EP2092964B1 - 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.

A balancing device is known, for example, from the American patent application US 2004/220030 A1 known comprising a base and a hemispherical element which is attached to the base.

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.

This object is achieved by the subject matter with the features of claim 1, further embodiments are described in the dependent claims. A balance device designed as a one-piece hollow body comprises a bottom area, a deck area and a functionally corresponding side area which connects a support and seating area, 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, e.g. B. down or to the side. The device is suitable for use by the user standing or sitting. The hollow body is integrally formed of plastic. A floor member having a concavely curved bottom surface forming a seat pan is fixed to the flange, the floor member covering the bottom part. A flange ring clamps the flange through at least one fastener between the flange ring and the rigid structure. On the bottom element, a plastic ring of soft plastic molded on the underside in the edge region, which ensures a soft elastic and at the same time non-slip contact with the ground.

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 damages in the lumbar and spine area can during Balancing (for example when sitting balancing) at least reduced, avoided or even cured.

The balancing device according to the invention can also be used on a seat due to the height of some of its Ausführungsforinen. 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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

In an additional exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the bottom surface is at least partially substantially defined by an ellipsoidal surface.

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.

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 10 and 11 ,

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 1-8 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 the "golf ball design". 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.
• FIG. 2 bis 7 stellen Seitenansichten von verschiedenen bevorzugten Ausführungsformen des erfindungsgemäßen Hohlkörpers dar.
• FIG. 8 stellt eine Draufsicht auf eine erfindungsgemäße Balancevorrichtung mit Massagenoppen und einem Ventil dar;
• FIG. 9 ist eine perspektivische Aufsicht auf eine sechseckige Balancevorrichtung.
• FIGN. 10 und 11 zeigen einen Querschnitt durch andere Ausführungsformen einer Balancevorrichtung.

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.
• FIG. 2 to 7 represent side views of various preferred embodiments of the hollow body according to the invention.
• FIG. 8th shows a plan view of a balance device according to the invention with massage nubs and a valve;
• FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a hexagonal balance device.
• FIGS. 10 and 11 show a cross section through other embodiments of a balance device.

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 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 1 mm and 10 mm. The projections also serve the additional stiffening of the hollow body, and can also be used for an aesthetic design of Balancevornchtung invention or the Balancierkissens. 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 peripheral outwardly approximately annular flange to which a bottom member may 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 to 7 represent side views of various preferred embodiment of the hollow body according to the invention.

In the FIGS. 2 to 7 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. 2 and 3 FIG. 2 shows two alternative embodiments of the balancing device according to the invention, with a concave cross-section (FIG. Fig. 3 ) or convex ( Fig. 2 ) Configuration of the side region 6.

In the FIG. 4 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. 5 shown) or a polygonal shape (as in FIG. 6 shown). Another preferred embodiment is in FIG. 7 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. 2 to 7 ) as well as vertically (not shown here).

FIG. 8th 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. 9 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. 10 and 11 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. 11 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. 11 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. 11 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. 11 - The flange 7 is not a horizontal flange as in Fig. 11 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, so that the ground contact by the annular plastic in the bottom area is formed.

The in the Figures 2 and 10 and 11 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 embodiment of Fig. 1 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 cover portion 4 and the side portion 6 are dome-shaped together.

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

Claims (7)

1. Balance device, having a hollow body with a hollow body skin, comprising

   - a bottom region (2),

   - an upper top region (4), and

   - a side region (6) which is connected to the bottom region (2) and the top region (4) by means of transition regions and which extends between the bottom region (2) and the top region (4),

   - wherein the hollow body defines at least one chamber, which is enclosed by the hollow body skin and can be filled with fluid, which chamber is filled with fluid, and

   - an outwardly directed flange (7) is arranged externally on the hollow body at the bottom region (2),

   wherein the bottom region (2) is formed by a hollow body skin and the hollow body skin, which forms the bottom region (2), the top region (4) and the side region (6), and the flange (7) are formed in one piece from plastics,
   characterized in that

   - a bottom element (9) which has a concavely bent bottom area forming a sitting shell, and being fastened to the flange (7), wherein the bottom element (9) covers the bottom region (2), and

   - a flange ring (11), wherein the flange (7) is clamped between the flange ring (11) and the bottom element by at least one fastening apparatus (15), and

   - wherein a plastic ring of soft plastic is moulded to the underside of the bottom region (9) at the edge region, which ensures a soft elastic and at the same time skid proof bottom contact.
2. Balance device according to claim 1, characterized in that the flange (7) is provided with fastening openings (17).
3. Balance device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the bottom element (9) is fastened to the flange (7) with at least one fastening apparatus (15).
4. Balance device according to claim 3, characterized in that the at least one fastening apparatus (15) comprises screws, threads or rivets.
5. Balance device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the bottom area is at least partly limited by the surface of a sphere.
6. Balance device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the horizontal diameter of the hollow body exceeds the outer diameter of the flange ring (11).
7. Balance device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the horizontal diameter of the hollow body exceeds the outer diameter of the bottom element (9).

Images