Pilates Exercise Devices and Methods

Abstract

A support device for a user of a Pilates exercise machine maintains the user at an inclined angle on the platform or carriage of the exercise machine during use. The support device features a body having a base adapted to be placed on a moving or fixed carriage of the Pilates machine and an inclined top surface for supporting the body of the inclined user. First and second lateral spaces formed on either side of a narrowed portion of the top surface provide respective spaces for positioning the arms of the user.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This international (PCT) patent application claims priority to U.S. Patent Application No. 17 / 901271, filed September 1, 2022, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Patent Application No. 17 / 878,759, filed August 1, 2022, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Patent Application No. 17 / 558,142 (now U.S. Patent No. 11,400,338), filed December 21, 2021, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 247628, filed September 23, 2021, all of which are each incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0002] The present invention relates generally to Pilates exercise and, more particularly, to a Pilates exercise method and body support device configured to provide inclined supine positioning of a user on the body of the device or on a moving or fixed carriage or table of a Pilates apparatus during Pilates exercise. [Background technology]

[0003] Pilates is an exercise regimen that employs controlled movements using Pilates equipment or apparatus. The controlled movements are adapted to help a person improve flexibility, strengthen muscles, and develop overall body control and endurance. Traditionally, Pilates has focused on body alignment, breathing, developing a strong core, and improving coordination and balance. Exercising the core, including the abdominal, back, and pelvic muscles, during Pilates is generally considered key to a person's stability.

[0004] Pilates systems and devices therefor allow users to perform different exercises that can range in difficulty from beginner to advanced or other levels depending on the particular goals and / or constraints of the instructor and practitioner. Exercise intensity typically improves over time as the body adapts to the exercises.

[0005] The term "apparatus" is not commonly used to describe Pilates exercises, so the term "Pilates equipment" is often used. One widely used piece of Pilates equipment is traditionally known as the Reformer. The Reformer equipment was invented by Joseph Pilates, the founder of the Pilates exercise movement, as one of the main pieces of Pilates equipment. The Reformer equipment is a bed-like frame with a flat support platform, also known as a carriage, that rolls back and forth on wheels operatively positioned between the platform and the frame.

[0006] Reformer devices are manufactured by many manufacturers, but all are configured for similar modes of operation: a spring or other biasing means is operatively connected to the frame, and the carriage can be configured to provide exercise assistance or resistance to help the user achieve proper muscle length and strength in a coordinated manner.

[0007] When users of reformer devices lie on a platform or table, they typically position themselves supine on a substantially flat, translating table. For users with various physical limitations, this flat, supine positioning may be uncomfortable and unhealthy. Other Pilates devices may include ropes in pulley systems, metal springs, or elastic bands in motion, all with a variety of resistance tensions. All of these can be used in conjunction with the device herein to provide resistance exercise during a Pilates exercise session.

[0008] Other Pilates equipment and components may include Pilates bands, which are elastic during movement and come in a number of different lengths and resistance tensions. These bands are used to provide resistance during Pilates exercises.

[0009] The foregoing examples of prior art in the field of Pilates exercise and the devices used therein, as well as their associated limitations, are intended to be illustrative, not exhaustive, and in no way limit the inclined positioning Pilates invention described and claimed herein. Various limitations of the related art will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading and understanding the following specification and accompanying drawings. Summary of the Invention

[0010] The devices disclosed and described herein provide Pilates apparatus configured to provide both a device and a method for facilitating inclined body positioning for a user during Pilates exercise on a carriage or platform of the Pilates exercise apparatus. The Pilates exercise device herein has a body adapted, at its bottom or underside, to rest on a carriage or support platform used in a wide variety of existing Pilates exercise systems. Such Pilates exercise devices are available from many manufacturers and traditionally have a translating carriage or platform on which the user is positioned. By way of example and not limitation, a Pilates reformer uses such a translating carriage, while a Pilates trapeze table may include a planar, fixed support surface for the carriage.

[0011] The upper surface of the body opposite the base is configured to provide support for the back of a user positioned thereon, and is sloped. In a particularly preferred form of the device herein, a slight recess in the upper surface is formed in a central portion of the sloped upper surface.

[0012] A friction-enhancing strip is disposed along a central region of the inclined upper surface. The friction-enhancing strip may extend across a central portion of the upper surface, or more preferably, to maximize the anti-slip properties it provides, the friction-enhancing strip may extend between a lower edge of the upper surface and an upper edge of the upper surface. In this manner, a user positioned in an inclined position supported by the upper surface is substantially prevented from sliding downward due to the enhanced frictional engagement between the friction-enhancing strip and the user's back or clothing worn on the back.

[0013] The upper surface may be coplanar with the planar lower surface and may form a continuous inclination angle relative to the planar lower surface. An angle between 20 and 40 degrees is currently preferred, with an angle between substantially 30 and 34 degrees being particularly preferred. Experimentation has shown that this preferred angle provides the most comfortable positioning for most users.

[0014] In an alternative but preferred configuration, the upper surface preferably has a first main body portion extending from the lower edge to a central portion of the upper surface. This first portion of the upper surface is substantially planar and at a preferred angle. A second main body portion of the upper surface, adjacent to the first portion, defines a curved recess in the upper surface of the device's body. This curved recess forms a slight depression along the length of the second portion of the upper surface. A third portion of the upper surface extends from the upper edge of the upper surface to the end of the second portion of the upper surface. This third portion can continue the angle of the first portion of the upper surface, or, more preferably, the third portion has an angle 3-5 degrees greater than the angle of the first portion of the upper surface to provide more comfortable support for the upper back of a user positioned thereon.

[0015] A releasably engageable lumbar cushion may be provided that is positionable in a releasable attachment with a first portion of the upper surface of the body of the device, the lumbar cushion preferably having a curved exposed surface adapted to contact the lumbar region of the user positioned on the device, and the releasable engagement may be provided by hook-and-loop fasteners operably disposed on an underside of the lumbar cushion and on a first portion of the upper surface of the body of the device.

[0016] A releasably engageable head cushion may also be provided, the head cushion having an exposed surface when worn and configured to contact the user's neck and head area located on the upper surface of the device body, the head cushion releasably engaging a third portion of the upper surface between an upper edge of the upper surface and the second portion. Similar to the lumbar cushion, the releasable engagement of the head cushion may be provided by a hook-and-loop fastener operably disposed between the lower surface of the head cushion and the third portion of the upper surface of the device body.

[0017] The device body is preferably covered with a soft covering layer, such as a vinyl material, leather, or synthetic leather, with a pad disposed between the body and the covering layer. The body itself is preferably formed of a lightweight material, includes a hollow cavity between the top surface and the bottom edge or surface, and is configured for operative contact with a support, such as the floor or, as described above, a carriage of a Pilates reformer apparatus or a stationary Pilates trapeze table. Such a material may be a polymeric material, wood, fiberglass, carbon fiber, some combination thereof, or other lightweight yet strong material as would occur to one skilled in the art.

[0018] When the body is formed of a foam material, the density of the foam material traditionally determines the hardness of the body and its surface. To provide comfortable support for the user's body during contact and use, the foam density is preferably between 1.00 pounds per cubic foot (PCF) and 4.00 PCF. 1.0 lb is as low as possible and usable, but is at the lower end of "softness" for use. 4.0 lb foam material is at the higher end of the spectrum, very firm, but may be too firm for some users. A particularly preferred range for the density of foam used to form the body of the device is between 1.5 pounds per cubic foot and 2.5 pounds per cubic foot for most users.

[0019] The devices herein may also include a fixed mount disposed on the body of the device and configured to engage a resistance component, such as an elastic band or spring resistance, or other such resistance exercise component. The fixed mount may be disposed on a vertical rear wall of the body of the device. Such a mount preferably has an opening or other connector configured to connect one end of a resistance exercise component, such as an elastic exercise band. This allows a user of the devices herein to use a resistance exercise component for traditional Pilates exercises while in a supine, inclined position on the top surface of the body of the device.

[0020] Resistance exercise components, as used herein, refer to, for example, but by no means limited to, ropes in a pulley system, springs, elastic bands, or other resistance exercise components as would occur to one skilled in the art. Preferably, such resistance exercise components include a means for adjusting and setting them at one of a number of different resistance tensions.

[0021] The body of the device herein can be placed on the translating table or platform of a commonly sold and used Pilates apparatus, such as a Reformer, or on the fixed table of a traditional Pilates trapeze table. As used herein, the term Pilates apparatus or Pilates exercise device refers to any Pilates-type exercise device manufactured by any manufacturer that has either a fixed platform for Pilates exercise or a translating table or platform for body support. Such Pilates exercise devices and equipment are manufactured by manufacturers such as, but by no means limited to, Balanced Body, Inc., Body Arts and Science International, Inc., Clinical Pilates, Inc., Elina Pilates, Inc., Gratz Pilates, Inc., Peak Pilates, Inc., Stamina, Inc., and Stott Pilates, Inc.

[0022] By using the devices and methods herein, a user, once operatively positioned on the platform of such a Pilates exercise device, can exercise using a Pilates reformer device or Pilates trapeze table in the normal manner, however, during such exercise, the user will enjoy an inclined supine positioning with their back firmly supported in an inclined position on a support surface, such as the platform of a Pilates machine.

[0023] Additionally, in OEM forms of the devices herein, the body of the devices herein can be formed as an integral part of the platform that supports the user's body on a conventional Pilates exercise device. Such a platform may be a permanently tilted platform or may be configured with hinges, pivots, or the like to tilt the portion that supports the user's head and back. Thus, the body of the devices herein can extend from the top of a moving platform or carriage of a Pilates apparatus, such as a conventional Pilates reformer, or, rather than simply as a separate body, can extend as part of the support platform of a conventional Pilates trapeze table or similar conventional Pilates apparatus manufactured by any manufacturer.

[0024] With reference to the foregoing description, before describing in detail at least one preferred embodiment of the Pilates apparatus with user inclination support disclosed herein, it should be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or in the drawings. The Pilates exercise apparatus described herein is capable of other embodiments and can be practiced and carried out in various ways apparent to those skilled in the art. It should also be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

[0025] Thus, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the concepts underlying the present disclosure may readily be utilized as a basis for the design of other inclined positioning Pilates exercise apparatus and systems that accomplish some of the objectives of the presently disclosed devices. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent structures and methodologies insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0026] When used in the claims to describe various inventive aspects and embodiments, "comprising" means include, but is not limited to, what follows the word "comprising." Thus, use of the term "comprising" indicates that the listed elements are required or essential, but that other elements are optional and may or may not be present. "Consisting of" means including and limited to everything that follows the phrase "consisting of." Thus, the phrase "consisting of" indicates that the listed elements are required or essential, and that other elements must not be present. "Consisting essentially of" means including any elements listed after the phrase, and is limited to other elements that do not interfere with or contribute to the activity or action identified in this disclosure for the listed elements. Thus, the phrase "essentially consisting of" indicates that the listed elements are required or essential, but that other elements are optional and may or may not be present, depending on whether they affect the activity or action of the listed elements. Finally, the term "substantially" means plus or minus 10% unless otherwise defined.

[0027] The object of the present invention is to provide inclined support to a user during Pilates exercise by providing a means for modifying the user's conventional flat supine positioning on a Pilates platform or table to an inclined supine position during exercise.

[0028] It is a further object of the present invention to provide such inclined support to a user during Pilates exercise, wherein such inclined support is formed by a body that can be supported on the floor or the like, or that can be operably placed on the support surface of a carriage or platform of conventional Pilates exercise apparatus, such as the translating table of a conventional Pilates reformer or the table of a Pilates trapeze table.

[0029] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide an inclined surface for user positioning, the inclined upper surface being operably positionable on the moving carriage or fixed table of conventional Pilates equipment.

[0030] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a method for providing inclined positioning of a user positioned on any Pilates exercise device or translating platform of a Pilates apparatus using the engageable inclined platform herein, an inclined OEM platform for a user to lie on, or an OEM platform for a Pilates apparatus that includes a pivot or flex portion that allows for inclined positioning of the head and back support portions of the Pilates apparatus.

[0031] Other objects, features, and advantages of the presently disclosed devices and methods for inclined support for Pilates exercise, as well as advantages over the existing prior art, will become apparent from the following description and are achieved by the improvements set forth herein and set forth in the following detailed description, which fully discloses the present invention, but should not be construed as limiting thereof. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0032] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein and form a part of the specification, illustrate some examples, but not the only or exclusive, of embodiments and / or features of the disclosed devices. The embodiments and drawings disclosed herein are intended to be considered illustrative, and not limiting.

[0033] [Figure 1] The device is shown in a front perspective view showing the body of the device with a sloped top surface and showing any components that may be engaged therewith. [Figure 2] 2 shows the device of FIG. 1 with two engageable components operably and removably engaged on the top surface. [Figure 3]FIG. 10 is another front perspective view of the device showing the body in perspective and showing the top surface sloping from the base edge of the body. [Figure 4] Similar to FIG. 3, this shows the main body of the device from a rear perspective view. [Figure 5] 1 shows a side view of a device herein showing a top surface that is inclined at substantially angle A as described above relative to a base of a body configured to be placed on a support surface. Also shown is a recessed region located within a central portion of the top surface. [Figure 6] 1 shows an overhead front view of the body of the device having a top surface sloping from the front edge to a raised top surface at the rear end, showing a removably engageable pad thereon. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is a rear view of the body of a device herein showing the shoulders on either side of the central portion of the top or upper surface of the body of the device. [Figure 8] 1 shows a bottom view of the device, which is shown to be substantially hollow to minimize weight. [Figure 9] 1 shows a device herein operatively positioned with the base of the body positioned on a translating table, such as a Pilates reformer. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is another view of the device herein, arranged similarly to FIG. 9. [Figure 11] 1 illustrates a device herein from a front view showing a body of the device herein positionable on a support surface and also having a resistance exercise component operably connected to a mount. [Figure 12] Similar to FIG. 11, a perspective view of the device is shown. [Figure 13] 1 shows the device with the body placed on the table of a conventional Pilates trapeze table. [Figure 14] Similar to FIG. 13, the device is shown from a front overhead perspective view. [Figure 15] 1 shows an overhead perspective view of a device formed from lightweight foam or similar material. [Figure 16]15 shows a bottom view of a device herein, similar to FIG. 15, showing a body formed from a lightweight material such as foam and having a planar bottom surface. [Figure 17] 10 shows a form of the device having one or more shelves or protruding members that engage the rear wall of the body of the device. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a side view of the device shown in FIG. 17. [Figure 19] FIG. 10 shows a rear perspective view of the body of the device, showing recesses for releasably engaging one or more protruding members. [Figure 20] FIG. 10 is a rear perspective view of the body of the device showing a cooperating first connector on the rear wall removably engaging a cooperating second connector on the protruding member that engages the rear wall. [Figure 21] 10 shows the device with the protruding member engaging the rear wall. [Figure 22] 10 illustrates a form of the device herein in which a curved or substantially U-shaped tube is removably engageable with the rear wall using cooperating fasteners as described above. [Figure 23] Similar to FIG. 22, this shows a device in which the tube removably engages the rear wall. [Figure 24] 22-23 are shown in a horizontal position in FIG. 23 and in a vertical position in FIG. 24 by rotationally engaging the rear wall. [Figure 25] All forms of devices herein show a usable body formed into multiple sections of first and second body portions that can be assembled.

[0034] Other aspects of the present Pilates exercise invention and its method of use will be more readily understood when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and the following detailed description, none of which should be considered limiting. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0035] As used herein, directional prepositions such as up, upward, down, downward, front, back, above, upper, lower, lower, left, right, and other such terms refer to the post-engageable table device as oriented and displayed in the drawings, are used for convenience only, and are not intended to limit or imply that the inclined Pilates support device herein must be used or positioned in a particular orientation.

[0036] As shown in the drawings in FIGS. 1-24, FIG. 1 illustrates a device 10 herein from a front perspective view. As shown, device 10 has a body 12 having a generally triangular shape with a bottom 14 and a sloped or upwardly sloping top surface 16, as shown in other side views. Top surface 16 slopes upward from a lowest point at a first end 18 of body 12, where it substantially intersects with a support surface, such as a carriage or platform 24 ( FIGS. 9-10 and 13-14 ), such as the platform 24 of a Pilates machine 22. Top surface 16 slopes upward to a highest point above the support surface at a second end 20 of body 12. As used herein, platform 24 refers to any carriage or moving or fixed support on which a user sits on a conventionally available Pilates exercise device, such as the carriage of a Pilates reformer.

[0037] Additionally, there may be a curved recessed region 26 (FIGS. 5-6) in the central portion of top surface 16 between first end 18 and second end 20 of body 12. It is formed by a slightly curved top surface 16 having a first slope angle A along a line that runs substantially along the first portion of top surface 16 to the central region of top surface 16. In the central region where curved recessed region 26 is shown to be located, a second slope angle A1 extends toward second end 20 at a second slope angle A1 that is steeper than first slope angle A.

[0038] Presently, the first tilt angle A is between 20 and 40 degrees relative to the substantially planar support surface 28 supporting the bottom surface 14, with an angle between 30 and 34 degrees being particularly preferred. Presently, the second tilt angle is between 35 and 45 degrees along an imaginary line intersecting the planar support surface, with a second tilt angle A1 between 42 and 45 degrees being particularly preferred.

[0039] These are preferred because the smaller tilt angle A at the first end 18 of the body 12, which is wider than the second end 20 of the body 12, provides a gentler slope and a wider support area for the user's lower back adjacent the support surface. As the second tilt angle A1 increases, the user's upper back and neck are better supported in a more upright and comfortable position.

[0040] 1-6 illustrate the configuration of the body 12 in all forms of the device. The first body portion 23, which extends between the central region of the body 12, where the recessed region 26 is located, and the first end 18, is wider than the second body portion 25. This second body portion 25 extends from the side of the first body portion opposite the first end 18 to the second end 20. As shown, the second body portion 25 may also extend from the central region or recessed region 26 of the body 12 to the second end 20. Note that in the case of a platform or carriage 24 of a Pilates apparatus specifically for users requiring a ramp or inclined surface, the body 12 herein may be formed as part of the carriage or platform 24 and extend upward therefrom.

[0041] Although body 12 is shown in the drawings herein as being of one piece, it may be formed from two pieces, with second body portion 25 connected to and extending from a central region of first body portion 23. This configuration facilitates storage when not in use. Thus, when body 12 is described herein as having a first body portion 23 and a second body portion 25 extending from a central region of first body portion 23, this is meant to include a body 12 formed from a one-piece or unitary structure, or a body 12 formed with first body portion 23 connected to second body portion 25 using hook-and-loop fasteners or other separable fasteners, for example.

[0042] A width W1 of top surface 16 extending across first body portion 23 of body 12 at first end 18 of body 12 to the opposite side of first body portion 23 is substantially two to three times a width W2 of top surface 16 at second portion 25 centrally disposed on body 12. Second body portion 25 extends from a central region of first body portion 23 between a second side of first body portion 23 opposite first end 18 of body 12 and second end 20 of body 12. By central region, it is meant that second body portion 25 is disposed extending from the second side of first body portion 23 in a substantially central position between first side surface 46 of first body portion 23 and second side surface 48 of first body portion 25.

[0043] This configuration is particularly preferred because the top surface 16 of the first body portion 23 of the body 12 is wider and the top surface 16 of the second body portion 25 is narrower, forming a shape that defines an inverted "T" shape for the top surface 16 and the body 12 when viewed from above. This shape is particularly preferred because it defines a first lateral space 30 between the first body portion and the second end 20 of the body 12, extending from the top surface 16 along a first side of the second body portion 25 of the body 12. There is also a second lateral space 32 between the first body portion and the second end 20 of the body 12, extending from the top surface 16 along a second side of the second body portion 25 of the body 12 opposite the first lateral space 30.

[0044] These two opposing lateral spaces are particularly advantageous in that they provide a reclined user operably positioned on the top surface 16 of the device 10 with respective voids or spaces on and below the top surface 16 for positioning one arm in each of the first and second lateral spaces 30 and 32 during use. This allows the user to ergonomically position their back against the top surface 16 and properly position and move their arms during use, such as pulling on a handle or resistance elastic band 33 (FIGS. 11-12, 17, and 24) for an arm exercise. They also provide an open area for pulling on a platform engagement tether 34 (FIGS. 9-10) used to translate the Pilates carriage or platform 24 that forms the support surface 28 during use.

[0045] Thus, when the edge or surface of the bottom 14 of the body 12 of the device 10 herein is operably positioned on, for example, a fixed or translating platform 24 of a Pilates exercise device, as shown in FIGS. 9-10 , or a fixed platform 24 of a Pilates exercise device, as shown in FIGS. 13-14 , the device 10 thus provides inclined support for the user's back, neck, and head when the user is positioned on the top surface 16. Also, as described above, first and second lateral spaces 30, 32 are provided depending from the top surface 16 for positioning and arm use while in this position. As shown, the lateral spaces 30, 32 are formed completely free of the body 12, but they could also be formed as recesses extending downward from the sides of the top surface 16 to short portions or protrusions of the body 12, or the first body portion 23, or the second body portion 25.

[0046] In a method for providing angled or inclined support for the body of a Pilates exercise device user, for all forms of the device 10 and system herein, the first step may be to determine the health or positioning needs of the Pilates device user. The term "determine" means that if, prior to use of the Pilates device, it is disclosed or determined, either through written disclosure, oral interview of the user to the Pilates device provider, or observation of the user by the Pilates device provider, that the user has a physical limitation that contraindicates exercises in a fully supine position, the user will still benefit from similar exercises modified to an inclined position. Such a physical limitation may be, for example, but in no way is it limited to, a determination that the user is pregnant or has a spinal or neck problem.

[0047] In a second step, once the user has determined that they should or could benefit from inclined Pilates exercises, the user is directed to the machine 22 if the body 12 is formed as part of the carriage or platform 24 of a particular Pilates machine 22. Although the body 12 is formed separately herein, when used, it is positioned so that the planar bottom 14 rests on the planar carriage or platform 24 of the Pilates exercise device. As noted above, if the device 10 herein is formed as part of a Pilates apparatus 22 that has a pivoting carriage or platform 24, has a sloped top surface, or is configurable to provide inclined back and neck support, it will provide or be configured to provide such inclination for the user. However, providing the device 10 herein for use on a platform 24 is preferred because it provides users and providers with more options for using the equipment for users with different requirements.

[0048] In a third step, the user is operatively positioned on the top surface 16 of the device 10, and the user then operates the Pilates exercise device in a conventional manner while supported by the angled top surface 16 of the body 12 of the device 10 herein.

[0049] 2 also illustrates an optional configuration of device 10 herein, which, like FIG. 1, is shown with both engageable support components, such as pads 36 and head supports 38, operably and removably engaged with top surface 16. Such pads 36 and head supports 38 can be provided in a variety of thicknesses and sizes to enable their engagement and provide additional support to the user as needed.

[0050] 3 and 4 also show mounts 40 that may be provided on device 10. Mounts 40 are positioned to provide attachment points for other exercise components, such as bias and resistance elastic bands 33 or pathways for elastic tethers 34, if desired.

[0051] 7 is a rear view of the body 12 of the device 10. As shown, the mount 40 engages the body 12 along the rear wall 42.

[0052] 8 shows a bottom view of the hollow form of body 12 forming device 18. As shown, if the body is formed of a material other than foam or a similar lightweight material, as in FIGS. 15-16, an interior cavity 44 may be formed between first side wall 46, second side wall 48 and rear wall 42 to minimize weight for ease of handling. This interior cavity 44 may be left empty or may be filled with foam or another similar lightweight material.

[0053] If the entire body 12 is formed of an open-cell or closed-cell foam-type material such as Styrofoam®, or if the side walls, back wall, and top are formed of a stronger or more rigid material such as wood, fiberglass, or carbon fiber, the interior cavity 44 may be hollow and filled with lightweight foam or other material for more support. The exterior surfaces, such as the top surface 16, can be covered with padding or vinyl or other material in all forms of the body 12, whether formed of monolithic foam or sidewall supports.

[0054] 9-10, the device 10 of the present invention is shown with the body 12 operatively positioned with its base or bottom 14 positioned on a translating carriage or platform 24 or table of a Pilates reformer or similar Pilates exercise machine 22. So positioned, a user of the Pilates reformer is fully supported in an inclined position while using the Pilates reformer. So supported, while in the inclined position, the user can translate the carriage or platform 24 of the Pilates machine 22 in a conventional manner using one arm in the first lateral space 30 and the other arm in the second lateral space 32.

[0055] 11-12 show the body of device 10 from a front view. As shown, body 12 of device 10 is placeable on a support surface, such as the floor of a Pilates exercise machine or other illustrated platform 24. Also shown is an optional resistance exercise member, such as an elastic band 33, operably connected to a mount 40 on body 12.

[0056] 13-14 show the body 12 of the device 10 herein operatively positioned on the carriage or platform 24 of a conventional Pilates trapeze table-type Pilates device 22. Such positioning provides support for the trapeze table user for inclined positioning on the platform 24, with the trapeze table user's back fully supported in the inclined position.

[0057] 15 shows an overhead perspective view of a device in which the body 12 is preferably formed from lightweight foam or a similar material. As shown, the body 12 is similarly constructed as described above, with the narrow top surface 16 along the second body portion 25 extending from a central region opposite the first end 18 of the first body portion 23. By central region, we mean the region at the end of the first body portion 23 that is substantially centered between the first and second side walls 46, 48 located on either side of the first body portion 23.

[0058] Figure 16 shows a view of the bottom 14 of the body 12 of a device similar to Figure 15. As shown, the body 12 is formed from a lightweight material, such as a foam material, and has a planar bottom 14.

[0059] 17 and 18 illustrate a configuration of the device 10 herein having one or more shelves 50 disposed on the rear wall 42 of the main body 12. As shown in the various figures herein, the shelves 50 can be formed of wood, metal, or polymeric material. The shelves 50 can also be integrally formed as part of the main body 12 itself, such as using foam or polymeric material. Alternatively, the shelves 50 can be engaged with the rear wall 42 through a permanent or removable engagement. As shown in FIG. 17, the shelves 50 can be used to support other exercise components, such as elastic bands 33. Supported in this manner, a user simply extends their arms backward within the first or second side space 30 or 32 and grasps the band for use. The elastic band 33 runs through the space between the shelves 50 and is positioned on the lower shelf of the two shelves 50. When the user pulls on both ends, the elastic band 33 is supported in the center by contact with the rear wall 42 and is prevented from sliding upward and off the rear wall 42 by the upper shelf of the two shelves 50 that it contacts.

[0060] 19 shows one form of device 10 herein in which one or more shelves engage rear wall 42 of body 12 using slots 52 formed along rear wall 42 at such attachment locations on body 12. This configuration can provide for removable engagement of shelves 50 by frictional engagement within slots 52. Alternatively, shelves 50 can be permanently engaged using adhesive or the like.

[0061] 20 and 21 illustrate one form of device 10 herein in which shelf 50 is removably engageable so that it can be attached during use and removed when not needed. As shown in FIG. 20, a first cooperating fastener 54 disposed on rear wall 42 of body 12 is removably connected to a second cooperating fastener 56 located on shelf 50. Such engagement holds shelf 50 to body 12, as shown, for example, in FIG. 21. By cooperating fasteners, we mean cooperating fasteners configured to connect a first cooperating fastener to a second cooperating fastener, and include, for example, hook-and-loop fasteners, magnets, pins and sockets, hooks, sliding engagement between a protrusion on shelf 50 and a recess on rear wall 42, and other cooperating fasteners as would occur to one skilled in the art, such as those in the Grainger catalog.

[0062] 22 shows one form of device 10 herein in which the shelf is provided by a curved, or substantially U-shaped, tube 51. This tube 51 may be permanently engaged with rear wall 42 or may be removably engageable with rear wall 42 using first and second cooperating fasteners 54, 56 described above. This engagement in either form is shown in FIG. 23.

[0063] A U-shaped passageway 53 through the tube 51 provides a location for a resistance exercise device such as an elastic band 33, as shown in Figure 23. The U-shaped tube 51 is preferably pre-positioned to allow easy grasping of the elastic band 33 and provides a U-shaped path that allows a user to grasp both ends of the elastic band 33, for example, while lying down, using the exercise handles 37. This U-shape is effective for bimanual exercises.

[0064] FIG. 24 shows the U-shaped tube 51 of FIGS. 22-23 positioned on the rear wall 42 with a rotational engagement 56. This provides for rotation of the U-shaped tube 56 and the path therein from the horizontal position of FIG. 23 to the vertical position of FIG. 24. This configuration of the device 10 is particularly effective when a user wishes to perform overhead resistance exercises, such as pulling on the elastic band 33 with one or both hands while lying down. Mounts 59 are positioned adjacent both open ends of the U-shaped tube 51 and allow one side of the elastic band 33 to be temporarily connected to the U-shaped tube 51. This allows the user to pull on the opposite end of the elastic band 33 extending from the other end of the U-shaped tube 51, stretching the elastic band 33 within the U-shaped tube 51 and with the elastic band 33 exiting above the head.

[0065] As noted above, the body 12 may be formed from multiple sections, such as a first body section 23 and a second body section 25, which may be connected to one another during use. An example of this is shown in Figure 25, where the first body section 23 is removably connected to the second body section 25 using a complementary fastener, such as a hook-and-loop fastener 61 or other complementary fasteners described above. While shown herein with two sections, it is contemplated that the body 12 may be formed with more sections and / or with sections that engage side-to-side or end-to-end of the body 12.

[0066] It should be noted that the Pilates exercise device for providing an inclined supine position to a user disclosed herein, either as a device or when used in a method, potentially has other uses, which may be discovered by one of ordinary skill in the art, particularly upon reading this specification. The description of features of the invention does not limit the scope of the claims herein, and other applications developed by those skilled in the art are intended to be encompassed by the invention.

[0067] Furthermore, while the Pilates exercise devices herein are shown in their simplest forms and configurations, it is also noted and anticipated that various components and aspects of the devices may be configured differently or slightly modified when forming the present invention. As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the illustrations and descriptions set forth in this disclosure are merely meant to illustrate examples of preferred forms of the devices described herein, within the overall scope and intent of the present invention, and should not be considered limiting in any way.

[0068] Moreover, while all of the essential features and characteristics of the present invention have been shown and described herein with reference to specific embodiments thereof, a latitude for modification, various changes, and substitutions is contemplated in the foregoing disclosure and the claims that follow, and it will be apparent that in some instances, some features of the post-engageable table invention may be used without the corresponding use of other features without departing from the scope of the invention as defined. It will also be understood that various substitutions, modifications, and variations can be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Accordingly, all such modifications, variations, and substitutions are included within the scope of the invention as defined by the following claims.

Claims

1. a body having a first end opposite a second end; A support device comprising: the body has a top surface opposite a bottom surface of the body, the top surface extending between the first end and the second end of the body; the top surface extends at an oblique angle from a first end of the top surface adjacent the first end of the body to a second end of the top surface adjacent the second end of the body; a second portion of the top surface extending from the second end of the body toward the first end of the body and narrower than a first portion of the top surface extending from the first end of the body to a top of the body; a first lateral space disposed on a first side of the second portion of the top surface opposite a second lateral space disposed on a second side of the second portion of the top surface; the bottom of the body is positionable in an operating position on a platform of a Pilates exercise device; The top surface of the body defines an inclined support for the body of a user positioned thereon, and inclined support for the body of a user of a Pilates exercise device is provided while the user is positioned on the top surface of the body having the bottom portion positioned on the platform, and the first and second lateral spaces define respective areas for positioning the user's arms.

2. 10. The support apparatus of claim 1, further comprising the first portion of the top surface having a first width and the second portion of the top surface having a second width, the first width being two to three times the second width.

3. a planar rear wall disposed perpendicular to the bottom of the body at the second end of the body; at least one shelf disposed on the rear wall; The support device of claim 1 further comprising:

4. The support apparatus of claim 3 , wherein the at least one shelf removably engages the rear wall.

5. two said shelves are disposed on said rear wall with a gap therebetween; a first shelf of the two shelves is disposed at a height higher than a second shelf of the two shelves; 4. The support apparatus of claim 3, wherein an elastic band is supported on the second shelf of the two shelves.

6. a planar rear wall disposed perpendicular to the bottom of the body at the second end of the body; a tube disposed in the rear wall; Further provided with the tube has a passageway communicating therethrough; 10. The support device of claim 1, wherein the passageway is for placing an elastic band therein that is stretchable by the user for exercise while the user is positioned on the top surface of the body.

7. the tube is disposed in rotational engagement with the rear wall; a first opening at a first end of the tube in communication with the passage; a second opening at a second end of the tube in communication with the passage; the tube is positionable in the rotational engagement in a horizontal position with the first opening aligned with the first lateral space and the second opening aligned with the second lateral space; 7. The support device of claim 6, wherein the tube is positionable in the rotational engagement in a vertical position in which one of the first opening or the second opening is elevated above the top surface of the second end of the body.

8. a planar rear wall disposed perpendicular to the bottom of the body at the second end of the body; at least one shelf disposed on the rear wall and supporting an elastic band that can be stretched or contracted by the user for exercise while the user is positioned on the top surface of the body; The support apparatus of claim 1 further comprising:

9. The support apparatus of claim 8 , wherein the at least one shelf removably engages the rear wall.

10. two said shelves are disposed on said rear wall with a gap therebetween; a first shelf of the two shelves is disposed at a height higher than a second shelf of the two shelves; 9. The support apparatus of claim 8, wherein the elastic band is supported on the second shelf of the two shelves.

11. a planar rear wall disposed perpendicular to the bottom of the body at the second end of the body; a tube disposed in the rear wall; Further provided with the tube has a passageway communicating therethrough; 10. The support device of claim 1, wherein the passageway is for placing an elastic band therein that is stretchable by the user for exercise while the user is positioned on the top surface of the body.

12. the tube is disposed in rotational engagement with the rear wall; a first opening at a first end of the tube in communication with the passage; a second opening at a second end of the tube in communication with the passage; the tube is positionable in the rotational engagement in a horizontal position with the first opening aligned with the first lateral space and the second opening aligned with the second lateral space; 12. The support device of claim 11, wherein the tube is positionable in the rotational engagement in a vertical position in which one of the first opening or the second opening is elevated above the top surface of the second end of the body.

13. a planar rear wall disposed perpendicular to the bottom of the body at the second end of the body; a mount disposed on the rear wall and engageable with an elastic band that can be stretched or contracted by the user for exercise while the user is positioned on the top surface; The support device of claim 1 further comprising:

14. The tilt angle, which is a first tilt angle between 20 degrees and 40 degrees. The support device of claim 1 further comprising:

15. 10. A method of providing inclined body support to a user of a Pilates exercise device using the support apparatus of claim 1, comprising: placing the bottom of the body on the platform; instructing the user to place the user's back on the top surface of the body; having the user exercise on the Pilates exercise device; A method comprising:

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