EP2092964A1 - Balancing device - Google Patents

Abstract

A balancing device comprises a hollow body with hollow body skin, a floor region (2), and upper covering zone (4) and a lateral zone (6) joined by transition regions with the floor zone (2) and the cover region (4). The hollow body forms at least one fluid-filled chamber confined by the hollow-body skin and in the floor region (2) is arranged an external flange (7).

Description

The present invention relates to a balance device or jump device. In particular, the present invention relates to a balancing device for balancing, which is designed in the form of an air-fillable hollow body or rotational body or pad. More particularly, the present invention relates to a fluid-filled balance device. The balance device is provided with a flange attached to the bottom of the hollow body. The flange increases the footprint and supports positioning. In preferred embodiments, a stiffening element is attached to the flange of the balance device. The bottom surface of the balance device or the stiffening element can also be curved in order to additionally give the balancing device the functionality of a balance or therapy gyroscope. Such balance devices are suitable, for example, for therapeutic exercises but also for sports and games applications in which the sense of balance is to be trained. A special exercise is the golf practice. But they also serve as jump devices from which the user can jump off with momentum. Also, use is provided as a balancing and jumping device.

There are various seat pads previously known, which are pillow-shaped and therefore also referred to as a seat cushion. Such seat cushions are either filled with resilient materials such as springs, foam or the like, or their elastic stiffness is achieved by an enclosed volume of fluid or gas, for example water or air.

Seatballs are also known. However, sitting balls are not suitable for balancing due to their unstable shape. The risk of accidental waving has led to the prohibition of the use of such seating in state institutions such as schools and in public areas.

There are also known therapy gyros with a substantially smooth surface and a rounded bottom, with which balance exercises can be performed.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a balancing device, which is characterized by simple design and handling and good positioning on the ground, and which causes an ergonomically advantageous Balancierposition or attitude of the person balancing thereon, as well as the known advantageous dynamic Balancing promotes. It is another object of the invention to provide a balancing device, which has the advantages of therapy gyros, while avoiding the fundamental disadvantage of the accident-prone hard surface of the therapy gyros.

These and other objects are achieved by a balance device configured as a hollow body, which has a bottom area, a deck area and a functionally corresponding side area, which connects the support and seating areas, wherein an outwardly directed flange is arranged on the outside of the hollow body in the floor area. The outwardly directed flange may extend in a direction away from the hollow body, eg, downwardly or sideways. The device is suitable for use by the user standing or sitting.

A hollow body according to the invention causes a dynamic balancing in the person balancing thereon, which prevents permanent misloads. Spasms, tension, as well as nerve irritation and pain caused by damage in the lumbar and spine area can be at least reduced, avoided or even cured when balancing (for example, when sitting balancing).

The balancing device according to the invention can also be used on a seat due to the height of some of its embodiments. It is due to the design but also possible, the hollow body according to the invention as a support for conventional chairs, eg. B. with a backrest to use. In particular, the balance device can also serve as a clear seating increase, as z. B. elderly or children sometimes need to know the seat height of their existing seating to adapt to needs.

The present invention offers unique opportunities for jump or hip joint patients to regain their full range of motion in the affected joints. Targeted sensorimotor training on the balance device, in addition to the neuromuscular function (strength, endurance, coordination), the improvement of proprioception (coordination and balance) and especially through the labile surface in addition, the deep muscles are addressed and improved. Just this property is a special feature of the balance device according to the invention. Another special feature and a unique feature of the balance device according to the invention is arranged on the bottom portion outside of the hollow body and outwardly directed flange.

According to one aspect of the invention, a balance device is provided. The balance device has a hollow body. The hollow body comprises a bottom area, a deck area and a side area. The side area is connected by transition areas to the floor area and the deck area and extends between the floor area and the deck area. The deck area and the side areas are formed of a hollow body skin. The hollow body defines at least one fluid-fillable chamber which is filled with fluid. At the bottom area, an outwardly directed flange is arranged on the outside of the hollow body.

In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the bottom portion of the balance device is formed by a hollow skin, wherein the hollow body skin forming the flange, the bottom portion, the top portion and the side portion is integrally formed of plastic. This allows the balance device to be easily manufactured in a single operation. In addition, it can be waived to use several different materials in production.

In a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the floor area is provided with at least one fastening device arranged in or on the flange. The attachment opening, for example, for attachment a floor element, such as a stiffening plate or the like. It is also envisaged to be able to attach the balance device through the attachment opening, for example, to a chair or an armchair. In particular, it is provided to design the fastening device such that the balance device can be fastened on a (conventional) floor element in the form of a therapy gyroscope.

In another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the at least one attachment opening comprises elements for receiving screws. The elements for receiving screws may be in the form of cast-in threads, tapping screws, grooved nuts or corresponding threads in a cast-in structure (such as a cast-in stiffening element).

In another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the balance device is attached to a floor member by the attachment device.

In an additional embodiment, the balance device is fastened to a floor element by the fastening device with the flange.

In another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the bottom member is substantially planar. As a result, the balance device can simply be set or placed on a flat surface.

The present invention can combine the advantages of a ball cushion or hollow body with those of a therapy gyroscope. The top offers a lot of dynamism due to the air filling. This can trigger many, fast stimuli and in training or therapy, lead to rapid success.

In a preferred embodiment, the bottom element comprises a plate.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a foot element is arranged on the floor element. By a removable or exchangeable Foot element, the balance characteristic of the balance device can be changed quickly and easily.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, the at least one fastening device comprises screws, threads or rivets.

In another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the bottom surface of the floor element is curved.

In another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the bottom surface of the bottom member is concavely curved (as seen from below). If the bottom surface or underside of the balance device or the bottom element is concavely curved, (depending on the curvature), the balance device can be placed straight on the ground, whereby a secure state of the balance device can be ensured.

In another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the bottom surface is convexly curved. This gives the balance device with rigid bottom element additionally the functionality of a therapy gyroscope.

The underside may be provided with a bottom element which has a concave curvature which allows tilting and turning movements as in a therapy gyroscope. Tilting and turning are typical features of the gyro. These movements of the balance device can now be used dynamically in conjunction with the convex surface, which promises even better results in therapy and sports. So far, similar effects were only possible by combining two or more devices.

In a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the bottom surface of the bottom element is at least partially substantially bounded by a spherical surface. That is, the bottom surface may form, for example, a (hollow) spherical segment shell.

In another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the Floor surface at least partially limited by a cone surface substantially. That is, the bottom surface may form, for example, a (hollow) cone shell or a (hollow) truncated cone shell.

There are also combinations of (hollow) spherical surfaces completed (hollow) truncated cones and closed with (hollow) cones (hollow) ball stumps conceivable. It is also envisaged to use a (convex) truncated cone projecting as a bottom surface, on the lower edge of which a recessed concave hollow cone (or a receding conical surface) is arranged. There are also combinations of (hollow) conical surfaces which are arranged on (hollow) truncated cones and of (hollow) spherical surfaces which are arranged on (hollow) ball stumps.

In another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the bottom surface is at least partially substantially bounded by a parabolic surface. As a result, a changed in comparison to a simple spherical surface balance characteristics can be achieved.

In an additional exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the bottom surface is at least partially substantially defined by an ellipsoidal surface. As a result, a changed in comparison to a simple spherical surface balance characteristics can be achieved. By means of an ellipsoidal surface, for example, a transverse rather difficult balance behavior can be achieved while in the longitudinal direction a rather simple balance behavior is achieved.

In another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the underside of the bottom member is at least partially substantially defined by a basket arch surface. The basket arch surface is a construction that is mainly known from architecture.

In another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the hollow body defines only one continuous, uninterrupted fluid-fillable chamber filled with fluid. As a result, the production of the hollow body is greatly simplified. In In other embodiments, the hollow body can also be designed with a plurality of interrupted fluid-fillable chambers, it is intended, for example, to use a balance device with four chambers, two being arranged opposite each other, and two opposing chambers each with one gas and two others can be filled with a liquid. A version with two chambers (one for each foot) also has the advantage that the balance behavior of one foot does not change when the other foot is raised. It should be noted at this point that in particular a two-chamber design (with a foot and a separate filling valve are provided for each foot) is intended to fall within the scope of the independent claim.

In one embodiment, the deck area of the balance device is at least partially spherical.

In another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the floor area and the deck area are arranged substantially flat and parallel to one another. This allows the balancer to balance on a substantially flat surface. It is also to be noted that also in this construction, a bottom element can be provided, which bulges down to give the balance device a therapy gyro functionality. This embodiment additionally has the advantage that the balance device, as far as it can be fixed with a removable bottom element (or with a bottom element on which a gyro element [such as a hemisphere or a hemisphere shell]), both as a balance device as well Therapy gyro can be used.

In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the balance device has a maximum width between 0.25 and 0.65 m and a height between 30 and 400 mm. This design relates in particular to the embodiments of Fig. 14-17 ,

It is preferred that the maximum width is between 0.25 and 0.65 m. Thus, the stand or seat is adequately sized.

It is preferred that the height of the balance device (with or without a downwardly projecting concave bottom portion) is between 30 and 400 mm. Thus, in practice, the level of balance is sufficiently high for average users without the risk of injuring the balance person when he loses his balance.

In another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the maximum width of the balance device is preferably between 0.3 and 0.45 m.

In another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the height of the balance device (with or without a projecting curved bottom portion) is between 40 and 200 mm.

In an alternative embodiment, which relates, for example, to the Figures 1-12 refers to the height of the device between 40 and 100 mm, while the width holds in the above-mentioned masses.

It is preferred that the plastic contains plasticized polyvinyl chloride (PVC). This improves the elasticity of the skin.

It is preferred that the balance device is made by the rotational molding process. As a result, the article can be manufactured inexpensively.

It is preferred that the balance device has a substantially round, elliptical or oval shape in plan view. Thus, generally preferred shapes for the footprints of therapy gyros or balance devices are achieved. Thus, generally preferred seat shapes are achieved, whereby the balance device can also be used as a therapy gyro for use with the buttocks.

It is preferred that the balance device in the plan view has an n-cornered shape with n ≥ 3. This is an alternative stand surface or seat surface form. Particularly preferred are square and or rectangular, pentagonal and hexagonal shapes, possibly in combination with rounded corners.

It is preferred that the hollow body skin preferably has projections, recesses or nubs which are formed in the ceiling area or the standing area and / or the floor area (eg in the floor area). Massage pimples are also preferred. The formations can also be designed as depressions, as they are known from golf balls, or helmets in "Golfbllalldesign". This prevents slipping of the balancing person or the balance device (or the therapy gyroscope) on the ground or ensures a massage effect.

The Senso pimples on the upper side provide additional, proprioceptive stimuli. This supports the sensorimotor effect of this training device. Sensorimotor training is an essential part of physiotherapy. Sport and fitness are increasingly focusing on the many positive effects of this type of training. Fall prevention, increased performance, but also the promotion of mental development of children are in the foreground.

It is preferred that the projections or nubs have a diameter of 1 to 20 mm. Preferably, elevations in the range of 1 to 10 mm in diameter are formed.

It is preferred that the hollow body skin of the side region is substantially concavely curved. This is a preferred embodiment.

It is preferred that the hollow body skin of the side region is substantially convexly curved. This is an alternative embodiment.

It is preferred that the hollow body skin of the side region is substantially cylindrical. This is a common configuration.

It is preferred that the hollow body skin of the side region is substantially circular cylindrical. This is a production technology favored embodiment.

It is preferred that the hollow body skin of the side region is substantially frusto-conical. This is another design which is especially favorable for combination with therapy gyroscope applications.

It is preferred that at least one transition region in cross-section has a semicircular or rounded contour, preferably in the cross-section is substantially quarter-circular.

It is preferred that the side region has one or more predetermined shapes.

It is preferred that the at least one formation of the side region has a cross-sectionally substantially semicircular shape.

It is preferred that the at least one formation of the side region has a cross-sectionally substantially n-angular shape with n ≥ 1.

It is preferred that the at least one formation of the side region is helical in the side region.

It is preferred that the at least one formation of the side region extends substantially vertically.

It is preferred that the at least one formation of the side region extends substantially horizontally.

It is preferred that the floor element has three or more support feet. Preferably, these support feet can also serve as fasteners (by, for example, engage in corresponding recesses in a therapy gyroscope.

It is preferred that the balance device has at least one valve through which fluid can be filled into the (at least one) chamber of the balance device.

In a further embodiment of the present invention, the flange is provided with a flange edge thickening, which can prevent the flange clamped between the base element and the flange ring from slipping out between the base element and the flange ring.

In a further embodiment, the floor element is provided with openings through which the hollow body skin can rest on a substrate through the floor element. As a result, the flexible hollow skin can prevent slippage of the balance device.

In an additional embodiment, the deck area and the side area are formed together dome-shaped or (substantially) hemispherical.

In a further preferred embodiment, a further balance device, which likewise has a flange, is arranged on the bottom element, opposite the balance device. This embodiment can be considered as an embodiment in which another (second) balance device is attached to the underside of the floor member. Preferably, the first and second balance devices each have different characteristics so that the "combined" balance device can be used for different (balance) exercises, respectively.

It is further preferred that at least two eyelets are secured to the edge region of the balance device, through which a cord or a band can be pulled, for example rubber or tubings or a theraband, which are intended to be gripped by the user, to do unstable strength exercises. At least 2 eyelets are preferred.

• Fig. 1 zeigt einen Querschnitt durch eine erfindungsgemäße Balancevorrichtung, die mit einem Flansch zur Befestigung eines Bodenelements versehen ist.
• Figuren 2 und 2A zeigen einen Querschnitt durch die Balancevorrichtung von Fig. 1 mit eingesetztem Bodenelement.
• Fig. 3 zeigt einen Querschnitt durch eine erfindungsgemäße Balancevorrichtung, an einem Bodenelement befestigt ist.
• Fig. 4 zeigt einen Querschnitt durch die Balancevorrichtung von Fig. 1 mit einem daran befestigten Bodenelement, das eine gekrümmte Oberfläche aufweist.
• Fig. 5 zeigt einen Querschnitt durch die Balancevorrichtung von Fig. 1 mit einem anderen daran befestigten Bodenelement, das eine andere gekrümmte Oberfläche aufweist.
• FIG. 6 bis 11 stellen Seitenansichten von verschiedenen bevorzugten Ausführungsformen des erfindungsgemäßen Hohlkörpers dar.
• FIG. 12 stellt eine Draufsicht auf eine erfindungsgemäße Balancevorrichtung mit Massagenoppen und einem Ventil dar;
• FIG. 13 ist eine perspektivische Aufsicht auf eine sechseckige Balancevorrichtung.
• FIGN. 14, 15 und 16 zeigt einen Querschnitt durch andere Ausführungsformen einer Balancevorrichtung, wobei FIG. 16 eine Aufsicht auf eine Ausführungsform einer erfindungsgemäßen Balancevorrichtung mit zwei Kammern ist.
• FIG. 17 ist eine Aufsicht auf eine Ausführungsform der erfindungsgemäßen Balancevorrichtung mit einer domförmigen Kammer.

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.

• Fig. 1 shows a cross section through a balance device according to the invention, which is provided with a flange for attachment of a floor element.
• Figures 2 and 2A show a cross section through the balance device of Fig. 1 with inserted floor element.
• Fig. 3 shows a cross section through a balance device according to the invention, is attached to a floor element.
• Fig. 4 shows a cross section through the balance device of Fig. 1 with a bottom member attached thereto having a curved surface.
• Fig. 5 shows a cross section through the balance device of Fig. 1 with another floor element attached thereto having another curved surface.
• FIG. 6 to 11 represent side views of various preferred embodiments of the hollow body according to the invention.
• FIG. 12 shows a plan view of a balance device according to the invention with massage nubs and a valve;
• FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a hexagonal balance device.
• FIGS. 14, 15 and 16 shows a cross section through other embodiments of a balance device, wherein FIG. 16 is a plan view of an embodiment of a balance device according to the invention with two chambers.
• FIG. 17 is a plan view of an embodiment of the balance device according to the invention with a dome-shaped chamber.

In the description as well as in the figures, like reference numerals are used to refer to the same or similar elements. To redundant representations and to avoid broad descriptions, many of the figures are merely partial aspects of the invention to be combined by the viewer in order not to have to individually represent each possible combination of edge shape, floor element, chamber number, or surface texture.

In FIG. 1 a cross-section through a balance device according to the present invention is shown. The balance device comprises a bottom portion 2 which serves to place the hollow body according to the invention on a surface, a cover or top or upper area 4, on which a person can balance standing or sitting. A side area 6 connects the floor area 2 and the deck area 4 with each other. Semi-bead-shaped flat projections or knobs or massage knobs 10 are preferably arranged in the cover area 4 and (not shown) in the floor area 2. The projections 10 are designed to reduce slippage of the hollow body or to completely prevent or provide a massage effect. The bottom area counteracts a slippage of the balance device on a shelf, while the projections on the deck area counteract the slippage of the person balancing thereon. The diameter of the semi-circular anti-slip projections is preferably between 1mm and 10mm. The projections also serve the additional stiffening of the hollow body, and can also be used for an aesthetic design of the balance device or the Balancierkissens invention. Formations are preferably formed on the floor area 2 or the deck area 4, but may also be formed on the side area 6.

Disposed on the underside of the balance device is a circumferential, outwardly directed, approximately annular flange to which a bottom element can be attached to stiffen the bottom portion of the balance device. The flange 7 is provided with mounting holes 17.

In this embodiment, a cross-sectionally substantially transversal-shaped transition region is shown between the side region and the cover region. The total height of the hollow body is then composed of the height of the side area (without transition area) and the height of the transition area between the side area and deck area. The height of the transition region is preferably between 0.02 and 0.05 m, preferably between 0.03 and 0.04 m and particularly preferably about 0.035 m. The height of the side part can be between 2 and 20 cm, more preferably 6-8 cm. The total height of the balance device (without stiffening element) is preferably between 2 and 30 cm, more preferably between 5 and 10 cm. The maximum width of the hollow body according to the invention is preferably between 0.25 and 1 m, more preferably between 0.3 and 0.6 m and even more preferably between 0.35 and 0.5 m.

In addition, the presence of fastening devices is assumed which connect at least the flange 7 and the bottom element 9. It is explicitly pointed out here that in a preferred embodiment, the flange 7 can also be glued or welded to the bottom element 9. Thus, all embodiments shown can be produced without the flange 11.

Fig. 2 shows a cross section through a balancing device according to the invention, in which the bottom portion is stiffened by a bottom element attached thereto. In FIG. 2 the flange 7 of the balance device between the bottom element 9 and a flange 11 is clamped. The flange 11 is fastened by fasteners 15 to the bottom element 9. The fastening devices 15 are guided through corresponding fastening openings 17 in the flange 7.

In FIG. 2A the bottom element is provided with one (or more, not shown) bottom opening (s) 51, through which the flexible hollow skin can pass through the bottom element and can rest on a substrate. The flexible hollow body skin can prevent or at least reduce slippage of the floor element, in particular in the case of lateral loads. Preferably, these passage openings are rounded in order to avoid damage to the hollow body skin.

Fig. 3 shows a cross section through the balance device of Fig. 1 with inserted bottom element, which is provided with a convexly curved lower surface (or bottom surface). In addition, the in FIG. 3 embodiment shown provided with a flange edge thickening 19, which prevents the flange 7 from the clamp between the bottom element 9 and flange 11 can be pulled out. The flange edge thickening 19 can also serve as a sort of "rubbing strip" that can prevent scratches that could possibly be caused by the sanding of the edge of the floor element on the floor. The flanged edge thickening 19 can further reduce any risk of injury when barefoot balancing, since the edge of the flange 11 can be covered by the flange 13 thickening. At the bottom of the floor element, a foot element 30 is arranged, which gives the substantially flat floor element a convex surface (underside).

Fig. 4 shows a cross section through the balance device similar to that of Fig. 3 with inserted bottom element, which is provided with another curved surface (or bottom surface). The illustrated embodiment of a balance device may be shipped like a therapy gyroscope by balancing on the downwardly facing bulge of the floor element (or foot element attached to the floor element).

Fig. 5 shows a cross section through the balance device similar to that of Fig. 3/4 with inserted bottom element, which is provided with another here conical surface (or bottom surface), which is shown with a broken line. The illustrated embodiment of a balance device may be shipped like a therapy gyro by balancing on the downwardly-directed conical protrusion of the floor element (or a conical foot element fixed to the floor element).

In FIG. 5 are shown as an alternative embodiment by the broken lines, a cone (shell) -shaped bottom element, in which extends according to the bottom area 2 shown with the dotted line inside.

FIG. 6 to 11 represent side views of various preferred embodiment of the hollow body according to the invention.

In the FIGS. 6 to 11 are various preferred embodiments of the hollow body according to the invention or the balance device according to the invention with shown differently designed page areas.

In the FIGS. 6 and 7 FIG. 2 shows two alternative embodiments of the balancing device according to the invention, with a concave cross-section (FIG. Fig. 7 ) or convex ( Fig. 6 ) Configuration of the side region 6.

In the FIG. 8 an embodiment of the balance device according to the invention is shown, which comprises concave and convex configurations of the side portion 6 in cross-section.

The side region preferably has one or more formations. The shape of these formations can be semicircular as in FIG. 1 shown, or a triangular shape (as in FIG. 9 shown) or a polygonal shape (as in FIG. 10 shown). Another preferred embodiment is in FIG. 11 shown here, the side region has a helically encircling, semi-circular shape. Apart from the embodiments shown here, there are various other convenient configurations of the side portion with one or more formations, or a simple cylindrical, convex or concave surface. Likewise, formations both horizontally (as in FIGS. 6 to 11 ) as well as vertically (not shown here).

FIG. 12 is a plan view of a balance device according to the invention with massage nubs and a valve. The upper surface is provided with nubs 10/12. Any other n-square shapes with n≥3 are also possible and may be chosen as the basic shape depending on the particular use of the balance device. A valve 14 is also shown at the top left, through which a fluid in the hollow body or the designated chamber (s) can be filled within the hollow body. At the edge of the balance device either an edge flange 11 (with fasteners 15) or the flange 7 itself (with mounting holes 17) can be seen.

In FIG. 13 an example of a hexagonal design of the hollow body is shown. A valve 14 is also shown here, through which a fluid in the hollow body or the designated chamber can be filled within the hollow body.

The hollow body according to the invention can be filled with a fluid in order to adapt the elasticity of the balance device to the requirements of a specific use. Expediently, the interior of the hollow body forms one (or more) corresponding chamber (s). Preferably, this fluid is air, as thus the weight of the balance device remains relatively low. Air is easy to handle, equipment such as air pumps and the like are already available in most households.

In order to allow the user to adjust the elasticity and also the shape of the balance device, the hollow body according to the invention may be provided with a valve for introducing a fluid. The valve may be designed as a one-way valve or as a two-way valve, i. with and without the ability to drain fluid from the hollow body again. By the use of a fluid as the factor substantially determining the elasticity, a simple possibility is created to easily adapt the elasticity of the balance device to the requirements.

The elasticity of the skin of the hollow body, which is made in particular of plasticized polyvinyl chloride (PVC), causes - as well as in the sitting balls - a (small) part of the forces resulting from exposure to a person, converted into shear forces or forces which are substantially parallel to the floor area. The shearing forces cause slight tilting and rocking movements of the person balancing on the balance device. The hollow body can deform under this load and thus follows the movements of the person balancing thereon. This behavior, also called "dynamic balancing", leads to the already mentioned orthopedic and ergonomic advantages and supports the health of the user, thereby also creating a sense of well-being of the user of the balance device according to the invention. These positive properties can be further improved by a combination with a bottom element serving as a therapy gyroscope.

FIGS. 14 and 15 represent further versions of balance devices, the higher and spherical are formed. In both embodiments, the hollow bodies or cushions are rather elliptical or at least partially spherical. In both embodiments, the (horizontal) diameter of the hollow body is greater than the inner diameter of the flange ring 11. In the embodiment of FIG. 15 exceeds the (horizontal) diameter A of the hollow body, the outer diameter of the flange 11 (or the bottom member 9, and even the flange 7). In FIG. 15 are still a broken line and a dash line shown. These lines are intended to indicate that a convexly or concavely curved bottom element 9 can also be used. then preferably also a correspondingly curved flange is used. It should be noted that both curvatures can be achieved with only one bowl-shaped bottom element 9 and a (flexible) hollow body. In the concave configuration, the bottom shell can also be used as a seat pan (with the balance device resting on the hollow body). In the embodiment of Fig. 15 defines the flange 11 of the hollow body a cutting line on the elliptical body of revolution or hollow body, which is arranged below its equator, so that the largest cross-sectional area of the body of revolution above the flange 11 and the outer surface of the body of revolution above the flange 11 a bulge or bulge Projection forms. In addition, it is provided that on the bottom element 9 on the underside in the edge region of a plastic ring is molded of soft plastic, which ensures a soft elastic and non-slip ground contact.

In a further embodiment - starting from Fig. 15 - The flange 7 is not a horizontal flange as in Fig. 15 but formed as a flange, whose longitudinal axis is aligned with the longitudinal axis of the rotary body or hollow body, so that the flange 7, although protruding outwards, but more precisely downwards. The bottom element 9 is arranged and received in this case, within the projecting flange, while the screwing of the parts by means of a flange 11 from the outside (not shown), wherein the flange is again formed cylindrically.
In this embodiment, it is additionally provided that the hollow body with its flange rests annularly on the ground, see, for example. also Fig. 3 Reference numeral 19, so that the ground contact by the annular soft plastic in the bottom area is formed.

FIG. 16 is a cross section of an embodiment of a balance device according to the invention with two chambers. In this embodiment, two balance devices or hollow bodies are fastened opposite to a base element 9. In the version shown two opposite flange rings are used for attachment, each press a flange of the opposing hollow body to the bottom element and pinched so. Due to the different shapes of the opposing balance devices or hollow bodies, each side of the balance device can be used for a different type of training.

In FIG. 17 an embodiment is shown in which the deck area 4 and the side area 6 of the balance device are formed together dome-shaped or (substantially) hemispherical.

The in the FIGS. 6 and 14, 15 and 16 existing, down to the bottom area adjacent, rounded (receding) part of the transition region between the deck area and floor area creates a special elasticity in use and thus over the embodiments of Fig. 1-5 special suspension properties.

It should be understood that all combinations of particular features as disclosed in the specification are hereby also deemed to be disclosed. For example, it is intended to combine the flange edge thickening with various shapes and dimensions of floor elements and the like. Further combinations are explicitly suggested to the person skilled in the art by the combination of the individual embodiments.

Furthermore, it is preferred that the balance device is characterized in that the bottom surface is at least partially bounded by a conical surface.

Furthermore, it is preferred that the balance device is characterized in that the bottom surface is at least partially bounded by a parabolic surface.

Furthermore, it is preferred that the balance device is characterized in that the bottom surface is at least partially bounded by an ellipsoid surface.

Balance device is preferably characterized in that the underside of the bottom element is at least partially bounded by a basket arch surface.

Balance device is preferably formed so that the hollow body defines a continuous, uninterrupted fluid-fillable chamber which is filled with fluid.

Balance device is preferably formed so that the bottom portion 2 and the cover portion 4 are arranged substantially flat and parallel to each other.

Balance device is preferably formed so that the cover region 4 is at least partially spherical.

Balance device is preferably formed so that the balance device has a maximum width between 0.25 and 0.65 m and a height between 30 and 400 mm.

Balance device is preferably formed so that the maximum width of the balance device is between 0.3 and 0.45 m.

Balance device is preferably formed so that the height of the balance device is between 40 and 100 mm.

Balance device is preferably formed so that the plastic contains plasticized polyvinyl chloride (PVC).

Balance device is preferably formed so that the balance device is produced by rotational molding.

Balance device is preferably formed so that the balance device in the plan has a substantially round or oval shape.

Balance device is preferably formed so that the balance device in plan view has an n-angular shape with n ≥ 3.

Balance device is preferably formed so that the hollow body skin has anti-slip projections 10, which are formed in the bottom portion 2 and / or in the deck area 4.

Balance device is preferably formed so that the hollow body skin has knobs 12 which are formed in the bottom region 2 and / or in the deck area 4

Balance device is preferably formed so that the projections 10 have a diameter of 1 to 10 mm.

Balance device is preferably formed so that the hollow body skin of the side portion 6 is curved substantially concave.

Balance device is preferably formed so that the hollow body skin of the side portion 6 is curved substantially convex.

Balance device is preferably formed so that the hollow body skin of the side portion 6 is substantially cylindrical.

Balance device is preferably formed so that at least one transition region in cross-section are substantially quarter-circular.

Balance device is preferably formed so that the side region 6 has at least one formation.

Balance device is preferably formed so that the at least one formation of the side portion 6 has a, in cross-section substantially semicircular shape.

Balance device is preferably formed so that the at least one shape of the side region 6 has a cross-sectionally substantially n-angular shape with n ≥ 2.

Balancing device is preferably designed such that the at least one formation of the side region 6 extends helically around the side region.

Balance device is preferably formed so that the at least one formation of the side portion 6 extends substantially vertically.

Balance device is preferably formed so that the at least one formation of the side portion 6 extends substantially horizontally.

Balance device is preferably formed so that the balance device has at least one valve 14, through which fluid can be filled in the chamber of the balance device.

Balance device is preferably formed so that the flange 7 has a flange edge thickening 19.

Balance device is preferably formed so that the bottom element has openings through which the hollow body skin can rest through the bottom element on a substrate.

Balance device is preferably formed so that the cover portion 4 and the side portion 6 are dome-shaped together.

Balancing device is preferably designed such that on the bottom element 9, the balance device opposite, another balance device which also has a flange, is arranged.

Balancing device is preferably formed so that at its edge region at least two eyelets are attached, through which a leash or a band can be pulled.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

2

floor area

4

deck area

6

page range

7

flange

9

floor element

10

projections

12

massage nubs

14

Valve

15

fastening device

16

chamber

17

fastening opening

19

Flanschrandverdickung

30

foot element

51

bottom opening

Claims (15)

Balance device, comprising a hollow body with hollow body skin, comprising a floor area (2), - An upper deck area (4), and a side region (6) which is connected by transition regions to the bottom region (2) and the cover region (4) and which extends between the bottom region (2) and the cover region (4), - Wherein the hollow body defines at least one enclosed by the hollow body skin fluid-fillable chamber, which is filled with fluid, and - In the bottom region (2) on the outside of the hollow body an outwardly directed flange (7) is arranged. Balance device according to claim 1, wherein the bottom portion (2) is formed by a hollow body skin, and the hollow body skin forming the bottom portion (2), the top portion (4) and the side portion (6) and the flange (7) are integrally formed of plastic. Balance device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the flange (7) is provided with fastening openings (17). Balance device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a bottom element (9) is fixed to the flange. Balancing device according to claim 4, wherein the bottom element (9) is fastened to the flange (7) with at least one fastening device (17). Balancing device according to claim 5, characterized in that the balance device is further provided with a flange ring (11), wherein the flange (7) is clamped by at least one fastening means (15) between the flange ring (11) and the rigid structure. Balancing device according to one of the claims, which depend on claim 4, characterized in that the bottom element comprises a plate (9). Balance device according to claim 7, characterized in that the bottom element (9) is curved or arched. Balance device according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that on the bottom element (9) a foot element (30) is arranged. Balance device according to one of the preceding claims, when dependent on claim 4, characterized in that the at least one fastening device (15) comprises screws, threads or rivets. Balance device according to one of the preceding claims, as far as dependent on claim 4, characterized in that the bottom element (9) is substantially planar. Balance device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the underside of the balance device or the bottom element (9) forms a curved bottom surface. Balance device according to claim 12, characterized in that a bottom surface of the bottom element is concavely curved. Balance device according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that the bottom surface is convexly curved. Balance device according to one of claims 12 to 14, characterized in that the bottom surface is at least partially bounded by a spherical surface.

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