The New Zealand-based creators of the large inflatable ball ride known as the 'Zorb' are reportedly fighting to save their reputation after a journalist in Maine, US, was injured in a fake version of their ball.

The newspaper reporter fractured her back while rolling down a hill in the ball, which briefly became airborne before landing heavily.

The accident happened during a media preview of the attraction at Lost Valley ski area.

New Zealand-based Zorb Ltd, inventors of the the Zorb, were reportedly already investigating the alleged piracy of their trademark by the New England company which supplied the ball to the Lost Valley resort, before the accident happened.