초록 ▼

A device for developing and improving seated balance is described. The device can be used to develop seated balance that is beneficial for horseback riding, kayaking, and other sports where seated balance is required. Embodiments include a seated balancing device that includes a seat borne by a univ

A device for developing and improving seated balance is described. The device can be used to develop seated balance that is beneficial for horseback riding, kayaking, and other sports where seated balance is required. Embodiments include a seated balancing device that includes a seat borne by a universal joint, the universal joint being borne by a support member. The universal joint provides a pivot point, and a seating surface resides within 7 inches of the pivot point. The universal joint enables the seat to have at least two rotational degrees of freedom, which permits the seat to tilt in multiple directions.

대표청구항 ▼

1. A seated balancing device comprising: a support member;a universal joint, the universal joint being borne by the support member;a pivot point; anda seat, the seat including a seating surface, a portion of the seating surface residing less than seven inches from the pivot point, and the seat being

1. A seated balancing device comprising: a support member;a universal joint, the universal joint being borne by the support member;a pivot point; anda seat, the seat including a seating surface, a portion of the seating surface residing less than seven inches from the pivot point, and the seat being (i) borne by the universal joint and (ii) adapted to tilt about the pivot point, wherein: tilt about the pivot point is not powered; andthe seat is not self-righting. 2. The seated balancing device of claim 1, wherein a height of the seating surface is adjustable. 3. The seated balancing device of claim 1, wherein the seat is a semi-cylindrical straddle seat. 4. The seated balancing device of claim 1, wherein a tilting range of the seat about a horizontal axis is at least 9°. 5. The seated balancing device of claim 4, wherein the universal joint has three rotational degrees of freedom. 6. The seated balancing device of claim 1, wherein a tilting range of the universal joint is adjustable. 7. The seated balancing device of claim 6, wherein the tilting range of the universal joint is adjustable in a range between about 9° and about 53°. 8. The seated balancing device of claim 1, wherein resistance to seat tilting is adjustable. 9. The seated balancing device of claim 1, wherein height of the portion of the seat surface is between 22 inches and 40 inches. 10. A method of using a seated balancing device comprising: providing the seated balancing device of claim 1; andsitting upright on the seating surface, wherein the seating surface is upwardly convex across a transverse axis. 11. The method of claim 10, further comprising touching the ground with one or with one or more feet while sitting upright on the seating surface; andlifting the one or more feet from the ground while sitting upright on the seating surface. 12. The method of claim 11, wherein said sitting upright on the seating surface comprises straddling the seat. 13. The method of claim 12, wherein a portion of the seating surface resides less than four inches from the pivot point. 14. The method of claim 13, wherein a portion of the seating surface resides less than two inches from the pivot point. 15. A seated balancing device comprising: a support member;a universal joint, the universal joint being borne by the support member, including a pivot point, and having three degrees of rotational freedom; anda straddle seat, the straddle seat including a seating surface, a portion of the seating surface residing less than three inches from the pivot point, and the straddle seat being (i) borne by the universal joint, (ii) adapted to tilt in any direction about the pivot point, (iii) unpowered, and (iv) not self-righting. 16. A method of using the seated balancing device of claim 15 comprising sitting upright on the seating surface and balancing on the seating surface while not touching the ground with either foot.