Reversible ball having hyper-elastic properties

Abstract

A novelty device and the method of covering an object with the device. The device has an elastic casing that defines an internal area. The elastic casing has an external outer surface and an internal inner surface. The outer surface and the inner surface are different from each other, wherein both surfaces are visually and/or tactilely distinct. An aperture of a first diameter is disposed in the elastic casing. The aperture enables the elastic casing to be selectively inverted. The aperture can be elastically stretched to a diameter at least ten times greater than the original diameter of the aperture. Consequently, a small aperture can be elastically enlarged to a much greater size. This enables the casing to be easily turned inside out. It also enables the casing to be easily stretched over secondary objects that are originally much larger than the casing.

1 . A novelty device, comprising: 
 an elastic casing defining an internal area, said elastic casing having an external outer surface and an internal inner surface, wherein said outer surface and said inner surface are visually distinct from each other;    an aperture of a first diameter disposed in said elastic casing through which said elastic casing can be selectively inverted, wherein said aperture can be elastically stretched to a diameter at least ten times greater than said first diameter without damage.    
   
   
       2 . The device according to  claim 1 , wherein said elastic casing is free standing, therein defining said internal area in an uncollapsed condition when unstressed by any force other than gravity.  
   
   
       3 . The device according to  claim 1 , wherein said elastic casing defines a rim that surrounds said aperture, wherein said rim is reinforced by a thickening of said elastic casing at said rim.  
   
   
       4 . The device according to  claim 1 , wherein said elastic casing is generally spherical in shape.  
   
   
       5 . The device according to  claim 1 , wherein said elastic casing is comprised of poly(styrene-ethylene-ethylene-propylene-styrene) mixed with a plasticizing oil.  
   
   
       6 . The device according to  claim 1 , wherein said protrusions extend from said inner surface.  
   
   
       7 . The device according to  claim 1 , wherein said outer surface and said inner surface have different textures.  
   
   
       8 . The device according to  claim 1 , wherein said outer surface has the form of an animal disposed thereon.  
   
   
       9 . A method of selectively covering an object with one of two possible designs, said method comprising the steps of: 
 providing an elastic casing having an opening of a first size therein, wherein said elastic casing has an inner surface of a first design and an outer surface of a second design, wherein said elastic casing can be selectively inverted through said opening, and wherein said opening can be elastically stretched to a second size at least ten times greater than said first size;    choosing a selected design from either said first design or said second design on said casing;    manipulating said casing so that said selected design is oriented on the exterior of the elastic casing; and    stretching said opening of said casing around an object, wherein said casing elastically conforms to the object and covers the object with said selected design.    
   
   
       10 . The method according to  claim 9 , wherein said casing is spherically shaped.  
   
   
       11 . The method according to  claim 9 , wherein said first design is smooth and said second design includes protrusions.  
   
   
       12 . The method according to  claim 9 , wherein said elastic casing defines a rim that surrounds said opening, wherein said rim is reinforced by a thickening of said elastic casing at said rim.  
   
   
       13 . The method according to  claim 12 , wherein said elastic casing is comprised of poly(styrene-ethylene-ethylene-propylene-styrene) mixed with a plasticizing oil.  
   
   
       14 . The method according to  claim 9 , wherein said first design and said second design have different textures.