US3806123A

US3806123A - Body mounted amusement device

Info

Publication number: US3806123A
Application number: US00292739A
Authority: US
Inventors: J Fennell
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1972-09-27
Filing date: 1972-09-27
Publication date: 1974-04-23
Anticipated expiration: 1991-04-23

Abstract

An amusement device wherein a first globular member is provided with a pair of straps for securing same to the body of one using the device. The first globular member is thus loosely secured around the body or to the body of the wearer and has a second, smaller globular member received freely on the inside thereof. Through body movements, the second smaller globular member can be caused to revolve around the inner wall of the first globular member in a particular fashion. As such, the inclination of the first globular member is affected by centrifugal force produced during revolution of the second, smaller globular member to assume a particular attitude.

Description

United States Patent 91 Fennell [451 Apr. 23, 1974 BODY MOUNTED AMUSEMENT DEVICE 22 Filed: Sept. 21, 1972 [21] Appl. No.: 292,739

[52] US. Cl. 273/109, 273/D1G. 19 [51] Int. Cl A63b 43/00 [58] Field of Search 46/43, 47, 52, 51, 88, 46/191, 193; 272/1 R, 57 R, 78; 273/109,

110, DIG. 19,1R, 58 C, 58 B, 58 F Wheeler 273/109 3,109,651 11/1963 3,157,961 ll/l964 Payne 3,342,482 9/1967 Paolone 272/57 R Primary ExaminerRichard C. Pinkham Assistant Examinerl-Iarry G. Strappello Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Wellington M. Manning, Jr.

[57] ABSTRACT An amusement device wherein a first globular member is provided with a pair of straps for securing same to the body of one using the device. The first globular member is thus loosely secured around the body or to the body of the wearer and has a second, smaller globular member received freely on the inside thereof. Through body movements, the second smaller globular member can be caused to revolve around the inner wall of the first globular member in a particular fashion. As such, the inclination of the first globular member is affected by centrifugal force produced during revolution of the second, smaller globular member to assume a particular attitude.

7 Claims, 5 Drawing Figures BODY MOUNTED AMUSEMENT DEVICE BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Numerous amusement devices have heretofore been devised that are affixed to the body of one using same and are influenced by body gyrations so as to achieve a particular inclination, attitude or result. For example, various and sundry balls or spherical objects have been secured to the head, shoulders, waist, feet and the like and depending upon the movement of the particular body portion, the ball will act in a predetermined fashion. Likewise, other amusement devices have been devised to be affixed to or worn around a particular body portion which, upon receiving impetus from body movement or gyrations will revolve around the body of the wearer, will extend outwardly from the body of the wearer, or the like.

All of the devices of the types mentioned above are put into use and provide great enjoyment to one using same from the standpoint of accomplishment where body coordination is required to cause the device to function properly, and in general, from the standpoint of visual observation. These devices further aid in the development of body coordination by those using same and are thus quite suitable for the further development of the coordination, agility, and the like of children and others.

The present invention represents yet another device of the general types mentioned above, and may be used by persons of all age. Depending upon the particular gyratory or other motion of the body of one using same, the device of the present invention will assume a particular attitude depending upon the degree and angle of revolution of the second, smaller globular member within the first globular member. The device of the present invention, moreover, is quite safe, may be economically produced, and is quite versatile in use to achieve particular different sensations.

The prior art is devoid of any teaching of a device such as is disclosed and claimed herein. Representative of the prior art are U. S. Pat. Nos. 3,157,961 to Payne; 3,178,851 to Gage; 3,200,536 to Petitto; 3,224,774 to Klotz; 3,345,772 to Sam; 3,348,333 to Cascioli, and 3,610,622 to Haroski.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide a novel amusement device.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a novel amusement device that is secured to a body portion of one using same and reacts in a fashion dependent upon the particular motion of the body.

Still further, another object of the present invention is to provide a novel device for use in developing good body gyratory motion.

Generally speaking, the device of the present invention comprises a first globular member; a second globular member freely received within said first globular member; and means to secure said first globular member to one using the device.

More specifically the first globular member is generally a hollow ball that may be a solid or flexible molded ball, an inflatable ball or the like depending upon the particular desired end use. Likewise, the second globular member is a ball which generally may be an injection molded hollow ball or may be a solid ball depending upon the particular end use desired. The second globular member is preferably substantially smaller in diameter than the first globular member whereby the smaller globular member will freely move around the inner wall of the first globular member.

Means to secure the first globular member to the body of an individual using the device preferably includes a strap extending from opposite sides of the first globular member, each strap being removably securable to the opposite strap around the body of the wearer. Securing straps may be affixed to the first globular member in any desired fashion. For example, the straps may be adhesively secured to opposite sides of the large globular member; the large globular member may be produced with eyelets or the like on opposite sides thereof to receive the strap therethrough or for affixation of the strap thereto; and the like. Attachment means for removably securing opposite ends of the straps to each other may take the form of hooks, frictional engagement means, or the like as desired so long as the straps may be secured and released as desired.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a top plan view of an amusement device according to the teachings of the present invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates an amusement device according to the present invention secured around the waist of an individual.

FIG. 3 is a partial side elevational view of an amusement device according to the teachings of the present invention showing a further embodiment thereof.

FIG. 4 is a partial side elevational view of an amusement device according to the teachings of the present invention showing further embodiments thereof.

FIG. 5 is a partial front elevational view of an amusement device according to the present invention showing straps secured to opposite sides of the device.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An amusement device according to the teachings of the present invention is illustrated in FIG. 1. A first globular member 10 is shown positioned between securement means provided to affix the device to the body of one using same as exemplified by the illustration in FIG. 2. Preferably the securement means are straps l2 and 14 that are affixed to opposite sides of globular member 10 and are adapted for attachment to each other around the body of one using same. Clasps 16 and 18 are shown positioned at the opposite outer ends thereof and are suitable for removably securing the straps to each other. Any other suitable device may, however, be employed to removably secure one strap to the other.

Straps

12 and 14 may be secured to first globular member 10 in any desired fashion. As shown in FIG. 1, a connector panel 11 is permanently secured to globular member 10 by a suitable adhesive or the like at opposite sides thereof. In turn, straps l2 and 14 are permanently secured to connector panels 11. The particular means for forming globular member 10 and

straps

12 and 14 is not critical so long as a suitable connection may be made therebetween.

First globular member 10 is a hollow spherical structure that may be inflatable, injection molded as a flexible or rigid member, as a whole or in parts. Second globular member 20 is freely received within first globular member and will move around the inner wall thereof in a direction dictated by the directional force applied thereto. Second globular member is likewise preferably a spherical member such as a ball, though other shapes will suffice. Obviously, second globular member 20 should be smaller in diameter than first globular member 10 so as to permit free revolution thereof around member 10. Preferably, second globular member 20 is substantially smaller in diameter than first globular member 10.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, the amusement device according to the teachings of the present invention may be strapped loosely around the waist of the wearer whereby the first globular member 10 is positioned adjacent the stomach area. The individual wearing the device may then institute a gyratory or similar body motion which will cause second globular member 20 to revolve around the inner wall of first globular member 10 and thus cause globular member 10 to assume a particular attitude with respect to its normal resting position. Where the first globular member 10 is loosely positioned around the waist of the wearer, the weight of the globular members will cause the device to sag. When, however, the wearer produces a gyratory motion such that the second globular member 20 passes around the dotted path indicated in FIG. 2, the first globular member will extend outwardly from the body of the wearer without sag. Likewise, depending upon the looseness of fit around the body of the wearer, the device may be used for various and sundry techniques and may also be deployed around the legs, waist, neck or other parts of the body of one using same.

FIG. 3 sets forth another embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 3, the first globular member 10 is shown having a plate 30 secured to one side thereof. Plate 30 is positioned on the side of the globular member 10 designed to reside adjacent the body of the wearer. Plate 30 thus provides a contact surface between the body of the wearer and globular member 10.

Further, plate 30 is preferably manufactured of a material having a smooth surface. As such, friction between globular member 10 and the body of the wearer is substantially reduced.

FIG. 4 illustrates yet another embodiment of the present invention. As illustrated, globular member 10 has a pair of second smaller globular members 20 and 20' received therein. Thus, if desired, a plurality of small second

globular members

20, 20 or the like may be placed within the confines of first globular member 10 to further add to the overall amusement effect of the device.

Another method for attaching securing means to the first globular member 10 is illustrated in FIG. 5. First globular member 10 is shown having semi-circular ring members 40 permanently secured to opposite sides thereof. Straps l2 and 14 are then, in turn, attached to members 40 and extend outwardly therefrom. Members 40 may be integral with first globular member 10 or secured thereto by any suitable means.

The amusement device of the present invention may be manufactured from any desired materials. Due to economics, plastic and rubber are preferred, each of which may be utilized in conventional manufacturing techniques for manufacturing hollow balls. Large globular member 10 is, however, preferably manufactured in at least two sections to permit ease of placement of small globular member 20 therein.

Having described the present invention in detail, it is obvious that one skilled in the art will be able to make variations and modifications thereto without departing from the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention should be determined only by the claims appended hereto.

What is claimed is:

1. An amusement device comprising:

a. a first globular member;

b. a second globular member freely received within said first globular member;

c. a first strap secured to said first globular member on one side thereof;

d. a second strap secured to said first globular member on an opposite side thereof; and

e. securement means provided on said first and second straps to removably secure same to each other around a body portion of one using same.

2. An amusement device as defined in claim 1 wherein said first globular member is a ball.

3. An amusement device as defined in claim 1 wherein said second globular member is a ball.

4. An amusement device as defined in claim 3 wherein said ball is solid and has a diameter substantially less than the diameter of the first globular member.

5. An amusement device as defined in claim 1 wherein saidfirst globular member further has a body contact member secured to a portion thereof.

6. An amusement device as defined in claim 1 wherein a plurality of second globular members are received within said first globular member.

7. An amusement device as defined in claim 6 wherein said second globular members are balls.

Claims

1. An amusement device comprising: a. a first globular member; b. a second globular member freely received within said first globular member; c. a first strap secured to said first globular member on one sidE thereof; d. a second strap secured to said first globular member on an opposite side thereof; and e. securement means provided on said first and second straps to removably secure same to each other around a body portion of one using same.

5. An amusement device as defined in claim 1 wherein said first globular member further has a body contact member secured to a portion thereof.