Skeleton ball
US5224959A · kind A · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 18, 1992 |
| Grant date | Jul 6, 1993 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 18, 2012 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA63B23/03508
- WIPO fieldFurniture, games
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
A skeleton ball comprising a plurality of loops woven together into a spheroidal grid derived from polyhedral geometry. The loops comprise elongated rod, strand or tube elements joined at the ends subsequent to the weaving process. Only one joint per loop element is required. The grid's connections are frictionally secured through mutual flexural deformation of loops as a result of the weaving process. The frictionally-secured connections allow some embodiments to be collapsed or folded flat through relative sliding motion of loops. Relative sliding motion of loops also allows enlargement of grid openings so the ball may be used as a tote or container. The ball may be designed for bouyancy without need for inflation. The ball is suitable as a swimming or aquatic exercise aid affixed to the limbs through relative sliding of loops. The ball may be fabricated from widely available materials with little capital equipment or material preparation; modification or adaption of the ball to meet a diverse range of applications is discussed.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.