# US 8,998,784 B1 · Cheerleader training device > Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt - Number: US 8,998,784 B1 - Document ID: US8998784B1 - Status: Granted - Kind: B1 - Application number: 13/731,556 - Filed: 2012-12-31 - Granted: 2015-04-07 - Earliest claimed: 2009-04-06 - Applicants: Paula E Sloan; Derick Pickle; Jody A. Sloan - Inventors: Paula E Sloan; Derick Pickle; Jody A. Sloan - Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US8998784B1 ## CPC - A63B 21/00072: {by changing the length of a lever} - A63B 21/0085: {using pneumatic force-resisters} - A63B 21/0087: {of the piston-cylinder type (using hydraulic piston-cylinder type force resistors A63B21/0083)} - A63B 21/025: {Spiral springs with turns lying substantially in plane surfaces} - A63B 22/18: with elements, {i.e. platforms,} having a circulating, {nutating} or rotating movement, generated by oscillating movement of the user, {e.g. platforms wobbling on a centrally arranged spherical support}(hoop exercising apparatus A63B19/00; {eccentric weights put into orbital motion by nutating movement of the user A63B21/0608; pots rotating or rocking by moving the whole body A63G23/00}) - A63B 23/03508: {For a single arm or leg, (A63B21/0726 takes precedence)} - A63B 23/085: {by rotational movement of the joint in a plane substantially parallel to the body-symmetrical-plane} - A63B 23/10: for feet or toes - A63B 26/003: {for improving balance or equilibrium (balance beams A63B4/00; apparatus for rope dancing A63B7/08; balancing drums, balancing boards or the like A63B22/16)} - A63B 21/0442: {Anchored at one end only, the other end being manipulated by the user} - A63B 21/05: Linearly-compressed elements {(A63B21/028 takes precedence)} - A63B 2022/0033: {Lower limbs performing together the same movement, e.g. on a single support element} - A63B 2022/185: {specially adapted for using with a single foot or hand} - A63B 2208/0209: on a single foot - A63B 2225/093: Height - A63B: APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT (apparatus for passive exercising, massage A61H) ## Abstract A training apparatus for use by a user in learning balance when standing on one leg and having no external balance support includes a stable base assembly, a support column extending vertically from the stable base assembly, a rigid standing surface member, and means for providing rotation in a horizontal plane to the rigid standing surface member. Rotation may occur at a constant vertical height or as the apparatus is raising or lowering. The apparatus may also include a balancing assembly with a deflectably resilient member. The apparatus promotes proper alignment and mimics the feel that a flyer cheerleader experiences when being supported by a base cheerleader. ## Claims ### Claim 1 A training apparatus for use by a user in learning balance when standing on one leg and having no external balance support, the training apparatus comprising: a stable base assembly; and a balancing assembly including a support column extending vertically from and perpendicular to the stable base assembly, a deflectably resilient member arranged above the support column, and a rigid standing surface member located above and arranged normal to the deflectably resilient member; the deflectably resilient member moving in response to a foot contact position of the user on the rigid standing surface member. ### Claim 2 (depends on 1) A training apparatus according to claim 1 further comprising the rigid standing surface member providing a first foot contact position and a second foot contact position, the first and second foot contact positions being for a same foot, each of the first and second foot contact positions placing a different portion of the same foot in contact with the rigid standing surface member. ### Claim 3 (depends on 1) A training apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the defectably resilient member is arranged to provide instability laterally and longitudinally and vertically when the rigid standing surface member is under load. ### Claim 4 (depends on 1) A training apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the deflectably resilient member moves to a first unstable position when the user is in the first foot contact position and moves to a second unstable position when the user moves between the first and second foot contact positions. ### Claim 5 (depends on 1) A training apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the deflectably resilient member is in the form of at least one compression spring. ### Claim 6 (depends on 1) A training apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the deflectably resilient member is in the form of a least one compressible member. ### Claim 7 (depends on 1) A training apparatus according to claim 1 further comprising means for adjusting a vertical height of the rigid standing surface member relative to the stable base assembly. ### Claim 8 (depends on 7) A training apparatus according to claim 7 wherein the adjustment means is an internal actuator housed within the column. ### Claim 9 (depends on 1) A training apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the rigid standing surface member is rectangular shaped and has a length at least 1¼ times that of its width. ### Claim 10 (depends on 1) A training apparatus according to claim 1 further comprising means for providing rotation in a horizontal plane to the rigid standing surface member. ### Claim 11 (depends on 10) A training apparatus according to claim 10 further comprising the rotation means including a flange mounted bearing located between the rigid standing surface member and the support column. ### Claim 12 (depends on 10) A training apparatus according to claim 10 further comprising the rotation means not requiring additional user pressure on the rigid standing surface in order to start the rotation. ### Claim 13 (depends on 10) A training apparatus according to claim 10 further comprising the rotation means including means for setting a tension at which rotation starts. ### Claim 14 (depends on 10) A training apparatus according to claim 10 further comprising means for limiting the rotation of the rigid standing surface member to no more than 360°. ### Claim 15 (depends on 14) A training apparatus according to claim 14 further comprising the limiting means including a ball spring plunger and a ball spring ramp. ### Claim 16 (depends on 1) A method of teaching balance to a user who is using the training apparatus of claim 1, the method comprising the steps of: (i) keeping a foot portion of one leg in contact with the rigid standing surface of the balancing assembly; and (ii) moving at least one arm or the other leg between a first position and a second position, the other leg not having a foot portion in contact with the rigid standing surface; and (iii) maintaining contact of the first-mentioned foot portion with the rigid standing surface.