U.S. patent application number 13/589654 was filed with the patent office on 2013-02-28 for unstable platform.
This patent application is currently assigned to TD INNOVATIONS, LLC. The applicant listed for this patent is Thomas W. Winegar. Invention is credited to Thomas W. Winegar.
Application Number | 20130053228 13/589654 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 47744547 |
Filed Date | 2013-02-28 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130053228 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Winegar; Thomas W. |
February 28, 2013 |
Unstable Platform
Abstract
A platform comprising a planar member having a top face and a
bottom face and at least one pivoting member approximately in the
center of said top face or bottom face, such that when a pivoting
member is placed on a surface a distance depending on the shape of
the pivoting member is created between the planar member and the
surface and the platform is unstable. Thus the unstable platform
encourages a user to expend energy, and is quickly height
adjustable by choosing which pivoting member is placed on the
surface.
Inventors: |
Winegar; Thomas W.;
(Hawthorne, NJ) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Winegar; Thomas W. |
Hawthorne |
NJ |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
TD INNOVATIONS, LLC
Phillipsburg
NJ
|
Family ID: |
47744547 |
Appl. No.: |
13/589654 |
Filed: |
August 20, 2012 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61525872 |
Aug 22, 2011 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
482/146 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 2208/0233 20130101;
A63B 22/16 20130101; A63B 22/18 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
482/146 |
International
Class: |
A63B 22/16 20060101
A63B022/16 |
Claims
1. An unstable platform comprising: a substantially planar member
having a first face and a second face; a first pivoting member
being attached on the first face, said first pivoting member having
a first summit point; a second pivoting member being attached on
the second face, said second pivoting member having a second summit
point; wherein a distance between the first face and the first
summit point is different than a distance between the second face
and the second summit point, whereby a user can choose a different
level of movement of the planar member by setting the first summit
point against a surface or setting the second summit point against
the surface; and wherein said first and said second faces are sized
to accept a user's feet, hands or other body parts, whereby the
platform can be manipulated or rocked in at least one of the
directions selected from side to side and forward and backward.
2. The unstable platform of claim 1, wherein the first and the
second pivoting members have a shape selected from the group
consisting of a hemisphere, a disk, a vertical tube, and a tubular
half circle.
3. The unstable platform of claim 1, wherein the substantially
planar member is square, rectangular, oval, or round.
4. The unstable platform of claim 1, wherein the substantially
planar member or the pivoting members or both have an anti-slip
member.
5. The unstable platform of claim 4, wherein the anti-slip member
is a material or construction with a high coefficient of
friction.
6. The unstable platform of claim 1, wherein the platform has at
least one distal portion having a bumper member to prevent the
distal portion contacting the surface.
7. The platform of claim 6, wherein said bumper member has a lower
durometer than said distal portion.
8. The platform of claim 1, wherein a separate construction or
accessory is provided to act as an anti-slip member or bumper
member or both.
9. The platform of claim 8, wherein the separate construction or
accessory comprises a pad member.
10. The platform of claim 1, wherein the platform further comprises
at least one cavity.
11. The platform of claim 10, wherein the at least one cavity is of
a size to accept user's four fingers.
12. The platform of claim 10, wherein the at least one cavity
locates in the substantially planar member, or in the first or the
second pivoting member.
13. The unstable platform of claim 1, wherein the distance between
the first summit point and the first face is about 1 to 4 inches,
and the distance between the second summit point and the second
face is about 2 to 8 inches.
14. The unstable platform of claim 3, wherein the planar member is
approximately 10-24 inches by 2-16 inches.
15. An unstable platform comprising: a substantially planar member
having a first face and a second face; a first pivoting member
being attached on the first face and having an elongated convex
surface with an axis that may be in a curvature, and the elongated
convex surface having smallest convexity at both ends of the axis
and highest convexity at a desired point along the axis; a second
pivoting member being attached on the second face and having an
elongated convex surface with an axis that may be in any reasonable
curvature, and the elongated convex surface having smallest
convexity at both ends of the axis and highest convexity at a
desired point along the axis; and the highest convexity of the
second pivoting member being different from the highest convexity
of the first pivoting member, whereby the first and the second
pivoting members provide a different level of movement to the
planar member when set against the surface; wherein said first and
said second faces are sized to accept a user's feet, hands, or
other body parts, whereby the platform can be manipulated or rocked
in at least one of the directions selected from side to side and
forward and backward.
16. The platform of claim 15, wherein the first or the second
pivoting member or both have a rectangular or oblong cross
section.
17. The platform of claim 15, wherein the first or the second
pivoting member is an elongated shape with a rounded head.
18. An unstable platform comprising: a substantially planar member
having two long edges, two short edges, a first face, a second face
and two distal portions; a first hemispherical or half-disk
pivoting member being attached at about the center of the first
face; a second hemispherical or half-disk pivoting member being
attached at about the center of the second face; two distal
portions locating on the first face between the short edges and the
first pivoting member and two distal portion locating on the second
face between the short edges and the second pivoting member;
wherein said distal portions are sized to accept a user's feet,
hands, or other body parts with one body part on either side of the
first or the second pivoting member, whereby the platform can be
manipulated or rocked in at least one of the directions selected
from side to side and forward and backward.
19. The platform of claim 18, wherein said platform has bumper
members around the distal portions.
20. The platform of claim 19, wherein said substantially planar
member or said pivoting members have anti-slip members.
Description
PRIORITY
[0001] This application claims priority of the U.S. provisional
application No. 61/525,872 filed on Aug. 22, 2011 and the contents
of which are fully incorporated herein by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to an unstable platform that
requires energy input from a user to either rock the platform or to
keep the platform parallel to a surface.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Unstable platforms such as wobble boards and rocker boards
are well known in the art. They generally consist of a platform
with a pivoting mechanism underneath. A user is expected to stand
on the platform and attempt to keep his or her balance. The
pivoting mechanisms generally consist of either a hemispherical
protrusion, in the case of a wobble board, or a cylindrical roller
in the case of a rocker board.
[0004] Lu disclosed a representative wobble board in U.S. Pat. No.
7,264,580 B2. A representative rocker board is disclosed by
Wischusen in U.S. Pat. No. 7,134,990.
[0005] Previous advances centered on making the pivoting mechanism
adjustable by using replacement mechanisms to increase or decrease
the level of the motion, for example by attaching parts with
varying convexity on the rocking or wobbling protrusions. Usually
the attachment methods of these replacement parts are complicated
and the user would need tools for adjusting the pivoting
mechanism.
[0006] A disadvantage of the wobble boards and rocker boards is
their fairly large size. Moreover these devices require a user to
stand up.
[0007] Unstable platforms can also be used during rehabilitation to
increase proprioception. A user sits with one or both feet on the
platform, and the unstable nature of the platform helps to stretch
and improve the degree of flexure of the ankle. Such a platform is
disclosed by Smith IV in U.S. Pat. No. 5,197,932.
[0008] Proprioception boards tend to be fairly small; however they
only activate small muscles around the ankle and calf. They also
generally only move forwards and backwards, and not side to
side.
[0009] A third class of unstable platforms is rocking footrests,
such as the Fellowes Compact Foot Rocker. These are generally small
enough to fit under a desk and rock in order to increase blood flow
to the lower body while seated. As with proprioception boards,
current rocking footrest designs only move forward and back, and
not side to side. These rocking footrests activate the same muscles
as the proprioception boards, namely, the small muscles around the
ankle and calf.
[0010] The concept of Non-exercise Activity Thermogenesis (NEAT),
as described by J. A. Levine (Levine, J. A. 2004. Non-exercise
Activity Thermogenesis (NEAT): Environment and Biology. Am J.
Physiol. Endocrinol. Metab. 286: E675-E685) shows significant
health advantages to users that can burn calories throughout the
day. As many people spend a significant amount of time sitting at a
desk, the ability to burn calories at a desk is appealing. One such
method is to use a rolling footrest such as WEBBLE.TM. by
BriteObjects. However, the rolling motion may require significant
space under a desk to be effective, and may distract the user from
his/her work.
[0011] A rocking footrest with increased freedom of motion could
also be useful in schools. Some students have limited abilities to
concentrate, and it is believed that a moving footrest can be an
outlet for excess energy. Desks with moving footrests, such as the
AlphaBetter.TM. Desk by Satco, are known in the art. However they
would require schools to replace currently installed capital
(desks) at relatively high costs. A rocking footrest with increased
freedom of motion that is independent of and fits underneath the
currently installed desk overcomes this disadvantage.
[0012] Most wobble boards and rocker boards are not sized to fit
under a desk. In addition, since the user is likely sitting rather
than standing, the force applied to the platform would not be
perpendicular to the floor, and is likely to cause the board to
move with respect to the user. In addition, if the edges of the
board contact the floor, the resulting noise would be unsuitable
for the environment in which the desk is found, such as a school or
workplace. Also, current methods to adjust the pivot mechanisms are
time consuming and/or require the storage of multiple accessories.
The present invention overcomes all of these disadvantages while
also improving the freedom of motion as compared to current rocking
footrests and proprioception boards.
[0013] Accordingly, there is a need for a device that overcomes the
disadvantages of the existing technology. The footrest comprised of
an unstable platform as disclosed herein overcomes the deficiencies
of known art. A rocking footrest of this invention is capable of
rocking side to side in addition to forward and backward. The
increased freedom of motion also burns more calories because it
activates larger muscles of the thigh rather than the smaller
muscles used by proprioception boards. Therefore, the current
invention represents a significant improvement over prior art.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0014] It is an object of this invention to provide an unstable
platform suitable to be used as a rocking footrest, an exercise
devise, rehabilitation device or a moving footrest.
[0015] It is a further object of this invention to provide a
platform suitable of size to fit and be used under a desk.
[0016] Another object of this invention is to provide a platform
that enables exercise of muscles, including larger thigh muscles
while seated.
[0017] Yet another object of this invention is to provide a
platform having improved freedom of motion.
[0018] A further object of this invention is to provide a platform
that allows the user to choose between at least two different
movement ranges without a need for any accessories or tools.
[0019] Still another object of this invention is to provide a
quietly operating platform.
[0020] In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present
invention there is provided an unstable platform comprising a
substantially planar member having a first face and a second face;
a first pivoting member being attached on the first face, said
first pivoting member having a first summit point; a second
pivoting member being attached on the second face, said second
pivoting member having a second summit point; wherein a distance
between the first face and the first summit point is different than
a distance between the second face and the second summit point,
whereby a user can choose a different level of movement of the
planar member by setting the first summit point against the surface
or setting the second summit point against the surface; and wherein
said first and said second faces are sized to accept a user's feet,
hands or other body parts, whereby the platform can be manipulated
or rocked in at least one of the directions selected from side to
side and forward and backward.
[0021] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention
the user chooses the height of the platform and the level of its
movement by setting one of the pivoting members against the
surface. The user is then seated with the platform in front of him
or her, and the user's feet are on the upper face of the platform
on both sides of the pivoting member that is not against the
surface. Other embodiments include the user standing, or having the
user's hands or other parts of the body on the platform. Other
embodiments include the user's feet, hands, or other parts of the
body on the upper face of the platform on one side of the pivoting
member that is not against the surface. From the seated position,
the force that the user supplies to the platform may not be
perpendicular to the surface. At least a portion of this force will
encourage the platform to move with respect to the surface and the
user, rather than just cause a rocking motion. Therefore a
preferred embodiment of the present invention includes an anti-slip
member between a pivoting member and the surface to restrict
unwanted translational motion between the pivoting member and the
surface.
[0022] Preferred embodiments of this invention are illustrated in
the accompanying drawings and will be described in more detail
herein below.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0023] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the platform according to
one preferred embodiment.
[0024] FIG. 2A is a side view of the platform of FIG. 1.
[0025] FIG. 2B is a front view of FIG. 1.
[0026] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the platform according to
another preferred embodiment.
[0027] FIG. 4A is a front view of the platform of FIG. 3.
[0028] FIG. 4B is a side view of the platform of FIG. 3.
[0029] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the platform according to
another preferred embodiment.
[0030] FIG. 6A is a front view of the platform of FIG. 5.
[0031] FIG. 6B is a side view of the platform of FIG. 5.
[0032] FIG. 7 is a front view of the platform according to another
preferred embodiment.
[0033] FIG. 8 is a front view of a platform in accordance with the
present invention including bumper and anti-slip members.
[0034] FIG. 9 is a top view of a platform in accordance with the
present invention including different bumper and anti-slip
members.
[0035] FIG. 10 is a top view of a platform in accordance with the
present invention including a different configuration of the
anti-slip member.
[0036] FIG. 11 is a front view of a platform in accordance with the
present invention including a combined bumper and anti-slip
member.
[0037] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the platform according to
another preferred embodiment.
[0038] FIG. 13A is a front view of FIG. 12.
[0039] FIG. 13B is a side view of the FIG. 12.
[0040] FIG. 14A is a side view of another embodiment.
[0041] FIG. 14B is a front view of the embodiment shown from side
in FIG. 14A.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0042] The preferred embodiments of the present invention will now
be described with reference to FIGS. 1-14 of the drawings.
Identical elements in the various figures are identified with the
same reference numerals.
[0043] Referring now to the drawings and initially to FIGS. 1, 2A
and 2B, a preferred embodiment of the unstable platform 10
comprises a planar member 20 having two long edges 21, two short
edges 22, a first face 23, and a second face 24; a first pivoting
member 30, a second pivoting member 40; and at least two flat
distal portions 25. According to this preferred embodiment the
first pivoting member 30 is attached on the first face 23 and has
an elongated convex surface with an axis that may be in a
curvature, said axis preferably being parallel to the short edges
22 of the planar member 20. According to this embodiment the
elongated convex surface has a smaller convexity at both ends of
the axis and highest convexity at a selected point along the axis.
According to this preferred embodiment the second pivoting member
40 is attached to the second face 24 and has an elongated convex
surface with an axis that may be in any reasonable curvature, said
axis preferably being parallel to the short edges 22 of the planar
member 20. The convexity of the second pivoting member 40 is
preferably different from the convexity of the first pivoting
member 30. The first pivoting member 30 has a first summit point 35
and the second pivoting member 30 has a second summit point 45. The
first pivoting member 30 may locate at different distance from the
short edges 22 of the planar member 20 than the second pivoting
member 40, whereby each of the pivoting members provide a different
level of movement when set against the surface 50. According to
this embodiment the flat distal portions 25 are located between the
elongated convex pivoting members 30 and 40 and the short edges 21
of the planar member on the first face and on the second face.
[0044] The user can choose the distance between the planar member
20 and the surface 50 and accordingly choose the level of the
motion of the planar member 20, by setting the first pivoting
member 30 against the surface 50 or setting the second pivoting
member 40 against the surface 50. According to one preferred
embodiment, the summit point of the first pivoting member 35 is 1
to 6 inches (2.54 to 15.24 cm) and the summit point of the second
pivoting member 45 is 2 to 8 inches (5.08 to 20.32 cm), whereby the
distance between the surface 50 and the planar member 20 created by
placing the first pivoting member 30 against the surface 50 is
between 1 and 6 inches (2.54 to 15.24 cm), and by placing the
second pivoting member 40 against the surface 50 the distance is
between 2 and 8 inches (5.08 to 20.32 cm). According to this
embodiment the user preferably is in sitting position and sets
his/her feet on the both sides of one of the pivoting members 30 or
40 on the distal portions 25 and the unstable platform 10 is able
to be manipulated or rocked both side to side and forward and
backward.
[0045] Now referring to FIGS. 3, 4A and 4B, according to another
preferred embodiment of the invention the first pivoting member 30
and/or the second pivoting member 40 has at least a roughly
rectangular cross section. According to this embodiment the first
and the second pivoting members 30, 40 have different cross
sections and they have both smaller cross sections than the planar
member 20, thereby leaving at least two flat distal portions 25
between the pivoting members 30 and 40, and the short edges 22,
and/or the long edges 21. According to this preferred embodiment
the first pivoting member 30 and the second pivoting member 40 have
different convexities and/or different cross sections, or the
distance between the first summit point 35 and the first face 23 is
different than the distance between the second summit point 45 and
the second face 24, thereby allowing the user to select the level
of motion of the planar member 10 by choosing which of the two
pivoting members (30, 40) is set against the surface 50. According
to this embodiment the user preferably is in sitting position and
sets his/her feet on the both sides of one of the pivoting members
on the distal portions 25 and the unstable platform 10 is able to
be manipulated or rocked both side to side and forward and
backward.
[0046] Now referring to FIGS. 5, 6A and 6B, according to one
preferred embodiment the unstable platform 10 comprises a planar
member 20 having two long edges 21, two short edges 22, a first
face 23, and a second face 24; a first pivoting member 30, a second
pivoting member 40; at least two flat distal portions 25 and a
cavity 90. According to this preferred embodiment the first
pivoting member 30 is a hemisphere and it is preferably attached
into about center of the first face 23. The second pivoting member
40 is a hemisphere and preferably attached to about center of the
second face 24. The radius of the hemispherical first pivoting
member 30 is different from the radius of the hemispherical second
pivoting member 40. The user can choose the distance between the
planar member 20 and the surface 50 and accordingly choose the
level of the motion of the planar member 20 by setting the first
hemispherical pivoting member 30 against the surface 50 or setting
the second hemispherical pivoting member 40 against the surface 50.
According to one preferred embodiment, the radius of the first
hemispherical pivoting member 30 is 1 to 6 inches (2.54 to 15.24
cm) and the radius of the second pivoting member 40 is 2 to 8 (5.08
to 20.32 cm)inches, whereby the distance between the surface 50 and
the planar member 20 created by placing the first pivoting member
30 against the surface 50 is approximately between 1 and 6 inches
(2.54 to 15.24 cm), and by placing the second pivoting member 40
against the surface 50 the distance is between 2 and 8 inches (5.08
to 20.32 cm). According to this embodiment the user preferably is
in sitting position and sets his/her feet on the both sides of one
of the pivoting members on the distal portions 25 and the unstable
platform 10 is able to be manipulated or rocked both side to side
and forward and backward.
[0047] Still referring to FIG. 5 the cavity 90 is shown in this
embodiment through the first face 23 and the second face 24. Cavity
90 is of a size to accept at least one of a user's fingers or
thumbs. Cavity 90 may act as a convenient handle for a user to
carry or move unstable platform 10. In one embodiment, cavity 90 is
of a size to accept four fingers of a user's hand. In one
embodiment, cavity 90 passes through the first face 23 or the
second face 24, but not both. In another embodiment, cavity 90 is
formed not through either the first or the second face, but rather
through another portion of the platform. In another embodiment,
cavity 90 is formed by strap with at least one end attached to the
platform. According to another embodiment, more than one cavity 90
is provided.
[0048] Now referring to FIG. 7, according to one preferred
embodiment the unstable platform 10 comprises a planar member 20
having two long edges 21, two short edges 22, a first face 23, and
a second face 24; a first pivoting member 30, a second pivoting
member 40; and at least two flat distal portions 25. According to
this preferred embodiment the first pivoting member 30 is an
elongated vertical tube with a rounded head 31 and it is preferably
attached into about center of the first face 23. The second
pivoting member 40 is an elongated vertical tube with a rounded
head 41 and it is preferably attached to about center of the second
face 24. The length of the elongated first pivoting member 30 is
different from the length of the elongated second pivoting member
40. The user can choose the distance between the planar member 20
and the surface 50 and accordingly choose the level of the motion
of the planar member 20, by setting the first elongated pivoting
member 30 against the surface 50 or setting the second elongated
pivoting member 40 against the surface 50. According to one
preferred embodiment, the length of the first elongated pivoting
member 30 is 1 to 6 inches (2.54 to 15.24 cm) and the length of the
second pivoting member 40 is 2 to 8 inches, whereby the distance
between the surface and the planar member 20 created by placing the
first pivoting member 30 against the surface 50 is between 1 and 6
inches (2.54 to 15.24 cm), and by placing the second pivoting
member 40 against the surface 50 the distance is between 2 and 8
inches (5.08 to 20.32 cm). According to this embodiment the user
preferably is in sitting position and sets his/her feet on the both
sides of one of the pivoting members on the distal portions 25 and
the unstable platform 10 is able to be manipulated or rocked both
side to side and forward and backward. According to further
embodiments the distal portions are covered with material that
prevents user's feet from slipping. According to further
embodiments the distal portions are covered with anti-slip member
80 having features or construction that prevents slipping.
[0049] Still referring to FIG. 7, according to one preferred
embodiment the elongated pivoting members 30, 40 may be covered by
anti-slip members 80 and the distal flat portions 25 may also be
covered by bumper members 70.
[0050] Now referring to FIGS. 8, 9 and 10, according to one
preferred embodiment one or more bumper members 70 are around the
distal portions 25 of the planar member 20, so that if motion of
the platform 10 would cause the distal portion 25 to strike the
surface 50, the bumper members 70 will strike the surface 50
instead. The bumper members 70 are formed to cause less noise upon
striking surface 50 than would be caused by distal portion 25
striking the surface 50. The bumper members 70 may also be formed
to absorb shock and cause less jarring of the user upon striking
surface 50 than would be caused by the distal portion 25 striking
surface 50. Those knowledgeable in the art will recognize that
suitable materials for the bumper members 70 would include but are
not limited to natural rubber, latex free rubber, silicone, EPDM,
Viton, foam, and other force absorbing materials. Those
knowledgeable in the art will also recognize that suitable bumper
members 70 could be formed by force absorbing shapes such as
flexible walls or constructions such as springs or shock absorbers.
Bumper members 70 may typically be added to the distal portions 25
via adhesives, press fits, mechanical fastening, or other assembly
methods. Alternatively, bumper members 70 may be formed integrally
with the distal portions 25 such as by insert molding, two-shot
molding, selection of flexible geometry such as thin walls, or
other formation methods. According to one preferred embodiment the
bumper member has a lower durometer than the distal portions.
[0051] Referring now to FIGS. 8, 9 and 10, anti-slip members 80 are
shown in some embodiments between the first pivoting member 30 or
the second pivoting member 40 and the surface 50. According to one
preferred embodiment, the center of gravity of the user is not
directly in line with the pivoting members 30, 40 and perpendicular
to the surface 50. In use, energy imparted by the user to the
unstable platform that is not perpendicular to surface 50 could
cause unwanted translation of the unstable platform 10 with respect
to the surface 50 and/or the user. For instance, if a user is
sitting down with his or her feet on the unstable platform 10,
unwanted translation may move the unstable platform 10 to a
position that is uncomfortable or impossible for the user to
maintain his or her feet on the unstable platform 10. Anti-slip
members 80 are provided to reduce or eliminate the possibility of
unwanted translation. Those knowledgeable in the art will recognize
that suitable materials for the anti-slip members 80 include but
are not limited to natural rubber, latex free rubber, silicone,
EPDM, Viton, foam, and other materials or constructions that
increase the effective coefficient of friction between the pivoting
members 30, 40 and the surface 50. Anti-slip members 80 may
typically be added to the pivoting members 30, 40 via adhesives,
press fits, mechanical fastening, or other assembly methods.
Alternatively, anti-slip members 80 may be formed integrally with
pivoting members 30,40 such as by insert molding, two-shot molding,
selection of high friction geometry, or other formation methods.
FIG. 10 shows anti-slip member 80 formed integrally with pivoting
member 30 via the design of a texture on pivoting member 30.
[0052] FIG. 11 shows a pad member 100 between the unstable platform
10 and the surface 50. The pad member 100 is capable of acting as
at least one of a bumper member and an anti-slip member. According
to one preferred embodiment, the pad member 100 is provided as a
separate component from the unstable platform 10, and the pad
member 100 can act as both a bumper member and an anti-slip member.
Those knowledgeable in the art will recognize that suitable
materials for the pad member 100 include but are not limited to
natural rubber, latex free rubber, silicone, EPDM, Viton, foam, and
other materials or constructions with at least one of force
absorbing properties and high coefficients of friction.
[0053] Now referring to FIGS. 12, 13A and 13B a preferred
embodiment is shown where the planar member is rectangular having
two long edges 21 and two short edges 22. The first 30 and the
second pivoting members 40 have a half-disk shape. The planar
member has an anti-slipping member 80 and a cavity 90.
[0054] Referring now to FIGS. 14A and B another preferred
embodiment is shown where the pivoting member is formed of a tube
bent to a half circle. The hollow middle of the half circle forms a
cavity 90 that can be used as a handle.
[0055] According to one preferred embodiment, the size of the
unstable platform 10 when measured as the length of the long edges
21 and the length of the short edges 22 is approximately 10-24
inches (25.4-60.96 cm) by 2-16 inches (5.08-40.64 cm). Even if the
rectangular shape is preferred shape, the shape of the planar
member can vary, and may be for example square, rectangular, oval,
or round.
[0056] The unstable platform 10 is generally formed of a rigid
material such as plastic. Those knowledgeable in the art will
recognize that suitable materials would include but are not limited
to ABS, polypropylene, acrylic, acetyl, and other plastics as well
as wood, metal, and other rigid materials. According to one
preferred embodiment the platform is made of one piece, whereby the
planar member and the pivoting members are for example molded as
one piece.
[0057] According to one preferred embodiment, the pivoting members
30, 40 cause the platform 10 to be unstable when placed against the
surface 50. A user contacts either the first face 23 or the second
face 24, typically with his or her feet or less typically with
hands or other body parts. In this manner, energy can be imparted
by the user to the unstable platform 10 to either maintain
stability or to manipulate the platform 10 in at least one of the
directions selected from side to side and forward and backward.
Imparting such energy by the user may have benefits such as
increased health or attention.
[0058] Those knowledgeable in the art will recognize that several
different constructions of pivoting members 30, 40 are possible in
accordance with the present invention, provided that at least one
pivoting member 30,40 causes platform 10 to be unstable. According
to one embodiment, pivoting members 30, 40 cause platform 10 to be
unstable by separating the substantially planar member 20 from the
surface 50.
[0059] Although this invention has been described with a certain
degree of particularity, it is to be understood that the present
disclosure has been made only by way of illustration and that
numerous changes in the details of construction and arrangement of
parts may be resorted to without departing from the spirit and the
scope of the invention.
* * * * *