Patent Description:
The present disclosure relates to balance boards and in particular to wobble boards.

Balance boards are used for recreation, balance training, athletic training, physiotherapy, rehabilitation and other kinds of personal development. Balance boards can also be used by a user working at a stand-up desk. One type of balance board is a wobble board.

Wobble boards pivot in all directions: forward-backward, left-right, and anywhere in between, i.e. <NUM> degrees. Standing on a wobble board exercises muscles that are not exercised by standing on a balance board that tilts in only two (opposite) directions.

The basic exercise of using a wobble board is standing on the wobble board with both feet and tilting it in any direction without letting the board tilt so far that its edges touch the ground.

Various wobble boards have been considered. <CIT> discloses a work platform that has a top member with a surface sized to receive a user's feet thereon while standing and a bottom member coupled to the top member. The bottom member has a width and length generally equal to the width and length of the top member. The bottom member has a curved surface generally at the longitudinal center of the work platform defined at least partially by a radius of curvature of between about <NUM> and about <NUM>. The curved surface induces instability under a user standing on the top member to thereby facilitate active muscle engagement in the user's legs while standing on the work platform.

<CIT>discloses a balancing device comprising a board member and a pivoting member comprising a contact face for abutting a surface, wherein said pivoting member comprises integrated contact face adjusting means for changing the geometrical shape of said contact face.

<CIT>discloses a footrest that is fastened on a base and that may pivot on the base by means of a ball-and-socket joint. Various settings allow this pivoting to be progressive and measured.

Although wobble boards have been considered, improvements are desired. It is therefore an object at least to provide a novel wobble board.

The present invention is defined by the independent claim, to which reference should now be made. Advantageous embodments are set out in the dependent claims.

Embodiments will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:.

As used herein, an element or feature introduced in the singular and preceded by the word "a" or "an" should be understood as not necessarily excluding the plural of the elements or features. Further, references to "one example" or "one embodiment" are not intended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of additional examples or embodiments that also incorporate the described elements or features. Moreover, unless explicitly stated to the contrary, examples or embodiments "comprising" or "having" or "including" an element or feature or a plurality of elements or features having a particular property may include additional elements or features not having that property. Also, it will be appreciated that the terms "comprises", "has", "includes" means "including by not limited to" and the terms "comprising", "having" and "including" have equivalent meanings.

As used herein, the term "and/or" can include any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed elements or features.

It will be understood that when an element or feature is referred to as being "on", "attached" to, "connected" to, "coupled" with, "contacting", etc. another element or feature, that element or feature can be directly on, attached to, connected to, coupled with or contacting the other element or feature or intervening elements may also be present. In contrast, when an element or feature is referred to as being, for example, "directly on", "directly attached" to, "directly connected" to, "directly coupled" with or "directly contacting" another element of feature, there are no intervening elements or features present.

It will be understood that spatially relative terms, such as "under", "below", "lower", "over", "above", "upper", "front", "back" and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe the relationship of an element or feature to another element or feature as illustrated in the figures. The spatially relative terms can however, encompass different orientations in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures.

It will be understood that a wobble board may also be referred to in the art as a work platform, balancing device, platform for work while standing, balance board, etc..

Turning to <FIG> and <FIG>, a wobble board is shown and is generally identified by reference numeral <NUM>. In this embodiment, the wobble board comprises a platform <NUM>, a base <NUM>, a compressible member <NUM>, an adjustment mechanism <NUM> and a locking mechanism <NUM>. The compressible member <NUM> is positioned intermediate the platform <NUM> and the base <NUM>. The compressible member <NUM> allows the platform <NUM> to pivot with respect to the base <NUM> in all directions, that is, forward, backward, left, right, and anywhere in between, i.e. <NUM> degrees. As will be appreciated, the limit as to how much the platform <NUM> can pivot with respect to the base <NUM> is defined by a support surface on which the wobble board <NUM> is placed, which is typically a floor. The adjustment mechanism <NUM> extends from the base <NUM> to the platform <NUM> and is used to adjust a level of compression of the compressible member <NUM>. The locking mechanism <NUM> is positioned above the compressible member <NUM> and is used to set the wobble board <NUM> in use mode or adjustment mode. Put another way, the locking mechanism <NUM> enables the adjustment mechanism <NUM> to adjust the level of compression of the compressible member <NUM>, as will be described in more detail below.

As shown in <FIG>, in this embodiment the platform <NUM> is generally annular shaped and has a circular opening <NUM> defined therein. The platform <NUM> has a radius rp defined from a center thereof. The opening <NUM> is located at the center of the platform <NUM>. In this embodiment, the platform <NUM> is made of wood. As will be appreciated, in other embodiments the platform <NUM> may be made of any rigid material such as for example metal, plastic or laminate.

As shown in <FIG>, in this embodiment, the base <NUM> is generally annular shaped and has a circular opening <NUM> defined therein. The base <NUM> has a radius rb defined from a center thereof. The radius rb of the base <NUM> is less than the radius rp of the platform <NUM>. The opening <NUM> is located at the center of the base <NUM>. In this embodiment, the base <NUM> is made of metal. As will be appreciated, in other embodiments the base <NUM> may be made of any rigid material such as for example wood, plastic or laminate.

As shown in <FIG>, in this embodiment the compressible member <NUM> is generally frustoconical shaped and has an opening <NUM> defined therein. The compressible member <NUM> has a rounded top surface <NUM>. The opening <NUM> extends from the top surface <NUM> to a bottom surface <NUM>. The bottom surface <NUM> has a radius rc. bottom defined from a center thereof. The top surface <NUM> has a radius (not shown) less than the radius rc. The bottom surface <NUM> has a diameter dc. bottom that is greater than a diameter of the circular opening <NUM> of the base <NUM>. The diameter dc. bottom is less than a diameter of the platform <NUM> and the base <NUM>. In this embodiment, the compressible member <NUM> is made of an elastic material such as for example rubber or elastomer. As such, the compressible member <NUM> expands radially in response to an axial force applied thereto. The compressible member <NUM> is positioned such that the bottom surface <NUM> is in contact with a top surface of the base <NUM> and the opening <NUM> of the compressible member <NUM> is aligned with the opening <NUM> of the base <NUM>. The compressible member <NUM> is secured intermediate the platform <NUM> and the base <NUM> using components of the adjustment mechanism <NUM> and the locking mechanism <NUM>, as will be described.

The adjustment mechanism <NUM> is shown in <FIG>. In this embodiment, the adjustment mechanism <NUM> comprises a stem <NUM>, a socket <NUM>, a dowel pin <NUM>, a washer <NUM> and a chassis <NUM>.

As best shown in <FIG>, the stem <NUM> comprises a head <NUM> and a threaded shank <NUM> extending therefrom. An opening <NUM> extends through the head <NUM>. The opening <NUM> is dimensioned to receive the dowel pin <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the socket <NUM> comprises body <NUM> dimensioned to fit within the opening <NUM> of the base <NUM>. The body <NUM> is generally inverted bowl-shaped, that is, the body <NUM> is generally concave-shaped and has an open bottom <NUM>. A flange <NUM> extends about a periphery of the open bottom <NUM> of the body <NUM>. When the body <NUM> is positioned in the opening <NUM> of the base, the flange <NUM> ensures the body <NUM> does not pass entirely therethrough. An opening <NUM> is defined on the concave-shaped portion of the body <NUM>, opposite the open bottom <NUM>. Openings <NUM> are defined on opposite sides of the body <NUM> adjacent the flange <NUM>. The openings <NUM> are dimensioned to receive the dowel pin <NUM>.

As best shown in <FIG>, the washer <NUM> is generally annular shaped and has a circular opening <NUM> defined therein. As will be appreciated, in other embodiments multiple washers may be used.

As shown in <FIG>, the chassis <NUM> comprises a generally annular shaped body <NUM>. A groove <NUM> is defined about the circumference of a top surface <NUM> of the body <NUM>. The groove <NUM> is dimensioned to receive and retain ball bearings <NUM> (shown in <FIG>) therein. A threaded member <NUM> extends from the top surface <NUM> of the body <NUM> and is dimensioned to receive and mate with the threaded shank <NUM> of the stem <NUM>. A nut <NUM> is positioned around a base of the threaded member <NUM> and is in contact with the top surface <NUM> of the body <NUM>. The nut <NUM> is secured to the threaded member <NUM>.

During assembly of the wobble board <NUM>, the head <NUM> of the stem <NUM> is positioned within the body <NUM> of the socket <NUM>. The dowel pin <NUM> is inserted through a first one of the openings <NUM> on the body <NUM>, through the opening <NUM> of the head <NUM>, and through a second one of the openings <NUM> on the body <NUM>. As such, the stem <NUM> is fixed in position axially within the socket <NUM>. The threaded shank <NUM> of the stem <NUM> extends through the opening <NUM> on the body <NUM> of the socket <NUM>. The washer <NUM> is positioned above the compressible member <NUM> such that the opening <NUM> of the washer <NUM> is aligned with the opening <NUM> of the compressible member <NUM>. The chassis <NUM> is positioned above the washer <NUM> and the compressible member <NUM> such that the threaded member <NUM> is aligned with the opening <NUM> of the washer <NUM> and the opening <NUM> of the compressible member <NUM>. The socket <NUM>, together with the stem <NUM>, is positioned in the opening <NUM> of the base <NUM>. In this manner, the threaded shank <NUM> extends through the opening <NUM> of the compressible member <NUM> and the opening <NUM> of the washer <NUM> and into the threaded member <NUM> of the chassis <NUM>. The ball bearings <NUM> are positioned within the groove <NUM> of the chassis <NUM>. The threaded member <NUM> of the chassis <NUM> is connected to components of the locking mechanism <NUM>, as will be described.

The locking mechanism <NUM> in <FIG>. In this embodiment, the locking mechanism <NUM> comprises a bearing plate <NUM>, an interlock spring <NUM>, an interlock disc <NUM>, an interlock trigger plate <NUM> and a locking member <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the bearing plate <NUM> comprises a generally annular body <NUM> having an opening <NUM>. The body <NUM> is dimensioned to extend through the opening <NUM> of the platform <NUM>. A groove <NUM> extends about a periphery of one end of the body <NUM>, radially outward from the opening <NUM>, and is configured to receive and retain ball bearings <NUM> (shown in <FIG>) therein. Teeth <NUM> extend radially inward from the opening <NUM> of the body <NUM>. A flange <NUM> extends adjacent an opposite end of the body <NUM>. Openings <NUM> are defined in the flange <NUM>, each of which is dimensioned to receive a fastening member <NUM> which in this embodiment is a screw. The fastening members <NUM> connect the bearing plate <NUM> to a bottom surface of the platform <NUM>.

The interlock spring <NUM> (shown in <FIG>) is used to exert a generally upward force on the interlock disc <NUM>. The generally upward force encourages contact between the interlock disc <NUM> and the interlock plate <NUM> and helps to ensure that teeth of the interlock disc <NUM> remain engaged during adjustment mode, as will be described in more detail below.

As shown in <FIG>, the interlock disc <NUM> comprises a generally annular body <NUM> having a hexagonal shaped opening <NUM> defined therein. The hexagonal shaped opening <NUM> is dimensioned to receive and engage with the nut <NUM> of the of the chassis <NUM>. Teeth <NUM> extend radially outward from the body <NUM> and are dimensioned to mate with the teeth <NUM> of the bearing plate <NUM>. A number of projections <NUM>, which in this embodiment is three (<NUM>) projections <NUM>, are positioned on a top surface <NUM> of the body <NUM> at spaced apart locations from one another.

In this embodiment, each projection <NUM> is positioned on the top surface <NUM> of the body <NUM> inset from an outer edge <NUM> thereof. Each projection <NUM> is in the shape of a curved-ramp and comprises a first upper surface <NUM> and a second upper surface <NUM>. The first upper surface <NUM> is generally flush with the top surface <NUM> of the body <NUM>. The second upper surface <NUM> extends a distance above the top surface <NUM>. The curve of the curved-ramp is generally equal to that of the outer edge <NUM> of the body <NUM>. An opening <NUM> is defined on the projection <NUM> adjacent the second upper surface <NUM>. A tab <NUM> extends up from the second upper surface <NUM> over top of the opening <NUM>.

A bottom view of the interlock trigger plate <NUM> is shown in <FIG>. As can be seen, the interlock trigger plate <NUM> comprises a generally annular body <NUM> having an opening <NUM>. A groove <NUM> extends about a periphery of a bottom surface <NUM> of the body <NUM>. The groove <NUM> is dimensioned to receive and retain ball bearings <NUM> (shown in <FIG>). A number of inclined grooves <NUM>, which in this embodiment is three (<NUM>) inclined grooves <NUM>, are defined on the bottom surface <NUM> of the body <NUM> at spaced apart locations from one another. The location and number of inclined grooves <NUM> corresponds to that of the location and number of projections <NUM> that extend from the body <NUM> of the interlock disc <NUM>. Further, each inclined groove <NUM> is dimensioned and shaped to correspond to or complement one of the projections <NUM> of the interlock disc <NUM>.

In this embodiment, each inclined groove <NUM> has a first end <NUM> that is generally flush with the bottom surface <NUM> of the body <NUM> and a second end <NUM> that is set in the body <NUM>. A depth of each groove <NUM> gradually increases from the first end <NUM> to the second end <NUM>. Openings <NUM> are defined on the body <NUM>, each of which is dimensioned to receive one of fastening members <NUM> (shown in <FIG>) which in this embodiment is a screw.

As shown in <FIG>, the locking member <NUM> comprises a dome-shaped body <NUM>. A locking tab <NUM> extends from a top surface of the locking member <NUM>. Openings <NUM> extend through the body <NUM>, each of which is dimensioned to receive one of the fastening members <NUM> (shown in <FIG>). The fastening members <NUM> are used to connect the locking member <NUM> to the interlock trigger plate <NUM>. A locknut <NUM> and retaining disc <NUM> (shown in <FIG>) are also used to connect the locking member <NUM> to the interlock trigger plate <NUM>.

During assembly of the wobble board <NUM>, the bearing plate <NUM> is inserted into the opening <NUM> of the platform <NUM>. The fastening members <NUM> are inserted through openings <NUM> and are screwed into the bottom surface of the platform <NUM>. The platform <NUM> along with the bearing plate <NUM> are positioned on top of the chassis <NUM> such that the threaded member <NUM> of the chassis <NUM> extends through the opening <NUM> of the bearing plate. A bottom surface of the bearing plate <NUM> is in contact with the ball bearings <NUM>. The interlock spring <NUM> is positioned such that it is in contact with top surface <NUM> of the chassis <NUM> and such that it encircles the nut <NUM> and threaded member <NUM> of the chassis <NUM>. The interlock disc <NUM> is inserted into the opening <NUM> of the bearing plate <NUM>. The hexagonal shaped opening <NUM> engages with the nut <NUM> of the chassis <NUM>. The projections <NUM> of the interlock disc <NUM> extend generally upward. As the interlock disc <NUM> compresses the interlock spring <NUM>, the interlock spring <NUM> exerts a generally upward force on the interlock disc <NUM>. Ball bearings <NUM> are positioned within the groove <NUM> of the bearing plate <NUM>.

In this embodiment, the wobble board <NUM> is operable in two modes: use mode and adjustment mode. As will be described, during use mode a user stands on the top surface of the platform and tries to maintain the wobble board <NUM> in a balanced position. During adjustment mode, a level of compression of the compressible member is adjusted to increase or decrease the difficulty of use of the wobble board <NUM> based on the user's preference.

A cross-sectional view of the wobble board <NUM> in use mode is shown in <FIG>. As can be seen, the interlock disc <NUM> is positioned such that the tab <NUM> of each projection <NUM> is positioned in the first end <NUM> of a corresponding inclined groove <NUM>. In this position, the teeth <NUM> of the interlock disc <NUM> are not engaged with the teeth <NUM> of the bearing plate <NUM>. In the example shown, the level of compression of the compressible member <NUM> is at a minimum and as such the wobble board <NUM> is at a least stable setting.

During operation in the use mode, a user stands on the top surface of the platform <NUM> as shown in <FIG>. The weight of the user causes an axial force to be applied to the compressible member <NUM> and in response the compressible member <NUM> compresses. As the user's weight shifts on top of the wobble board <NUM>, the platform <NUM> pivots with respect to the base <NUM>. As mentioned previously, the platform <NUM> is able to pivot with respect to the base <NUM> in all directions, forward, backward, left, right, and anywhere in between, i.e. <NUM> degrees. In this embodiment, the limit as to how much the platform <NUM> can pivot with respect to the base <NUM> is defined by a support surface on which the wobble board <NUM> is placed on. Put another way, the platform <NUM> can only pivot with respect to the base <NUM> until a portion of the platform <NUM> contacts the support surface, thereby inhibiting further pivot. An example of this is shown in <FIG>. As will be appreciated, since the compressible member <NUM> is made of an elastic material, the threaded member <NUM> is able to pivot by slightly deforming the compressible member <NUM> in the direction of pivot. In use mode, the platform <NUM> is also able to spin/rotate with respect to the base <NUM>.

To transition operation the wobble board <NUM> from use mode to adjustment mode, the locking tab <NUM> of the locking member <NUM> is rotated in a direction, which in this embodiment is clock-wise. As the locking tab <NUM> is rotated, each projection <NUM> travels up the respective inclined groove <NUM> until the tab <NUM> is positioned in the second end <NUM> of the corresponding inclined groove <NUM>. The interlock spring <NUM> further helps each projection <NUM> travel up the respective inclined groove <NUM>.

Once the tabs <NUM> of each projection <NUM> are positioned in the second end <NUM> of the corresponding inclined groove, the wobble board <NUM> is in adjustment mode. A cross-sectional view of the wobble board <NUM> in adjustment mode is shown in <FIG>. As can be seen, the interlock disc <NUM> is positioned such that the tab <NUM> of each projection <NUM> is positioned in the second end <NUM> of the corresponding inclined groove <NUM>. In this position, the teeth <NUM> of the interlock disc <NUM> are engaged with the teeth <NUM> of the bearing plate <NUM>.

As mentioned previously, during adjustment mode the user can adjust the level of compression of the compressible member <NUM> and thus can adjust the difficultly in balancing the wobble board <NUM>. In adjustment mode, the platform <NUM> can be rotated by the user to adjust the level of compression of the compressible member <NUM>. As the platform <NUM> is rotated, the threaded member <NUM> of the chassis <NUM> rotates with respect to the threaded shank <NUM>. As such, the platform <NUM> is raised or lowered with respect to the base <NUM>, based on a direction of rotation. As the platform <NUM> is raised or lowered, the level of compression of the compressible member <NUM> is adjusted. As shown in <FIG>, the platform <NUM> may be rotated by hand. As shown in <FIG>, the platform <NUM> may be rotated while the user is standing thereon.

As shown in <FIG>, the platform <NUM> has been lowered and thus is closer to the base <NUM> (compared to the example shown in <FIG>). As such, the level of compression of the compressible member <NUM> is greater and the wobble board <NUM> is more stable (compared to the example shown in <FIG>). The wobble board <NUM> is then set back to use mode by rotating the locking tab <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>.

As will be appreciated, the wobble board <NUM> may be used for recreation, balance training, athletic training, physiotherapy, rehabilitation and other kinds of personal development. The wobble board <NUM> can also be used by a user working at a stand-up desk. As the user increases their balance/strength, the wobble board <NUM> can be adjusted to increase the difficulty of use. In the event of an injury or due to aging, the wobble board <NUM> can be adjusted to decrease the difficulty of use.

Turning now to <FIG>, another embodiment of a wobble board is shown and is generally identified by reference numeral <NUM>. The wobble board <NUM> is generally identical to that of wobble board <NUM>, with the following exceptions. In this embodiment, the wobble board <NUM> comprises a number of sensors <NUM> and <NUM>. Sensor <NUM> is configured to monitor a degree of pivot of the platform <NUM>. Sensor <NUM> is configured to monitor the level of compression of the compressible member <NUM> and to monitor a force applied to the compressible member <NUM> which can be used to calculate a weight (or mass) of the user. As will be appreciated, other sensors may be employed to monitor additional parameters of the wobble board and may be placed at various locations thereon. For examples, strain gauges, proximity sensors, accelerometers, gyroscopes and magnetometers may be used. The sensors may be wire or wirelessly coupled to a mobile device, a gaming device and/or a computer and may communicate sensor data thereto for processing. For example, the wobble board may be connected to a gaming device. The sensors may communicate data about manipulation of the wobble board to the gaming device which can be processed or interpreted for gameplay. As another example, the wobble board may wirelessly connect to a mobile device. The sensors may communicate data about manipulation of the wobble board to the mobile device which can be processed or interpreted to assess health or fitness statistics of the user.

Turning now to <FIG>, another embodiment of a wobble board is shown and is generally identified by reference numeral <NUM>. The wobble board <NUM> is generally identical to that of wobble board <NUM>, with the following exceptions. In this embodiment, the wobble board <NUM> does not have a locking mechanism. Specifically, the wobble board <NUM> does not have a an interlock spring, an interlock disc, an interlock trigger plate or a locking member. Further, the bearing plate used by wobble board <NUM> is replaced with a bearing plate <NUM> which does not require teeth. In this embodiment, the bearing plate <NUM> is attached to the threaded member <NUM>. A machine screw <NUM> is threadably connected to interior threadings of the stem <NUM>. A washer <NUM> is positioned underneath a head of the machine screw <NUM>. The machine screw <NUM> and washer <NUM> are used to ensure that the threaded member <NUM> does not come off the stem <NUM> when rotated.

Rather than a locking member, the wobble board <NUM> comprises a cap <NUM> dimensioned to cover the circular opening <NUM> of the platform <NUM>.

In this embodiment, since the wobble board <NUM> does not require a locking mechanism, the wobble board <NUM> operates in a single mode which is both an adjustment mode and a use mode. During use, a user stands on the top surface of the platform and tries to maintain the wobble board <NUM> in a balanced position. In the event the user would like to increase or decrease the difficulty of use of the wobble board <NUM>, the user can adjust the level of compression of the compressible member <NUM> and thus can adjust the difficulty in balancing the wobble board <NUM>. Specifically, the platform <NUM> can be rotated by the user to adjust the level of compression of the compressible member <NUM>. As the platform <NUM> is rotated, the threaded member <NUM> rotates with respect to the threaded shank <NUM>. As the platform <NUM> is raised or lowered, the level of compression of the compressible member <NUM> is adjusted. The machine screw <NUM> and washer <NUM> ensure that the platform <NUM> is not rotated so far that it disconnects from the base <NUM>. Similar to wobble board <NUM>, the wobble board <NUM> may be adjusted by rotating the platform <NUM> by hand or while the user is standing thereon.

Turning now to <FIG>, another embodiment of a wobble board is shown and is generally identified by reference numeral <NUM>. Wobble board <NUM> is generally identical to that of wobble board <NUM> with the following exception. In this embodiment, the cap <NUM> is removable and thereby provides access to the various components of the wobble board. The cap <NUM> may be held in place via friction (see <FIG>) and may be readily be removed by the user (see <FIG>). In another embodiment, the cap <NUM> may be threadably connected to the platform and may be removed by rotating it in a direction. In another embodiment, the cap <NUM> may be connected to the platform using a bayonet mount. By providing access to the various components of the wobble board <NUM>, additional components such as for example sensors, etc. may be added to the wobble board <NUM> as desired by the user.

Although in embodiments the limit as to how much the platform can pivot with respect to the base is defined by a support surface on which the wobble board is placed on, in another embodiment the limit as to how much the platform can pivot with respect to the base may be defined by a feature on the base. In this embodiment, the feature is connected to the base and in positioned such that it interferes with movement of the platform as it pivots with respect to the base. Put another way, the platform <NUM> can only pivot with respect to the base <NUM> until a portion of the platform <NUM> contacts the feature on the base, thereby inhibiting further pivot.

Although in embodiments the platform is described as being generally annular shaped, those skilled in the art will appreciate that alternatives are available. For example, in another embodiment the platform may be shaped like a surfboard or a snowboard and thus can be used for athletic training purposes.

In another embodiment of a wobble board, a layer of high friction or gripping material may be placed on the platform for safety purposes to reduce the likelihood of a user slipping. The platform may comprise printed matter such as instructions or arrows to guide the user on how to transition between use mode and adjustment mode. In another embodiment, a layer of compressible material such as for example rubber or foam may be placed atop the platform for comfort. In another embodiment, a layer of textured material such as for example corrugated rubber or foam may be placed atop the platform. In another embodiment, the wobble board may be positioned such that the platform is flush with a surrounding foam mat.

In another embodiment of a wobble board, the base may include one or more adjustable feet or screws to ensure the wobble board lays flat on an otherwise uneven support surface.

In another embodiment of a wobble board, the compressible member may be replaceable. In this embodiment, the compressible member may be replaced with a compressible member having a different range of compression or elasticity. This will further allow the user to increase or decrease the difficulty of the wobble board.

In another embodiment, more than one compressible member may be used.

Although in embodiments above the compressible member is described as being generally frustoconical shaped, those skilled in the art would appreciate that the compressible member may be of another shape such as for example cylindrical shaped, annular shaped, etc..

Although in embodiments above the compressible member is described as being made of a resilient material such as rubber or elastomer, those skilled in the art would appreciate that the compressible member may be made of other materials such as for example foam. In another embodiment, the compressible member may be made of an expandable material filled with fluid. In another embodiment, the compressible member may be made of metal having a number of spring-like members. In another embodiment, the compressible member may be a large coil spring or a disc spring. In another embodiment, the compressible member may be one or more discrete air springs.

Although in embodiments, the compressible member is described as expanding radially in response to an axial force applied thereto, those skilled in the art will appreciate that alternatives are available. For example, in another embodiment the compressible member may compress axially. In another embodiment, the compressible member may compress axially and expand radially.

In another embodiment of a wobble board, the locking mechanism may comprise a button used to switch between use and adjustment modes.

Although in embodiments above the fasteners are described as being in the form of a screw, those skilled in the art will appreciate that any type of fastener may be used.

Although in embodiments above the platform and base are described as being generally annular shaped, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the platform and base may be other shapes such as for example square shaped, rectangular shaped, octagonal shaped, etc..

Although in embodiments the wobble board is described as having an interlock spring used to exert a generally upward force on the interlock disc, those skilled in the art will appreciate that alternatives are available. For example, in another embodiment, the interlock spring may be replaced with a foam washer.

Although in embodiments the interlock disc is described as comprising projections is in the shape of a curved-ramp and the interlock trigger plate is described as comprising inclined grooves, those skilled in the art would appreciate that alternatives are available. For example, in another embodiment, the projections may be small nubs extending from the top surface of the interlock disc and configured to travel along the inclined grooves of the interlock trigger plate.

Although in embodiments ball bearings are used, those skilled in the art will appreciate that alternatives are available such as for example low friction washers.

Claim 1:
A wobble board (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) comprising:
a platform (<NUM>);
a base (<NUM>) having a generally flat bottom surface;
at least one compressible member (<NUM>) positioned intermediate the platform (<NUM>) and the base (<NUM>) such that the platform (<NUM>) is pivotable with respect to the base (<NUM>); characterised by
an adjustment mechanism (<NUM>) comprising a threaded member (<NUM>) connecting the platform (<NUM>) to the base (<NUM>), wherein rotation of the platform (<NUM>) relative to the base (<NUM>) via the threaded member (<NUM>) adjusts a level of compression of the at least one compressible member (<NUM>) and thereby adjusts a difficulty of use of the wobble board (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>), the platform (<NUM>) being rotatable relative to the base (<NUM>) while a user remains standing thereon.