: rubber, nylon, vinyl, leather, polyurethane, polyvinyl chloride, and neoprene. 
     
     
         12 . A training apparatus according to  claim 11 , wherein the portions each comprise rubber. 
     
     
         13 . A training apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the shell comprises a circumference of from about 8 inches to about 44 inches. 
     
     
         14 . A training apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the interior compartment comprises a volume of from about 30 cubic inches to about 1800 cubic inches. 
     
     
         15 . A training apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the interior compartment is adapted to hold one or more weighted materials therein. 
     
     
         16 . A training apparatus according to  claim 15 , wherein the one or more weighted materials are selected from the group consisting of: iron, rubber, gel, sand, salt, rice, and water. 
     
     
         17 . A training apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the shell comprises a weight of from about 5 pounds to about 30 pounds.