U.S. patent application number 15/427611 was filed with the patent office on 2017-05-25 for balance training system and related techniques.
The applicant listed for this patent is Brian Crist. Invention is credited to Brian Crist.
Application Number | 20170144017 15/427611 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 54016363 |
Filed Date | 2017-05-25 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170144017 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Crist; Brian |
May 25, 2017 |
Balance Training System and Related Techniques
Abstract
A balance training system and related techniques are disclosed.
In accordance with some embodiments, the system includes a middle
portion, a first end portion disposed to a first side of the middle
portion, a second end portion disposed to a second side of the
middle portion, opposite the first end portion, and a centrally
disposed balance point about which the system can rotate parallel
to a plane of an underlying surface. A user may posture over a top
surface of the system, distal to the underlying surface. In
accordance with some embodiments, the system is configured to
permit rotation at least 360.degree. in either direction about the
centrally disposed balance point and to permit the user to engage
in a twisting motion such that the balance training system rotates
about the centrally disposed balance point parallel to the plane of
the underlying surface.
Inventors: |
Crist; Brian; (Virginia
Beach, VA) |
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Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Crist; Brian |
Virginia Beach |
VA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
54016363 |
Appl. No.: |
15/427611 |
Filed: |
February 8, 2017 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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14601583 |
Jan 21, 2015 |
9566468 |
|
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15427611 |
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61948056 |
Mar 5, 2014 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 2225/62 20130101;
A63B 22/18 20130101; A63B 2209/00 20130101; A63B 22/16 20130101;
A63B 71/0054 20130101; A63B 26/003 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A63B 22/18 20060101
A63B022/18; A63B 26/00 20060101 A63B026/00; A63B 71/00 20060101
A63B071/00; A63B 22/16 20060101 A63B022/16 |
Claims
1. A method of balance training, the method comprising: positioning
a balance training system over an underlying surface, the balance
training system comprising: a middle portion; a first end portion
disposed to a first side of the middle portion; a second end
portion disposed to a second side of the middle portion, opposite
the first end portion; and a centrally disposed balance point about
which the balance training system can rotate parallel to a plane of
the underlying surface; and posturing over a top surface of the
balance training system, the top surface distal to the underlying
surface.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein: the first end portion and the
second end portion are constituents of a body portion of the
balance training system; and the body portion is of curved
rectangular shape and of greater length than width.
3. The method of claim 2, wherein the body portion is symmetrical
about at least one axis.
4. The method of claim 2, wherein the body portion is comprised of
at least one of a wood, a plastic, a cured resin, and a metal.
5. The method of claim 2, wherein the body portion is of
substantially rigid, monolithic construction. be The method of
claim 1, wherein an edge of at least one of the first end portion
and the second end portion is rounded.
7. The method of claim 1, wherein the balance training system
further comprises a traction enhancement feature disposed on the
top surface.
8. The method of claim 1, wherein the top surface is textured to
provide a non-slip traction area.
9. The method of claim 1, wherein posturing over the top surface of
the balance training system comprises: standing over the balance
training system such that at least one of: a first foot is
positioned over the top surface proximate the first end portion;
and a second foot is positioned over the top surface proximate the
second end portion.
10. The method of claim 1, wherein: the balance training system is
configured to permit rotation at least 360.degree. in either
direction about the centrally disposed balance point; and the
method further comprises: engaging in a twisting motion such that
the balance training system rotates about the centrally disposed
balance point parallel to the plane of the underlying surface.
11. A balance training system comprising: a middle portion; a first
end portion disposed to a first side of the middle portion; a
second end portion disposed to a second side of the middle portion,
opposite the first end portion; a centrally disposed balance point
about which the balance training system can rotate parallel to a
plane of an underlying surface; and a top surface distal to the
underlying surface over which a user can posture.
12. The balance training system of claim 11, wherein: the first end
portion and the second end portion are constituents of a body
portion of the balance training system; and the body portion is of
curved rectangular shape and of greater length than width.
13. The balance training system of claim 12, wherein the body
portion is symmetrical about at least one axis.
14. The balance training system of claim 12, wherein the body
portion is comprised of at least one of a wood, a plastic, a cured
resin, and a metal.
15. The balance training system of claim 12, wherein the body
portion is of substantially rigid, monolithic construction.
16. The balance training system of claim 11, wherein an edge of at
least one of the first end portion and the second end portion is
rounded.
17. The balance training system of claim 11, further comprising a
traction enhancement feature disposed on the top surface.
18. The balance training system of claim 11, wherein the top
surface is textured to provide a non-slip traction area.
19. The balance training system of claim 11, wherein the balance
training system is configured such that, in posturing over the top
surface, the user stands over the balance training system such that
at least one of: a first foot of the user is positioned over the
top surface proximate the first end portion; and a second foot of
the user is positioned over the top surface proximate the second
end portion.
20. The balance training system of claim 11, wherein: the balance
training system is configured to permit rotation at least
360.degree. in either direction about the centrally disposed
balance point; and the balance training system is configured to
permit the user to engage in a twisting motion such that the
balance training system rotates about the centrally disposed
balance point parallel to the plane of the underlying surface.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This patent application is a Continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 14/601,583, titled "System, Method, and
Apparatus for Balance Training Exercise," filed on Jan. 21, 2015,
which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.
61/948,056, titled "ISO Board Balance Training System," filed on
Mar. 5, 2014. Each of these patent applications is herein
incorporated by reference in its entirety.
FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0002] The present disclosure relates to exercise systems and
techniques and more particularly to balance training exercise.
BACKGROUND
[0003] A balance board is a device used for recreation, balance
training, athletic training, brain development, therapy, and other
kinds of personal development. Use of balance boards may aid in
developing fine motor skill and balance in humans. Balance boards
typically include an elongated board having a length that is
greater than a width, and a pivot mechanism. Usually the pivot
mechanism is a cylinder that can roll by rotating about a central
roll axis, which defines the pivot axis of the board. Most balance
boards are adapted for balancing by a rider in which the board is
positioned with its length latitudinal or transverse to the
longitudinal or roll axis of the cylinder supporting the balance
board. Conventional balance boards generally provide a single axis
on which the device will balance and have been in use for many
years. However, these conventional balance boards fail to provide
the user with a dynamic, user-selectable, or multifunctional
graduated system for strength and balance training. As a result,
these conventional devices often fail to accurately replicate the
conditions of the underlying board sport.
[0004] Thus, a heretofore unaddressed need exists in the industry
to address the aforementioned deficiencies and inadequacies.
SUMMARY
[0005] The subject matter of this application may involve, in some
cases, interrelated products, alternative solutions to a particular
problem, and/or a plurality of different uses of a single system or
article.
[0006] One example embodiment provides a method of balance
training, the method including: positioning a balance training
system over an underlying surface, the balance training system
including: a middle portion; a first end portion disposed to a
first side of the middle portion; a second end portion disposed to
a second side of the middle portion, opposite the first end
portion; and a centrally disposed balance point about which the
balance training system can rotate parallel to a plane of the
underlying surface; and posturing over a top surface of the balance
training system, the top surface distal to the underlying surface.
In some cases: the first end portion and the second end portion are
constituents of a body portion of the balance training system; and
the body portion is of curved rectangular shape and of greater
length than width. In some such cases, the body portion is
symmetrical about at least one axis. In some other such cases, the
body portion includes at least one of a wood, a plastic, a cured
resin, and a metal. In some other such cases, the body portion is
of substantially rigid, monolithic construction. In some instances,
an edge of at least one of the first end portion and the second end
portion is rounded. In some instances, the balance training system
further includes a traction enhancement feature disposed on the top
surface. In some cases, the top surface is textured to provide a
non-slip traction area. In some instances, posturing over the top
surface of the balance training system includes: standing over the
balance training system such that at least one of: a first foot is
positioned over the top surface proximate the first end portion;
and a second foot is positioned over the top surface proximate the
second end portion. In some cases: the balance training system is
configured to permit rotation at least 360.degree. in either
direction about the centrally disposed balance point; and the
method further includes: engaging in a twisting motion such that
the balance training system rotates about the centrally disposed
balance point parallel to the plane of the underlying surface.
[0007] Another example embodiment provides a balance training
system including: a middle portion; a first end portion disposed to
a first side of the middle portion; a second end portion disposed
to a second side of the middle portion, opposite the first end
portion; a centrally disposed balance point about which the balance
training system can rotate parallel to a plane of an underlying
surface; and a top surface distal to the underlying surface over
which a user can posture. In some cases: the first end portion and
the second end portion are constituents of a body portion of the
balance training system; and the body portion is of curved
rectangular shape and of greater length than width. In some such
cases, the body portion is symmetrical about at least one axis. In
some other such cases, the body portion includes at least one of a
wood, a plastic, a cured resin, and a metal. In some other such
cases, the body portion is of substantially rigid, monolithic
construction. In some instances, an edge of at least one of the
first end portion and the second end portion is rounded. In some
cases, the balance training system further includes a traction
enhancement feature disposed on the top surface. In some instances,
the top surface is textured to provide a non-slip traction area. In
some cases, the balance training system is configured such that, in
posturing over the top surface, the user stands over the balance
training system such that at least one of: a first foot of the user
is positioned over the top surface proximate the first end portion;
and a second foot of the user is positioned over the top surface
proximate the second end portion. In some instances: the balance
training system is configured to permit rotation at least
360.degree.0 in either direction about the centrally disposed
balance point; and the balance training system is configured to
permit the user to engage in a twisting motion such that the
balance training system rotates about the centrally disposed
balance point parallel to the plane of the underlying surface.
[0008] The features and advantages described herein are not
all-inclusive and, in particular, many additional features and
advantages will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art in
view of the drawings, specification, and claims. Moreover, it
should be noted that the language used in the specification has
been selected principally for readability and instructional
purposes and not to limit the scope of the inventive subject
matter.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] Many aspects of the disclosure can be better understood with
reference to the following drawings. The components in the drawings
are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon
clearly illustrating the principles of the present disclosure.
Moreover, in the drawings, like reference numerals designate
corresponding parts throughout the several views.
[0010] FIG. 1 is a top view illustration of a balance board, in
accordance with a first exemplary embodiment of the present
disclosure.
[0011] FIG. 2 is a bottom view illustration of the balance board of
FIG. 1, in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the
present disclosure.
[0012] FIG. 3A is a top view illustration of a cylindrical balance
tube, in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the
present disclosure.
[0013] FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional side view illustration of a
cylindrical balance tube, in accordance with the first exemplary
embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0014] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional front view illustration of the
balance board of FIG. 1 along the line 4-4 with a cylindrical
balance tube, in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment of
the present disclosure.
[0015] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional side view illustration of the
balance board of FIG. 1 along the line 5-5 with a cylindrical
balance tube, in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment of
the present disclosure.
[0016] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional front view illustration of the
balance board of FIG. 1 along the line 4-4 with a cylindrical
balance tube, in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment of
the present disclosure.
[0017] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional side view illustration of the
balance board of FIG. 1 along the line 5-5 with a cylindrical
balance tube, in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment of
the present disclosure.
[0018] FIG. 8A is a top view illustration of a rotating balance
disc, in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the
present disclosure.
[0019] FIG. 8B is a side view illustration of a rotating balance
disc, in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the
present disclosure.
[0020] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional front view illustration of the
balance board of FIG. 1 along the line 4-4 with a rotating balance
disc, in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the
present disclosure.
[0021] FIG. 10A is a top view illustration of an inflatable balance
cushion, in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the
present disclosure.
[0022] FIG. 10B is a side view illustration of an inflatable
balance cushion, in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment
of the present disclosure.
[0023] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional front view illustration of the
balance board of FIG. 1 along the line 4-4 with an inflatable
balance cushion, in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment
of the present disclosure.
[0024] FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a method for balance
training exercise, in accordance with the first exemplary
embodiment of the present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0025] FIG. 1 is a top view illustration of a balance board 20, in
accordance with a first exemplary embodiment of the present
disclosure. FIG. 2 is a bottom view illustration of the balance
board 20 of FIG. 1, in accordance with the first exemplary
embodiment of the present disclosure. The balance board 20 may be a
component of an apparatus for balance training exercise 10,
referred to herein simply as `apparatus 10.` The apparatus 10
includes the rigid balance board 20 having a substantially planar
top surface 22. A first rail 30 and a second rail 32 are positioned
on a bottom surface 24 of the balance board 20, wherein the first
rail 30 is positioned substantially opposite the second rail 32. A
nose cap 40 is positioned on a front end 26 of the balance board
20. A tail cap 50 is positioned on a rear end 28 of the balance
board 20, wherein a bottom surface 34 of the first rail 30, the
second rail 32, the nose cap 40, and the tail cap 50 are
substantially co-planar. A nose stop 42 is positioned on the nose
cap 40 and a tail stop 52 positioned on the tail cap 50, wherein
each of the nose stop 42 and tail stop 52 extend beyond the bottom
surface 34 of the nose cap 40 and tail cap 50, respectively.
[0026] The apparatus 10 is a device and system, and corresponding
method, which can be used for balance and strength training.
Specifically, the apparatus 10 may be used to train for board-based
sports, including stand-up paddle boarding, surfing, skateboarding,
and other board sports that require balance. Users may gain
significant benefits, such as improvement in balance, gained
strength, and/or increased conditioning, from the beginner to the
professional level. The apparatus 10 may effectively replicate most
board sports, in general, such as surfing, skateboarding,
snowboarding, and wakeboarding. The apparatus 10, in particular,
replicates stand-up paddle boarding.
[0027] The rigid balance board 20 may have an elongated, curved
rectangular shape that has a length greater than its width. The
shape of the balance board 20 may include a rounded or pointed
section corresponding to the front end 26 of the board 20, with
flattened or "squash tail" shape at the rear end 28 or tail of the
board 20. These shapes may aid the user in identifying the front
end 26 and rear end 28 of the board 20, as well as enhance the
rider's experience and realism relative to the sport of choice, in
using the apparatus 10. The rear end 28 having the flattened shape
may be designed to fit into a retaining base to securely support
the board 20 when not in use. Apart from graphic designs placed on
a surface of the board 20, the board 20 may be substantially
symmetrical between a left and right side. The board 20 may be
formed from a durable, substantially rigid material, such as
hardwood, plastics, cured resins, metals, or other materials. The
size of the board 20 may vary, but it generally may have a height,
between the front end 26 and rear end 28, of approximately 38
inches and a width, between the left and right sides, of
approximately 14 inches. Any sizes, shapes, or materials of the
board 20 are considered within the scope of the present
disclosure.
[0028] The board 20 has a substantially planar top surface 22,
shown clearly in FIG. 1. The top surface 22 may have a traction
coating 70 or traction enhancing material applied thereto. The
traction coating 70 may include silica or a similar material
impregnated in a resin, or another protective finish to provide a
non-slip traction area for the user to be able to move about the
board 20 without losing traction with the top surface 22. The
traction coating 70 may allow the user to securely perform
movements on the board 20 similar to the sport of choice being
simulated. The traction coating 70 may be applied to the top
surface 22 in a variety of ways, including any industry standard
methods, such as, for example, by brushing, spraying, gluing, or
molding the traction coating 70 to the top surface 22, among other
common application techniques. The edges of the board 20 may be
left smooth and slightly rounded to prevent catching or snagging on
the user's hands when the board 20 is in use.
[0029] As is shown in FIG. 2, the first rail 30 and the second rail
32 are positioned on a bottom surface 24 of the board 20. The first
rail 30 is positioned substantially opposite the second rail 32,
such as the first rail 30 being positioned proximate to a left side
of the board 20 and the second rail 32 being positioned proximate
to a right side of the board 20. Each of the first and second rails
30, 32 may be positioned slightly inset or a spaced distance from
an edge of the board 20. Each of the first and second rails 30, 32
may be affixed to the bottom surface 24 of the board 20 by a
variety of devices and methods, including fasteners, glues,
affixment processes, or any combination thereof. Each of the first
and second rails 30, 32 may extend away from the bottom surface 24
of the board 20, thereby creating a raised rail structure on either
side of the board 20.
[0030] The nose cap 40 is positioned on the front end 26 of the
board 20, and the tail cap 50 is positioned on the rear end 28 of
the board 20. Each of the nose and tail caps 40, 50 may be affixed
to or formed integrally with the end of the board 20, wherein each
of the nose and tail caps 40, 50 extend away from the bottom
surface 24 of the board 20, similar to the first and second rails
30, 32. The height of the first rail 30, the second rail 32, the
nose cap 40, and the tail cap 50 may vary, depending on design. In
one example, the height may be approximately inch, but other
heights and sizes are considered within the scope of the present
disclosure. The bottom surface 34 of each of the first rail 30,
second rail 32, nose cap 40, and tail cap 50 may be substantially
coplanar with one another. The exposed portion of the bottom
surface 24 of the board 20 may be a center cavity positioned
between the first rail 30, the second rail 32, the nose cap 40, and
the tail cap 50. The remaining exposed portion of the bottom
surface 24 of the board 20 may be positioned external of the first
and second rails 30, 32, and thus not be part of the center cavity
formed between the first rail 30, the second rail 32, the nose cap
40, and the tail cap 50.
[0031] The nose stop 42 is positioned on the nose cap 40 and
extends beyond the bottom surface 34 of the nose cap 40, and the
tail stop 52 is positioned on the tail cap 50 and extends beyond
the bottom surface 34 of the tail cap 50. Accordingly, each of the
nose stop 42 and tail stop 52 may have a height greater than the
nose and tail caps 40, 50, respectively, although the heights of
the nose and tail stops 42, 52 need not match. The shape and size
of the nose and tail stops 42, 52 may vary depending on design. As
shown in FIG. 2, the nose and tail stops 42, 52 each may he
positioned a spaced distance from an internal edge of the nose and
tail caps 40, 50, respectively. The nose and tail stops 42, 52 also
each may be substantially centered on the nose and tail caps 40,
50, respectively. In one example, the nose stop 42 and the nose cap
40 may share a front edge (e.g., proximate to the front edge of the
board 20). The front edge shared between the nose stop 42 and the
nose cap 40 may form a small, acute angle relative to the
substantially planar top surface 22 of the board 20. Similarly, the
tail stop 52 and the tail cap 50 may share a common rear edge,
wherein the rear edge forms a small or acute angle relative to the
substantially planar top surface 22 of the board 20. The acute
angle of the front or rear edge, respectively, may minimize contact
between the apparatus 10 and the ground surface when the board 20
pivots on the balance device. The first and second rails 30, 32,
the nose cap 40, the tail cap 50, the nose stop 42, and the tail
stop 52 may be formed from a durable, substantially rigid material,
such as hardwood, plastics, cured resins, metals, or other
materials.
[0032] The apparatus 10, as described in FIGS. 1-2, may be used
with a variety of balance devices which are placed below the board
20. The user of the board 20 may stand or otherwise occupy the top
surface 22 of the board 20 balancing on the balance device. Further
details of the board 20, the balance devices, and other features of
the present disclosure are provided relative to FIGS. 1-11,
herein.
[0033] FIGS. 3A-3B illustrate one example of a balance device 80
which can be used with the apparatus 10. Specifically, FIG. 3A is a
top view illustration of a cylindrical balance tube 82, in
accordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the present
disclosure, and FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional side view illustration
of a cylindrical balance tube 82, in accordance with the first
exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The cylindrical
balance tube 82 may be a cylindrically-shaped tube or structure
which is durable and sturdy enough to support the weight of the
board 20 and the user thereon. The cylindrical balance tube 82 is
preferably made from a rigid or semi-rigid material that is hard
and durable, such as a plastic, wood, glass, fiberboard, aluminum,
steel, or similar material. The cylindrical balance tube 82 is
preferably hollow and may have varying lengths and diameters. For
example, cylindrical balance tubes 82 may include diameters of 2.5
inches to 8.5 inches and lengths of 10-30 inches, or any other
size. Preferably, the cylindrical balance tube 82 has a length
dimension less than a distance between the nose cap 40 and the tail
cap 50 (FIGS. 1-2).
[0034] The cylindrical balance tube 82 may have a traction material
84 positioned axially about the exterior surface of the cylindrical
balance tube 82. The traction material 84 may include durable
traction rings positioned at right angles relative to the length of
the cylindrical balance tube 82 and may be situated near the ends
and/or near the middle of the cylindrical balance tube 82, or any
combination thereof. The traction material 84 also may include a
thin grip tape or similar material. The traction material 84 may
aid in providing traction between the riding surface (e.g., a floor
or carpeted surface) and the cylindrical balance tube 82, thus
inhibiting slippage between the two surfaces. The ring-shaped
traction material 84 may allow for a small amount of compressive
relief between the cylindrical balance tube 82, board 20 (FIGS.
1-2), and the riding surface.
[0035] The operation and use of the apparatus 10 with a balance
device 80, using the cylindrical balance tube 82 as an example, is
described relative to FIGS. 1-7. The balance device 80 may be
removably positioned in contact with at least one of the bottom
surface 24 of the board 20 and the bottom surface 34 of the first
rail 30, the second rail 32, the nose cap 40, and the tail cap 50.
FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional front view illustration of the balance
board 10 of FIG. 1 along the line 4-4 with a cylindrical balance
tube 82, in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the
present disclosure. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional side view
illustration of the balance board 20 of FIG. 1 along the line 5-5
with a cylindrical balance tube 82, in accordance with the first
exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 6 is a
cross-sectional front view illustration of the balance board 20 of
FIG. 1 along the line 4-4 with a cylindrical balance tube 82, in
accordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the present
disclosure. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional side view illustration of
the balance board 20 of FIG. 1 along the line 5-5 with a
cylindrical balance tube 82, in accordance with the first exemplary
embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0036] FIGS. 4-7 depict various configurations of the board 20 in
use with the cylindrical balance tubes 82. For example, as is shown
in FIGS. 4-5, the cylindrical balance tube 82 is positioned under
each of the first and second rails 30, 32, such that the board 20
is resting fully on the cylindrical balance tube 82. In this
configuration, the bottom surface 34 of the first and second rails
30, 32 may contact an exterior surface of the cylindrical balance
tube 82. As is shown in FIG. 4, the bottom surface 34 of the first
and second rails 30, 32 may be coated with a gripping material 36,
which can be a natural or man-made, thin, pliable traction coating
to provide a non-slip, non-marring, and cushioning surface to
interface between the cylindrical balance tube 82 and the first and
second rails 30, 32, thereby providing an enhanced grip and smooth,
slightly slowed rolling action, and a protective barrier between
the structures.
[0037] Relative to FIG. 5, in use of the apparatus 10, the
cylindrical balance tube 82 is movable along a length of the board
20 between the front and rear ends 26, 28, until contact is
achieved between the cylindrical balance tube 82 and the nose and
tail stops 42, 52. Thus, a user can balance on the top surface 22
of the board 20, shifting his or her weight to move the board 20
relative to the cylindrical balance tube 82. When the cylindrical
balance tube 82 reaches an end of the board 20 and contacts one of
the nose or tail stops 42, 52, the cylindrical balance tube 82 will
be prevented from rolling further along the first and second rails
32, 30. Thus, the nose stop 42 or tail stop 52 may provide a limit
to the movement of the cylindrical balance tube 82 when used on the
lateral axis, thus reducing the likelihood of a cylindrical balance
tube 82 coming away and out from under the board 20 while in use.
Various exercises, positions, and techniques can be employed to
successfully balance on the board 20 in this position on the
cylindrical balance tube 82.
[0038] FIGS. 6-7 illustrate a similar situation where the board 20
is used with the cylindrical balance tube 82. However, in these
figures, the cylindrical balance tube 82 is positioned in contact
with the bottom surface 24 of the board 20 itself (e.g., within the
center cavity of the board 20), and the cylindrical balance tube 82
is rolled between the first and second rails 30, 32. The
cylindrical balance tube 82 can be moved between the first and
second rails 30, 32 using the same balance techniques as described
relative to FIG. 5, where the first and second rails 30, 32 provide
a stop for the cylindrical balance tube 82 when used longitudinally
to inhibit the continued lateral movement of the board 20 atop a
cylindrical balance tube 82. Alternatively, the cylindrical balance
tube 82 can be used between the nose and tail caps 40, 50 with the
cylindrical balance tube 82 contacting the bottom surface 24 of the
board 20 (FIG. 6 illustrates the nose cap 40 and nose stop 42
positioned behind the cylindrical balance tube 82).
[0039] The apparatus 10 may include multiple cylindrical balance
tubes 82 of varying lengths and diameters for users of any skill
level from beginner to professional athletes, thereby providing a
graduated training system for skill proficiency development on
multiple axes of balance control. The apparatus 10 may further
include balance devices that include other, non-cylindrical roller
devices. For example, a 360.degree.-rotating balance disc 90 or a
balance cushion 97 may be used alone or with other parts of the
apparatus 10 to promote a true multi-dimensional training
experience.
[0040] FIG. 8A is a top view illustration of a rotating balance
disc 90, in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the
present disclosure. FIG. 8B is a side view illustration of a
rotating balance disc 90, in accordance with the first exemplary
embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG, 9 is a cross-sectional
front view illustration of the balance board 20 of FIG. 1 along the
line 4-4 with a rotating balance disc 90, in accordance with the
first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Relative to
FIGS. 8A-9, the rotating balance disc 90 may be formed from a top
disc 92, a bottom disc 94, and a bearing device 96 positioned
therebetween. The rotating balance disc 90 may have a substantially
circular footprint and provide 360.degree. rotation between the top
and bottom discs 92, 94. The rotating balance disc 90 is preferably
constructed of wood, plastic, metal, or other rigid or semi-rigid
material that can be smooth on the top, and the edges can be smooth
and slightly rounded. The rotating balance disc 90 may be between 6
inches and 20 inches in diameter, although other sizes are
permissible. The top and bottom discs 92, 94 are separated by and
affixed to the bearing device 96, which may be a rotating ball
bearing device, commonly known as a "lazy Susan." The bearing
device 96 can be made of a rigid material such as steel, aluminum,
hard plastics, and similar materials. The bearing device 96 can be
built into the top and/or bottom discs 92, 94 or can be separately
constructed and affixed by common fasteners, such as screws, to the
top and bottom discs 92, 94. The 360.degree. rotation of the
rotating balance disc 90 may allow for the board 20 to rotate
360.degree. when placed atop the rotating balance disc 90. The
board 20 may be used alone with the rotating balance disc 90 or in
conjunction with any of the other balance devices 80. A preferred
configuration is to use the board 20 atop a balance cushion 97
which rests atop the rotating balance disc 90.
[0041] FIG. 10A is a top view illustration of an inflatable balance
cushion 97, in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment of
the present disclosure. FIG. 10B is a side view illustration of an
inflatable balance cushion 97, in accordance with the first
exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 11 is a
cross-sectional front view illustration of the balance board 20 of
FIG. 1 along the line 4-4 with an inflatable balance cushion 97, in
accordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the present
disclosure. The inflatable balance cushion 97 may be formed from a
pliable material that can hold a small amount of air pressure, such
as PVC, plastic, urethane, or similar semi-durable materials that
can be inflated and deflated by any device, such as by mouth or by
a pump device. The top 98 and the bottom 99 of the inflatable
balance cushion 97 can he textured, smooth, or a combination of the
two. The inflatable balance cushion 97 may be positioned under the
board 20 and used in the manners described previously, except that
the inflatable balance cushion 97 may provide a more stable
balancing situation as compared to cylinders or rotating
devices.
[0042] FIG. 12 is a flowchart 100 illustrating a method for balance
training exercise, in accordance with the first exemplary
embodiment of the present disclosure. It should be noted that any
process descriptions or blocks in flow charts should be understood
as representing modules, segments, portions of code, or steps that
include one or more instructions for implementing specific logical
functions in the process, and alternate implementations are
included within the scope of the present disclosure in which
functions may be executed out of order from that shown or
discussed, including substantially concurrently or in reverse
order, depending on the functionality involved, as would be
understood by those reasonably skilled in the art of the present
disclosure.
[0043] As is shown by block 102, at least one balance device is
positioned underneath a rigid balance board, the rigid balance
board having a substantially planar top surface, a first rail and a
second rail positioned on a bottom surface of the balance board,
wherein the first rail is positioned substantially opposite the
second rail, a nose cap positioned on a front end of the balance
board, a tail cap positioned on a rear end of the balance board,
wherein a bottom surface of the first rail, the second rail, the
nose cap, and the tail cap are substantially co-planar, and a nose
stop positioned on the nose cap and a tail stop positioned on the
tail cap, wherein each of the nose stop and tail stop extend beyond
the bottom surface of the nose cap and tail cap, respectively. A
user balances on the substantially planar top surface of the rigid
balance board (block 104).
[0044] The method may include any number of other steps, methods,
or functions, including any disclosed relative to FIGS. 1-1 herein.
For example, balancing the user on the substantially planar top
surface of the rigid balance board further includes balancing the
user about an axis of the at least one balance device. Balancing
may also include using a balance device that includes a durable,
rigid, cylindrical tube, wherein the cylindrical tube is rotatable
between the nose cap and tail cap. A rotation of the cylindrical
tube may be stopped with at least one of the nose cap and tail cap
or one of the first rail and the second rail.
[0045] It should be emphasized that the above-described embodiments
of the present disclosure, particularly, any "preferred"
embodiments, are merely possible examples of implementations,
merely set forth for a clear understanding of the principles of the
disclosure. Many variations and modifications may be made to the
above-described embodiment(s) of the disclosure without departing
substantially from the spirit and principles of the disclosure. All
such modifications and variations are intended to be included
herein within the scope of this disclosure and the present
disclosure and protected by the following claims.
* * * * *