Balance re-trainer
First Claim
1. A balance training apparatus (1) comprising two vertical supportive rods (6), each connected at a lower end to a base (3) by a joint (4) having two degrees of freedom, a bracing means (7) suitable for supporting the pelvis of a user (2) standing between the two vertical supporting rods (6), the bracing means (7) being connected to an upper end of each of the vertical supportive rods (6) by a joint (5) having one degree of freedom allowing mutual movement between the bracing means (7) and the vertical rods (6) in the plane of the two vertical rods (6), biasing means (12) for biasing the user (2) towards an upright position when deviating therefrom in a frontal plane as well as in a sagittal plane of the user (2), characterised in that at least one of the vertical rods (6) has a lower, elastic part (12) connecting a stiffer, upper part (13) of the rod (6) to the base (3) and constituting the joint (4) there between as well as constituting the biasing means (12), and that the apparatus further comprises adjustment means (14) for adjusting the stiffness of the lower, elastic part (12).
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A balance training apparatus is disclosed for supporting individuals with a reduced ability to maintain balance while standing, comprising means for biasing a user towards an upright position when deviating therefrom in two planes. The apparatus comprises a variable spring system that combines a 2-degrees-of-freedom joint with said biasing means into a single element in a simple and advantageous construction.
The apparatus comprises two vertical supportive rods connected to a base by said joints and a bracing for support of the pelvis of a user. The bracing is connected to the upper end of the rods by joints having one degree of freedom. The vertical rods has a lower, elastic part that connects a stiffer, upper part of the rod to the base and constitutes the joint there between as well as constitutes the biasing means.
Further is disclosed a balance training apparatus comprising compliant knee supporting means arranged to support the front side of the upper end of the shanks and following the movements of the individual in the said two planes, so as to assisting the knee extensor muscles for retraining purposes.
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Citations
16 Claims
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1. A balance training apparatus (1) comprising
two vertical supportive rods (6), each connected at a lower end to a base (3) by a joint (4) having two degrees of freedom, a bracing means (7) suitable for supporting the pelvis of a user (2) standing between the two vertical supporting rods (6), the bracing means (7) being connected to an upper end of each of the vertical supportive rods (6) by a joint (5) having one degree of freedom allowing mutual movement between the bracing means (7) and the vertical rods (6) in the plane of the two vertical rods (6), biasing means (12) for biasing the user (2) towards an upright position when deviating therefrom in a frontal plane as well as in a sagittal plane of the user (2), characterised in that at least one of the vertical rods (6) has a lower, elastic part (12) connecting a stiffer, upper part (13) of the rod (6) to the base (3) and constituting the joint (4) there between as well as constituting the biasing means (12), and that the apparatus further comprises adjustment means (14) for adjusting the stiffness of the lower, elastic part (12).
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14. A balance training apparatus (1) comprising
two vertical supportive rods (6), each connected at a lower end to a base (3) by a joint (4) having two degrees of freedom, a bracing means (8) suitable for supporting the pelvis of a user (2) standing between the two vertical supporting rods (6), the bracing means (8) being connected to an upper end of each of the vertical supportive rods (6) by a joint (5) having one degree of freedom allowing mutual movement between the bracing means (8) and the vertical rods (6) in the plane of the two vertical rods (6), biasing means (12) for biasing the user (2) towards an upright position when deviating therefrom in a frontal plane as well as in a sagittal plane of the user (2), characterised in that the apparatus (1) further comprises compliant knee supporting means (8) arranged to support the front side of both legs of the user (2) near an upper end of the shanks, the knee supporting means (8) being arranged to follow the movements of the user (2) in the frontal plane as well as in the sagittal plane.
Specification