US3604726A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Balance ball for amusement and exercise
Assignee: Enterprises International Inc
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Filing: 1969-06-25
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Granted: 1971-09-14
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Expires: 1989-06-25
Abstract
Abstract Apparatus including a platform on a freely rotatable ball utilized for developed muscular coordination and balance as well as for amusement. A dome-shaped housing extends over the ball. Secured to the housing is a circular plate on which the user stands. Between the housing and the ball are antifriction devices. In one form, these are ball bearings. In another form, these are low friction areas of Teflon. To retain the housing on the ball, a skirt is secured to the housing and extends below the diameter of the ball.
Inventors
- 👤 Charles W Tracy
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-27 20:40
CPC Classifications
A; A63; A63B; A63B21/00; A63B21/0004; A63B22/00; A63B22/18; A63C; A63C17/00; A63C17/01; A63C17/014; A63C17/016; A63C17/22; A63C17/24; A63B22/0025; A63B2022/0033; A63B26/00; A63B26/003; A63B2026/006
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 5
Claim 1
Independent Claim
244 words
Apparatus for providing amusement and exercise comprising a relatively large spherical member, a housing having an internally curved surface generally complementary to said spherical member, said curved surface having a first portion at least as large as the maximum diameter of said member and terminating along the same, and a second portion smaller than the maximum diameter and adapted to overlie said member, antifriction means carried by said internally curved surface and providing the only contact between said spherical member and said housing at all times and permitting relatively free movement therebetween in all directions of rotation, a platform attached to said housing and extending generally radially outwardly therefrom along the maximum diameter of said spherical member a distance sufficient to receive the feet of an operator on opposite sides of said spherical member, retainer ring means connected to said housing and extending downwardly therefrom, said retainer ring means having a depending skirt with an inner surface arcuately curved in a direction from the bottom toward the top of said skirt and generally complementary to said spherical member, said skirt having a first portion at least as large as the maximum diameter of said member and a second portion smaller than the maximum diameter for retaining said spherical member within said housing at all times, said spherical member providing the sole support for said platform, whereby said spherical member is freely mounted within said housing and is retained therein by said retainer ring means.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
244 words
Apparatus for providing amusement and exercise comprising a relatively large spherical member, a housing having an internally curved surface generally complementary to said spherical member, said curved surface having a first portion at least as large as the maximum diameter of said member and terminating along the same, and a second portion smaller than the maximum diameter and adapted to overlie said member, antifriction means carried by said internally curved surface and providing the only contact between said spherical member and said housing at all times and permitting relatively free movement therebetween in all directions of rotation, a platform attached to said housing and extending generally radially outwardly therefrom along the maximum diameter of said spherical member a distance sufficient to receive the feet of an operator on opposite sides of said spherical member, retainer ring means connected to said housing and extending downwardly therefrom, said retainer ring means having a depending skirt with an inner surface arcuately curved in a direction from the bottom toward the top of said skirt and generally complementary to said spherical member, said skirt having a first portion at least as large as the maximum diameter of said member and a second portion smaller than the maximum diameter for retaining said spherical member within said housing at all times, said spherical member providing the sole support for said platform, whereby said spherical member is freely mounted within said housing and is retained therein by said retainer ring means.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
44 words
The structure of claim 1 in which said antifriction means includes a plurality of generally semispherical recesses in said housing, a ball bearing located within each of said recesses and having a portion extending inwardly of the housing in engagement with said spherical member.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
19 words
The structure of claim 2 including collar means for retaining said ball bearings within the recesses of said housing.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
14 words
The structure of claim 1 in which said antifriction means includes an antifriction surface.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1974-09-13 | 1975-03-15 | 1975-09-14 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1978-09-13 | 1979-03-15 | 1979-09-14 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1982-09-13 | 1983-03-15 | 1983-09-14 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |