US20220126170A1

US20220126170A1 - Systems and methods for performing balancing exercises

Info

Publication number: US20220126170A1
Application number: US17/503,203
Authority: US
Inventors: Eric Schulte
Original assignee: Schulte Medical LLC
Current assignee: Schulte Medical LLC
Priority date: 2020-10-26
Filing date: 2021-10-15
Publication date: 2022-04-28

Abstract

Systems and methods for performing balancing exercises are disclosed herein. An in-folding section unfolds from a stationary section for the system to be in use mode. A user may enter the system through the in-folding section to access the stationary section, where balancing exercises are performed. Adjustable railings, capable of raising and lowering, are in the stationary section, as is a seat, both to be used for balancing exercises. An anti-tipping mechanism keeps the system stable in use mode, and wheels make the system mobile in storage mode, i.e. when the in-folding section folds into the stationary section.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/105,854, filed Oct. 16, 2020, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable.

INCORPORATION-BY-REFERENCE OF MATERIAL SUBMITTED ON A COMPACT DISC

Not Applicable.

FIELD

The present teachings relate to systems and methods for performing balancing exercises.

INTRODUCTION

As people become elderly, their bodies break down, increasing the likelihood of sustaining injuries by falling. Indeed, according to the US Center for Disease Control and Prevention, one out of every five falls leads to a serious injury in these individuals. It would be useful to develop a safe and effective way for these people to train their bodies to avoid falls, especially when they cannot be supervised by physical therapists or other vestibular rehabilitation specialists.

SUMMARY

The present teachings include a system for performing balancing exercises, the system comprising a stationary section, a seat in the stationary section, an in-folding section connected to the stationary section, at least one wheel to transport the system (i.e. make the system mobile), and a drawbridge mechanism. The stationary section is comprised of a training platform, at least one training railing, and an anti-tipping mechanism. The training platform is where balancing exercises take place. In an embodiment, there is one training railing. In another embodiment, there are two training railings. In yet another embodiment, there are three training railings. In yet another embodiment, there are four training railings. In another embodiment, there are more than four training railings. Regardless of the embodiment, the training platform is connected to at least one training railing. A user may hold onto these railings for balancing purposes and to perform balancing exercises. The anti-tipping mechanism is attached to the training platform. In an embodiment, the anti-tipping mechanism is connected to the bottom surface of the training platform. In another embodiment, the anti-tipping mechanism may attach to a side surface of the training platform. In another embodiment, the anti-tipping mechanism may attach to the top surface of the training platform. When the training platform is in use (i.e. a user is performing balancing exercises on the platform), the anti-tipping mechanism ensures that when a user is on the training platform, the system is stable and does not fall over. The seat, located in the stationary section, may be attached to the stationary section in one embodiment. In another embodiment, the seat may be removable from the stationary section. The in-folding section comprises an in-folding platform, at least one in-folding railing, and a latching railing. The in-folding platform allows a user to enter the stationary section. The latching railing latches onto an in-folding railing. Once a user unlatches the latching railing by lifting a latch, the user may enter the in-folding section. Regarding the in-folding section, all railings are in-folding railings unless they are the latching railing. A user may hold onto any in-folding railing when entering the system to keep his or her balance. The user may also hold onto the latching railing when closing the system. At least one wheel is attached to the training platform to allow the system to roll when being transported. In an embodiment, at least one wheel is attached to the training platform. In another embodiment, at least one wheel is attached to the in-folding platform. In yet another embodiment, at least one wheel is attached to both the training platform and the in-folding platform. A drawbridge mechanism is connected to the in-folding platform. In an embodiment, a drawbridge cable is built into at least one training railing. In an embodiment, the drawbridge mechanism is battery powered. In another embodiment, the drawbridge mechanism is remote controlled and powered by electricity. In another embodiment, the drawbridge mechanism is operated manually.
In accordance with a further aspect, at least one training railing is adjustable in height. A user may change such a railing to an optimized height by raising or lowering the training railing adjustable in height. The training railing adjustable in height is a special type of training railing, as most other training railings are not adjustable in height.
In accordance with yet a further aspect, an edge of the stationary section and an edge of the in-folding section are joined at a junction. The stationary section and the in-folding section are joined at a junction. In an embodiment, the junction may be secured by at least one hinge. In another embodiment, the junction is secured by at least one flap fitting.
In accordance with yet a further aspect, at least one locking clamp positioned on a training railing unlocks to move the at least one training railing. A user unlocks the locking clamp, located on the anterior part of a training railing. The number of locking clamps depends on the number of training railings adjustable in height. For each training railing adjustable in height, there is a locking clamp.
In accordance with yet a further aspect, the at least one training railing has at least one hole that may accommodate a locking pin. Once a locking clamp is unlocked, a user may sit on the seat to pull the locking pin out the railing. The user may then easily adjust the height of a training railing adjustable by height by pushing the training railing adjustable by height upwards, then lock the pin in place and relock the clamp to secure the training railing adjustable by height in place.
In accordance with yet a further aspect, the anti-tipping mechanism comprises at least one leg. In an embodiment, the anti-tipping mechanism is at least one leg at each corner of the training platform. In another embodiment, the anti-tipping mechanism is at least one leg at each of corner of the in-folding section. In yet another embodiment, the anti-tipping mechanism is at least one leg at each corner of the training platform and each corner of the in-folding section.
In accordance with yet a further aspect, the in-folding section may fold into the stationary section. In an embodiment, the drawbridge mechanism, when powered to do so (or manually operated to do so), folds the in-folding section into the stationary section so that the system is easily portable. In that same embodiment, when powered to so do (or manually operated to do so), the drawbridge mechanism may unfold the in-folding section from the stationary section so that the system is ready for use. The in-folding section folds into the stationary section (i.e. storage mode) and folds out of the stationary section (i.e. use mode) by the push of a button. In another embodiment, the user may manually fold the in-folding section into the stationary section and fold the in-folding section out of the stationary section. In an embodiment in which at least one wheel is connected to the in-folding platform, when a user is using the system, a wheel connected to the in-folding platform is oriented so that it does not touch the ground. When the in-folding section is folded into the stationary section, the wheel is oriented downward so that it touches the ground, making for easy transport of the system. In an embodiment, it is separate buttons that control the drawbridge mechanism and anti-tipping mechanism. In another embodiment, it is the same button that controls the drawbridge mechanism and anti-tipping mechanism. In another embodiment, the drawbridge mechanism comprises a cable, a motorized pulley wheel, and a non-motorized pulley wheel. The cable is within a training railing that is not adjustable in height. The motorized pulley wheel is at the rear of the system (i.e. distal to the in-folding section), with the non-motorized pulley at the fore of the system near where a user enters the system (i.e. proximal to the in-folding section). The cable makes contact with the motorized pulley wheel and the non-motorized pulley wheel. In an embodiment, the cable rolls along the outer surface of the motorized pulley wheel and the non-motorized pulley wheel. An end of the cable is connected to the in-folding section. Specifically, an end of the cable is connected to the in-folding railing. By the press of a button, the motorized pulley wheel and non-motorized pulley wheel rotate, providing enough torque to pull the in-folding railings off the floor, taking the system from storage mode to use mode. In another embodiment, there is more than one motorized pulley wheel for unfolding the in-folding section from the stationary section, and these motorized pulley wheels may be attached to a training railing, an in-folding railing or a latching railing.
In accordance with yet a further aspect, the latching railing latches onto the at least one in-folding railing. The latching railing provides an entrance to the system. A user may enter the system by lifting a latch connected to the latching railing. Lowering the latch closes the system, providing a stable structure for the user to hold onto during exercises. In an embodiment, a user may hold onto a latching railing for balance exercises. In another embodiment, a user may hold onto a latching railing and an in-folding railing for balancing exercises. In another embodiment, a user may hold onto a latching railing, in-folding railing, and training railing for balancing exercises. In yet another embodiment, a user may hold onto a latching railing, an in-folding railing, a training railing, and a training railing adjustable in height for balancing exercises.
In accordance with yet a further aspect, the anti-tipping mechanism is collapsible. In an embodiment whereby the anti-tipping mechanism comprises at least one leg, a leg may collapse to be normal to the stable platform when not in use (i.e. in storage mode). In this embodiment, the same drawbridge mechanism button that controls the unfolding and folding of the in-folding section may also control the deployment of the anti-tipping mechanism. Pushing a down button that unfolds the in-folding section from the stationary section also deploys the anti-tipping mechanism so a user may use the system. Pressing an up button to fold the in-folding section into the stationary section allows the anti-tipping mechanism to collapse and be normal (perpendicular) with the stationary section, putting the system in storage mode.
In accordance with yet a further aspect, the anti-tipping mechanism may be flush against a floor or non-flush to the floor when in use mode. In an embodiment in which the anti-tipping mechanism comprises at least one leg, the leg may be flush against the floor when in use mode (i.e. at 180 degrees with the floor). In another embodiment in which the anti-tipping mechanism comprises at least one leg, the leg may be at an angle to the floor (non-flush) when in use mode. In an embodiment, the anti-tipping mechanism is 1-10 degrees at an angle to the floor that the system is on. In an embodiment, the anti-tipping mechanism is 11-20 degrees at an angle to the floor that the system is on. In an embodiment, the anti-tipping mechanism is 21-30 degrees at an angle to the floor that the system is on. In an embodiment, the anti-tipping mechanism is 31-40 degrees at an angle to the floor that the system is on. In an embodiment, the anti-tipping mechanism is 41-50 degrees at an angle to the floor that the system is on. In an embodiment, the anti-tipping mechanism is 51-60 degrees at an angle to the floor that the system is on. In an embodiment, the anti-tipping mechanism is 61-70 degrees at an angle to the floor that the system is on. In an embodiment, the anti-tipping mechanism is 71-80 degrees at an angle to the floor that the system is on. In an embodiment, the anti-tipping mechanism is 81-89 degrees at an angle to the floor that the system is on.
In accordance with yet a further aspect, the in-folding platform may slope toward the training platform. In an embodiment in which the anti-tipping mechanism comprises at least one leg and the leg is at an angle to the floor, this causes the in-folding platform, when in use mode, to slope upwards towards the training platform. Essentially, in this embodiment, a user walks up the in-folding platform into the training platform. In an embodiment, the angle of the slope when in use mode is between 1-10 degrees. In another embodiment, the angle of the slope when in use mode is between 11-20 degrees. In another embodiment, the angle of the slope when in use mode is between 21-30 degrees. In another embodiment, the angle of the slope when in use mode is between 31-45 degrees.
In accordance with yet a further aspect, the anti-tipping mechanism extends outward from the training platform in use mode and returns inward in storage mode. In an embodiment in which the anti-tipping mechanism comprises at least one leg, when in use mode, the leg extends outward and away from the training platform. When in storage mode (i.e. when the in-folding section folds into the stationary section), the leg returns inward towards the training platform.
In accordance with yet a further aspect, the seat has a collapsible back rest connected to the seat and a handle connected to the back rest. In an embodiment, a user may hold the handle of the back rest of the seat to easily move the system when in storage mode. In the same embodiment, a user may also unlock the back rest to move it forward and collapse it down to towards the training platform. In this embodiment, the back rest may incline back 15 degrees relative to the back rest in the upright position. In another embodiment, the back rest may incline back 20 degrees relative to the back rest in the upright position. In another embodiment, the back rest may incline back 25 degrees relative to the back rest in the upright position. In another embodiment, the back rest may incline back 30 degrees relative to the back rest in the upright position. In another embodiment, the back rest may incline back between 15 and 30 degrees relative to the back rest in the upright position. In another embodiment, the back rest may incline between 1 and 15 degrees relative to the back rest in the upright position. In another embodiment, the back rest may incline between 30 and 45 degrees relative to the back rest in the upright position. When ready to be put in storage mode, the back rest is moved to become upright (i.e. not at a slanted angle to the training platform) and pushed downward toward the training platform. The handle is connected to the back surface of the back rest. In another embodiment, the handle is connected to the top surface of the back rest. In yet another embodiment, the handle is connected to a side surface of the back rest.
In accordance with yet a further aspect, the system has a detachable platform. In an embodiment, the detachable platform attaches to a training railing. In an embodiment, the detachable platform attaches to the in-folding railing. In an embodiment, the detachable platform attaches to the latching railing. In an embodiment, the detachable platform attaches to a training railing adjustable in height. In an embodiment, the detachable platform may attach to the training railing, the in-folding railing, the latching railing, and the training railing adjustable in height. The manner in which the detachable platform attaches to a railing is by way of a clamp. One may place items on the detachable platform, with a user reaching for the items to perform balancing exercises.
The present teachings include a method for training balance, the method comprising providing a system for balance training, deploying the drawbridge mechanism, deploying the anti-tipping mechanism, opening the latching railing to allow a user to enter the system, closing the latching railing, walking through the in-folding section to enter the stationary section, adjusting the at least one training railing to a preferred height, and performing exercises in the stationary section, optionally using the seat to perform the exercises. The system comprises a stationary section, a seat in the stationary section, an in-folding section connected to the stationary section, at least one wheel to transport the system (i.e. make the system mobile), and a drawbridge mechanism. The stationary section is comprised of a training platform, at least one training railing, and an anti-tipping mechanism. The training platform is where balancing exercises take place. In an embodiment, the drawbridge mechanism and anti-tipping mechanism are deployed separately. In this embodiment, both mechanisms are deployed by pushing different buttons. In another embodiment, the drawbridge mechanism and anti-tipping mechanism are deployed simultaneously. In this embodiment, both mechanisms are deployed by pushing the same button. Deploying the drawbridge mechanism unfolds the in-folding section from the stationary section. Deploying the anti-tipping mechanism stabilizes the system. Unlatching the latching railing by raising a latch allows a user to enter the system, and replacing the latching railing by putting the latch back down closes the system. A user may then enter through the in-folding section to access the stationary section. Opening the clamp and pushing up on the at least one training railing that is adjustable by height allows that railing to move to the user's preferred height. In an embodiment, the training railing moves in 0.5 inch increments. In another embodiment, the training railing moves in 1 inch increments. In yet another embodiment, the training railing moves in 2 inch increments. Closing the clamp and placing a locking pin in a hole of the appropriate railing locks the railing in place. A user may then do balancing exercises in the stationary section, using training railings for balance and optionally using the seat in the stationary section. The user may also do balance exercises in the in-folding section using the in-folding railing and latching railing for balance.
In accordance with a further aspect, once a user is done exercising in the stationary section, the user may return the training railing that is adjustable in height to its original position by opening the clamp, removing the locking pin and lowering the railing, minimizing this railing's height.
In accordance with yet another aspect, the in-folding section may be folded into the stationary section. In an embodiment, the in-folding section folds in by pressing the button that controls the drawbridge mechanism. In another embodiment, the user may manually fold the in-folding section into the stationary section.
In accordance with yet another aspect, the anti-tipping mechanism is collapsible. In an embodiment in which the anti-tipping mechanism comprises at least one leg, in the use mode, the leg is extended outward from the training platform. To go to storage mode, the leg returns inward towards the training platform, being normal to the training platform. In an embodiment, the anti-tipping mechanism goes to storage mode by pressing the same button that controls the drawbridge mechanism. In another embodiment, the anti-tipping mechanism goes to storage mode by pressing another button that does not control the drawbridge mechanism. Pushing a down button that unfolds the in-folding section from the stationary section also deploys the anti-tipping mechanism so a user may use the system. Pressing an up button to fold the in-folding section into the stationary section allows the anti-tipping mechanism to collapse and be normal (perpendicular) with the stationary section, putting the system in storage mode. In another embodiment, one can manually move the anti-tipping mechanism to storage mode.
In accordance with yet another aspect, the seat may have a back rest that is collapsible for when one wants to put the system in storage mode. The back rest may incline backwards for user comfort. In an embodiment, the back rest is moved from the incline position to be in an upright position and then slid downward toward the training platform. In another embodiment, the back rest may be moved downward to be parallel to the training platform and rest on the seat.
In accordance with yet a further aspect, a handle connected to the back rest is for moving the system. Once the in-folding section folds into the stationary section, a user may use the handle for moving the system. In an embodiment, the handle is located on the back surface of the back rest. In another embodiment, the handle is located on a side surface of the back rest. In yet another embodiment, the handle is located on a top surface of the back rest.
In accordance with yet a further aspect, when the in-folding section folds into the stationary section, any wheels attached to the system touch the floor, making the system mobile. In an embodiment, a wheel that is connected to the in-folding section does not touch the floor when in use mode (i.e. it is oriented away from the floor). When the in-folding section folds into the stationary section, tough, the wheel becomes oriented to touch the floor. In an embodiment, the transition of wheels from use mode (not touching the floor) to storage mode (touching the floor) is controlled by pressing a button. In another embodiment, a wheel going from use mode to storage mode is controlled by the same button that controls the drawbridge mechanism and anti-tipping mechanism. In another embodiment, a wheel going from use mode to storage mode is controlled by a separate button from the drawbridge mechanism and anti-tipping mechanism. An embodiment that replaces pushing a button to remote controlled control of a wheel going from use mode to storage mode is also possible. In an embodiment, the wheels are battery powered. In another embodiment, the wheels are electricity powered and controlled. In another embodiment, the wheels are manually operated (i.e. no power source).
These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present teachings will become better understood with reference to the following description, examples and appended claims.

DRAWINGS

Those of skill in the art will understand that the drawings, described below, are for illustrative purposes only. The drawings are not intended to limit the scope of the present teachings in any way.

FIG. 1. Perspective view of the system without the anti-tipping mechanism deployed.

FIG. 2. Top view of the system in use mode with the anti-tipping mechanism deployed.

FIG. 3. Perspective view of the system in use mode with the anti-tipping mechanism deployed.

FIG. 4. Perspective view of the system in use mode with a user in the stationary section.

FIG. 5. Back view of the system, showing the seat and back rest.

FIG. 6. Side view of the seat and the process for collapsing the back rest.

FIG. 7. Side view of a wheel in use mode.

FIG. 8. Side view of a wheel in storage mode.

FIG. 9. Side view of a training railing adjustable in height.

FIG. 10. Side view of the system in storage mode.

FIG. 11, Side view of the drawbridge mechanism.

FIG. 12. Side view of the system showing a detachable platform.

FIG. 13. Perspective view of an item on the detachable platform.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Abbreviations and Definitions

To facilitate understanding of the invention, a number of terms and abbreviations as used herein are defined below as follows:
Use mode: As used herein, the term “use mode” refers to the in-folding section being unfolded from the stationary section, the anti-tipping mechanism is deployed, and the system's wheels do not touch the floor such that a user may use the stationary section for balancing exercises.
Storage mode: As used herein, the term “storage mode” refers to the in-folding section folded into the stationary section, the anti-tipping mechanism is collapsed or non-deployed, and the system's wheels touch the floor such that the system may be mobile.
Systems and Methods for Performing Balancing Exercises
The present invention is directed to a system 100 for training balance in individuals. FIG. 1 shows the system 100, comprising a stationary section 102 and an in-folding section 112. The stationary section 102 and in-folding section 112, when in use mode, are joined at a junction 134. In this mode, the in-folding section 112 has been folded out from the stationary section 102. In an embodiment, the in-folding section 112, comprising at least one in-folding railing 114, an in-folding platform 116, and a latching railing 118, unfolds from the stationary section 102 via a drawbridge mechanism 124, comprising a drawbridge cable 138 within a training railing 104. In the same embodiment, with the press of a down button 136, the in-folding section 112 unfolds from the stationary section 102. An up button 128 returns the in-folding section 112 into the stationary section 102. In another embodiment, unfolding and folding the in-folding section 112 is manual; a user physically unfolds the in-folding section 112 out from the stationary section 102 and folds the in-folding section 112 into the stationary section 102. The stationary section 102 comprises at least one training railing 104, a training platform 106, and an anti-tipping mechanism (not shown). In the stationary section 102, there is at least one training railing adjustable in height 126, which can be raised and lowered to accommodate a user. The other railings 104 in the stationary section 102 are not adjustable, but a user can hold onto them for performing balancing exercises. There is a seat 110 in the stationary section 102. In an embodiment, the seat 110 is attached to the stationary section 102. In another embodiment, the seat 110 is removable. In an embodiment, the seat may have a back rest 132, with a handle 130 connected to the back rest 132. In another embodiment, there may be no back rest 132 and just the seat 110. A latching railing 118 allows a user to enter the system 100 via the in-folding section 112. Raising the latch 120 allows a user to enter the system 100 and lowering the latch 128 back to its original position closes the system 100. In an embodiment, at least one wheel 122 is connected to the training platform 106 and the in-folding platform 116. In the same embodiment, when the system 100 is in use mode, wheels 122 are oriented so that they do not touch the floor, making the system 100 more stable.
FIG. 2 is a top view of the system 100 in use mode. The anti-tipping mechanism 108 is visible in this figure. In an embodiment, the junction 134 that connects the in-folding platform 116 and training platform 106 is joined by at least one hinge 200. The hinge 200 allows the in-folding section 112 to be folded into and out of the stationary section 102.
In an embodiment, the anti-tipping mechanism 108, as seen in FIG. 3, may be represented by at least one leg 302. In this embodiment, legs 302 move 90 degrees when deployed via a spring loaded button 300 that a user pushes to allow the legs 302 to drop and lock into use mode. In another embodiment, legs 302 are manually deployed. In yet another embodiment, the leg 302 is at a non-90 degree angle when in use mode.
FIG. 4 shows a user 400 in the stationary section 102 of the system 100, standing on the training platform 106. The user 400 is holding a railing adjustable in height 126. The seat 110 is optional to use for balancing exercises.
FIG. 5 depicts the back view of the system 100, showing the back rest 132 of the seat 110, in addition to a training railing 104. The locking pin 500 is for raising and lowering a training railing adjustable in height 126. In an embodiment, a user 400 may sit on the seat 110 while adjusting the locking pins 500. In another embodiment, a user may adjust the locking pins 500 while standing up
An embodiment of the back rest 132 being collapsible for storage mode is featured in FIG. 6. As depicted by “1”, the back rest 132 is in an incline position. For it to collapse, the back rest 132 is moved to an upright position (as shown in “2”), then slid downward towards the training platform 106 (shown in “3”). In another embodiment, to collapse the back rest 132, the back rest 132 is moved downward so that the back rest 132 is laying on the seat 110. In another embodiment, the back rest 132 does not collapse, but stays in an upright position when in storage mode.
FIG. 7 shows a wheel 122 in use mode. In this mode, the wheel 122 is oriented so that it does not touch the floor. In an embodiment, the wheel 122 is oriented so that is parallel to the floor.
FIG. 8 shows a wheel 122 in storage mode. The wheel 122 is touching the floor, making the system 100 mobile.
FIG. 9 shows the locking clamp 900 and holes 902 that a training railing 104 may have for raising and lowering a training railing adjustable in height 126. In an embodiment, a user unlocks the locking clamp 900, removes the locking pin 500, and raises the training railing 104 to the desired height. Once at that height, the user puts the locking pin 500 in the appropriate hole 902 and closes the locking clamp 900, keeping the training railing adjustable in height 126 in place. To lower the training railing adjustable in height 126, the user opens the locking clamp 900, removes the locking pin 500 from the hole 902, and lowers the training railing 104 to the desired height. The user then closes the locking clamp 900 and places the locking pin 500 in the correct hole 902.
Storage mode of the system 100 is shown in FIG. 10. The in-folding section 112 is folded into the stationary section 102, the anti-tipping mechanism 108 is non-deployed, and wheels 122 are oriented to touch the floor. One may use the handle 130 to move the system 100. Also, now that the system 100 is more compact, it can be stored in compact spaces.
FIG. 11 is a depiction of the drawbridge mechanism 124. The drawbridge cable 138 is within a training railing 104. At one end of the training railing 104, the drawbridge cable 138 is connected to a motorized pulley wheel 1102. The drawbridge cable 138 extends from the motorized pulley wheel 1102 to a non-motorized pulley wheel 1104 located near the other end of the training railing 104. The drawbridge cable 138 then extends from the non-motorized pulley wheel 1104 to an in-folding railing 114. At the push of a down button 136, the drawbridge cable 138 rotates around the outer surface of the motorized pulley wheel 1102 and non-motorized pulley wheel 1104, pulling on the in-folding railing 114 to take the system from storage mode to use mode.
FIG. 12 depicts a detachable platform 1202, which may attach to a training railing 104 or a training railing adjustable in height 126. The detachable platform 1202 may also attach to an in-folding railing 114 or a latching railing 118. In FIG. 12, a detachable platform 1202 attaches to a training railing 104 by a tube clamp 1204. In an embodiment, the detachable platform 1202 may attach to a training railing 104 in the stationary section 102. In another embodiment, the detachable platform 1202 may attach to a training railing adjustable in height 126 in the stationary section 102. In yet another embodiment, the detachable platform 1202 may attach to an in-folding railing 114 in the in-folding section 112.
FIG. 13 shows a user 400 in the stationary section 102 of the system 100, holding a training railing adjustable by height 126. A user 400 may also hold a training railing 104, an in-folding railing 114, or a latching railing 118. In this embodiment, a detachable platform 1202 is attached to an in-folding railing 114. In other embodiments, the detachable platform 1202 may be attached to the latching railing 118, a training railing adjustable by height 126, and a training railing 104. An item 1302 rests on the detachable platform 1202, with the user 400 able to practice exercises by reaching for the item 1302. Reaching for the item 1302 may be a form of a functional balancing exercise, meant for the user 400 to improve reaching from a base of support

OTHER EMBODIMENTS

The detailed description set-forth above is provided to aid those skilled in the art in practicing the present invention. However, the invention described and claimed herein is not to be limited in scope by the specific embodiments herein disclosed because these embodiments are intended as illustration of several aspects of the invention. Any equivalent embodiments are intended to be within the scope of this invention. Indeed, various modifications of the invention in addition to those shown and described herein will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the foregoing description which do not depart from the spirit or scope of the present inventive discovery. Such modifications are also intended to fall within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A system for balance training comprising:

a stationary section comprising:

i) at least one training railing;

ii) a training platform connected to at least one training railing; and

iii) an anti-tipping mechanism connected to the training platform;

a seat in contact with the training platform;

an in-folding section comprising:

i) at least one in-folding railing;

ii) an in-folding platform connected to at least one in-folding railing; and

iii) a latching railing attached to at least one in-folding railing;

at least one wheel connected to a base of at least one of the in-folding platform and the training platform; and

a drawbridge mechanism.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the at least one training railing is adjustable in height.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein an edge of the stationary section connects to an edge of the in-folding platform at a junction.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein at least one locking clamp unlocks to move the at least one training railing.

5. The system of claim 4, wherein the at least one training railing has at least one hole that may accommodate a locking pin.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein the anti-tipping mechanism comprises at least one leg.

7. The system of claim 1, wherein the in-folding section may fold into the stationary section.

8. The system of claim of claim 1, wherein the latching railing latches onto the at least one in-folding railing.

9. The system of claim 6, wherein the anti-tipping mechanism is collapsible.

10. The system of claim 6, wherein the anti-tipping mechanism is at least one of flush against a floor and non-flush to the floor.

11. The system of claim 1, wherein the in-folding platform may slope toward the training platform.

12. The system of claim 6, wherein the anti-tipping mechanism extends outward from the training platform in use mode and returns inward in storage mode.

13. The system of claim 1, wherein the seat has a collapsible back rest connected to the seat and a handle connected to the back rest.

14. The system of claim 1, wherein the drawbridge mechanism uses at least one motorized pulley wheel to transition the system from storage mode to use mode, with the at least one motorized pulley wheel connected to at least one of the at least one training railing, the at least one in-folding railing, and the latching railing.

15. The system of claim 1, wherein a detachable platform attaches to at least one of the at least one training railing, the at least one in-folding railing, and the latching railing.

16. A method for training balance comprising:

i) providing a system for balance training, the system comprising:

a stationary section comprising:

i) at least one training railing;

ii) a training platform connected to at least one training railing; and

iii) an anti-tipping mechanism connected to the training platform;

a seat in contact with the training platform;

an in-folding section comprising:

i) at least one in-folding railing;

ii) an in-folding platform connected to at least one in-folding railing; and

iii) a latching railing attached to at least one in-folding railing;

a drawbridge mechanism connected to the in-folding railing;

ii) deploying the drawbridge mechanism;

iii) deploying the anti-tipping mechanism;

iv) opening the latching railing for a user to enter;

v) closing the latching railing;

vi) walking through the in-folding section to enter the stationary section;

vii) adjusting the at least one training railing to a height; and

viii) performing exercises in the stationary section, optionally using the seat;

17. The method of claim 16, wherein the at least one training railing is adjustable in height.

18. The method of claim 16, wherein the in-folding section may fold into the stationary section.

19. The method of claim 16, wherein the anti-tipping mechanism is collapsible.

20. The method of claim 16, wherein a back rest connected to the seat is collapsible.

21. The method of claim 20, wherein a handle connected to the back rest is used for transportation.

22. The method of claim 16, wherein the at least one wheel is deployed when in storage mode.