Patent Description:
The first patent for a "balance board" in <NUM> anticipated a game balance or entertainment type of device for recreation use that provides a rollable device upon which a person stands and balances by shifting weight. See <CIT> to Washburn Jr. These boards quickly became popular for skiers and surfers to practice their balancing skills in the off season or when natural conditions were poor. Over the years the balance board has come to be used for training in sports and martial arts, for physical fitness and for non-athletic purposes. Document <CIT> discloses a flexible multi-functional curved board having one or more curved bodies and counter-curve means.

In health and fitness uses, such devices have been used to develop balance, motor coordination skills, weight distribution and core strength, and to strengthen ankles and knees in rehabilitation after injuries. Uses of a balance board beyond its athletic origin have become more common: to expand neural networks that enable the left and right hemispheres of the brain to communicate with each other, thereby increasing its efficiency; to develop sensory integration and cognitive skills in children with developmental disorders; to make dancers lighter on their feet; to teach singers optimal posture for the control of air-flow; to teach musicians how to hold their instrument; to shake off writer's block and other inhibitors of creativity; as an accessory to yoga and as a form of yoga, cultivating holistic health, self-awareness and calm.

There are more than a hundred models of balance boards on the market in the United States. Each of them is a version of one of about fifteen types of balance board. Each of these models and types can be classified as one of five basic types of balance board according to two binary parameters: whether its fulcrum is attached to the board and whether the board tilts in only two opposite directions (left and right or forward and back) or in every direction (<NUM> degrees). More specifically: a rocker-roller board is a rocker board whose fulcrum is a separate piece; a sphere-and-ring board is a wobble board whose fulcrum is a separate piece; a wobble board is a rocker board that tilts toward <NUM> degrees; a sphere-and-ring board is a rocker-roller board that tilts toward <NUM> degrees; and spring board rests on compression springs that tilts towards <NUM> degrees.

The use of balance motion and movements can have health benefits beyond training, entertainment or rehabilitation. The engagement of muscle activation and the encouragement of movement can benefit those in sedentary environments through, inter alia, stimulating overall blood flow by increasing circulation in the lower limbs. However, the uses of any of the conventionally known types of 'balance boards' are not conducive to usein conjunction to sedentary occupations, such as while sitting or standing at a desk.

Consequently, a need exists for a system and device that can promote movement and lower limb circulation to counteract the negative health impact of prolonged sitting in a non-distracting manner while seated at a desk or standing at a standing desk (i.e., while working in an office, etc.).

It is thus an object of the present invention to provide a dynamic board that encourages movement and muscle activation in sedentary environments.

It is a feature of the present invention to provide a flexible planar surface that allows for resistance flexion about multiple spacial planes.

Briefly described according to the preferred embodiment, a multi-planar flexion board is provided to provide resistance motion to the lower limbs. The board consists of a plurality of linear plates and sections stacked together in parallel. The board is provided that encourages movement and muscle activation in sedentary environments by providing a flexible planar surface that allows for resistance flexion about multiple spacial planes. The support board is formed of a plurality of linear ribs stacked together in parallel having a lateral central fulcrum hinge running through each linear rib for providing a rotation point for movement along a lateral center axis. A compression element for urging together the plurality of linear ribs and for providing an urging force on each said rib to return to a stasis position about the fulcrum hinge when deflected. Each ribs can be formed of a structurally monolithic piece, and can have an overall lateral profile similar to an arc segment. The central fulcrum hinge may comprise a solid rod at a lateral central axis running through each linear plate provides the fulcrum point for movement along the center axis. An elastic element, such as a nylon bungee, further laced through the linear plates provides a recoil effect and stops the sections from over-rotating, thereby providing balance. The lower surface is curved, enabling the user position at the top surface to tilt their feet fluidly around.

The multi-segmental flat upper surface can be stood upon with or without shoes, and is detailed with vertical grooves allowing the user to gauge the appropriate equidistant stance. The sections of wood roll underneath the foot to mimic a massage which stimulates good blood flow in the lower limbs.

With an overall low vertical height, the board can be adapted for use at a standing desk or in any number of environments where a user is forced to remain sedentary in a standing position for extended periods.

Resistance provided about multiple axes challenge a user's core muscles, but does so in a manner as to not distract the user from being productive at the same time.

The unique design, construction and operation promote movement, flexibility and comfort simultaneously.

Further objects, features, elements and advantages of the invention will become apparent in the course of the following description.

The advantages and features of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following more detailed description and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like elements are identified with like symbols, and in which:.

The best mode for carrying out the invention is presented in terms of its preferred embodiment, herein depicted within the Figures. It should be understood that the legal scope of the description is defined by the words of the claims set forth at the end of this patent and that the detailed description is to be construed as exemplary only and does not describe every possible embodiment since describing every possible embodiment would be impractical, if not impossible. Numerous alternative embodiments could be implemented, using either current technology or technology developed after the filing date of this patent, which would still fall within the scope of the claims.

The best mode for carrying out the invention is presented in terms of its preferred embodiment, herein depicted within the Figures.

Referring now to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals indicate the same parts throughout the several views, a support board, generally noted as <NUM>, is shown according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention designed and adapted to provide resistance motion to the lower limbs. The support board <NUM> is formed of a plurality of linear ribs or plates <NUM> formed into sections stacked together in parallel as further described in greater detail below. Each individual rib <NUM> may be a single piece (e.g., monolithic piece) or formed of multiple plies mechanically connected so as to function as a single integrated element. The ribs <NUM> are preferably each made of wood, and more preferably each made of an engineered material such as a plywood material, i.e., manufactured from thin layers or "plies" of wood veneer that are glued together with adjacent layers having their wood grain rotated up to <NUM> degrees to one another. The ribs <NUM> may alternately be formed of a different engineered wood, including from a group of manufactured materials including medium-density fibreboard (MDF), oriented strand board (OSB) and particle board (chipboard).

In other or alternate configurations, the ribs <NUM> may be made of other suitable and functionally equivalent materials, such as molded plastic, metal (such as aluminum), other polymer material, a composite material, or a combination of different materials, etc..

In any embodiment, the ribs <NUM> may be assembled in a manner that is spaced apart, thereby allowing for movement of individual ribs <NUM> without impinging against adjacent ribs. In a preferred embodiment a spacing between ribs would be equal to or less than a dimension that could result in a user's foot or toes becoming accidentally wedged within the spacing. In a more preferred embodiment the spacing would be between about <NUM> to about <NUM>. In an even more preferred embodiment the spacing would be about <NUM>.

A central axis rod <NUM> is provided at a lateral centerline <NUM>. The lateral centerline <NUM> forms an axis running through each rib <NUM> providing a fulcrum point for pivoting movement about the lateral centerline <NUM>.

A elastic element <NUM> is further provided. The elastic element <NUM> may be provided in the form of a nylon bungee or other similar, functionally equivalent member (e.g., rubber, spring, etc.) that can provide compression to the ribs <NUM> inwardly to compress the plurality of parallel ribs <NUM> together. As shown herein, the bungee <NUM> is laced laterally through the linear ribs <NUM> in a manner offset <NUM> from and parallel to the central axis rod <NUM>. This combination of tension and parallel offset about the lateral centerline <NUM> provides a recoil effect that urges the ribs <NUM> to remain parallel and provides a resistence to their rotation.

The plurality of ribs <NUM> when arranged adjacent and parallel form a support platform, generally <NUM>, at an upper surface <NUM>. The upper surface <NUM> may be substantially flat. Opposite the support platform <NUM> is a lower surface, generally <NUM>. The lower surface <NUM> may be generally curved along a linear centerline <NUM>. With a flat upper surface <NUM> and curved lower surface <NUM>, each rib <NUM> may have an overall lateral profile similar to an arc segment.

With the lower surface <NUM> being curved along the linear centerline <NUM> the entire board <NUM> can be rocked about that axis along the lower surface <NUM>. In order to create the ability to similarly rock the board <NUM> about the lateral centerline <NUM>, each adjacent rib <NUM> may be successively taller up through the linear centerline. The alignment of incrementally larger ribs <NUM> may further form a secondary segmented curved <NUM> about the lateral centerline <NUM>. By forming a curve along each lateral and linear axis, the lower surface <NUM> forms a compound curve that is generally domed.

The upper surface <NUM> may further include a grip enhancement, such as a plurality of notches <NUM> formed along the top of each rib <NUM>. Alternate grip enhancements may be provided, and should be broadly construed to including any functionally equivalent method including, but not limited to, other textures, materials, or coatings to provide such functionality.

In operation, the support board <NUM> may provide a dynamic board that encourages movement and muscle activation in sedentary environments. The planar upper surface <NUM>, being formed of a series of elastically compressed ribs <NUM>, provides a flexible planar surface that allows for resistance flexion about multiple spacial planes. One of skill in the art will recognize that while the devices described herein may be used in various situations and environments, such as a platform for use in a work environment or as a balance boards during therapy or fitness, described broadly intended uses enabled by the structure, features and functions of the present invention should not be considered to be limiting of the scope of the invention. As such, the multi segmental flat upper surface can be stood upon, with or without shoes, with the grooves formed within the upper surface providing both traction as well as to stimulate a user's feet. Further, the movement of the ribs <NUM> about multiple planes, and the rolling of the platform about the curved lower surface, each facilitate an action to mimic a massage which stimulates good blood flow in the lower limbs.

With an overall low vertical height, the board <NUM> can be adapted for use at a standing desk or in any number of environments where a user is forced to remain sedentary in a standing position for extended periods. Resistance being provided about multiple axes challenge a user's core muscles, but does so in a manner as to not distract the user from being productive at the same time. These capabilities, when implemented in regular use, can address problems associated with sedentary living, and also can enhances the speed and quality of ankle rehabilitation programs, without distracting people from what they need and want to do. Such use of the dynamic flexion board enables controlled lower leg angular movements that mimic the range of motion of walking in order to activate muscles and joints, engage the core, enable proper posture and facilitate Non-Exercise Activity Thermogenesis (NEAT).

By providing the ability to "move" these muscles and joints during work and leisure activities where one would otherwise typically be sedentary (sitting or standing still), such benefits may be generated in a variety of settings, such as during work activities (working while sitting or standing, working while sitting, reading, brainstorming, calls, in-person meetings etc.), during leisure activities (using social media, reading, watching tv/videos, gaming, socializing, listening to music/podcasts etc.), or in rehabilitation application. By facilitating an increase in the overall adherence to, and effectiveness of, ankle rehabilitation programs, the use of the dynamic flexion board allows faster and fuller recoveries. Enabling all directional movements (plantarflexion, dorsiflexion, inversion, eversion) of the ankle joint simultaneously activates surrounding muscles, tendons and ligaments to reduce stiffness, increase strength, improve range of motion, enhance endurance and improve proprioception. Controlled movements of the ankle joint allow edemas and effusions to subside quicker. Gentle uses of the anterior and posterior muscles of the entire leg promote increased circulation. Improved circulation gets the unhealthy fluid out and healthy blood and nutrients into the injury to help it heal fully and quickly.

Designed for multitasking, the present invention can be used in conjunction with a variety of work and leisure activities that would otherwise be considered sedentary. Given that the motion provided improves the strength, endurance, flexibility and range of motion of the ankle, people are able to continue rehabilitating their ankle during their regular daily activities thus compensating for the lack of time, forgetfulness and laziness that leads to people not doing their home exercise routines to rehabilitate their ankle typically affects the duration and quality of their recovery and increases chances of future reinjury.

Also, by providing the ability to achieve dorsiflexion and plantarflexion that mimics the motion of walking, range of motion can be extended to a larger degree to better stretch and strengthen ligaments and supporting muscles, and promote blood circulation. Such use can prevent locking of joints (ankle and knee) due to inactivity, facilitate non-exercise activity thermogenesis (NEAT), or the energy expended for all activities that are not sleeping, eating or structured exercise (i.e., walking, cleaning, gardening, washing dishes, stretching).

Claim 1:
A support board (<NUM>) comprising a flexible planar surface that allows for resistance flexion about multiple spacial planes and comprising:
a plurality of linear ribs (<NUM>) stacked together in parallel, characterized in that the plurality of linear ribs (<NUM>) are adapted to allow each of the plurality of linear ribs (<NUM>) to move about a lateral central fulcrum hinge;
said lateral central fulcrum hinge (<NUM>) running through each linear rib (<NUM>) for providing a rotation point for movement along a lateral centerline (<NUM>);
a compression element (<NUM>) for urging together the plurality of linear ribs (<NUM>) and for providing an urging force on each said rib (<NUM>) to return to a stasis position about the fulcrum hinge when deflected.