US20070265151A1

US20070265151A1 - Exercise fitness ball carrying device

Info

Publication number: US20070265151A1
Application number: US11/801,150
Authority: US
Inventors: Diane Carol Ballard Olson
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2006-05-10
Filing date: 2007-05-09
Publication date: 2007-11-15

Abstract

The present invention is a carrying device for an exercise fitness ball. The carrying device comprises of a fabric shape and fabric, nylon webbing and the like straps. The shape of the fabric section must be so that the corners of the shape are on the bias of the fabric to facilitate the ease of shaping to the exercise ball. The fabric carrier section is positioned under the exercise fitness ball. A fastening mechanism of two pieces of fabric, nylon webbing and the like straps is positioned around the ball in either a crosswise without hook and loop fastener or side-by-side position and secured with hook and loop fastener at the topmost position of the handle. The carrying device holding an exercise fitness ball can be held by handles to transport or hung on hook or similar by handles for storage.

Description

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/799,620, filed on May 10, 2006, entitled “Exercise Fitness Ball Carrying Device”.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not Applicable

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable

REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER PROGRAM LISTING COMPACT DISC APPENDIX

Not Applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates generally to a carrying device for carrying or storing an object and more particularly to a carrying device to carry and store an exercise fitness ball and the like. This invention will alleviate the cumbersome and awkward job of carrying an oversized exercise fitness ball and facilitate in the storage of said ball.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Exercise fitness balls are a popular form of exercise and are commonly used for persons with injuries and other disabilities for rehabilitation and comfort. Some persons use the exercise fitness ball by lying upon the surface of the exercise fitness ball and rolling the exercise fitness ball in various directions on the floor or other substantially flat surface. Other persons use the exercise fitness ball by sitting upon the exercise fitness ball at a desk, at a table, while reading, or while watching television.
Typically, the exercise fitness ball is constructed from a durable plastic material and inflated to a predetermined pressure with predetermined resiliency. The exercise fitness balls are manufactured in a variety of shapes and sizes depending on the intended use and desired exercise and/or comfort. For instance, the exercise fitness ball can be substantially spherical with a predetermined diameter. Typical diameters of currently manufactured exercise fitness balls have diameters of approximately sixty-five (65 cm) centimeters and approximately fifty-five (55 cm) centimeters. Other diameters of exercise fitness balls are manufactured depending on the desires of the user.
Unfortunately, while transporting or storing the exercise fitness ball, the user must hold surface of the exercise fitness ball with his or her arm. This is cumbersome and awkward especially when carrying other exercise equipment. The exercise fitness ball can be stored by hanging handles from a hook or similar.
Accordingly, there exists a need for a carrying device for carrying an exercise fitness ball which provides a convenient and encumbered way of transportation and storage.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

1. A carrying device for an exercise fitness ball. The carrying device comprising: a fabric base having a particular shape with the corners of shape on the bias of the fabric, and fastening means of two pieces of fabric, nylon webbing and the like or similar attached on each corner, creating two handle, either crossed without hook and loop fastener or side-by-side with hook and loop fastener closing at topmost point of handles. An optional buckle, slide or loop and the like can be added to the webbing to secure the webbing tightly to the circumference of the exercise fitness ball. The square of fabric is between 22″-30″ with cutouts of a concave curve between 3″-7″ at its most concave point. The width at the corners is approximately 1¾″ so that after sewing and allowing for seam allowances, the approximately 1″ fabric, nylon webbing and the like will fit into the corner to be sewn at the corner. The grain line for the fabric is shown so that the corners are on the bias of the fabric. The square part shown consist of two pieces of fabric sewn as in FIG. 8 and FIG. 9, and two pieces of fabric, nylon webbing and the like or similar either attached to opposite corners with the crossing of straps used to act as a handle together or attached to corners next to each other with a piece of hook and loop fastener attached to both handles at the center position used to attach handles together in between the two pieces of sewn fabric. The fabric is then turned right side out and the opening left open for turning is sewn closed.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

The exercise fitness ball carrying device wherein the exercise fitness ball is substantially spherical and the carrying device holds the ball for transport or storage. The carrying device holding exercise fitness ball can be held by handles to transport or hung on hook or similar by handles for storage.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING

FIG. 1 is the pattern 20 for the fabric section of the carrying device 19 for an exercise fitness ball 28. The square of fabric 20 is between 22″-30″ with cutouts of a concave curve between 3′-7′ at its most concave point. The width at the corners is approximately 1¾″ so that after sewing and allowing for seam allowances, the approximately 1″ strap of fabric, nylon webbing and the like will fit into the corner to be sewn at the corner. The grain line for the fabric is shown so that the corners are on the bias of the fabric.

FIG. 2 is top view of one embodiment of a carrying device 19 for carrying an exercise fitness ball 28, the square part shown consist of two pieces of fabric 20 sewn as in FIG. 8 and FIG. 9, and two pieces of fabric, nylon webbing and the like or similar to create handles 21-22 attached to corners next to each other with a piece of hook 24 and loop 23 fastener attached to both handles at the center position used to attach handles together.

FIG. 3 is side view of carrying device 19 shown on an exercise fitness ball 28 with fabric portion 20 on bottom and fabric, nylon webbing and the like straps 21-22 around ball and attached with hook 24 and loop 23 fastener at top.

FIG. 4 is top view of carrying device 19 shown on an exercise fitness ball 28 with fabric, nylon webbing and the like straps 21-22 around ball and attached with hook 24 and loop 23 fastener at top.

FIG. 5 is top view of one embodiment of a carrying device 19 for carrying an exercise fitness ball 28, the square part shown consist of two pieces of fabric 20 sewn as in FIG. 8 and FIG. 9, and two pieces of fabric, nylon webbing and the like straps 21-22 or similar attached to opposite corners with the crossing of straps used to act as a handle together.

FIG. 6 is side view of carrying device 19 shown on an exercise fitness ball 28 with fabric portion 20 on bottom and fabric, nylon webbing and the like straps 21-22 crossed around ball to act as a handle at top.

FIG. 7 is top view of carrying device 19 shown on an exercise fitness ball 28 with fabric, nylon webbing and the like straps 21-22 crossed around ball to act as a handle at top.

FIG. 8 is to show the stitching lines 25 of two pieces of fabric 20 with right sides together leaving an opening 26 of approximately 5″-7″ for attaching fabric, nylon webbing and the like or similar straps 21-22 and turning fabric right side out.

FIG. 9 is to show the placement of the straps 21-22 of fabric, nylon webbing and the like or similar in between two pieces of fabric 20 and the attachment 27 of handles in each corner of fabric. Turn right side out and sew opening in fabric.

FIG. 10 is to show the embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

A carrying device for an exercise fitness ball. The carrying device comprising: a fabric base having a particular shape with the corners of shape on the bias of the fabric, and fastening means of two pieces of fabric, nylon webbing and the like or similar attached on each corner, creating two handles, either crossed without hook and loop fastener or side-by-side with hook and loop fastener closing at topmost point of handles. An optional buckle, slide or loop and the like can be added to the webbing to secure the webbing tightly to the circumference of the exercise fitness ball. FIG. 1 is the pattern for the fabric section 20 of the carrying device 19 for an exercise fitness ball 28. The square of fabric 20 is between 22″-30″ with cutouts of a concave curve between 3′-7′ at its most concave point. The width at the corners is approximately 1¾′ so that after sewing and allowing for seam allowances, the approximately 1″ strap 21-22 of fabric, nylon webbing and the like will fit into the corner to be sewn at the corner. The grain line for the fabric is shown so that the corners are on the bias of the fabric. It is within the scope of the present invention to construct the carrying device from any type of fabric material. It is within the scope of the present invention to construct the carrying device handles from any type fabric, nylon webbing and the like or other material. The fabric pattern shape 20 of the carrying device 19 of the present invention and can be constructed from a variety of fabrics and/or other materials having the ability to conform to the contours of the exercise fitness ball and having a predetermined shape 20 depending on the size of the exercise fitness ball 28. It should be noted that while the carrying device 19 has been described heretofore and will be described hereafter as being constructed from certain fabrics, it is within the scope of the present invention to construct the carrying device 19 from any type of fabric material.
With an exercise fitness ball 28 having a diameter of approximately fifty-five (55 cm) centimeters to sixty-five (65 cm) centimeters, the carrying device 19 preferably has a fabric pattern shape 20 of approximately twenty two to thirty inches (22″-30″) square. While the above-referenced carrying device 19 sizes are preferred, it should be noted, however, that various sizes of fabric pattern shapes 20 can be used with various-sized exercise fitness balls 28. In fact, the carrying device 19 can be variably sized and shaped to substantially support any size or shape exercise fitness ball 28.
The two fabric pattern shape 20 pieces of fabric sewn 25 as in FIG. 8 and FIG. 9, and two pieces of fabric, nylon webbing and the like or similar either attached to opposite corners with the crossing of straps used to act as a handle together or attached to corners next to each other with a piece of hook and loop fastener attached to both handles at the center position used to attach handles together in between the two pieces of sewn fabric. FIG. 9 shows the straps 21-22, with each strap end 21-22 inserted into a corner on the sewn casing of two fabric pattern shapes 20 sewn 27 with right sides of fabric facing each other with the straps 21-22 contained within the pouch of the fabric so that after sewing or similarly securing the straps 21-22 to the corners of the fabric pattern shape 20 the fabric pattern shape 20 can be turned right side out and the straps 21-22 will be on the outside of the fabric. The straps 21-22 are approximately one (1″) inch wide and the length may vary from two feet to six feet according to size of exercise fitness ball 28 and the use of various materials including but not limited to fabric, nylon webbing and the like are within the scope of the present invention.
Preferably, the stitching is performed in a straight stitch for secure holding of the ends of the straps 21-22 therein. It should be noted that other types of stitching and other methods of securing the straps 21-22 to fabric pattern shapes 20 including, but not limited, to staples, fabric rivets, adhesive, etc., is within the scope of the present invention. The carrying device 19 of the present invention further includes an optional fastening mechanism 23-24 of hook 24 and loop 23 fastener to fasten straps 21-22 at topmost point of handle to be sewn or similarly attached in the centermost point of straps 21-22. The fabric is then turned right side out and the opening 26 left open for turning is sewn closed.
As illustrated in FIG. 10, the present invention is a carrying device, indicated generally at 19, for carrying and storing an exercise fitness ball 28 and the like. As discussed above, the exercise fitness ball 28 is typically constructed from a durable plastic material and inflated to a predetermined pressure with predetermined resiliency. While the exercise fitness ball 28 can be manufactured in a variety of shapes and sizes depending on the intended use and desired exercise and/or comfort, the exercise fitness ball 28 as illustrated in FIG. 10 is substantially spherical. It will be understood by a person skilled in the art that a substantially spherical exercise fitness ball 28 is shown, use of the carrying device 19 with other shapes of exercise fitness balls 28 including, but not limited to, “peanut shaped” exercise fitness balls 28 is within the scope of the present invention.
To use the carrying device 19, position the carrying device 19 directly under the exercise fitness ball 28. The straps 21-22 are then positioned about the exercise fitness ball 28 and either secured about the exercise fitness ball 28 by means of hook 24 and loop 23 fastener and the like or the crossing of the straps 21-22 creating the handle at the topmost point of the straps 21-22. To remove the carrying device 19 from the exercise fitness ball 28 the hook 24 and loop 23 fastener is unhooked thereby allowing the exercise fitness ball 28 to be released from the carrying device 19. Alternatively, the exercise fitness ball 28 can be rolled out from between the straps of the carrying device 19.
The carrying device 19 of the present invention provides a novel and unique approach to carrying and/or storing an exercise fitness ball 28 comfortably and securely. Furthermore, the carrying device 19 can be easily removed for cleaning or replacement, depending on the desire of the user.
The foregoing exemplary descriptions and the illustrative preferred embodiments of the present invention have been explained in the drawings and described in detail, with varying modifications and alternative embodiments being taught. While the invention has been so shown, described and illustrated, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that equivalent changes in form and detail may be made therein without departing from the true spirit and scope of the invention, and that the scope of the present invention is to be limited only to the claims except as precluded by the prior art. Moreover, the invention as disclosed herein, may be suitably practiced in the absence of the specific elements which are disclosed herein.

Claims

1. A carrying device for an exercise fitness ball, the carrying device comprising: a fabric base having a particular shape with the corners of shape on the bias of the fabric; and fastening means of fabric, nylon webbing and the like on each corner, creating two handle, closing at topmost point of handles; and the square of fabric being between 22″-30″ with cutouts of a concave curve between 3″-7″ at its most concave point with the width at the corners approximately 1¾″ so that after sewing and allowing for seam allowances, the approximately 1″ strap of fabric, nylon webbing and the like will fit into the corner to be sewn at the corner whereas the corner width measurement can be adjusted for various strap widths;

2. The carrying device of claim 1 wherein the grain line for the fabric is so that the corners are on the bias of the fabric to facilitate the ease of shaping to the exercise ball.

3. The carrying device of claim 1 wherein the exercise fitness ball is substantially spherical and the carrying device holds the ball for transport or storage.

4. The fabric base having a particular shape carrier section is positioned under the exercise fitness ball and a fastening mechanism of two straps of fabric, nylon webbing and the like are positioned around the ball in either a crosswise without hook and loop fastener or side-by-side position and secured with hook and loop fastener at the topmost position of the handle.

5. The carrying device of claim 4 while holding an exercise fitness ball can be carried or hung by handles for storage.