U.S. patent application number 15/740540 was filed with the patent office on 2018-07-12 for compact balance boards and system using same.
The applicant listed for this patent is Sang Bong YEOM, Seoung Ho YEOM. Invention is credited to Sang Bong YOUM.
Application Number | 20180193693 15/740540 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 57576983 |
Filed Date | 2018-07-12 |
United States Patent
Application |
20180193693 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
YOUM; Sang Bong |
July 12, 2018 |
COMPACT BALANCE BOARDS AND SYSTEM USING SAME
Abstract
A compact balance board including a first board having a plate
shape, a second board spaced a predetermined distance from and
parallel to the first board, a shaft coupled to a bottom portion of
the first board, a pivot support connecting the shaft and the
second board so as to allow three-dimensional pivotal motions in
which the first board or the second board is shaken and rotated, at
least one elastic member positioned between the first board and the
second board so as to provide elasticity for keeping the first
board and the second board in parallel to each other, and a sliding
member installed on one end portion or both end portions of the
elastic member so as to allow the elastic member to be slidingly
rotated when the first board or the second board is rotated.
Inventors: |
YOUM; Sang Bong;
(Gwangmyeong-si, Gyeonggi-do, KR) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
YEOM; Sang Bong
YEOM; Seoung Ho |
Gwangmyeong-si, Gyeonggi-do
Gwangmyeong-si, Gyeonggi-do |
|
KR
KR |
|
|
Family ID: |
57576983 |
Appl. No.: |
15/740540 |
Filed: |
January 31, 2017 |
PCT Filed: |
January 31, 2017 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/KR2017/001039 |
371 Date: |
December 28, 2017 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 2225/50 20130101;
A63B 2220/833 20130101; G01L 5/00 20130101; A63B 2220/24 20130101;
A63B 21/023 20130101; A63B 26/003 20130101; A63B 21/045 20130101;
G01P 13/00 20130101; A63B 22/16 20130101; A63B 2220/40 20130101;
A63B 2210/00 20130101; A63B 24/0006 20130101; G01D 5/30 20130101;
A63B 71/06 20130101; A63B 23/02 20130101; A63B 69/0093 20130101;
A63B 2071/0638 20130101; A63B 2024/0096 20130101; A63B 21/0421
20130101; A63B 2071/0677 20130101; A63B 2220/803 20130101; A63B
22/18 20130101; A63B 2220/10 20130101; A63B 23/04 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A63B 22/16 20060101
A63B022/16; A63B 26/00 20060101 A63B026/00; A63B 23/04 20060101
A63B023/04; A63B 23/02 20060101 A63B023/02 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jan 28, 2016 |
KR |
10-2016-0010610 |
Claims
1. Compact balance boards comprising: a first board having a plate
shape; a second board spaced a predetermined distance from a lower
portion of the first board and parallel to the first board; a shaft
coupled to a bottom portion of the first board or extending in one
piece from the bottom portion of the first board; a pivot support
connecting the shaft and the second board so as to allow
three-dimensional pivotal motions in which the first board or the
second board is shaken and rotated; at least one elastic member
positioned between the first board and the second board in contact
with the first board and the second board so as to provide
elasticity for keeping the first board and the second board in
parallel to each other; and a sliding member installed on one end
portion or both end portions of the elastic member so as to allow
the elastic member to be slidingly rotated when the first board or
the second board is rotated, wherein the pivot support comprises:
an inner ring coupled to the shaft and having a spherical outer
surface; and an outer ring having an inner surface spherically in
contact with and slidable on the outer surface of the inner ring,
the outer ring being provided to an upper portion of the second
board.
2.-4. (canceled)
5. Compact balance boards comprising: a first board having a plate
shape; a second board spaced a predetermined distance from a lower
portion of the first board and parallel to the first board; a shaft
coupled to a bottom portion of the first board or extending in one
piece from the bottom portion of the first board; a pivot support
connecting the shaft and the second board so as to allow
three-dimensional pivotal motions in which the first board or the
second board is shaken and rotated; at least one elastic member
positioned between the first board and the second board in contact
with the first board and the second board so as to provide
elasticity for keeping the first board and the second board in
parallel to each other; and a sliding member installed on one end
portion or both end portions of the elastic member so as to allow
the elastic member to be slidingly rotated when the first board or
the second board is rotated, wherein the pivot support comprises:
an inner ring having an inner surface contacting an outer surface
of the shaft and being coupled to the shaft; and an outer ring
having an inner surface spherically in contact with an outer
surface of an insertion solid part for being rubbed thereon, the
insertion solid part being included on an outer surface of the
inner ring, the outer ring being provided to an upper portion of
the second board.
6. (canceled)
7. The compact balance boards of any one of claim 1 or 5, further
comprising a board coupling part to attach an additional board
including a snowboard or a skateboard to the first or the second
board.
8. The compact balance boards of any one of claim 1 or 5, further
comprising any one selected from: a first sensor part configured to
sense a movement of the first board or the shaft; a second sensor
part configured to sense a load applied to the first board; and a
third sensor part attached to an end of the shaft or a position
facing the end of the shaft so as to sense a positional variation
of the shaft.
9. A balance board system comprising: the compact balance boards of
claim 8; a central processing unit configured to receive a signal
from at least one of the first to third sensor parts and process
information; and a display unit configured to display information
received from the central processing unit.
10. The balance board system of claim 9, further comprising an
external input device to input information to the central
processing unit.
11. The compact balance boards of any one of claim 1 or 5, further
comprising an auxiliary elastic member placed between the outer
ring and the second board so as to elastically support vertical
shaking of the first board or the second board.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is the National Stage of International
Application No. PCT/KR2017/001039, having an International Filing
Date of 31 Jan. 2017, which designated the United States of
America, and which International Application was published under
PCT Article 21 (2) as WO Publication No. 2017/131501 A1, and which
claims priority from and the benefit of Korean Application No.
10-2016-0010610, filed on 28 Jan. 2016, the disclosures of which
are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.
BACKGROUND
1. Field
[0002] The presently disclosed embodiment relates to compact
balance boards and a system using the compact balance boards, and
more particularly to, compact balance boards implementing
three-dimensional pivotal motions by using two boards spaced apart
from the floor so as to be shaken and rotated, and a system using
balance boards for providing balance-exercise effects through
three-dimensional pivotal motions implemented by the balance boards
or creating contents relating to the balance boards by converting
the three-dimensional pivotal motions into computer input
information.
2. Brief Description of Related Developments
[0003] Snowboards, skateboards, surfboards, wakeboards, or skis are
board-type sport apparatuses for improving balance ability and
physical strength as well as arousing interest in exercise. When a
user rides on such a board-type sport apparatus, the center of
gravity of the user constantly varies, and thus the user has to
keep balance to properly control his/her posture. Therefore, since
the user continuously tries to keep balance, the user can improve
his/her balance ability and physical strength. However, users not
only have to go particular places such as a river, sea, road, ski
resort, or skating rink but also have seasonal limitations to use
such board-type sport apparatuses. That is, it is difficult to use
such board-type sport apparatuses at a desired time without
limitations.
[0004] To satisfy such requirements, Nintendo has developed the Wii
balance board configured to be easily used at a convenient place
and time without locational and seasonal limitations and to provide
board-based entertainment contents such as board sport simulations
or board sport games. However, since a user just varies his/her
posture two-dimensionally on the Wii balance board fixed to the
floor, the user may not feel the effect of three-dimensional
motions, and may be limited to improvementing his/her balance
ability and physical strength. In addition, sensors of the Wii
balance board for sensing the movement of a rider provide only
limited information such as weight variations, and thus the
creation or application of balance-related contents are also
limited.
[0005] In addition, there is a balance trainer which is a
conventional balance exercise apparatus formed by attaching a
hemispherical convex shape to a bottom surface of a board such that
a user may ride on an upper surface of the board and move while
constantly varying his/her center of gravity. However, the balance
trainer is not smoothly rotated due to friction with the floor, and
it is impossible to develop balance-related contents using the
balance trainer.
SUMMARY
[0006] The presently disclosed embodiment is to provide compact
balance boards and compatible balance boards for implementing
three-dimensional pivotal motions by using two boards spaced a
predetermined distance from the floor so as to be shaken and
rotated.
[0007] In addition, the presently disclosed embodiment is to
provide a balance board system configured to convert motions of
balance boards into computer input information based on pivotal
motions of the balance boards so as to provide a balance program
for curing balance disorders such as a tic disorder, a balance
diagnosis and prescription program for users, balance-related sport
simulations, sport games, balance entertainment contents such as
virtual reality, etc.
[0008] To achieve the above-described objectives, compact balance
boards of the presently disclosed embodiment includes: a first
board having a plate shape; a second board spaced a predetermined
distance from a lower portion of the first board and parallel to
the first board; a shaft coupled to a bottom portion of the first
board or extending in one piece from the bottom portion of the
first board; a pivot support connecting the shaft and the second
board so as to allow three-dimensional pivotal motions in which the
first board or the second board is shaken and rotated; at least one
elastic member positioned between the first board and the second
board in contact with the first board and the second board so as to
provide elasticity for keeping the first board and the second board
in parallel to each other; and a sliding member installed on one
end portion or both end portions of the elastic member so as to
allow the elastic member to be slidingly rotated when the first
board or the second board is rotated.
[0009] In addition, the pivot support may include: an inner ring
coupled to the shaft and having a spherical outer surface; and an
outer ring having an inner surface spherically in contact with and
slidable on the outer surface of the inner ring, the outer ring
being provided to an upper portion of the second board.
[0010] In addition, the pivot support may include: an inner ring
formed in one piece with the shaft and having a spherical outer
surface; and an outer ring having an inner surface spherically in
contact with and slidable on the outer surface of the inner ring,
the outer ring being provided to an upper portion of the second
board.
[0011] In addition, the pivot support may include: an inner ring
coupled to the shaft and having a spherical outer surface; an outer
ring having an inner surface spherically in contact with and
slidable on the outer surface of the inner ring; and an outer ring
fixing part in which the outer ring is inserted, the outer ring
fixing part being fixed to an upper portion of the second
board.
[0012] In addition, the pivot support may include: an inner ring
formed in one piece with the shaft and having a spherical outer
surface; an outer ring having an inner surface spherically in
contact with and slidable on the outer surface of the inner ring;
and an outer ring fixing part in which the outer ring is inserted,
the outer ring fixing part being fixed to an upper portion of the
second board.
[0013] In addition, the pivot support may include: an inner ring
having an inner surface contacting an outer surface of the shaft
and being coupled to the shaft; and an outer ring having an inner
surface spherically in contact with an outer surface of an
insertion solid part for being rubbed thereon, the insertion solid
part being included on an outer surface of the inner ring, the
outer ring being fixed to an upper portion of the second board.
[0014] In addition, the pivot support may include: an inner ring
having an inner surface contacting an outer surface of the shaft
and being coupled to the shaft; an outer ring having an inner
surface spherically in contact with outer surface of an insertion
solid part for being rubbed thereon, the insertion solid part being
included on an outer surface of the inner ring; and an outer ring
fixing part in which the outer ring is inserted, the outer ring
fixing part being fixed to an upper portion of the second
board.
[0015] The compact balance boards may further include a board
coupling part to attach an additional board including a snowboard
or a skateboard to the first or the second board.
[0016] In addition, the compact balance boards may further include
any one selected from: a first sensor part configured to sense a
movement of the first board or the shaft; a second sensor part
configured to sense a load applied to the first board; and a third
sensor part attached to an end of the shaft or a position facing
the end of the shaft so as to sense a positional variation of the
shaft.
[0017] A balance board system of the presently disclosed embodiment
includes: the compact balance boards; a central processing unit
configured to receive a signal from at least one of the first to
third sensor parts and process information; and a display unit
configured to display information received from the central
processing unit.
[0018] The balance board system may further include an external
input device to input information to the central processing
unit.
[0019] In addition, the compact balance boards may further include
an auxiliary elastic member placed between the outer ring and the
second board so as to elastically support vertical shaking of the
first board or the second board.
[0020] According to the compact balance boards and the system using
the compact balance boards, it is possible to effectively feel
three-dimensional pivotal motions and perform balance exercises by
using two boards spaced a predetermined from the floor and
configured to be shaken and rotated, and such motions can be
converted into computer input information to diagnose the balance
ability and physical strength of a user and provide a prescription,
thereby providing high balance exercise effects.
[0021] In addition, when a balance exercise is performed,
three-dimensional pivotal motions including shaking and rotation of
the two boards spaced a predetermined distance from the floor may
be converted into computer input information as contents for
providing exercise effects to users and arousing interest in
exercise. In particular, balance disorders such as a tic disorder
may be effectively cured according to characteristics of users, and
the presently disclosed embodiment may be effective for athletes
requiring balance ability enhancement in diagnosing and improving
balance ability.
[0022] In addition, balance entertainment contents such as sport
simulations, sport games, or virtual reality may be provided based
on a board-type exercise apparatus together with balance exercise,
thereby providing both the effects of sports and entertainment,
that is, sportainment (sports+entertainment).
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0023] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating compact
balance boards according to the presently disclosed embodiment.
[0024] FIG. 2 is a three-dimensional view illustrating the compact
balance boards according to the presently disclosed embodiment.
[0025] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view illustrating compatible
balance boards according to the presently disclosed embodiment.
[0026] FIG. 4 is a three-dimensional view illustrating the
compatible balance boards according to the presently disclosed
embodiment.
[0027] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view illustrating compatible
balance boards according to the presently disclosed embodiment.
[0028] FIG. 6 is a three-dimensional view illustrating the
compatible balance boards according to the presently disclosed
embodiment.
[0029] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view illustrating compatible
balance boards according to the presently disclosed embodiment.
[0030] FIG. 8 is a three-dimensional view illustrating the
compatible balance boards according to the presently disclosed
embodiment.
[0031] FIGS. 9 and 10 are cross-sectional views illustrating
balance boards of another type according to the presently disclosed
embodiment.
[0032] FIG. 11 is a plan layout view illustrating a second sensor
part.
[0033] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a pivot
support (spherical bearing).
[0034] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a pivot
support (outer ring bearing).
[0035] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a pivot
support (self-aligning bearing).
[0036] FIG. 15 is a schematic block diagram illustrating a balance
board system with balance boards according to the presently
disclosed embodiment.
[0037] FIGS. 16 and 17 are cross-sectional views illustrating
compact balance boards according to the presently disclosed
embodiment.
TABLE-US-00001 [0038]<Descriptions of reference numerals> 10:
first board 10a: bolt 12: first board 12a: clamp 14: first board
14a: bolt 16: first board 16a: bolt 17: additional board 18:
additional board 19: additional board 20: shaft 30: pivot support
(spherical bearing) 30a: inner ring 30b: outer ring 31: pivot
support (outer bearing) 32: pivot support (self-aligning bearing)
32a: inner ring (self-aligning type) 32b: outer ring (self-aligning
type) 32c: insertion solid part 40: auxiliary coupling member 50:
second board 50a: bolt 50b: additional board 52: second board 54:
second board 56: second board 60: elastic member 60a: sliding
member 60b: auxiliary elastic member 60c: base plate 70: first
sensor part 70a: first sensor part lead-in line 70b: first sensor
part terminal 80: second sensor part 80a: second sensor part
lead-in line 80b: second sensor part terminal 90: third sensor part
91: third sensor part 90a: third sensor part lead-in line 91a:
third sensor part lead-in line 90b: third sensor part terminal 91b:
third sensor part terminal 90c: pad 91c: pad 95: external input
device 100: compact balance boards (FIGS. 1 and 2) 120, 140, 160:
compatible balance boards (FIGS. 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8) 200: balance
boards 300: central processing unit (CPU) 400: display unit
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0039] The presently disclosed embodiment provides compact balance
boards including: a first board having a plate shape; a second
board spaced a predetermined distance from a lower portion of the
first board and parallel to the first board; a shaft coupled to a
bottom portion of the first board or extending in one piece from
the bottom portion of the first board; a pivot support connecting
the shaft and the second board so as to allow three-dimensional
pivotal motions in which the first board or the second board is
shaken and rotated; at least one elastic member positioned between
the first board and the second board in contact with the first
board and the second board so as to provide elasticity for keeping
the first board and the second board in parallel to each other; and
a sliding member installed on one end portion or both end portions
of the elastic member so as to allow the elastic member to be
slidingly rotated when the first board or the second board is
rotated.
[0040] Hereinafter, preferred aspects of the presently disclosed
embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the
accompanying drawings. In the present disclosure, like reference
numerals refer to substantially the same elements. In the following
description, detailed descriptions of well-known functions or
configurations relating to the presently disclosed embodiment will
not be presented if it is determined that the descriptions
unnecessarily obscure subject matters of the presently disclosed
embodiment.
[0041] Hereinafter, compact balance boards of the presently
disclosed embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.
1.
[0042] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating
compact balance boards 100 according to the presently disclosed
embodiment.
[0043] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the compact balance boards 100
includes a first board 10, a second board 50, a shaft 20, a pivot
support 30, and an elastic member 60.
[0044] The first board 10 has a plate shape and is placed at an
upper side.
[0045] The first board 10 is for a user to ride and is formed of a
rigid material to withstand the load of a rider. According to the
intended use, the first board 10 may have a shape such as a
circular shape, an oval shape elongated in one direction, an
elliptical shape, or a tetragonal shape, and when a user rides on
the first board 10 and makes a three-dimensional pivotal motion
(pivoting) in which the user shakes and rotates his/her body at a
predetermined distance from the floor, the first board 10 supports
the three-dimensional pivotal motion. For example, the first board
10 may be formed in a shape elongated in one direction like a board
such as a snowboard, a skateboard, a surfboard, a wakeboard, or
skis so as to sufficiently provide the feeling of riding on such
boards, or may be formed in a circular shape for use as an
exercising apparatus or for safe use by the elderly and infirm or
patients having poor motor ability.
[0046] The second board 50 is installed at a predetermined distance
from a bottom portion of the first board 10 in parallel to the
first board 10.
[0047] The shaft 20 is coupled to the bottom portion of the first
board 10 or extends in one piece from the bottom portion of the
first board 10. The bottom portion of the first board 10 may be
detachably coupled to the shaft 20 or may be formed in one piece
with the shaft 20. In FIG. 1, it is illustrated that the shaft 20
is coupled to the first board 10 using bolts 10a on top of the
first board 10.
[0048] The shaft 20 may be detachably coupled to the first board 10
by a method of using bolts. However, it should be understood that
the presently disclosed embodiment is not limited to this method.
For example, coupling methods using an adhesive, a snap ring, or
screws may be used, or a one-piece forming method may be used. It
should be understood that these alternative configurations are also
included in the scope of the presently disclosed embodiment.
[0049] The pivot support 30 connects the shaft 20 and the second
board 50 so as to allow a three-dimensional pivotal motion in which
the first board 10 placed above the shaft 20 is shaken and
rotated.
[0050] The pivot support 30 may have various forms according to
coupling between the pivot support 30 and the shaft 20.
[0051] A spherical bearing is illustrated in FIG. 12 as an example
of the pivot support 30, and the spherical bearing includes an
outer ring 30b and an inner ring 30a coupled to the inside of the
outer ring 30b. The outer surface of the inner ring 30a and the
inner surface of the outer ring 30b are spherical and slidable on
each other.
[0052] An example of the pivot support 30 may include: an inner
ring coupled to the shaft 20 and having a spherical outer surface;
and an outer ring having an inner surface spherically in contact
with and slidable on the outer surface of the inner ring, the outer
ring being fixed to an upper portion of the second board 50. In
this case, the inner ring 30a is fixedly coupled to the shaft 20,
and the outer ring 30b is fixed to the upper portion of the second
board 50.
[0053] Another example of the pivot support 30 may include: an
inner ring formed in one piece with the shaft and having a
spherical outer surface; and an outer ring having an inner surface
spherically in contact with and slidable on the outer surface of
the inner ring, the outer ring being provided to an upper portion
of the second board. In this case, the inner ring 30a is formed in
one piece with the shaft 20, that is, the shaft 20 includes the
inner ring 30a, and the outer ring 30b is fixed to the upper
portion of the second board 50.
[0054] Another example of the pivot support 30 may include: an
inner ring 30a coupled to the shaft 20 and having a spherical outer
surface; an outer ring 30b having an inner surface spherically in
contact with and slidable on the outer surface of the inner ring
30a; and an outer ring fixing part 40 in which the outer ring 30b
is fixedly inserted, the outer ring fixing part 40 being fixed to
the upper portion of the second board 50. In this case, the inner
ring 30a is fixedly coupled to the shaft 20, and the outer ring 30b
is fixed to the second board 50 by the outer ring fixing part 40
fixed to the upper portion of the second board 50.
[0055] The outer ring fixing part 40 is a member for fixing the
outer ring 30b of the pivot support 30 to the second board 50, and
the outer ring fixing part 40 may be bolted to the second board 50.
However, the presently disclosed embodiment is not limited to
bolting the outer ring fixing part 40 to the second board 50. For
example, coupling methods using an adhesive, a snap ring, or screws
may be used, or a one-piece forming method may be used. It should
be understood that these alternative configurations are also
included in the scope of the presently disclosed embodiment. In
addition, the outer ring fixing part 40 may not be used when the
outer ring 30b of the pivot support 30 is fixed to the second board
50 by a direct coupling method, and it should be understood that
this alternative configuration is also included in the scope of the
presently disclosed embodiment.
[0056] Another example of the pivot support 30 may include: an
inner ring 30a formed in one piece with the shaft 20 and having a
spherical outer surface; an outer ring 30b having an inner surface
spherically in contact with and slidable on the outer surface of
the inner ring 30a; and an outer ring fixing part which the outer
ring 30b is inserted into, the outer ring fixing part being fixed
to the upper portion of the second board 50. In this case, the
inner ring 30a is formed in one piece with the shaft 20, that is,
the shaft 20 includes the inner ring 30a, and the outer ring 30b is
fixed to the second board 50 by the outer ring fixing part 40 fixed
to the upper portion of the second board 50.
[0057] Another example of the pivot support 30 may include: an
inner ring 30a having an inner surface in contact with an outer
surface of the shaft 20 and being coupled to the shaft 20; and an
outer ring 30b having an inner surface spherically in contact with
outer surfaces of insertion solid parts 32c for being rubbed
thereon, the insertion solid parts 32c being included on the outer
surface of the inner ring 30a, the outer ring 30b being provided to
the upper portion of the second board 50. In this case, the inner
ring 30a is fixedly coupled to the shaft 20, a pivotal motion is
possible owing to the insertion solid parts 32c provided on an
outer side of the inner ring 30a, and the outer ring 30b is fixed
to the upper portion of the second board 50.
[0058] Another example of the pivot support 30 may include: an
inner ring 30a having an inner surface contacting an outer surface
of the shaft 20 and fixing the shaft 20; an outer ring 30b having
an inner surface spherically in contact with outer surfaces of
insertion solid parts for being rubbed thereon, the insertion solid
parts being included on the outer surface of the inner ring 30a;
and an outer ring fixing part in which the outer ring 30b is
fixedly inserted, the outer ring fixing part being fixed to the
upper portion of the second board. In this case, the inner ring 30a
is fixedly coupled to the shaft 20, a pivotal motion is possible
owing to the insertion solid parts 32c provided on an outer side of
the inner ring 30a, and the outer ring 30b is fixed to the second
board 50 by the outer ring fixing part 40 fixed to the upper
portion of the second board 50.
[0059] In this case, the pivot support 30 is configured like a
self-aligning or self-centering bearing 32 shown in FIG. 14 which
includes: an inner ring 32a (of a self-aligning type) having an
inner surface contacting an outer surface of the shaft 20 and
fixing the shaft 20; and an outer ring 32b having an inner surface
spherically in contact with outer surfaces of insertion solid parts
32c for being rubbed thereon, the insertion solid parts 32c being
included on the outer surface of the inner ring 32a (of a
self-aligning type).
[0060] The above-described pivot support 30 of the presently
disclosed embodiment is not limited to a spherical bearing, an
outer ring bearing, or a self-aligning bearing. It should be
understood that the pivot support 30 is included in the presently
disclosed embodiment as a spherical motion support coupled to the
shaft 20 for allowing a three-dimensional pivotal motion including
shaking and rotating motions.
[0061] The second board 50 is coupled to the pivot support 30
directly or by the outer ring fixing part 40 and placed on the
floor to support a load while maintaining a constant distance from
the first board 10 in a shaft section.
[0062] The elastic member 60 is placed between the first board 10
and the second board 50 in contact with the first board 10 and the
second board 50 so as to provide elasticity for maintaining the
first board 10 in parallel to the second board 50. At least one
elastic member 60 is provided.
[0063] An end portion of the elastic member 60 is fixedly inserted
into one of the first board 10 and the second board 50, and a
sliding member 60a is provided on the other of the first board 10
and the second board 50 adjacent to the other end portion of the
elastic member 60 such that the other end portion of the elastic
member 60 may be slidingly rotated when the other of the first
board 10 and the second board 50 is rotated. The sliding member 60a
is provided on one or both end portions of the elastic member so as
to be rotated when the first board 10 is rotated.
[0064] According to the presently disclosed embodiment, as shown in
FIGS. 3 to 8, an additional board 17, 18, or 19 such as a snowboard
or a skateboard may be coupled to an upper portion of one of the
first board 10 and the second board 50.
[0065] In this case, a board coupling part 12a is further provided
on a lateral side of one of the first board 10 and the second board
50 such that an additional board such as a snowboard or a skate
board may be coupled to an upper portion of one of the first board
10 and the second board 50.
[0066] The additional board 17, 18, or 19 refers to conventional
boards having particular uses such as a snowboard or a skateboard
or other types of boards having other uses.
[0067] The additional board may be coupled using a clamp such as
the board coupling part 12a. In the presently disclosed embodiment,
it should be understood that the clamp is not limited to the
above-described type. For example, coupling members having various
shapes and forms that can be used to couple the additional board 17
to one of the first board 10 and the second board 50 from a lateral
side may be included in the scope of the presently disclosed
embodiment.
[0068] In addition, bolt coupling portions 14a or 16a may be
provided to attach the additional board 18 or 19 using bolts.
[0069] In addition, according to the presently disclosed
embodiment, the first board 10 may be placed at a lower side, and
the second board 50 may be placed at an upper side. That is, the
positions and functions of the first board 10 and the second board
50 may be switched.
[0070] In this case, that is, when the positions and functions of
the first board 10 and the second board 50 are switched, the
additional board 17, 18, or 19 such as a snowboard, a skateboard,
or flat board may be coupled to the second board 50 according to
user's purposes.
[0071] Hereinafter, balance boards will be described according to
another aspect of the presently disclosed embodiment with reference
to FIGS. 9 and 10.
[0072] Referring to FIG. 9, according to the aspect of the
presently disclosed embodiment, the balance boards include at least
one of a first sensor part 70, a second sensor part 80, and third
sensor part 90 and 91.
[0073] The first sensor part 70 senses the movement of the first
board or the shaft.
[0074] The second sensor part 80 senses a load applied to the first
board.
[0075] The third sensor parts 90 and 91 are attached to an end of
the shaft or a position facing the end of the shaft so as sense
positional variations of the shaft.
[0076] In addition, referring to FIGS. 9 and 10, the second board
50 includes an additional board 50b which is selectively used when
the balance boards 200 include the second sensor part 80. The
additional board 50b is not limited to the shape illustrated in
FIGS. 9 and 10.
[0077] At this time, sensors of the second sensor part 80 may be
individually fixed, or the second sensor part 80 may include
separate sensors supported by a well-known sensor supporting
method. It should be understood that this alternative configuration
is also included within the scope of the presently disclosed
embodiment.
[0078] The sensor parts include the first, second, and third sensor
parts 70, 80, 90, and 91, and sensor auxiliary parts wherein the
sensor auxiliary parts include a first sensor part lead-in line
70a, a first sensor part terminal 70b, a second sensor part lead-in
line 80a, a second sensor part terminal 80b, third sensor part
lead-in lines 90a and 91a, third sensor part terminals 90b and 91b,
and pads 90c and 91c.
[0079] Here, the sensor auxiliary parts are examples for arranging
the sensor parts, and may be arranged in various well-known manners
according to the characteristics of the sensor parts. It should be
understood that this alternative configuration is also included in
the scope of the presently disclosed embodiment.
[0080] The first sensor part 70 may include one selected from an
acceleration sensor and a gyro sensor to detect motions or gestures
such as the position, orientation, rotation, or tilt of a user when
the user moves. As illustrated in FIG. 9, the first sensor part 70
is arranged on an end of the shaft 20 or a lower end surface of the
first board 10 so as to detect motions or gestures such as the
position, orientation, rotation, or tilt of the first board 10 when
the first board 10 is moved. However, the arrangement of the first
sensor part 70 is not limited thereto. That is, the first sensor
part 70 may be arranged at any position as long as it is possible
to detect motions or gestures such as the position, orientation,
rotation, or tilt of the first board 10 when the first board 10 is
moved.
[0081] The first sensor part 70 may include a wireless
communication unit such as a Bluetooth module, or universal serial
bus (USB) cable connector for wireless or wired data communication
with a central processing unit (CPU) 300.
[0082] As illustrated in FIG. 11, the second sensor part 80
includes weight sensors arranged on a bottom surface of the second
board to sense the weight and the center gravity of the balance
boards and a rider. However, the second sensor part 80 is not
limited to this arrangement and number of the weight sensors. That
is, the weight sensors may be arranged in any manner as long as the
weight and center of gravity of the balance boards and a rider can
be sensed, and at least one weight sensor may be provided.
[0083] Like the first sensor part 70, the second sensor part 80 may
include a wireless communication unit such as a Bluetooth module,
or universal serial bus (USB) cable connector for wireless or wired
data communication with a central processing unit (CPU) 300.
[0084] As illustrated in FIG. 9, the third sensor part 90 is placed
on an end of the first board 10 to detect variations in the
position of the first board 10 when the first board 10 is moved.
However, the third sensor part 90 is not limited to the position.
That is, the third sensor part 90 may be placed at any position as
long as the third sensor part 90 can detect variations in the
position of the first board 10 when the first board 10 is moved.
The reflective pad 90c is configured to face the third sensor part
90. In addition, as illustrated in FIG. 10, the third sensor part
91 is placed to face the end of the shaft 20 to detect variations
of the position of the first board 10 when the first board 10 is
moved. The third sensor part 91 is not limited to this position.
That is, the third sensor part 91 may be placed at any position as
long as the third sensor part 91 can detect variations of the
position of the first board 10 when the first board 10 is moved.
The reflective pad 91c is configured to face the third sensor part
91.
[0085] The basic mechanism of a position detection sensor for a
computer mouse may be applied to the positional variation detection
function and configuration of the third sensor parts 90 and 91. The
position detection sensor applicable to the presently disclosed
embodiment may be the same as a contact type computer ball mouse in
which a ball configured to rotate on the reflective pads 90c and
91c facing the third sensor parts 90 and 91 is used to detect
positional variations, or may be the same as a non-contact type
computer optical mouse in which light is emitted to the reflective
pads 90c and 91c facing the third sensor parts 90 and 91 to detect
positional variations by sensing reflected light.
[0086] Like the first sensor part 70, the third sensor parts 90 and
91 may include a wireless communication unit such as a Bluetooth
module, or universal serial bus (USB) cable connector for wireless
or wired data communication with the central processing unit (CPU)
300.
[0087] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating
a configuration in which the balance boards 200 includes the second
sensor part 80 according to the presently disclosed embodiment.
[0088] Referring to FIG. 11, at least one weight sensor is
supported by the additional board 50b on a lower portion of the
second board 50.
[0089] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating
the pivot support (spherical bearing) 30 of the compact balance
boards 100 of the presently disclosed embodiment.
[0090] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating
a pivot support (outer ring bearing) 31 of the compact balance
boards 100 of the presently disclosed embodiment.
[0091] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating
a pivot support (self-aligning bearing) 32 of the compact balance
boards 100 of the presently disclosed embodiment.
[0092] Next, a system using balance boards of the presently
disclosed embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.
15.
[0093] Referring to FIG. 15, the system using the balance boards of
the presently disclosed embodiment includes balance boards 200, an
external input device 95, a central processing unit (CPU) 300, and
a display unit 400.
[0094] Signals containing information such as motion information,
weight information, or position information of a user is
transmitted from a first sensor part 70, a second sensor part 80,
and third sensor parts 90 and 91 of the balance boards 200 to the
CPU 300 by a wireless or wired communication method.
[0095] The external input device 95 includes: a clicking device
such as a mouse or a joystick for selecting an item on the display
unit 400 and inputting an execution command; and a keyboard for
inputting additional information and execution commands.
[0096] As a user moves, the CPU 300 receives signals from devices
such as the external input device 95 and at least one of the first,
second, and third sensor parts 70, 80, 90, and 91 of the balance
boards 200 so as to process data corresponding to the signals. The
display unit 400 outputs information received from the CPU 300.
Therefore, a user of the balance boards 200 may correct his/her
posture on the first board 10 while watching information on the
display unit 400, or may perform various programs such as a fitness
program, a training program, a health program, a rehabilitation
program, a sport simulation, or a game, and even an computer-aided
office job.
[0097] FIGS. 16 and 17 are cross-sectional views illustrating
compact balance boards according to the presently disclosed
embodiment.
[0098] Referring to FIGS. 16 and 17, the compact balance boards 100
of the presently disclosed embodiment further includes an auxiliary
elastic member 60b placed between the outer ring 30b and the second
board 50 to elastically support vertical shaking of the first board
10 or the second board 50.
[0099] The auxiliary elastic member 60b may be inserted under the
outer ring 30b and may elastically support vertical shaking of the
first board 10 or the second board 50 while being firmly supported
on an upper portion of the second board 50. In addition, the
auxiliary elastic member 60b may be installed on a base plate 60c
additionally provided on the upper portion of the second board
50.
[0100] Owing to this, balance exercise may be performed while
feeling vertical shaking enabled by the space between the first
board 10 and the second board 50 in addition to the above-described
three-dimensional pivotal motion including shaking and rotation,
and when the compact balance boards 100 are used for a sport
simulation or a sport game, an exercising effect more similar to
the real effect of board sports may be obtained, and thus users may
be more interested in the sport simulation or game.
[0101] Here, as illustrated in FIG. 17, the first sensor part 70 is
placed on a lower portion of the shaft 20 to detect motional
information such as position, orientation, rotation, tilt when the
first board 10 is moved and the degree of vertical pitching enabled
by the auxiliary elastic member 60b as well. The second sensor part
80 is placed on the second board 50, and the base plate 60c is
placed on top of the second board 50, such that information such as
the weight and center of gravity of the balance boards and a rider
may be detected.
[0102] Along with this, the second sensor part 80 may detect
variations in the weight and center of gravity of the balance
boards and a rider when the auxiliary elastic member 60b
elastically supports and dampens vertical pitching of the first
board 10 or the second board 50. Owing to the first sensor part 70
and the second sensor part 80, exercising effects and interesting
effects may be further improved, and in addition, a balance
disorder such as a tic disorder may be more accurately detected to
maximize curing effects.
[0103] As described above, the balance boards and the system using
the balance boards of the presently disclosed embodiment make it
possible to feel three-dimensional motions and thus are suitable
for balance exercises. In addition, the balance boards and the
system may be suitably used according to purposes such as fitness,
training, healthcare, rehabilitation, sport simulation, games, or
computer-aided office jobs.
[0104] In addition, although a user jerks the boards, a
shock-absorbing member may reduce a shock, and since the shaft is
not inclined up to a certain angle or greater by supporting sloping
of the boards, the boards may be stably used.
[0105] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various
modifications and variations can be made without departing from the
spirit and scope of the presently disclosed embodiment.
Accordingly, the presently disclosed embodiment should not be
limited to the detailed description but should be defined by the
claims.
* * * * *