EXCERCISE BALANCING BOARD

Abstract

A balancing board for engaging predetermined muscles of an operator performing balance training exercise routines thereon is provided. The balance board may include a generally rectangular platform having an operator surface and an opposing rocker surface. The operator surface may provide matting attached thereon. The rocker surface provides a plurality of rockers operatively engaging a horizontal floor to provide a predetermined level of instability. The balancing board may provide an anchoring system comprising at least one anchor aperture formed into the platform near and inward from one of the edges, wherein an anchor rod is fixed within each anchor aperture. The operator may mount the operator surface so as to engage the predetermined muscles in remaining athwart the predetermined level of instability.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of priority of U.S. provisional application No. 61916653, filed 16 Dec. 2013, the contents of which are herein incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to exercise apparatuses and, more particularly, to a balancing board for safely engaging predetermined stability muscles of the operator that develop balancing skills for their body and mind.

Current exercise boards are not designed to sufficiently and safely develop balancing skills nor the mind and body connection required in may Eastern-oriented exercise routines, such as yoga. Typically, such exercise boards are not wide enough for yoga and need extra equipment to provide a sufficient level of instability for balance training. Moreover, none has an anchor system for adding attachments for additional training and conditioning purposes.

As can be seen, there is a need for a balancing board for safely engaging predetermined stability muscles of the operator so as to develop balancing skills for their body and mind.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect of the present invention, a balancing board for engaging at least one predetermined muscle of an operator performing an exercise routine thereon comprises: a platform comprising a planar sheet having an operator surface and an opposing rocker surface; a matting substantially covering the operator surface; and a plurality of rockers disposed along the rocker surface for operatively engaging a horizontal floor to provide a predetermined level of instability, whereby the operator engages the at least one predetermined muscle of the operator when performing an exercise routine thereon.

In another aspect of the present invention, a balancing board for engaging at least one predetermined muscle of an operator performing an exercise routine thereon comprises: a platform comprising a planar sheet having an operator surface and an opposing rocker surface, wherein the planar sheet is generally rectangular having two width edges and two length edges, and wherein the length-to-width ratio is about 4 to 1; a matting attached by an adhesive along a substantial portion of the operator surface; a plurality of rockers disposed along the rocker surface for operatively engaging a horizontal floor to provide a predetermined level of instability; and an anchoring system comprising at least one anchor aperture formed into the platform near and inward from one of the width edges, and wherein an anchor rod is fixed within each anchor aperture, whereby the operator engages the at least one predetermined muscle of the operator when performing an exercise routine thereon.

In yet another aspect of the present invention, a system for developing balance skills while performing band-resistant exercises using the balancing board comprises: attaching a detachable connector to each anchor rod; connecting at least one elastic band to each detachable connector; mounting the operator surface so as to engage at least one predetermined muscle in remaining athwart the predetermined level of instability; and harnessing the resistance of the at least one elastic band with at least one body part.

These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following drawings, description and claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, shown in use;

FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a bottom perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a side view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a front view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a front view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, illustrating a predetermined level of instability;

FIG. 7 is a top view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a section view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, taken along line 8-8 in FIG. 4;

FIG. 9 is a front detail perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, illustrating an attachment of a detachable connector;

FIG. 10 is a section view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, taken along 10-10 on FIG. 7;

FIG. 11 is a side view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 12 is a bottom view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The following detailed description is of the best currently contemplated modes of carrying out exemplary embodiments of the invention. The description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, but is made merely for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the invention, since the scope of the invention is best defined by the appended claims.

Broadly, an embodiment of the present invention provides a balancing board for engaging predetermined muscles of an operator performing balance training exercise routines thereon. The balance board may include a generally rectangular platform having an operator surface and an opposing rocker surface. The operator surface may provide matting attached thereon. The rocker surface provides a plurality of rockers operatively engaging a horizontal floor to provide a predetermined level of instability. The balancing board may provide an anchoring system comprising at least one anchor aperture formed into the platform near and inward from one of the edges, wherein an anchor rod is fixed within each anchor aperture. The operator may mount the operator surface so as to engage the predetermined muscles in remaining athwart the predetermined level of instability.

Referring to FIGS. 1-12, the present invention may include a balancing board 100 for an operator 26 to perform an exercise routine on a horizontal floor 32. The balancing board 100 may include a platform 12, a matting 14, a plurality of rockers 16, and an anchor system.

The platform 10 may have a sufficient length to width ratio for the operator 26 to perform a variety of exercise routines, including but not limited to, yoga, cardiovascular, aerobic, high-impact, balance training such as snow, skate, surf and paddle board training and the like. The width of the platform 10 may be dimensioned to accommodate the operator 26 safely use the present invention in the prone or supine position, yoga poses and the like. Typically, the platform 10 can be designed to be about 66 to 78 inches long to about 16 to 20 inches wide.

The platform 10 may be a planar sheet of material that can be repeatedly flexed without fracturing, such as polyethylene, polypropylene, vinyl, nylon, rubber, leather, various impregnated or laminated fibrous materials, various plasticized materials and the like. The platform 10 may be generally rectangular having two opposing shorter width edges and two opposing longer length edges; though, in certain embodiments, the platform 10 may be other geometric shapes so long as the platform 10 functions in accordance with the present invention as described herein. The platform 10 may have rounded corners and/or edges so as to form an oblong shape. The planar platform 10 may provide an operator surface for accommodating the operator 26 and an opposing rocker surface.

The platform 10 may form an anchor aperture 18 as part of the anchor system. The anchor aperture 18 may be disposed approximately mid-width and near and inward from at least one width edge. The anchor system may provide an anchor rod 20 traversing and generally bisecting the anchor aperture 18 so that the opposing ends of the anchor rod 20 are fixed to a peripheral wall of the anchor aperture 18, as illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 10. The dimensions of the anchor rod 20 relative to the anchor aperture 18 are designed to accommodate the connection of at least one detachable connector 34, including but not limited to a carabineer, to the anchor rod 20.

The matting 14 may be thin planar sheet of durable, non-skid fabric so as to be durable enough to handle the rubbing action of the variety of exercise routines. The matting 14 may provide sufficient traction for the operator 26 performing the variety of exercise routines. The matting 14 may be dimensioned to substantially overlay the platform 10. The matting 14 may be attached to the operator surface of the platform 10 by an adhesive 22 including, but not limited to, glue, two-sided tape or other adhesive substances, that maintains the low profile of the balancing board 100.

The plurality of rockers 16 may be spaced along the rocker surface of the platform 10 so as to extend from near one length edge to near the opposing length edge, as illustrated in FIG. 8. Each rocker 16 may be affixed to the rocker surface by a fastener 24 that maintains the low profile of the balancing board 100. The plurality of rockers 16 may be generally evenly spaced.

The plurality of rockers 16 may be dimensioned and adapted to provide the operator 26 with a predetermined level of instability. The plurality of rockers 16 may be dimensioned and adapted to provide the feeling of being floating on water, or in certain embodiments, the feeling of aloha spirit consistent with Hawaiian philosophy. Each rocker 16 may form an arcuate periphery for rocking and rolling along the horizontal floor 32 that the balancing board 100 rests upon, as illustrated in FIG. 6. The plurality of rockers 26 may be at least two rockers 16. In certain embodiments, the present invention may include a three-rocker balancing board 30, as illustrated in FIGS. 11 and 12.

A method of using the present invention may include the following. The balancing board 100 disclosed above may be provided. The operator 26 may place the balancing board 100 so that the plurality of rockers 16 faces the horizontal floor 32. Then the operator 26 may mount the operator surface and perform the variety of exercise routines whereby the predetermined level of instability imposed by the rockers 16 engages the operator's 26 muscles to perform the poses and/or exercises properly, engendering proper alignment, balance and sufficient mind and body connection.

In certain embodiments, the operator 26 may attach at least on rope 28, tubing and/or an elastic band to the detachable connector 34 so as to add specific training and conditioning methods, as illustrated in FIG. 1. The balancing board 100 may also come with a training manual and/or DVD for performing specific exercise routines.

It should be understood, of course, that the foregoing relates to exemplary embodiments of the invention and that modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims.

Claims

1. A balancing board for engaging at least one predetermined muscle of an operator performing an exercise routine thereon, comprising:

a platform comprising a planar sheet having an operator surface and an opposing rocker surface;

a matting substantially covering the operator surface; and

a plurality of rockers disposed along the rocker surface for operatively engaging a horizontal floor to provide a predetermined level of instability,

whereby the operator engages the at least one predetermined muscle of the operator when performing an exercise routine thereon.

2. The balancing board of claim 1, further providing an adhesive for attaching the matting along the operator surface.

3. The balancing board of claim 1, wherein the planar sheet is generally rectangular having two width edges and two length edges, and wherein the length-to-width ratio is about 4 to 1.

4. The balancing board of claim 3, further providing an anchoring system comprising at least one anchor aperture formed into the platform near and inward from one of the width edges, and wherein an anchor rod is fixed within each anchor aperture.

5. The balancing board of claim 3, wherein the two width edges and four corners of the platform are rounded so as to form an oblong shaped platform.

6. The balancing board of claim 1, wherein the planar sheet is generally rectangular having two width edges and two length edges, and wherein the length-to-width ratio ranges from about 3 to 1 to about 5 to 1.

7. A balancing board for engaging at least one predetermined muscle of an operator performing an exercise routine thereon, comprising:

a platform comprising a planar sheet having an operator surface and an opposing rocker surface, wherein the planar sheet is generally rectangular having two width edges and two length edges, and wherein the length-to-width ratio is about 4 to 1;

a matting attached by an adhesive along a substantial portion of the operator surface;

a plurality of rockers disposed along the rocker surface for operatively engaging a horizontal floor to provide a predetermined level of instability; and

an anchoring system comprising at least one anchor aperture formed into the platform near and inward from one of the width edges, and wherein an anchor rod is fixed within each anchor aperture,

whereby the operator engages the at least one predetermined muscle of the operator when performing an exercise routine thereon.

8. The balancing board of claim 7, wherein the two width edges and four corners are rounded so as to form an oblong shaped platform.

9. A system for developing balance skills while performing band-resistant exercises using the balancing board of claim 7, comprising:

attaching a detachable connector to each anchor rod;

connecting at least one elastic band to each detachable connector;

mounting the operator surface so as to engage at least one predetermined muscle in remaining athwart the predetermined level of instability; and

harnessing the resistance of the at least one elastic band with at least one body part.

10. The system of claim 9, further providing a training manual for performing specific exercise routines.