A portable balance training cushion

Abstract

The application belongs to the technical field of training equipment, and particularly relates to a portable balance training cushion, which comprises a cushion layer, a supporting layer, a neutral position supporting mechanism and a transverse shaking limiting mechanism. The cushion layer and the supporting layer are oppositely arranged, the neutral position supporting mechanism is connected between the cushion layer and the supporting layer, and is used for providing a reset force and inhibiting a return oscillation. The transverse shaking limiting mechanism is distributed along the circumference of the supporting layer, and the two ends thereof are respectively hinged to the cushion layer and the supporting layer, and is used for limiting the cushion layer to only be able to perform a horizontal plane translation and a slight rotation relative to the supporting layer. The application has the advantages of compact structure, easy carrying, controllable multidirectional horizontal disturbance, stability of returning to the neutral position, adjustment for different users and training purposes, and convenient use.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of training equipment technology, specifically a portable balance training cushion. Background Technology

[0002] Balance training is a crucial component of neurological rehabilitation, functional maintenance in the elderly, developmental assessment in children, and core stability training. Current balance training cushion technologies mainly fall into two categories: one uses flexible airbags, which are soft and resilient to the touch. Most balance mats currently produced have one smooth side and many granules on the other to increase friction and prevent slipping during balance training. Their advantages are comfort and lightness, but they offer unstable support, lack clear mechanical feedback, and are insufficiently targeted and safe for training. The other type uses a hemispherical or rocking base, providing an unstable surface, but the return force is poorly controllable, the swaying trajectory is unpredictable, potentially leading to excessive tilting or tipping over, and they are not suitable for people of different body types.

[0003] Existing technologies have the following shortcomings: they cannot precisely limit the degrees of freedom of movement to focus on the horizontal center of gravity transfer; the reset force is not adjustable or oscillations occur during the return process; it is difficult to simultaneously achieve sensitive response and smooth return; they lack versatility and modularity, making it difficult to adapt to different weights or training intensity requirements; and it is difficult to balance portability and structural stability.

[0004] Therefore, the present invention provides a portable balance training cushion. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In order to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art, at least one technical problem raised in the background art is solved.

[0006] The technical solution adopted by the present invention to solve its technical problem is: a portable balance training cushion of the present invention, comprising a cushion layer, a support layer, a neutral position support mechanism and a lateral sway limiting mechanism; The cushion layer and the support layer are arranged opposite to each other, and the neutral position support mechanism is connected between the cushion layer and the support layer to provide a reset force and suppress return oscillation; The lateral sway limiting mechanism is distributed along the circumference of the support layer, and its two ends are respectively hinged to the cushion layer and the support layer, which is used to limit the cushion layer to only be able to translate and rotate slightly relative to the support layer in the horizontal plane.

[0007] Preferably, the neutral position support mechanism includes at least one elastic support member and several damping members, wherein the elastic support member and the damping members are arranged in parallel, the elastic support member provides initial reset force and static support force, and the damping members are used to absorb swaying energy to suppress return oscillation.

[0008] Preferably, the elastic support is a central spring, and the damping component is a hydraulic damper or a pneumatic-hydraulic damper. Multiple damping components are provided and are evenly distributed circumferentially on the outer side of the central spring.

[0009] Preferably, the lateral sway limiting mechanism includes several sets of connecting components. Each set of connecting components includes a connecting rod with an adjustable length, and a first ball hinge and a second ball hinge respectively disposed at both ends of the connecting rod. The first ball hinge is hinged to the cushion layer, and the second ball hinge is hinged to the support layer.

[0010] Preferably, the first ball hinge and the second ball hinge are movably connected to the opposite sides of the cushion layer and the support layer, respectively.

[0011] Preferably, the cushion layer is a composite structure in which a flexible buffer layer covers a rigid inner shell, and the support layer is a rigid substrate.

[0012] Preferably, both ends of the elastic support and damping member are fixedly connected to the rigid inner shell of the cushion layer and the support layer, respectively.

[0013] Preferably, the two ends of the damping element are hinged to the rigid inner shell of the cushion layer and the support layer through ball joints.

[0014] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows: 1. The portable balance training cushion of the present invention, by setting a neutral support mechanism and a lateral sway limiting mechanism, realizes the simulation of translation and slight rotation of the cushion in the horizontal plane, while effectively suppressing the return oscillation, thus improving the training effect and user experience. Its compact structure and high portability make it convenient for users to perform balance training anytime and anywhere, and it is especially suitable for rehabilitation training, fitness exercises, and daily balance maintenance for the elderly.

[0015] 2. The portable balance training cushion of this invention, through the parallel arrangement of elastic support components and damping components, ensures both the initial restoring force and static support force of the cushion, while effectively absorbing energy and reducing oscillations during shaking, making the process of the cushion returning to a neutral position more stable and rapid. Furthermore, the adjustable length design of the lateral shaking limiting mechanism allows users to adjust the maximum shaking amplitude of the cushion according to their own needs, further enhancing the flexibility and targeting of training. Attached Figure Description

[0016] The invention will now be further described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0017] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of the present invention.

[0018] In the diagram: 1. Seat cushion layer; 2. Support layer; 3. Elastic support component; 4. Damping component; 5. Connecting rod; 6. First ball hinge; 7. Second ball hinge. Detailed Implementation

[0019] To make the technical means, creative features, objectives and effects of this invention easier to understand, the invention will be further described below in conjunction with specific embodiments.

[0020] Example 1: As Figures 1 to 2 As shown in the figure, a portable balance training cushion according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a cushion layer 1, a support layer 2, a neutral position support mechanism, and a lateral sway limiting mechanism. The cushion layer 1 and the support layer 2 are arranged opposite to each other, and the neutral position support mechanism is connected between the cushion layer 1 and the support layer 2 to provide a reset force and suppress return oscillation; The lateral sway limiting mechanism is distributed along the circumference of the support layer 2, and its two ends are respectively hinged to the cushion layer 1 and the support layer 2. It is used to limit the cushion layer 1 to only be able to translate and rotate slightly relative to the support layer 2 in the horizontal plane.

[0021] The neutral position support mechanism includes at least one elastic support member 3 and several damping members 4. The elastic support member 3 and the damping members 4 are arranged in parallel. The elastic support member 3 provides initial reset force and static support force, and the damping members 4 are used to absorb swaying energy to suppress return oscillation.

[0022] The elastic support 3 is a central spring, and the damping component 4 is a hydraulic damper or a pneumatic-hydraulic damper. Multiple damping components 4 are provided and are evenly distributed circumferentially on the outside of the central spring.

[0023] When in use, the user sits on top of the cushion layer 1, and the slight shifts in their body's center of gravity cause the cushion layer 1 to shift and tilt slightly in the horizontal plane. A lateral sway limiting mechanism restricts its movement path, while the elastic support component 3 provides initial restoring force and static support. The damping component 4 absorbs energy and suppresses oscillations during the return process, ultimately allowing the cushion to smoothly return to a neutral position. This process is smoother and faster. The device's portability allows for use anytime, anywhere, whether at home, in the gym, or outdoors, providing a convenient balance training solution.

[0024] The lateral sway limiting mechanism includes several sets of connecting components. Each set of connecting components includes a length-adjustable connecting rod 5, and a first ball hinge 6 and a second ball hinge 7 respectively disposed at both ends of the connecting rod 5. The first ball hinge 6 is hinged to the cushion layer 1, and the second ball hinge 7 is hinged to the support layer 2. The hinge form of the first ball hinge 6 and the second ball hinge 7 can be a ball hinge, a ball-rotation structure, an equivalent universal joint, or other hinge structure that can achieve relative rotation.

[0025] During operation, when the user's center of gravity shifts, the seat cushion layer 1 undergoes horizontal translation and slight rotation. The first ball hinge 6 and the second ball hinge 7, through their flexible rotational characteristics and in conjunction with the adjustable-length connecting rod 5, precisely guide the movement trajectory of the seat cushion layer 1, ensuring it moves only within a predetermined range. This design not only enhances the accuracy of balance training but also allows for flexible adaptation to different users' balance abilities and training needs by adjusting the length of the connecting rod 5, enabling customized training programs. Simultaneously, the application of articulated structures such as ball hinges, ball-rotation structures, or equivalent universal joints further improves the flexibility and durability of the lateral sway limiting mechanism, ensuring the stability of the seat cushion during long-term use.

[0026] The connecting rod 5 can be a threaded adjustment mechanism, allowing its length to be changed by rotating it, thus limiting the maximum sway of the seat cushion layer 1. Users can precisely adjust the length of the connecting rod 5 according to their balance ability and training needs. When the connecting rod 5 is extended, the maximum sway of the seat cushion layer 1 increases accordingly, suitable for users with strong balance abilities who require higher-intensity training; conversely, when the connecting rod 5 is shortened, the maximum sway of the seat cushion layer 1 decreases, making it more suitable for users with weaker balance abilities or beginners for basic training. This allows the seat cushion to flexibly adapt to the personalized needs of different users, providing customized training programs and effectively improving training results and user experience. At the same time, the threaded adjustment mechanism is easy to operate, allowing users to easily complete the adjustment process without the need for additional tools, further enhancing the practicality and convenience of the seat cushion.

[0027] The first ball hinge 6 and the second ball hinge 7 are movably connected to the opposite sides of the cushion layer 1 and the support layer 2, respectively. By adopting the above layout scheme, the device can be optimized, its smoothness of movement can be improved, and its directional limiting characteristics can be controlled.

[0028] The cushion layer 1 is a composite structure in which a flexible buffer layer covers a rigid inner shell, and the support layer 2 is a rigid substrate.

[0029] When the user sits on the seat cushion layer 1, the flexible cushioning layer conforms to the curves of the human body, providing a comfortable seating experience and effectively distributing body pressure to avoid localized pressure. Simultaneously, the rigid inner shell and the lower rigid base plate work together to form a stable support frame, ensuring that the overall structure of the seat cushion will not deform excessively under stress during balance training, thus guaranteeing the safety and effectiveness of the training. This composite structure design balances user comfort with structural stability, providing a reliable foundation for balance training.

[0030] Example 2: Figure 2 As shown in the comparative embodiment one, another embodiment of the present invention is as follows: both ends of the elastic support member 3 are respectively fixedly connected to the rigid inner shell of the cushion layer 1 and the support layer 2.

[0031] The two ends of the damping member 4 are hinged to the rigid inner shell of the cushion layer 1 and the support layer 2 through ball joints.

[0032] During operation, the stiffness of the spring in the elastic support 3 and the damping coefficient of the damping component 4 can be replaced modularly or finely adjusted through the adjustment mechanism to meet the support needs of different weight ranges (e.g., 20-50kg, 50-100kg, etc.).

[0033] The terms "front," "back," "left," "right," "top," and "bottom" all refer to the figures in the accompanying drawings. Figure 1 Based on the perspective of the observer, the side of the device facing the observer is defined as the front, the left side of the observer is defined as the left, and so on.

[0034] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of this invention.

[0035] The foregoing has shown and described the basic principles, main features, and advantages of the present invention. Those skilled in the art should understand that the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. The embodiments and descriptions in the specification are merely illustrative of the principles of the invention. Various changes and modifications can be made to the invention without departing from its spirit and scope, and all such changes and modifications fall within the scope of the present invention as claimed. The scope of protection of the present invention is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A portable balance training cushion, characterized in that: Includes a cushion layer (1), a support layer (2), a neutral position support mechanism, and a lateral sway limiting mechanism; The cushion layer (1) and the support layer (2) are arranged opposite to each other. The neutral position support mechanism is connected between the cushion layer (1) and the support layer (2) to provide a reset force and suppress the return oscillation. The lateral sway limiting mechanism is distributed along the circumference of the support layer (2), and its two ends are respectively hinged to the cushion layer (1) and the support layer (2), which is used to limit the cushion layer (1) to only be able to translate and rotate slightly relative to the support layer (2) in the horizontal plane.

2. The portable balance training cushion according to claim 1, characterized in that: The neutral position support mechanism includes at least one elastic support member (3) and several damping members (4). The elastic support member (3) and the damping members (4) are arranged in parallel. The elastic support member (3) provides initial reset force and static support force, and the damping members (4) are used to absorb swaying energy to suppress return oscillation.

3. The portable balance training cushion according to claim 2, characterized in that: The elastic support (3) is a central spring, and the damping component (4) is a hydraulic damper or a gas-liquid damper. There are multiple damping components (4), which are evenly distributed circumferentially on the outside of the central spring.

4. The portable balance training cushion according to claim 1, characterized in that: The lateral sway limiting mechanism includes several sets of connecting components. Each set of connecting components includes a connecting rod (5) with an adjustable length, and a first ball hinge (6) and a second ball hinge (7) respectively disposed at both ends of the connecting rod (5). The first ball hinge (6) is hinged to the cushion layer (1), and the second ball hinge (7) is hinged to the support layer (2).

5. A portable balance training cushion according to claim 4, characterized in that: The first ball hinge (6) and the second ball hinge (7) are movably connected to the opposite sides of the cushion layer (1) and the support layer (2), respectively.

6. A portable balance training cushion according to claim 1, characterized in that: The cushion layer (1) is a composite structure in which a flexible buffer layer covers a rigid inner shell, and the support layer (2) is a rigid substrate.

7. A portable balance training cushion according to claim 2, characterized in that: Both ends of the elastic support member (3) are fixedly connected to the rigid inner shell of the cushion layer (1) and the support layer (2), respectively.

8. A portable balance training cushion according to claim 2, characterized in that: The two ends of the damping element (4) are hinged to the rigid inner shell and support layer (2) of the cushion layer (1) through ball joints.

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