Device and method for assisting yoga poses

Abstract

A yoga device to assist a yoga practitioner in performing one or more poses comprising one or more supporting members and an adjustable support bar. The support bar can be raised and lowered and can change an angle of operation.

Description

[0001] The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 63 / 478,427, filed Jan. 4, 2023, the disclosure of which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present invention relates to a yoga device. More specifically, embodiments of the invention relate to a yoga device for assisting yoga practitioners in performing a variety of poses.BACKGROUND

[0003] Yoga enjoys popularity as a form of exercise and comprises a number of postures that enhance the well-being of a practitioner. Among the benefits of yoga are improved strength, balance, and flexibility, pain relief, improved physical health and wellness, and better sleep. Estimates suggest that over 300 million people practice yoga globally, with over 37 million practitioners in the United States alone.

[0004] Despite the large, growing participation in yoga, there is an overwhelming inability for the average yoga practitioner to complete complex poses. Currently, there is not a one-size fits all solution for assisting in the completion of multiple poses. Existing solutions only provide assistance for a singular pose, and only provide assistance for a limited number of people. There is a glaring need for a device that can assist in the performance of a variety of poses for all different types of yoga practitioners.SUMMARY

[0005] The disclosure provides, in one aspect, a yoga device to assist a yoga practitioner in performing one or more poses comprising one or more (e.g., two or more) supporting members and an adjustable support bar. The support bar can be raised and lowered and can change an angle of operation. The combination of the support bar with ability to alter the angle of operation and to alter the height facilitates use of the device with a diverse variety of yoga poses that are not possible, practical, or safe with existing devices on the market.

[0006] In some embodiments, the device comprises a support bar that is u-shaped. In some embodiments, the support bar is padded. The support bar is generally sized and shaped to support a subject's shoulders, while providing an opening to accommodate positioning of the subject's head in an unsupported or substantially unsupported manner. In some embodiments, the support bar does not comprise an opening. For example, in some embodiments, the support bar is rectangular, ovoid, or other shape that supports a user's shoulders, chest, or arms.

[0007] The support bar is directly or indirectly connected to one or more (e.g., two or more) supporting members. The supporting members are configured to contact a surface (e.g., a floor) to position the device for use. In some embodiments, the supporting members comprise feet. Typically, the feet are configured to support the device when placed on a floor or other flat surface. The feet may be configured to attach permanently or semi-permanently to a floor or other surface on which the device is mounted. For example, the feet may be configured to be bolted, screwed, latched, belted, adhered, or otherwise connected to a floor or other surface. In some embodiments, the supporting members terminate in a flat base that is part of the device. The flat base may be of any desired size or shape (e.g., polygonal (e.g., rectangular, square), circular, etc.). The flat base is contacted with a floor or other surface to position the device for use. In some embodiments, the supporting members comprise one or more (e.g., two or more) legs. A distal end of the legs connects, directly or indirectly, to the feet or flat base. The proximal end of the legs connects, directly or indirectly to the support bar. In some embodiments, a support member comprises two or more components. For example, in some embodiments, a support member is composed of a first inner portion and a second outer portion whereby the inner portion is configured to fit within and slide through an interior space of an outer portion to provide a telescoping support member with adjustable length. In some embodiments, support members comprise one or more features that allow the support member to be locked into a particular length. For example, in some embodiments, the support members may comprise pin holes that allow for the introduction of a pin to lock the support member into a particular length.

[0008] In some embodiments, the support members comprise a pressure collar component that locks the support member into a particular length. In some embodiments, the support members comprise pneumatic pistons to allow adjustment in length.

[0009] In some embodiments, the device has one or more rotating joints that permit adjustment of the support bar through two or more different tilted positions relative to any one or more of the floor or other surface on which the device is mounted, the plane of gravity, and / or the supporting members. In some embodiments, the rotating joints provide a plurality of preset tilted positions. In some embodiments, the rotating joints allow the user to select and set any desired tilted position. In some embodiments, the tilted position allow for tilting of from 1-90 degrees (e.g., 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90), in either direction, relative to an initial horizontal position. The rotating joints may be positioned between the support bar and the supporting members whereby an upper surface of the rotating joint attaches to a bottom surface of the support bar and a bottom surface of the rotating joint attaches to a proximal end of a support member (where the distal end of the support member attaches to a foot or a flat base). In some embodiments, a supporting member attaches to a side of the rotating joint. In some embodiments, at least part of a rotating joint is provided as part of a support member or a component of a support member. For example, in some embodiments, a rotating joint comprises a first mating component and a second mating component wherein the first mating component is attached to or provided as part of a distal end of a support member and the second mating component is attached to or provided as part of the undersurface of the support bar.

[0010] In some embodiments, the device comprises one or more handles. Handles are sized, shaped, and positioned for gripping by a hand. In some embodiment, no handles are used. In some embodiments, handles are attached to or provided as part of the rotating joints. In some embodiments, handles are attached to or provided as part of the supporting members. In some embodiments, handles are attached to or provided as part of the support bar. In some embodiments, handles are independently adjustable for tilt.

[0011] In some embodiments, the device is collapsible or readily disassemble for storage.

[0012] The disclosure provides, in another aspect, a method for using the yoga device to assist a yoga practitioner in performing one or more poses, comprising a user supporting their neck and / or shoulders on the support bar and elevating one or more of their abdomen, legs, and / or feet. The support bar assists in performing the exercise.

[0013] In some embodiments, the device is used to assist with an arm balance pose. In arm balance postures the weight of the body is supported by the arms and hands, which means that arm balances both require and develop strength in the arms, shoulder girdle, and wrists. Most arm balances also require and develop core strength. In addition, arm balance uses a certain level of self-awareness and mindfulness. The devices provided herein help a subject avoid fear from the unknown, injuries, pain, anxiety, and other limitations, while improving flexibility, strength, self-confidence, courage, consistency, and skill. The adjustable device allows a subject to achieve arm balance postures in a unique and gentle way regardless of initial skill level (e.g., beginner, intermediate or advanced). Bodyweight is spread evenly across the shoulders and the arms allowing the subject to master challenging arm balance asanas with ease while having fun and staying safe.

[0014] In some embodiments, the user poses in one or more or all of: 1) crow pose (bakasana), 2) side crow (parsva bakasana), 3) scissor leg side crow (eka pada koundinyasana I), 4) fallen angel pose, 5) flying crow, 6) chaturanga, 7) hurdler's pose (eka pada koundinyasa II), 8) eight angle pose (astavakrasana), 9) sirasana II (tripod headstand), 10) peacock pose (mayurasana), 11) flying pigeon (eke pada galavansana), 12) revolved one leg flying pigeon (eke pada galavasana); 13) headstand (sirsasana); 14) forearm stand (pincha mayurasana); and 15) handstand (adho mukha vrksasana).

[0015] In some embodiments, the support bar is raised or lowered to support various poses. In some embodiments, the angle of operation of the support bar is changed relative to the supporting members, relative to floor, and / or relative to the plane of gravity, to support various poses.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] FIG. 1 depicts an embodiment of the device in which a support bar 10 is padded.

[0017] FIG. 2 depicts an embodiment of the device showing an unpadded support bar 14.

[0018] FIG. 3 depicts an exemplary view of rotating joints 16 by which the support bar can rotate relative to the floor.

[0019] FIG. 4 depicts the legs 11 and feet 13 of the device without the support bar.

[0020] FIG. 5 depicts an exemplary view of the rotating joints 16 from the underside of the unpadded support bar 14.

[0021] FIG. 6 depicts an exemplary pin locking mechanism comprising pins 15 and corresponding pinholes 12 in the legs by which the device can change height.

[0022] FIG. 7 depicts an exemplary view of the pin locking mechanism holding the support bar at a set height.

[0023] FIG. 8 depicts the device in use.

[0024] FIG. 9 depicts an exemplary embodiment showing A) legs 11 mounted to a flat surface 100 with a padded support bar 10 with rotating joints 16 shown unattached to the leg 11 and with unattached pins 15; B) the assembled device; and C) a close-up view of a rotating joint 16 in a fixed position.

[0025] FIG. 10 depicts an exemplary device in use with each of the following poses: 1) crow pose, 2) side crow, 3) scissor leg side crow, 4) fallen angel pose, 5) flying crow, 6) hurdler's pose, and 7) sirasana II (tripod headstand).

[0026] FIG. 11 depicts an exemplary device comprising a single supporting member between a base and a support bar. The height and tilt of the support bar are adjustable and may be locked into set positions by actuators.INDEX OF ELEMENTS10 Padded support bar

[0028] 11 Legs

[0029] 12 Pinholes

[0030] 13 Feet

[0031] 14 Unpadded support bar

[0032] 15 Pins

[0033] 16 Rotating Joints

[0034] 17 Leg Inner Portion

[0035] 18 Leg Outer Portion

[0036] 20 Handles

[0037] 21 Releasable actuators

[0038] 100 Flat surfaceDETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0039] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated into and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate one or more embodiments of the present application and, together with the detailed description, aid in the explanation of the principles and implementations of the application. The accompanying drawings serve to aid this application, not limit the application. FIG. 1 depicts an embodiment of the device. In some embodiments, two support members are connected to two rotating joints that are connected a support bar. In the illustrated embodiment, the supporting members include two feet 13 and two legs 11. In the illustrated embodiment, the support bar is padded. The padded support bar 10 is u-shaped having an upper surface that provide supports to a subject's shoulders, with the U-shaped indent allowing positioning of an unsupported or substantially unsupported head. In the illustrated embodiment, the legs 11 include pinholes 12. The legs 11 can be raised and lowered and one or more pins (not shown) can be inserted into the pinholes 12 to secure the height. In the illustrated embodiment, the rotating joints 16 comprising handles can rotate to change the angle of the support bar 10 relative to the floor, the plane of gravity, and / or the support members. In some embodiments, the padded support bar is covered with an anti-slip material or coating (e.g., anti-slip leather).

[0040] FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 depict an embodiment of the device. In some embodiments, two support members are connected to two rotating joints that are connected a support bar. In the illustrated embodiment, the supporting members include two feet 13 and two legs 11. In the illustrated embodiment, the support bar is unpadded. The unpadded support bar 14 is u-shaped. In the illustrated embodiment, the legs 11 include pinholes 12. The legs 11 can be raised and lowered and one or more pins (not shown) can be inserted into the pinholes 12 to secure the height. In the illustrated embodiment, the rotating joints 16 can rotate to change the angle of operation. The embodiment in FIG. 3 has a changed angle of operation compared to the embodiment in FIG. 2, whereby the front of the support bar 10 is tilted upward.

[0041] FIG. 4 depicts an embodiment where the supporting members include legs 11 and feet 13. In this embodiment, the legs 11 are connected to the feet 13. In this embodiment, the legs 11 include pinholes 12. When connected to the remainder of the device, the pinholes on the legs can be used to change the operation height.

[0042] FIG. 5 depicts an embodiment of the device in which the feet have been removed. In some embodiments, the support members include legs 11. In the illustrated embodiment, two legs 11 are connected to two rotating joints 16, attached to handles, that are connected to an unpadded support bar 14. In the illustrated embodiment, the legs 11 include pinholes 12 that interact with pins to change the height of the unpadded support bar 14. In the illustrated embodiment, the rotating joints 16 can rotate to change the angle of operation.

[0043] FIG. 6 and FIG. 7 depicts an interaction between the legs 11 and the pins 15. In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 6, the pins are removable. In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 7, the legs have an inner portion 17 and an outer portion 18. In this embodiment, the inner portion 17 can slide within the outer portion 18. In this embodiment, both the inner portion 17 and outer portion 18 include pinholes 12. In this embodiment, a yoga practitioner can slide the inner portion 17 and outer portion 18 to a set length and place pins 15 through pinholes 12 in the inner portion 17 and outer portion 18.

[0044] FIG. 8 depicts an embodiment of the device in use. Here, the device comprises a flat base 100, support members comprising a legs 11, rotating joints 16, and a padded support bar 10, tilted toward the flat base 100. The subject's front shoulders are contact to the support bar and the subject's hands are contact to the flat base. The subjects head, legs, and abdomen are support in off of the ground in a yoga position.

[0045] FIG. 9A depicts a partially disassembled device (the device used in FIG. 8). The padded support bar 10 is attached to an upper component (white) of rotating joints 16, lower components (black) of the rotating joints are part of a leg inner portions 17. Leg outer portions 18 are attached to a flat base 100. The legs are adjustable in length and may be locked into a desired position, when assembled using pins 12. FIG. 9B shows a subject establishing a hand position on the device before contacting the shoulder with the device. FIG. 9C shows a close-up view of the two mating components of a rotating joint.

[0046] FIG. 10 depicts the device of FIG. 8 in use to accomplish a diverse set of yoga poses, while providing support assist to the subject. The assisted poses are: 1) crow pose (bakasana), 2) side crow (parsva bakasana), 3) scissor leg side crow (eka pada koundinyasana I), 4) fallen angel pose, 5) flying crow, 6) hurdler's pose (eka pada koundinyasa II), and 7) sirasana II (tripod headstand). In each instance, the hands are positioned on the flat base and the shoulders, and sometimes the arms, make contact with the support bar. In several of the poses, the head is positioned partially in or through the U-shape portion of the support bar. The support bar position (tile and height) is adjusted, as appropriate for each pose. For example, the side crow pose employs less of a tilt than the hurdler's pose. The hurdler's poses uses a tilt in the opposite direction compared to the scissor leg side crow pose. In each of the poses shown, the legs, abdomen, and head are suspended above the ground without making contact with the device. As such, a subject gains skill, strength, flexibility, balance, and confidence in the poses. In some embodiments, where handles are employed, the subject can place their hands on the handles rather than on the flat base.

[0047] FIG. 11 depicts a device having a single support member comprising an inner leg portion 17 and an outer leg portion 18. The support member is connected to a flat base 100. The support bar, shown as an unpadded support bar 14, is attached to a rotating joint 16 that tilts the unpadded support bar 14 relative to the flat base 100. Releasable actuators 21 alternatively lock or release the elevation and tilt functions. In some embodiments, the releasable actuators are releasable detents, although any suitable releasable locking component may be employed.

Claims

1. A yoga device to assist a yoga practitioner in performing one or more poses comprising a support bar for contacting a subject's shoulders that is adjustable in height and tilt.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein said device comprises one or more supporting members comprising legs having an adjustable length.

3. The device of claim 2, wherein said supporting members comprise feet attached to a distal end of said legs.

4. The device of claim 2, wherein said supporting members comprise a leg outer portion and a leg inner portion configured to fit within said leg outer portion.

5. The device of claim 2, wherein said legs comprise two or more lockable height adjustment settings.

6. The device of claim 2, further comprising a flat base attached to a distal end of said legs.

7. The device of any of claims 1 to 6, wherein said support bar comprises a u-shaped recess.

8. The device of any of claims 1 to 7, wherein said support bar is padded.

9. The device of any of claims 1 to 8, further comprising two or more handles.

10. The device of any of claims 1 to 9, comprising one or more rotating joints that provide said tilt.

11. The device of claim 10, wherein said rotating joints are positioned between said support bar and said supporting members.

12. The device of claim 10, wherein said rotating joints comprise a first mating portion attached to said support bar and a second mating portion attached to or integral with said supporting members.

13. A method for achieving a support-assisted yoga pose comprising: providing a device of any of claims 1 to 12 and contacting shoulders with the support bar of the device and elevating legs and / or abdomen while maintain said contacting.

14. The method of claim 13, comprising adjusting height of the support bar prior to said contacting.

15. The method of claim 13, comprising adjusting tilt of the support bar prior to said contacting.

16. The method of claim 13, wherein said yoga pose is one or more or all of crow pose (bakasana), side crow (parsva bakasana), scissor leg side crow (eka pada koundinyasana I), fallen angel pose, flying crow, chaturanga, hurdler's pose (eka pada koundinyasa II), eight angle pose (astavakrasana), sirasana II (tripod headstand), peacock pose (mayurasana), flying pigeon (eke pada galavansana), revolved one leg flying pigeon (eke pada galavasana), headstand (sirsasana); forearm stand (pincha mayurasana); handstand (adho mukha vrksasana).

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