Mounting assembly for balance trainer

Abstract

A mounting assembly for connecting a fitness device to a training surface comprises an adapter having a vertical body extending between a first end and a second end, the adapter including a plurality of legs extending horizontally from the adapter and a recess therein extending from the first end toward the second end, and a mount having a flat horizontal portion, a mounting surface, a vertical portion perpendicular to the mounting surface, and a bore extending along a central axis through both the mounting surface and the vertical portion, the vertical portion of the mount including a mount configured to be slidably received within the recess of the adapter, and an elastic member received within the bore of the mount and configured to press the adapter and mount along a central axis in a first direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0005]

[0001] (Cross - reference to Related Applications) This application claims the benefit of the filing date of U.S. Patent Application No. 18 / 203,274, filed on May 30, 2023, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

Background Art

[0002] Many fitness devices promote movements that are performed for therapy, adjustment, or physical exercise. Some exercise devices require a person to maintain balance and equilibrium. Large inflatable balls known as Swiss balls or medicine balls have been used for this purpose. The balls are useful for certain stability - training exercises, but standing or remaining on the balls requires a high level of skill, and anyone can get injured without proper training and / or balance. Further, these devices only allow the user to exercise against the ground and do not allow for other contributions that enable the device to be stabilized without being held by the user against another surface.

[0003] Therefore, there is a need for an improved device that provides a user with a safe and effective way to improve balance and equilibrium on various surfaces that are parallel or orthogonal to the ground and at any angle therebetween.

Summary of the Invention

[0004] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a balance trainer includes a bladder and a platform central opening that enables attachment of an assembly to another surface. The assembly includes an adapter, a mount, and an elastic member that biases the assembly through the platform central opening.

[0005] According to another aspect, the elastic member is a spring configured to extend through a bore of the mount and at least partially through a recess of the adapter.

[0006] In yet another embodiment, the adapter includes at least one mounting mechanism configured to rotatably engage with the inclined surface of the central opening of the platform.

[0007] In a different embodiment, the mount includes a mounting surface configured to contact and secure to another surface.

[0008] In a further embodiment, another surface is a rotating platform.

[0009] In a different context, another surface is a wall.

[0010] In another embodiment, a mounting assembly for attaching a health device to a training surface comprises an adapter having a vertical body extending between a first end and a second end, the adapter including a plurality of legs extending horizontally from the adapter and a recess therein extending from the first end toward the second end; a mount having a flat horizontal portion, a mounting surface, a vertical portion perpendicular to the mounting surface, and a bore extending along a central axis through both the mounting surface and the vertical portion, wherein the vertical portion of the mount is configured to be slidably received within the recess of the adapter; and an elastic member received within the bore of the mount and configured to press the adapter and mount along a central axis in a first direction.

[0011] In another embodiment, the mounting assembly further comprises a post having a flat base, the first end of the elastic member remaining in contact with the flat base of the post during use of the mounting assembly.

[0012] In a different configuration, the vertical body of the adapter is circular.

[0013] In another embodiment, each of the multiple legs of the adapter has an angled surface.

[0014] In a further embodiment, a force applied along the central axis in a second direction opposite to the first direction causes the mount and adapter to move in the second direction.

[0015] In yet another embodiment, the health device is a balance trainer having an inflatable bladder fixed to a platform, the platform having a central opening configured to receive and securely fasten a mounting assembly.

[0016] In a different embodiment, the central opening of the platform has a plurality of inclined surfaces, each terminating in a groove directly adjacent to the inclined surface, and each of the plurality of legs of the adapter has an angled surface, and each of the plurality of legs is fitted to slidably contact one of the plurality of inclined surfaces until each of the plurality of legs is positioned in one of the grooves.

[0017] In another embodiment, the elastic member keeps each of the adapter's legs within each of the grooves until a force along the central axis in a second direction opposite to the first direction causes each of the legs to move outside each of the grooves.

[0018] In a further embodiment, the adapter of the mounting assembly is configured to be received within a central opening of the platform, and the mounting assembly is securely fixed to the platform of the exercise equipment by rotating the exercise equipment and locking the exercise equipment and the mounting assembly together.

[0019] In another embodiment, the mounting surface of the mount is configured to be in direct contact with the training surface.

[0020] In another embodiment, the fixed assembly comprises a platform having a central opening; an adapter having a vertical body extending between a first end and a second end, including a plurality of legs extending horizontally from the adapter and a recess in the adapter extending from the first end toward the second end; a mount having a flat horizontal portion, a vertical portion perpendicular to the flat horizontal portion, and a bore extending along a central axis through both the horizontal and vertical portions, wherein the horizontal portion of the mount is configured to be slidably received in the recess of the adapter; and an elastic member received in the bore of the mount and configured to press the adapter and the mount along the central axis in a first direction; The training surface comprises a training surface, wherein the adapter of the mounting assembly is configured to be received within the central opening of the platform and securely fixed to the central opening of the platform, and the mount of the adapter is configured to be in direct contact with and fixed to the training surface.

[0021] In another embodiment, the mounting assembly further comprises a post having a flat base, the first end of the elastic member remaining in contact with the flat base of the post during use of the mounting assembly.

[0022] In a different configuration, the vertical body of the adapter is circular.

[0023] In another embodiment, each of the multiple legs of the adapter has an angled surface.

[0024] In a further embodiment, a force applied along the central axis in a second direction opposite to the first direction causes the mount and adapter to move in the second direction.

[0025] In yet another embodiment, the health device is a balance trainer having an inflatable bladder fixed to a platform.

[0026] In another aspect, the central opening of the platform has a plurality of inclined surfaces each terminating in a groove that is directly adjacent to the inclined surface, each of the plurality of legs of the adapter has an angled surface, and each of the plurality of legs is adapted to slidably contact one of the plurality of inclined surfaces until each of the plurality of legs is disposed within one of the grooves.

[0027] In a different aspect, the elastic member maintains each of the plurality of legs of the adapter within one of the grooves until a force along a central axis in a second direction opposite the first direction causes each of the plurality of legs to be disposed outside of each of the grooves.

[0028] In a further aspect, the mount assembly is securely fixed to the platform of the fitness device by rotating the fitness device and locking the fitness device and the mount assembly together.

[0029] In another aspect, the training surface is a wall, and the flat horizontal portion of the mount is configured to be fixed in direct contact with the wall.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0030] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a prior art fitness device. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a bottom perspective view of a portion of the prior art fitness device of FIG. 1. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a bottom perspective view of a portion of the prior art fitness device of FIG. 1. [Figure 4A] FIG. 4A is an exploded perspective view of a mount assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4B] FIG. 4B is another exploded perspective view of the mount assembly of FIG. 4A. [Figure 5A] FIG. 5A is a perspective view of an adapter of the mount assembly of FIG. 4A. [Figure 5B] FIG. 5B is another perspective view of the adapter of the mount assembly of FIG. 4A. [Figure 5C]Figure 5C is a side view of the adapter of the mounting assembly shown in Figure 4A. [Figure 5D] Figure 5D is a front view of the adapter of the mounting assembly shown in Figure 4A. [Figure 5E] Figure 5E is a side cross-sectional view of the adapter of the mounting assembly in Figure 4A along line AA. [Figure 6A] Figure 6A is a perspective view of a health device according to one embodiment. [Figure 6B] Figure 6B is another perspective view of the health device shown in Figure 6A, with the cover removed. [Figure 6C] Figure 6C is a side view of the health device shown in Figure 6A. [Figure 6D] Figure 6D is a bottom view of the health device shown in Figure 6A. [Figure 6E] Figure 6E is another bottom view of the health device shown in Figure 6A. [Figure 6F] Figure 6F is a front cross-sectional view of the health device along line AA in Figure 6E. [Figure 7A] Figure 7A is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of the health equipment shown in Figure 6A. [Figure 7B] Figure 7B is another enlarged perspective view of a portion of the health equipment shown in Figure 6A. [Figure 8A] Figure 8A is a perspective view of the mounting assembly shown in Figure 4A, implemented in a health device. [Figure 8B] Figure 8B is another perspective view of the mounting assembly from Figure 4A as implemented in a health device. [Figure 9A] Figure 9A is a perspective view of the mounting assembly shown in Figure 4A, implemented in a different health device. [Figure 9B] Figure 9B is another perspective view of the health device shown in Figure 9A. [Figure 10A] Figure 10A is a top view of the mount assembly shown in Figure 1. [Figure 10B] Figure 10B is a cross-sectional view of the mounting assembly in Figure 1 along line AA in Figure 10A. [Figure 11A] Figure 11A is a top view of a health device according to one embodiment. [Figure 11B]Figure 11B is a perspective view of the mounting assembly shown in Figure 1, mounted on a health device. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0031] Hereinafter, various embodiments of the present disclosure shown in the accompanying drawings will be referenced in detail. Note that the drawings are simplified and not drawn to exact scale. As used herein, the term “a” means “at least one.” The term includes the words specifically described above, their derivatives, and words of similar meaning. Although at least two variations are described herein, other variations may include any suitable combination of the embodiments described herein having all or some of the described embodiments.

[0032] Figures 1 to 3 show the components of a conventional balance trainer. As shown, the balance trainer includes an inflatable bladder coupled to a platform. The platform has a bladder-facing surface and an opposite standing surface or floor surface. A central opening is formed through the platform so that the bladder can be accessed through the central opening.

[0033] Figures 4 and 5 show a mount assembly 100 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The mount assembly 100 includes an adapter 102 and a mount 114, the mount 114 being fixed to the adapter 102 via biasing forces from an elastic member 124 and a locking fastener 132.

[0034] Figures 5A to 5E show various views of the adapter 102. The adapter 102 extends along its longitudinal axis from a first end 106 to a second end 108. The first end 106 is preferably circular or substantially circular and extends perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the adapter 102. The first end includes a first opening 180 that extends through the first end 106 and operably communicates with a recess 112 that extends from the second end 108. The diameter of the first opening 180 is preferably smaller than the diameter of the recess 112 so that the mount 114 cannot completely penetrate the adapter 102 and is rather limited by the inner surface of the first end 106. Similarly, the small diameter of the first opening 180 allows the head of the locking fastener 132 to abut against the first end 106 and hold the spring. The adapter 102 defines a substantially cylindrical outer circumference 136 with a continuous outward curve. In alternative embodiments, the adapter 102 may be rectangular or have another shape adapted for use with specific exercise equipment.

[0035] The adapter 102 includes at least one mounting mechanism 110 extending radially outward from the outer circumference 136. As illustrated and described herein, the mounting mechanism 110 is a leg including an inclined surface 130. However, those skilled in the art will understand that the mounting mechanism 110 may be a leg, projection, flange, etc., that allows a user to easily mount the mounting assembly 100 onto a particular piece of exercise equipment.

[0036] As shown in Figures 5A to 5E, the mounting mechanism 110 includes four mounting mechanisms. Thus, the first pair of mounting mechanisms includes a first end mounting mechanism 110a located at the first end 106 of the adapter 102, and a corresponding second end mounting mechanism 110b aligned with the first end mounting mechanism 110a and located at the second end 108 of the adapter 102. The second pair of mounting mechanisms includes two mounting mechanisms 110a, 110b that are diametrically opposed to the mounting mechanisms 110a, 110b at the first end 106 and the second end 108 of the adapter 102. Each mounting mechanism 110 in a pair of mounting mechanisms is preferably a mirror image of the other. As shown in Figures 4A to 5E, each mounting mechanism 110 of the adapter 102 includes an inclined surface 130 positioned inward, i.e., along the length of the adapter 102, toward the center point at an angle of about 55 degrees. Those skilled in the art will understand that other inclined surface configurations may be used to ensure adapter compatibility with various health devices. Therefore, the inclination may extend at various angles, such as 30 to 70 degrees, or more specifically, 40 to 60 degrees.

[0037] Figures 5A to 5E show a step 142 located at the second end 108 of the adapter 102. Step 142 includes two steps that are diametrically opposed to each other and extend outward from the outer circumference 136 toward the second end 108. Step x defines a second surface that further defines the opening for the recess 112.

[0038] The mounting mechanism 110 may be formed integrally with the adapter 102, for example by a molding or 3D printing process, or it may be formed as a separate part to be attached to the adapter 102. In either scenario, the first end mounting mechanism 110A is preferably formed to be coplanar with the first end 106, and the second end mounting mechanism 110b is preferably formed to be coplanar with the step 142 of the second end 108. In alternative embodiments, different arrangements of the mounting mechanisms, such as concave mounting mechanisms that are not coplanar with the first and second ends of the adapter 102, are foreseeable.

[0039] The recess 112 extends longitudinally from the second end 108 toward the first end 106, but does not penetrate the first end 106 completely. As shown in Figure 5E, the recess 112 extends for about 80% of the length of the adapter 102. Alternatively, the recess 112 may extend for about 30% to 90% of the length of the adapter 102. The outer circumference of the recess 112 is defined by a series of notches 146 that can engage with the corresponding groove of the mount 114. The notches 146 extend along the entire length of the recess 112 such that the contour defined by the recess 112 at the second end 108 becomes uniform with the contour defined by the recess 112 at any point along the length of the recess 112. As shown, the recess 112 has a substantially square shape with one notch 146 at each midpoint along the length of each side of the square. Alternatively, the recess 112 may be circular, or have another shape to receive the mount 114.

[0040] Figures 4A and 4B show a mount according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The mount 114 is substantially T-shaped and defines a vertical portion 120 and a horizontal flat portion 116. The vertical portion 120 extends along the longitudinal axis from a first end 158 to a second end 160 and is substantially rectangular, defining a square-shaped cross-section. Alternatively, the vertical portion 120 may have rounded corners or define a cylindrical shape. The bore 122 extends completely through the first end 158 of the vertical portion 120 and extends substantially perpendicular to the length of the vertical portion 120. The opening 162 is operably in communication with the bore 122 and is defined within the first end 158 to have a smaller diameter than the bore 122 at the second end 160, so that a spring or fastener inserted therein cannot pass completely through the mount 114. The bore 122 may define the same cross-sectional shape as the vertical portion 120, for example, a square bore may correspond to a square vertical portion, or the cross-section may have a completely different shape, for example, a circular bore may correspond to a square vertical portion.

[0041] The horizontal flat portion 116 extends along a longitudinal axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the vertical portion 120. The horizontal flat portion 116 has a thickness 168 and an opening z, the opening z extending through the entire thickness and operably communicating with the bore 122. The horizontal flat portion 116 may be oval, rectangular, square, etc., such that its upper surface x contacts the second end x of the adapter 102 and does not pass through the recess 112. The lower surface of the horizontal flat portion 116 defines a mounting surface x for attachment to various exercise equipment. The mounting surface x is shown as flat in Figures x to y. Alternatively, the mounting surface x may be curved or otherwise contoured to fit a particular type of exercise equipment. Two openings 174 are made through the thickness 168 and are configured to receive fasteners 178 therein for securing the mount 114 to the surface of one piece of exercise equipment. The fasteners 178 may be screws, nails, rivets, etc. Alternatively, the fastener 178 may be any type of quick-connect attachment, such as a snap, clip, or Velcro®.

[0042] Figures 4A and 4B show an elastic member 124 according to one embodiment. The elastic member 124 may be a coil spring as shown, or another type of spring. The elastic member 124 extends through the bore 122 of the mount 114 and is configured to longitudinally bias the mount 114 toward the adapter 102. A post 126 extends through the elastic member 124. The post 126 includes a flange 128 or head that is wider than the diameter of the post 126 so that the flange 128 contacts and supports the inner surface of the first end 158 of the vertical portion 120. The flange 128 also acts as a surface for the end of the elastic member 124 to stop and support the flange 128 without jumping over it. The post 126 may have a uniform diameter, or it may have varying diameters across its shank. At least the first end of the post 126 opposite the flange 128 is configured to extend into the recess 112 of the adapter 102 through the opening 162 of the vertical portion 120. In an alternative embodiment, the post 126 may be rectangular or another shape configured to engage with the elastic member 124 and extend through the bore 122.

[0043] During use, a locking fastener 132, such as a screw or bolt, extends through the first end x of the adapter 102. The post 126 extends through the elastic member 124 and the recess 112 of the mount 114. The flange 128 contacts the inner portion of the first end 158 so that the flange does not protrude from the second end 160 of the vertical portion 120. When a biasing force from the elastic member 124 presses the mount 114 longitudinally toward the adapter 102, the locking fastener reacts to the biasing force and screws into the cannula of the post 126 to secure the mount 114 to the adapter 102. To release the mount 114 from the adapter 102, the locking fastener 132 is unscrewed and released from the cannula of the post 126, allowing the biasing force from the elastic member to push the adapter 102 away from the mount 114.

[0044] The mounting assembly 100 allows the user to position a specific exercise device on various surfaces and enables fast connection when the user attaches or detaches such devices. As described herein, the specific exercise device is a health ball 200, but in other embodiments, the exercise device may be a balance trainer, a weight trainer, etc. The health ball 200 is hemispherical and includes a platform 202 having a central opening 204 and a bladder 206. The bladder 206 may be rubberized or of another material that can bend and withstand various weight shifts when the user applies various forces to the ball.

[0045] Many conventional fitness balls, as shown in Figures 1-3, further include a skeletal structure that allows the bladder to sit on a platform. Such a skeletal structure includes various ribs and other design features to provide rigidity when the fitness ball is placed on the floor. Conventional fitness balls are typically placed on the ground and cannot be fixed to other surfaces such as walls and other fitness structures. The mounting assembly 100 described herein allows a user to position and fix the fitness ball 200 (or other fitness equipment) to various surfaces, including walls, floors, ceilings, and threads. The mounting assembly 100 may also be attached to a wall protector so that the balance trainer does not come into direct contact with the wall when it is attached to the mounting assembly 100.

[0046] Figures 6B and 11A show the internal structure of the health ball 200. The health ball 200 includes a skeletal structure defining a central opening 204 having a fastening mechanism for receiving and securely connecting a mount assembly 100. The central opening 204 provides access to the bladder's expansion valve so that the bladder can inflate or deflate through the central opening via access to the expansion valve. The skeletal structure includes a plurality of radially extending ribs 210 converging toward the central opening 204. A series of concentric rims 212 are spaced apart around the central opening 204, from positions adjacent to the central opening 204 to positions on the outer periphery of the skeletal structure. Two concave handle portions 214 may be formed at opposite positions on the outer periphery of the skeletal structure to allow the user to carry and operate the health ball 200 without sacrificing the ability to place the health ball 200's platform 202 flat on a surface.

[0047] Figures 6C to 6F show various other diagrams of the health ball 200 configuration with the platform 202 positioned on the skeletal structure and removed from the skeletal structure. Furthermore, the skeletal structure and platform 202 are configured to bend along the longitudinal axis of the central opening 204 so that a user can apply force to the platform 202, for example by standing on the platform 202, without destroying the skeletal structure and while still maintaining its circular outer circumference.

[0048] Figures 7A and 7B show enlarged perspective views of the central opening 204. Figure 7A shows one side of the central opening 204 as seen from the platform side of the health ball 200, and Figure 7B shows the other side of the central opening 204 as seen from the bladder side of the health ball 200. Those skilled in the art will understand that the connection mechanism described below may be positioned at any point around the central opening 204 and does not need to be diametrically opposed or otherwise positioned in a particular configuration.

[0049] The central opening 204 defines a first connecting portion 250 and a second connecting portion 250, each connecting portion 250, 252 configured to engage with the corresponding mounting mechanism 110 of the adapter 102. The first connecting portion 250 includes a first inclined surface 254 and a first groove 256. The first inclined surface 254 is curved and extends along a curvature substantially similar to that of the central opening 204. The first inclined surface 254 extends at a distance from the side wall 258 of the central opening 204 such that the first groove 256 is defined in a recess between the side wall 258 and the first inclined surface 254. The first groove 256 may be U-shaped, V-shaped, rounded, or other in shape within the recess defined between the first inclined surface 254 and the side wall 258. The first connecting portion 250 further includes a first projection 264 extending downward from the first groove 256. The first projection 264 defines a first notch 268 between the first projection 264 and the bottom surface of the first groove 256.

[0050] The second connecting portion 250 includes a second inclined surface 254 and a second groove 262. The second inclined surface extends at a distance from the side wall 258 of the central opening 204 such that the second groove 262 is defined in a recess between the side wall 258 and the second inclined surface 254. The second inclined surface 254 may define a continuous arc or have any combination of straight or curved segments. The second groove 262 may be U-shaped, V-shaped, rounded, or other in shape within the recess defined between the second inclined surface 254 and the side wall 258. The second connecting portion 250 further includes a second projection 266 extending downward from the second groove 262. The second projection 266 defines a second notch 270 between the second projection 266 and the bottom surface of the second groove 262.

[0051] Figure 7B shows an inversion of the central opening 204 in Figure 7A. As shown, the first projection 264 and the second projection 266 extend upward rather than downward, and the inclination of the first inclined surface 254 is visible. It can be anticipated that other configurations of inclinations and grooves may be arranged.

[0052] A method for attaching a mount assembly to a health device is described herein. The vertical portion 120 of the mount 114 is first moved longitudinally in a first direction into the recess 112 of the adapter 102 until the second end of the adapter 102 abuts against the flat horizontal portion 116 of the mount 114 and the flat horizontal portion 116 extends into the step 142 of the adapter 102. The elastic member 124 is then inserted at least partially into the bore 122 of the mount 114. The post 126 is inserted at least partially into the recess 112 of the adapter 102 through the elastic member 124 and the bore 122. The flange 128 at one end of the post 126 is configured to contact the inner surface of the first end 158 of the mount 114, thereby holding the post within the vertical portion 120 of the mount 114 without allowing the entire post 126 to pass through the vertical portion 120 and enter the recess 112 of the adapter 102. To secure the mount 114 within the adapter 102, a locking fastener 132 is inserted at least partially into the threaded cannula of the post 126 through the first end 106 of the adapter 102. The locking fastener 132 may be tightened to the point where the mount 114 is secured to the adapter and held in place by a biasing force from an elastic member that presses the mount longitudinally along the first direction through the recess 112 of the adapter 102. Various other fasteners 178 can be driven through the opening in the flat horizontal section 116 to secure the mounting surface 118 to a wall, motion ball, or other surface.

[0053] Once the mount 114 is secured to the adapter 102, the mount assembly 100 can be positioned within the health ball 200 or other health equipment. The mount assembly 100 is first aligned with the central opening of the health ball 200 such that the first end mounting mechanism 110a aligns with the first and second connection portions 250 and 252. The inclination of the mounting mechanism 110a aligns with the inclinations of the inclined surfaces 254, 260 such that the translation of the mount assembly 100 along the first longitudinal direction rotates the mount assembly so that the inclination of the mounting mechanism 110a translates along the components of the inclined surfaces 254, 260. Once the mount assembly 100 has rotated to the point where the first end mounting mechanism 110a has translated through the inclined surfaces 254, 260, the first end mounting mechanism 110a is press-fitted into place within the corresponding grooves 256, 262. The elastic member 124 ensures that the mount assembly 100 does not separate from the central opening 204 of the health ball 200, and rather biases the mount assembly 100 toward the health ball 200, thereby fixing the mounting mechanism 110a within the respective grooves 256 and 262.

[0054] Once the exercise ball 200 is fixed to the mount assembly 100, the fasteners 178 can be driven through the mount 114 to fix the mounting surface 118 to various different structures. For example, the mount 114 can be fixed to an inclined exercise device 300, such as the device shown in Figures 8A and 8B, a rotating exercise device 400, such as the device shown in Figures 9A and 9B, a wall, etc. Thus, the mount assembly 100 allows the user to first fix the exercise ball 200 to the mount assembly 100 and then fix the free end of the mount assembly 100 (i.e., the mounting surface 118) to any type of surface or exercise device. This allows the user to increase the difficulty and skill set required to perform a particular exercise. For example, instead of performing a standard plank on the exercise ball, the user can perform a dynamic plank on the rotating exercise ball after attaching the exercise ball 200 to the rotating exercise device 400. Alternatively, the user can fix the exercise ball to a wall and perform any number of dynamic exercises using the wall-mounted exercise ball.

[0055] To remove the mount assembly 100 from the health ball 200, force may be applied through the health ball to overcome the biasing force from the elastic member 124. This can be done, for example, by pressing the bladder 206 of the health ball 200 toward the platform 202 to disengage the mounting mechanism 110a from the grooves 256, 262. Once this disengagement is achieved, the mount assembly 100 can be rotated in the opposite direction to the direction in which the initial engagement occurred, allowing for quick and reliable removal of the mount assembly 100 from the health ball 200.

[0056] The mount assembly 100 may be provided as a kit including an adapter 102, a mount 114, an elastic member 124, a post, a locking fastener 132, and various other fasteners 178 for securing the mount 114 to the exercise surface. The kit may further include a health ball 200, a rotating health device 400, an inclined health device 300, and various other health accessories such as weights and bands.

[0057] Furthermore, while the invention disclosed herein is described with reference to certain features, it should be understood that these features are merely illustrative of the principles and applications of the invention. Therefore, it should be understood that many modifications, including changes in the size of various features described herein, may be made to the exemplary embodiments, and other configurations may be devised without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. In this regard, the invention encompasses a number of additional features in addition to the specific features described in the following paragraphs. Furthermore, the foregoing disclosure should be interpreted as illustrative rather than restrictive, as the invention is defined by the numbered paragraphs illustrating the features of various embodiments of the invention described in the following paragraphs.

Claims

1. A balance trainer, Brada and, A platform coupled to the bladder, the platform comprising a platform having a central opening that penetrates the platform, The central opening is adapted to receive the assembly when the assembly is in a first orientation relative to the central opening, and is adapted to fixate the platform to the assembly when the assembly is in a second orientation relative to the central opening. The assembly is adapted to be mounted on another surface, Balance trainer.

2. The balance trainer according to claim 1, wherein the assembly includes an adapter, a mount, and an elastic member that biases the assembly through the central opening of the platform.

3. The balance trainer according to claim 1, wherein the elastic member is a spring configured to extend through the bore of the mount and at least partially through the recess of the adapter.

4. The balance trainer according to claim 1, wherein the adapter includes at least one mounting mechanism configured to rotatably engage with the inclined surface of the central opening of the platform.

5. The balance trainer according to claim 1, wherein the mount includes a mounting surface configured to contact and secure the other surface.

6. The balance trainer according to claim 5, wherein the other surface is at least one of a rotating platform, a wall, or a health accessory.

7. A mounting assembly for attaching a fitness device to a training surface, comprising an adapter having a vertical body extending between a first end and a second end, wherein the adapter includes a plurality of legs extending horizontally from the adapter and a recess therein extending from the first end toward the second end, A mount having a mounting surface, a vertical portion perpendicular to the mounting surface, and a bore extending along a central axis through both the mounting surface and the vertical portion, wherein the vertical portion of the mount is configured to be slidably received within the recess of the adapter, The mount comprises an elastic member that is received within the bore of the mount and configured to press the adapter and mount in a first direction along the central axis, Mounting assembly.

8. It further comprises a post having a flat base, The first end of the elastic member remains in contact with the flat base of the post during use of the mount assembly. The mounting assembly according to claim 7.

9. The mounting assembly according to claim 7, wherein the vertical body of the adapter is circular.

10. The mounting assembly according to claim 7, wherein each of the plurality of legs of the adapter has an angled surface.

11. The mount assembly according to claim 7, wherein a force applied along the central axis in a second direction opposite to the first direction causes the mount and the adapter to move in the second direction.

12. The mounting assembly according to claim 7, wherein the health device is a balance trainer having an inflatable bladder fixed to a platform, and the platform has a central opening configured to receive and securely fix the mounting assembly.

13. The mounting assembly according to claim 12, wherein the central opening of the platform has a plurality of inclined surfaces, each terminating in a groove directly adjacent to the inclined surface, and each of the plurality of legs of the adapter has an angled surface, and each of the plurality of legs is fitted to slidably contact each of the plurality of inclined surfaces until each of the plurality of legs is positioned in each of the grooves.

14. The mounting assembly according to claim 13, wherein the elastic member maintains each of the plurality of legs of the adapter within each of the grooves until a force along the central axis in a second direction opposite to the first direction causes each of the plurality of legs to move outside each of the grooves.

15. The mounting assembly according to claim 12, wherein the adapter of the mounting assembly is configured to be received within the central opening of the platform, and the mounting assembly is securely fixed to the platform of the health device by rotating the health device and locking the health device and the mounting assembly together.

16. The mount assembly according to claim 7, wherein the mounting surface of the mount is configured to directly contact the training surface.

17. A platform with a central opening, Mounting assembly, An adapter having a vertical body extending between a first end and a second end, the adapter comprising a plurality of legs extending horizontally from the adapter and a recess within the adapter extending from the first end toward the second end, A mount having a flat horizontal portion, a vertical portion perpendicular to the flat horizontal portion, and a bore extending along a central axis through both the horizontal and vertical portions, wherein the horizontal portion of the mount is configured to be slidably received within the recess of the adapter, A mount assembly comprising: an elastic member received within the bore of the mount and configured to press the adapter and mount along the central axis in a first direction; In terms of training, The adapter of the mounting assembly is configured to be received within the central opening of the platform and securely fixed to the central opening of the platform, and the mount of the adapter is configured to be in direct contact with and fixed to the training surface, comprising a training surface, Fixed assembly.

18. The aforementioned mounting assembly It further comprises a post having a flat base, The first end of the elastic member remains in contact with the flat base of the post during use of the mount assembly. The fixed assembly according to claim 17.

19. The fixing assembly according to claim 17, wherein the vertical body of the adapter is circular.

20. The fixing assembly according to claim 17, wherein each of the plurality of legs of the adapter has an angled surface.

21. The fixing assembly according to claim 17, wherein a force applied along the central axis in a second direction opposite to the first direction causes the mount and the adapter to move in the second direction.

22. The fixed assembly according to claim 17, wherein the health device is a balance trainer having an inflatable bladder fixed to the platform.

23. The fixing assembly according to claim 17, wherein the central opening of the platform has a plurality of inclined surfaces, each terminating in a groove directly adjacent to the inclined surface, and each of the plurality of legs of the adapter has an angled surface, and each of the plurality of legs is fitted to slidably contact each of the plurality of inclined surfaces until each of the plurality of legs is positioned in each of the grooves.

24. The fixing assembly according to claim 23, wherein the elastic member maintains each of the plurality of legs of the adapter within each of the grooves until a force along the central axis in a second direction opposite to the first direction causes each of the plurality of legs to move outside each of the grooves.

25. The fixing assembly according to claim 23, wherein the mounting assembly is securely fixed to the platform of the health device by rotating the health device and locking the health device and the mounting assembly together.

26. The fixing assembly according to claim 17, wherein the training surface is a wall, and the flat horizontal portion of the mount is configured to be in direct contact with and fixed to the wall.

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