Kinetic Discipline And Body Positioning Apparatus

Abstract

A multi-dimensional body positioning apparatus that can be used in the practice of pilates, yoga, tai chi, and other intelligent movement disciplines, including exercise, rehabilitation, training, physical and mental conditioning, habituation, injury prevention and recovery; in medical protocols for minimizing cascade of disabilities and maximizing muscular and neurological recovery from paralysis, congenital disorders, and auto immune illnesses; and overall healing. The body positioning apparatus includes raised portions that are plateaus that relate to the topology of the human body, which provide visual and tactile references, so the user can properly align the body during exercise or use of the apparatus. By providing these plateaus, the exercise routine can be optimized. For instance, a user can us the apparatus supervised while monitoring proper technique.

Claims

1. A body positioning apparatus made of a material sized and shaped to support at least one user body comprising: a latitudinal axis; a longitudinal axis; a back planar surface extending along a level plane; a front planar surface; and at least four raised portions extending from the front planar surface; wherein the at least four raised portions correspond to the topology of the user body.

2. The body positioning apparatus in claim 1, wherein the body positioning apparatus includes at least ten raised portions, including: a raised rectangular plateau located at each corner of the body positioning apparatus; at least four raised rectangular plateaus located spaced away from and on either or both sides of the longitudinal axis; and at least two raised rectangular plateaus located spaced away from and on either or both sides of the longitudinal axis and bisecting the latitudinal axis.

3. The body positioning apparatus of claim 2, wherein the at least ten raised portions are used to align the at least one user body along the latitudinal axis and the longitudinal axis.

4. The body positioning apparatus in claim 1, wherein the apparatus includes at a least eight raised portions, including: a pelvis support plateau area comprising: a first elongated rectangular plateau extending along the longitudinal axis; a second elongated rectangular plateau extending along the longitudinal axis, wherein the first elongated rectangular plateau and the second elongated rectangular plateau are offset from the longitudinal axis; and a third plateau extending along the latitudinal axis between the first elongated rectangular plateau and the second elongated rectangular plateau; wherein the first elongated rectangular plateau, the second elongated rectangular plateau, and the third plateau form a substantially H raised plateau; a lower center plateau extending along the longitudinal axis; and at least four plateaus spaced apart from the pelvis support plateau area

5. The body positioning apparatus in claim 1, wherein the body positioning apparatus is a pliable material.

6. The body positioning apparatus in claim 1, wherein the longitudinal axis is longer than the latitudinal axis.

7. The body positioning apparatus in claim 1, wherein the raised portions are symmetric across the longitudinal axis only, or symmetric across the latitudinal axis and the longitudinal axis.

8. The body positioning apparatus in claim 1, wherein the body positioning apparatus includes a raised center line, the raised center line running the entire length of the longitudinal axis.

9. The body positioning apparatus in claim 1, wherein the body positioning apparatus is foldable along at least one crease perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

10. A three-dimensionally contoured body positioning apparatus for use by a user to align the user's body comprising: a base comprising: a longitudinal axis; a latitudinal axis; a back planar surface extending along a level plane; a front planar surface; a plurality of pairs of landmarks; wherein the plurality of pairs of landmarks are configured for engagement by at least one of: a head, a torso, a shoulder, a hand, a pelvis, a foot, a leg, an arm, or a portion thereof of the user's body

11. The body positioning apparatus of claim 10, wherein the plurality of the body part engaging landmarks are upraised from the front planar surface of the body positioning apparatus.

12. The body positioning apparatus of claim 10, wherein the plurality of the body part engaging landmarks are three-dimensionally contoured.

13. The body positioning apparatus of claim 12, wherein at least a plurality of the body part engaging landmarks are upraised from an outer surface of the body positioning apparatus.

14. The body positioning apparatus of claim 10, wherein the plurality of the body part engaging landmarks are configured to provide at least one of a headhold, a torsohold, a shoulder hold, an armhold, a pelvishold, a handhold, a foothold, a toehold and a fingerhold.

15. The body positioning apparatus of claim 10, wherein at least a plurality of the body part engaging landmarks are configured to provide at least one of a head-rest, a torso-rest, a shoulder-rest, an arm-rest, a hand-rest, a pelvis-rest, a leg-rest, a foot-rest, a toe-rest, and a finger-rest.

16. The body positioning apparatus of claim 10, wherein at least a plurality of the landmarks comprise body positioning alignment reference location landmarks configured to provide a location guide over or along which a part of the body of the user can be aligned or positioned without the body part contacting the body positioning apparatus.

17. The body positioning apparatus of claim 10, wherein at least a plurality of the landmarks comprise body positioning alignment reference location landmarks configured to provide a location guide over or along which a part of the body of the user can be aligned or positioned without the body part contacting the body positioning apparatus while the user is looking downward towards the body positioning apparatus.

18. The body positioning apparatus of claim 10, wherein at least a plurality of the landmarks comprise body positioning alignment reference location landmarks configured to provide a location guide over or along which a part of the body of the user can be aligned or positioned without the body part contacting the body positioning apparatus and without looking away from the body positioning apparatus.

19. The body positioning apparatus of claim 10, wherein the pattern or arrangement of landmarks is configured to facilitate solo use of the body positioning apparatus by the user.

20. The body positioning apparatus of claim 10, wherein the landmarks are comprised of a plurality of recesses formed in the front planar surface.

Description

DRAWINGS DESCRIPTION

[0028] One or more preferred exemplary embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the accompanying drawings in which like reference numerals represent like parts throughout and in which:

[0029] FIG. 1 is a top plan view of the inventive body positioning apparatus;

[0030] FIG. 2 is a side elevation view of the inventive body positioning apparatus of FIG. 1;

[0031] FIG. 3 is a top plan view of another embodiment of the inventive body positioning apparatus;

[0032] FIG. 4 is a side elevation view of the inventive body positioning apparatus of FIG. 3;

[0033] FIG. 5 is an isometric view of yet another inventive body positioning apparatus;

[0034] FIG. 6 is a top plan view of the inventive body positioning apparatus of FIG. 5;

[0035] FIG. 7 is a side elevation view of the inventive body positioning apparatus of FIGS. 5 and 6;

[0036] FIG. 8 is a top plan view of the inventive body positioning apparatus of FIGS. 5-7 with a user in a first position;

[0037] FIG. 9 is a side elevation view of the inventive body positioning apparatus of FIGS. 5-8 with the user in the first position;

[0038] FIG. 10 is a side elevation view of the inventive body positioning apparatus of FIGS. 5-8 with the user in a second position;

[0039] FIG. 11 is a side elevation view of the inventive body positioning apparatus of FIGS. 5-8 with the user in a third position; and

[0040] FIG. 12 is a side elevation view of the inventive body positioning apparatus of FIGS. 5-8 with a user in a fourth position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0041] With reference to FIGS. 1-4, the present invention is directed to a body positioning apparatus 10 that can be made of non-volatile, non-outgassing, durable, pliant, resilient material. For instance, the body positioning apparatus 10 may take the form of a mat or exercising mat that is specifically designed for various exercises or activities. The body positioning apparatus 10 has a thickness of between 0.5 inch and 1.0 inches of material, and as shown a thickness of approximately 0.625 inches. Of course, the body positioning apparatus 10 could be thicker or thinner to optimize use of the body positioning apparatus 10 based on a number of factors, including the specific exercise that the body positioning apparatus 10 is being used with, the material that the body positioning apparatus 10 is made of, physical characteristics of the user including weight, the surface on which the body positioning apparatus 10 is placed, and the like. The body positioning apparatus 10 is sized and shaped to accommodate a user body 12, wherein the length L of the body positioning apparatus 14 is longer than the width W of the body positioning apparatus 16. By way of example, the body positioning apparatus 10 can be between 65 to 84 inches long and between 18 to 34 inches wide. As shown, the body positioning apparatus 10 is approximately 67.50 inches long and approximately 24 inches wide. Of course, the body positioning apparatus 10 could be longer and shorter, or wider or narrower to accommodate the specific dimensions of a given user. The body positioning apparatus 10 can be printed, cutout, rolled, stamped, or otherwise formed to have the specific dimensions discussed herein. Also, the body positioning apparatus 10 can be made of any number of different materials, including for instance foam, plastic, polyvinyl, hemp, bamboo, or recycled material.

[0042] The body positioning apparatus 10 has a back planar surface 11 extending along a level plane and a front planar surface 13. Additionally, the body positioning apparatus 10 has a number of raised portions that will be further described below having elevations that extend from the front planar surface 13 by 0.20 inches to 1.0 inches. For instance, as shown, the raised portions extend approximately 0.25 inches from the front planar surface 13 of the body positioning apparatus 10, as shown in FIG. 2. These raised portions correspond to the topology of the user's body and are to be used as guides and references for positioning the user body on the body positioning apparatus during exercise or use.

[0043] The body positioning apparatus 10 can also include a raised center line 18 on the front planar surface made of the same material as the body positioning apparatus. For instance, the center line 18 can extend along the entire length of the longitudinal axis 20 or it can extend along a portion of the longitudinal axis 20. For instance, the raised center line 18 can extend between 65 to 84 inches. As shown, the raised center line extends approximately 67.50 inches along the longitudinal axis 20. The raised center line 18 is used, for example, for reference to align the head, spine, and tailbone, and to guide heel placement of the user's body 12.

[0044] The body positioning apparatus 10 can include any number of raised portions. For instance, the body positioning apparatus 10 can include ten to eighteen raised portions, although additional or fewer raised portions could be used based on a number of factors including the exercise being performed on the body positioning apparatus. With reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, the body positioning apparatus 10 includes sixteen raised portions, herein referred to as plateaus. These plateaus are configured to be symmetrical about both the longitudinal and latitudinal axes 20, 22 and are intended to be used to guide the placement of head, torso, shoulders, hands, pelvis, legs, heels, and other parts of the user body 12 during exercise.

[0045] The specific plateaus shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 will now be described. The body positioning apparatus 10 includes four raised rectangular corner plateaus 24a, 24b, 24c, 24d (collectively 24) located at each corner of the body positioning apparatus 10. These corner plateaus 24 are to guide the user to correct heel and hand placement during full extension. The four corner plateaus 24 can range from 7 to 10 inches long and 4 to 7 inches wide. As shown, these corner plateaus are approximately 8.50 inches long and approximately 5.50 inches wide. The first corner plateau 24a is symmetrical relative to the second corner plateau 24b about the longitudinal axis 20, as are the third corner plateau 24c and the fourth corner plateau 24d. Additionally, the first corner plateau 24a is symmetrical relative to the third corner plateau 24c about the latitudinal axis 22, as are the second corner plateau 24b and the fourth corner plateau 24d.

[0046] Additionally, the body positioning apparatus 10 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 further includes two end plateaus 26a, 26b (collectively 26) at either end of the body positioning apparatus 10, bisecting the longitudinal axis 20. These two end plateaus 26 can range from 3 to 6 inches in length and 2 to 4 inches in width. As shown, both of the end plateaus 26 are approximately 4.50 inches long and 2.75 inches wide. The first end plateau 26a and the second end plateau are symmetrical about the latitudinal axis 22, and centered on the longitudinal axis 20.

[0047] Further still, the body positioning apparatus 10 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 has four inner plateaus 28a, 28b, 28c, 28d (collectively 28) spaced from both the latitudinal axis 22 and longitudinal axis 20. For instance, these plateaus 30 may be equidistantly spaced from the latitudinal axis 22 and equally spaced from the longitudinal axis 20. The inner plateaus 28 can be distanced from the latitudinal axis 22 by a distance of between 16 inches and 23 inches, and as shown, lie laterally from the latitudinal axis starting at 17.25 inches and extending through 21.75 inches. Additionally, the inner plateaus 28 can be distanced from the longitudinal 20 axis by a distance of between 0.5 inch and 6 inches, and as shown laterally from the longitudinal axis on either side starting at 1.50 inches and extending through 4.25 inches. The four inner plateaus 28 can range from 3 to 6 inches in length and 2 to 4 inches in width, and as shown are approximately 4.50 inches in length and 2.75 inches in width. Of course, these distances are exemplary, but should not be construed as limiting. Any of these dimensions could be changed without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0048] Also, the body positioning apparatus 10 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 has another four outer plateaus 30a, 30b, 30c, 30d (collectively 30) spaced from both the latitudinal axis 22 and longitudinal axis 20. For instance, these plateaus 30 may be equidistantly spaced from the latitudinal axis 22 and equally spaced from the longitudinal axis 20. The outer plateaus 30 can be distanced from the latitudinal axis 22 by a distance of between 8 inches and 13 inches, and as shown, spaced from the latitudinal axis 22 at a distance less than halfway from the latitudinal axis 22 to the body positioning apparatus's left edge 60a or right edge 60b. Additionally, the outer plateaus 30 can be distanced from the longitudinal axis 20 by a distance of at 8.75 inches and extending through 11.50 inches on either side of the longitudinal axis 20. The four plateaus 30 can range from 3 to 6 inches in length and 5 to 10 inches in width. As shown, the four outer plateaus are approximately 4.50 inches long and approximately 2.75 inches wide. Again, these distances are exemplary, but should not be construed as limiting. Any of these dimensions could be changed without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0049] Additionally, the body positioning apparatus 10 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 include two elongated rectangular plateaus 32a, 32b (collectively 32) positioned to be used as first and second pelvis references. The two elongated plateaus 32 lie at a location along the latitudinal axis 22 and are laterally spaced from the longitudinal axis 20 by a distance of between 5 inches and 10 inches. As shown, the two plateaus 32 bisect the latitudinal axis 22 and lie laterally from the longitudinal axis 20 starting at approximately 6.0 inches and extending through approximately 8.75 inches. The two elongated plateaus 32 range from 8 to 10 inches in length and 2 to 4 inches in width, and as shown are approximately 9.25 inches long and 2.75 inches wide.

[0050] With reference to FIG. 3, a second embodiment of the body positioning apparatus 10 includes fourteen raised plateaus that are symmetric across both the longitudinal and latitudinal axes 20, 22. Generally speaking, the plateaus shown in FIG. 3 are similar to those shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 and described above, with the exception of the two end plateaus 26. The body positioning apparatus 10 includes a number of folds that allow the body positioning apparatus 10 to be folded into a compressed configuration. For instance, the body positioning apparatus 10 shown in FIG. 3 folds at a center line 34 bisecting the length L of the body positioning apparatus 10. Additionally, the body positioning apparatus 10 can also fold at 9.75 inch to 12 inch increments from the first center fold 34 along creases 36a, 36b, 36c, 36d, 36e, and 36f (collectively 36). Of course, the body positioning apparatus 10 can have additional creases or fewer creases as desired. The body positioning apparatus 10 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 can also include a similar folding function. The creases 36 of the folding function can also serve as additional tactile references for positioning a user body on the body positioning apparatus properly during use.

[0051] The second embodiment has four raised rectangular corner plateaus 38a, 38b, 38c, 38d (collectively 38) located at each corner of the body positioning apparatus 10. These corner plateaus 38 are similar in location, size, and shape to the corner plateaus 24 described above. Another four inner plateaus 40a, 40b, 40c, 40d (collectively 40) are located laterally from the latitudinal axis 22 in both directions starting at 20 inches and extending through 26 inches and laterally from the longitudinal axis 20 in both directions starting at 2.0 inches and extending through 5.5 inches. These inner plateaus 40 are similar in location, size, and shape to the corner plateaus 28 described above. Four more outer plateaus 42a, 42b, 42c, 42d (collectively 42) are located laterally from the longitudinal axis in both directions starting at 8.50 inches through 10.50 inches and laterally from the latitudinal axis in both directions starting at the first bisecting fold from the horizontal center fold and extending 4.0 inches. These outer plateaus 42 are similar in location, size, and shape to the outer plateaus 30 described above. This embodiment shown in FIG. 3 also includes two elongated rectangular plateaus 44a, 44b (collectively 44) located along the latitudinal axis and laterally on either side of the longitudinal axis starting at 6.50 inches through 8.0 inches. The two plateaus 44 are similar in location, size, and shape to the elongated plateaus 32 described above.

[0052] Another embodiment of the body positioning apparatus 110 is shown in FIGS. 5-7. The body positioning apparatus 110 as shown may be between approximately 28-40 inches, and more preferably approximately 34 inches in width, and between approximately 78-90 inches, and more preferably 84 inches in length. The specific plateaus shown in FIGS. 5-7 will now be described. The body positioning apparatus 110 has two upper inner plateaus 128a, 128b (collectively 128), which serve as a pair of head plateaus that are spaced from the longitudinal axis 120. For instance, these plateaus 128 may be equidistantly spaced from the longitudinal axis 120. The inner plateaus 128 can be distanced from the longitudinal 120 axis by a distance of between 0.5 inch and 6 inches, and as shown laterally from the longitudinal axis 120 by a distance of approximately 2 inches. Stated differently, the inner plateaus 128 may be distanced from one another by approximately 4 inches. Additionally, the inner plateaus 128 may be distanced from the latitudinal axis 122 by a distance of between 15-25 inches, and more preferably approximately 21.5 inches. The two inner plateaus 128 can range from 2-8 inches in length and 1-5 inches in width, and as shown are approximately 5.5 inches in length and 3 inches in width. As such, the inner plateaus 128 extend from the latitudinal axis 122 by 21.5-27 inches. Additionally, the two inner plateaus 128 may have a height of between approximately 0.5-1.5 inches, and more preferably approximately inch. Of course, these distances are exemplary, but should not be construed as limiting. Any of these dimensions could be changed without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0053] Also, the body positioning apparatus 110 has another two upper outer plateaus 130a. 130b (collectively 130), which serve as a pair of shoulder plateaus that are spaced from the longitudinal axis 120. For instance, these plateaus 130 may be equidistantly spaced from the longitudinal axis 120. The outer plateaus 130 can be distanced from the longitudinal axis 120 at a distance approximately halfway from the longitudinal axis 120 to the body positioning apparatus's top edge 162a or bottom edge 162b. As shown, the outer plateaus 130 are distanced approximately 4-8 inches from the longitudinal axis 120, and more preferably, approximately 6 inches from the longitudinal axis 120. Stated differently, the outer plateaus 130 may be spaced approximately 12 inches apart from one another. Additionally, the outer plateaus 130 are distanced approximately 6-20 inches, and more preferably approximately 12.5 inches from the latitudinal axis 122. The two plateaus 130 can range from 2-8 inches in length and 1-5 inches in width, and as shown are approximately 5.5 inches in length and 3 inches in width. As such, the plateaus 130 extend from the latitudinal axis 122 by 12.5-18 inches. Additionally, the two outer plateaus 130 may have a height of between approximately 0.5-1.5 inches, and more preferably approximately inch. Again, these distances are exemplary, but should not be construed as limiting. Any of these dimensions could be changed without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0054] Additionally, the body positioning apparatus 110 includes two elongated rectangular plateaus 132a, 132b (collectively 132) positioned to be used as first and second pelvis references. Additionally, the apparatus 110 may include a third plateau 134 that extends between the two plateaus 132 along the latitudinal axis 122, which results in a substantially H shaped pelvis plateau area. The two elongated plateaus 132 are centered about the latitudinal axis 122 and are laterally spaced from the longitudinal axis 120 by a distance of between approximately 2 inches and 10 inches, and more preferably approximately 3 inches. The two elongated plateaus 132 range from approximately 6-18 inches in length, and more preferably approximately 11 inches in length. Additionally, these plateaus 132 are approximately 2 to 4 inches in width, and more preferably approximately 3 inches in width. The third plateau 134 is centered relative to both the longitudinal axis 120 and the latitudinal axis 122 and is preferably is between 2-8 inches in length and 1-5 inches in width, and as shown are approximately 5.5 inches in length and 3 inches in width. Each of these plateaus 132, 134 can be between 0.5-1.5 inches in height, and more preferably approximately inch in height.

[0055] Also, the body positioning apparatus 110 has another two lower outer plateaus 136a. 136b (collectively 136), which serve as hand pair plateaus that are spaced from the longitudinal axis 120. For instance, these plateaus 136 may be equidistantly spaced from the longitudinal axis 120. The outer plateaus 136 can be distanced from the longitudinal axis 120 at a distance approximately halfway from the longitudinal axis 120 to the body positioning apparatus's top edge 162a or bottom edge 162b. For instance, the plateaus 136 may be spaced between approximately 6-10 inches from the longitudinal axis 120, and more preferably approximately 8 inches from the longitudinal axis 120. Stated differently, the plateaus 136 may be spaced from one another by a distance of approximately 16 inches. Additionally, the plateaus 136 may be offset from the latitudinal axis 122, for instance, by approximately 1-8 inches, and more preferably approximately 2 inches. As such, the lower outer plateaus 136 extend from the latitudinal axis 122 by 2-7.5 inches. The two plateaus 136 can range from between 2-8 inches in length and 1-5 inches in width, and as shown are approximately 5.5 inches in length and 3 inches in width. Again, these distances are exemplary, but should not be construed as limiting. Any of these dimensions could be changed without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0056] Further still, the body positioning apparatus 110 has lower center plateau 138, which serves as a foot bar, that runs along the longitudinal axis 120. Additionally, the lower center plateau 138 may be offset from the latitudinal axis 122 by approximately 15-30 inches, and more preferably approximately 22 inches. The plateau 138 can range from 3 to 16 inches in length and 2 to 8 inches in width. As shown, lower center plateau 138 is approximately 9 inches long and approximately 3 inches wide. As such, the lower center plateau 138 may extend from the latitudinal axis 122 by 22-31 inches. Again, these distances are exemplary, but should not be construed as limiting. Any of these dimensions could be changed without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0057] Additionally, the body position apparatus 10 or 110 may be specifically configured to easily nest, collapse, or fold onto itself for ease of transportation, storage, and the like. For instance, looking to FIG. 6, various fold lines are provided. Additionally, the apparatus 10, 110 may include depressions (not shown) that are compatible with the various plateaus. More specifically, these depressions may be formed into the front planar surface of the apparatus 10, 110 at locations cometary to the plateaus such that when the apparatus 10, 110 is folded, the plateaus nest within the depressions.

[0058] Finally, FIGS. 8-12 are included to show some exemplary positions in which a user 12 is oriented relative to the apparatus 110. More specifically, FIG. 12 shows a user 12 in a supine position on the apparatus 110. Additionally, FIGS. 8 and 9 shows a user 12 in a down-facing position relative to the apparatus 110. Further still, FIG. 11 shows a user 12 in a prone position relative to the apparatus 110.

[0059] Understandably, the present invention has been described above in terms of one or more preferred embodiments. It is recognized that various alternatives and modifications can be made to these embodiments that are within the scope of the present invention. For instance, the various described plateaus are exemplary in nature, and additional or fewer plateaus may be included. Similarly, the plateaus need not take the specific dimensions described above but could vary substantially. It is also to be understood that, although the foregoing description and drawings describe and illustrate in detail one or more preferred embodiments of the present invention, to those skilled in the art to which the present invention relates, the present disclosure will suggest many modifications and constructions as well as widely differing embodiments and applications without thereby departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. The present invention, therefore, is intended to be limited only by the scope of the appended claims.