A stability-enhancing balance board with integrated grooves
The introduction of ribs on the underside of a balance board addresses the issue of sudden tilting in inexperienced users, enhancing stability and safety while maintaining the fun and functional aspects of traditional designs.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- DE202025101191
- Authority / Receiving Office
- DE · DE
- Patent Type
- Utility models
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-03-06
- Publication Date
- 2025-04-30
- Estimated Expiration
- 2035-03-31
AI Technical Summary
Conventional balance boards often cause sudden and uncontrolled tilting movements in inexperienced users, particularly children, leading to loss of balance and increased risk of injury.
An improved balance board design featuring strategically placed ribs on the underside, which act as friction-enhancing elements to dampen tilting movements and prevent sudden shifts.
The ribbed design significantly enhances stability and safety for beginners, reducing the risk of falls and encouraging continued use by providing a gentler and more controlled experience.
Smart Images
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Abstract
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present disclosure relates to a stability-enhanced balance board with integrated ribs. More specifically, the present invention relates to a balance board with integrated ribs on the bottom surface that improve friction and stability. These ribs prevent sudden tipping movements and provide improved safety and ease of use for inexperienced users, especially children, while maintaining the functionality and benefits of traditional balance boards. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Balance boards are a popular recreational and developmental tool and are often used to promote balance, coordination, and motor skills. They are especially popular with children because they are playful and provide both physical exercise and entertainment. Conventional balance boards have a domed or curved surface that allows users to tilt and sway, thus improving core strength and balance control.
[0003] However, conventional balance boards have a major limitation. For inexperienced users, especially children, the rapid and uncontrolled tilting motion can cause the board to abruptly spring upwards, potentially leading to loss of balance and falls. This sudden, jerky movement not only increases the risk of injury but also discourages users from continuing to engage in the game.
[0004] The present invention solves this problem by introducing an improved balance board featuring strategically placed ribs on its underside. These ribs act as friction-enhancing elements, dampening the speed and abruptness of the tipping motion. By reducing the likelihood of sudden movements, these ribs improve the overall stability of the balance board, making it safer and more accessible for beginners while maintaining the fun and functional qualities of traditional designs. This innovation provides a smoother and safer experience and promotes the acceptance and enjoyment of balance boards among children and other beginners. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] The present disclosure relates to a stability-enhanced balance board with integrated ribs. The proposed balance board is designed to provide improved stability and safety for inexperienced users, especially children. The proposed board features a curved surface with a plurality of ribs on the underside that act as friction-enhancing elements, preventing sudden and uncontrolled tipping movements that could lead to loss of balance or tripping.
[0006] The present disclosure aims to provide a stability-enhanced balance board with integrated ribs. The system comprises: a curved or arched main body having a top surface and a bottom surface, the top surface being configured to support a user; and a plurality of friction-increasing ribs protruding from the bottom surface of the main body, the plurality of friction-increasing ribs comprising: a first set of ribs positioned on a left side of the bottom surface; and a second set of ribs positioned on a right side of the bottom surface, each set of ribs comprising at least three ribs arranged in a linear sequence and aligned along a curvature of the bottom surface in a symmetrical manner.
[0007] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a stability-enhanced balance board with integrated ribs.
[0008] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a balance board for improving the stability of inexperienced users, especially children.
[0009] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a balance board for increasing the safety of the user by providing integrated ribs, thereby reducing the risk of tipping over.
[0010] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a balance board designed to accommodate different skill levels so that the board can be used by both beginners and experienced users.
[0011] To further clarify the advantages and features of the present disclosure, a more particular description of the invention will be given by reference to specific embodiments thereof illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It is understood that these drawings represent only typical embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting the scope of the invention. The invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail with the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE CHARACTERS
[0012] These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present disclosure will be better understood when the following detailed description is read with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like characters represent like parts throughout the drawings, wherein: Fig. 1 shows a block diagram of a stability-enhanced balance board with integrated ribs according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Fig. 2 (a) illustrates the front view of the proposed balance board according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Fig. 2 (b) illustrates the rear view of the proposed balance board according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Fig. 3 (a) shows a first perspective view of the proposed balance board according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Fig. 3 (b) shows a second perspective view of the proposed balance board according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and Fig. 4 shows an annotated front view of the proposed balance board according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0013] Those skilled in the art will understand that the elements in the drawings are shown for convenience and are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, the flowcharts illustrate the method by key steps to enhance understanding of aspects of the present disclosure. Furthermore, one or more components of the device may be represented in the drawings by conventional symbols, and the drawings show only the specific details relevant to understanding embodiments of the present disclosure in order not to clutter the drawings with details that would be readily apparent to those skilled in the art familiar with the present description. DETAILED DESCRIPTION:
[0014] To facilitate understanding of the invention, reference will now be made to the embodiment illustrated in the drawings and described in specific terms. It should be understood, however, that this is not intended to limit the scope of the invention, and such changes and further modifications to the illustrated system, and such further applications of the principles of the invention embodied therein, are contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention pertains.
[0015] It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory of the invention and are not to be considered as limiting.
[0016] When reference is made in this specification to "one aspect," "another aspect," or the like, it means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. Therefore, the terms "in one embodiment," "in another embodiment," and similar expressions throughout this specification may or may not all refer to the same embodiment.
[0017] The terms "comprises," "including," or other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process or method comprising a list of steps not only includes those steps, but may also include other steps not expressly listed or included in such process or method. Likewise, one or more devices or subsystems or elements or structures or components introduced with "comprises...a" do not preclude, without further limitation, the existence of other devices or other subsystems or other elements or other structures or other components or additional devices or additional subsystems or additional elements or additional structures or additional components.
[0018] Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. The system, methods, and examples described herein are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to be limiting.
[0019] Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0020] Fig. 1 shows a block diagram of a stability-enhanced balance board (100) with integrated ribs according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0021] Referring to Fig. 1, the balance board (100) comprises: a curved or arched main body (102) having a top surface (102a) and a bottom surface (102b), the top surface (102a) being configured to support a user; and a plurality of friction-increasing ribs (104) protruding from the bottom surface (102b) of the main body (102), the plurality of friction-increasing ribs (104) comprising: a first set of ribs (104a) positioned on a left side of the bottom surface (102b); and a second set of ribs (104b) positioned on a right side of the bottom surface (102b), each set of ribs comprising at least three ribs arranged in a linear sequence and aligned along a curvature of the bottom surface in a symmetrical manner.
[0022] In one embodiment, each rib of the plurality of friction-enhancing ribs (104) is configured to: contact a supporting surface when the main body (102) is tilted during use; create friction against the supporting surface to dampen the tilting movement of the main body (102); and prevent sudden tilting or jerking movements of the main body (102) during transitions between tilted positions, wherein the main body (102) and the plurality of friction-enhancing ribs (104) together form an integrated structure configured to improve stability for the user while maintaining balance functionality.
[0023] In one embodiment, the symmetrical arrangement of the ribs on the left and right sides provides uniform stabilization during both left and right tilting movements, with the friction generated by the ribs being sufficient to slow down the tilting movement of the board, allowing inexperienced users to control the balance board more effectively.
[0024] In one embodiment, each rib of the plurality of friction-enhancing ribs (104) has the same radius.
[0025] In one embodiment, each rib of the plurality of friction-enhancing ribs (104) includes a textured outer surface configured to maximize friction when contacting the support surface.
[0026] In one embodiment, the main body (102) and the plurality of friction-enhancing ribs (104) are made of a high-strength, lightweight material.
[0027] In one embodiment, the plurality of friction-enhancing ribs (104) may be molded as an integral part of the main body or may be attached to the underside of the main body (102) during manufacture.
[0028] In one embodiment, the top of the main body (102) is ergonomically shaped to provide a comfortable platform for standing.
[0029] In one embodiment, the plurality of friction-enhancing ribs (104) are configured to effectively engage multiple types of supporting surfaces, including smooth indoor floors and textured outdoor terrain.
[0030] In one embodiment, the friction generated by the plurality of friction-enhancing ribs (104) is calibrated to allow sufficient tipping for balance training while preventing abrupt movements that could lead to loss of balance or tipping over.
[0031] The present invention relates to an improved balance board that offers increased stability and safety for inexperienced users, especially children. The balance board features an innovative design with ribs on the underside that act as friction-enhancing elements, preventing sudden and uncontrolled tipping movements that could lead to loss of balance or tipping over.
[0032] Fig. 2 shows (a) a front view and (b) a rear view of the proposed balance board according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0033] Fig. 3 shows (a) a first and (b) a second perspective view of the proposed balance board according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0034] Fig. 4 shows an annotated front view of the proposed balance board according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0035] As shown in Fig. 2 and Fig. 3, the main structure of the proposed balance board consists of a curved or arched surface designed to allow the user to perform balance exercises. The arch allows for tilting and rocking movements, helping the user develop coordination and balance. The top is ergonomically designed to provide a comfortable standing surface and is made of durable materials that can withstand repeated use and weight loads.
[0036] The underside of the balance board is equipped with strategically placed ribs that serve as friction-enhancing features to stabilize the board during use, with the ribs comprising two sets of ribs, one on the right side and one on the left side.
[0037] In Fig. 4, three protruding ribs (2a, 2b, and 2c) can be seen on the left side of the board. These ribs are arranged in a linear sequence and aligned along the curvature of the underside of the board. They are positioned to engage the support surface, thus creating friction that dampens the tipping movement. On the right side of the board, there are also three protruding ribs (3a, 3b, and 3c). These ribs mirror the arrangement on the left side and ensure symmetrical functionality. The ribs on both sides work together to distribute the stabilizing effect and prevent the board from snapping back abruptly during use. The ribs have a 30 mm radius and a surface texture to maximize friction. Their placement and orientation are optimized to effectively grip various floor surfaces, including smooth floors and textured outdoor terrain.
[0038] The ribs come into contact with the floor or surface when the user tilts the balance board, creating friction. This friction slows the tilting motion and prevents the board from suddenly tipping or bouncing upwards. The proposed balance board is designed to transition smoothly between tilting positions, reducing the risk of tipping. The ribs also provide additional resistance to help beginners better control their movements. The balance board, including the ribs, is constructed from high-strength, lightweight materials such as reinforced polymers, engineered wood, or composites. These materials ensure durability while maintaining portability. The ribs are either molded as an integral part of the board or securely attached during the manufacturing process to ensure longevity.
[0039] The present invention relates to a balance board with friction to improve stability and safety, comprising a curved or arched main body that forms a standing surface for a user. The underside of the main body of the balance board has a plurality of ribs designed to engage a support surface during tipping movements. These ribs provide friction to dampen the speed and abruptness of the tipping, thus preventing sudden tipping or jolting of the board. The ribs are arranged symmetrically along the left and right sides of the underside to ensure balanced functionality during use. The ribs of the balance board are spaced apart and aligned along the curvature of the underside, with each rib sized and positioned to optimize contact with the support surface.They can be designed as an integral part of the balance board or permanently attached to the underside. The main body and ribs are made of durable, lightweight materials from the group of reinforced polymers, engineered wood, and composites.
[0040] The balance board also features an ergonomic surface designed to provide a stable and comfortable platform for users, adapting to different user sizes and skill levels. The ribs are designed to effectively engage with various floor surfaces, including smooth indoor floors and textured outdoor floors. The friction provided by the ribs is sufficient to slow the board's tipping motion, allowing even inexperienced users to better control the balance board. In addition, the symmetrical arrangement of the ribs on the left and right sides ensures consistent stabilization during both left and right tipping movements.
[0041] In one embodiment for improving the stability and usability of a balance board, the balance board is provided with a curved or arched main body having a plurality of ribs on its underside. The ribs are arranged to engage a support surface during use and generate friction to reduce sudden or uncontrolled tipping movements. Furthermore, the ribs are arranged symmetrically on the left and right sides of the balance board to ensure balanced stabilization.
[0042] The proposed balance board offers several advantages over existing designs. The advantages are listed below: 1. Improved stability - The ribs prevent sudden tipping movements and ensure that inexperienced users can maintain their balance more easily. 2. Safety - The risk of tipping over is significantly reduced, making the balance board safer for children and beginners. 3. Versatility - The design accommodates different skill levels, allowing the board to be used by both beginners and experienced users. 4. Durability - The sturdy construction ensures that the balance board can withstand long and frequent use.
[0043] The drawings and the foregoing description provide examples of embodiments. Those skilled in the art will understand that one or more of the described elements may well be combined into a single functional element. Alternatively, certain elements may be divided into multiple functional elements. Elements from one embodiment may be added to another embodiment. For example, the order of the processes described herein may be changed and is not limited to the manner described herein. Furthermore, the actions of a flowchart need not be performed in the order shown; nor do all actions necessarily need to be performed. Also, the acts that are not dependent on other acts may be performed in parallel with the other acts. The scope of the embodiments is in no way limited by these specific examples.Numerous variations are possible, whether explicitly stated in the description or not, such as differences in structure, dimensions, and use of materials. The scope of the embodiments is at least as broad as indicated in the following claims.
[0044] Advantages, other benefits, and solutions to problems have been described above with respect to specific embodiments. However, the advantages, benefits, solutions to problems, and components that may cause an advantage, benefit, or solution to occur or become more pronounced are not to be construed as a critical, required, or essential feature or component of any or all of the claims. References 102 Curved or arched main body 104 A plurality of friction-increasing ribs 102a Upper surface 102b Underside surface 104a First set of ribs 104b Second group of ribs 2a, 2b, 2c Ribs on the left side of the balance board 3a, 3b, 3c Ribs on the right side of the balance board
Claims
1. A stability enhanced balance board (balance board) comprising: a curved or arched main body having a top and a bottom, the top configured to support a user; and a plurality of friction-enhancing ribs projecting from the bottom of the main body, the plurality of friction-enhancing ribs comprising: a first set of ribs disposed on a left side of the bottom surface; and a second set of ribs disposed on a right side of the bottom surface, each set of ribs comprising at least three ribs disposed in linear succession and aligned along a curvature of the bottom surface in a symmetrical manner.
2. The stability enhanced balance board of claim 1, wherein each rib of the plurality of friction enhancing ribs is configured to: contact a support surface when the main body is tilted during use; generate friction against the support surface to dampen the tilting motion of the main body; and prevent sudden tilting or jerks of the main body during transitions between tilted positions, wherein the main body and the plurality of friction enhancing ribs together form an integrated structure configured to enhance stability for users while maintaining balancing functionality.
3. The stability enhanced balance board of claim 1, wherein the symmetrical arrangement of the ribs on the left and right sides provides even stabilization during both left and right tilting movements, the friction generated by the ribs being sufficient to slow the tilting movement of the board so that unskilled users can more effectively control the balance board.
4. The stability enhanced balance board of claim 1, wherein each rib of the plurality of friction enhancing ribs has the same radius.
5. The stability enhanced balance board of claim 1, wherein each rib of the plurality of friction enhancing ribs has a textured outer surface configured to maximize friction when contacting the support surface.
6. The stability-enhanced balance board of claim 1, wherein the main body and the plurality of friction-enhancing ribs are made of a high-strength, lightweight material.
7. The stability enhanced balance board of claim 1, wherein the plurality of friction enhancing ribs can be molded as an integral part of the main body or attached to the bottom of the main body during manufacture.
8. The stability enhanced balance board of claim 1, wherein the top of the main body is ergonomically shaped to provide a convenient platform for standing.
9. The stability enhanced balance board of claim 1, wherein the plurality of friction enhancing ribs are configured to effectively engage with a plurality of types of supporting surfaces including smooth floors in interiors and structured floors in the open.