Core balance physical training platform

Abstract

The core balance physical training platform has an inflatable bladder with a flexible, horizontal top surface and sidewalls, conducive for stepping exercises. The device can be used for other exercises involving standing, sitting, or laying on the device. The device allows for performance of cardiovascular activities, proprioception or balance training, and physical therapy.

I claim:  
     
         1 . A physical training device comprising:
 a bladder, the bladder having a top, a bottom, and four sidewalls, the bladder having a parallelepiped shape, the bladder further comprising:
 the top having a flexible surface lying in a horizontal plane; 
 the bottom lying in a horizontal plane, the bladder bottom coming into contact with a floor surface; 
 the sidewalls connected to the top with reinforced, rounded corners, the sidewalls being substantially in a vertical orientation; 
 the sidewalls having flexible ribs, the ribs supporting the top, the ribs helping minimize transverse and tortional sway of the bladder when the bladder is engaged in exercise; the ribs allowing for generally unstable surface conducive to proprioception exercise training; 
   a stability ring adapted to secure around the bladder bottom, the stability ring adding rigidity and stability to the bladder;
 the stability ring further comprising rope locks adapted to accommodate ropes or bands to facilitate the addition of resistance to physical training. 
   
     
     
         2 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the bladder is molded as one piece. 
     
     
         3 . The device of  claim 2 , wherein the bladder bottom is substantially rigid. 
     
     
         4 . The device of  claim 2 , wherein the bladder is inflatable. 
     
     
         5 . The device of  claim 4 , wherein the bladder is filled with a gas. 
     
     
         6 . The device of  claim 5 , wherein the bladder is filled with air. 
     
     
         7 . The device of  claim 2 , wherein the bladder is filled with a liquid. 
     
     
         8 . The device of  claim 7 , wherein the liquid is water. 
     
     
         9 . The device of  claim 6 , wherein the bladder has an inflation valve so that the internal bladder pressure can be increased in order to increase the rigidity of the top of the bladder. 
     
     
         10 . The device of  claim 6 , further comprising a bottom support mat, the mat allowing for non-slip use of the device on surfaces carpeting, hardwood, linoleum, concrete, rubber exercise matting, and foam exercise flooring. 
     
     
         11 . The device of  claim 6 , wherein the stability ring further comprises:
 a male connector and a female connector, so that the connection of the male connector and the female connector form a closed stability ring, allowing for the stability ring to secure around the bladder bottom.   
     
     
         12 . The stability ring of  claim 11 , wherein the stability ring has a substantially rectangular shape. 
     
     
         13 . A core balance training platform comprising:
 a bladder, the bladder having a top, a bottom, and four sidewalls, the bladder having a parallelepiped shape, the bladder further comprising:
 the top having a horizontal, flexible surface that is flat when not in use; 
 the bottom lying in a horizontal plane, the bottom capable of coming into contact with a floor surface and providing substantial resistance against slipping on flooring; 
 the sidewalls molded to the top with reinforced, rounded corners, the sidewalls being in a substantially vertical orientation; the sidewalls having flexible ribs, the ribs providing structural support to the top while allowing for compression when a user is actively engaging the device in exercise; 
   
     
     
         15 . The device of claim  14 , further comprising:
 a stability ring adapted to secure around the bladder bottom, the stability ring adding rigidity and stability to the bladder; the stability ring further comprising rope locks adapted to accommodate ropes or bands to facilitate the addition of resistance to physical training.   
     
     
         16 . The device of  claim 16 , further comprising:
 a bottom support mat, the bottom support mat capable of being placed under the bladder in order to provide additional non slip properties on surfaces such as carpeting or foam exercise matting.   
     
     
         17 . The device of  claim 13 , further comprising:
 a stability ring adapted to secure around the bladder bottom, the stability ring adding rigidity and stability to the bladder; the stability ring further comprising rope locks adapted to accommodate ropes or bands to facilitate the addition of resistance to physical training.   
     
     
         18 . The device of  claim 17 , further comprising:
 a bottom support mat, the bottom support mat capable of being placed under the bladder in order to provide additional non-slip properties on surfaces such as carpeting or foam exercise matting.