U.S. patent application number 13/168261 was filed with the patent office on 2012-12-27 for stretch assist block.
Invention is credited to ISAAC RAMIREZ.
Application Number | 20120329623 13/168261 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 47362386 |
Filed Date | 2012-12-27 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120329623 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
RAMIREZ; ISAAC |
December 27, 2012 |
STRETCH ASSIST BLOCK
Abstract
A stretch assist aid for safely and incrementally increasing a
user's flexibility while objectively measuring the user's
progress.
Inventors: |
RAMIREZ; ISAAC; (LUBBOCK,
TX) |
Family ID: |
47362386 |
Appl. No.: |
13/168261 |
Filed: |
June 24, 2011 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
482/139 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 21/00047 20130101;
A63B 23/04 20130101; A63B 21/4035 20151001; A63B 21/0023
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
482/139 |
International
Class: |
A63B 71/00 20060101
A63B071/00 |
Claims
1. A stretch assist aid for achieving and objectively measuring
gains in flexibility, the stretch assist aid comprising: a block
having a top surface, an opposing bottom surface, a first side
surface, an opposing second side surface, a first end surface, and
an opposing second end surface, and further having a plurality of
handholds on at least two of the opposing surfaces.
2. The block of claim 1 wherein the block is of strength enough to
support a person standing on it.
3. The block of claim 1 wherein the block is hollow.
4. The block of claim 1 wherein the handholds comprise cutouts from
the surfaces.
5. The block of claim 1 wherein the handholds comprise rods.
6. The block of claim 1 wherein the handholds are sequentially
spaced.
7. A stretch assist aid for reducing injury in stretching, said aid
comprising: a block having at least two planar surfaces of
sufficient size for standing on, the block being of sufficient
strength for standing on, and further comprising at least two
opposing sides comprising a plurality of sequentially spaced
handholds.
8. The block of claim 7 wherein the block is hollow.
9. The block of claim 7 wherein the handholds comprise cutouts from
the surfaces.
10. The block of claim 7 wherein the handholds comprise rods.
11. A method for incrementally increasing a user's physical range
of motion, the method comprising: the user placing at least one
foot against a surface of a block and simultaneously grasping at
least two of a plurality of sequentially placed handholds found on
opposing end surfaces of the block.
12. The method of claim 11 wherein the block is hollow.
13. The method of claim 11 wherein the block is of strength enough
to support a person standing on it.
14. The block of claim 1 wherein the handholds comprise cutouts
from the surfaces.
15. The block of claim 1 wherein the handholds comprise rods
inserted into the surfaces.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] Not Applicable
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
[0002] Not Applicable
NAMES OF PARTIES TO JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT
[0003] Not Applicable
REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING
[0004] Not Applicable
DESCRIPTION OF ATTACHED APPENDIX
[0005] Not Applicable
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0006] 1. Field of the Invention
[0007] The disclosed invention relates generally to devices and
methods for improving stretching ability and, more specifically, a
method and apparatus for safely improving one's flexibility and
range of motion.
[0008] 2. Description of Related Art
[0009] Yoga continues to surge in popularity across the nation.
Some of the benefits from yoga include significant improvement in
flexibility, balance and lengthening of muscles. Increasing in
popularity are accessories to make one's yoga experience more
beneficial and safe. Yoga blankets, blocks and wedges are examples
such accessories. Yoga blocks are relatively small and lightweight,
typically rectangular or oval in shape. The user may place hands or
feet (or one hand or foot) on the block to maintain their balance
or to deepen their range of motion in a particular pose. One of the
goals of yoga is to improve flexibility and range of motion. This
is achieved through intense stretching and often complicated
physical positions. As result, yoga blocks are employed in order to
provide the user with support while they are performing the
exercises. The blocks improve the user's alignment and make the
user more comfortable in the pose, offering support and comfortable
weight bearing.
[0010] U.S. Pat. No. 7,318,794 describes a yoga block system which
includes a first block and a second block which can either be
rectangularly shaped or triangularly shaped. These blocks are
capable of joining with one another. U.S. Pat. No. 7,156,791
describes yoga grip blocks to provide support and comfort in the
practice of yoga exercises.
[0011] Outside the realm of yoga, stretching exercises are common
to nearly every sport, and even to certain physical therapy
activities. A variety of stretching devices have been employed to
assist a user to attain greater flexibility but most are either
large cumbersome devices or limited purpose devices such as
straps.
[0012] There are several limitations associated with traditionally
known yoga blocks. One is that they are somewhat difficult to
grasp. At an average size of approximately 3 or 4'' thick, 5 or 6''
wide and 9 or so inches long, with smooth surfaces, women with
small hands may find it inconvenient to grasp and carry the block.
When used to extend one's stretch or deepen one's pose, yoga blocks
offer only one height difference from the floor. A student may be
prone to overstretch and injure themselves by reaching too far too
soon. For example, a student may stand on the block and perform a
toe touch stretch, reaching prematurely all the way to the floor as
the block enables them to do. The known blocks, having only one
height, offer no means of incrementally increasing stretch nor do
they provide a way for the student to objectively measure their
improvement.
[0013] A device is needed to help a user attain greater levels of
flexibility and range of motion, but in a safe, incrementally
progressive manner. Such a device needs to be easily portable,
lightweight, relatively inexpensive and simple to use. Such a
device needs to enable the user to incrementally deepen their
stretch while avoiding injury, and further needs to enable the user
to objectively measure their improvement.
NOTATION AND NOMENCLATURE
[0014] Certain terms are used throughout the following description
to refer to particular components. As one skilled in the art will
appreciate, design and manufacturing companies may refer to a
component by different names. This document does not intend to
distinguish between components that differ in name but not
function.
[0015] In the following discussion, the terms "including" and
"comprising" are used in an open-ended fashion, and thus should be
interpreted to mean "including, but not limited to . . . ." Also,
the term "couple" or "couples" is intended to mean either an
indirect or direct connection. Thus, if a first device couples to a
second device, that connection may be through a direct connection
or through an indirect connection via other intermediate devices
and connections. Moreover, the term "method" means "one or more
components" combined together. Thus, a method can comprise an
"entire method" or "sub methods" within the method.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0016] The disadvantages shown in the prior art are solved by a
method and device for assisting a user to progressively and
incrementally increase flexibility and range of motion while also
providing support and stabilization during exercises and yoga
positions. The disclosed method and device is easily portable,
lightweight, relatively inexpensive and simple to use.
[0017] It is an objective of the disclosed invention to overcome
the disadvantages in the current methods and devices for improving
flexibility and range of motion in yoga and other activities.
[0018] It is an objective of the disclosed invention to provide a
method and device whereby a user can improve their flexibility and
range of motion in an incremental fashion to avoid injury and
trauma to muscles, ligaments and tendons.
[0019] It is an objective of the disclosed invention to provide a
method and device whereby a user can easily transport the disclosed
device to yoga and to other classes, activities or sporting
events.
[0020] It is an objective of the disclosed invention to provide a
method and device whereby a user can objectively discern whether
and how much improvement there is in flexibility over the course of
sessions.
[0021] It is an objective of the disclosed invention to provide a
method and device whereby a user can more easily grasp a stretching
and support block when participating in various physical poses
requiring support and deep range of motion.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0022] The drawings contained herein represent preferred
embodiments of the invention and are not intended to limit the
scope. For a detailed description of various embodiments, reference
will now be made to the accompanying illustrative drawings in
which:
[0023] FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of the disclosed stretch
assist block.
[0024] FIG. 2 depicts a perspective view of an alternate embodiment
of the disclosed stretch assist block.
[0025] FIG. 3 depicts a perspective view of an alternate embodiment
of the disclosed stretch assist block.
[0026] FIG. 4 depicts a side view of the disclosed stretch assist
block being used in a standing stretch position.
[0027] FIG. 5 depicts a side view of the disclosed stretch assist
block being used in a sitting stretch position.
[0028] FIG. 6 depicts a perspective view of an alternate embodiment
of the disclosed stretch assist block.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0029] The disclosed device is a block having a plurality of hand
holds on at least two opposing surfaces. In the preferred
embodiment, the block is large enough and strong enough that it may
support the weight of a person. In the preferred embodiment, the
block is constructed of any rigid, stable material that is rigid
and strong enough to support the weight of a person, including
wood, rubber, plastic, cork, or rigid foam.
[0030] The block, although pictured as six sided (rectangular), is
not confined to this shape and other shape possibilities including
square, oblong, oval or round with one or more flat surfaces, and
other shapes could be used.
[0031] The traditional yoga block or yoga brick as known in the
marketplace and mentioned in the above referenced patents enables
the user to balance and more fully extend in different poses,
providing the user with support and stability. The block has a
significant limitation though, in that it only provides a limited
range for stretching as predetermined by its size. For example
known, if a user stand on the blocks and stretches downward they
achieve a greater stretching range, but the increase in range is
neither incremental nor measurable from class to class. The risk of
injury is high as the user may prematurely try to stretch down all
the way to the floor and strain their ligaments and muscles.
[0032] The disclosed stretch assist block is constructed such that,
as the user is performing different stretches they can place their
fingers in or on various handholds, providing gently graduated
increments of stretching. The block's unique construction enables
the user to gradually improve their flexibility by using more
distant handholds as they improve, and to objectively measure their
improvement by noting which handholds they are able to reach in any
given session. The blocks may be constructed with varying number of
handholds. The handholds may be disposed on only two opposing
surfaces of the block or may be on as many as all six surfaces,
enabling the user to turn the block different directions for
different poses and stretches.
[0033] Turning to the figures, FIG. 1 depicts a preferred
embodiment of the disclosed device and method showing a rectangular
shaped hollow block 10 with a plurality of handholds 12 cutout from
each planar surface of the block 10. The interior of the handholds
12 may be rounded and smooth for additional comfort. The block 10
has a top surface 20, an opposing bottom surface 22, a first side
surface 24, an opposing second side surface 26, a first end surface
28 and an opposing second end surface 30. The block 10 may have any
number or size of handholds 12 that is desired although at least
two are necessary to achieve incremental benefit and objective
measurement of progressive. In the prototype shown in FIG. 1, the
block illustrates four handholds 12 on the top surface 20 (with a
corresponding four handholds 12 on the opposing bottom surface 22),
four handholds 12 on the first side surface 24 (with a
corresponding four handholds 12 on the opposing bottom surface 26),
two handholds 12 on the first end surface 28 (with a corresponding
two handholds 12 on the opposing bottom surface 30). The handholds
on two of the opposing surfaces may be spaced apart with different
widths of intervening spaces than the handholds on another pair of
opposing surfaces, such that the user has a wide variety of
handhold placement options for achieving different flexibility
ranges, depending on how the block is turned. Multiple blocks may
be stacked together to achieve even greater stretching range and
opportunity for objective measurement.
[0034] FIG. 2 illustrates an alternate embodiment of the block 10
reflecting two large handholds 12 on the top surface 20 (with a
corresponding two large handholds 12 on the opposing bottom surface
22) rather than the four shown in FIG. 1. This embodiment is
particularly suited for users who wish to place more of their whole
hand in the opening rather than just fingers, in order to gain
better grip, or users with large hands who prefer a smaller number
of larger handholds rather than a larger number of smaller
handholds.
[0035] FIG. 3 similarly illustrates an alternate embodiment of the
block 10 having three handholds on the top surface 20 (with a
corresponding three handholds 12 on the opposing bottom surface
22)
[0036] In the preferred embodiment, as a matter of practice, the
user can use the block in any number of various positions in order
to achieve further extension on their stretch position or to
achieve support in a difficult pose. As illustrated in FIG. 4, the
user 30 may stand on the block 10 while performing a toe touch
stretch. The user 30 may reach down and place their fingers or hand
in the open handhold 12, enabling them to achieve and hold a deeper
stretch. The user has an objective way to measure their improvement
in flexibility. As an example, the user may be able to place their
fingers in the nearest handhold on one session and then, over time,
may be able to reach down further and place their fingers in a more
distant handhold, extending their stretch. As the user is able to
use more distant handholds as their range of motion improves, the
user can objectively take note of what openings they are able to
reach and subsequently evaluate their improvement in an objective
manner. If the user is not as flexible, the nearer handholds offer
them a safer alternative to deepening their stretch, rather than
reaching all the way to the floor as with a traditional yoga block
or brick.
[0037] FIG. 5 depicts an alternate view of the block in use. In
FIG. 5, the user is seated, again performing a toe touch stretch.
The user has positioned the block against the bottom of their
flexed feet. If the block has handholds on each of the surfaces,
the user may turn the block any way they like in order to take
advantage of the plurality of variously spaced handholds. As the
user's stretching ability and flexibility improves they may reach
for the more distant handholds.
[0038] FIG. 6 reflects yet another embodiment of the block 40, with
the handholds 42 indicated as dowel type rods rather than cutouts
from the sides of the block 40. The rounded nature of the rods
offers comfort and the rods also present case of construction in
that they can be inset into the block. In yet another alternate
embodiment, the sides of the block could be planar surfaces on
which were mounted handholds external to the block, rather than the
handholds being cut out of the block itself.
[0039] Yoga blocks are used in a wide variety of yoga positions to
assist with support. Using the stretch assist block instead gives
the user not only support but also a wide range of different
handholds, enabling the user to achieve a deeper position, a more
stable grasp, and an objective way to measure improvement in
flexibility and balance.
[0040] The disclosed method and apparatus solves the limitations
currently encountered with known yoga blocks, bricks, wedges and
stretching aids and provides a lightweight and easily portable aid
to stretching or yoga positions. The device provides the user with
an objective way to measure their gradual improvement in
flexibility. The handholds also provide an easier way to carry the
block and a more stable way of grasping the block for support when
in a stretch or pose.
[0041] While the disclosed method and apparatus has been described
in conjunction with the preferred embodiments thereof, many
changes, modifications, alterations and variations will be apparent
to those skilled in the art. The invention should therefore not be
limited to the particular preferred embodiment disclosed but should
include all embodiments that could fall within the scope of the
claims.
[0042] Accordingly, the preferred embodiments of the invention
shown in the drawings and described in detail above are intended to
be illustrative, not limiting, and various changes may be made
without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as
defined by the claims set forth below.
* * * * *