Tau Balance Board System

Embodiments of the invention relate to balance boards.

Balance boards are devices used for recreation, balance training, athletic training, and other forms of personal development. Balance boards are a lever that the user stands on having their left and right foot placed on opposite ends of the board. The user's body must maintain balance to keep the board's edges from touching the ground and avoid falling from the board. Various forms exist including rocker boards, rocker-roller boards, wobble boards, sphere-and-ring boards, among others each having varying difficulty and muscles targeted.

General tau theory relates to the guidance of bodily movements wherein the organism acts as a unified whole in dynamic relations with its environment and is also the Greek symbol for torque. In physics torque quantifies the relationship between variables including angular and linear momentum, friction, position vector, and gravity. At the end of each tau, twisting left or right to and from 0-180 degrees, the participant achieves static equilibrium. The spine and scapulae bear a striking resemblance to the symbol for tau having the natural function of moving to and from 0-180 degrees achieving static equilibrium, as described in the tau of both math and physics.

This summary is provided to introduce a variety of concepts in a simplified form that is disclosed further in the detailed description of the embodiments. This summary is not intended for determining or limiting the scope of the claimed subject matter.

The embodiments provided herein relate to a tau balance board system, including a board and a roller. The board is positioned on the roller during use, wherein a board and roller interface provide a tau movement during an exercise providing static equilibrium while and 0-180° range of motion while performing the exercise. A first and second rubber guide are positioned under the roller to stabilize the roller throughout the exercise.

The tau balance board system is configured to be used by a bipedal organism, as movement is most common having one foot positioned in front of the other, rather than side-to-side. The tau resembles the way the human anatomy is designed to work and move using the three spinal areas of focalization (cervical, thoracic and lumbar) to produce unique tau movements. The roller length and material facilitates proper support, balance, and friction throughout the torque/tau movement. The tau balance board system facilitates maximum range of motion so as not to create resistance or obstacles at the ends of the board, which is common in prior art devices.

The tau balance board system may be utilized as a training device to develop the musculoskeletal systems, cardiovascular and muscular endurance, focus, execution, overall strength, agility, and coordination which can be useful for all activities and general wellbeing. The tau balance board system may be useful for rehabilitation training, physical therapy, and training for various sports and activities.

The tau balance board elucidates the dynamics of the spine, scapula, arms, and other portions of the user's anatomy. Tau, recognized herein as a symbol of human anatomy, has the capability of turning and twisting from 0 degrees to 180 degrees and achieving static equilibrium and is recognized as a symbol of human movement.

In one aspect, the board includes a first end portion, a second end portion, and a middle portion, each separated by tapered portions to form a bilaterally symmetrical board.

In one aspect, the roller is a hollow cylinder dimensioned to be 4 feet in length, ⅛ inch thick, and having a diameter of 8 inches.

In one aspect, the board is dimensioned to be 4 feet in length and ½ inch thick to provide sufficient flexibility and permit the board to conform to the roller during the exercise.

In one aspect, the board is constructed of bamboo including a bamboo veneer.

In one aspect, the roller is constructed of a wood material.

In one aspect, the tau balance board system engages and facilitates linear momentum through torque and tau movement of various anatomical systems including the cervical segment(s), upper thoracic spinal segment(s), lumbar segment(s), and the like. The tau balance board facilitates linear momentum and stability by engaging the above anatomical systems. Further, anatomical tau theory as described herein improves physical and anatomical function using the torque gained through the tau balance board system.

In one aspect, the central portion of the tau balance board system is configured and dimensioned to resemble the arch of each foot of the user. The user interacting with the central portion via their feet creates torque and static equilibrium.

In one aspect, the roller may be constructed as a solid cylinder, rather than a hollow cylinder. The roller may include varying dimensions along its length or diameter. Further, the roller dimensions and length may be varied to make the performance of an exercise or routine more or less difficult.

In one aspect, the board may be constructed of various woods, wood blends, 3-D printed material(s), CNC materials, laminated materials, and combinations thereof.

In one aspect, the rubber guides may be substituted for a mat. Either of which may be provided as any mechanism which controls the rolling motion of the roller and may be interchanged to adjust difficulty during the exercise.

In one aspect, the complete movement of the user while using the tau balance board system may incorporate balance, torque, and static equilibrium via engagement of the spinal segments and other components of the user's anatomy.

In one aspect, the user may select thickness of the board based on their weight, ability level, etc.

In one aspect, the shape, dimensions, and configuration of the board facilitates the completion and finalization of movement via the arch of the feet.

In one aspect, the bottom side of the board may include, at least in part, a rubber surface to increase friction during movement.

Other objects and advantages of the various embodiments of the present invention will become obvious and intuitive to the reader and it is intended that these objects and advantages are within the scope of the present invention.

The specific details of the single embodiment or variety of embodiments described herein are set forth in this application. Any specific details of the embodiments described herein are used for demonstration purposes only, and no unnecessary limitation(s) or inference(s) are to be understood or imputed therefrom.

Before describing in detail exemplary embodiments, it is noted that the embodiments reside primarily in combinations of components related to particular devices and systems. Accordingly, the device components have been represented where appropriate by conventional symbols in the drawings, showing only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present disclosure so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein.

In general, the embodiments provided here relate to tau balance board system which includes a board and a roller to provide static equilibrium while incorporating maximum range of motion while performing the exercise. The tau balance board system is configured to be used by a bipedal organism, as movement is most common having one foot positioned in front of the other, rather than side-to-side. The tau resembles the way the human anatomy is designed to work and move using the three spinal areas of focalization (cervical, thoracic and lumbar) to produce unique tau movements. The roller length and material facilitates proper support, balance, and friction throughout the torque/tau movement. The tau balance board system facilitates maximum range of motion so as not to create resistance or obstacles at the ends of the board, which is common in prior art devices.

The system implements the anatomical focal points of torsion where the moment of inertia is initiated and where the moment is torque. The core function of anatomical movement is torque. The muscles that are at the center and at the core that directly connects to the spine is the Rotares Breves and Rotores Longi which function to provide rotational torque about the spine.

The tau balance board system may be utilized as a training device to develop the musculoskeletal systems of the body including anatomical alignment and the development thereof. Further, the tau balance board system aids in the development of the cardiovascular system, endurance, focus, execution, overall strength, agility, and coordination which can be useful for all activities and general wellbeing.

illustrates a perspective view of the boardwhereon the user stands while performing the tau balance board movement. The boardis constructed of bambooand, in some embodiments, is 4 feet long and ½ inch thick. The bamboois flexible and durable which facilitates movement fluidity while being responsive to the user's movement. The boardincludes a first end portion, a second end portionand a middle portion. In some embodiments, the first end portionand the second end portion are 12 inches in length while the middle portion is 24 inches in length. A central axisof the board is 8 inches in width, tapering to 12 inches in width at the first and second ends,of the middle portion. Tapered portions,,,,,,,having equal slopes such that the boardis bilaterally symmetrical in reference to the central axis.

In some embodiments, the boardis constructed of a bamboo veneer. The bamboo veneeris stacked so that the layered sheets of bamboo form an X shape. This bamboo wood veneer configuration facilitates slight twisting of the board in response to movement which complements the tau movement.

illustrates a perspective view of the roller. The roller is 4 feet in length, 8 inches in diameter, and ⅛ inch thick. The rolleris formed as a hollow cylinderand is constructed of a wood material. The roller length and material facilitates proper support, balance, and friction throughout the torque/tau movement. The interface between the bamboo board and the wood rollerallows for friction manipulation between the rollerand board. During use, the user positions the board on top of the rollersuch that the board is between the first endand second endof the roller.

is a perspective view of the boardpositioned on the rollerof the tau balance board system. During use, the user stands of the tau balance board systemand performs various movements (i.e., exercised) which are often performed in a seesaw motion. The user may move from 0-180 degrees (i.e., the maximum human range of bipedal motion). First and second rubber guides (to be numbered) are positioned under the rollerto stabilize the rollerand prevent sliding. The boardis constructed to partially conform to the shape of the rollerduring movement to allow the user to modulate the friction at the interface of the boardand roller.

In further reference to, a matis positioned under the rollerduring use. Guide strips,are positioned under the matand provide additional support and cushion as well as aid in preventing the matfrom moving during use. The matmay be constructed of rubber, foam, or other material which provides cushion while being resilient to withstand repeated use. The first and second guide strips,are positioned underneath the mat(as illustrated by dashed lines in). The guide strips,provide a means of raising the portion of the matwherein the portion of the matis defined as the area where the guide strips,are positioned. This raised portion provides a means of guiding the rollerduring use.

In some embodiments, the guide strips,may include an adhesive to adhere to bottom side of each guide strips,to the ground surface. The adhesive prevents the guide strips,from moving during use.

In some embodiments, the guide strips,provide a top surface which increase friction between the matand guide strips,. This prevents the matfrom slipping on the ground surface during use.

In some embodiments, the tau balance board system engages and facilitates linear momentum through torque and tau movement of various anatomical systems including the cervical segment(s), upper thoracic spinal segment(s), lumbar segment(s), and the like. The tau balance board facilitates linear momentum and stability by engaging the above anatomical systems. Further, anatomical tau theory as described herein improves physical and anatomical function using the torque gained through the tau balance board system.

In some embodiments, the central portion of the tau balance board system is configured and dimensioned to resemble the arch of each foot of the user. The user interacting with the central portion via their feet creates torque and static equilibrium.

In some embodiments, the roller may be constructed as a solid cylinder, rather than a hollow cylinder. The roller may include varying dimensions along its length or diameter. Further, the roller dimensions and length may be varied to make the performance of an exercise or routine more or less difficult.

In some embodiments, the board may be constructed of various woods, wood blends, 3-D printed material(s), CNC materials, laminated materials, and combinations thereof.

In some embodiments, the rubber guides may be substituted for a mat. Either of which may be provided as any mechanism which controls the rolling motion of the roller and may be interchanged to adjust difficulty during the exercise.

In some embodiments, the complete movement of the user while using the tau balance board system may incorporate balance, torque, and static equilibrium via engagement of the spinal segments and other components of the user's anatomy.

In some embodiments, the user may select thickness of the board based on their weight, ability level, etc.

In some embodiments, the shape, dimensions, and configuration of the board facilitates the completion and finalization of movement via the arch of the feet.

In some embodiments, the bottom side of the board may include, at least in part, a rubber surface to increase friction during movement.

Unless otherwise defined, 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. All publications, patent applications, patents, and other references mentioned herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety to the extent allowed by applicable law and regulations. The systems and methods described herein may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential attributes thereof, and it is therefore desired that the present embodiment be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive. Any headings utilized within the description are for convenience only and have no legal or limiting effect.

Many different embodiments have been disclosed herein, in connection with the above description and the drawings. It will be understood that it would be unduly repetitious and obfuscating to literally describe and illustrate every combination and subcombination of these embodiments. Accordingly, all embodiments can be combined in any way and/or combination, and the present specification, including the drawings, shall be construed to constitute a complete written description of all combinations and subcombinations of the embodiments described herein, and of the manner and process of making and using them, and shall support claims to any such combination or subcombination.

The foregoing is provided for purposes of illustrating, explaining, and describing embodiments of this disclosure. Modifications and adaptations to these embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art and may be made without departing from the scope or spirit of this disclosure.

As used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

It should be noted that all features, elements, components, functions, and steps described with respect to any embodiment provided herein are intended to be freely combinable and substitutable with those from any other embodiment. If a certain feature, element, component, function, or step is described with respect to only one embodiment, then it should be understood that that feature, element, component, function, or step can be used with every other embodiment described herein unless explicitly stated otherwise. This paragraph therefore serves as antecedent basis and written support for the introduction of claims, at any time, that combine features, elements, components, functions, and steps from different embodiments, or that substitute features, elements, components, functions, and steps from one embodiment with those of another, even if the description does not explicitly state, in a particular instance, that such combinations or substitutions are possible. It is explicitly acknowledged that express recitation of every possible combination and substitution is overly burdensome, especially given that the permissibility of each and every such combination and substitution will be readily recognized by those of ordinary skill in the art.

In many instances entities are described herein as being coupled to other entities. It should be understood that the terms “coupled” and “connected” (or any of their forms) are used interchangeably herein and, in both cases, are generic to the direct coupling of two entities (without any non-negligible (e.g., parasitic) intervening entities) and the indirect coupling of two entities (with one or more non-negligible intervening entities). Where entities are shown as being directly coupled together or described as coupled together without description of any intervening entity, it should be understood that those entities can be indirectly coupled together as well unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.