DANCE BALANCE/TURNING BOARD

Abstract

A dance balance/turning board is provided, including a base having an upper surface and an opposite lower surface; a turntable bearing having a lower flange mounted to the upper surface, and an upper flange; a rotating platform secured to the upper flange for axial rotation relative to the base; and a hemispheroidal balance surface mountable to the lower surface so that upon the mounting, the rotating platform is disabled from rotating.

Description

RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims 35 USC 119 priority from U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/448,274 filed Jan. 19, 2017, which is incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates to devices used in relation to the training of dance skills, and more specifically to a turning board constructed and arranged for use in training dance balance and pivoting skills.

Dancers often perform exercises for improving their skills, and for performing routine dance moves more effectively. One such dance move is the pivot or pirouette, performed as the dancer spins about a vertical axis. Maintaining balance during this move is important for transitioning to and from the pirouette.

Conventional training devices are available for enhancing dancer skills by providing a base that is placed on the floor, and having a rotating platform pivoting on the base. The dancer practices pirouetting while standing on the rotating platform. However, the conventional training devices are limited in their utility for training other dance moves and skills.

Thus, there is a need for an improved dance training board which addresses the need of dancers to practice a variety of dance moves.

SUMMARY

The above-listed needs are met or exceeded by the present dance balance/turning board, which features a base with a rotating platform, as well as a bowl-shaped hemispheroidal balance surface selectively mounted below the base. With the balance surface detached from the base, a user places the base upon the floor, and can practice pirouetting or pivoting by spinning on the rotating platform. When balance training is desired, the user attaches the hemispheroidal balance surface to the base in a manner that prevents the rotating platform from rotating.

In the preferred embodiment, the hemispheroidal surface is provided with a locking mechanism including at least one pin that projects through a designated opening in the base, and also engages openings in the rotating platform. The engagement of the at least one pin with the corresponding openings in the platform prevents rotation of the rotating platform relative to the base. In addition, engagement of the at least one pin with the base secures the balance surface to the base.

Thus, with the hemispheroidal balance surface attached to the base of the present board, the user is able to practice exercises that enhance balance skills. The balance surface is placed on the floor, and the user places at least one foot on an upper surface of the base, including but not limited to the rotating platform, which is now locked from rotating.

More specifically, the present invention provides a dance balance/turning board, including a base having an upper surface and an opposite lower surface; a turntable bearing having a lower flange mounted to the upper surface, and an upper flange; a rotating platform secured to the upper flange for axial rotation relative to the base; and a hemispheroidal balance surface mountable to the lower surface and including a locking mechanism engageable with said rotating platform, so that upon the mounting, the rotating platform is disabled from rotating.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an exploded top perspective view of the present dance balance/turning board;

FIG. 2 is a side exploded view of the present dance balance/turning board;

FIG. 3 is a front exploded view of the present dance balance/turning board;

FIG. 4 is a front elevational assembled view of the present dance balance/turning board;

FIG. 4A is a fragmentary front view of the present balance surface;

FIG. 5 is an assembled top perspective of the present dance balance/turning board; and

FIG. 6 is an assembled top perspective of an alternate embodiment of the present dance/turning board.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring now to FIGS. 1-5, the present dance balance/turning board is generally designated 10, and provides a user the ability to train for dancing using several different balancing and rotating techniques. More specifically, the board 10 includes a base 12, preferably disk-shaped, however other shapes are contemplated, and having an upper surface 14 and an opposite lower surface 16, a plurality of pin bores 18 and a plurality of mounting bores 20. In the preferred embodiment, the base 12 is circular and has a diameter of in the approximate range of 15-30 inches, however other diameters are contemplated depending on the application. In the preferred embodiment, there are four pin bores 18 and four mounting bores 20. Preferably, the pin bores 18 are arranged on the base 12 in a larger diameter than the mounting bores 20, however that relationship may vary to suit the application. Also, it is contemplated that the number and arrangement of the bores 18, 20 may vary to suit the application.

A turntable bearing, also known as a Lazy Susan Bearing is generally designated 22 and is provided with a lower flange 24 having a plurality of mounting apertures 26. The lower flange 24 is mounted to the upper surface 14 of the base 12 with conventional fasteners (not shown) such as threaded screws, using the mounting bores 20. However, the use of chemical adhesives in replacement of, or as supplement to, threaded fasteners is contemplated. In one embodiment, the base 12 is provided with a recess 25 (FIG. 1, shown in phantom) dimensioned for accommodating the lower flange 24 so that the lower flange is flush with the upper surface. An upper flange 28 is provided with upper mounting apertures 30 and, as is known in the art, a plurality of ball bearings (not shown) is captured between the upper and lower flanges 28, 24 so that the flanges rotate relative to each other. Such turntable bearings 22 are known in the art, and a suitable example has a 300 lb. load maximum, ¼ inch ball bearings and a 4-inch square dimension on the upper and lower flanges 28, 24. It is contemplated that the construction of the turntable bearing 22 may vary given the variety of such bearings available in the market. For the purposes of this application “flange” will be understood to refer to a portion of the bearing housing that is rotatable relative to another housing portion, and is mountable to a corresponding structure for common movement.

A rotating platform 32 having a diameter that is smaller than the base 12 is secured to the upper flange 28 using fasteners (not shown) such as threaded screws. In the preferred embodiment, the rotating platform 32 has a diameter of 10 inches, however variations are contemplated depending on the application. In general, the rotating platform 32 has a smaller area or diameter than the base 12. A similar recess 33 (FIG. 1, shown in phantom) is contemplated in an underside of the rotating platform 32 as described above for the recess 25, which accommodates the upper bearing flange 28 so that it is flush with the underside. Once secured to the bearing 22, the rotating platform 32 rotates axially relative to the base 12. As is the case with the base 12, the rotating platform 32 is provided with upper pin bores 34 disposed in a larger diameter than upper mounting apertures 36, (shown hidden) to define a rough circle, however the actual disposition of the pin bores 34 may vary to suit the application. It should be noted that the rotating platform 32 is rotatable so that the upper pin bores 34 are in registry with the pin bores 18.

Referring now to FIG. 1, the rotating platform 32, the turntable bearing 22 and the base are preferably assembled as follows. As seen in FIG. 1, the lower flange 24 is rotated approximately 90° relative to the upper flange 28, and before assembly to the rotating platform 32, fasteners for securing the lower flange 24 to the base are inserted through the apertures 26 in the flange so that heads of the fasteners are caught in the aperture. Heads of the fasteners are selected to that they do not interfere with the rotation of the upper flange 28 relative to the lower flange 24. Next, the rotating platform 32 is secured to the upper flange 28, so that the fasteners passing through the upper mounting apertures 30 are mounted from the upper flange into an underside of the rotating platform. Preferably, the fasteners are not long enough to project through the rotating platform to an upper surface 38. Finally, the fasteners for the lower flange 24 project through the base 12 to the lower surface 16, where they are secured, for example by nuts. It is also contemplated to use rivets for securing the lower flange 24 to the base 12.

The present board 10 also includes a hemispheroidal balance surface 40 which is constructed and arranged to be mountable to the lower surface 16 of the base 12 so that upon mounting, the turntable bearing 22 is disabled from rotating and the rotating platform 32 is fixed relative to the base. Included on the hemispheroidal balance surface 40 is a bowl portion 42 with an outer surface 44 and a peripheral edge 46. A feature of the present balance board 10 is a locking mechanism that prevents the rotating platform 32 from rotating relative to the base 12 when the hemispheroidal balance surface 40 is in place. In the preferred embodiment, the locking mechanism includes the pin bores 18, 34 as well as at least one and preferably a plurality of pins 48 that project from the edge 46 away from the bowl portion 42. In the preferred embodiment, the pins 48 are integrally formed with the bowl portion. However, it is also contemplated that supplemental loose pins 50 are provided (FIG. 2). It is also contemplated that the bowl portion 42 is either solid, partially solid or hollow, and is made of a variety of materials that provide sufficient strength for supporting the weight of a user balancing on the base 12. In the preferred embodiment, the base 12, the rotating platform 32, the balance surface 40 and the pins 50 are all made of durable plastic, however other materials are contemplated. Also, the balance surface 40 can be molded of plastic having a variety of hardness values (Shore A Hardness or Durometer) to provide users with varying levels of difficulty.

Referring now to FIG. 4A, an alternate configuration for the hemispheroidal balance surface 40 is depicted as 40A, and has a bowl portion 42A. It will be seen that the radius of curvature of a bottom portion 51 of the outer surface 44A is different from, and preferably larger than, that shown in FIGS. 1-4 and 5, and as such presents a “flatter” curve or shape that contacts the floor or other substrate. In other words, the radius of curvature of the bottom portion 51 is distinct from a radius of curvature of the outer surface 44, 44A. Boundary lines of the bottom portion 51 are shown in dashed lines in FIG. 4A. The shape of the bottom surface 51 in FIG. 4A is contemplated as providing distinct balancing characteristics as compared with the shape of the bowl portion 42 in FIGS. 1-4 and 5. It will be appreciated, that the shape of the balance surface 40, 40A will vary to suit the application, and that the use of the term “hemispheroidal” in this application refers to a general bowl or dome shape, but not necessarily limited to a strictly hemispherical shape.

The balance surface 40 is attached to the base 12 and to the rotating platform 32 by inserting the pins 48 through the pin bores 18 in the base as well as through the aligned upper pin bores 34 in the rotating platform. In the preferred embodiment, the pins 48, 50 are tapered from a base 52 towards a tip 54, and as the balance surface 40 is pressed towards the lower surface 16, the pins 48 tightly engage the pin bores 18, and 32 to secure the assembly together via a friction fit. As such, upon engagement of the pins 48 with the upper pin bores 32, the rotating platform 32 is prevented from rotating relative to the base 12, and the pins and bores form a locking mechanism as well as securing the balance surface 40 to the base. It will be appreciated that a thickness or diameter of the pins 48, 50 may vary to suit the application and are optionally thickened to accommodate varying tolerances of the other components of the present board 10. It will also be appreciated that other locking mechanisms are contemplated for preventing rotation of the rotating platform 32 upon attachment of the hemispheroidal balance surface 40 to the base 12 and engagement between the surface 40 and the rotating platform.

Referring now to FIG. 4, it will be seen that in the preferred embodiment, the pins 48 extend through the upper pin bores 34. When the user desires to detach the balance surface 40 from the base 12, the board is inverted, and the user merely presses the base against the floor or other substrate. This action will force the tips 54 back into the rotating platform 32 and will thus facilitate release and disengagement of the balance surface 40 from the base 12.

Referring now to FIGS. 4 and 5, upon engagement with the base 12, the tips 54 of the pins 48 are visible through the upper pin bores. However, it is preferred that the pins 48 are dimensioned so that upon engagement of the pins in the upper pin bores 34 in the rotating platform 32, the tips 54 do not protrude past the upper surface 38. In one embodiment, the balance surface 40 is provided in a color distinct from the rotating platform 32 so that the pin tips 54 are more easily visually distinguished, and the user can see that the balance surface 40 is in place. Upon assembly of the board 10 as seen in FIG. 5, the user is able to practice balance exercises without the potential of the rotating platform moving relative to the base 12.

Another feature of the present board 10 is that a layer of resilient, high friction surface 56 such as rubber or the like (shown fragmentarily in FIGS. 3 and 4) is optionally provided on the rotating platform 32 for enhanced grip and traction by the user's feet. It will be understood that the configuration of any such layer 56 would need to be coordinated with the length of the pins 48 as described above. Also, in one embodiment, the base 12 is provided with at least one handle 58 which is dimensioned for being grasped by the user for easy carrying. It is also contemplated that multiple handles or cutouts 58 are provided (FIG. 5) so that the user can grip the base 12 with both hands for performing exercises, such as planking moves or push-ups, with the balance surface 40 attached to the base. The number, size and placement of the handles 58 may vary to suit the application.

Referring now to FIG. 3, still another optional feature of the present board 10 is the inclusion of at least one, and preferably a plurality of circumferentially spaced resilient feet 60 secured, as by adhesive or the like to the lower surface 16 of the base 12. Inclusion of the feet will space the base 12 from the floor or other substrate, and will enhance friction or traction of the base relative to the floor.

Referring again to FIG. 2, another optional feature is to include a bubble or ball level 62 mounted in an assigned socket 64 in the upper surface. The placement of the level 62 on the base 12 may vary to suit the situation.

Referring again to FIG. 1, it is also contemplated to mount a wireless speaker 66 and associated circuitry 68 (both shown in phantom) into either the base 12 or the hemispheroidal portion 40. Upon installation, the user can use the board 10, through the speaker 66, to broadcast music sourced from a smartphone or other remote device, using an appropriate app as is well known in the art. Also as is well known in the art, the circuitry 68 is powered by a rechargeable battery using a USB cable, or the like.

Referring now to FIG. 6, an alternate embodiment to the present board is generally designated 70. Components shared with the board 10 are designated with identical reference numbers. A main difference between the boards 10 and 70 is that the latter features the rotating platform 32 recessed and rotatably mounted within a cavity 72 in a base 74, which is contemplated as being thicker than the base 12 to maintain the required strength and to accommodate the bearing 22. Thus, upon assembly, the upper surface 38 of the rotating platform 32 is generally flush with the upper surface 14 of the base 74.

In use, when pirouette training is desired, the user places the base 12, 74 upon the floor, and uses the rotating platform 32 for practicing spinning-related dance exercises or the like. When balance training is desired, the user installs the balance surface 40 by engaging the pins 48 in the respective bores 18, 34. As described above, insertion of the pins 48 in the bores 18, 34 disables the rotatability of the rotating platform 32. This arrangement permits the user to practice balancing exercises using the board 10. Also, the user has the option of preventing rotation of the rotating platform 32 relative to the base 12 without using the balance surface 40, by merely aligning the pin bores 18 and 34 and inserting the supplemental loose pins 50 in the same manner as the pins 48. Alternately, the loose pins 50 are optionally insertable from the rotating platform 32 so as to create a drag on the rotation of the platform relative to the base. In this manner, new users can create a limit of rotation rate of the platform 32 as they learn the respective dance exercises.

While a particular embodiment of the present dance balance/turning board has been described herein, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes and modifications may be made thereto without departing from the invention in its broader aspects and as set forth in the following claims.

Claims

1. A dance balance/turning board, comprising:

a base having an upper surface and an opposite lower surface;

a turntable bearing having a lower flange mounted to said upper surface, and an upper flange;

a rotating platform secured to said upper flange for axial rotation relative to said base; and

a hemispheroidal balance surface mountable to said lower surface and including a locking mechanism engageable with said rotating platform so that upon said mounting, said rotating platform is disabled from rotating.

2. The dance balance/turning board of claim 1, wherein said balance surface includes a bowl portion with a peripheral edge, and at least one pin projecting from said edge away from said bowl portion.

3. The dance balance/turning board of claim 2, further including a plurality of said pins integrally formed with said bowl portion.

4. The dance balance/turning board of claim 2, wherein said at least one pin tapers from said balance surface towards a tip of said pin.

5. The dance balance/turning board of claim 2, wherein said locking mechanism includes at least one pin bore in said base and in said rotating platform, wherein said at least one pin engages a corresponding one of said pin bores to secure said balance surface to said base, and for preventing said rotating platform from rotating while said balance surface is engaged on said base.

6. The dance balance/turning board of claim 3, wherein tips of said pins are visible from said rotating platform upon engagement of said balance surface with said base.

7. The dance balance/turning board of claim 1, further including a resilient surface on said rotating platform for enhanced traction.

8. The dance balance/turning board of claim 1, wherein said base has at least one handle.

9. The dance balance/turning board of claim 1, further including at least one supplemental pin configured for disabling rotation of said rotating platform when said balance surface is detached from said base.

10. The dance balance/turning board of claim 1, wherein a radius of curvature of a bottom portion of an outer surface of said balance surface is distinct from a radius of curvature of said outer surface.

11. The dance balance/turning board of claim 10, wherein said radius of curvature of said bottom portion is greater than a radius of curvature of said outer surface.

12. The dance balance/turning board of claim 1, further including at least one resilient foot secured to said lower surface of said base.

13. The dance balance/turning board of claim 1, further including a wireless speaker and associated circuitry.

14. The dance balance/turning board of claim 1, wherein said rotating platform is rotatably mounted in a cavity in said base, and has an upper surface, which is generally flush with an upper surface of said base.

15. The dance balance/turning board of claim 1, further including a level mounted to said base.