Back to results
US 7,008,360 B1Granted
Apparatus and method for improving balance
OwnerRobert Samuel Smithinventor
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An apparatus and method for improving balance featuring a pedestal disk connected by a stem to a fulcrum disk which is supported on the floor. The user stands on the pedestal disk and performs exercises. Improvement of balance is measured by a timer which measures the period when the fulcrum is flush on the floor. An associated sighting device guides the user to maintain a fixed line of sight while performing exercises to improve eye-proprioceptive coordination. As the user improves his balance, he substitutes ever smaller fulcrum disks.
Claims18
A device for practicing balancing exercises which comprises:
- a stem;
- a pedestal disk;
- a plurality of fulcrum disks, each of said fulcrum disks having a diameter in a range beginning with a largest disk having a largest diameter down to a smallest fulcrum disk having a smallest diameter;
- means to detachably attach one end of said stem perpendicularly to a center of said pedestal disk;
- means to detachably attach an opposite end of said stem perpendicularly to a center of any one of said fulcrum disks whereby a user is enabled to place said fulcrum disk on a support surface with one end of said stem attached to said fulcrum disk and an opposite end of said stem attached to said pedestal disk and stand on said pedestal disk while performing exercises.
2 more elements
A method for improving balancing skills which includes the steps:
- A) provide an apparatus which comprises:
- i) a stem;
- ii) a pedestal disk;
- iii) a plurality of fulcrum disks having diameters in a range beginning with a largest fulcrum disk having a largest diameter down to a smallest fulcrum disk having a smallest diameter;
- iv) means to detachably attach one end of said stem perpendicularly to a center of said pedestal disk;
- v) means to detachably attach an opposite end of said stem perpendicularly to a center of any one of said fulcrum disks whereby a user is enabled to place said fulcrum disk on a support surface with one end of said stem attached to said fulcrum disk and an opposite end of said stem attached to said pedestal disk and maintain balance while standing on said pedestal disk while performing exercises;
- B) place a side of said fulcrum opposite said stem on a support surface;
- C) stand on a side of said pedestal disk opposite said stem;
- D) perform a program of exercises;
- E) exchanging the fulcrum disk for an ever smaller fulcrum disk as balancing skill improves.
7 more elements
A device for practicing balancing exercises which comprises:
- a stem;
- a pedestal disk;
- a plurality of fulcrum disks, each of said fulcrum disks having a diameter in a range beginning with a largest disk having a largest diameter down to a smallest fulcrum disk having a smallest diameter;
- means to detachably attach one end of said stem perpendicularly to a center of said pedestal disk;
- means to detachably attach an opposite end of said stem perpendicularly to a center of any one of said fulcrum disks;
- an incline plate having a top surface arranged for supporting said fulcrum disk flush on said top surface and an onderside surface;
- means for supporting said incline plate at a selected inclination on a horizontal support surface with said fulcrum disk positioned on said top surface providing that a user is enabled to stand on said pedestal disk and perform exercises.
4 more elements
A device for supporting a fulcrum disk at a selected inclination which comprises:
- an incline plate having one side intended for supporting said fulcrum disk and an underside;
- a Tee bar being a center bar having one end perpenciularly joined to a center of a cross bar;
- a pair of straps, one said strap straddling one end of said cross bar and another said strap straddling an opposite end of said cross bar;
- said pair of straps secured to said underside of said incline plate and rotatably securing said cross bar to rotate about its centerline parallel and adjacent to an edge of said incline plate;
- said center bar having a row of notches;
- a brace being a joiniung bar with one end perpencicularly joined to one end of a leg and another end joined perpendicularly to one end of another leg providng that said brace has a U shape;
- each leg having a free end hingably joined near another edge parallel to said one edge of an underside side of said incline plate;
- said brace operably arranged in combination with said Tee bar to permit engagement of said
- joining bar with a selected one of said notches.
6 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.