DE202012005792U1 - balance device - Google Patents

Abstract

Balance device, comprising a tread plate (4) with a tread surface (6) and a bottom surface (8), a hollow body (10) with a bottom region (12), and a fastening section (14), the hollow body (10) with the fastening section ( 14) is fastened to the bottom surface (8) of the tread plate (6), further comprising a preferably adjustable inclination limiting device (16) which limits a maximum possible inclination of the tread plate (4).

Description

The present invention relates to a balance device or a jump device. In particular, the present invention relates to a balancing device for balancing, in the form of a hollow or air-filled hollow body. The hollow body is attached to a bottom member to increase the footprint of the balance device.

There are various seat pads, seatballs and balance devices known. However, because of the unstable shape, seatballs are not suitable for balancing on them. The danger of accidentally rolling away has led to a lack of balance on sitting balls.

There are also known therapy gyros and other balancing devices having a substantially smooth surface and various bottoms and suspensions on which balance exercises can be performed.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a balancing device which further develops known balancing devices and which can also be used for more difficult balancing exercises.

These and other objects are achieved by a balance device with a tread plate and a hollow body. The tread plate includes a tread surface and a bottom surface. The hollow body has a bottom portion, and a fixing portion. The hollow body is secured to the mounting portion on the bottom surface of the tread plate. The hollow body is made of an elastically deformable material, which allows the hollow body yields when loaded down, sideways and in a tilting movement.

The balance device is further provided with a preferably adjustable inclination limiting device which limits the maximum possible inclination of the tread plate in at least one direction. The inclination limiting device is preferably infinitely adjustable in order to enable a trainee or user to set the degree of maximum possible tilting and / or a possible tilting in the forward / backward direction.

Furthermore, it is advantageous if the degree of maximum possible lateral tilting and the degree of possible tilting in the forward / backward direction can be adjusted independently of each other. It is intended to arrange various independent tilt limiting devices on the balance device. The adjustable inclination limiting device can be connected directly to the tread plate.

In another exemplary embodiment, the balance device further comprises a bottom plate. The hollow body comprises a bottom region, which rests on the bottom plate or is connected to the bottom plate. The adjustable inclination limiting device is connected to the one with the tread plate and / or with the bottom plate.

In another exemplary embodiment, the inclination limiting device includes at least one length-adjustable rope or strap that limits a maximum lateral inclination of the tread plate with respect to the bottom plate. By a tilt limiting device, which is designed as a band or a rope, a central adjustment of the tilt limiting device can be easily achieved. Another advantage of a belt or rope tilt limiter is that ropes and straps can be easily provided with a dampening device to achieve a smooth response of the slant control device. Ropes and tapes with intrinsic elasticity and damping can also be used for this purpose.

In an additional exemplary embodiment of the balance device, the tilt limitation device preferably includes height-adjustable feet disposed on the tread surface and / or on the bottom plate. The feet can be designed as screw feet, as telescopic feet or as folding feet. It is also intended to perform the feet as scissor feet (similar to a scissors jack). The foot can also be designed as a hollow annular Schraubfuß which surrounds the entire hollow body. The feet may also be provided with sliding or rolling means permitting lateral movement of the foot or feet relative to a floor or floor panel. Especially when using very soft hollow body so that a lateral movement of the footboard can be promoted in addition to tilting movements. Sliding or rolling devices can also greatly reduce lateral load on the feet, as a tilting motion also often involves a lateral movement component that can exert an additional bending load on the foot.

In a further alternative embodiment of the balance device, individual elements of the inclination-limiting device, such as ropes, bands or feet, are arranged in a region around the hollow body. In this embodiment, the elements of the inclination limiting device form a frame which surrounds the hollow body. In this embodiment, the hollow body forms a central Element surrounded at the edge by individual inclination limiting devices.

In another additional embodiment of the balance device, the inclination limiting device is embodied as a length-adjustable rope or band or a height-adjustable foot which is arranged in the middle of the tread plate and the bottom plate and connects them together. In this embodiment, the hollow body has substantially the shape of a torus, through which the cable, the band or the foot of the inclination-limiting device extends. This embodiment can also be combined with other tilt limiting devices which can be arranged at the edge. Due to the torus shape, a single rope, band or a single foot can be sufficient for a load to specify a maximum inclination.

In an additional alternative embodiment of the balance device, the hollow body is provided on the bottom area and the bottom plate on the side on which the hollow body rests in each case with complementary structures. These complementary structures prevent displacement of the floor area relative to the floor slab or at least severely restrict it.

In another further embodiment of the balance device of the hollow body is glued to the tread plate and / or with the bottom plate. Bonding has the advantage, in comparison to other possible joining techniques, that a firm and secure connection can be achieved with relatively little effort. In a further exemplary embodiment, the hollow body is produced by rotational molding and molded or formed directly on the tread plate and / or the bottom plate. In particular, the use of a rotational molding method can also make it possible to increase the wall thickness of the hollow body essentially in the region of the edge in order to minimize the material usage of the hollow body material.

In another additional exemplary embodiment, the balance device is further provided with a railing attached to the bottom plate. A handrail, on the one hand, can prevent accidents by preventing a person exercising from falling off of the balancer and, on the other hand, can be used to reduce the burden on a leg or foot in the area of rehab applications where a exerciser is supported on the railing.

The railing of the balance device can be made adjustable in height, for example. The railing can be altogether adjustable in height or the railing can have height-adjustable side elements in order to adapt to a one-sided rehabilitation situation can.

In an additional further embodiment of the balance device, the inclination-limiting device can be adjusted remotely by an adjusting device on the railing adjustable. This allows a simple adjustment of the tilt limiting device and thus the maximum angle of inclination during training. A quick adjustment may be made to determine the treadle, so as to facilitate entering the balance device or facilitate.

The balance device may further be provided with a device for deflecting the tread plate vertically or at an angle. This can be carried out by a mechanical or by a pneumatic or hydraulic coupling to the plate or to the hollow body.

In an exemplary embodiment of the balance device, the tread plate and / or the bottom plate are substantially quadrangular. There are also round versions possible, but then often arise problems with the arrangement of the tilt limiting devices.

In another embodiment, the balance device further comprises attachment means, such as eyelets, for attaching or receiving training devices. Eyelets may be disposed on the bottom plate or tread plate to secure expander or elastic bands. For example, with an elastic band, the force that a exercising person exerts on the tread plate can be increased to enhance a training effect, as well as increase the difficulty of an exercise.

The railing may also be provided with retainers to receive additional equipment. It is intended to arrange on the railing dumbbell holder, training plan holder, towel music player and training computer holder, Expanderhalter and the like. It is also envisaged to integrate a crutch or walking stick holder on the railing. The bottom plate and / or the railing can also be provided with support feet or mounting holes to prevent tipping over of the balance device during training.

In another additional exemplary embodiment, the balance device is provided with a pinch protection device disposed between the tread plate and the bottom plate and between the tread plate and the railing, respectively. The gorge protection device is attached to the tread plate and / or floor plate and / or the railing.

In yet another exemplary embodiment, the balance device is provided with at least one device that can change the pressure or air pressure in the hollow body.

For example, the hollow body may substantially have the shape of a portion of an ellipsoid of revolution.

The hollow body defines at least one chamber enclosed by a hollow body skin. The hollow body may be filled with a fluid such as air or a gas or with a liquid such as water or an oil. A gas has the advantage that the tread plate can move easily in up and down direction. Further, a gas filled hollow body can be easily changed by air pumps in its pressure. By contrast, a hollow body filled with a liquid can more easily be set to tilting movements only.

The hollow body can be reinforced with tissue in order to keep a volume change of the hollow body by an expansion of the hollow skin as small as possible.

It is also intended that the footboard is provided with a Velcro surface. A Velcro or Velcro surface can quickly attach different surfaces on the tread plate. For example, one for street shoes, an anti-slip surface or the barefoot can be used.

The hollow body may be made of plastic, or at least comprise plastic as a matrix. The hollow body may be made of plasticized polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and manufactured by a rotational molding process.

The hollow body may further comprise at least one valve, through which a fluid can be filled into the chamber of the hollow body, and with which the pressure of the fluid in the chamber can be determined.

In another exemplary embodiment, the balance device may comprise a hollow body comprising plasticized PVC, wherein the plasticizer content is between 50% and 75% by weight, more preferably between 60% and 70% by weight, and still further preferably about 65 wt .-% is. Thus, the hollow body is very soft. A very soft hollow body allows easier lateral deformation, whereby the balancing is difficult. A very soft hollow body also allows the sides of the hollow body with a shearing movement of the tread plate relative to the bottom plate easier deform laterally, which also allows for tilting of the hollow body, a lateral movement component of the treadle. In addition, in the case of a very soft hollow body, the pressure in the hollow body has a greater effect, so that the distance of the tread plate from the bottom plate can be influenced more strongly by the pressure in the hollow body.

The balance device may be provided in a further embodiment with a tread plate or a bottom plate with dimensions between 50 and 100 cm. Preferably, the tread plate and the bottom plate are substantially square and have a length and a width between 550 and 750 mm. Further, the tread plate may have a width or a length between 60 and 65 cm.

In a further additional embodiment of the present invention, an adhesion-promoting element such as a silicone layer, an elastomer layer or a Velcro element is arranged on the bottom plate. Preferably, the adhesion-promoting element is arranged only at the edge. An adhesion-promoting element made of silicone or of an elastomer layer can counteract tipping over of the balance device by adhesion forces, as are known from adhesive pads or anti-slip pads. A Velcro element can counteract tipping, especially in carpet areas, by hooking the Velcro element with carpet fibers.

Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings.

In all 1 to 9 different embodiments of a balance device according to the invention are shown in sectional views

Both in the drawings and in the description, like reference numerals are used to designate the same or similar components.

1 shows a cross section through an inventive embodiment of a balance device 2 wherein a substantially cylindrical hollow body 10 with a rounded finish under a flat footboard 4 is arranged. The tread plate 4 has a tread on top 6 and below a floor area 8th on. The hollow body 10 has a floor area 12 and also has a mounting portion 14 on. The hollow body 10 is with the attachment section 14 which is designed here as a circumferential flange on the bottom surface 8th the tread plate 6 is attached. For attachment here serves a mounting ring with fixing bolts on the footboard 4 is attached.

The balance device further comprises an adjustable inclination limiting device 16 , The inclination limiting device 16 is in 1 designed as several feet that are adjustable in height. For a level load, the ground runs approximately along the dashed line. With an extended foot, as shown on the left, a possible lateral tilt is limited to a small angle, as indicated by the dashed line 44 is indicated. In a retracted foot, as shown on the right, a possible lateral inclination in a wider angle range is possible, as indicated by the dashed line 46 is indicated.

In contrast to the drawing, the hollow body can be made round, and have a diameter which is approximately the width of a square tread plate 4 equivalent. The feet of the inclination limiting device 16 can be arranged in the corners of the square, not from the hollow body 10 are covered.

2 shows a cross section through another embodiment of a balance device according to the invention. The figure clearly shows that the balance device 2 continue a floor plate 20 includes, which is connected to the contact surface of the hollow body. In 2 is the hollow body in the region of the contact surface 18 glued to the bottom plate. As in 1 is the inclination limiting device 16 executed in the form of several height-adjustable feet. Depending on the position of the individual foot, this results in another area in which the tread plate 4 and thus the tread 6 can be inclined. The feet are with rubber buffers or elastomer dampers 36 Mistake. The rubber buffers or elastomer dampers 36 allow a smoother bounce-free response of the tilt limiting devices 16 ,

In the figures, the hollow body can also be made 6 or octagonal, in order to achieve a larger volume in the hollow body.

3 shows a cross section through another embodiment of a balance device according to the invention. The hollow body has a bulged shape, so that the hollow body opposes a tilting less resistance. The feet are equipped with elastomeric damping elements 30 provided to dampen a footing. The feet are at their ends with ball rollers 32 provided so that the feet on the floor element can roll laterally. The ball rollers reduce the effects when putting the feet on the bottom plate 20 , In this embodiment, the engagement of the inclination limiting device is limited 16 only on the tilting and not on a lateral movement. By the additional damping element, the response of the tilt limiting device 16 additionally gentle.

The embodiment of the 4 corresponds substantially to the embodiment of 3 , where instead of the ball rollers 32 so-called omnidirectional wheels or omniwheels or else mecanum wheels 34 be used. All side wheels have a lower internal friction compared to the ball rollers. In an all-side wheel small rollers are arranged on the circumference, whose axes are perpendicular to the central axis tangent to the roller. With a barrel-shaped design of small overlapping wheels, the all-wheel provides little rolling resistance in both directions. In a Meacanum or Ilon wheel, the rollers are barrel-shaped and arranged in the tangential plane of the wheel obliquely to the axis of the wheel. A free-running Meacanum wheel behaves like an all-wheel.

In 4 it is envisaged a central height adjustment of the inclination limiting devices 16 provided. The all-side wheels can be like in 3 with elastic damping elements 30 be provided to mitigate a shock load when placing the wheels. When the tilt limiting devices 16 of the 3 and 4 fully extended, can, even with contact of all roles 32 or wheels 34 with the bottom plate, the tread still move laterally. It is therefore intended to additionally provide a blocking device for the rollers and / or wheels in order to facilitate entering or ascending the balance device.

5 shows a cross section through another embodiment of a balance device according to the invention. The hollow body corresponds to the embodiments of 3 and 4 , The inclination limiting device 16 is however as a ring 50 running down the bottom of the tread plate 4 is arranged. The ring is threaded 52 provided, which makes it possible to adjust the ring by a rotation in height. This allows a particularly simple and uniform adjustment of the tilt limiting device 16 , In the ring can also roles 54 be embedded, whose axes are substantially tangent to the edge of the ring. With a slope of the tread 4 put the ring with the roll 54 first on the bottom plate 20 on. If it is assumed that the movement which causes the inclination also comprises a component of a lateral movement, it follows that the lateral movement is not restricted by the roller. The placement of the ring and thus the response of the tilt limiting device 16 Gentle, if only one component of the movement, namely the inclination movement is stopped. The roles 54 can also be suspended springy. In this embodiment, the individual wedge each aligned in a different direction roles 54 when the ring is fully extended. Once the ring is laterally inclined to a certain degree, only one or at most two adjacent rollers come into contact with the bottom plate at the same time and the lateral movement is hardly restricted.

6 shows a cross section through another embodiment of a balance device according to the invention. The hollow body has a bulged shape, so that the hollow body opposes a tilting less resistance. Instead of the feet is the inclination limiting device 16 designed as bands that are adjustable in length. Unlike the feet, the minimum distance between the footplate 4 and the bottom plate 20 define, the bands limit a maximum distance between the tread plate 4 and the bottom plate 20 , The ligaments function with the pressure in the hollow body functionally as the feet in the 1 to 4 , The tape prevents the plates from getting 4 and 20 To remove too far, while the hollow body serves as a pivot point and thereby prevents the tread plate can tilt too much. In this embodiment, the length of the bands cooperates with the pressure and the compressibility of the medium in the hollow body. In 6 The maximum inclination can be influenced both by the pressure in the hollow body and by the length of the bands.

In 6 the hollow body acts 10 as a more or less flexible and movable pivot point for tilting movements of the tread plate 4 , The inclination movements can be seen in the remarks of 1 to 5 be made by feet or other pressure elements, which prevent the tread plate can tilt too far to one side by a foot or an edge of the ring on the ground or a bottom plate touches. In a tilting or tilting movement, a part of the tread plate tilts 4 in the direction of the bottom plate, while the respective opposite part of the tread plate of the bottom plate away. Instead of the freedom of movement of the tread plate 4 To limit towards the bottom plate, also a maximum distance can be limited on the opposite side, as it is here by the bands 26 is provided. By not one edge of the treadle is not arbitrarily far from the bottom plate 20 can remove, at the same time over the defined by the hollow body pivoting pivot the opposite side of the treadle 4 do not arbitrarily approach the bottom plate. As a result, the bands (or ropes) achieve a similar effect as the feet of the 1 to 4 or the ring of 5 ,

In 6 is the bottom plate 20 provided with a bulge which forms a structure with which the hollow body 10 opposite the bottom plate 20 can be aligned. The hollow body 10 is with a complementary structure 24 provided in the form of a recess in which engages the bulge to the hollow body 10 opposite the bottom plate 20 align. Both the tread plate 4 as well as the hollow body 10 may be provided with corresponding interlocking structures, for example, to facilitate alignment of the tread plate relative to the hollow body in a mounting by gluing.

7 shows a cross section through a further embodiment according to the invention a balance device, wherein the hollow body 10 is designed as a flattened torus or perforated disc. The torus or disk has a passage in the middle through which a single height-adjustable foot is guided with a ball joint. Instead of the ball joint and a universal joint could be arranged in the middle. The outwardly projecting sides of the disc or serve as the bands in 6 as Wegbegrenzer since the hollow body 10 both with the tread plate 4 as well as with the bottom plate 20 is glued. The higher the foot is extended the less the treadle can tilt. The higher in pressure in the hollow body 10 the lower is the maximum possible slope of the tread 6 , The design of 7 can also be used with the tilt limiting devices 16 of the 1 to 6 combine.

8th essentially represents a balance device, as in 2 is shown. In 8th is the bottom plate 20 Larger and is equipped with a height-adjustable railing 42 provided here is designed as a hanger. The railing 42 is adjustable with known snaps in height to serve different people as a support. At the railing 42 is an air pump 46 arranged with the pressure in the hollow body 10 can be changed.

The balance device of 9 is essentially the same as the version in 6 is shown, wherein the inclination limiting device 16 is designed as a band. In addition, the 9 a remote adjustment 18 on that at the railing 42 is arranged. With the remote adjustment can be the length of the straps on the railing 42 without a user having to bend down to the treadle. The railing is three-sided and thus offers the user greater protection against tipping over.

Like the execution of 8th is also the version of 9 with a pump 46 provided to the pressure in the hollow body 40 to change.

In 9 are still anti-pinch devices 44 provided that prevent a user a body part between the footboard 4 and the railing 42 can pinch. Other anti-pinch devices can also be placed between the footboard 4 and the bottom plate 20 be provided.

It is intended to combine the embodiments shown separately with respect to their dimensions and their components.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

2

Balance device, having

4

footboard

6

tread

8th

floor area

10

hollow body

12

floor area

14

attachment section

16

Tilt limiter device

18

contact area

20

baseplate

22

structure

24

Complementary structure

26

bands

30

elastomer damper

32

ball roller

34

Omni wheel / Omniwheel / Mechanumrad

42

railing

44

Clamping protection device

46

Device for changing the air pressure in the hollow body.

48

Height adjustment of the railing

50

Tilt limiter ring

52

thread

54

role

Claims (16)

Balance device comprising a tread plate ( 4 ) with a tread ( 6 ) and a floor surface ( 8th ), a hollow body ( 10 ) with a floor area ( 12 ), and a mounting portion ( 14 ), wherein the hollow body ( 10 ) with the attachment section ( 14 ) at the bottom surface ( 8th ) of the tread plate ( 6 ), further comprising a preferably adjustable inclination limiting device ( 16 ), the maximum possible inclination of the footboard ( 4 ) limited. Balance device according to claim 1, further comprising a bottom plate ( 20 ), wherein the hollow body ( 10 ) a floor area ( 18 ), which on the bottom plate ( 20 ) or with the bottom plate ( 20 ), wherein the inclination limiting device ( 16 ) with the footboard ( 4 ) and / or with the bottom plate ( 20 ) connected is. Balance device according to claim 2, wherein the inclination limiting device ( 16 ) comprises at least one length-adjustable rope or band having a maximum lateral inclination of the footboard ( 4 ) opposite the bottom plate ( 20 ) Are defined. Balancing device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the inclination limiting device ( 16 ) preferably comprises at least one height-adjustable foot, which at the tread ( 4 ) and insofar as this claim relates to claim 2 or 3 also or optionally to the bottom plate ( 20 ), wherein the foot is preferably provided with a sliding or rolling device which allows a lateral movement of the foot relative to a floor or a bottom plate. Balance device according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the inclination limiting device ( 16 ) comprises a plurality of length-adjustable cables or straps or height-adjustable feet located in an area around the hollow body ( 10 ) are arranged. Balance device according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the inclination limiting device ( 16 ) comprises a length-adjustable rope or band or a height-adjustable foot which is in the lead of the footboard ( 4 ) and the bottom plate ( 20 ) is arranged and these together, wherein the hollow body has substantially the shape of a torus through which the rope, the band or the foot extends. Balancing device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the hollow body ( 10 ) at the bottom area ( 12 ) and the bottom plate ( 20 ) on the side at which the hollow body ( 10 ), each with complementary structures ( 22 . 24 ), which are displacements of the floor area ( 12 ) opposite the bottom plate ( 20 ) prevent or limit. Balancing device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the hollow body ( 10 ) is glued to the tread plate and or with the Bodenplatter. Balance device according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising a railing ( 42 ) attached to the bottom plate ( 20 ) is attached. Balance device according to claim 9, wherein the railing ( 42 ) is height adjustable. Balance device according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the inclination limiting device ( 16 ) is remotely controllable adjustable by an adjusting device on the railing. Balance device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the tread plate ( 4 ) and / or the bottom plate ( 20 ) are substantially quadrangular. Balance device according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising attachment means such as eyelets to attach or receive training facilities. Balancing device according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising at least one anti-pinch device, which is located between the tread plate (10). 4 ) and the bottom plate ( 20 ) or the railing ( 42 ) is attached. Balance device according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising at least one device to change the pressure in the hollow body. Balance device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the hollow body comprises plasticized PVC, wherein the plasticizer content between 50 wt .-% and 75 wt .-%, more preferably between 60 wt .-% and 70 wt .-% and still more preferably about 65 Wt .-% is.

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