Balance board and system for improving balance

Abstract

The invention relates to a balance board (10) including a level standing support (12) for supporting a user, at least two support-point elements (14) configured to be attached to attachment points (18) belonging to the standing support (12), which support-point elements (14) form a support point (S) of the balance board (10) against a substrate (1), wherein the balance board has at least one more attachment point (18) for attaching the support-point elements (14) in a detachable manner to the standing support (12) than there are support-point elements (14). The standing support (12) is level and is configured in terms of its width (W) and length (L) for a use of the balance board (10) with just one leg (20). The invention also relates to a system (40) for improving balance.

Description

[0001] BALANCE BOARD AND SYSTEM FOR IMPROVING BALANCE

[0002] The invention relates to a balance board including

[0003] - a standing support for supporting a user,

[0004] - at least two support-point elements configured to be attached to attachment points belonging to the standing support , which support-point elements form a support point of the balance board against a substrate, wherein there is at least one more attachment point for attaching the support-point elements in a detachable manner to the standing support than there are support-point elements .

[0005] The invention also relates to a system for improving balance .

[0006] Known from the prior art and disclosed in the publication EP3197568 Bl is the Applicant ' s balance board Gymba®, with which a user can work on their balance and improve their muscle strength by means of a versatile training . The support surface of the board against a substrate is formed by a single curved board component on which the user can balance . However, this board is not designed for a progressive training in which a degree of training difficulty can be adjusted in small steps as the user improves . The publication also discloses an implementation in which two support-point elements are arranged between the curved board component , i . e . the standing support , and the substrate for a more challenging balancing . This form of implementation is very challenging for a training, however, because the board is deliberately flexible and achieving balance is extremely difficult .

[0007] The object of the invention is to provide a balance board and a system for improving balance which enable a versatile and progressive training through the modification of the functional characteristics of the balance board . The characteristic features of a balance board according to the invention are set out in the attached patent claim 1 , while the characteristic features of a system according to the invention are set out in the attached patent claim 15 .

[0008] The object of the invention is achieved with a balance board that includes a level standing support for supporting a user and at least two support-point elements configured to be attached to attachment points belonging to the standing support , which support-point elements form a support point of the balance board against a substrate . There is at least one more attachment point for attaching the support-point elements in a detachable manner to the standing support than there are support-point elements in order to create different balancing states of the balance board . The standing support is configured in terms of its width and length for a use of the balance board with just one leg .

[0009] As the support-point elements are attachable in a detachable manner and as there are more attachment points than supportpoint elements , the balance board according to the invention is freely configurable in different functional configurations in which the locations of the support-point elements respectively differ . This makes it possible to create a plurality of different balancing states using the same balance board for a use of the balance board that permits a varied and progressive training . Thanks to this feature, the balance board according to the invention is also very well suited for rehabilitation exercises . The dimensioning of the balance board for a use with just one leg also enables a rehabilitation of an individual leg, as a degree of difficulty of an exercise performed with the balance board can be adjusted by means of the movable support-point elements . In the present context , the definition that " the standing support is configured in terms of its width and length for a use of the balance board with just one leg" is understood to mean that the dimensions of the standing support essentially correspond to the surface area required by an individual foot , i . e . it is not possible for two adult feet to be supported on the standing support at the same time .

[0010] In the present context , a "balancing state" is understood to refer to the location of the centre of the balance board in relation to a support point formed by support-point elements against a plane, or in relation to a supporting line of support points , in relation to which the balance board can be inclined . Altering the location of the support-point elements also alters the location of the aforementioned supporting line in relation to the centre of the balance board, which in turn modifies the functional characteristics of the balance board .

[0011] In the present context , "level" is understood to refer to an essentially straight plane that does not arch .

[0012] A width of the standing support can be 80-150% , preferably 100-120% , of a foot width .

[0013] A length of the standing support can be 90-150% , preferably 100-120% , of a foot width .

[0014] Due to the effective working width of the board, a single-leg balance board has a higher local bearing pressure than a two-leg board . In other words , with a single-leg balance board, the entire weight of a user standing with one leg on the balance board acts on the substrate over a surface area that corresponds mainly to the size of the user' s foot . Preferably, the standing support is 8-15 cm wide and 20-40 cm long for a use of the balance board with just one leg . The balance board is thus very small in size, and it is consequently possible to achieve large ranges of motion with the same, for example with respect to a lateral inclination, despite a fairly low overall structure, as the standing board cannot touch the substrate .

[0015] According to one embodiment , a matrix of 3x3 - 20x12 attachment points , preferably of 6x5 - 12x7 attachment points , is formed on the standing support for selectable configurations of the support-point elements . A "matrix" is understood here to mean that the attachment points lie next to each other or one after the other so as to form attachment points in the manner of a matrix .

[0016] The matrix preferably covers at least 70% of the surface area of the bottom of the standing support in a position of use, so that it is possible to form a balance board that is sufficiently stable for the training of a beginner .

[0017] In the present context , "matrix" is understood to mean that the attachment points are arranged successively both in the transverse direction and the longitudinal direction of the standing support , thus forming a matrix of attachment points to which a user can attach a support-point element as desired, wherein at least two support-point elements are provided . It is thus possible to form axes of inclination in different directions in relation to the user' s foot , wherein the muscles that control the user' s ankle are worked in relation to these axes of inclination .

[0018] In this context , a "selectable configuration" is understood to refer to an arrangement of support-point elements at attachment points of the standing support . The matrix of attachment points offers a large number of different ways , i . e . configurations , to attach the support-point elements , so that each configuration creates a unique configuration of support points between the balance board and the substrate . Each configuration creates different axes of inclination on the balance board .

[0019] Preferably, each support-point element includes an essentially hemispherical support surface, which renders possible the inclination of the balance board in all directions . When a hemispherical support surface is used, the free directions of movement of the balance board are determined solely by the arrangement of the support-point elements , as the support surfaces allow an unhindered inclination in different directions .

[0020] According to one embodiment , the standing support includes 3-20 , preferably 6-12 , longitudinal slots and 3-12 , preferably 5-7 , transverse support walls formed in the slots , wherein one said attachment point for a support-point element is formed in sections of the slot that are separated in each slot by a support wall . With such a structure, a minimum of 8 possible sites for the arrangement of an individual support-point element are provided, i . e . 3 slots x 3 support walls with one spot being taken by a second support-point element . Preferably, however, 30 - 94 arrangement sites are provided, depending on the structure of the standing support , so that a very large number of different balancing states that can be achieved with the balance board is also provided .

[0021] According to one embodiment , the support-point element includes at least one, preferably two, fastening tongues for fastening the support-point element to one said slot . By means of the fastening tongues , a detachability and easy connectability of the support-point elements can be implemented simply and reliably .

[0022] Preferably, the length of the fastening tongue in the longitudinal direction of the standing support decreases as one moves away from the support-point element , wherein the leading edge of the fastening tongue essentially corresponds in its dimensions to a section in order to form an interference fit with said section . Thanks to the interference fit, the support-point element can be simply pushed into place and pulled out again by applying a little force, which is quick and easy .

[0023] Preferably, the depth of the fastening tongue in the direction perpendicular to the plane of the standing support essentially corresponds to the depth of the slot . The support-point elements are thus supported against the surface of the standing support and thereby have a large support surface for transmitting torque .

[0024] According to a preferred embodiment , the balance board includes at least three, preferably four, support-point elements that can be freely arranged in the sections of the standing support . With three or more support-point elements , it is possible to create a wide variety of balancing states of the balance board, which enable a versatile training and a training progression via the modification of the locations and number of supportpoint elements . Naturally, when four support-point elements are used in a rectangular configuration, a very stable balancing state of the balance board is achieved, which makes it possible for training to begin at a low threshold . By modifying the location of the support-point elements or by reducing their number, a degree of difficulty can be increased in accordance with an improved balance . Preferably, at least two support-point elements form a linear line of support points and said at least third support-point element is arranged non-linearly in relation to the two support-point elements in order to stabilize the balance board . This produces a very stable configuration of support points between the balance board and the substrate .

[0025] Preferably, the standing support includes a standing surface that includes surface shapes to increase the friction between the user' s foot and the standing support . This standing surface prevents the user ' s foot from sliding along the standing support , which prevents user injuries . Moreover, this standing surface makes it possible to use the balance board with the support-surface elements facing upwards and the standing surface of the standing support against the substrate . The user can thus use the shape of the support-surface elements , for example, for a foot massage or a fascia point treatment .

[0026] The standing support and the support-point elements are preferably injection-moulded pieces . By means of injection moulding, it is possible to form lightweight and durable pieces at a low production cost .

[0027] Alternatively, the parts of the balance board can be made of wood or a composite material , for example by machining or milling . Wood is an environmentally friendly and durable material , although the production costs of such a balance board are higher than in the case of an injection-moulded balance board .

[0028] According to one embodiment , the support-point element includes protrusions formed in the support surface . The protrusions enable a more efficient use of the upside-down balance board for a foot massage .

[0029] Preferably, the standing support is essentially rigid . In the present context , "essentially rigid" is understood to mean that the standing support does not change shape by more than 1 mm when the balance board is in use . This facilitates the achievement of a balance on the board by the user, which is particularly important when a balance board is used with one leg .

[0030] According to one embodiment , the balance board includes an acceleration sensor configured to determine measurement data in the form of accelerations acting on the balance board, an orientation, or both, as well as data transmission means for transmitting the measurement data for further processing . The acceleration sensor and the data transmission means enable a transmission of data on the use of the balance board for processing, for example to a separate software . Using the software, a user or person analyzing the measurement data can draw conclusions regarding the use of the balance board and an improvement in the user' s balance .

[0031] Preferably, the data transmission means includes a wireless transmitter for sending data . The wireless transmitter can be a battery-powered device utilizing, for example, NFC or Bluetooth® technology .

[0032] Alternatively, the data transmission means can be, for example, a USB-c or analogous data transmission interface via which a data transmission can be carried out using wired means .

[0033] The object of a system according to the invention is achieved by a system that includes two balance boards according to any of the aforementioned embodiments of the invention, each balance board being configured to be used with one leg, wherein each board is used separately at the same time . This facilitates the achievement of balance by the user with the system while simultaneously offering the possibility of different foot orientations and exercises .

[0034] The invention, which is not limited to the embodiments presented in the following, is explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings , wherein

[0035] Figure la shows an axonometric view of a balance board according to the invention obliquely from above in a position of use,

[0036] Figure lb shows an axonometric view of the balance board of Figure la obliquely from below,

[0037] Figure 1c shows the balance board of Figure la from below,

[0038] Figure Id shows a view of the balance board of Figure la in its longitudinal direction,

[0039] Figure le shows a view of the balance board of Figure la in its transverse direction,

[0040] Figures 2a - 2e show the standing support of the balance board on its own from different directions , Figures 3a - 3e show a support-point element of the balance board on its own from different directions , Figures 4a - 4e show different selectable locations of the support-point elements on the standing support in a bottom view .

[0041] As shown in Figures la-le, the basic parts of the balance board 10 include a standing support 12 and at least two support-point elements 14 attached the standing support 12 . Preferably, three or more support-point elements 14 are provided, so that the balance board 10 can be used in a variety of ways to implement a progressive training or rehabilitation .

[0042] The standing support 12 is preferably a level piece , in the upper surface of which a standing surface 32 is formed for the user ' s foot in a position of use and, on the opposite side to the standing surface 32 , at least three attachment points 18 are provided for attaching said support-point elements 14 at selected locations on the standing support 12 .

[0043] As shown in Figure 1c, the standing support is dimensioned in terms of both its length L and width W to correspond essentially to a user ' s foot for a use of the balance board with just one leg .

[0044] Preferably, the standing support is mainly rectangular in shape and thus generally corresponds to the shape of a foot, wherein the longitudinal direction of the standing support and the longitudinal direction of the foot coincide . A rectangular shape is most recommendable, as it minimizes a use of material and a weight of the balance board . In addition, a rectangular balance board is best suited to the system according to the invention in which two balance boards are respectively configured to be used with one leg . The adjacent balance boards thereby do not hit each other during use, even when the user ' s feet are essentially shoulder width apart .

[0045] Alternatively, the standing support can also be oval , elliptical or some other analogous suitable shape that does not significantly restrict an inclination of the balance board .

[0046] Preferably, the standing support is made of injection-moulded plastic or, for example, of a biocomposite . Alternatively, the standing support can also be manufactured using 3D printing, provided that the selected material is a type of plastic of sufficient strength . A still further alternative material for the standing support is wood, which is an ecological option but more difficult to machine to make it suitable for the intended use than are the aforementioned materials .

[0047] It is additionally possible to form the standing support as a kind of box structure by joining thin plates with pins , but such a structure is more complicated to manufacture and assemble than, for example, in ection-moulded elements .

[0048] Preferably, as shown in Figures lb and 1c, at least three attachment points 18 are formed in the lower surface 16 of the standing support 12 in a position of use, to which attachment points 18 at least two support-point elements 14 can be attached at varying locations . A main idea of the invention is that there is at least one more attachment point than there are support-point elements , so that the location of the support-point elements in relation to the standing support and thus the geometry of the support surfaces formed on the balance board against the substrate can be modified to create different balancing states .

[0049] According to the preferred implementation shown in Figures lb, 1c and 2c, 3-20 , preferably 6-12 , longitudinal slots 24 and 3-12 , preferably 5-7 , transverse support walls 26 formed in the slots 24 are formed in the lower surface 16 of the standing support 12 in a position of use . An attachment point 18 for a support-point element 14 is formed in sections 27 of the slot 24 that are separated in each slot 24 by a support wall 26 . The standing support shown, for example, in Figures lb, 1c and 2c, thus has 9 lateral selectable positions for a support-point element 14 and 5 different sections 27 in the longitudinal direction, i . e . a total of more than 40 different possible attachment points 18 for a single support-point element , taking into account that the number of support-point elements used reduces a possible number of locations . The slots and the support walls are preferably formed in the material of the standing support during manufacture of the standing support , for example, by injection moulding .

[0050] According to one embodiment , it is also possible for the support-point element to be made of a soft material , which is understood to mean that the material yields by 1-8% under a load, which improves the feeling of the support-point element when it is used for a massage . Alternatively, the support-point elements can vary in hardness and can be exchangeable, so that harder support-point elements are used when they are acting as support points against a substrate and softer support-point elements are used for massage purposes .

[0051] When injection-moulded plastic is used as the material of the standing support , a thickness of the longitudinal walls 25 separating the slots 24 in the transverse direction of the standing support can be 2-10 mm, preferably 3-7 mm, in order to achieve a sufficient strength . A thickness of the support walls is 2-20 mm, preferably 5-10 mm .

[0052] Alternatively, in cases where the material used for the standing support is , for example, wood, the slots and the support walls can be formed by milling, lathing, drilling or cutting . In this case, a thickness of the walls and support walls can vary from the dimensions indicated above .

[0053] The support-point elements 14 used on the balance board are shown in more detail in Figures 3a-3e . The support-point elements are preferably made of a material that corresponds to that of the standing support , i . e . of an in ection-moulded plastic . Each support-point element 14 preferably includes a body 31 , which forms the support surface S between the substrate and the balance board 10 , as shown in Figure le . The body 31 is preferably at least partially hemispherical in shape and forms a support surface 22 , which renders possible a continuous and unhindered inclination of the balance board in different directions . This provides the user with the highest possible number of degrees of freedom at the support-point element for the inclination of the balance board, while the only limiting factor for the inclination of the balance board is the location and number of support-point elements on the standing support .

[0054] According to an advantageous implementation, the support-point elements are attached with an interference fit to the slot sections between the support walls in the standing support . To this end, each support-point element 14 preferably includes at least one fastening tongue 28 as shown in Figures 3a-3d, which essentially corresponds in width to the width of the slots and in length to the distance between the support walls . There are also preferably two fastening tongues 28 , one on each side of the support-point element 14 , in order to achieve a torque support that is as great as possible . Each fastening tongue 28 preferably has a leading edge 30 that is smaller in terms of its length than the base part 33 connected to the body 31 of the support-point element . Thus , as the fastening tongue 28 of the support-point element 14 is pressed deeper and deeper into the slot 24 of the standing support 12 , the interference fit becomes tighter and the connection stronger . In other words , a fastening perpendicular to the plane of the standing support is produced by the friction between the fastening tongue and the slots and between the fastening tongue and the support walls . To this end, the surface of the fastening tongues can be roughened to increase friction . When plastic is used as the material in both the support-point elements and the standing support , the friction connection is very good, as the materials provide a certain amount of elasticity .

[0055] The surface of the support-point elements can include the protrusions shown in Figures 3a, 3b, 3d and 3e, which can improve the functionality of the support-point elements for a massage function .

[0056] Instead of a detachable attachment based on the slots of the standing support and the fastening tongues of the support-point elements described in the foregoing, it is also possible to simply attach the support-point elements with a fastening of a pin-and-nut type, in which case a nut insert with a counterthread would be embedded in the standing support , while each support-point element would include a threaded pin . The support-point elements would thus be detachably attachable via a screwing into the standing support . However, this kind of detachable attachment would be more difficult to implement from a manufacturing point of view than the implementation based on slots and fastening tongues described in the foregoing, which does not require additional parts made of other materials .

[0057] Preferably, only the surface shapes 36 shown in Figure 2b are formed in the upper surface 17 in a position of use of the standing support 12 , which surface shapes 36 can consist in a roughening, a system of grooves or even a separate rougher surface glued to the upper surface, by means of which it is possible to increase the friction between the user ' s foot and the standing support . Preferably, the structure of the standing support is essentially rigid in use, which in particular facilitates the use of the balance board in embodiments in which the dimensions of the standing support correspond to the size of a foot .

[0058] Figures 4a-4e show different locations of support-point elements 14 on the standing support 12 and the axes of inclination A relative to the substrate that can be achieved with the same, which are shown as dashed lines . It should be noted that Figures 4a-4e merely show three examples of an arrangement of support-point elements on the standing support , whereas in reality this arrangement can vary greatly .

[0059] In order to achieve a sufficient inclination of the balance board, of at least 10 ° , preferably 15 ° -45 ° , and most preferably 20-30 ° , a certain dimensional ratio between the support-point elements and the standing support is preferably provided . A height of a support-point element can be 20-40% , preferably 25-35% , of a width of the standing support . A width of a support-point element can be 30-60% , preferably 40-50% , of a width of the standing support . A width of the standing support can be 25-40% , preferably 30-35% , of a length of the standing support .

[0060] The standing support can be a 0 . 5-4 . 0 cm thick, preferably 1 . 0-1 . 5 cm thick, box structure that is open at its lower surface in a position of use in order to achieve a rigid standing support .

[0061] In Figure la, the box 40 indicates an acceleration sensor configured to determine measurement data in the form of accelerations acting on the the balance board 10 , an orientation, or both, while the box 42 indicates the data transmission means for transmitting the measurement data for further processing . Both the acceleration sensor and the data transmission means are preferably integrated into the balance board or into an edge of the same, where they do not interfere with the attachment of the support-point elements . Preferably, both the acceleration sensor and the data transmission means are powered by a rechargeable or non-rechargeable battery . A compartment for a rechargeable or non-rechargeable battery can also be formed in the standing support .

Claims

CLAIMS1 . A balance board ( 10 ) including- a standing support ( 12 ) for support ing a user ,- at least two support-point element s ( 14 ) conf igured to be attached to attachment point s ( 18 ) belonging to the standing support ( 12 ) , which support-point element s ( 14 ) form a support point ( S ) of the balance board ( 10 ) against a substrate ( 1 ) , wherein there i s at least one more attachment po int ( 18 ) for attaching the support-point element s ( 14 ) in a detachable manner to the standing support ( 12 ) than there are supportpoint element s ( 14 ) ,characterized in that the standing support ( 12 ) i s level and i s conf igured in terms of it s width (W) and length ( L ) for a use of the balance board ( 10 ) with just one leg ( 20 ) .2 . A balance board according to claim 1 , characterized in that a matrix of 3x3 - 20x12 attachment point s ( 18 ) , preferably of 6x5 - 12x7 attachment point s ( 1 8 ) , i s formed on the standing support ( 12 ) for selectable conf igurat ions of the support-point element s ( 14 ) .3 . A balance board according to claim 1 or 2 , characterized in that the standing support ( 12 ) i s 8 - 15 cm wide and 20 -40 cm long for the use of the balance board ( 10 ) with just one leg ( 20 ) .4 . A balance board according to claim 1 or 2 , characterized in that each support-point element ( 14 ) includes an es sent ial ly hemi spherical support surface ( 22 ) , which renders pos s ible the incl inat ion of the balance board ( 10 ) in al l direct ions .5 . A balance board according to any one of claims 1 to 4 , characterized in that the standing support ( 12 ) includes 3-20 ,preferably 6- 12 , longitudinal s lot s ( 24 ) and 3- 12 , preferably 5-7 , transverse support wal l s ( 2 6 ) formed in the s l ot s ( 24 ) , wherein one said attachment point ( 18 ) for a support-point element ( 14 ) i s formed in sect ions ( 27 ) of the s lot ( 24 ) that are separated in each s lot ( 24 ) by one said support wal l ( 2 6 ) .6 . A balance board according to any one of claims 1 to 5 , characterized in that the support-point element ( 14 ) includes at least one , preferably two , fastening tongues ( 28 ) for fastening the support-point element ( 14 ) to one said attachment point ( 18 ) .7 . A balance board according to any one of claims 1 to 6 , characterized in that the balance board ( 10 ) includes at least three , preferably four , support-point element s ( 14 ) that can be freely arranged in the sect ions ( 27 ) of the standing support ( 12 ) .8 . A balance board according to claim 7 , characterized in that at least two support point element s ( 14 ) form a l inear l ine of support point s and the at least third support point element ( 14 ) i s arranged non-l inearly in relat ion to the two support-point element s ( 14 ) in order to stabi l i ze the balance board ( 10 ) .9 . A balance board according to any one of claims 1 to 8 , characterized in that the standing support ( 12 ) includes a standing surface ( 32 ) that includes surface shapes ( 36 ) to increase the frict ion between the user ' s leg ( 2 0 ) and the standing support ( 12 ) .10 . A balance board according to any one of claims 1 to 9 , characterized in that the standing support ( 12 ) and the support-point element s ( 14 ) are in j ect ion-moulded pieces .11 . A balance board according to any one of claims 1 to 10 , characterized in that each support-point element ( 14 ) includes protrus ions ( 34 ) formed on the support surface ( 22 ) .12 . A balance board according to any one of claims 1 to 11 , characterized in that the balance board ( 10 ) includes an accelerat ion sensor ( 40 ) conf igured to determine measurement data in form of accelerat ions act ing on the balance board ( 10 ) , an orientat ion , or both , as wel l as data transmi s s ion means ( 42 ) for transmitt ing the measurement data for further proces s ing .13 . A balance board according to any one of claims 1 to 12 , characterized in that the support-point element s ( 14 ) are ident ical to each other .14 . A balance board according to any one of claims 1 to 13 , characterized in that the standing support ( 12 ) i s es sent ial ly rigid .15 . A system for improving balance , characterized in that the system includes two balance boards ( 10 ) according to any one of claims 1 to 14 , one balance board ( 10 ) for each leg

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