Balance beam spotting apparatus

Abstract

A portable apparatus is provided for “spotting” a gymnast while performing routines on a balance beam. The balance beam spotting apparatus comprises a rigid frame having a lower frame portion adapted to be supported upon the floor, a correspondingly sized and configured upper frame portion supported above and parallel to the lower frame portion by legs attached at either end to corresponding comers of the lower and upper frame portions and a support assembly operable within the frame. The length of each frame portion is slightly longer than the length of a standard balance beam such that the frame may be positioned around a balance beam. The support assembly includes cables that extend from the top of one leg to the top of the other leg on each side of the frame. Means are provided for tensioning the cables to maintain an appropriate tension in each cable. A pulley operates on each cable along the length of the cable. A spotting strap is suspended by one end from each of the pulleys. The other end of each spotting strap is attached to a swivel on either side of the spotting belt worn by the gymnast. The length of the spotting straps is adjustable to accommodate the height of the gymnast. The swivel permits the gymnast to perform flips and other movements while using the spotting belt without binding or twisting the spotting straps. In use, the balance beam is placed within the frame such that the balance beam extends centrally along the length of the frame, beneath and parallel to the tensioning cables. Thus, the gymnast is able to move along the length of the balance beam while practicing routines and to practice skills without the physical assistance of a spotter or coach.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001] The present invention relates to a portable apparatus for spotting gymnasts practicing routines on a balance beam. BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0002] One of the events common to gymnastics competition is the balance beam. The balance beam comprises an elongate beam approximately 4 inches wide positioned approximately 4 feet above and parallel to the floor upon which the gymnast performs gymnastic routines. The balance beam routines generally include jumps and front and back flips. These routines require great skill on the part of the gymnast to land and balance on the narrow beam. The gymnast moves along the length of the beam while performing such routines. [0003] In competition, such routines are performed without a net or other safety means to prevent the gymnast from falling to the floor if she should fall off the beam. While practicing such routines, however, it is common practice to “spot” the gymnast. Spotting generally involves one perso...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0007] It is one object of the present invention to provide a beam spotting apparatus which can be used by the gymnast without the assistance of another person.

[0008] It is another object of the present invention to provide a beam spotting apparatus that permits the gymnast to travel the length of the beam while using the apparatus.

[0009] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a beam spotting apparatus that is readily portable and can be used in virtually any desired location.

[0010] To those ends, a portable beam spotting apparatus is provided which comprises a rigid frame having rectangular lower frame portion adapted to be supported upon the floor, a correspondingly sized and configured rectangular upper frame portion supported above and parallel to the lower frame portion by legs attached at either end to corresponding corners of the lower and upper frame portions and a support assembly operable within the frame. The length of each frame portion is slightly longer than the length of a standard balance beam. The support assembly includes cables that extend from the top of one leg to the top of the other leg on each side of the frame and suspension means operable along the cables. Means are provided for tensioning the cables to maintain an appropriate tension in each cable. The suspension means includes a pulley that operates on each cable along the length of the cable and a spotting strap that is suspended from one end from each of the pulleys. The other end of each spotting strap is attached to a swivel on either side of the spotting belt. The length of the spotting straps is adjustable to accommodate the height of the gymnast. The swivel permits the gymnast to perform flips while using the spotting belt without binding or twisting the spotting straps. In use, the balance beam is placed within the frame such that the balance beam extends centrally along the length of the frame, beneath and parallel to the tensioning cables. As the gymnast moves along the length of the balance beam while practicing routines, the pulleys (and thus the entire suspension means) move along the cables with the gymnast. Because the length of the spotting straps is fixed, there is no need for another person to assist the gymnast by manipulating the ropes and pulleys, as is the case in the prior art devices. Should the gymnast slip off the balance beam, she will be prevented from falling to the floor by the support assembly.

Problems solved by technology

The drawback with this type of apparatus is that it does not permit the gymnast to travel along the length of the balance beam since the I-beam is stationary.

While an improvement on the first type of apparatus, this type of spotting apparatus is limited in that it is fixed to the roof of a gym and can only be used where it is so fixed.

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