US20090215596A1

US20090215596A1 - Balance Device

Info

Publication number: US20090215596A1
Application number: US12/332,992
Authority: US
Inventors: Toni Obermaier
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Gebrueder Obermaier OHG
Priority date: 2008-02-22
Filing date: 2008-12-11
Publication date: 2009-08-27
Also published as: DE502008002725D1; DE202008002484U1; EP2092964B1; EP2092964A1; ATE499976T1; ES2363694T3; IL195905A0; IL195905A

Abstract

The present invention relates to a balancing device. In particular, the present invention relates to a balancing device for dynamic balancing, which is configured in the shape of a hollow body which can be filled. The balancing device is provided with a hollow body with hollow body skin, which hollow body has a bottom region, an upper top region and a side region which is connected to the bottom region and the top region by means of transition regions and which extends between the bottom region and the top region. The hollow body defines at least one chamber, which is enclosed by the hollow body skin and which can be filled with fluid, which chamber is filled with fluid. An outwardly directed flange is arranged externally on the hollow body at the bottom region.

Description

FIELD

The present invention relates to a balance device or rather a balancing device, or a jumping device or rather a jump device. In particular, the present invention relates to a balancing device for balancing, which is configured in the shape of a hollow body or rather rotational body or cushion which can be filled with air. More specifically, the present invention relates to a balance device which is filled with fluid. The balance device is provided with a flange which is attached to the bottom of the hollow body. The flange increases the contact surface and supports positioning. In preferred embodiments, a reinforcing element is attached to the flange of the balance device. The bottom surface of the balance device or of the reinforcing element can additionally be curved in order to additionally impart the functionality of a balance or wobble board to the balance device. Balance devices of this type are suitable for example for therapeutic exercises, but are also suitable for sport and play applications in the case of which the sense of balance should be trained. A particular exercise is golf practice. They can also be used as jumping devices however, from which the user can jump with momentum. Likewise, a use as a balancing and jumping device is provided.

BACKGROUND

Various seat pads, which are cushion-shaped and are therefore also designated as seat cushions, are known previously. Seat cushions of this type are either filled with elastic or resilient materials, for example feathers, foam or the like, or their elastic reinforcement is achieved by an enclosed fluid or gas volume, for example water or air.
Sitting balls are also known. However, on account of their unstable shape, sitting balls are not suitable for balancing. The danger of them rolling away in such a manner as to cause accidents has led to the use of such sitting facilities being prohibited in state institutions such as schools and in areas accessible to the public.
Wobble boards with an essentially smooth surface and a rounded underside are further known, using which wobble boards balance exercises can be carried out.

SUMMARY

It is the object of the present invention to provide a balancing device which stands out by means of a simple construction and handling as well as good positionability on the ground and which brings about an ergonomically advantageous balancing position and posture of the person balancing thereupon and likewise promotes the dynamic balancing which is known to be advantageous. It is furthermore an object of the invention to provide a balancing device which has the advantages of wobble boards but avoids the fundamental disadvantage of the hard surface of the wobble board which can cause accidents.
This and further objects are achieved by a balance device which is configured as a hollow body which has a bottom region, a top region as well as a functionally correspondingly designed side region which combines cushion and seat region, wherein an outwardly directed flange is arranged externally on the hollow body in the bottom region. The outwardly directed flange can extend in a direction away from the hollow body, e.g. downwards or to the side. The device is suitable for use by the user when standing or seated.
A hollow body according to the invention brings about a dynamic balancing in the person balancing thereupon, as a result of which long-term biomechanical stresses are avoided. Cramps, tensions as well as nerve irritations and pains caused by injuries in the lumbar and spinal region can at least be minimized, avoided or even cured by balancing (for example by seated balancing).
The balancing device according to the invention can also be used on a sitting facility on account of the height of some of its embodiments. It is, however, also possible, on account of the configuration, to use the hollow body according to the invention as a cushion for conventional chairs, e.g. with a backrest. In particular, the balance device can also serve as an appreciable seat region riser, as required to some extent e.g. by older people or children in order to adjust the seat height of their available seating furniture in a manner suitable for their needs.
The present invention offers unique possibilities for ankle or hip joint patients to achieve their complete range of movement again in the affected joints. Above all by means of the unstable surface the deep musculature is also loaded and improved by means of targeted sensomotoric training on the balance device, in addition to the neuromuscular function (strength, endurance, coordination) and improvement of the proprioception (coordination and balance). Specifically this characteristic is a particularity of the balance device according to the invention. A further particularity and a unique characteristic of the balance device according to the invention is the outwardly directed flange which is arranged externally on the hollow body at the bottom region.
According to one aspect of the invention, a balance device is provided. The balance device has a hollow body. The hollow body comprises a bottom region, a top region and a side region. The side region is connected to the bottom region and the top region by means of transition regions and extends between the bottom region and the top region. The top region and the side regions are formed from a hollow body skin. The hollow body defines at least one chamber, which can be filled with fluid, which chamber is filled with fluid. An outwardly directed flange is arranged externally on the hollow body at the bottom region.
In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the bottom region of the balance device is formed by a hollow body skin, wherein the hollow body skin which forms the flange, the bottom region, the top region and the side region is formed in one piece from plastic. As a result, the balance device can be produced simply in a single procedure. Additionally, the use of a plurality of different materials in the production can be dispensed with.
In a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the bottom region is provided with at least one fastening device which is arranged in or on the flange. The fastening opening can serve to fasten a bottom element such as a reinforcing plate or the like for example. It is likewise provided to be able to fasten the balance device, for example on a chair or an armchair, by means of the fastening opening. It is particularly provided to construct the fastening device in such a manner that the balance device can be fastened on a (conventional) bottom element in the form of a wobble board.
In another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the at least one fastening opening comprises elements for accommodating screws. The elements for accommodating screws can be configured as moulded threads, projections for screwing in self-tapping screws, moulded nuts (or nuts which have been moulded in) or corresponding threads in a moulded structure (such as a moulded reinforcing element).
In another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the balance device is fastened to a bottom element by means of the fastening device.
In an additional exemplary embodiment, the balance device is fastened to the flange on a bottom element by means of the fastening device.
In another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the bottom element is essentially flat. As a result, the balance device can be set or placed onto a flat supporting surface simply.
The present invention can unify the advantages of a ball cushion or hollow body with those of a wobble board. The upper side offers much dynamic by means of the air filling. This can trigger many quick stimuli and lead to rapid successes in training or therapy.
In a preferred embodiment, the bottom element comprises a plate.
In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a foot element is arranged on the bottom element. The balance characteristic of the balance device can be adjusted quickly and simply by means of a removable or exchangeable foot element.
In accordance with a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the at least one fastening apparatus comprises screws, threads or rivets.
In a further embodiment of the present invention, the bottom surface of the bottom element is curved.
In a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the bottom surface of the bottom element is curved concavely (as seen from below). If the bottom surface or underside of the balance device or bottom element is curved concavely, then the balance device can (depending on the curvature) be laid on the ground evenly, as a result of which a secure position of the balance device can be guaranteed.
In another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the bottom surface is curved convexly. This additionally imparts the functionality of a wobble board to the balance device with rigid bottom element.
The underside can be provided with a bottom element which has a concave curvature which allows tipping and rotating movements as in the case of a wobble board. Tipping and rotating are features typical of a wobble board. These movements of the balance device can now be used dynamically in connection with the convex surface, which promises even better results in therapy and sport. Heretofore, similar effects were only possible by combining two or more devices.
In a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the bottom surface of the bottom element is at least partly essentially delimited by a sphere surface. That is to say, the bottom surface can, for example, form a (hollow) sphere segment shell.
In another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the bottom surface is at least partly essentially delimited by a cone surface. That is to say, the bottom surface can, for example, form a (hollow) cone shell or a (hollow) truncated cone shell.
Likewise conceivable are combinations of (hollow) truncated cones terminated with (hollow) sphere surfaces and (hollow) sphere stumps terminated with (hollow) cones. It is likewise provided to use a (convex) truncated cone which juts out as bottom surface, at the lower edge of which an interlocking concave hollow cone (or an interlocking cone surface) is arranged. Combinations of (hollow) cone surfaces, which are arranged on (hollow) truncated cones, and (hollow) sphere surfaces, which are arranged on (hollow) sphere stumps, are likewise provided.
In a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the bottom surface is at least partly essentially delimited by a parabola surface. As a result, a balance characteristic which is adjusted in comparison with a simple sphere surface can be achieved.
In an additional exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the bottom surface is at least partly essentially delimited by an ellipsoid surface. As a result, a balance characteristic which is adjusted in comparison with a simple sphere surface can be achieved. An ellipsoid surface allows a more difficult balance behaviour to be achieved in the transverse direction for example, while in the longitudinal direction a more simple balance behaviour is achieved.
In another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the underside of the bottom element is at least partly essentially delimited by a basket handle arch surface. The basket handle arch is a design which is known primarily from architecture.
In a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the hollow body defines only one continuous uninterrupted chamber, which can be filled with fluid, which chamber is filled with fluid. As a result, the production of the hollow body is simplified a great deal. In other embodiments, the hollow body can also be configured with a plurality of interrupted chambers, which can be filled with fluid, so it is, for example, provided to use a balance device with four chambers, wherein in each case two are arranged opposite one another, and wherein in each case two opposite chambers can in each case be filled with a gas and two others can be filled with a liquid. A version with two chambers (one for each foot) additionally has the advantage that the balance behaviour or the position of a foot does not change when the other foot is raised. It is pointed out at this point that particularly a two chamber configuration (wherein a chamber and a designated filling valve are provided for each foot) shall fall within the scope of protection of the independent claim.
In one embodiment, the top region of the balance device is at least partly spherical.
In another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the bottom region and the top region are arranged essentially flatly and parallel to one another. As a result, the balancing person can balance on an essentially flat surface. It is additionally to be noticed that even in the case of this design, a bottom element can be provided which bulges downwards in order to impart a wobble board functionality to the balance device. This embodiment additionally has the advantage that the balance device, insofar as it can be fastened to or is provided with a removable bottom element (or to/with a bottom element to which a wobble board element (such as a half-sphere or a half-sphere shell) (lacuna)), can be used both as a balance device and a wobble board.
In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the balance device has a maximum width of between 0.25 and 0.65 m a height of between 30 and 400 mm. This configuration relates in particular to the embodiments of FIGS. 14-17.
It is preferred that the maximum width is between 0.25 and 0.65 m. Consequently, the standing or sitting surface is adequately dimensioned.
It is preferred that the height of the balance device (with or without a concave bottom part which juts out downwardly) is between 30 and 400 mm. Consequently, the balancing height is sufficiently high for average users in practice without there being a danger that the person balancing will injure themselves when they have lost their balance.
In another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the maximum width of the balance device is preferably between 0.3 and 0.45 m.
In a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the height of the balance device (with or without a curved bottom part which juts out) is between 40 and 200 mm.
In an alternative embodiment which relates to FIGS. 1-12, for example, the height of the device is between 40 and 100 mm, while the width remains within the amounts specified above.
It is preferred that the plastic contains softened polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Consequently, the elasticity of the skin is improved.
It is preferred that the balance device is produced in the rotational moulding process. As a result, the article can be produced in a cost-effective manner.
It is preferred that the balance device has an essentially circular, elliptical or oval shape when viewed from above. Consequently, generally preferred shapes for the standing surfaces of wobble boards or balance devices are achieved. Consequently, generally preferred sitting shapes are achieved, as a result of which the balance device can also be used as a wobble board for use with the buttocks.
It is preferred that the balance device has a shape with n corners, where n≧3, when viewed from above. This is an alternative standing surface or sitting surface shape. Preferred are, in particular, quadrilateral and/or rectangular, pentagonal and hexagonal shapes, possibly in combination with rounded corners.
It is preferred that the hollow body skin preferably has projections, depressions or nubs which are formed in the top region or the standing area and/or the bottom region (e.g. in the bottom surface). Massage nubs are also preferred. The projections can also be configured as depressions, as are known from golf balls or helmets with a golf-ball design. Consequently, a sliding away of the balancing person or the balance device (or the wobble board) on the subsurface is avoided or a massage effect is ensured.
The senso-nubs on the upper side provide additional proprioceptic stimuli. This supports the sensomotoric effect of this training device. Sensomotoric training is an essential component of physiotherapy. Sport and fitness are relying more and more on the many positive effects of this type of training. Fall prevention, increasing performance, but also promoting spiritual development in children, are the main focuses in this case.
It is preferred that the projections or nubs have a diameter of from 1 to 20 mm. Preferably elevations are formed in the range of from 1 to 10 mm in diameter.
It is preferred that the hollow body skin of the side region is essentially concavely curved. This is a preferred configuration.
It is preferred that the hollow body skin of the side region is essentially convexly curved. This is an alternative configuration.
It is preferred that the hollow body skin of the side region is essentially cylindrical. This is a usual configuration.
It is preferred that the hollow body skin of the side region is essentially circular cylindrical. This is a configuration which is favoured from a production technology point of view.
It is preferred that the hollow body skin of the side region essentially has the shape of a truncated cone. This is another especially beneficial configuration for combination with wobble board applications.
It is preferred that at least one transition region has a semicircular or rounded contour in cross section and is preferably essentially of quadrantal shape in cross section.
It is preferred that the side region has one or a plurality of predefined projections.
It is preferred that the at least one projection of the side region has an essentially semicircular shape in cross section.
It is preferred that the at least one projection of the side region essentially has a shape with n corners in cross section, where n≧2.
It is preferred that the at least one projection of the side region extends in a spiral shape in the side region.
It is preferred that the at least one projection of the side region extends essentially vertically.
It is preferred that the at least one projection of the side region extends essentially horizontally.
It is preferred that the bottom element has three or more support feet. Preferably, these support feet can likewise serve as fastening elements (in that they engage in corresponding recesses in a wobble board for example).
It is preferred that the balance device has at least one valve through which fluid can be filled into the (at least one) chamber of the balance device.
In a further embodiment of the present invention, the flange is provided with a flange edge thickening which can prevent the flange which is clamped between the bottom element and flange ring from being able to slip out between the bottom element and the flange ring.
In a further embodiment, the bottom element is provided with openings through which the hollow body skin can bear through the bottom element and against a subsurface. As a result, the flexible hollow body skin can prevent the balance device from sliding away.
In an additional embodiment, the top region and the side region together are dome shaped or (essentially) half-sphere shaped.
In a further preferred embodiment, a further balance device which is opposite the balance device and likewise has a flange is arranged on the bottom element. This embodiment can be considered as an embodiment in which a further (second) balance device is attached to the underside of the bottom element. Preferably, the first and the second balance device in each case have different properties so that the “combined” balance device can be used for various (balance) exercises in each case.
It is further preferred that at least two eyes are fastened to the edge region of the balance device through which a cord or a strap can be pulled, e.g. rubber cords or tubings or a Theraband which are intended to be gripped by the user in order to carry out unstable strength training on them.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Further objects, features and advantages of the present invention are evident from the following description of preferred embodiments with reference to the attached drawings.

FIG. 1 shows a cross section through a balance device according to the invention which is provided with a flange for fastening a bottom element.

FIGS. 2 and 2A show a cross section through the balance device of FIG. 1 with the bottom element applied.

FIG. 3 shows a cross section through a balance device according to the invention, which is fastened to a bottom element.

FIG. 4 shows a cross section through the balance device of FIG. 1 with a bottom element fastened thereto, which bottom element has a curved surface.

FIG. 5 shows a cross section through the balance device of FIG. 1 with another bottom element fastened thereto, which bottom element has another curved surface.

FIGS. 6 to 11 show side views of various preferred embodiments of the hollow body according to the invention.

FIG. 12 shows a plan view onto a balance device according to the invention with massage nubs and a valve.

FIG. 13 is a perspective plan view onto a hexagonal balance device.

FIGS. 14, 15, and 16 show a cross section through other embodiments of a balance device, wherein FIG. 16 is a plan view onto an embodiment of a balance device according to the invention with two chambers.

FIG. 17 is a plan view onto an embodiment of the balance device according to the invention with a dome-shaped chamber.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the description as also in the figures, the same reference numbers are used in order to make reference to the same or similar elements. In order to avoid redundant illustrations and broad descriptions, many of the figures only show part aspects of the invention, which in each case should be combined by the observer in order not to have to show every possible combination of edge shape, bottom element, chamber number or surface structure individually.
A cross section through a balance device according to the present invention is shown in FIG. 1. The balance device comprises a bottom region 2 which is used to place the hollow body, having chamber 16, according to the invention on a surface, a top or uppermost region or upper region 4, on which a person can balance while standing or seated. A side region 6 connects the bottom region 2 and the top region 4 to one another. Semi-toric flat projections or nubs or massage nubs 10, as shown in FIG. 12, are preferably arranged in the top region 4 and (not shown) in the bottom region 2. The projections 10 are constructed in such a manner as to minimize a slipping of the hollow body or prevent it totally or else to provide a massage effect. The bottom region counteracts a slipping of the balance device on a surface on which it has been placed while the projections on the top region counteract the slipping off of the person balancing thereupon. The diameter of the semi-toric slip-preventing projections is preferably between 1 mm and 10 mm. The projections likewise serve the additional reinforcement of the hollow body and can also be used for an aesthetic configuration of the balance device according to the invention or of the balancing cushion. Projections are preferably formed on the bottom region 2 or the top region 4, but can also be formed on the side region 6.
A circumferential outwardly directed approximately annular flange is arranged on the underside of the balance device, to which flange a bottom element can be attached in order to reinforce the bottom region of the balance device. The flange 7 is in this case provided with fastening openings 17.
A transition region which is essentially of quadrantal shape in cross section is shown in this embodiment between the side region and the top region. The overall height of the hollow body is then composed of the height of the side region (without transition region) as well as the height of the transition region between the side region and the top region. Preferably the height of the transition region is between 0.02 and 0.05 m, preferably between 0.03 and 0.04 m and particularly preferably approximately 0.035 m. The height of the side part can be between 2 and 20 cm, particularly preferably 6-8 cm. The overall height of the balance device (without reinforcing element) is preferably between 2 and 30 cm, particularly preferably between 5 and 10 cm. The maximum width of the hollow body according to the invention is preferably between 0.25 and 1 m, particularly preferably between 0.3 and 0.6 m and even more preferably between 0.35 and 0.5 m.
Furthermore, the presence of fastening apparatuses which connect at least the flange 7 and the bottom element 9 is assumed. It is explicitly pointed out here that, in a preferred embodiment, the flange 7 can also be bonded or welded to the bottom element 9. Thus, all of the embodiments shown can also be produced without the flange ring 11.
FIG. 2 shows a cross section through a balance device according to the invention, in which the bottom region is reinforced by a bottom element fastened thereto. In FIG. 2, the flange 7 of the balance device is clamped between the bottom element 9 and a flange ring 11. The flange ring 11 is fastened to the bottom element 9 by means of fastening apparatuses 15. The fastening apparatuses 15 are fed through corresponding fastening openings 17 in the flange 7.
In FIG. 2A, the bottom element is provided with one (or a plurality (not shown) of) bottom opening(s) 51 through which the flexible hollow body skin can pass through the bottom element and bear against a subsurface. The flexible hollow body skin can avoid or at least minimize a slipping away of the bottom element, particularly in the event of lateral loads. Preferably, these through openings are rounded in order to prevent damage of the hollow body skin.
FIG. 3 shows a cross section through the balance device of FIG. 1 with a bottom element applied, which bottom element is provided with a convexly bent lower surface (or bottom surface). Additionally, the embodiment shown in FIG. 3 is provided with a flange edge thickening 19 which prevents the flange 7 from being able to be pulled out of the clamping between the bottom element 9 and flange ring 11. The flange edge thickening 19 can additionally serve as a type of “scuff rib” which can prevent scratches which could possibly be created by the edge of the bottom element scraping on the ground. The flange edge thickening 19 can furthermore reduce a possible risk of injury when balancing in bare feet, as the edge of the flange ring 11 can be covered by the flange edge thickening 19. A foot element 30 is arranged at the bottom of the bottom element, which foot element imparts a convex surface (underside) to the essentially flat bottom element.
FIG. 4 shows a cross section through the balance device similar to that of FIG. 3 with a bottom element applied, which bottom element is provided with another curved surface (or bottom surface). The embodiment of a balance device shown can be used like a wobble board in that one balances on the downwardly directed bulge of the bottom element (or a foot element fastened to the bottom element).
FIG. 5 shows a cross section through the balance device similar to that of FIG. 3/4 with a bottom element applied, which bottom element is provided with another surface (or bottom surface) which is cone-shaped here and which is shown with a broken line. The embodiment of a balance device shown can be used like a wobble board in that one balances on the downwardly directed cone-shaped bulge of the bottom element (or a cone-shaped foot element which is fastened to the bottom element).
In FIG. 5, a cone-(shell)-shaped bottom element is shown by the broken lines as an alternative embodiment, into which bottom element the bottom region 2 shown with the dotted line extends correspondingly.
FIGS. 6 to 11 show side views of various preferred embodiments of the hollow body according to the invention.
Various preferred embodiments of the hollow body according to the invention or of the balance device according to the invention with differently configured side regions are shown in the FIGS. 6 to 11.
Two alternative embodiments of the balance device according to the invention are shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, which embodiments have a concave (FIG. 7) and a convex (FIG. 6) configuration of the side region 6 in cross section.
FIG. 8 shows an embodiment of the balance device according to the invention which comprises concave and convex configurations of the side region 6 in cross section.
The side region preferably has one or a plurality of projections. The shape of these projections can be semicircular as shown in FIG. 1, or have a triangular shape (as shown in FIG. 9) or even a polygonal shape (as shown in FIG. 10). A further preferred embodiment is shown in FIG. 11, where the side region has a spiral-shaped circumferential semicircular projection. Aside from the exemplary embodiments shown here, there are various other expedient configurations of the side region with one or a plurality of projections or a simple cylindrical, convex or concave surface. Likewise, projections can extend both horizontally (as in FIGS. 6 to 11) and vertically (not shown here).
FIG. 12 is a plan view onto a balance device according to the invention with massage nubs and a valve. The upper surface is provided with nubs 10/12. Any desired other shape with n corners, where n≧3, is likewise possible and can be chosen as the basic shape depending on the special application of the balance device. A valve 14 is likewise shown here at the top on the left, by means of which valve a fluid can be filled into the hollow body or the chamber(s) provided for that purpose within the hollow body. Either an edge flange 11 (with fastening apparatuses 15) or the flange 7 itself (with fastening openings 17) can be seen at the edge of the balance device.
An example of a hexagonal configuration of the hollow body is shown in FIG. 13. A valve 14 is likewise shown here, by means of which valve a fluid can be filled into the hollow body or the chamber(s) provided for that purpose within the hollow body.
The hollow body according to the invention can be filled with a fluid in order to adapt the elasticity of the balance device to the requirements of a special application. The interior of the hollow body expediently forms one (or a plurality of) corresponding chamber(s) for that purpose. Preferably, this fluid is air, as the weight of the balance device consequently remains relatively low. Air is easy to handle, corresponding devices such as air pumps and the like are already present in most households.
In order to enable the user to adapt the elasticity and also the shape of the balance device, the hollow body according to the invention can be provided with a valve for filling with a fluid. The valve can be configured as a one-way valve or as a two-way valve, that is to say with and without the possibility to let fluid out of the hollow body again. The use of a fluid as a factor which substantially determines the elasticity allows a simple possibility for gently adapting the elasticity of the balance device to the requirements to be created.
The elasticity of the skin of the hollow body which is particularly produced from softened polyvinyl chloride (PVC) enables—as is likewise the case for sitting balls—a (small) part of the forces, which are produced by means of loading with a person, to be converted to shear forces or forces which are essentially parallel to the bottom region. The shear forces cause slight tipping and seesawing movements of the person who is balancing on the balance device. The hollow body can deform under this loading and therefore follows the movements of the person balancing thereupon. This behaviour, which is also called “dynamic balancing”, leads to the previously mentioned orthopaedic and ergonomic advantages and supports the health of the user and as a result also produces a sense of well-being in the user of the balance device according to the invention. These positive characteristics can be improved further by means of a combination with a bottom element which serves as wobble board.
FIGS. 14 and 15 show further configurations of balance devices which are shaped to be taller and more spherical. In both embodiments, the hollow bodies or cushions are configured to be more elliptical or at least partly spherical. In both embodiments, the (horizontal) diameter of the hollow body is larger than the internal diameter of the flange ring 11. In the embodiment of FIG. 15, the (horizontal) diameter A of the hollow body exceeds the external diameter of the flange ring 11 (or of the bottom element 9 and even of the flange 7). A broken line and a dash-dot line are furthermore shown in FIG. 15. These lines should indicate that a convexly or concavely curved bottom element 9 can also be used. A correspondingly curved flange ring is then preferably likewise used. It is pointed out that both curves can be achieved with only one shell-shaped bottom element 9 and a (flexible) hollow body. The bottom shell can also be used as a sitting shell in the concave configuration (wherein the balance device rests on the hollow body). In the case of the embodiment of FIG. 15, the flange ring 11 of the hollow body defines an intersection line on the ellipsoid rotational body or hollow body which is arranged below the latter's equator so that the largest cross sectional area of the rotational body lies above the flange ring 11 and the lateral surface of the rotational body above the flange ring 11 forms a protrusion or bulge or projection. It is additionally provided that a plastic ring made from soft plastic is moulded on the bottom element 9 on the underside in the edge region, which plastic ring ensures a soft and elastic contact with the ground which is, at the same time, secured against slipping.
In a further embodiment—starting from FIG. 15—the flange 7 is configured, not as a horizontal flange as in FIG. 15, but rather as a flange cylinder, the longitudinal axis of which is aligned with the longitudinal axis of the rotational body or hollow body, so that the flange 7 projects admittedly outwards, but more specifically downwards. The bottom element 9 is in this case arranged within the projecting flange and accommodated, while the screwing in of the parts takes place externally (not shown) with the aid of a flange ring 11, wherein the flange ring is in turn configured cylindrically.
In the case of this embodiment, it is additionally provided that the flange of the hollow body rests annularly on the ground, see also, by way of example, FIG. 3, reference numeral 19, so that the contact with the ground is formed by the annular soft plastic in the bottom region.
FIG. 16 is a cross section of an embodiment of a balance device according to the invention with two chambers. In this embodiment, two balance devices or hollow bodies are fastened to a bottom element 9 opposite one another. In the version shown, two opposite flange rings are used for fastening, which flange rings in each case press a flange of the opposite hollow body onto the bottom element and so clamp it. The different projections of the opposite balance devices or hollow bodies allow each side of the balance device to be used for a different type of training.
An embodiment is shown in FIG. 17 in which the top region 4 and the side region 6 of the balance device together are dome shaped or (essentially) half-sphere shaped.
The rounded (resilient) part of the transition region between the top region and bottom region which exists in FIGS. 6 and also 14, 15, and 16 and downwardly borders the bottom region creates an exceptional elasticity during use and thus exceptional spring characteristics with respect to the embodiments of FIGS. 1-5.
It is pointed out that herewith all combinations of individual features as they are disclosed in the description are also considered to be disclosed. So it is intended for example to combine the flange edge thickening with various shapes and dimensions of bottom elements and the like. Further combinations are herewith explicitly suggested to the person skilled in the art by means of the combination of the individual embodiments.
It is further preferred that the balance device is characterized in that the bottom surface is at least partly delimited by a cone surface.
It is further preferred that the balance device is characterized in that the bottom surface is at least partly delimited by a parabola surface.
It is further preferred that the balance device is characterized in that the bottom surface is at least partly delimited by an ellipsoid surface.
The balance device is preferably characterized in that the underside of the bottom element is at least partly delimited by a basket handle arch surface.
The balance device is preferably configured in such a manner that the hollow body defines only a continuous uninterrupted chamber, which can be filled with fluid, which chamber is filled with fluid.
The balance device is preferably configured in such a manner that the bottom region 2 and the top region 4 are arranged essentially flatly and parallel to one another.
The balance device is preferably configured in such a manner that the top region 4 is at least partly spherical.
The balance device is preferably configured in such a manner that the balance device has a maximum width of between 0.25 and 0.65 m a height of between 30 and 400 mm.
The balance device is preferably configured in such a manner that the maximum width of the balance device is between 0.3 and 0.45 m.
The balance device is preferably configured in such a manner that the height of the balance device is between 40 and 100 mm.
The balance device is preferably configured in such a manner that the plastic contains softened polyvinyl chloride (PVC).
The balance device is preferably configured in such a manner that the balance device is produced in the rotational moulding process.
The balance device is preferably configured in such a manner that the balance device has an essentially circular or oval shape when viewed from above.
The balance device is preferably configured in such a manner that the balance device has a shape with n corners, where n≧3, when viewed from above.
The balance device is preferably configured in such a manner that the hollow body skin has slip-preventing projections 10 which are formed in the bottom region 2 and/or in the top region 4.
The balance device is preferably configured in such a manner that the hollow body skin has nubs 12 which are formed in the bottom region 2 and/or in the top region 4.
The balance device is preferably configured in such a manner that the projections 10 have a diameter of from 1 to 10 mm.
The balance device is preferably configured in such a manner that the hollow body skin of the side region 6 is essentially concavely curved.
The balance device is preferably configured in such a manner that the hollow body skin of the side region 6 is essentially convexly curved.
The balance device is preferably configured in such a manner that the hollow body skin of the side region 6 is essentially cylindrical.
The balance device is preferably configured in such a manner that the transition region is essentially of quadrantal shape in cross section.
The balance device is preferably configured in such a manner that the side region 6 has at least one projection.
The balance device is preferably configured in such a manner that the at least one projection of the side region 6 has an essentially semicircular shape in cross section.
The balance device is preferably configured in such a manner that the at least one projection of the side region 6 essentially has a shape with n corners in cross section, where n≧2.
The balance device is preferably configured in such a manner that the at least one projection of the side region 6 extends in a spiral shape around the side region.
The balance device is preferably configured in such a manner that the at least one projection of the side region 6 extends essentially vertically.
The balance device is preferably configured in such a manner that the at least one projection of the side region 6 extends essentially horizontally.
The balance device is preferably configured in such a manner that the balance device has at least one valve 14 through which fluid can be filled into the chamber of the balance device.
The balance device is preferably configured in such a manner that the flange 7 has a flange edge thickening 19.
The balance device is preferably configured in such a manner that the bottom element has openings through which the hollow body skin can bear through the bottom element and against a subsurface.
The balance device is preferably configured in such a manner that the top region 4 and the side region 6 together are dome shaped.
The balance device is preferably configured in such a manner that a further balance device which is opposite the balance device and likewise has a flange is arranged on the bottom element 9.
The balance device is preferably configured in such a manner that at least two eyes are fastened to its edge region, through which a cord or a strap can be pulled.

REFERENCE LIST

2 Bottom region
4 Top region
6 Side region
7 Flange
9 Bottom element
10 Projections
12 Massage nubs
14 Valve
15 Fastening apparatus
16 Chamber
17 Fastening opening
19 Flange edge thickening
30 Foot element
51 Bottom opening

Claims

1. Balance device, having a hollow body with a hollow body skin, comprising:

a bottom region;

an upper top region; and

a side region which is connected to the bottom region and the top region by means of transition regions and which extends between the bottom region and the top region,

wherein the hollow body defines at least one chamber, which is enclosed by the hollow body skin and which can be filled with fluid, which chamber is filled with fluid, and

an outwardly directed flange is arranged externally in the hollow body at the bottom region.

2. Balance device according to claim 1, wherein the bottom region is formed by a hollow body skin, and the hollow body skin, which forms the bottom region, the top region and the side region, and the flange are formed in one piece from plastic.

3. Balance device according to claim 1, wherein the flange is provided with fastening openings.

4. Balance device according to claim 1, wherein a bottom element is fastened to the flange.

5. Balance device according to claim 4, wherein the bottom element is fastened to the flange with at least one fastening apparatus.

6. Balance device according to claim 5, wherein the balance device is furthermore provided with a flange ring, wherein the flange is clamped between the flange ring and the rigid structure by means of a fastening apparatus.

7. Balance device according to claim 4, wherein the bottom element has a plate.

8. Balance device according to claim 7, wherein the bottom element is bent or bulged.

9. Balance device according to claim 7, wherein a foot element is arranged on the bottom element.

10. Balance device according to claim 4, wherein the at least one fastening apparatus comprises screws, threads or rivets.

11. Balance device according to claim 4, wherein the bottom element is essentially flat.

12. Balance device according claim 1, wherein the underside of the balance device or the bottom element forms a curved bottom surface.

13. Balance device according to claim 12, wherein a bottom surface of the bottom element is curved concavely.

14. Balance device according to claim 12, wherein a bottom surface of the bottom element is curved convexly.

15. Balance device according to claim 12, wherein the bottom surface is at least partly delimited by a sphere surface.

16. Balance device according to claim 2 wherein the flange is provided with fastening openings.

17. Balance device according to claim 16, wherein a bottom element is fastened to the flange.

18. Balance device according claim 17, wherein the underside of the balance device or the bottom element forms a curved bottom surface.

19. Balance device according to claim 18, wherein a bottom surface of the bottom element is curved concavely.

20. Balance device according to claim 18, wherein a bottom surface of the bottom element is curved convexly.