Dynamic Flex Board

Abstract

A dynamic board is provided that promotes movement and muscle activation in a largely stationary environment. The board has a flexible planar surface that allows resistive bending about multiple spatial planes. The support board is formed of a plurality of linear ribs stacked parallel to one another and having a lateral central fulcrum hinge extending through each linear rib to provide a pivot point for movement along a central lateral axis. A compression element presses the plurality of linear ribs together and provides a biasing force to each of said ribs to return to a rest position about the fulcrum hinge when deflected. Each rib may be formed of a structurally integral piece and may have an overall lateral profile that resembles a circular arc segment. [Others] The drawings contain only Arabic numeral part numbers and alphabetic symbols, and no translation is required. Therefore, it is not necessary to submit a translation of the drawings.

Description

Background Art

[0001] 1. Technical Field to Which the Invention Belongs

[0002] The present invention relates to a lower limb stimulation device, and more particularly to a flexible board that facilitates the flexion of the lower limbs centered on various movement surfaces without distraction. 2. Description of Related Art

[0003]

Patent Document 1

[0004] In health and fitness applications, such devices are used to develop balance, motor coordination skills, weight distribution, and core strength, as well as to strengthen ankles and knees in post-injury rehabilitation. Balance boards have become more commonly used beyond their athletic origins, namely to expand the neural network that allows the left and right hemispheres of the brain to communicate with each other, thereby increasing brain efficiency; to develop sensory integration and cognitive skills in children with developmental disabilities; to lighten the feet of dancers; to teach singers the optimal posture for controlling airflow; to teach musicians how to hold instruments; to shake off writer's block and other creative impediments; and as a yoga accessory and yoga form itself, to cultivate overall health, self-awareness, and calmness.

[0005] In the United States, more than 100 models of balance boards are commercially available. Each of them is a version of approximately 15 types of balance boards. Each of these models and types can be classified as one of five basic types of balance boards according to two binary parameters: whether its pivot point is attached to the board, and whether the board tilts in only two opposite directions (left and right or front and back) or in any direction (360 degrees). More specifically, a rocker-roller board is a rocker board where the pivot point is a separate part, a sphere-and-ring board is an oscillating board where the pivot point is a separate part, an oscillating board is a rocker board that tilts 360 degrees, a sphere-and-ring board is a rocker-roller board that tilts 360 degrees, and a spring board is mounted on a compression spring that tilts 360 degrees.

[0006] The use of balance exercises and movement can have health benefits that go beyond training, recreation, or rehabilitation. The involvement of muscle activation and the promotion of movement can benefit people in sedentary environments, particularly by stimulating overall blood flow through increased circulation in the lower extremities. However, the use of conventionally known types of "balance boards" is not suitable for use in combination with sedentary occupations, such as sitting or standing at a desk for extended periods.

[0007] As a result, there is a need for systems and devices that can promote exercise and lower extremity blood flow in a distracting way to counteract the negative health effects of prolonged immobility while sitting at a desk or standing at a standing desk (i.e., while working in an office). [Overview of the Initiative]

[0008] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide a dynamic board that promotes exercise and muscle activation in an environment with little or no movement.

[0009] A key feature of the present invention is the provision of a flexible plane that enables resistance bending centered on multiple spatial planes.

[0010] Briefly describing a preferred embodiment, a multi-plane flexion board is provided to provide resistance exercise to the lower limbs. The board consists of a plurality of linear plates and sections stacked parallel to each other. By providing flexible planes that allow resistance flexion in multiple spatial planes, a board is provided that promotes exercise and muscle activation in a mostly stationary environment. The support board is formed of a plurality of linear ribs stacked parallel to each other, which have a lateral central pivot hinge extending through each linear rib to provide a point of rotation for movement along a lateral central axis. Compression elements press the plurality of linear ribs together and provide a biasing force to each rib that returns to a stationary position around the pivot hinge when flexed. Each rib can be formed as a structurally integral part and may have a lateral contour similar to an arc segment as a whole. The central pivot hinge may comprise a solid rod on the lateral central axis extending through each linear plate, providing a pivot for movement along the central axis. Elastic elements such as nylon bungee cords are further threaded through a linear plate to provide a rebound effect, preventing the section from rotating excessively and thereby providing balance. The bottom surface is curved, allowing the user to position themselves on the top surface and smoothly tilt their feet.

[0011] The flat top surface, consisting of multiple segments, allows the user to stand with or without shoes on and features vertical grooves that enable the user to measure an appropriate equidistant stance. The wooden sections are rounded under the legs to mimic a massage that stimulates good blood flow to the lower limbs.

[0012] Because of its overall low vertical height, the board can be adapted for use at a standing desk or in any environment where the user is required to remain standing with little movement for extended periods.

[0013] The resistance provided around multiple axes stimulates the user's core muscles, but at the same time, it stimulates them in a way that does not distract the user from productive activities.

[0014] The unique design, structure, and operation simultaneously promote movement, flexibility, and comfort.

[0015] Further objects, features, elements, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent during the following description.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0016] The advantages and features of the present invention will be better understood by referring to the following more detailed description and the claims in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like elements are identified by like reference symbols.

[0017] FIG. 1 is a plan view of a dynamic resistance bending board according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] FIG. 2 is a bottom view thereof.

[0019] FIG. 3 is a perspective view thereof.

[0020] FIG. 4 is a side view thereof, with the opposite side being a mirror image.

[0021] FIG. 5 is a side view of FIG. 4, showing the rib 20 bent to form a curved upper surface.

[0022] FIG. 6 is a partially exploded top perspective view of a dynamic resistance bending board according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] FIG. 7 is a partially exploded bottom perspective view thereof.

[0024] FIG. 8 is a partially exploded plan view thereof.

[0025] FIG. 9 is a front view thereof.

[0026] FIG. 10 is a sectional view taken along the line X-X of FIG. 1.

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0027] The best mode for carrying out the present invention is presented herein with respect to its preferred embodiments shown in the figures. The legal scope of this specification is defined by the language of the claims set forth at the end of this patent, and the detailed description should be construed only as exemplary and is not intended to describe all possible embodiments. It should be understood that it is not intended to describe all possible embodiments, as it is not possible, if not unrealistic, to describe all possible embodiments. Using either current technology or technology developed after the filing date of this patent, a number of alternative embodiments can be implemented, and these are still included within the scope of the claims.

[0028] The best mode for carrying out the present invention is presented herein with respect to its preferred embodiments shown in the figures. 1. Detailed Description of the Drawings

[0029] Referring now to the drawings, like reference numerals designate like parts throughout the several views, and a support board generally designated 10 is shown in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention designed and adapted to provide resistive exercise to the lower extremities. The support board 10 is formed from a plurality of linear ribs or plates 20 formed in sections stacked parallel to each other, as will be described in more detail below. Each individual rib 20 may be a single piece (e.g., a one-piece part) or may be formed of a plurality of layers mechanically connected to function as a single integrated element. The ribs 20 are preferably each made of wood, more preferably each made of an engineered material such as plywood, i.e., manufactured from thin layers or "plies" of wood veneer adhered together with adjacent layers having grain rotated up to 90 degrees from each other. Alternatively, the ribs 20 may be formed of different artificial woods, including a group of manufacturing materials including medium density fiberboard (MDF), oriented strand board (OSB), and particle board (chipboard).

[0030] In other or alternative configurations, the rib 20 may be made from other suitable and functionally equivalent materials, such as molded plastic, metal (e.g., aluminum), other polymer materials, composite materials, or combinations of different materials.

[0031] In any embodiment, the ribs 20 can be assembled with spacing between them so that individual ribs 20 can move without colliding with adjacent ribs. In a preferred embodiment, the spacing between ribs is less than or equal to the size of a user's foot or toe that could be accidentally caught in the gap. In a more preferred embodiment, the spacing is about 0.5 mm to about 10 mm. In an even more preferred embodiment, the spacing is about 1.5 mm.

[0032] The central axis rod 30 is provided on the lateral centerline 32. The lateral centerline 32 forms an axis passing through each rib 20 and provides a pivot point for rotational motion around the central axis 32.

[0033] An elastic element 40 is further provided. The elastic element 40 may be 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 20 inward in order to compress a plurality of parallel ribs 20 together. As shown herein, the bungee 40 is offset 34 from the central axis rod 30 and passed laterally through the linear ribs 20 parallel to the central axis rod 30. This combination of tension and parallel offset around the centerline 32 results in a rebound effect that keeps the ribs 20 parallel and provides resistance to rotation of the ribs 20.

[0034] When multiple ribs 20 are arranged adjacently and parallel to each other, they form a support platform (50 as a whole) on the upper surface 52. The upper surface 52 may be substantially flat. On the opposite side of the support platform 50 is a lower surface 54 as a whole. The lower surface 54 may be curved as a whole along a straight centerline 58. Each rib 20 with a flat upper surface 52 and a curved lower surface 54 may have a lateral profile as a whole that resembles an arc segment.

[0035] Because the lower surface 54 is curved along the straight centerline 58, the entire board 10 can swing along the lower surface 54 about its axis. To create the ability to similarly swing the board 10 about the lateral centerline 32, each adjacent rib 20 may be continuously raised along the straight centerline. The alignment of progressively increasing ribs 20 can further form a secondary segmented curve 60 around the lateral axis 32. By forming curves along each lateral axis and the straight axis, the lower surface 54 forms a roughly dome-shaped composite curve.

[0036] The upper surface 50 may further include grip-enhancing features such as a plurality of notches 56 formed along the top of each rib 20. Alternative grip enhancements may be provided and should be broadly interpreted as including, but not limited to, other textures, materials, or coatings for providing such a function, including any functionally equivalent method. 2. Operation of a Preferred Embodiment

[0037] During operation, the support board 10 can provide a dynamic board that promotes exercise and muscle activation in environments with minimal movement. The planar upper surface 52 is formed of a series of elastically compressed ribs 20, providing a flexible plane that allows for resistance bending around multiple spatial surfaces. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the devices described herein can be used in a variety of situations and environments, such as a platform for use in a work environment or as a balance board during therapy or fitness, but that the descriptions are intended to illustrate the broad range of applications enabled by the structure, features, and functions of the present invention and should not be considered to limit the scope of the invention. Therefore, the flat top surface, divided into multiple segments, can be stood on whether or not shoes are being worn, and the grooves formed within the top surface provide both traction and stimulation to the user's feet. Furthermore, the movement of the ribs 20 around multiple planes, and the rolling of the platform around its curved lower surface, each facilitate movements that mimic massage, which stimulates good blood flow in the lower limbs.

[0038] Due to its overall low vertical height, Board 10 can be adapted for use at a standing desk or in any environment where the user is required to remain in a standing position with little movement for extended periods. The resistance provided around multiple axes stimulates the user's core muscles in a manner that does not distract the user from being productive. When implemented in normal use, these features can address issues associated with a sedentary lifestyle and can improve the speed and quality of ankle rehabilitation programs without distracting people from what they need and want to do. Using the Dynamic Flexion Board in this way allows for controlled lower limb angular motion that mimics the range of motion of walking, activating muscles and joints, strengthening the core, enabling proper posture, and promoting non-exercise thermogenesis (NEAT).

[0039] By providing these muscles and joints with the ability to "move" during work and leisure activities that would otherwise typically involve little movement (sitting or standing), such benefits can be generated in a variety of situations, such as during work activities (working while sitting or standing, sitting work, reading, brainstorming, phone calls, face-to-face meetings, etc.), during leisure activities (using social media, reading, watching TV / videos, playing games, socializing, listening to music / podcasts, etc.), or for rehabilitation purposes. By facilitating increased overall adherence and effectiveness of ankle rehabilitation programs, the use of dynamic flexion boards enables faster and more complete recovery. Enabling movement in all directions of the ankle joint (plantarflexion, dorsiflexion, inversion, eversion) simultaneously activates the surrounding muscles, tendons, and ligaments, reducing stiffness, increasing strength, improving range of motion, increasing endurance, and improving proprioception. Controlled movement of the ankle joint allows edema and exudation to subside more quickly. Gentle use of the anterior and posterior muscles of the entire leg promotes increased circulation. Improved circulation helps to remove unhealthy fluid and bring healthy blood and nutrients into the injury, allowing the injury to heal completely and quickly.

[0040] Designed for multitasking, the present invention can be used in conjunction with a variety of work and leisure activities that would otherwise be considered to involve little movement. The exercises provided improve ankle strength, endurance, flexibility, and range of motion, and people can continue to rehabilitate their ankles during normal daily activities, thus providing people with a home exercise routine for ankle rehabilitation that typically affects the duration and quality of recovery and compensates for lack of time, forgetfulness, and laziness, which increase the chances of future re-injury.

[0041] Furthermore, by providing the ability to achieve dorsiflexion and plantarflexion that mimic walking movements, the range of motion can be extended to a greater extent, allowing for better stretching and strengthening of ligaments and supporting muscles and promoting blood circulation. Such use can prevent joint locking (ankles and knees) due to inactivity and promote non-exercise activity thermogenesis (NEAT), or energy expended for all activities that are not sleep, eating, or structured exercise (i.e., walking, cleaning, gardening, washing dishes, stretching).

[0042] The above description of specific embodiments of the present invention is presented for illustrative and explanatory purposes. The title, background, summary, brief description of the drawings, and abstract of the invention of this disclosure are incorporated herein by this specification and are provided as exemplary examples of the disclosure, not as limiting descriptions. They are submitted with the understanding that they are not used to limit the scope or meaning of the claims. In addition, in the detailed description, it will be found that the description provides illustrative examples, and various features are grouped together with various embodiments for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. This method of disclosure should not be construed as reflecting an intention that the claimed subject matter requires more features than are expressly described in each claim. Rather, as reflected in the following claims, the subject matter of the invention has fewer features than all the features of a single disclosed configuration or operation. The following claims are incorporated in the detailed description, and each claim stands alone as separately claimed subject matter.

Claims

1. A support board having a flexible plane that enables resistance bending around multiple spatial planes, Multiple linear ribs stacked parallel to each other, each adapted to allow movement around a lateral central pivot hinge, To provide a point of rotation for movement along the lateral central axis, the lateral central pivot hinge passes through each linear rib, A compression element for pressing the plurality of linear ribs against each other and providing a biasing force to each of the plurality of linear ribs so that when they are deflected they return to a resting position around the lateral central pivot hinge, A support board equipped with the following features.

2. The support board according to claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of linear ribs is formed from a structurally integral part.

3. The support board according to claim 1, wherein each rib has an overall lateral contour similar to an arc segment.

4. The support board according to claim 2, wherein each rib has an overall lateral contour similar to an arc segment.

5. The support board according to claim 4, wherein each of the plurality of linear ribs is formed of a material selected from the group consisting of wood, molded plastic, metal, aluminum, polymer material, composite material, and combinations of different materials within the group.

6. The support board according to claim 1, wherein a compression element compresses a plurality of parallel ribs, providing an offset biasing force with respect to the lateral axis, thereby providing a rebound effect that keeps the ribs parallel and providing resistance to rotation of the ribs.

7. The support board according to claim 2, wherein the compression element compresses a plurality of parallel ribs, providing a biasing force offset with respect to the lateral axis, thereby providing a rebound effect that keeps the ribs parallel and providing resistance to rotation of the ribs.

8. The support board according to claim 3, wherein the compression element compresses a plurality of parallel ribs, providing an offset biasing force with respect to the lateral axis, thereby providing a rebound effect that keeps the ribs parallel and providing resistance to rotation of the ribs.

9. The support board according to claim 4, wherein the compression element compresses a plurality of parallel ribs, providing an offset biasing force with respect to the lateral axis, thereby providing a rebound effect that keeps the ribs parallel and providing resistance to rotation of the ribs.

10. The support board according to claim 5, wherein the compression element compresses a plurality of parallel ribs, providing an offset biasing force with respect to the lateral axis, thereby providing a rebound effect that keeps the ribs parallel and providing resistance to rotation of the ribs.

11. A substantially flat top surface, The lower surface, which is curved overall along the straight center line and along the lateral center line, The support board according to claim 1, further comprising:

12. A substantially flat top surface, The lower surface, which is curved overall along the straight center line and along the lateral center line, The support board according to claim 2, further comprising:

13. A substantially flat top surface, The lower surface, which is curved overall along the straight center line and along the lateral center line, The support board according to claim 3, further comprising:

14. A substantially flat top surface, The lower surface, which is curved overall along the straight center line and along the lateral center line, The support board according to claim 4, further comprising:

15. A substantially flat top surface, The lower surface, which is curved overall along the straight center line and along the lateral center line, The support board according to claim 5, further comprising:

16. A substantially flat top surface, The lower surface, which is curved overall along the straight center line and along the lateral center line, The support board according to claim 6, further comprising:

17. A substantially flat top surface, The lower surface, which is curved overall along the straight center line and along the lateral center line, The support board according to claim 7, further comprising:

18. A substantially flat top surface, The lower surface, which is curved overall along the straight center line and along the lateral center line, The support board according to claim 8, further comprising:

19. A substantially flat top surface, The lower surface, which is curved overall along the straight center line and along the lateral center line, The support board according to claim 9, further comprising:

20. A substantially flat top surface, The lower surface, which is curved overall along the straight center line and along the lateral center line, The support board according to claim 10, further comprising:

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