Apparatus for exercising manual coordination

#This invention relates to apparatus for exercising manual coordination. It may be used either as a toy or as a therapeutic device or as a device for generally improving coordination.

#While there are various ways of exercising and improving manual coordination, the present device has the advantage of being interesting to operate, so that it can become practically a toy in the hands of a well-coordinated child or adult, while at the same time, it does require concentration and careful manipulation so that it aids in improvement of coordination. It can thus be used to interest people whose coordination especially needs improvement or in helping those who are, perhaps, bed-ridden for some other cause and need something to restore their confidence in their ability to do things or to keep the time going when they are unable to do some other things that they would like to do.

#Thus, among the objects of the present invention are those of providing a system which aids in exercising and improving manual coordination and which is sufficiently interesting so that it can be used either as a therapeutic device or as a toy or as an entertainment in general.

#In the drawings:

#FIG. 1 is a view in perspective showing in use apparatus embodying the principles of the invention.

#FIG. 2 is a view in perspective of a ball embodying the principles of the invention.

#As already stated, the device comprises a ball 10 and two-ball manipulating devices 11 and 12. FIG. 2 shows a ball 10 embodying the principles of the invention. The ball 10 itself is preferably round, but it need not be absolutely spherical. Along three axes, the typical X, Y, and Z axes, are provided projections 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, and 18, which may be integral parts of the ball 10, which may be made from a plastic having suitable stiffness. It is, therefore, desirable to have the entire ball 10 and its projections 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, and 18 made of materials which are not harmful even when flying rapidly through the air, if they should come up against a person or some object. Each projection 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, and 18 is hooked, having an end portion 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, and 28 turned in slightly more than 90.degree. so that it forms an acute angle, though nearly a right angle. Preferably, the hooked portions along one diameter, e.g., the portions 23 and 24, are directed in opposite directions from each other, while the others are inclined in the same directions.

#Each ball manipulating device 11 or 12 comprises a handle 30, which may be of relatively rigid plastic, a rotatable member 31 at one end. This rotatable member 31 may be made from flexible plastic. Thus, one can hold the handle 30 and whirl the member 31 around and around in its plane. The means for securing the two together may comprise an annular recess 32 in the handle 30 together with a small opening 33 through the member 31. The member 31 may have a slit provided to one side of the opening 33 to aid in installation. Other such devices, such as pins extending through a small opening and stuck into the handle, may be used if desired.

#At a distal end of the flexible member 31 is a larger opening 35, preferably round though not necessarily so, and preferably having a size larger than the length of a hook portion 23 or 24, etc., of the ball 10. A terminal portion 36 at the distal end of the member 31, which surrounds about half of the opening 35 is preferably relatively narrow and quite flexible.