Balance beam spotting apparatus

Abstract

A portable apparatus is provided for “spotting” a gymnast while performing routines on a balance beam. The balance beam spotting apparatus comprises a rigid frame having a lower frame portion adapted to be supported upon the floor, a correspondingly sized and configured upper frame portion supported above and parallel to the lower frame portion by legs attached at either end to corresponding comers of the lower and upper frame portions and a support assembly operable within the frame. The length of each frame portion is slightly longer than the length of a standard balance beam such that the frame may be positioned around a balance beam. The support assembly includes cables that extend from the top of one leg to the top of the other leg on each side of the frame. Means are provided for tensioning the cables to maintain an appropriate tension in each cable. A pulley operates on each cable along the length of the cable. A spotting strap is suspended by one end from each of the pulleys. The other end of each spotting strap is attached to a swivel on either side of the spotting belt worn by the gymnast. The length of the spotting straps is adjustable to accommodate the height of the gymnast. The swivel permits the gymnast to perform flips and other movements while using the spotting belt without binding or twisting the spotting straps. In use, the balance beam is placed within the frame such that the balance beam extends centrally along the length of the frame, beneath and parallel to the tensioning cables. Thus, the gymnast is able to move along the length of the balance beam while practicing routines and to practice skills without the physical assistance of a spotter or coach.

1 . An apparatus for spotting a gymnast while performing routines on a balance beam, comprising: 
 (a) a portable frame have a lower frame portion and an upper frame portion supported above said lower frame portion by a plurality of legs, said upper frame portion having spaced, parallel frame members;    (b) a pair of spaced, parallel support members each attached at each end to one of said legs such that one of said pair of support members extends beneath and parallel to each of said frame members;    (c) a pair of followers, each of said followers riding upon and supported by one of said support members; and    (d) a pair of suspension members having a first end and a second end, said first end of each of said suspension member being attached to one of said followers and said second end of each of said suspension members being releasably attachable to a spotting belt worn by the gymnast.    
   
   
       2 . An apparatus for spotting a gymnast while performing routines on a balance beam according to  claim 1 , wherein said support members comprise cables and means for tensioning said cables.  
   
   
       3 . An apparatus for spotting a gymnast while performing routines on a balance beam according to  claim 2 , wherein said means for tensioning said cables each comprise a turnbuckle and a load binder.  
   
   
       4 . An apparatus for spotting a gymnast while performing routines on a balance beam according to  claim 1 , wherein each of said support members are adjustably positionable with respect to one of said frame members.  
   
   
       5 . An apparatus for spotting a gymnast while performing routines on a balance beam according to  claim 1 , wherein said followers comprise pulleys.  
   
   
       6 . An apparatus for spotting a gymnast while performing routines on a balance beam according to  claim 1 , wherein said suspension members comprise straps.  
   
   
       7 . An apparatus for spotting a gymnast while performing routines on a balance beam, comprising: 
 (a) a portable, rigid frame have a lower frame portion and an upper frame portion supported above said lower frame portion by a plurality of legs, said upper frame portion having spaced, parallel frame members;    (b) a pair of spaced, parallel cables each attached at each end to one of said legs such that one of said pair of cables extends beneath and parallel to each of said frame members, each of said cables having means for tensioning said cable;    (c) a pair of pulleys, each of said pulleys riding upon and supported by one of said cables; and    (d) a pair of spotting straps having a first end and a second end, said first end of each of said spotting straps being releasably attached to one of said pulleys by a first releasable swivel link and said second end of each of said spotting straps being releasably attachable to a spotting belt worn by the gymnast by a second releasable swivel link.    
   
   
       8 . An apparatus for spotting a gymnast while performing routines on a balance beam according to  claim 7 , wherein said means for tensioning said cable comprise a turnbuckle and a load binder.  
   
   
       9 . An apparatus for spotting a gymnast while performing routines on a balance beam according to  claim 7 , wherein each of said cables are attached at each end to a collar riding on and slidably positionable to one of said legs, said collars being positionable with respect to one of said legs by means of a clevis pin inserted through aligned holes in each of said collars and legs.  
   
   
       10 . An apparatus for spotting a gymnast while performing routines on a balance beam, comprising: 
 (a) a portable, rigid frame have a lower frame portion and an upper frame portion supported above said lower frame portion by a plurality of legs, said upper frame portion having spaced, parallel frame members;    (b) a pair of spaced, parallel cables each attached at each end to one of said legs by means of a collar riding on and adjustably positionable with respect to said legs, each of said cables having a turnbuckle and a load binder to adjust the tension within each of said cables;    (c) a pair of pulleys, each of said pulleys riding upon and supported by one of said cables; and    (d) a pair of spotting straps having a first end and a second end, said first end of each of said spotting straps being releasably attached to one of said pulleys by a first releasable swivel link and said second end of each of said spotting straps being releasably attachable to a spotting belt worn by the gymnast by a second swivel link.