U.S. patent application number 12/361278 was filed with the patent office on 2009-08-06 for elastic ring and method of use in performing yoga asanas.
Invention is credited to David Bruni, Jennifer Chan.
Application Number | 20090197747 12/361278 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40932281 |
Filed Date | 2009-08-06 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090197747 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Chan; Jennifer ; et
al. |
August 6, 2009 |
Elastic Ring And Method Of Use In Performing Yoga Asanas
Abstract
An exercise apparatus includes a flattened ring of elastic
material with specific components of different ridge configurations
and spherical patterns integrated into the inner surface of the
ring to provide alignment and tension which enable a practitioner
to perform series of yoga exercises safely and correctly.
Inventors: |
Chan; Jennifer; (Markham,
CA) ; Bruni; David; (Toronto, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
PASTEL LAW FIRM;CHRISTOPHER R. PASTEL
8 PERRY LANE
ITHACA
NY
14850-9267
US
|
Family ID: |
40932281 |
Appl. No.: |
12/361278 |
Filed: |
January 28, 2009 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61026411 |
Feb 5, 2008 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
482/122 ;
482/148 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 21/0004 20130101;
A63B 2023/006 20130101; A63B 21/0552 20130101; A63B 21/0555
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
482/122 ;
482/148 |
International
Class: |
A63B 21/02 20060101
A63B021/02 |
Claims
1. An elastic ring, comprising: a ring consisting of an elastic
material; the ring having a circumference, wherein the
circumference of the ring has an inner surface and an outer
surface; the ring including at least one alignment ridge and one
tension ridge on the inner surface; a length of the circumference
of the ring being in a range from 12 inches to 88 inches; a
thickness of the ring being in a range from one-sixteenth of an
inch to one inch; and a width of the ring being in a range from
one-half inch to four inches.
2. A ring according to claim 1, wherein the alignment ridges are
orthogonal to the circumference; wherein the tension ridges are
orthogonal to the alignment ridges; wherein a width of the tension
ridges is in a range from 0.010 mm to 30 mm; and wherein a height
of the tension ridges is in a range from 0.010 mm to 0.30 mm.
3. A ring according to claim 2, wherein the tension ridges have a
rectangular cross-section.
4. A ring according to claim 3, wherein the tension ridges are on
the inner surface of the ring.
5. A ring according to claim 3, wherein the tension ridges are on
the outer surface of the ring.
6. A ring according to claim 2, wherein the tension ridges have a
semicircular cross section.
7. A ring according to claim 6, wherein the tension ridges are on
the inner surface of the ring.
8. A ring according to claim 6, wherein the tension ridges are on
the outer surface of the ring.
9. A ring according to claim 1, wherein the alignment ridges
include a combination of half-sphere ridges and rectangular
ridges.
10. A method of manufacturing an elastic ring to be used in
performing exercises, comprising the steps of: forming a ring
consisting of an elastic material; wherein the ring has a
circumference, and wherein the circumference of the ring has an
inner surface and an outer surface; forming at least one alignment
ridge and one tension ridge on the inner surface of the ring;
forming the ring such that a length of the circumference of the
ring is in a range from 12 inches to 88 inches; forming the ring
such that a thickness of the ring is in a range from one-sixteenth
of an inch to one inch; and forming the ring such that a width of
the ring is in a range from one-half inch to four inches.
11. A method according to claim 10, wherein the alignment ridges
are formed orthogonal to the circumference; wherein the tension
ridges are formed orthogonal to the alignment ridges; wherein a
width of the tension ridges is formed in a range from 0.010 mm to
30 mm; and wherein a height of the tension ridges is formed in a
range from 0.010 mm to 0.30 mm.
12. A method according to claim 11, wherein the tension ridges have
a rectangular cross-section.
13. A method according to claim 11, wherein the tension ridges have
a semicircular cross section.
14. A method according to claim 11, wherein the alignment ridges
include a combination of half-sphere ridges and rectangular
ridges.
15. A method of exercise for a practitioner, comprising the steps
of: providing an elastic ring having at least one alignment ridge
and one tension ridge on an inner circumferential surface, a length
of the inner circumferential surface of the ring being in a range
from 12 inches to 88 inches, a thickness of the ring being in a
range from one-sixteenth of an inch to one inch; and a width of the
ring being in a range from one-half inch to four inches; aligning
the elastic ring in a desired position using the at least one
alignment ridge such that the ring makes contact in at least
predetermined locations on a body of the practitioner; and
stretching the elastic ring and adjusting the body of the
practitioner such that proper alignment is achieved.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This patent application claims priority from U.S.
Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/026,411 filed on Feb. 5, 2008,
incorporated herein by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates generally to the field of elastic
exercise equipment, and more particularly to an elastic ring which
enables a person to perform a series of movements associated with
yoga asanas poses.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Yoga is an exercise originating from India and gaining
popularity in the western world. This exercise includes thousands
of postures and combinations of flow. The postures are tied to
breathe and mental concentration. To properly execute and obtain
the full benefit of the postures, the person, especially a
beginner, needs to be able to feel what their body is doing while
performing the asanas poses. It is also important to achieve
symmetry of the body while performing the asanas. The person has to
continuously practice and fine tune their body to attain and
maintain the proper asanas due to the difficulty in executing the
asanas.
[0004] The novice practitioner usually practices with the
assistance of an instructor. Even then the practitioner cannot
attain the proper posture for the asana without proper guidance
from the instructor on the placement of the arms, legs, torso, and
head. The asanas can also be practiced alone but the practitioner
may not have the correct and proper placement of body parts in
place in order to achieve the full benefit of the asana. This is
due to the complexity of combining of body, breathe and mind
synchronization to execute the yoga asana. The final asana may look
simple to the layman's eye but to execute and maintain it properly
to achieve the benefit of the asana for the practitioner is often
quite difficult.
[0005] For example, the mountain pose Tadasana requires the
practitioner to stand up straight and strong like a mountain. The
novice practitioner is not able to fully perform this seemingly
simple pose by just listening to the instructor's guidance. Another
example is the "Extended Hand to Big Toe" pose Uttihita Hasta
Padangustasana. This posture requires the practitioner to engage
the quadriceps and adductor muscles to pull the femur towards the
pelvis and stretching the bicep femoris muscle to raise and
straighten the leg to a range from 90 to 120 degrees.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] Briefly stated, an exercise apparatus includes a flattened
ring of elastic material with specific components of different
ridge configurations and spherical patterns integrated into the
inner surface of the ring to provide alignment and tension which
enable a practitioner to perform series of yoga exercises safely
and correctly.
[0007] According to an embodiment of the invention, an elastic ring
includes a ring consisting of an elastic material; the ring having
a circumference, wherein the circumference of the ring has an inner
surface and an outer surface; the ring including at least one
alignment ridge and one tension ridge on the inner surface; a
length of the circumference of the ring being in a range from 12
inches to 88 inches; a thickness of the ring being in a range from
one-sixteenth of an inch to one inch; and a width of the ring being
in a range from one-half inch to four inches.
[0008] According to an embodiment of the invention, a method of
manufacturing an elastic ring to be used in performing exercises
includes the steps of: (a) forming a ring consisting of an elastic
material; wherein the ring has a circumference, and wherein the
circumference of the ring has an inner surface and an outer
surface; (b) forming at least one alignment ridge and one tension
ridge on the inner surface of the ring; (c) forming the ring such
that a length of the circumference of the ring is in a range from
12 inches to 88 inches; (d) forming the ring such that a thickness
of the ring is in a range from one-sixteenth of an inch to one
inch; and (e) forming the ring such that a width of the ring is in
a range from one-half inch to four inches.
[0009] According to an embodiment of the invention, a method of
exercise for a practitioner includes the steps of: (a) providing an
elastic ring having at least one alignment ridge and one tension
ridge on an inner circumferential surface, a length of the inner
circumferential surface of the ring being in a range from 12 inches
to 88 inches, a thickness of the ring being in a range from
one-sixteenth of an inch to one inch; and a width of the ring being
in a range from one-half inch to four inches; (b) aligning the
elastic ring in a desired position using the at least one alignment
ridge such that the ring makes contact in at least predetermined
locations on a body of the practitioner; and (c) stretching the
elastic ring and adjusting the body of the practitioner such that
proper alignment is achieved.
[0010] The ring of the present invention, when attached to the
appropriate areas of the body, will properly guide the novice
practitioner on how to adjust the body alignment to achieve the
proper posture for Mountain Pose "Tadasana."
[0011] The ring of the present invention, when attached to the
appropriate areas of the body, will assist in properly guiding the
novice practitioner to achieve the proper posture for the Extended
Hand to Big Toe pose "Uttihita Hasta Padangustasana." This posture
requires the practitioner to engage the quadriceps and adductor
muscles to pull the femur towards the pelvis and stretching the
bicep femoris muscle to raise and straighten the leg to a range
from 90 to 120 degrees. For a novice practitioner the posture
cannot be done properly without the assistance of the present
invention. The elastic material of the ring promotes the feeling of
pulling of the quadriceps and the feeling of the femur retracting
toward the pelvic bone. By pulling and releasing the elastic ring
the practitioner can train the body to perform this contraction of
the quadriceps and the extension of the femoris muscles. In
continuing to practice using the pulling and releasing the ring and
the method, the practitioner gradually develops body intelligence
and will eventually be able to do the yoga posture without the aid
of the ring.
[0012] The present invention relates to an article made from an
elastic material and methodology for a person to perform a series
of movement associated to yoga asanas by following a proper
placement of the ring in the appropriate body parts. The present
invention is used to attain symmetry of the body to perform the
yoga asanas. It is also used to alleviate and strengthen the lower
back muscles when used while sitting in a chair following a method
of proper placement of the ring in the appropriate body parts. It
also acts to function as a yoga mat carrier with an assistance of
two VELCRO.RTM. straps.
[0013] The first embodiment of the present invention is an article
made from elastic materials and the different ridge configuration
and spherical patterns for use by a person in conjunction with the
proper method of placement and alignment to perform a series of
movements and maintaining the postures or asanas associated to yoga
asanas. It is used for training the practitioner to achieve the
proper alignment, stretching and strength in performing and
maintaining the proper postures or asanas through proper placement
of the ring with the help of the different ridge configuration and
spherical patterns and the tension created by the tensile strength
exerted by the elastic material. For example, postures or asanas
such as Tadasana Mountain Pose, Dandasana Staff Pose, Paripurna
Navasana Full Boat Pose, Krounchasana Heron Pose, Head to Knee
Forward Bend, and Uttihita Hasta Padangustasana Extended Hand to
Big Toe Pose are enhanced or made possible by using the elastic
ring of the present invention. Due to the elastic material's
tensile strength and the different ridge configuration and
spherical patterns of the present invention, the invention provides
the practitioner guidance and proper tension to immediately adjust
the body alignment and fine tune the adjustment without too much
strap readjustment or equipment change. Using the proper method of
alignment, the invention also trains the body to feel isometric
forces that are needed to be exerted to properly perform the
postures or asanas. The present invention also trains the
practitioner to attain the proper symmetry required to perform the
poses through the ridge configuration and spherical patterns. The
present invention's elastic properties and tensile strength, ridge
configuration and spherical patterns makes it extremely versatile
in the performing the hundreds of asanas in a yoga practice.
[0014] The second embodiment of the present invention is an article
made from elastic material's tensile strength, different ridge
configuration and spherical patterns when use, the person can
alleviate and strengthen low back lumbar muscles while sitting in a
chair. As technology advances to improve our lives we became
chained to our desk and have an increasing sedentary lifestyle.
There is a very high incidence of low back pain and ailments and
are caused by sitting for long periods of time. The present
invention ring due to the elastic material's tensile strength,
different ridge configuration and spherical patterns can be used
while sitting and working in front of a computer or desk. When the
present invention is attached to the appropriate body parts it
create slight pressure on the lower lumbar back muscles to
alleviate low back fatigue and pain due to long periods of sitting,
this is assisted by the different ridge configuration and spherical
patterns. The pressure exerted by the present invention from the
tensile strength of the elastic material and the pressure point
that the different ridge configuration and spherical patterns
attempts to strengthen the low back lumbar muscles and to prevent
low back pain.
[0015] The present invention exerts slight pressure to the lower
back to alleviate and strengthen the low back muscles while the
user sits in a chair working on a computer, writing or any
activities that needs the user to sit for long periods of time. The
present invention is tied around the feet and looped around the low
lumbar muscles. The pressure exerted from the contraction and
extension of the legs will tighten and loosen the pressure on the
low lumbar muscles. The pressure acts like a lumbar support for the
low back lumbar muscles to reduce fatigue and also gradually
strengthens the lower back muscles. This in the long term will
alleviate lower back pain and ailments.
[0016] The third embodiment of the present invention is a
multifunction; it acts as a yoga mat carrier secured by two
VELCRO.RTM. straps. The practitioner of yoga generally practices on
a mat and instead of carrying bags and other contraption; the
present invention is a multifunction product that can function as a
yoga mat carrier.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] FIG. 1 shows an elastic ring according to an embodiment of
the invention.
[0018] FIG. 2 shows an elastic ring according to an embodiment of
the invention.
[0019] FIG. 3 shows the inside pattern of the elastic ring
according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0020] FIG. 4 shows the inside pattern of the elastic ring
according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0021] FIG. 5 shows the inside pattern of the elastic ring
according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0022] FIG. 6 shows the inside pattern of the elastic ring
according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0023] FIG. 7 shows the exterior view with a sample print of the
elastic ring according to an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0024] FIG. 8 shows a cross-sectional view of the elastic ring
according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0025] FIG. 9 shows an alternate cross-sectional view of the
elastic ring according to an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0026] FIG. 10 shows a an alternate cross-sectional view of the
elastic ring according to an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0027] FIG. 11A shows a top view of a section of the elastic ring
according to an embodiment of the invention.
[0028] FIG. 11B shows a perspective view of a section of the
elastic ring according to an embodiment of the invention.
[0029] FIG. 11C shows a perspective view of a section of the
elastic ring according to an embodiment of the invention.
[0030] FIG. 12 shows a perspective view of a user using the elastic
ring of FIG. 1 to perform Paripurna Navasana Full Boat Pose.
[0031] FIG. 13 shows a perspective view of the user using the
elastic ring of FIG. 1 to perform Krounchasana Heron Pose.
[0032] FIG. 14 shows a front view of the user using the elastic
ring of FIG. 1 to perform Tadasana Mountain Pose.
[0033] FIG. 15 shows a side view of the user using the elastic ring
of FIG. 1 to perform Uttihita Hasta Padangustasana Extended hand to
big toe pose.
[0034] FIG. 16 shows a front view of the user using the elastic
ring of FIG. 1 to alleviate low back pain and pressure and
strengthen the low back muscles.
[0035] FIG. 17 shows a side view of the user using the elastic ring
of FIG. 1 to alleviate low back pain and pressure and strengthen
the low back muscles.
[0036] FIG. 18A shows a perspective view of a VELCRO.RTM. strap to
attach the elastic ring of FIG. 1 to hold a yoga mat.
[0037] FIG. 18B shows a perspective view of a VELCRO.RTM. strap to
attach the elastic ring of FIG. 1 to hold a yoga mat.
[0038] FIG. 19A shows a first step in arranging the elastic ring of
FIG. 1. around the yoga mat to hold the mat together.
[0039] FIG. 19B shows a second step in arranging the elastic ring
of FIG. 1. around the yoga mat to hold the mat together.
[0040] FIG. 19C shows a third step in arranging the elastic ring of
FIG. 1. around the yoga mat to hold the mat together.
[0041] FIG. 19D shows a fourth step in arranging the elastic ring
of FIG. 1. around the yoga mat to hold the mat together.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0042] FIG. 1 illustrates the dimensions of the elastic ring 1. The
circumference 2 of the elastic ring ranges from 12 inches to 88
inches. The wall thickness 4 ranges from 1/16th to 1 inch and the
width of the elastic ring ranges from 1/2 to 4 inches. Component A
illustrates the outside surface of the elastic ring. Component B
illustrates the series of incremental raised alignment ridges
spaced symmetrically along the length of the elastic ring, with the
number of raised ridges ranging from 2-30. The ridges (FIG. 11A)
have a spacing distance ranging from 0.05 mm to 100 mm for
components 8, 9, 11, 12. The thickness of the ridges (FIGS. 8-10)
ranges from 1 mm to 300 mm for component 13. The shape of the
ridges (FIGS. 8-10) can be of angular, spherical or flat
characteristic. A primary purpose of the alignment ridges is to
help the user align himself/herself properly.
[0043] FIGS. 11B-11C show different configurations with ridges and
spherical patterns. The height of the ridge can range from 0.05 mm
to 30 mm and the width of the ridge can range from 0.010 mm to 100
mm and the height of the ridge can range from 0.010 mm to 100 mm.
The height of the spherical patterns range from 0.05 mm to 30 mm,
while the distance between the half spheres can range from 0.050 mm
to 100 mm. The diameter of the spheres can range form 0.005 mm to
30 mm.
[0044] FIGS. 1-2 illustrate a view of an embodiment of the present
invention. This embodiment includes a ring made from an elastic
material. The elastic ring can be in one continuous ring or be a
flat strap connected at 5 to make a ring. The elastic ring can have
the inside and outside surfaces flat. The elastic ring can have the
inside surface flat and the outside surface with tension ridges
(FIGS. 3-4) that run the length of the elastic ring. A primary
purpose of the tension ridges is to increase the tension of the
elastic belt. The elastic ring can have the inside surface with
alignment ridges (FIGS. 5-6) that run the width of the ring and the
outside surface flat. The elastic ring can have the inside and
outside surface both having tension ridges (FIGS. 2-4) running the
length of the elastic ring. The elastic ring can have alignment
ridges (FIGS. 5-6) on the inside of the elastic ring running the
width of the elastic ring. The elastic ring can have alignment
ridges (FIGS. 3-6) on both the inside and outside of the elastic
ring running the width of the elastic ring. The alignment and
tension ridges (FIGS. 7-11A) can be in angular, spherical or flat.
The inside pattern can be of any designs from stamped illustrations
of geometric patterns or artistic patterns. The elastic material
can be made from natural rubber, synthetic rubber, silicone, EPDM,
neoprene, latex, polyester, or polyurethane. The outside of the
elastic ring can be flat as in FIG. 10 or with ridges as in FIGS.
7-9. The outside of the elastic ring FIG. 7 can have letters,
numerals, and logos, illustrations, printed, stamped, embossed, and
debossed. The distance between the ridges for the inside and or
outside of the elastic ring is preferably between the ranges of 0.5
mm to 30 mm wide. The height of the ridges for the inside and or
outside of the elastic ring is preferably between the ranges from
0.010 mm to 30 mm high. The height of the stamped or embossed or
debossed designs and/or illustrations preferably ranges from 0.01
mm to 30 mm high. Along the inside of the elastic ring are ridges
placed crosswise along the length of the elastic ring. The height
of the ridges preferably ranges from 0.02 mm to 40 mm, while the
width of the ridges preferably ranges from 0.050 mm to 30 mm.
[0045] FIG. 12 Illustrates the usage of the elastic ring 1 in the
Paripuma Navasana Full Boat Pose. The elastic ring 1 is used by the
user 14 to perform this pose by placing the elastic ring 1 at the
soles of the feet and using both hands to grab hold of the elastic
ring. The elasticity and grip of the elastic ring due to the ridges
Component B (FIGS. 8-10) and Cross Ridges Component C and the
material that is used to construct it enables the user to move into
a "V" shaped position.
[0046] FIG. 13 Illustrates the usage of the elastic ring 1 in the
Krounchasana Heron Pose. The elastic ring 1 is used by the user 15
to raise the leg that is not bent to perform this pose. Due to the
tight hamstrings this present invention elastic ring 1 can assist
the user to safely perform this pose without risk to injury due to
the elastic characteristics of the ring, different ridge
configuration and spherical patterns enables the ring to possess
the ability to grip Component B (FIGS. 1-6), Component C (FIGS.
8-10, FIGS. 11A-11C) to grip the soles of the feet of the user.
[0047] FIG. 14 illustrates the usage of the elastic ring 1 in the
Mountain Pose Tadasana. The elastic ring is used by the user 16 to
perform this pose by placing the elastic ring 1 in the space
between the neck and shoulders and anchored on the feet located in
same side of the shoulder. The tensile strength of the elastic ring
1, different ridge and spherical patterns (FIGS. 11A-11C) enable
the practitioner to adjust the body of the user to achieve the
proper alignment of the body and thereby attaining proper symmetry
to perform the pose. The elastic nature of the ring creates tension
to produce isometric force to enable the user to condition the body
to recreate the pose eventually without the assistance of the
elastic ring. The elastic characteristics and different ridge
configurations and spherical patterns in Component B (FIGS. 8-10,
FIGS. 1-6) and Component C (FIGS. 11A-11C) and the elastic material
that is used to construct it enable the user 16 to feel the pose
without the ring slipping.
[0048] FIG. 15 Illustrates the usage of the elastic ring 1 in the
Uttihita Hasta Padangustasana Extended hand to big toe pose. The
elastic ring is used by the user 17 to perform this pose by placing
the elastic ring 1 in the non standing leg and raising it to 90
degrees. The elasticity of the ring allows the user 17 to adjust
how far the user's 17 hands should go in order for the user 17 to
raise the non standing leg. The ridges of Component B (FIGS. 8-10,
FIG. 1-6) and Component C and the elastic material that is used to
construct it enable the user 17 and the different configuration and
spherical pattern (FIGS. 11A-11C) to safely execute the pose
without injury and also achieve balance.
[0049] FIGS. 16-17 illustrate the usage of the elastic ring 1 for
the purpose of alleviating low back pressure and pain. The user 18
is sitting on a chair. The pressure and weight of the user's 18
head, shoulders, spine is all on the lower back. This causes a lot
of pain in the long run. The user 18 uses the elastic ring 1 to
alleviate the low back pain by looping one part of the elastic ring
1 to the lower back area 19 and the other part of the elastic ring
1 to the soles of the feet 20. The elasticity of the elastic ring
creates tension and isometric forces to assist the user 18 to push
the lower back forward to strengthen the lower back. The continuous
usage of this elastic ring 1 in this manner will eventually
strengthens the lower back muscles and this alleviating back pain
and pressure. There will be minimal slippage due to the ridges
Component B (FIGS. 1-6) and Component C (FIGS. 8-10) and the
different ridge configuration and spherical patterns (FIGS.
11A-11C).
[0050] FIGS. 18A-19D illustrate the usage of the elastic ring 1 as
a mat holder for a mat 23. Ring 1 is initially wrapped around mat
23. The two loose portions of ring 1 are brought together. Then two
VELCRO.RTM. straps 21 are used to loop around ring 1 to form loops
22. Loops 22 snug down the loose portions of ring 1 as shown by the
dashed lines in FIG. 19B.
[0051] While the present invention has been described with
reference to a particular preferred embodiment and the accompanying
drawings, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that
the invention is not limited to the preferred embodiment and that
various modifications and the like could be made thereto without
departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the
following claims.
* * * * *