Adjustable kinetic stabilization instrument

An adjustable kinetic stabilization instrument having a balance platform which provides rotational and linear movement in two axis versus a shift in center of gravity relative to its geometric center. The adjustable kinetic stabilization instrument is used by physical therapists and physical trainers to help improve or revive a person's sense of kinesthesia when a person stands on the platform. The adjustable kinetic stabilization instrument has a plurality of eyelets into which the pivotable pedestal supports may be placed in order to make the platform more or less sensitive to the center of gravity offset caused by the person using the instrument.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
The present invention relates in general to balance platforms and devices 
for maintaining balance stability and pertains, more particularly, to a 
balance platform instrument which has an easily adjustable but limited 
range of motion in two axes. The adjustable kinetic stabilization 
instrument of this invention is an improvement over conventional balance 
platforms or stabilization devices. 
With conventional balance platforms, support is generally provided from 
below the platform surface via rotating ball joints, rocking arms or 
semi-spherical supports. These prior art methods of support often create 
an inherently unstable platform which must contain stop mechanisms to 
safely limit its useful range of movement. The added complexity of the 
stop mechanisms increase cost and limit reliability and safety of such 
devices. Although some balance platform designs are available which 
provide for support from above the surface of the platform, these designs 
limit the two axis movement of the platform and generally do not provide 
for two axis movement adjustability. The limitation of such devices make 
them of limited use to the physical therapist, physical trainer or person 
using such devices. 
Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide an 
improved balance platform with an adjustable range of motion in two axis 
that is inherently stable, easy to adjust, and able to provide a wide 
range of motion by amplifying the movement due to the center of gravity 
offset of the user. 
Another object of the present invention is to provide an improved balance 
platform which provides an adjustable wide range of stable motion with 
inherent limitations in its maximum angle of motion in all axis. 
A further object of the present invention is to provide an improved balance 
platform which is manufacturable in a cost effective manner and yet safe 
and easy to use. 
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
To accomplish the foregoing and other objects of this invention there is 
provided a adjustable kinetic stabilization instrument having a balance 
platform with an adjustable range of motion which is comprised of a 
platform, a platform support pedestal, a pedestal base plate, four or more 
pivotable pedestal supports and a frame with sidewalls. The platform upon 
which the user stands is attached to the topside of the pedestal and the 
pedestal bottomside is attached to the pedestal base plate. In a preferred 
embodiment, mounted onto the pedestal base plate are four support 
attachment brackets each containing one or more support structure eyelets. 
The support structure eyelets provide attachment points for the pivotabale 
pedestal supports. In a preferred embodiment the pivotable pedestal 
supports are manufactured of metal chains. The pivotable pedestal supports 
could also be manufactured of pivotable rigid material such as steel or 
aluminum rod. In a preferred embodiment the pivotable pedestal supports 
are mounted onto the frame with frame support pins, preferable in each of 
the four corners of the rectangular top opening. Furthermore, in the 
preferred embodiment, each pivotable pedestal support contains a snap link 
which allows easy attachment and removal from the selected support 
structure eyelets. Alternative embodiments may incorporate hooks or other 
types of fasteners for attachment to the support structure eyelets. 
For many years physical therapists and physical trainers have used balance 
type platforms to help persons develop or revive their kinesthetic 
abilities. That is, the sense by which a person senses and perceives 
position, weight and movement. The balance platform is generally a flat 
platform which has an angular and/or a linear movement which is related, 
although not necessarily proportional, to the offset of a person's center 
of gravity relative to the center of the platform. It generally has a 
partial rotation in two axes, that is front and rear and left and right 
relative to the person using the device. Past designs incorporated support 
mechanisms below the platform which are inherently unstable, do not 
provide the required angular movement of the platform versus the shift of 
center of gravity of the user, or are difficult to manufacture. That is, 
the prior art generally represents devices which are safety concerns, cost 
concerns, or offer limited movement and adjustment of movement versus user 
center of gravity offset. 
In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the safety, limited 
movement and cost issues of the prior art are addressed. That is, the fact 
that the platform is offset in height with a platform support pedestal 
relative to the pedestal base plate causes an amplification of the 
rotational movement of the platform relative to the center of gravity 
offset of the person using the device. Without the platform support 
pedestal, the rotational movement of the platform relative to the center 
of gravity offset of the user is minimal. Furthermore, the fact that the 
platform is offset relative to the pedestal base plate, allows the user to 
adjust the relative linear and rotational movement versus center of 
gravity offset by placing the appropriate snap links in the eyelets of 
their choosing. As the snaplinks are placed closer toward the center of 
the pedestal base plate, the pedestal becomes more sensitive to a center 
of gravity offset and reflects this in more rotational and linear movement 
versus center of gravity offset. 
The safety issue is addressed in two ways. First, the side walls of the 
frame limit the front, back, right and left linear movement and also 
provide a stop on the rotational movement. secondly, when supported via 
the pivotable pedestal supports as shown, the linear movement reaches a 
limit when the user's center of gravity aligns with the pivoting point of 
the pivotable pedestal supports where the frame support pins hold said 
supports. This limits the pedestal to only rotational movement at this 
point. This rotational movement is then limited by the pedestal resting 
upon the sidewalls. 
The adjustable kinetic stabilization instrument can be manufactured of 
different materials and in different sizes and colors. In the preferred 
embodiment described herein the adjustable kinetic stabilization 
instrument is comprised of metallic plate and structural material but 
could be manufactured of wood, plastic, composites or any other structural 
material capable of holding human weight. Furthermore, the modest number 
of components required for construction of the adjustable kinetic 
stabilization instrument as compared to prior art devices, helps to limit 
the cost.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
Referring now to the drawings there is shown a preferred embodiment in 
FIGS. 1-6 of the adjustable kinetic stabilization instrument of this 
invention and an alternative embodiment in FIG. 7. The adjustable kinetic 
stabilization instrument of the present invention is particularly adapted 
for use by physical therapists or physical trainers to help persons 
develop their sense of kinesthesia. It may be used by persons with 
physical impairments which limit their proper sense of balance or for 
training gymnasts or persons who desire to improve their sense of balance, 
especially for competitive sporting purposes. 
The drawings show the adjustable kinetic stabilization instrument 10 having 
a platform 12, a platform support pedestal 14, a pedestal base plate 16, a 
frame with sidewalls 20 and four or more pivotable pedestal supports 18. 
In a preferred embodiment, the platform 12 has an upper side 11 and a 
lower side 13. The lower side 13 is attached securely to the topside 22 of 
the platform support pedestal 14 with screws, bolts, pins, or by welding. 
In a preferred embodiment, the pedestal base plate 16 is of substantially 
flat shape and includes a mounting surface 17. The bottomside 24 of the 
platform support pedestal 14 is mounted onto the mounting surface 17 of 
the pedestal base plate 16, also with screws, pins, bolts or by welding. 
It supports the load of the pedestal 14, the platform 12 and the person 
using the adjustable kinetic stabilization instrument 10. In a preferred 
embodiment, the platform 12 and the pedestal base plate 16 are of a 
generally rectangular shape and preferably manufactured of a metallic 
material but may also be manufactured of wood, plastic, composites or any 
other material capable of supporting the user's weight. 
In a preferred embodiment, the pedestal base plate 16 contains four or more 
support attachment brackets 26 which are mounted onto the surface 17 and 
equidistant relative to the geometric center of the pedestal base plate 
16. That is, from near the corners of the base plate 16 and extending 
toward the center of the pedestal base plate 16. Each support attachment 
bracket 26 contains one or more support structure eyelets 28 which allow 
for rotational and linear movement adjustment of the platform 12. 
Adjustment is accomplished via the rotatable and removable attachment of a 
snap link 32, which is connected onto a first end 19 of the pivotable 
pedestal supports 18, in the support structure eyelets 28 of the user's 
choosing. This allows the user to provide a desired linear and rotational 
movement versus center of gravity offset relative to the geometric center 
of the platform. As the pedestal supports 18 are positioned closer to the 
geometric center of the pedestal base plate 16 via movement of the snap 
links 32 to other support structure eyelets 28, the linear and rotational 
movement of the platform 12 is increased versus the center of gravity 
offset of the user. This requires the user to make a much more concerted 
effort at maintaining his or her balance on the platform. In a preferred 
embodiment, the support attachment brackets 26 along with the arrangement 
of the support structure eyelets 28 are of a linear form but may be 
manufactured in curved, elliptical, hyperbolic or any other shape which 
will help to optimize the platform 12 rotation and movement relative to 
the center of gravity offset presented by the user. 
The pivotable pedestal supports 18 are of a preferably metallic chain or 
cable type construction but may be manufactured of nylon, rope, 
composites, rigid pivoting arms, springs, turnbuckles or any material or 
structure which would allow the pedestal base plate 16 to swivel or rotate 
about the attachment points of each pedestal support 18 yet remain 
supported. Each pivotable pedestal support 18 contains a snap link 32 on a 
first end 19 of said support 18. The snap link 32 provides for the 
aforementioned adjustment within the support structure eyelets 28. 
Although a snap link 32 is preferred, other mechanisms such as hooks, half 
links, pins or bolts may be used to attach the pivotable pedestal supports 
18 to the preferred support structure eyelets 28. In a preferred 
embodiment, each pivotable pedestal support 18 is pivotally attached on a 
second end 21, opposite said eyelets 28, to the frame with sidewalls 20 
with frame support pins 30. In a preferred embodiment the pins 30 are 
removably attached and located equidistant from the geometric center of 
the top 22 of the frame 20 and in the topmost corners of the frame 20. In 
a preferred embodiment, the frame support pins 30 simply attach through a 
chain link, hook or eyelet at the second end 21 of each of the pivotable 
pedestal supports 18 upon assembly. Although pins are preferred, the 
function of the frame support pins 30 may be accomplished by hooks, bolts, 
or any other fastener which will securely hold the pivotable pedestal 
supports 18 and also support the weight of the user. 
The frame with sidewalls 20 provides the support for the second ends 21 of 
the pivotable pedestal supports 18 and limits the movement of the platform 
12 via contact with the platform support pedestal 14. The frame with 
sidewalls 20 is of a generally rectangular box-like shape with an open top 
23. The platform support pedestal 14, the pedestal base plate 16 and the 
pivotable pedestal supports 18 fit through the open top 23 and into the 
frame with sidewalls 20. The frame with sidewalls 20 has a bottom 25 which 
may be opened or closed. In an alternative embodiment as shown in FIG. 7, 
the bottom 25 may be closed by placing a plate or sealing material 31 
across it. In a preferred embodiment, the bottom 25 is open that the user 
may more easily adjust the position of the pivotable pedestal supports 18 
without lifting the platform 12, the platform support pedestal 14 and the 
pedestal base plate 16 out of the frame with sidewalls 20. 
An alternative embodiment of the current invention would have a bottom 25 
on the frame with sidewalls 20 which is closed and sealed by means of a 
plate or sealing material 31. This would allow a dampening fluid 29 such 
as oil or water to be placed into the cavity 27 created by the frame with 
sidewalls 20. The dampening fluid 29 would allow the rate of movement of 
the platform 12 to be controlled via the viscosity of the dampening fluid 
29. That is, as the viscosity is increased, the platform 12 would respond, 
both linearly and rotationally, much more slowly to a user's center of 
gravity offset from the geometric center of the platform 12. This 
dampening effect could also be accomplished by attaching hydraulic or 
pneumatic dampeners to various points on the adjustable kinetic 
stabilization instrument 10. 
In operation, the user adjusts the location of the snap links 32 by placing 
them in the support structure eyelets 28 which will give the desired 
linear and rotational movement versus center of gravity offset. (Some 
experimentation on the user's part is required here.) The user then places 
the assembled pedestal base plate 16, platform support pedestal 14, the 
platform 12, and the pivotable pedestal supports 18 within the frame with 
sidewalls 20 and stands upon the platform 12. If the user maintains his or 
her center of gravity aligned with the geometric center of the platform 
12, the platform 12 will remain perfectly level with no rotational or 
linear movement. As the user shifts his or her center of gravity in a 
direction relative to the geometric center of the platform 12, the 
platform 12 will rotate and move linearly in that same direction. This 
forces the user to move his or her center of gravity opposite the 
direction of linear and rotational movement in order to maintain the 
platform 12 in a level position. This movement forces the user to 
concentrate on his or her balancing skills, thereby honing the user's 
ability to balance while off the platform or while participating in 
sporting activities. Should the user lose his or her balance while 
standing on the platform 12, the linear movement and angle of rotation 
will be limited by the platform support pedestal 14 coming to rest upon 
the frame with sidewalls 20. 
Further adjustment of the snap links 32 may be required as the user hones 
his or her balancing ability. That is, as the user increases his or her 
balancing ability, the snap links 32 may need to be moved to support 
structure eyelets 28 which are closer to the geometric center of the 
pedestal base plate 16. This provides a more pronounced rotational and 
linear movement of the platform 12 versus user center of gravity offset 
since the user's center of gravity is closer to the pivoting points where 
the snap links 32 are attached to the support structure eyelets 28. As the 
first ends 19 of the pivotable pedestal supports 18 are mounted closer to 
the geometric center of the platform support pedestal 14, the moment arm 
provided by each pivotable pedestal support 18 is decreased, thereby 
allowing for a more pronounced rotational and linear movement versus user 
center of gravity offset. This allows the user to develop his or her 
balancing abilities even further. 
From the foregoing description those skilled in the art will appreciate 
that all objects of the present invention are realized. An adjustable 
kinetic stabilization instrument has been shown and described which 
permits a user to progressively develop and improve his or her balancing 
abilities. The device of this invention is able to withstand the weight of 
a human being and provide an adjustable linear and rotational movement 
versus user's center of gravity offset. The present invention, in an 
alternate embodiment, provides for dampening of the linear and rotational 
movement presented to the user by means of a dampening fluid 29 placed 
within the cavity 27 of the frame with sidewalls 20. 
Having described the invention in detail, those skilled in the art will 
appreciate that modifications may be made of the invention without 
departing from its spirit. Therefore, it is not intended that the scope of 
the invention be limited to the specific embodiments illustrated and 
described. Rather it is intended that the scope of this invention be 
determined by the appended claims and their equivalents.