Abstract:
Balancing equipment that provides a selectively dynamic platform for an individual thereon. The weight and movement of the individual causes the platform to tilt in any direction, thereby attempting to throw off the balance of the individual, causing the individual to work on maintaining balance while on the dynamic platform. The dynamic nature of the platform can be adjusted to correspond to the balancing abilities of individuals. An adjustment mechanism increases or reduces the amount the platform is able to tilt, without requiring the raising or lowering of any component of the platform. An exercise mechanism can also be connected to the platform to further modify the dynamic nature of the platform.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0001]    1. The Field of the Invention  
           [0002]    The present invention relates to exercise equipment and more particularly to balancing equipment that provides a dynamic platform on which an individual exercises. The dynamic platform forces the individual to make an effort to maintain his or her balance.  
           [0003]    2. The Prior State of the Art  
           [0004]    Balancing devices have been developed for recreation and/or exercise that provide an unstable surface on which an individual balances. One such type of balancing device provides an unstable surface through the use of a cylinder that is free to roll on the ground. A board is placed on top of the cylinder and balance is tested as an individual stands on top of the board and attempts to prevent either of the opposing ends of the board from touching the ground. While this balancing device provides an unstable surface, movement of the board is limited to a side-to-side motion.  
           [0005]    A second type of balancing device that provides an unstable surface on which to test an individual&#39;s balance employs a sphere that is free to roll or pivot in any direction. Such devices generally include some type of board that is placed on or around the object. Balance is tested as an individual stands on top of the board and attempts to prevent any portion of the board from touching the ground While such balancing devices provide an unstable surface in any direction, frequently the devices are not adaptable to the balancing abilities of individuals.  
           [0006]    Another type of balancing device that provides an unstable surface on which to test balance includes a board that pivots about a vertical fulcrum that is connected to a base, which remains stationary on the ground. Balance is tested as an individual stands on top of the board and attempts to prevent any portion of the board from touching any portion of the base. Such balancing devices may allow an individual to increase or decrease the angle along which the board is allowed to pivot prior to touching the base. However, an adjustment mechanism that modifies the pivot angle of the board generally requires the board to be raised or lowered.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0007]    The present invention relates to exercise equipment and more particularly to balancing equipment that provides a selectively dynamic platform on which an individual exercises. The selectively dynamic platform forces the individual to make an effort to maintain balance.  
           [0008]    Implementation of the present invention takes place in association with a dynamic platform that provides an unstable surface for an individual. As the individual exercises or moves on the dynamic platform, the weight and/or movement of the individual causes the platform to tilt in a given direction. The individual responds to each tilt in order to attempt to maintain his/her balance. As such, the dynamic nature of the platform causes the individual to work on maintaining balance while performing an exercise.  
           [0009]    The dynamic nature of the platform may be selectively adjusted to correspond to the balancing ability of the individual. By way of example, in one implementation a detent adjustment mechanism allows an individual user to select one of a variety of tilt settings The amount that the platform is allowed to tilt is controlled by adjusting a hub to cause a bottom abutment member set to align with a top abutment member set so as to restrict the amount of tilt achieved when one or more of the top abutment members comes in contact with one or more of the bottom abutment members. The amount of tilt is adjusted without requiring any of the components of the platform to be moved vertically. The dynamic nature of the platform may be further modified through the use of an exercise mechanism coupled to the platform. An example of an exercise mechanism includes handles connected to the platform that increase the movement of the platform and the platform&#39;s tendency to throw the individual off balance.  
           [0010]    Additional features and advantages of the invention will be set forth in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by the practice of the invention. The features and advantages of the invention may be realized and obtained by means of the instruments and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. These and other features of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, or may be learned by the practice of the invention as set forth hereinafter.  
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0011]    In order to describe the manner in which the above-recited and other advantages and features of the invention can be obtained, a more particular description of the invention briefly described above will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof which are illustrated in the appended drawings Understanding that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are not therefore to be considered to be limiting of its scope, the invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which:  
         [0012]    [0012]FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a selectively dynamic platform, in accordance with the present invention and an individual user thereon;  
         [0013]    [0013]FIG. 2 provides an exploded view of the selectively dynamic platform illustrated in FIG. 1;  
         [0014]    [0014]FIG. 3 illustrates a mat of the platform of FIGS. 1 and 2;  
         [0015]    [0015]FIG. 4 illustrates a plate of the platform of FIGS. 1 and 2;  
         [0016]    [0016]FIG. 5A illustrates a top view of a board of the platform of FIGS. 1 and 2;  
         [0017]    [0017]FIG. 5B illustrates a bottom view of the board illustrated in FIG. 5A;  
         [0018]    [0018]FIG. 6 illustrates a glide ring of the platform of FIGS. 1 and 2;  
         [0019]    [0019]FIG. 7A illustrates a top view of a connector of the resistance hub of the platform illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2;  
         [0020]    [0020]FIG. 7B illustrates a bottom view of the connector illustrated in FIG. 7A;  
         [0021]    [0021]FIG. 7C illustrates a cross-sectional view of the connector illustrated in FIG. 7A;  
         [0022]    [0022]FIG. 7D illustrates a nut plate of the connector illustrated in FIG. 7A;  
         [0023]    [0023]FIG. 7E illustrates an anchor plate of the connector illustrated in FIG. 7A;  
         [0024]    [0024]FIG. 8A illustrates a top view of a tilt adjuster of the resistance hub of the platform illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2;  
         [0025]    [0025]FIG. 8B illustrates a bottom view of the tilt adjuster illustrated in FIG. 8A;  
         [0026]    [0026]FIG. 9 illustrates a base of the platform illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2;  
         [0027]    [0027]FIG. 10 illustrates a handle that may optionally be used by an individual user in association with a selectively dynamic platform as illustrated in FIG. 1;  
         [0028]    [0028]FIG. 11 A illustrates a top view of another embodiment of a board of the platform of FIGS. 1 and 2;  
         [0029]    [0029]FIG. 11B illustrates a bottom view of another embodiment of a board of the platform illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2;  
         [0030]    [0030]FIG. 12A illustrates a top view of another embodiment of a connector of the resistance hub of the platform illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2;  
         [0031]    [0031]FIG. 12B illustrates a bottom view of the embodiment of the connector illustrated in FIG. 12A;  
         [0032]    [0032]FIG. 12C illustrates a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of the connector illustrated in FIG. 12A;  
         [0033]    [0033]FIG. 12D illustrates another embodiment of a nut plate of the connector;  
         [0034]    [0034]FIG. 12E illustrates a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the connector; and  
         [0035]    [0035]FIG. 12F illustrates another embodiment of an anchor plate of the connector.  
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0036]    The present invention extends to exercise equipment and more particularly to balancing equipment that provides a selectively dynamic platform on which an individual exercises. The selectively dynamic platform forces the individual to make an effort to maintain balance. The following description of the present invention utilizes a series of diagrams that illustrate the structure of an exemplary embodiment for implementing the present invention. Using the diagrams in this manner to present the invention is for illustration purposes only and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention.  
         [0037]    [0037]FIG. 1 and the corresponding discussion are intended to provide a general description of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. In the discussion, reference is made to a selectively dynamic platform upon which an individual may exercise. For purposes of this description and in the claims, the term “dynamic platform” or “dynamic exercising platform” refers to a system of components that provides an unstable surface for an individual. Furthermore, in the description and in the claims, the term “selectively dynamic” refers to an ability to modify the amount of instability.  
         [0038]    In FIG. 1, an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is illustrated as dynamic platform  12 , which provides a dynamic surface for an individual  10 . Dynamic platform  12  includes a board  26  that is selectively dynamic and a base  34  that is stable. The weight and/or movement of the individual  10  causes the board  26  to tilt in any direction. When the board  26  tilts, individual  10  responds in order to maintain his/her balance. As a result, the muscular system of individual  10  is toned while performing an aerobic workout on dynamic platform  12 .  
         [0039]    Embodiments of the present invention embrace dynamic platforms for which the dynamic nature is selectively adjusted. In one such embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, a two-part flexible hub  29  is coupled between board  26  and base  34 . Two-part hub  29  is adjustable such that the amount of tilt achieved by board  26  is adjustable In the embodiment of FIG. 1, two-part hub  29  comprises (i) a flexible connector  30  flexibly connecting board  26  to base  34 , and (ii) a tilt adjuster  32  placed about connector  30  to restrict the amount of tilt achieved by connector  30  to a desired, adjusted amount. Other embodiments in accordance with the present invention include a one-part hub or a several-part hub, wherein the several-part hub includes more than two components.  
         [0040]    To achieve the adjustability of hub  29 , connector  30  has a set of upper abutment members  100  that selectively align with a set of selected lower abutment members  144 ,  146  or  148  on tilt adjuster  32 , where a set of abutment members comprises one or more individual abutment members. Furthermore, an abutment member may comprise any shape so as to be used to restrict the amount of tilt achieved by the platform, as will be further disclosed below. For example, the upper and/or lower abutment members may have a wedge shape, a wedge shape with a flattened top or bottom portion or a variety of other shapes  
         [0041]    By selecting a desired set of lower abutment members  144 ,  146  or  148  upon which the upper set of abutment members  100  is placed, the user can selectively choose the amount of tilt achieved. Abutment members  144 ,  146  and  148  can be selected by rotating tilt adjuster  32  to a desired position. For example, in FIG. 1, tilt adjuster  32  is adjusted to align upper abutment members  100  with abutment members  144 , which is the largest set of abutment members illustrated, such that less tilt is achieved by user  10  than if a smaller set of abutment members were selected, such as abutment members  146  or  148 . A detent mechanism may be employed to enable a desired set of lower abutment members, such as abutment members  144 ,  146  or  148 , to be selected and locked in place.  
         [0042]    Thus, the dynamic nature of platform  12  may be selectively adjusted by rotating adjuster  32 . In other words, the dynamic nature of platform  26  is selectively adjusted by rotating adjuster  32  without requiring the practitioner to move any component of the platform in a vertical direction. This is a highly efficient and advantageous adjustment mechanism that conveniently allows adjustment by rotating adjuster  32  within a horizontal plane rather than requiring the movement of a mechanism in a vertical plane.  
         [0043]    One or more handles that are coupled to the dynamic platform may further modify the dynamic nature of the platform. The handles may be permanently coupled or may be removably coupled. In FIG. 1, an example of stretchable elastic handles  18   a  and  18   b  is shown. Handles  18   a  and  18   b  are each selectively coupled to a variety of attachment locations on board  26  and are held by the individual  10  while performing the exercise workout. As individual  10  moves stretchable handles  18   a  and  18   b , additional force is placed on board  26  to further add to the tilting of board  26 . Nevertheless, while the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1 includes handles  18   a  and  18   b , embodiments of the present invention also embrace dynamic platforms that are employed without handles.  
         [0044]    Therefore, embodiments of the present invention are associated with a dynamic platform that provides an unstable surface for an individual. As the individual exercises or moves on the dynamic platform, the platform is allowed to tilt in a given direction. The user selectively adjusts the amount that the platform is allowed to tilt by aligning a flexible connector with a tilt adjuster, such as through the use of aligned abutment members or through another system that adjusts tilt. The dynamic nature of the platform can be further adjusted through the use of handles held by the individual user.  
         [0045]    The following disclosure, corresponding to FIGS.  2 - 10 , provides additional details as to the various components of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is an exploded view of an embodiment of the present invention and FIGS.  3 - 9  correspond to individual components of the embodiment of FIG. 2. Furthermore, FIG. 10 provides an exemplary handle that may optionally be used in association with the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2.  
         [0046]    Referring now to FIG. 2, an exploded view of dynamic platform  12  is illustrated. The components of dynamic platform  12  include fastening devices  20  (e.g., screws, bolts, etc.) a mat  22 , a plate  24 , a board  26 , a glide ring  28 , a two-part flexible adjustable hub  29 , and a base  34 . Hub  29  comprises (i) a flexible connector  30  and (ii) a tilt adjuster  32 , as discussed above. One or more fastening devices  20  may be used to secure mat  22 , plate  24 , board  26 , and glide ring  28  to connector  30 . Optionally, an adhesive is employed or the parts are formed as an integral unit, for example, although other alternatives are available, as will be appreciated by one skilled in the art in light of the disclosure herein. Base  34  and tilt adjuster  32  are secured to connector  30  through the use of anchor bolts  112  that are molded into connector  30 .  
         [0047]    Those skilled in the art will appreciate that a variety of different types of fastening devices  20  may be used to secure various components of a dynamic platform together, such as screws, bolts, pins, and the like. Furthermore, an adhesive may be used with or without fastening devices  20  to secure a plurality of components together. By way of example, an adhesive may be placed between the underneath surface of mat  22  and the top surface of board  26  to enable mat  22  to be firmly affixed to the top surface of board  26 , as will be further explained below.  
         [0048]    The following description corresponding to FIGS.  3 - 9 , provides additional details as to components of dynamic platform  12  of FIG. 2. The components include mat  22 , plate  24 , board  26 , glide ring  28 , two-part flexible hub  29  and base  34 . Furthermore, for convenience of the reader, FIGS.  3 - 9  and the corresponding description generally follow the order in which the components of dynamic platform  12  are layered from top to bottom, as illustrated in the exploded view of FIG. 2.  
         [0049]    Referring first to FIG. 3, an exemplary illustration is provided of a mat, illustrated as mat  22 , which may be used as a component of dynamic platform  12  of FIG. 2. An individual that exercises on dynamic platform  12  stands on top of mat  22 . Therefore, a texture  40  may be placed on mat  22  to provide a non-slip upper surface for mat  22 . Alternatively or additionally, the type of material used for mat  22  may provide a non-slip surface. A material that may be used includes a flexible polyvinyl chloride (“PVC”), such as PVC . 50  with a durometer of a shore A, or a low-density polyethylene, for example, or another material that provides a surface of friction between dynamic platform  12  and the individual  10 . Mat  22  may also provide a cosmetic appearance to dynamic platform  12 . Mat  22  may be manufactured through the process of extrusion or it may be die cut to include a variety of apertures. By way of example, apertures  42   a - 42   d  allow fastening devices  20  (FIG. 2) to be inserted therethrough. In the illustrated embodiment, four fastening devices  20  are used that are placed through mat  22 , plate  24 , and board  26 , as illustrated in FIG. 2. Mat  22  also includes grooves  44   a - 44   h  that correspond to grooves or locations in board  26  and allow an individual to selectively couple a handle to selected locations of dynamic platform  12  of FIG. 2.  
         [0050]    Referring now to FIG. 4, an exemplary illustration is provided of a reinforcing plate illustrated as plate  24 , which may be used as a component of dynamic platform  12  of FIG. 1. Plate  24  is used as a reinforcement to distribute the force that is applied to the center of dynamic platform  12 . Apertures  50   a - 50   c  of plate  24  correspond to apertures  42   a - 42   d  of mat  24  (FIG. 3) through which fastening devices  20  (FIG. 2) may be inserted. Plate  24  can be made from any material that would provide strength to the dynamic platform, such as steel.  
         [0051]    Referring now to FIGS. 5A and 5B, an illustration is provided of an exemplary board, illustrated as board  26 , which may be used as a component of dynamic platform  12  of FIG. 1. FIG. 5A illustrates a top view and FIG. 5B illustrates a bottom view of board  26 . A central, upper portion  60  of board  26  is recessed below the top surface  61  of board  26  so as to allow plate  24  (FIG. 4) to reside therein. When inserted, the top surface of plate  24  is flush with the top surface  61  of board  26 . Furthermore, apertures  62   a  - 62   d  correspond to apertures  50   a - 50   d  of plate  24  (FIG. 4) and apertures  42   a - 42   d  of mat  22  (FIG. 3) to allow fastening devices  20  (FIG. 2) to be inserted therethrough. Board  26  is made out of a durable material, such as hanna resin (“ABS  433 ”) or the equivalent, which resists fracture when dynamic platform  12  is in use. Grooves  64   a - 64   h  of board  26  correspond to grooves  44   a - 44   h  of mat  22  (FIG. 3) to provide various locations for which handles  18  (FIG. 1) may be selectively attached.  
         [0052]    An individual may stand either along the long axis or the short axis of board  26 . As illustrated in FIG. 5B, the lower portion of board  26  is reinforced with a rib structure that provides strength to keep board  26  from deforming and/or fracturing. The rib structure includes oval ribs  66 , lateral ribs  68 , long-axis ribs  70 , short-axis ribs  72 , and central ribs  74  which are coupled to the upper surface of board  26 . Oval ribs  66  provide an even support and to give rigidity to board  26 . Lateral ribs  68  provide lateral strength to board  26 . Long-axis ribs  70  provide support along the long axis of board  26 . Similarly, short-axis ribs  72  provide strength across the short axis of board  26 . Central ribs  74  radially distribute the force that is applied at the center of board  26  to prevent a centralized force strain at the center of board  26 .  
         [0053]    Referring now to FIG. 6, an exemplary illustration is provided of a friction reducer, illustrated as glide ring  28 , which may be used as a component of dynamic platform  12  of FIG. 2. Glide ring  28  is made out of delrin, nylon, high-density polyethylene, high-density polypropylene, or the like to provide a friction-free environment between board  26  and connector  30 . FIG. 6 illustrates the bottom view of glide ring  28  so as to illustrate protrusions  80   a - 80   d , which insert into apertures of connector  30  to maintain glide ring  28  adjacent to connector  30 , as will be further explained below.  
         [0054]    Referring now to FIGS.  7 A- 7 C, an exemplary illustration is provided of flexible connector  30 . FIG. 7A illustrates a top view, FIG. 7B illustrates a bottom view, and FIG. 7C illustrates a cross-sectional view As illustrated in FIG. 7C, connector  30  comprises: (i) a flexibly dynamic body  111 ; and (ii) an anchor  112  and nut plate  110  coupled to body  111 . In one embodiment, nut plate  110  and anchor  112  are molded inserts. Nut plate  110  is used for receiving fastening devices  20  (FIG. 2), thus securing mat  22 , plate  24  and board  26  to connector  30 . Anchor  112  is used for fastening connector  30  to base  34 . Nut plate  110  and anchor  112  are illustrated independently from body  111  in FIGS. 7D and 7E, respectively.  
         [0055]    Dynamic body  111  comprises a flexible material that allows board  26  to tilt in any direction. Examples of such flexible materials include a material latex, a polyurethane, a synthetic rubber, etc. In a further embodiment, the synthetic rubber used for the dynamic body  111  is butal with a durometer  50  shore A.  
         [0056]    As illustrated in FIG. 7C, body  111  comprises (i) a central portion  95 ; and (ii) a wing portion  96  extending outwardly from and surrounding central portion  95 . Nut plate  110  is coupled to an upper end of central portion  95 , such as by being embedded therein. An upper ring  97  of flexible material is mounted on top of nut plate  110 . In one embodiment, ring  97  comprises the same material that is employed for body  111  Anchor  112  is coupled to a lower end of central portion  95  of body  111 , as shown in FIGS. 7B and 7C, such that anchor bolts  132   c - 132   d  (FIG. 7B) protrude from body  111 .  
         [0057]    Glide ring  28 , having protrusions  80   a - 80   d  (FIG. 6), resides on the top surface of wing portion  96  (FIG. 7A) and is affixed by lodging protrusions  80   a - 80   d  into corresponding apertures  94   a - 94   d  (FIG. 7A) of wing portion  96 . In a further embodiment an adhesive is used to further secure protrusions  80   a - 80   d  in apertures  94   a - 94   d . Glide ring  28  provides a friction-free surface between connector  30  and board  26 .  
         [0058]    Connector  30  is coupled to board  26  and base  32 . A male portion  90  of connector  30  (FIG. 7A) is inserted into a female portion  76  of board  26  (FIG. 5B). Apertures  92   a  - 92   d  of ring  97  (FIGS. 7A and 7C) correspond to apertures  62   a - 62   d  of board  26  (FIG. 5A), which correspond to apertures of plate  24  (FIG. 4), and mat  22  to allow for fasteners  20  (FIG. 2) to be inserted therethrough. Thus, connector  30  is coupled to board  26 . Anchor  112  couples connector  30  to base  34 , as discussed below.  
         [0059]    As illustrated in FIG. 7B, connector  30  also includes a set of abutment members  100   a - 100   d  that mount to the underneath surface of wing portion  96 . Abutment members  100   a - 100   d  are an example of the top abutment members referred to above in the discussion corresponding to FIG. 1. In one embodiment, abutment members  100   a - 100   d  are approximately two inches in width and have a tapered angle of 23°, although a variety of different configurations are available. A mating bottom abutment member from tilt adjuster  32  (FIG. 8 a ) aligns with a respective abutment member  100  from connector  30  to limit the amount of tilt the dynamic platform  12  is able to achieve. Receiving sockets  102  are configured to selectively receive protrusions extending from a portion of tilt adjuster  32  in order to align a set of bottom abutment members with abutment members  100 , as discussed below.  
         [0060]    [0060]FIG. 7D illustrates a bottom view of a first insert (optionally molded) that is referred to above as nut plate  110 . Plate  110  includes dimpled protrusions  120   a - 120   h  that create surface area to which dynamic body  111  of connector  30  may adhere during a molding process in order to form a reliable bond between nut plate  110  and body  111 . In one embodiment, four of the protrusions, e.g., protrusions  120   a - 120   d , are internally threaded to allow a fastening device  20  (FIG. 2) to be attached thereto in order to couple board  26  to connector  30 . The internally threaded protrusions  120   a - 120   d  correspond to apertures  92   a - 92   d  of ring  97  (FIG. 7A), apertures  62   a - 62   d  of board  26  (FIG. 5A), apertures  50   a - 50   d  of plate  24  (FIG. 4) and apertures  42   a - 42   d  of mat  22  (FIG. 3). In one embodiment, as the fastening devices  20  extend down through the board  26  and into the connector  30 , a bonding agent, such as an adhesive, is applied to eliminate any twisting between the fastening devices  20  and body  111  of connector  30  to ensure that all movement takes place uniformly.  
         [0061]    [0061]FIG. 7E illustrates a second insert (optionally molded), referred to above as anchor  112 , which includes a steel plate  130  and anchor bolts  132   a - 132   d  coupled thereto. In one embodiment, each anchor bolt  132  is made up of a {fraction (5/16)}th-threaded rod that is bent on a 90° angle with a portion (e.g., 1.37 inches) of the bolt sticking out from the bottom surface of anchor plate  130 . Anchor bolts  132   a - 132   d  are tack welded to each other and to anchor plate  130  so as to ensure that each anchor bolt  132  maintains its position. The top surface of anchor plate  130  and any portion of anchor bolts  132   a - 132   d  above the top surface of anchor plate  130  are coupled to dynamic body  111  of connector  30 , as illustrated in FIG. 7C, such as through a molding process. The portions of anchor bolts  132  that protrude out of the bottom of connector  30  (FIG. 7B) are affixed to a stationary base  34 . Bolts  132  may comprise a variety of different fasteners, such as bolts, threaded screws, pins, etc.  
         [0062]    Referring now to FIGS. 8 a  and  8   b , exemplary illustrations are provided of tilt adjuster  32  which may be used as a component of dynamic platform  12  of FIG. 2. FIG. 8 a  is a top view and FIG. 8 b  is a bottom view of adjuster  32 . Connector  30  and adjuster  32  are movably coupled to each other such that adjuster  32  may rotate about lower end  103  of connector  30  (FIG. 7B).  
         [0063]    The rotation of tilt adjuster  32  allows for the selective adjustment of the dynamic nature of platform  12 . Tilt adjuster  32  includes (i) a circular body  139 ; and (ii) handles  140   a - 140   d  coupled to body  139  to facilitate a user in rotating tilt adjuster  32  in either a clockwise or counter clockwise direction. As a user rotates tilt adjuster  32 , protrusions  142   a - 142   d , located on the interior diameter of body  139  opposite handles  140  as illustrated in FIGS. 8 a - 8   b , move from one set of receiving sockets  102  of connector  30  (FIG. 7B) to another set of sockets  102 . Each time the protrusions  142  interlockingly mate with a set of sockets  102 , a set of bottom abutment members of adjuster  32  is aligned underneath abutment members  100  of connector  30  (FIG. 7B). The combination of sockets  102  and protrusions  142  provides an example of a selectively interlocking detent mechanism.  
         [0064]    [0064]FIG. 8 a  illustrates three sets of abutment members on tilt adjuster  32 , namely abutment members  144   a - 144   d , abutment members  146   a - 146   d  and abutment members  148   a - 148   d . Each set of abutment members of tilt adjuster  32  restricts the amount of tilt that board  26  (FIG. 2) can undergo. Therefore, by way of example, when board  26  tilts in a given direction, the tilt causes one or more abutment members  100  of connector  30  to come into contact with one or more corresponding abutment members  144   a - 144   d ,  145 A - 145   d  or  148   a - 148   d  of adjuster  32  in order to restrict any further tilting of board  26 . The varying size of the three sets of abutment members of tilt adjuster  32  allows for selectable settings of the dynamic nature of platform  12 . Abutment members  144  are the tallest of the three sets of abutment members of tilt adjuster  32  and therefore provide the greatest amount of restriction to the tilting of board  26 . In contrast, abutment members  148  are the shortest of the three sets of abutment members of tilt adjuster  32  and therefore provide the least amount of restriction to the tilting of board  26 . Abutment members  146  are a height between the heights of abutment members  144  and  148  to provide a tilt restriction between the tilt restriction caused by abutment members  144  and the tilt restriction caused by abutment members  148 . Therefore, the tilt restriction of dynamic platform  12  is selectable by rotating tilt adjuster  32  so as to select one of the sets of abutment members of adjuster  32  to align or correspond to abutment members  100  of connector  30  (FIG. 7B). While the illustrated embodiment of adjuster  32  includes three sets of abutment members to provide three settings of tilt restriction, other embodiments of the present invention include less than three or more than three settings of tilt restriction.  
         [0065]    The moving of protrusions  142  from one set of sockets  102  to another set of sockets  102  aligns a set of abutment members  144 ,  146  or  148  of adjuster  32  with the abutment members  100  of connector  30  (FIG. 7B). As a user rotates adjuster  32 , protrusions  142  (FIG. 8 a ) enter and exit corresponding sockets  102  (FIG. 7B) for each rotational setting.  
         [0066]    [0066]FIG. 9 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a stationary support base, illustrated as base  34 , which can be used as a component of the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2. Base  34  includes a set of legs  150 , a central plate  152  and a set of feet  154 . One end of each of legs  150  is tack welded to central plate  152  and opposing ends of legs  150  are each fastened to a respective foot  154 . Central plate  152  includes apertures  156   a - 156   d  that correspond to and couple with anchor bolts  132   a - 132   d  of connector  30  (FIG. 7C). The coupling of anchor bolts  132  through apertures  156  couples connector  30  to tilt adjuster  32  and base  34 . For example, bolts  132   a -  132   d  may have threads thereon which are threadedly coupled to base  34  or may be welded to base  34 . Adjuster  32  is movably coupled to connector  30  and selectively rotates about connector  30 .  
         [0067]    The dynamic nature of platform  12  may also be adjusted through the use of an exercise mechanism coupled to the platform  12 . Examples of an exercise mechanism coupled to platform  12  include one or more handles, a cord and pulley system, or any other exercise mechanism that may be coupled to any portion of platform  12  (e.g., top, bottom, and/or within). The exercise mechanism may be coupled to platform  12  such that the exercise mechanism is on top of, underneath or within the platform and can be employed by the individual on the platform.  
         [0068]    In FIG. 10, an illustration is provided of an exemplary embodiment of a handle, illustrated as handle  18 , which includes grip  160  coupled to a linkage  162  that is in turn coupled to a first end  163  of an elastic member  164 . A abutment member  166  is placed about an opposite end  165  of elastic member  164  and a male end of a plunger  168  is inserted into the end  165  of the elastic member  164  so as to hold the end  165  between the plunger  168  and the abutment member  166 . When abutment member  166 , end  165  and plunger  168  are coupled, abutment member  166  may be selectively inserted into one of the various grooves  64  of board  26  (FIG. 5A) so as to be used while the individual performs an exercise workout on dynamic platform  12 .  
         [0069]    As illustrated in FIG. 1, an individual  10  on top of dynamic platform  12  may employ an exercise mechanism, such as by pulling one or more handles  18 , to increase the dynamic nature of board  26 . Therefore, the use of handles  18  further increases the tilting nature of board  26 . While FIG. 1 illustrates the use of two handles  18   a -  18   b , other embodiments of the present invention allow for the use of more than two handles, the use of one handle, or the use of no handles. The stretchable, elastic handles  18  of one embodiment allow the user to increase the dynamic nature of the platform, rather than assisting the user in stabilizing the board.  
         [0070]    With reference now to FIGS.  11 A- 12 F, illustrations are provided of additional embodiments of various components of platform  12  (FIG. 2). FIGS.  11 A- 11 B correspond to additional embodiments of a board that may be used as a component of platform  12 . FIGS.  12 A- 12 F correspond to additional embodiments of connectors that may be used as a component of platform  12 .  
         [0071]    In FIG. 11A, an illustration is provided of a top view of board  26   a , which is another embodiment of a board used as a component of platform  12 . Board  26   a  includes one or more recesses (e.g., oval recesses) on the top surface of board  26   a  into which a mating decorative insert (e.g., a decal) may be coupled.  
         [0072]    In FIG. 11B, an illustration is provided of a bottom view of board  26   b , which is yet another embodiment of a board used as a component of platform  12 . Board  26   b  includes another configuration of a rib structure, as compared to the rib structure of board  26  illustrated in FIG. 5 b , which provides strength to keep board  26   b  from deforming and/or fracturing. The illustrated rib structure of board  26   b  includes oval ribs, lateral ribs, long-axis ribs, short-axis ribs, and central ribs that are coupled to the upper surface of board  26   b . The rib structures of FIGS. 5B and 11B provide structural examples for providing the necessary strength to the board to prevent the board from deforming and/or fracturing while in use.  
         [0073]    As provided above, FIGS.  12 A- 12 F provide various additional embodiments of connectors that may be used as a component of platform  12 . One embodiment, illustrated in FIGS.  12 A- 12 C includes connector  30   a , which comprises a solid dynamic body  111   a  (FIG. 12C). The top, bottom and cross-sectional views of connector  30   a  are respectively illustrated in FIGS. 12A, 12B and  12 C.  
         [0074]    Connector  30   a  includes a nut plate, illustrated as nut plate  110   a , for coupling connector  30   a  to the board of the platform, and an anchor plate for coupling connector  30   a  to the base of the platform. In one embodiment, nut plate  110   a  comprises four protrusions that are internally threaded to allow a fastening device  20  (FIG. 2) to be attached thereto in order to couple board  26  to connector  30   a.    
         [0075]    Another embodiment, illustrated in FIG. 12E, includes connector  30   b  that comprises a nut plate, an anchor plate and a cavity  131 . The anchor plate illustrated is anchor plate  112   a  (FIG. 12F), which provides an opening to cavity  131 . The illustrated embodiments of the present invention include a two-part hub that comprises (i) a flexible connector flexibly connecting the board to the base of the platform, and (ii) a tilt adjuster placed about the connector to restrict the amount of tilt achieved by the platform to a desired, adjusted amount. As provided above, other embodiments in accordance with the present invention include a one-part hub or a several-part hub, wherein the several-part hub includes more than two components.  
         [0076]    One such other embodiment is a flexible adjustable hub that comprises: (i) a spring that couples the board to the base of the platform; and (ii) a screw that is selectively threaded within the spring along the contours of the spring to thereby decrease the flexibility of the spring. The screw thus acts as an adjuster to restrict the amount of tilt achieved by the platform to a desired, adjusted amount Also included in such other embodiments is a flexible adjustable hub comprising: (i) a ball and socket hub that connects the board to the base of the platform; and (ii) one or more bands coupled between the peripheral edge of the base and the peripheral edge of the board (e.g., two, three or four bands may be employed between the board and the base). The bands may be evenly spaced so as to stabilize the hub. The bands may be flexible, elastic bands having an adjustable length and may act as an adjuster to restrict the amount of tilt achieved by the platform to a desired, adjusted amount.  
         [0077]    Thus, the present invention relates to exercise equipment and more particularly to balancing equipment that provides a selectively dynamic platform. As an individual on top of the dynamic platform moves or exercise thereon, the weight and/or movement of the individual causes the platform to tilt in a given direction. As such, the dynamic platform attempts to throw off the balance of the individual, forcing the individual to make an effort to maintain balance.  
         [0078]    As explained above, the dynamic nature may be adjusted to correspond to the ability of the individual by rotating the connector to align a set of bottom abutment members with a set of top abutment members to restrict the amount of tilt of the platform. Furthermore, the individual may employ an exercising mechanism coupled to the platform to further increase the dynamic nature of the platform. As such, an individual may test his or her balance or increase his or her exercise workout by doing so on top of the selectively dynamic platform.  
         [0079]    As mentioned, the abutment members of the present invention may have a variety of different shapes. For example, in one embodiment, the top portions of lower abutment members  144 ,  146  and/or  148  are flattened while the lower portions thereof retain the angled wedge shape shown. Flattening the upper tips of these members may allow the adjuster to be moved more freely about the connector. However, the abutment members may have a variety of different shapes that achieve the objects described herein.  
         [0080]    The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive, The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.