Multifunctional curved board

Abstract

A multi-functional curved board to be used when working in standing position and for working when sitting down as a support for feet and generally for maintaining muscle strength, the multi-functional curved board having at least one curved body (1). The body (1) comprises at least one counter-curve means (3). One surface (1b) of the body is curved outwards and the counter-curve means are fastened to a surface (1a) opposite this surface (1a) adjacent the end sides (1d) of the body (1) and the counter-curve means are curved outwards from the opposite surface of the body (1).

Claims

1. A multi-functional curved board, to be used for working standing up and as a support for legs when working in sitting position as well as for general maintenance of muscle strength, the multi-functional curved board having one or more curved bodies and the body having at least one counter-curve means wherein the body is rigid in the direction of its radius of curvature, supporting at least the weight of the user, and flexible in the direction transverse to the radius of curvature so that the multi-functional curved board can be bent in a direction transverse to the radius of curvature so that the multi-functional curved board can rotate around its longitudinal axis.

2. The multi-functional curved board according to claim 1, wherein the counter-curve means comprises an upper surface being the surface on which the user stands.

3. The multi-functional curved board according to claim 1, wherein the upper surface of the counter-curve means is convex.

4. The multi-functional curved board according to claim 1, wherein at least one add-on can be attached to the body for changing the rocking direction of the body.

5. The multi-functional curved board according to claim 1, wherein at least one add-on can be attached to the body to be used in targeted massage.

6. The multi-functional curved board according to claim 1, wherein one surface of the body is curved towards outside and the counter-curve means are fastened to a surface opposite this surface adjacent the end sides of the body and the counter-curve means are curved outwards from the opposite surface of the body.

7. The multi-functional curved board according to claim 6, wherein the surface opposite to the outwards curved surface is concave.

8. The multi-functional curved board according to claim 1, wherein the cross-section of the body is formed by flanges attached to each other in longitudinal direction at least along a part of the breadth of the body so that they can move in lateral direction (transverse to the longitudinal axis) in relation to each other.

9. The multi-functional curved board according to claim 8, wherein the flanges are connected to each other by means of a web (H-profile) arranged in the center part of the flanges.

10. The multi-functional curved board according to claim 8, wherein the flanges are connected to each other by the edges of the flanges with straight webs (U-profile).

11. The multi-functional curved board according to claim 8, wherein the cross-wise profile is a saw tooth profile.

12. The multi-functional curved board according to claim 8, wherein the transverse profile comprises at least one of the following profiles: U-profile, H-profile, saw tooth profile.

Description

LIST OF FIGURES

[0018] In the following, the invention is described in more detail with reference to the appended figures.

[0019] FIG. 1 illustrates a multi-functional curved board according to the invention seen directly from the side.

[0020] FIG. 2 illustrates the multi-functional curved board of FIG. 1 seen directly from above.

[0021] FIG. 3 illustrates the multi-functional board according to images 1 to 2, the outside surface of the board being turned upwards and seen directly from the side.

[0022] FIG. 4 illustrates the multi-functional board of FIGS. 1 to 4 seen directly from the front.

[0023] FIG. 5 illustrates the multi-functional board of FIGS. 1 to 4 seen in a side view diagonally from above.

[0024] FIG. 6 illustrates the multi-functional board of FIGS. 1 to 5 in partially dismantled state seen in a side view diagonally from above.

[0025] FIG. 7 illustrates another multi-functional curved board according to the invention seen directly from the front.

[0026] FIG. 8 illustrates a multi-functional curved board of FIG. 7 seen directly from the side.

[0027] FIG. 9 illustrates a multi-functional curved board of FIGS. 7 and 8 seen directly from above.

[0028] FIG. 10 illustrates the multi-functional board of FIGS. 7 to 9 seen in a side view diagonally from above.

[0029] FIG. 11 illustrates the multi-functional board of FIGS. 7 to 10 seen in a side view diagonally from above.

[0030] FIG. 12 illustrates the multi-functional board of FIGS. 7 to 11 in partially dismantled state seen in a side view diagonally from above.

[0031] FIG. 13 illustrates the multi-functional board of FIGS. 7 to 12 seen in a side view diagonally from below.

[0032] FIG. 14 illustrates a cross-section of a multi-functional curved board according to the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0033] The figures illustrate the body 1 having an curve interior surface 1a, an curve exterior surface 1b, side 1c and an end side 1d. In the figures, the body 1 is rectangular when seen from above. In side view the body is curved, wherein the curvature radius of the curve runs from the end side 1d to the end side 1d, whereby the curvature line of the body 1 is in transverse direction, i.e. it runs from the side 1c to the other side 1c. The figures show a coating 2, called according to its location the curve interior coating 2a and the curve exterior coating 2b. The curve exterior coating 2b can be e.g. tightly compressed closed-cell foam or e.g. a felt-like mat. The curve exterior coating 2b can be fastened to the body 1 by means of e.g. stickers, gluing or by using an adhesive glue on the outside curve coating 2b itself. The curve exterior coating 2b feels pleasant under the feet and it is not slippery, when the curved board is used with its convex side (curve outside 1b) upwards. The curve interior coating 2a can be of a similar material as the outside coating. The curve exterior surface 1b of the body 1 is curved externally and the curve interior surface 1a is concave.

[0034] Both ends of the body 1 are provided with a counter-curve means 3 adjacent the end side, the counter-curve means allowing a natural position of the foot when standing with feet on the counter-curve means 3. The counter-curve means 3 can be fixed or detachable in the body 1 on the curve interior surface 1a as shown in the figures. The upper surface of the counter-curve means 3 is the surface to stand on. This surface to stand on is formed to be convex on the outside, whereby its surface is always at right angle in relation to the sole of the foot on the upper surface 3a as the position of the multi-functional curved board changes in lateral direction when rocking the multi-functional curved board. The side of the counter-curve means 3 on the side of the end side 1d of the body 1 is the fastening side 3b by which the counter-curve means 3 is fastened by means of one or more fastening means 3c, such as a screw, to one or more end sides 1d of the body 1. The fastening means 3c can be a counter-sunk screw or other known fastener. The side opposite to the fastening side 3b of the counter-curve means 3 is the sliding side 3d. It hasn't been attached to the side of the board, but the sliding side 3d slides against the inner surface of the curve 1a of the body 1 when the user stands on the counter-curve means. The above-mentioned sliding allows springing/rocking of the counter-curve means 3. The counter-curve means 3 can be produced from other known flexible materials, e.g. the inside of the counter-curve means 3 is more flexible than the surface material.

[0035] The figures illustrate a contact point 3e when the body of the multi-functional curved board 1 is so that the curve external surface 1b, i.e. convex side is facing up. In this case the contact point 3e of the counter-curve means 3 is located on a certain, fairly small area of the counter-curve means 3. It is useful to attach protective pieces in the contact point 3e either on the whole area or on a part of the distance. The protective pieces prevent wear of the floor and slipping of the multi-functional curved board from under the user. The material of the protective pieces must be durable enough and the protective pieces must not leave any scratches or other signs of wear on the floor. The protective pieces can be replaced when needed. The protective pieces can be produced by e.g. injection molding from a suitable material. They can also be parts made of felt or other known suitable material that is fastened by means of e.g. stickers or gluing.

[0036] Various add-ons 4 can be attached to the multi-functional curved board for making the use of the product more versatile, such as for increasing the difficulty of balance training. Use of accessories/add-ons 4 can be taken into account during the production of the multi-functional curved board. For this purpose suitable indentations 4b are made to the body 1 of the multi-functional curved board into which the add-ons can easily be installed. E.g. the hemispherical means 4a can be installed by their extensions 4aa.

[0037] Use of the hemispherical means 4a as an accessory.

[0038] The multi-functional curved board can be made a versatile and demanding balance board by installing one or more hemispherical means in the middle of the board or at various places on the curved outside surface 1b, i.e. the convex side of the multifunction curved board. Depending on the location, the curved board can be made to rock either longitudinally or in transverse direction or in every direction. Back muscles can be massaged in a so-called point-like manner by placing the hemispherical means on the convex side of the curved board. The user lies down on their back on the board and positions themselves on the hemisphere so that the hemisphere presses on a certain muscle. The muscle is massaged by slightly moving the body. The hemisphere can also be used for massaging the soles of feet by suitably pressing the soles against the hemisphere. Other parts of the body, such as thighs and calves, can also be massaged as described above. The hemispherical means 4a can be made by e.g. injection molding from a suitable known material, such as plastic, wood composite, rubber and so on.

[0039] The multi-functional curved board is meant to be used when working in standing position and for working sitting down as a support for feet and generally for maintaining muscle strength, the multi-functional curved board having one or more bodies 1.

[0040] The body 1 has two or more counter-curve means 3. The counter-curve means 3 comprises an upper surface 3a, the surface to stand on. The upper surface of the counter-curve means 3 is curved, in longitudinal direction between the sides 1c the counter-curve means 3 is straight at its upper surface 3a like the bottom surface of a foot. Thereby the counter-curve means 3 can turn under the foot in the direction of the radius of curvature of the body 1 and the turning of the multi-functional curved board doesn't turn the foot into an angled position.

[0041] The figures show that one or more add-ons 4 can be attached to the body 1 for changing the rocking direction of the body 1. One or more add-ons 4 can be attached to the body 1 for use in targeted massage. The figures show hemispherical means 4a, the shape of which is hemispherical. The hemispherical means 4a are fastened to the body 1 by extensions 4aa, shown as rectangular brackets that are pushed into the above-mentioned indentations 4b.

[0042] The multi-functional curved board can be produced using known wood processing techniques and machines from known wood species or their combinations, such as e.g. plywood. The multi-functional curved board can be produced from plastic, composite, such as plastic-cellulose composite or other known raw material with known production technology related to said material. Thereby, when producing from plastic, it is preferable to produce the counter-curve means 3 as an integral part of the body 1.

[0043] In order to allow a small movement of feet and through them also of the whole body it is advantageous, if the foot can move and tilt in longitudinal direction as well. This is possible by means of the above-described hemispherical means or by adding to the lower surface 1b of the body 1a shape that is concave to other direction as well. The problem with this solution is that the board easily becomes too crank and work while standing up on the board is difficult. According to an embodiment of the invention the multi-functional curved board has been formed to be flexible in a direction transverse to its radius of curvature. Thereby the multi-functional curved board can turn around its longitudinal axis, i.e. the axis parallel with the radius on curvature, in relation to the longitudinal direction of the board. The edges of the multi-functional curved board can be pressed down and they can correspondingly also rise up. Thus each foot can independently turn at the ankle in a natural way in the longitudinal direction of the foot. This allows creating a small, efficient movement all the way from the foot to the pelvis and back.

[0044] In the above-described embodiment the body 1 of the multi-functional curved board must be sufficiently rigid in the direction of the radius of curvature in order to be able to support users of all weights without being pressed flat. On the other hand, it must be flexible in its rotation direction, i.e. transverse to the radius of curvature of the body 1. This function can preferably be carried out by means of cross-section shown in FIG. 14. Therein the cross-section of the board is formed by parallel U-beams 5, 6 opening against each other and running in the direction of the radius of curvature of the body 1. Each of the beams is formed by flange 7, 8 and the webs 9 connecting them. This forms an accordion profile formed by U-profiles opening against. As is known from statics of structures, a wide web 9 produces a good bending rigidity in the longitudinal direction of the profile. On the other hand, the bending rigidity of the flanges 7, 8 is weak in lateral direction, whereby the webs of the profiles can be moved laterally towards each other and away from each other with small force. Due to the number of parallel profiles the lateral movement allowed by them is summed, whereby the accordion shape produces a good flexibility in the lateral direction of profiles already with a small force. This makes the above-described function of the multi-functional board possible.

[0045] A U-profile is an advantageous structure as it allows structurally producing a desired function and a sufficiently smooth surface against the foot and floor without a curve internal coating 1a or a curve external coating 1b. A coating can naturally be used, if desired, or the spaces between webs 9 can be filled with a flexible material. The cross-section can also be varied by using other cross-sections as well, such as parallel H-forms, a saw tooth form, V-profile, opposing C-profiles or their combinations. The essential feature is that the structure comprises inter-connected load-carrying webs in the direction of the radius of curvature of the body 1, the webs being connected to each other so that they can move laterally (in a direction transverse to their longitudinal axis) in relation to each other. The profile producing the flexibility can also extend to only a part of the width of the body 1.

[0046] It will be obvious to one skilled in the art that the invention is not limited to only the alternatives disclosed above, but many variations are possible within the inventive step defined in the appended claims.