US20240399211A1

US20240399211A1 - Mount Assembly For Balance Trainer

Info

Publication number: US20240399211A1
Application number: US18/203,274
Authority: US
Inventors: David S. Weck; Frank Smith; John Martin Shannon; Seth Mcardle; Nate Logan
Original assignee: BOSU Fitness LLC
Current assignee: BOSU Fitness LLC
Priority date: 2023-05-30
Filing date: 2023-05-30
Publication date: 2024-12-05
Also published as: WO2024249420A1

Abstract

A mount assembly for coupling a fitness device to a workout surface includes an adapter having a vertical body portion extending between first and second ends thereof, the adapter including a plurality of leg portions extending horizontally therefrom and a recess therein extending from the first end toward the second end; a mount having a planar horizontal portion, an attachment surface, and a vertical portion perpendicular to the attachment surface, and a bore extending through both the attachment surface and the vertical portion along a central axis, the vertical portion of the mount configured to be slidingly received in the recess of the adapter; and a resilient member configured to be received in the bore of the mount and to push the adapter and mount along the central axis in a first direction.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Many fitness devices facilitate exercises done for therapy, conditioning, or physical training. Some exercise devices require a person to maintain balance and equilibrium. A large inflatable ball known as Swiss balls or medicine balls, have been used for this purpose. While the ball is useful for certain stability training exercises, standing upon the ball or staying atop the ball requires a high degree of skill and can result in injury for anyone without adequate training and/or balance. Further, these devices only allow the user to train with respect to the ground and not other services that the device can be stabilized on without being held by the user against another surface.
Accordingly, there exists a need for an improved device that offers a user to improve their balance and equilibrium in a safe and effective way on a variety of surfaces that are either parallel or orthogonal to the ground and any angle in between.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a balance trainer comprises: a bladder and a platform central opening, the central opening allowing for the coupling of an assemblage mounted to another surface, wherein the assemblage includes an adapter, a mount, and a resilient member that biases the assemblage through the platform central opening.
According to another aspect, wherein the resilient member is a spring configured to extend through a bore of the mount and at least partially through a recess of the adapter.
In yet another aspect, the adapter includes at least one mounting feature configured to rotatably engage a ramped surface of the platform central opening.
In a different aspect, the mount includes a mounting surface configured to contact and secure to the another surface.
In a further aspect, the another surface is a rolling platform.
In a different aspect, the another surface is a wall.
In accordance to another aspect, a mount assembly for coupling a fitness device to a workout surface comprises: an adapter having a vertical body portion extending between first and second ends thereof, the adapter including a plurality of leg portions extending horizontally therefrom and a recess therein extending from the first end toward the second end; a mount having a planar horizontal portion, an attachment surface and a vertical portion perpendicular to the attachment surface and a bore extending through both the attachment surface and the vertical portion along a central axis, the vertical portion of the mount configured to be slidingly received in the recess of the adapter; and a resilient member configured to be received in the bore of the mount and to push the adapter and mount along the central axis in a first direction.
In another aspect, the mount assembly further comprises: a post having a planar base, wherein a first end of the resilient member remains in contact with the planar base of the post during use of the mount assembly.
In a different aspect, the vertical body of the adapter is circular.
In another aspect, each of the plurality of leg portions of the adapter has an angled surface.
In a further aspect, a force applied along the central axis in a second direction opposite the first direction causes the mount and adapter to move in the second direction.
In yet another aspect, the fitness device is a balance trainer having an inflatable bladder fixed to a platform, the platform having a central opening configured to receive and securely fasten to the mount assembly.
In a different aspect, the central opening of the platform has a plurality of ramp surfaces each terminating at a groove directly adjacent thereto, each of the plurality of leg portions of the adapter having an angled surface, and wherein each of the plurality of leg portions is adapted to slidingly contact a respective one of the plurality of ramp surfaces until each of the plurality of leg portions is disposed within a respective one of the grooves.
In another aspect, the resilient member maintains each of the plurality of leg portions of the adapter in the respective one of the grooves until a force along the central axis in a second direction oppositive the first direction causes each of the plurality of leg portions to be disposed outside of each of the grooves.
In a further aspect, the adapter of the mount assembly is configured to be received within the central opening of the platform, and wherein the mount assembly is securely fastened to the platform of the fitness device by rotating the fitness device to lock the fitness device and the mount assembly together.
In another aspect, the attachment surface of the mount is configured to directly contact the workout surface.
In accordance with another aspect, a fixation assembly comprises: a platform having a central opening; a mount assembly comprising: an adapter having a vertical body portion extending between first and second ends thereof, the adapter including a plurality of leg portions extending horizontally therefrom and a recess therein extending from the first end toward the second end; a mount having a planar horizontal portion and a vertical portion perpendicular to the planar horizontal portion and a bore extending through both the horizontal and vertical portions along a central axis, the horizontal portion of the mount configured to be slidingly received in the recess of the adapter; and a resilient member configured to be received in the bore of the mount and to push the adapter and mount along the central axis in a first direction; and a workout surface, wherein the adapter of the mount assembly is configured to be received within and be securely fastened to the central opening of the platform and the mount of the adapter is configured to directly contact and be fixed to the workout surface.
In another aspect, the mount assembly further comprises: a post having a planar base, wherein a first end of the resilient member remains in contact with the planar base of the post during use of the mount assembly.
In a different aspect, the vertical body of the adapter is circular.
In another aspect, each of the plurality of leg portions of the adapter has an angled surface.
In a further aspect, a force applied along the central axis in a second direction opposite the first direction causes the mount and adapter to move in the second direction.
In yet another aspect, the fitness device is a balance trainer having an inflatable bladder fixed to the platform.
In another aspect, the central opening of the platform has a plurality of ramp surfaces each terminating at a groove directly adjacent thereto, each of the plurality of leg portions of the adapter having an angled surface, and wherein each of the plurality of leg portions is adapted to slidingly contact a respective one of the plurality of ramp surfaces until each of the plurality of leg portions is disposed within a respective one of the grooves.
In a different aspect, the resilient member maintains each of the plurality of leg portions of the adapter in the respective one of the grooves until a force along the central axis in a second direction oppositive the first direction causes each of the plurality of leg portions to be disposed outside of each of the grooves.
In a further aspect, the mount assembly is securely fastened to the platform of the fitness device by rotating the fitness device to lock the fitness device and the mount assembly together.
In another aspect, the workout surface is a wall and the planar horizontal portion of the mount is configured to directly contact and be fixed to the wall.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a prior art fitness device.

FIG. 2 is a bottom perspective view of a portion of the prior art fitness device of FIG. 1 .

FIG. 3 is a bottom perspective view of a portion of the prior art fitness device of FIG. 1 .

FIG. 4A is an exploded perspective view of a mount assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4B is another exploded perspective view of the mount assembly of FIG. 4A.

FIG. 5A is a perspective view of an adapter of the mount assembly of FIG. 4A.

FIG. 5B is another perspective view of the adapter of the mount assembly of FIG. 4A.

FIG. 5C is a side view of the adapter of the mount assembly of FIG. 4A.

FIG. 5D is front view of the adapter of the mount assembly of FIG. 4A.

FIG. 5E is a cross-sectional side view of the adapter of the mount assembly of FIG. 4A taken along line A-A.

FIG. 6A is a perspective view of a fitness device according to one embodiment.

FIG. 6B is another perspective view of the fitness device of FIG. 6A with a cover removed.

FIG. 6C is a side view of the fitness device of FIG. 6A.

FIG. 6D is a bottom view of the fitness device of FIG. 6A.

FIG. 6E is another bottom view of the fitness device of FIG. 6A.

FIG. 6F is a cross-sectional front view of the fitness device taken along line A-A of FIG. 6E.

FIG. 7A is an enhanced perspective view of a portion of the fitness device of FIG. 6A.

FIG. 7B is another enhanced perspective view of a portion of the fitness device of FIG. 6A.

FIG. 8A is a perspective view of the mount assembly of FIG. 4A implemented with a fitness device.

FIG. 8B is another perspective view of the mount assembly of FIG. 4A implemented with a fitness device.

FIG. 9A is a perspective view of the mount assembly of FIG. 4A implemented with another fitness device.

FIG. 9B is another perspective view of the fitness device of FIG. 9A.

FIG. 10A is a top view of the mount assembly of FIG. 1 .

FIG. 10B is a cross-sectional view of the mount assembly of FIG. 1 taken along line A-A of FIG. 10A.

FIG. 11A is a top view of a fitness device according to one embodiment.

FIG. 11B is a perspective view of the mount assembly of FIG. 1 implemented on a fitness device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to the various embodiments of the present disclosure illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the drawings are in simplified form and are not drawn to precise scale. Additionally, the term “a,” as used in the specification, means “at least one.” The terminology includes the words above specifically mentioned, derivatives thereof, and words of similar import. Although at least two variations are described herein, other variations may include aspects described herein combined in any suitable manner having combinations of all or some of the aspects described.
FIGS. 1-3 shows the components of a prior art balance trainer. As shown, the balance trainer includes an inflatable bladder coupled to a platform. The platform has a bladder facing surface and an opposite standing or ground surface. A central opening is formed through the platform so that the bladder can be accessed through the central opening.
FIGS. 4-5 illustrate a mount assembly 100 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Mount assembly 100 includes an adapter 102 and a mount 114, the mount 114 secured to the adapter 102 via a biasing force from a resilient member 124 and a locking fastener 132.
FIGS. 5A-5E illustrate various views of adapter 102. Adapter 102 extends along a longitudinal axis from a first end 106 to a second end 108. First end 106 is preferably circular or substantially circular and extends perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of adapter 102. The first end includes a first opening 180 extending through first end 106 and in operative communication with a recess 112 extending from the second end 108. The diameter of the first opening 180 is preferably smaller than the diameter of recess 112 such that the mount 114 cannot extend entirely through adapter 102, but rather is limited by an inner surface of first end 106. Likewise, the smaller diameter of first opening 180 allows for a head of a locking fastener 132 to abut the first end 106 and retain a spring thereagainst. Adapter 102 defines an outer perimeter 136 that is generally cylindrical with a continuous outer curvature. In alternative embodiments, adapter 102 may be rectangular or have another shaped adapted for use with a particular piece of exercise equipment.
Adapter 102 includes at least one mounting feature 110 extending radially outward from the outer perimeter 136. As illustrated and described herein, mounting feature 110 is a leg including a ramped surface 130; however, one having ordinary skill will appreciate that the mounting feature 110 may be a leg, protrusion, flange, or the like to allow a user to readily snap the mount assembly 100 into a particular piece of exercise equipment.
As depicted in FIGS. 5A-5E, mounting feature 110 includes four mounting features. As such, a first pair of mounting features includes a first end mounting feature 110 a located at the first end 106 of adapter 102 and a corresponding second end mounting feature 110 b that aligns with the first end mounting feature 110 a and is positioned at the second end 108 of adapter 102. A second pair of mounting features includes two mounting features 110 a, 110 b diametrically opposed from the mounting features 110 a, 110 b at the first and second ends 106, 108 of the adapter 102. Each mounting feature 110 of a mounting feature pair is preferably a mirror image of the other. As illustrated in FIGS. 4A-5E, each mounting feature 110 of adapter 102 includes a ramped surface 130 posited inward, i.e., toward a center point along a length of adapter 102 at an angle of approximately 55 degrees. One having ordinary skill will appreciate that other ramped surface configurations may be utilized in order to ensure adapter compatibility with a variety of fitness devices. As such, the ramps may extend at various angles, such as angles between 30 and 70 degrees, or more specifically, 40 and 60 degrees.
FIGS. 5A-5E illustrates a step 142 located at the second end 108 of adapter 102. Step 142 includes two steps diametrically opposed to each other and extending outward from the outer perimeter 136 and downward toward second end 108. Step x defines a second surface which further defines an opening for recess 112.
Mounting features 110 may be integrally formed with adapter 102, for example, by a molding or 3D-printing process, or may be formed as separate pieces that attach to adapter 102. In either scenario, first end mounting features 110A are preferably formed to sit flush with the first end 106, and second end mounting features 110 b are preferably formed to sit flush with the step 142 of second end 108. In alternative embodiments, different arrangements of mounting features, such as recessed mounting features that are not flush with the first and second ends of adapter 102, are foreseeable.
Recess 112 extends longitudinally from second end 108 toward first end 106, but does not extend entirely through first end 106. As depicted in FIG. 5E, recess 112 extends approximately 80% of the length of the adapter 102. Alternatively, recess 112 may extend anywhere between approximately 30%-90% of the length of adapter 102. The outer periphery of recess 112 is defined by a series of notches 146 that may engage corresponding grooves of a mount 114. Notches 146 extend along the entire length of recess 112 such that a profile defined by recess 112 at second end 108 is uniform with the profile defined by recess 112 at any point along the length of recess 112. As depicted, recess 112 is substantially square shaped with one notch 146 at each midpoint along the length of each side of the square. Alternatively, recess 112 may be circular or have another shape that receives a mount 114.
FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate a mount according to one embodiment of the disclosure. Mount 114 is generally T-shaped and defines a vertical portion 120 and a horizontal planar portion 116. Vertical portion 120 extends along a longitudinal axis from a first end 158 to a second end 160 and is substantially rectangular and defines a square-shaped cross-section. Alternatively, vertical portion 120 may have rounded corners or may define a cylindrical shape. A bore 122 extends entirely through First end 158 of vertical portion 120 extends substantially perpendicular to the length of vertical portion 120. An opening 162 is in operative communication with bore 122 and is defined in the first end 158 such that it has a smaller diameter than bore 122 at second end 160 so a spring or fastener inserted therein cannot pass entirely through mount 114. Bore 122 may defined the same cross-sectional shape as vertical portion 120, e.g., a square bore corresponds to a square vertical portion, or it may be a different shape entirely, e.g., a circular bore corresponds to a square vertical portion.
Horizontal planar portion 116 extends along a longitudinal axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the vertical portion 120. Horizontal planar portion 116 has a thickness 168 an opening z, the opening z extending entirely through the thickness and in operative communication with the bore 122. Horizontal planar portion 116 may be ovular, rectangular, square, or the like such that an upper surface x may contact second end x of adapter 102 and not pass through recess 112. A lower surface of horizontal planar portion 116 defines an attachment surface x for attaching to various pieces of exercise equipment. Attachment surface x is illustrated in FIGS. x-y as being flat; alternatively, attachment surface x may be curved or otherwise contoured to fit a particular piece of exercise equipment. Two openings 174 are formed through the thickness 168 and are configured to receive a fastener 178 therein to secure mount 114 to a surface of a piece of exercise equipment. Fastener 178 may be a screw, nail, rivet, or the like. Alternatively, fastener 178 may be any type of quick connect attachment, such as snaps, clips, Velcro, or the like.
FIGS. 4A-4B illustrates a resilient member 124 according to one embodiment. Resilient member 124 may be a coil spring as depicted, or another spring type. Resilient member 124 is configured to extend through bore 122 of mount 114 and bias the mount 114 longitudinally toward adapter 102. A post 126 extends through the resilient member 124. Post 126 includes a flange 128 or head that is wider than a diameter of post 126 such that the flange 128 contacts and bears against an inner surface of first end 158 of vertical portion 120. Flange 128 also acts as a surface for an end of resilient member 124 to stop and bear against without jumping over flange 128. Post 126 may have a uniform diameter or may have various diameters across its shank. At least a first end of post 126 opposite the flange 128 is configured to extend through the opening 162 of vertical portion 120 and into recess 112 of adapter 102. In alternative embodiments, post 126 may be rectangular or another shape configured to engage resilient member 124 and extend through bore 122.
In use, a locking fastener 132, such as a screw, bolt, or the like, is extend through the first end x of adapter 102. Post 126 is extended through resilient member 124 and through recess 112 in mount 114. Flange 128 contacts an inner portion of first end 158 such that flange does not extend proud of second end 160 of vertical portion 120. As the biasing force from resilient member 124 pushes mount 114 longitudinally toward adapter 102, the locking fastener counteracts the biasing force and is threaded into a cannula of post 126 to secure mount 114 to adapter 102. To release mount 114 from adapter 102, locking fastener 132 is unthreaded and release from the cannula of post 126 to allow the biasing force from resilient member to push adapter 102 away from mount 114.
Mount assembly 100 allows a user to place a particular exercise device on a variety of surfaces and to allow for fast connections when a user attaches and removes such devices. As described herein, the particular exercise device is a fitness ball 200, although in other embodiments the exercise device could be a balance trainer, weight-trainer, or the like. Fitness ball 200 is semispherical and includes a platform 202 having a central opening 204, and a bladder 206. The bladder 206 may be rubberized or another material that can flex and withstand various weight shifts as a user applies various forces to the ball.
Many conventional fitness balls, such as those illustrated in FIGS. 1-3 , further include a skeleton structure that seats a bladder to a platform. Such a skeleton structure includes various ribs and other design features to provide rigidity when the fitness ball is placed on the floor. Conventional fitness balls typically are placed on the ground and cannot be secured to other surfaces such as walls and other fitness structures. Mount assembly 100 described herein allows a user to place and secure a fitness ball 200 (or other fitness device) to a variety of surfaces, includes walls, floors, ceilings, includes, sleds, and the like. Mount assembly 100 may also be coupled to a wall protector such that when the balance trainer is coupled to the mount assembly 100 it does not directly contact the wall.
FIG. 6B and 11A illustrate the internal structure of fitness ball 200. Fitness ball 200 includes a skeleton structure that defines central opening 204 with fastening features for receiving and fixedly coupling to mount assembly 100. Central opening 204 provides access to the inflation valve of the bladder so that the bladder can either be inflated or deflated through the central opening via access to the inflation valve. Skeleton structure includes a plurality of radially extending ribs 210 that converge toward central opening 204. A series of concentric rims 212 are spaced around the perimeter of central opening 204 from positions adjacent the central opening 204 to positions at the outer periphery of the skeleton structure. Two recessed handle portions 214 may be formed at diametrically opposed positions at the outer periphery of the skeleton structure to allow a user to carry and manipulate the fitness ball 200 without sacrificing the ability to lay the platform 202 of fitness ball 200 flat on a surface.
FIGS. 6C-6F illustrate various other views of fitness ball 200 in configurations in which platform 202 is placed over a skeleton structure and removed from skeleton structure. Further, the skeleton structure and platform 202 are configured to flex along a longitudinal axis of central opening 204 such that a user can apply a force to platform 202, e.g., by standing on platform 202, without the skeleton structure breaking and while still maintaining a circular outer periphery.
FIGS. 7A-7B illustrate enhanced perspective views of central opening 204. FIG. 7A illustrates one side of the central opening 204 as viewed from the platform side of fitness ball 200, and FIG. 7B illustrates the other side of central opening 204 as viewed from the bladder side of fitness ball 200. One having ordinary skill will appreciate that the connection features described below may be positioned at any point around the perimeter of central opening 204, and are not required to be diametrically opposed or otherwise positioned in a particular configuration.
Central opening 204 defines a first connection portion 250 and a second connection portion 250, each connection portion 250, 252 configured to engage a corresponding mounting feature 110 of adapter 102. First connection portion 250 includes a first ramped surface 254 and a first groove 256. First ramp surface 254 is curved and extends along a curvature that is substantially similar to the curvature of central opening 204. First ramp surface 254 extends a distance away from a sidewall 258 of central opening 204 such that the first groove 256 is defined in the recess between sidewall 258 and first ramp surface 254. First groove 256 may be U-shaped, V-shaped, rounded, or otherwise shaped within a recess defined between the first ramp surface 254 and the sidewall 258. First connection portion 250 further includes a first protrusion 264 extend downwards from the first groove 256. First protrusion 264 defines a first cutout 268 between the first protrusion 264 and the bottom side of first groove 256.
Second connection portion 250 includes a second ramp surface 254 and a second groove 262. Second ramp surface extends a distance away from sidewall 258 of central opening 204 such that the second groove 262 is defined in a recess between sidewall 258 and second ramp surface 254. Second ramp surface 254 may define a continuous arc or may have any combination of straight or curved segments. Second groove 262 may be U-shaped, V-shaped, rounded, or otherwise shaped within the recess defined between the second ramp surface 254 and the sidewall 258. Second connection portion 250 further includes a second protrusion 266 extending downwards from the second groove 262. Second protrusion 266 defines a second cutout 270 between the second protrusion 266 and the bottom side of second groove 262.
FIG. 7B illustrates an inversion of the central opening 204 of FIG. 7A. As shown, first and second protrusions 264, 266 extend upwards rather than downwards, and the incline of first ramp surface 254 is visible. It is foreseeable that other configurations of ramps and grooves can be arranged.
A method of attaching a mount assembly to a fitness device is described herein. A vertical portion 120 of a mount 114 is first moved longitudinally in a first direction into a recess 112 of an adapter 102 until a second end of adapter 102 abuts a planar horizontal portion 116 of mount 114 and the planar horizontal portion 116 extends within a step 142 of adapter 102. A resilient member 124 is then inserted at least partially into a bore 122 of mount 114. A post 126 is inserted through resilient member 124, bore 122, and at least partially into recess 112 of adapter 102. A flange 128 at one end of post 126 is configured to contact an inner surface of a first end 158 of mount 114 to retain the post within vertical portion 120 of mount 114 without allowing the entirety of post 126 to pass through vertical portion 120 into recess 112 of adapter 102. To secure mount 114 within adapter 102, a locking fastener 132 is inserted through a first end 106 of adapter 102 and at least partially within a threaded cannula of post 126. Locking fastener 132 may be tightened to a point in which mount 114 is secured to adaptor and is held in place via the biasing force from the resilient member pushing the mount longitudinally along the first direction through recess 112 of adapter 102. Various other fasteners 178 may be driven through apertures of planar horizontal portion 116 to secure an attachment surface 118 to a wall, exercise ball, or other surface.
Once mount 114 is secured to adapter 102, mount assembly 100 can be placed into a fitness ball 200 or other fitness device. Mount assembly 100 is first aligned with central opening of fitness ball 200 such that first end mounting features 110 a align with first and second connection portions 250, 252. The incline of mounting features 110 a is aligned with the incline of ramp surfaces 254, 260 such that translation of mount assembly 100 along the first longitudinal direction causes the mount assembly to rotate such that the inclines of mounting features 110 a translate along the include of ramp surfaces 254, 260. Once mount assembly 100 has rotated to a point in which first end mounting features 110 a have translated past ramp surfaces 254, 260, first end mounting features 110 a press fit into place in corresponding grooves 256, 262. Resilient member 124 ensures that mount assembly 100 does not pull away from the central opening 204 of fitness ball 200 and rather biases mount assembly 100 toward fitness ball 200 to secure mounting features 110 a within respective grooves 256, 262.
Once fitness ball 200 has been secured to mount assembly 100, fasteners 178 can be driven through mount 114 to secure an attachment surface 118 to a variety of different to a variety of different structures. For example, mount 114 can be secured to a ramped fitness device 300, such as the device illustrated in FIGS. 8A and 8B, a rolling fitness device 400, such as the device illustrated in FIGS. 9A and 9B, a wall, or the like. Mount assembly 100 thus allows a user to first secure a fitness ball 200 to mount assembly 100, and then secure the free end of mount assembly 100 (i.e., the mounting surface 118) to any type of surface or fitness device. This may allow a user to increase the difficulty and skillset required to perform certain exercises. For example, instead of performing a standard plank on a fitness ball, a user could perform a dynamic plank on a rolling fitness ball after attaching fitness ball 200 to rolling fitness device 400. Alternatively, a user could secure a fitness ball to a wall and perform any number of dynamic exercises using the wall-mounted fitness ball.
To remove mount assembly 100 from fitness ball 200, a force may be applied through the fitness ball to overcome the biasing force from resilient member 124. This can be done, for example, by pushing on the bladder 206 of fitness ball 200 toward platform 202 to cause the mounting features 110 a to disengage from grooves 256, 262. Once this disengagement occurs, mount assembly 100 can be rotated the opposite direction that caused the initial engagement to quickly and reliably remove mount assembly 100 from fitness ball 200.
Mount assembly 100 may be provided in a kit that includes an adapter 102, mount 114, resilient member 124, post, locking fastener 132, and various other fasteners 178 for securing mount 114 to an exercise surface. The kit may further include fitness ball 200, rolling fitness device 400, ramped fitness device 300, and various other fitness accessories such as weights, bands, and the like.
Furthermore, although the invention disclosed herein has been described with reference to particular features, it is to be understood that these features are merely illustrative of the principles and applications of the present invention. It is therefore to be understood that numerous modifications, including changes in the sizes of the various features described herein, may be made to the illustrative embodiments and that other arrangements may be devised without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. In this regard, the present invention encompasses numerous additional features in addition to those specific features set forth in the paragraphs below. Moreover, the foregoing disclosure should be taken by way of illustration rather than by way of limitation as the present invention is defined in the examples of the numbered paragraphs, which describe features in accordance with various embodiments of the invention, set forth in the paragraphs below.

Claims

1. A balance trainer comprising:

a bladder; and

a platform coupled to the bladder, the platform having a central opening therethrough,

wherein the central opening is adapted to receive an assemblage when the assemblage is in a first orientation with respect to the opening and is adapted to fixedly couple the platform to the assemblage when the assemblage is in a second orientation with respect to the opening, and

wherein the assemblage is adapted to mount the balance trainer to another surface.

2. The trainer of claim 1, wherein the assemblage includes an adapter, a mount, and a resilient member that biases the assemblage through the platform central opening.

3. The trainer of claim 1, wherein the resilient member is a spring configured to extend through a bore of the mount and at least partially through a recess of the adapter.

4. The trainer of claim 1, wherein the adapter includes at least one mounting feature configured to rotatably engage a ramped surface of the platform central opening.

5. The trainer of claim 1, wherein the mount includes a mounting surface configured to contact and secure to the another surface.

6. The trainer of claim 5, wherein the another surface is at least one of a rolling platform, wall or fitness accessory.

7. A mount assembly for coupling a fitness device to a workout surface comprising:

an adapter having a vertical body portion extending between first and second ends thereof, the adapter including a plurality of leg portions extending horizontally therefrom and a recess therein extending from the first end toward the second end;

a mount having an attachment surface and a vertical portion perpendicular to the attachment surface and a bore extending through both the attachment surface and the vertical portion along a central axis, the vertical portion of the mount configured to be slidingly received in the recess of the adapter; and

a resilient member configured to be received in the bore of the mount and to push the adapter and mount along the central axis in a first direction.

8. The mount assembly of claim 7, further comprising:

a post having a planar base,

wherein a first end of the resilient member remains in contact with the planar base of the post during use of the mount assembly.

9. The mount assembly of claim 7, wherein the vertical body of the adapter is circular.

10. The mount assembly of claim 7, wherein each of the plurality of leg portions of the adapter has an angled surface.

11. The mount assembly of claim 7, wherein a force applied along the central axis in a second direction opposite the first direction causes the mount and adapter to move in the second direction.

12. The mount assembly of claim 7, wherein the fitness device is a balance trainer having an inflatable bladder fixed to a platform, the platform having a central opening configured to receive and securely fasten to the mount assembly.

13. The mount assembly of claim 12, wherein the central opening of the platform has a plurality of ramp surfaces each terminating at a groove directly adjacent thereto, each of the plurality of leg portions of the adapter having an angled surface, and wherein each of the plurality of leg portions is adapted to slidingly contact a respective one of the plurality of ramp surfaces until each of the plurality of leg portions is disposed within a respective one of the grooves.

14. The mount assembly of claim 13, wherein the resilient member maintains each of the plurality of leg portions of the adapter in the respective one of the grooves until a force along the central axis in a second direction oppositive the first direction causes each of the plurality of leg portions to be disposed outside of each of the grooves.

15. The mount assembly of claim 12, wherein the adapter of the mount assembly is configured to be received within the central opening of the platform, and wherein the mount assembly is securely fastened to the platform of the fitness device by rotating the fitness device to lock the fitness device and the mount assembly together.

16. The mount assembly of claim 7, wherein the attachment surface of the mount is configured to directly contact the workout surface.

17. A fixation assembly comprising:

a platform having a central opening;

a mount assembly comprising:

a mount having a planar horizontal portion and a vertical portion perpendicular to the planar horizontal portion and a bore extending through both the horizontal and vertical portions along a central axis, the horizontal portion of the mount configured to be slidingly received in the recess of the adapter; and

a resilient member configured to be received in the bore of the mount and to push the adapter and mount along the central axis in a first direction; and

a workout surface,

wherein the adapter of the mount assembly is configured to be received within and be securely fastened to the central opening of the platform and the mount of the adapter is configured to directly contact and be fixed to the workout surface.

18. The fixation assembly of claim 17, wherein the mount assembly further comprises:

a post having a planar base,

19. The fixation assembly of claim 17, wherein the vertical body of the adapter is circular.

20. The fixation assembly of claim 17, wherein each of the plurality of leg portions of the adapter has an angled surface.

21. The fixation assembly of claim 17, wherein a force applied along the central axis in a second direction opposite the first direction causes the mount and adapter to move in the second direction.

22. The fixation assembly of claim 17, wherein the fitness device is a balance trainer having an inflatable bladder fixed to the platform.

23. The fixation assembly of claim 17, wherein the central opening of the platform has a plurality of ramp surfaces each terminating at a groove directly adjacent thereto, each of the plurality of leg portions of the adapter having an angled surface, and wherein each of the plurality of leg portions is adapted to slidingly contact a respective one of the plurality of ramp surfaces until each of the plurality of leg portions is disposed within a respective one of the grooves.

24. The fixation assembly of claim 23, wherein the resilient member maintains each of the plurality of leg portions of the adapter in the respective one of the grooves until a force along the central axis in a second direction oppositive the first direction causes each of the plurality of leg portions to be disposed outside of each of the grooves.

25. The fixation assembly of claim 23, wherein the mount assembly is securely fastened to the platform of the fitness device by rotating the fitness device to lock the fitness device and the mount assembly together.

26. The fixation assembly of claim 17, wherein the workout surface is a wall and the planar horizontal portion of the mount is configured to directly contact and be fixed to the wall.