The present invention relates generally to the field of exercise props, and more particularly to a multi-use exercise block system.
Exercise props or fitness equipment are useful in that they help users achieve a certain fitness or exercise goal or enhance the conditioning effects of the exercise. For example, exercise or yoga blocks are exercise props used by both novice and expert yoga practitioners alike to help them achieve difficult positions, or poses, and to also help maintain deeper holds. In another example, meditation seats are used to promote and help users maintain a comfortable and healthy spine posture throughout a meditation session. In yet another example, stretching blocks are widely used to help with stretches too difficult to perform otherwise without the blocks. It is to the provision of a multi-functional exercise block system that facilitates and assists users in a variety of fitness activities and exercises that the present invention is primarily directed.
In example embodiments, the present invention provides an exercise block system for assisting a user with a variety of exercises and conditioning activities. According to example embodiments, the present invention includes a first exercise block and a second exercise block. The first and second exercise blocks are releasably attachable to one another so that the exercise blocks can be used separately or assembled. In example embodiments, the first and/or second exercise block comprises at least one surface or portion adapted to accommodate engagement by the user so as to provide a more comfortable and enjoyable experience while exercising or conditioning.
In one aspect, the present invention relates to yoga blocks used to provide support, balance and stability while performing and maintaining yoga poses. In another aspect, the invention relates to a stretch-assistance prop used to assist the user enhance stretching and other conditioning activities. In still another aspect, the invention relates to a meditation seat used to help the user maintain proper seated meditation poses comfortably for an extended period of time. In yet another aspect, the invention relates to an all-purpose seat or cushion used to provide a more comfortable seating on surfaces not adapted for comfort, such as for example the ground, bleachers, and benches.
In another aspect, the present invention relates to an exercise block system including a first exercise block and a second exercise block. In example embodiments, the first and second exercise blocks are releasably attachable to one another.
In example embodiments, the first exercise block includes at least one contoured portion. In example embodiments, the second exercise block includes at least one contoured portion. In example embodiments, the first and second exercise blocks include cooperative interlocking fingers. In example embodiments, the first and second exercise blocks include one or more planar surfaces and one or more non-planar surfaces. In example embodiments, the one or more non-planar surfaces are concave. In example embodiments, each of the first and second exercise blocks include a thigh supporting portion having a surface positioned and shaped to support a user's thighs when the user is seated on the exercise block system. In example embodiments, each of the first and second exercise blocks include a hand supporting portion having a surface positioned and contoured to support a user's fingers.
In yet another aspect, the present invention relates to a block system including a plurality of interconnecting blocks, at least one of the plurality of interconnecting blocks including a front-end wall, an inner-side wall, an outer-side wall opposite the inner-side wall, a rear-end wall opposite the front end-wall, and a contoured surface. In example embodiments, the front-end wall, inner-side wall, outer-side wall and rear-end wall are located between and abut a top surface and a bottom surface. In example embodiments, the contoured surface is located between and abut the front-end wall, inner-side wall, outer-side wall and the top surface.
In example embodiments, the contoured surface is angled down towards the front-end wall. In example embodiments, the contoured surface is angled down towards the inner-side wall. In example embodiments, the contoured surface is concave. In example embodiments, at least one of the plurality of interconnecting blocks further including dove-tail connectors along the rear-end wall.
In yet another aspect, the present invention relates to a reconfigurable support including a first component and a second component. In example embodiments, the first and second components include a length, a width, and a height, wherein the length is greater than the width and the width is greater than the height. In example embodiments, the first and second components each include an upper side defining at least two surfaces and a bottom side including a surface for placement atop a floor surface. In example embodiments, at least one of the at least two surfaces of the upper side of each of the first and second component includes a sloped surface.
These and other aspects, features and advantages of the invention will be understood with reference to the drawing figures and detailed description herein, and will be realized by means of the various elements and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following brief description of the drawings and detailed description of example embodiments are explanatory of example embodiments of the invention, and are not restrictive of the invention, as claimed.
The present invention may be understood more readily by reference to the following detailed description of example embodiments taken in connection with the accompanying drawing figures, which form a part of this disclosure. It is to be understood that this invention is not limited to the specific devices, methods, conditions or parameters described and/or shown herein, and that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments by way of example only and is not intended to be limiting of the claimed invention. Any and all patents and other publications identified in this specification are incorporated by reference as though fully set forth herein.
Also, as used in the specification including the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include the plural, and reference to a particular numerical value includes at least that particular value, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Ranges may be expressed herein as from “about” or “approximately” one particular value and/or to “about” or “approximately” another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another embodiment includes from the one particular value and/or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent “about,” it will be understood that the particular value forms another embodiment. Also, any use of the terms “about,” “substantially,” and/or “generally” are intended to mean the exact value or characteristic indicated, as well as close approximations that are understood by persons of ordinary skill in the art to be sufficiently close to the exact value or characteristic based on the context of the intended use and application. In addition, any methods described herein are not intended to be limited to the sequence of steps described but can be carried out in other sequences, unless expressly stated otherwise herein.
The present invention is a multi-use exercise block system used for various exercise and fitness purposes. The exercise block system can be used as for example an exercise or yoga block to assist users deepen poses and/or achieve difficult poses. In other examples, the exercise block system functions as a stretch assist seat. The exercise block system includes for example ergonomically friendly features which allow users to sit on the exercise block system in a variety of poses and positions. For example, when a user is seated on the exercise block system, the exercise block system raises the user's hips which releases tension in the back, hips and knees compared to performing the same poses or positions without the exercise block system. This allows the user to achieve the desired positions more comfortably and effectively—particularly, positions that may otherwise be difficult to achieve without the exercise block system. In still other example embodiments, the exercise block system may also be used as a seat to help maintain certain poses for meditation, such as for example, Easy Pose, Burmese, Lotus, or Seiza. The exercise block system helps the user maintain such poses comfortably for a longer period without discomfort such as for example joint pain, leg numbness, muscle pain/tension, etc. As a result, the user is able to enjoy more effective and productive meditation experiences. Those of ordinary skill in the art will also appreciate that the exercise block system of the present invention may be utilized independently or in conjunction with other exercise props to perform a variety of exercises and fitness activities.
With reference now to the drawing figures, wherein like reference numbers represent corresponding parts throughout the several views,
Similarly, according to example embodiments, the second block component 200 also generally comprises a right-angled trapezoidal profile defined by four lateral sides extending between a top surface and a bottom surface. Specifically, the second block component comprises a front-end wall 202, an outer-side wall 210, a rear-end wall 204 generally opposite the front-end wall and an inner-side wall 208 opposite the outer-side wall, all of which are defined between a top surface 214 and a bottom surface 216. In example embodiments, the rear-end wall 204 and the inner-side wall 208 intersect to define an obtuse angle or corner α″, and the rear-end wall 204 and the outer-side wall 210 intersect to define an acute angle or corner β″. The exercise block 200 generally also comprises a sloped or otherwise contoured surface 206. In example embodiments, the contoured surface 206 is adjacent to or abuts the front-end wall 202, inner-side wall 208, outer-side wall 210 and the top surface 214. In other words, the edges of the contoured surface 206 are defined by the front-end wall, inner-side wall, outer-side wall and the top surface, as depicted in
As shown in
According to one alternative embodiment, each block comprises an extension of two foam components comprising an obtuse interior angle such that generally joining together the rear-end walls of the two blocks forms a foam assembly defining three generally linear segments, for example, so that the outermost segments are at least partially spaced apart relative to each other. According to example embodiments, at least one of the three segments of the foam assembly can be at least partially non-linear or otherwise shaped as desired, for example, in some example embodiments comprising a combination of both linear and non-linear segments.
Generally, the first and second blocks include one or more cooperative engagement features or otherwise a means for detachably joining one block to the other.
In example embodiments, the first and second blocks 100, 200 include one or more contoured or otherwise ergonomically sloped surfaces 106, 206 to accommodate the user's natural posture and/or range of motion when engaging the block system 10. For example, as shown in
In example embodiments, the contoured surfaces 106, 206 allow or accommodate a more comfortable engagement with the block system 10 or the blocks 100 and 200 individually. For example, as shown in
Similarly, contoured surface 206 is generally sloped or angled downwardly from a higher, first point 212a on or near the intersection between top surface 214 and outer side 210, and between the front and rear ends 202, 204, to a lower, second point 212c on or near the intersection between the first end 202 and the inner side 208 (as shown in
According to example embodiments of the present invention, the contoured surfaces 106 and 206 are configured to accommodate for example the natural arch and the range of motion of a person's hands and wrists. See, e.g.,
As described above, the angled or contoured surface 106 is defined by corners 112a-112d. Preferably, corner 112c is about 1.25 in. (31.8 mm) above the bottom surface (see X1). In other example embodiments, corner 112c may be about 0.75 in.-1.75 in. above the bottom surface. Preferably, corner 112d is about 2.5 in. (63.5 mm) above the bottom surface but, in other example embodiments, corner 112d may be 2 in. to 3 in. above the bottom surface (see X2). In example embodiments, the forward or longitudinal slope has an angle Δ2 of about 21.8 degrees relative to the bottom surface, as shown in
According to example embodiments, the exercise blocks are generally made from or comprise Ethylene-Vinyl Acetate (EVA) foam. In other example embodiments, the exercise blocks may be made from or comprise wood, cork, bamboo, or other natural and/or synthetic materials.
According to example embodiments, the exercise block system can be used in a variety of configurations and manners. According to one example embodiment, the exercise block system can be used as a meditation seat to help perform and maintain seated meditation poses/postures, such as for example Easy Pose, Burmese, Lotus, and Seiza as shown in
According to another example embodiment, the exercise block system may be used to assist the user in performing for example difficult yoga poses and maintaining deeper holds. In the yoga block configuration, the exercise block system may be used assembled or separated as needed. In one example method of use, the user can grip or plant user's hands or feet to deepen poses. For example, as shown in
According to yet another embodiment and/or method of use, the exercise block system can be used as a stretch assistance prop to assist users in performing a variety of stretches. For example,
The exercise block system can also be used for example to perform other stretches, such as for example stretching of the pectoralis muscles, calves, wrists, and forearms. For example, as shown in
According to other example embodiments and methods of use, the exercise block system is an all-purpose seat which can be used as a cushion or seat for sitting on the ground or other surfaces. For example, the exercise block system can provide a comfortable seat when eating at a low-top table or when sitting on the floor to play with children. The exercise block system can also be used with other seating furnishings and fixtures, such as for example bleachers, benches, or chairs for additional comfort and/or height. Exercise blocks made from EVA foam or other compressible material may also provide additional comfort by acting at least partially as a cushion between the user and a hard floor or ground.
According to one alternative example embodiment, the present invention can be used as a child's booster seat for attachment/removably securing, or otherwise placement within a chair or other sitting surface, for example, so as to raise the sitting surface that is intended to sit atop when addressing a table or other surface, for example, to reduce the height defined between a top surface of the table and the sitting surface of the chair or other seating surface. According to example embodiments, one or more surfaces of the block components 100, 200 can be shaped, sized, contoured, and/or formed to facilitate one or more portions of a body generally nesting therein, or for example, to generally conform to one or more portions of the body so as to provide a comfortable sitting surface that elevates the sitting height of a child or user. According to example embodiments, one or both of the block components 100, 200 can incorporate one or more fastening or securing components/members so as to generally removably secure the block components to the chair or sitting surface.
While the invention has been described with reference to example embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that a variety of modifications, additions and deletions are within the scope of the invention, as defined by the following claims.
This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 63/296,751 filed Jan. 5, 2022, the entirety of which is incorporated by reference herein for all purposes.
Number | Date | Country | |
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63296751 | Jan 2022 | US |