A NATURAL LATEX AND BIODEGRADABLE PLASTICS BASED SWISS BALL FOR FITNESS AND REHABILITATION

Abstract

The present invention relates to an eco-friendly Swiss ball designed for fitness and rehabilitation, composed of a unique blend of natural latex and biodegradable plastics. This innovative product addresses the environmental concerns associated with traditional exercise balls by employing biodegradable materials that retain essential properties such as flexibility, elasticity, and anti-burst strength. The biodegradable Swiss ball comprises 70-80% natural latex, sourced from certified organic suppliers, and 20-30% biodegradable plastics such as polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) and polycaprolactone (PCL), which provide enhanced structural integrity and weight-bearing capacity. The ball features a textured outer surface to improve grip and control during use and is designed with a weight-bearing capacity of up to 300 kg, making it suitable for a wide range of fitness and rehabilitation applications. The invention ensures environmental sustainability without compromising performance, as the ball is fully biodegradable and free from harmful chemicals like phthalates and PVC.

Specification

Description:[0020].The various aspects including the example aspects are now described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which the various aspects of the disclosure are shown. The disclosure may, however, be embodied in different forms and should not be construed as limited to the aspects set forth herein. Rather, these aspects are provided so that this disclosure is thorough and complete, and fully conveys the scope of the disclosure to those skilled in the art. In the drawings, the sizes of components may be exaggerated for clarity.
[0021].It is understood that when an element or layer is referred to as being "on," "connected to," or "coupled to" another element or layer, it can be directly on, connected to, or coupled to the other element or layer or intervening elements or layers that may be present. As used herein, the term "and/or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.
[0022].The subject matter of example aspects, as disclosed herein, is described with specificity to meet statutory requirements. However, the description itself is not intended to limit the scope of this patent. Rather, the inventor/inventors have contemplated that the claimed subject matter might also be embodied in other ways, to include different features or combinations of features similar to the ones described in this document, in conjunction with other technologies.
[0023].The present invention relates to the field of eco-friendly fitness equipment, specifically exercise balls. More particularly, it pertains to a biodegradable Swiss ball designed for fitness and rehabilitation purposes. The ball is made from a blend of natural latex and biodegradable plastics, providing a sustainable alternative to traditional non-biodegradable materials such as PVC and synthetic rubber. The invention focuses on creating an environmentally friendly product with enhanced durability, anti-burst properties, and user safety while reducing the long-term environmental impact typically associated with conventional exercise balls.
[0024].The present invention relates to the development of a biodegradable Swiss ball, an eco-friendly exercise ball specifically designed for use in fitness and rehabilitation. The ball is composed of a unique blend of natural latex and biodegradable plastics, offering an effective and sustainable alternative to conventional Swiss balls, which are typically made from non-biodegradable materials such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and synthetic rubber. These conventional materials are known for their harmful environmental impact, as they persist in the ecosystem for long periods and contribute to plastic pollution in landfills and oceans. In contrast, this biodegradable Swiss ball is designed to degrade naturally over time, minimizing its ecological footprint.
[0025].The primary component of the biodegradable Swiss ball is natural latex, which comprises 70-80% of the total material composition. Natural latex is a renewable resource derived from rubber trees, and in this invention, it is sourced from certified organic suppliers who comply with the Global Organic Latex Standard (GOLS). This ensures that the latex is harvested sustainably and free from harmful chemicals often associated with non-organic rubber production. Natural latex is known for its superior flexibility and elasticity, which are critical properties for exercise equipment. Its use in this invention provides the necessary stretch, bounce, and resilience required for high-performance applications, such as fitness routines, physical therapy, and rehabilitation exercises.
[0026].In addition to natural latex, the Swiss ball incorporates 20-30% biodegradable plastics, specifically a blend of polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) and polycaprolactone (PCL). These biodegradable plastics are chosen for their ability to enhance the ball's structural integrity and durability while maintaining its eco-friendly characteristics. PHA and PCL are biodegradable polymers that break down naturally in the environment, typically through microbial activity, reducing their long-term environmental impact. The inclusion of these biodegradable plastics improves the strength and anti-burst properties of the ball, ensuring that it can withstand significant pressure and weight during use without losing its shape or functionality.
[0027].One of the critical features of this invention is the anti-burst property of the Swiss ball. Traditional exercise balls can pose a safety risk if they suddenly deflate or burst during use, especially under high compression or when subjected to heavy weights. This invention mitigates that risk by incorporating cross-linking biodegradable polymers within the latex blend. This cross-linking process increases the tensile strength and elasticity of the material, allowing the ball to endure high levels of stress without rupturing. The ball's wall thickness, which ranges between 1.5 mm and 2.0 mm, is optimized to provide sufficient strength while maintaining the flexibility needed for compression and dynamic movement during exercises.
[0028].The biodegradable Swiss ball is designed to support a wide range of users and activities. It has a weight-bearing capacity of up to 300 kg (661 lbs), making it suitable for a broad spectrum of applications, from light physiotherapy exercises to more intensive fitness routines. This high weight-bearing capacity is made possible by the unique combination of natural latex and biodegradable plastics, which together provide the ball with excellent tensile strength and resistance to deformation under pressure. Whether used in professional rehabilitation settings or home fitness routines, this Swiss ball offers reliable performance and safety.
[0029].Another important feature of the Swiss ball is its textured outer surface, which is designed to enhance user grip and control during exercises. The texture may include raised ridges, a honeycomb pattern, or other surface designs that improve friction between the user's body and the ball, reducing the risk of slipping or losing balance during use. This textured surface is particularly beneficial during intense workouts or rehabilitation exercises where stability is critical. The texture not only improves functionality but also contributes to the ball's aesthetic appeal, making it a desirable product for fitness enthusiasts and professionals alike.
[0030].From an environmental perspective, the invention significantly reduces the ecological impact associated with traditional exercise balls. PVC and synthetic rubber, which are commonly used in existing products, are derived from non-renewable petroleum resources and take hundreds of years to decompose. Moreover, they release harmful chemicals during production and disposal, contributing to environmental pollution and health risks. In contrast, the biodegradable Swiss ball is free from harmful chemicals like phthalates, which are often used as plasticizers in PVC products. Phthalates have been linked to serious health issues, including endocrine disruption and developmental defects, making their elimination in this product a crucial safety feature for users.
[0031].The production process of the biodegradable Swiss ball also emphasizes sustainability. The materials used in the manufacturing process, including natural latex and biodegradable plastics, are sourced responsibly to minimize environmental impact. The production process itself is designed to be energy-efficient, reducing the carbon footprint associated with the manufacturing of the ball. Additionally, the use of fewer chemicals during production contributes to a cleaner, more environmentally responsible process. At the end of its life cycle, the biodegradable Swiss ball can be recycled or composted, significantly reducing the amount of waste that would otherwise end up in landfills.
[0032].The ball is available in various sizes, with diameters ranging from 55 cm to 85 cm, to accommodate different user needs and applications. Smaller sizes may be ideal for physiotherapy and rehabilitation exercises, while larger sizes are well-suited for balance training and core-strengthening exercises in fitness routines. The versatility of the Swiss ball makes it suitable for a wide range of fitness levels and user preferences, offering a solution that is adaptable to different exercise environments.
[0033].The biodegradable Swiss ball presented in this invention offers a sustainable and eco-friendly alternative to traditional exercise balls made from non-biodegradable materials such as PVC and synthetic rubber. By utilizing a unique blend of natural latex and biodegradable plastics, the invention combines the essential properties of flexibility, elasticity, and strength with the ability to naturally decompose over time, thereby reducing environmental pollution. The biodegradable Swiss ball addresses the growing demand for fitness equipment that minimizes ecological impact while retaining the high performance required for exercise and rehabilitation applications.
[0034].The ball's innovative composition, which includes 70-80% natural latex sourced from certified organic suppliers and 20-30% biodegradable plastics such as polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) and polycaprolactone (PCL), ensures a balance between durability and sustainability. Its enhanced anti-burst properties, achieved through cross-linking biodegradable polymers, provide users with a safe and reliable product suitable for a wide range of activities. With a weight-bearing capacity of up to 300 kg and a textured outer surface designed for improved grip and control, the Swiss ball is versatile and practical for both home fitness enthusiasts and professional rehabilitation settings.
[0035].In addition to its functional advantages, the biodegradable Swiss ball contributes to reducing environmental harm by eliminating harmful chemicals like phthalates and promoting responsible sourcing and energy-efficient production. At the end of its life cycle, the ball can be composted or recycled, further enhancing its eco-friendly credentials. This invention sets a new benchmark in the fitness industry for environmentally responsible equipment, offering consumers a high-performance product that aligns with global sustainability efforts.
[0036].In conclusion, the biodegradable Swiss ball represents a significant advancement in the field of eco-friendly fitness equipment. By combining the renewable, biodegradable properties of natural latex with the strength and durability of biodegradable plastics, this invention offers a sustainable alternative to traditional Swiss balls. It retains the critical performance characteristics required for fitness and rehabilitation, including flexibility, elasticity, anti-burst properties, and high weight-bearing capacity, while significantly reducing its environmental impact. The biodegradable Swiss ball not only addresses the growing consumer demand for eco-friendly products but also sets a new standard for sustainability in the fitness industry. , Claims:1.A biodegradable Swiss ball, comprising a blend of natural latex and biodegradable plastics, wherein:
a) The natural latex constitutes 70-80% of the material composition,
b) The biodegradable plastics constitute 20-30% of the material composition,
c) The ball retains anti-burst properties and high flexibility,
d) The outer surface of the ball is textured to enhance grip and control during use,
e) The ball has a weight-bearing capacity of up to 300 kg.
2.The biodegradable Swiss ball as claimed in claim 1, wherein the natural latex is sourced from certified organic suppliers compliant with the Global Organic Latex Standard (GOLS).
3.The biodegradable Swiss ball as claimed in claim 1, wherein the biodegradable plastics include a blend of polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) and polycaprolactone (PCL) to enhance structural integrity and durability while maintaining biodegradability.
4.The biodegradable Swiss ball as claimed in claim 1, wherein the anti-burst properties are enhanced by cross-linking biodegradable polymers within the latex to provide high performance under stress without compromising biodegradability.
5.The biodegradable Swiss ball as claimed in claim 1, wherein the ball's wall thickness ranges from 1.5 mm to 2.0 mm to provide adequate strength while allowing flexibility during compression.
6.The biodegradable Swiss ball as claimed in claim 1, wherein the outer surface includes a textured pattern, such as raised ridges or a honeycomb design, to improve user grip, comfort, and safety during exercise or rehabilitation.
7.The biodegradable Swiss ball as claimed in claim 1, wherein the ball is available in diameters ranging from 55 cm to 85 cm to suit a variety of fitness and physiotherapy applications.
8.The biodegradable Swiss ball as claimed in claim 1, wherein the manufacturing process minimizes energy consumption and chemical use, contributing to the overall environmental sustainability of the product.

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