Stability Platform

Abstract

An improved exercise device comprises a rigid platform and a plurality of flexible elements attached to the bottom side of the platform in such a way as to render the platform able to move freely in the lateral direction, while not able to tilt. The platform is of sufficient strength to support the weight of a person, as well as the weight of any exercise implements the person may be using. The exercise device thus enables the user to exercise on a slightly unstable surface, which is beneficial to the user's stabilizer muscles and sense of balance. Since the exercise device provides only a mildly unstable surface, it is safe to use as a physical therapy aid for seniors or people recovering from injuries or surgery.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]The present application claims the benefit of PCT App. No. PCT / US12 / 59305, filed Oct. 9, 2012, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61 / 545,392, filed Oct. 10, 2011, which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]This invention pertains to exercise equipment, particularly to exercise equipment intended to improve the user's balance and stability.BACKGROUND[0003]Many studies have been done about the benefits of performing physical exercises such as squats on an unstable surface. The effort of keeping one's balance on an unstable surface engages the stabilizer muscles of the spine and legs, thus resulting in greater muscular exertion. Furthermore, training on an unstable surface improves one's balance, which is especially important for seniors, who are vulnerable to falls, as well as for people recovering from injuries or surgery.[0004]There are many stability board designs on...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0010]Another object of the present invention is to provide a device for physical therapy that can be utilized for balance training or recovery from injuries or surgery, and that is safe for an elderly user or a user with balance problems.

[0012]In accordance with the present invention, there is provided an exercising device comprising a rigid platform of sufficient size and strength so as to enable the user to exercise on it, and a plurality of flexible elements attached to the bottom of the rigid platform and supporting the weight of the platform and the user, where the flexible elements can provide lateral motion of the platform without allowing the platform to tilt to any appreciable amount. The instability of the invention can be calibrated to precise levels, enabling several models of the device to be provided, each with a different instability level. This enables a physical therapist or personal trainer to select the correct level of instability for their patient or client's needs, and to upgrade the patient or client to a higher level of instability as their balance improves. In an alternate embodiment of the invention, the instability level can be adjusted, thus enabling a physical therapist or personal trainer to calibrate the level of instability to their patient or client's needs.

[0013]In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the flexible elements are small inflatable spheres, arranged in an array on the bottom of the rigid platform, and attached to the rigid platform. The instability of the platform can be varied, depending on the number, size, and inflation pressure of the spheres and the exact location of their placement. The spheres may have inflation valves that are accessible to the user, thus enabling their inflation pressure to be adjusted, thus making the range of motion in the lateral direction greater or smaller. In an alternate embodiment, the interiors of at least two of the spheres may be connected together, enabling the user to adjust their inflation pressure simultaneously.

[0019]The rigid platform may be a single piece of material, or it may be able to be folded or taken apart for easy transportation. In the preferred embodiment, the top surface of the rigid platform is rough so that the user does not slip while exercising.

Problems solved by technology

The effort of keeping one's balance on an unstable surface engages the stabilizer muscles of the spine and legs, thus resulting in greater muscular exertion.

Such a device provides an unstable surface for exercise or physical therapy.

However, while all of these designs are helpful in improving the user's balance or stability, they are not safe for a beginner, a person with balance trouble, or a senior.

Due to their substantial instability, they greatly increase the user's risk of falling.

However, it is seniors and people with balance trouble who need such a device the most, as improving their balance will help them in their daily life.

One of the problems with balance boards of those designs is that they can tilt greatly and have very little lateral movement.

Some devices address that problem, but they are not unstable enough.

However, since half of each ball is contained within the hemispherical depression in the board, the board's lateral motion is very limited.

Such a design would only tilt, and not very much.

In other words, this device is not unstable enough.

Furthermore, the balls in Dadbeh are not held securely on the board, and thus are vulnerable to being lost.

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