Balance training device

Abstract

A balance training device for assisting individuals to work on balance training. The device comprises a platform having a sliding track; a first retractable measuring device, comprising a first measuring tape; a second retractable measuring device, comprising a second measuring tape; and a gripping element. The first retractable measuring device and the second retractable measuring device are located on the platform and slide apart from each other along the sliding track. The gripping element is detachably connected to the first retractable measuring device and the second retractable measuring device.

Description

BALANCE TRAINING DEVICECROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority from provisional application 63 / 580,694 filed on September 5, 2023, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a device for measuring path width and length for the assessment and training of balance, safety, and agility.BACKGROUND

[0002] Tandem (heel-to-toe) standing and walking are fundamental balance skills that comprise many Physical and Occupational Therapy assessment and training sessions. In tandem training, subjects are asked to either stand or walk within a narrow path, thereby challenging their balance.

[0003] A variety of tools are available to therapists to assess and train this skill. These include: balance beams of a fixed length and width; sophisticated walking mats that convey detailed information regarding a subject’s base of support; and, simple commands from the therapist to either narrow or widen the base of support by an inspecific degree (e.g. “a little closer together” or “a little farther apart”).

[0004] Presently, there does not exist a device that allows for adjusting the width and length of a path designed for tandem training without the need for expensive, computer-aided equipment. Additionally, currently available tandem training methods often require subjects to negotiate a raised obstacle, increasing the risk of injury should a subject lose their balance. Finally, the verbal commands commonly used by therapists to guide subjects through a tandem task are insufficiently specific to qualify as objective information, especially with respect to stringent insurance company requirements.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] A balance training device comprises a number of components. A platform having a sliding track; a first retractable measuring device, comprising a first measuring tape; a second retractablemeasuring device, comprising a second measuring tape; and a gripping element. The first retractable measuring device and the second retractable measuring device are located on the platform and slide apart from each other along the sliding track. The gripping element is detachably connected to the first retractable measuring device and the second retractable measuring device.

[0006] The first retractable measuring device, in some embodiments, is fixed at one end of the platform. The second retractable measuring device slides along the sliding track in some embodiments. The griping element comprises a first linkage and a second linkage, wherein the first linkage connects to the first measuring tape and the second linkage connects to the second measuring tape. The first measuring tape and the second measuring tape, in some embodiments, are spring loaded to retract into the first retractable measuring device and second retractable measuring device respectively.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0007] Figure 1 is a profile view of the device for measuring path width and length.

[0008] Figure 2 shows a user using the movable measuring device to select different path widths

[0009] Figure 3 shows a user extending the device

[0010] Figure 4 shows a user retracting the device

[0011] Figure 5 shows a subject walking (while guarded by a physical therapist) within the path established by the device

[0012] Figure 6 shows a patient holding a static tandem stance within the borders established by the device

[0013] Figure 7 shows a patient performing a triple hop test, with a Physical Therapist using the device to measure distance

[0014] Figure 8 shows the path established by the device overlaid with functional obstacles(hurdles, boxes, balance pads).

[0015] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0016] The invention has been described with references to a preferred embodiment. While specific values, relationships, materials, and steps have been set forth for purposes of describing concepts of the invention, it will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that numerous variations and / or modifications may be made to the invention as shown in the specific embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the basic concepts and operating principles of the invention as broadly described. It should be recognized that, in the light of the above-teachings, those skilled in the art can modify those specifics without departing from the invention taught herein. Having now fully set forth the preferred embodiment and certain modifications of the concept underlying the present invention, various other embodiments as well as certain variations and modifications of the embodiments herein shown and described will obviously occur to those skilled in the art upon becoming familiar with such underlying concept. It is intended to include all such modifications, alternatives, and other embodiments, in so far they come within the scope of the appended claims or equivalents thereof. It should be understood, therefore, that the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically set forth herein. Consequently, the present embodiments are to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive

[0017] The present invention seeks to provide a solution to these problems by providing a mechanical option for tandem training that allows for an adjustable path width and length. The device described allows for recording specific information regarding the aforementioned path width and length, providing therapists with the objective data necessary for medical documentation. Additionally, the path borders do not appreciably extend above floor level, negating much of the danger inherent with traditional balance beam use.

[0018] The device (100) shown in accompanying Figure 1 consists of a platform (101 ) having a first retractable measuring device (104) and a second retractable measuring device (107). In some embodiments, the first retractable measuring device (104) is fixed and located at a first end (110) of the platform (101 ). In other embodiments, the first retractable measuring device (104)can be locked in place at any place along a sliding track (115) on the platform (101 ). The second retractable measuring device (107) is configured to move along a sliding track (115) that extends from the first end (110) to a second end (120) of the platform (101 ). In some embodiments, the second retractable measuring device (107) can be locked in place along the sliding track (115).

[0019] The platform (101 ) contains distance markings (123) along an inner edge (130) that extends from the first end (110) to the second end (120). A person of ordinary skill in the art would understand that the distance markings (123) can be placed along the entire length of the edge (130) or start and end at other locations within the length of the edge (130). The second retractable measuring device (107) is able to slide along the sliding track (115). A user can read the distance between the first retractable measuring device (104) and the second retractable measuring device (107), thereby obtaining path width.

[0020] The first retractable measuring device (104) includes a first measuring tape (140), which extends away from the platform (101). The first measuring tape (140) has a first extendable end (155). Similarly, the second retractable measuring device (107) includes a second measuring tape (145), which extends away from the platform (101). The second measuring tape (145) also has a second extendable end (160). A person of ordinary skill in the art would understand that the first measuring tape (140) and the second measuring tape (145) are spring loaded to retract into the first retractable measuring device (104) and second retractable measuring device (107) respectively.

[0021] The device (100) further includes a gripping element (135). The gripping element (135) is connected to the platform (101 ) by a first linkage (170) that connects to the first extendable end (155) of the first measuring tape (140) and by a second linkage (165) that connects to the second extendable end (160) of the second measuring tape (145). The first linkage (170), in some embodiments, is fixed in one end of the gripping element (135). In other embodiments the fist linkage (170) can be locked in any position along the gripping element (135). The second linkage, in some embodiments, is configured to slide along the gripping element (135).

[0022] In some embodiments, the gripping element (135) is similar in length to the width of the platform (101 ). When the gripping element (135) is grasped, the user can extend the first measuring tape (140) and the second measuring tape (145) simultaneously while maintaining their parallel orientation. The first measuring tape (140) and the second measuring tape (145) have markings (180) indicating distance, allowing the length of the extended path to be read by the user. When the device (100) is not needed, the user can retract the first measuring tape (140) and the second measuring tape (145) so that the gripping element (135) sits flush with the platform(101 ).

[0023] As shown in Figure 2, the balance training device (100) is configured such that the first retractable measuring device (104) and a second retractable measuring device (107) can slide apart from each other along the sliding track (115). The left side of the figure shows the first retractable measuring device (104) and a second retractable measuring device (107) in a closed configuration. As explained above, in some embodiments the first retractable measuring device (104) is fixed in place, while the second retractable measuring device (107) is allowed to slide along the sliding track (115).

[0024] Figure 3 shows one configuration of the balance training device (100) in which the gripping element (135) is extended away from the platform (101 ) by a user. Similarly, Figure 4 shows a second configuration of the balance training device (100) in which gripping element (135) is being retracted towards the platform (101 ).

[0025] The balance training device (100) described herein can be used to work with individuals on balance exercises. As shown in Figure 5, the gripping element (135) can be extended as determined by a therapist or user to a predetermined distance, which can be measured by the measuring tapes of the balance device. The person using the device for training can walk within the path made by the first measuring tape (140) on one side and the second measuring tape (145) on the other side. The therapist or user can set the width of the path by setting the distancebetween the first retractable measuring device (104) and a second retractable measuring device (107).

[0026] Similarly, in Figure 6, the balance training device (100) shows a patient holding a static tandem stance within the borders established by the device. In addition, Figure 7 shows a patient performing a triple hop test, with a Physical Therapist using the device to measure distance. Lastly, as shown in Figure 8, obstacles along the path created by the balance training device can be used.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A balance training device, comprising: a platform having a sliding track; a first retractable measuring device, comprising a first measuring tape; a second retractable measuring device, comprising a second measuring tape; and a gripping element; wherein the first retractable measuring device and the second retractable measuring device are located on the platform and slide apart from each other along the sliding track; and wherein the gripping element is detachably connected to the first retractable measuring device and the second retractable measuring device.

2. The balance training device of claim 1, wherein the first retractable measuring device is fixed at one end of the platform.

3. The balance training device of claim 2, wherein the second retractable measuring device slides along the sliding track.

4. The balance training device of claim 1, wherein the griping element comprises a first linkage and a second linkage, wherein the first linkage connects to the first measuring tape and the second linkage connects to the second measuring tape.

5. The balance training device of claim 1 , wherein the first measuring tape and the second measuring tape are spring loaded to retract into the first retractable measuring device and second retractable measuring device respectively.

6. The balance training device of claim 1, wherein the platform has distance markings along an inner edge that extends from a first end to a second end of the platform.

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