| 摘要 |
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.
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