EXERCISE BLOCK SYSTEM AND METHOD OF USE

Abstract

Exercise block systems and methods of use thereof include a plurality of exercise block components. In example forms, the exercise block components are configured for detachable engagement to one another such that the block components may be used separately or connected to one another. The exercise block system may be used as yoga blocks, stretch assistance equipment and/or a meditation seat. The block components may include a plurality of planar and/or non-planar surfaces to accommodate various uses thereof and improve comfort and usability of the exercise block system.

Claims

1. An exercise block system comprising a first exercise block and a second exercise block, wherein the first and second exercise blocks are releasably attachable to one another.

2. The exercise prop of claim 1, wherein the first exercise block comprises at least one contoured portion.

3. The exercise prop of claim 1, wherein the second exercise block comprises at least one contoured portion.

4. The exercise proper of claim 1, wherein the first and second exercise blocks comprise cooperative interlocking fingers.

5. The exercise block system of claim 1, wherein the first and second exercise blocks comprise one or more planar surfaces and one or more non-planar surfaces.

6. The exercise block system of claim 5, wherein the one or more non-planar surfaces are concave.

7. The exercise block system of claim 1, wherein each of the first and second exercise blocks comprise a thigh supporting portion having a surface positioned and shaped to support a user's thighs when the user is seated on the exercise block system.

8. The exercise block system of claim 1, wherein each of the first and second exercise blocks comprise a hand supporting portion having a surface positioned and contoured to support a user's fingers.

9. A block system comprising a plurality of interconnecting blocks, at least one of the plurality of interconnecting blocks comprising: a front-end wall; an inner-side wall; an outer-side wall opposite the inner-side wall; a rear-end wall opposite the front end-wall; and a contoured surface, wherein the front-end wall, inner-side wall, outer-side wall and rear-end wall are located between and abut a top surface and a bottom surface, wherein the contoured surface is located between and abut the front-end wall, inner-side wall, outer-side wall and the top surface.

10. The block system of claim 9, wherein the contoured surface is angled down towards the front-end wall.

11. The block system of claim 9, wherein the contoured surface is angled down towards the inner-side wall,

12. The block system of claim 9, wherein the contoured surface is concave.

13. The block system of claim 9, further comprising dove-tail connectors along the rear-end wall.

14. A reconfigurable support comprising a first component and a second component, the first and second components comprising a length, a width, and a height, the length being greater than the width and the width being greater than the height, the first and second components each comprising an upper side defining at least two surfaces and a bottom side comprising a surface for placement atop a floor surface, wherein at least one of the at least two surfaces of the upper side of each of the first and second component comprises a sloped surface.

15. The reconfigurable support of claim 14, wherein the first and second components are removably connectable to each other.

16. The reconfigurable support of claim 14, wherein the first and second component comprise one or more complementary interengagement features for accommodating the removable attachment of the two components together.

17. The reconfigurable support of claim 14, wherein the length is between about 12-14 inches, wherein the width is between about 5-7 inches, and wherein the height is between about 2.5-4.5 inches.

18. The reconfigurable support of claim 17, wherein the length is about 13 inches, wherein the width is about 6 inches, and wherein the height is about 3.5 inches.

19. The reconfigurable support of claim 14, wherein the first and second components are at least partially formed from a foam material.

20. The reconfigurable support of claim 14, wherein an interior angle of between about 60-120 degrees is defined between the first and second components when removably attached together.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] FIG. 1 shows an exercise block system according to an example embodiment of the present invention, showing a user performing a seated posture thereon.

[0013] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the exercise block system of FIG. 1.

[0014] FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the exercise block system of FIG. 2.

[0015] FIG. 4 is a top view of the exercise block system of FIG. 2.

[0016] FIG. 5 is a front view of the exercise block system of FIG. 2.

[0017] FIG. 6 is a bottom view of the exercise block system of FIG. 2.

[0018] FIGS. 7-12 show a user utilizing one or more exercise blocks to perform a plurality of yoga poses, stretches and seated postures according to example embodiments of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

[0019] The present invention may be understood more readily by reference to the following detailed description of example embodiments taken in connection with the accompanying drawing figures, which form a part of this disclosure. It is to be understood that this invention is not limited to the specific devices, methods, conditions or parameters described and/or shown herein, and that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments by way of example only and is not intended to be limiting of the claimed invention. Any and all patents and other publications identified in this specification are incorporated by reference as though fully set forth herein.

[0020] Also, as used in the specification including the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include the plural, and reference to a particular numerical value includes at least that particular value, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Ranges may be expressed herein as from “about” or “approximately” one particular value and/or to “about” or “approximately” another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another embodiment includes from the one particular value and/or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent “about,” it will be understood that the particular value forms another embodiment. Also, any use of the terms “about,” “substantially,” and/or “generally” are intended to mean the exact value or characteristic indicated, as well as close approximations that are understood by persons of ordinary skill in the art to be sufficiently close to the exact value or characteristic based on the context of the intended use and application. In addition, any methods described herein are not intended to be limited to the sequence of steps described but can be carried out in other sequences, unless expressly stated otherwise herein.

[0021] The present invention is a multi-use exercise block system used for various exercise and fitness purposes. The exercise block system can be used as for example an exercise or yoga block to assist users deepen poses and/or achieve difficult poses. In other examples, the exercise block system functions as a stretch assist seat. The exercise block system includes for example ergonomically friendly features which allow users to sit on the exercise block system in a variety of poses and positions. For example, when a user is seated on the exercise block system, the exercise block system raises the user's hips which releases tension in the back, hips and knees compared to performing the same poses or positions without the exercise block system. This allows the user to achieve the desired positions more comfortably and effectively—particularly, positions that may otherwise be difficult to achieve without the exercise block system. In still other example embodiments, the exercise block system may also be used as a seat to help maintain certain poses for meditation, such as for example, Easy Pose, Burmese, Lotus, or Seiza. The exercise block system helps the user maintain such poses comfortably for a longer period without discomfort such as for example joint pain, leg numbness, muscle pain/tension, etc. As a result, the user is able to enjoy more effective and productive meditation experiences. Those of ordinary skill in the art will also appreciate that the exercise block system of the present invention may be utilized independently or in conjunction with other exercise props to perform a variety of exercises and fitness activities.

[0022] With reference now to the drawing figures, wherein like reference numbers represent corresponding parts throughout the several views, FIGS. 1-12 show an exercise block system and methods of use thereof according to example embodiments of the present disclosure. According to example embodiments, the exercise block system generally comprises one or more components for example in the form of blocks or bricks. When an exercise block system comprises more than one block, the blocks may include cooperative engagement features to detachably engage or join the blocks to one another. Generally, the exercise blocks also include one or more planar and/or non-planar surfaces generally adapted or configured to accommodate or conform to the users' natural ranges of motion and postures. For example, the exercise blocks may comprise a concave or a sloped surface to accommodate the natural arch of a person's hand in a flexed, neutral and/or resting position. In another example, the exercise blocks may include surfaces adapted to accommodate for example the natural range of motion in a person's wrist when supporting the person's body over the wrist. In yet another example, surfaces may be adapted to accommodate for example the natural shape or contour of the user's buttocks, thighs, or knees when the user is seated on or otherwise using the exercise blocks.

[0023] FIGS. 1-3 show an exercise block system 10 according to example embodiments of the present invention. The exercise block system 10 comprises two block components—a first block component 100 and a second block component 200. In example embodiments, the first block component 100 generally comprises a right-angled trapezoidal profile defined by four lateral sides extending or defined between a top surface and a bottom surface. Specifically, the first block component 100 comprises a front-end wall 102, an outer-side wall 110, a rear-end wall 104 generally opposite the front-end wall and an inner-side wall 108 opposite the outer-side wall, all of which are defined between a top surface 114 and a bottom surface 116. In example embodiments, the rear-end wall 104 and the inner-side wall 108 intersect to define an obtuse angle or corner α′, and the rear-end wall 104 and the outer-side wall 110 intersect to define an acute angle or corner β′. The exercise block 100 generally also comprises a sloped or otherwise contoured surface 106. In example embodiments, the contoured surface 106 is adjacent to or abuts the front-end wall 102, inner-side wall 108, outer-side wall 110 and the top surface 114. In other words, the edges of the contoured surface 106 are defined by the front-end wall, inner-side wall, outer-side wall and the top surface, as depicted in FIG. 2.

[0024] Similarly, according to example embodiments, the second block component 200 also generally comprises a right-angled trapezoidal profile defined by four lateral sides extending between a top surface and a bottom surface. Specifically, the second block component comprises a front-end wall 202, an outer-side wall 210, a rear-end wall 204 generally opposite the front-end wall and an inner-side wall 208 opposite the outer-side wall, all of which are defined between a top surface 214 and a bottom surface 216. In example embodiments, the rear-end wall 204 and the inner-side wall 208 intersect to define an obtuse angle or corner α″, and the rear-end wall 204 and the outer-side wall 210 intersect to define an acute angle or corner β″. The exercise block 200 generally also comprises a sloped or otherwise contoured surface 206. In example embodiments, the contoured surface 206 is adjacent to or abuts the front-end wall 202, inner-side wall 208, outer-side wall 210 and the top surface 214. In other words, the edges of the contoured surface 206 are defined by the front-end wall, inner-side wall, outer-side wall and the top surface, as depicted in FIG. 2.

[0025] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the second block component 200 is typically a mirror-image of the first block component 100 such that when the two block components are joined together at the rear-end walls 104 and 204, the assembled exercise block system 10 comprises a substantially L- or V-shaped assembly profile, as shown in FIGS. 2-4. According to example embodiments, the first and second blocks form a 90-degree angle when assembled (e.g., θ=45 degrees); however, the first and second blocks may be configured to form a variety of angles, for example, such that the angle θ can be chosen as desired. According to one example embodiment, the angle θ may be between about 30-60 degrees, for example, such that the interior angle defined between the first and second block is between about 60-120 degrees. In example embodiments, the corners between the outer-side walls 110 and 210 and rear-end walls 104 and 204, respectively, are radiused such that when the first and second blocks 100, 200 are joined together, the assembled exercise block system comprises a continuous rounded outer corner. In example embodiments, one or more edges or corners adjoining the various walls and surfaces are further chamfered, rounded or otherwise beveled to eliminate sharp edges and provide a more comfortable grip around the edges and corners of the blocks.

[0026] According to one alternative embodiment, each block comprises an extension of two foam components comprising an obtuse interior angle such that generally joining together the rear-end walls of the two blocks forms a foam assembly defining three generally linear segments, for example, so that the outermost segments are at least partially spaced apart relative to each other. According to example embodiments, at least one of the three segments of the foam assembly can be at least partially non-linear or otherwise shaped as desired, for example, in some example embodiments comprising a combination of both linear and non-linear segments.

[0027] Generally, the first and second blocks include one or more cooperative engagement features or otherwise a means for detachably joining one block to the other. FIG. 3 shows for example the first and second blocks 100, 200 having cooperative dove-tail connectors, or interlocking fingers, along the rear-end walls 104 and 204. According to example embodiments, the dove-tail connectors allow the first and second blocks to be slidably engaged to one another. In other example embodiments, the first and second blocks may include other means for releasably attaching the blocks to one another, such as for example, magnets, hook-and-loop fasteners, interengagement features or couplings, complementary male and female engagement members, temporary adhesives, and/or other mechanical and non-mechanical fastening means.

[0028] In example embodiments, the first and second blocks 100, 200 include one or more contoured or otherwise ergonomically sloped surfaces 106, 206 to accommodate the user's natural posture and/or range of motion when engaging the block system 10. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, the first and second blocks 100, 200 each include a contoured surface portion 106 or 206, respectively, configured or otherwise adapted for receiving and supporting one or more portions of the user's body such as for example the user's hands, buttocks, elbows, knees, thighs or forearms during use.

[0029] In example embodiments, the contoured surfaces 106, 206 allow or accommodate a more comfortable engagement with the block system 10 or the blocks 100 and 200 individually. For example, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the exercise blocks comprise contoured surfaces 106 and 206. In example embodiments, the contoured surfaces are generally sloped downwardly towards the front ends 102 and 202. The contoured surfaces 106 and 206 are generally further sloped from outer sides 110 and 210 to inner sides 108 and 208, respectively. In other words, contoured surface 106 is generally sloped or angled downwardly from a higher, first point 112a on or near the intersection between top surface 114 and outer side 110, and between the front and rear ends 102, 104, to a lower, second point 112c on or near the intersection between the first end 102 and the inner side 108 (as shown in FIG. 3). More specifically, the contoured surface 106 is defined by four corners 112a-112d wherein corners 112a and 112b define a top boundary of the contoured surface 106, corners 112b and 112c define an inner side boundary of the contoured surface, corners 112c and 112d define a lower boundary of the contoured surface, and corners 112d and 112a define an outer side boundary of the contoured surface. As shown in FIG. 3, the contoured surface 106 is angled generally downwardly and inwardly from corner 112a to corner 112c with corner 112d being higher in elevation than corner 112c but lower than corners 112a and 112b.

[0030] Similarly, contoured surface 206 is generally sloped or angled downwardly from a higher, first point 212a on or near the intersection between top surface 214 and outer side 210, and between the front and rear ends 202, 204, to a lower, second point 212c on or near the intersection between the first end 202 and the inner side 208 (as shown in FIG. 3). More specifically, the contoured surface 206 is defined by four corners 212a-212d wherein corners 212a and 212b define a top boundary of the contoured surface 206, corners 212b and 212c define an inner side boundary of the contoured surface, corners 212c and 212d define a lower boundary of the contoured surface, and corners 212d and 212a define an outer side boundary of the contoured surface 206. As shown in FIG. 3, the contoured surface 206 is angled generally downwardly and inwardly from corner 212a to corner 212c with corner 112d being higher in elevation than corner 212c but lower than corners 212a and 212b.

[0031] According to example embodiments of the present invention, the contoured surfaces 106 and 206 are configured to accommodate for example the natural arch and the range of motion of a person's hands and wrists. See, e.g., FIG. 8. In other example embodiments, contoured surfaces 106 and 206 are configured or otherwise adapted to accommodate the natural shape or contour of the user's buttocks, thighs, or knees when the user is seated on the exercise blocks or otherwise engaged with the exercise blocks. In other words, the downward slope and/or curvature of the contoured surfaces are conformed in a way that is supportive of the user's body (e.g., outer thigh, balls of feet, fingers, etc.) while reducing discomfort.

[0032] FIGS. 4-5 show top and front views of the assembled exercise block system 10. In example embodiments, the second block 200 is the mirror-image of the first block 100. According to example embodiments, each block generally measures about 12 in.-14 in. (304.8 mm-355.6 mm) in length L, about 5 in.-7 in. (127 mm-177.8 mm) in width W, and about 2.5 in.-4.5 in. (63.5 mm-114.3 mm) in height H. In the preferred embodiment, each block preferably measures about 13.24 in. (336.4 mm) in length L, about 6 in. (152.4 mm) in width W and about 3.5 in. (88.9 mm) in height H. FIG. 4 shows a top view of an assembled exercise block system 10. When assembled, the exercise block system 10 generally measures about 14 in.-16 in. in length AL1 and about 14 in.-16 in. in width, or more preferably about 14.5 in.-15.5 in. in length AL1 and about 14.5 in.-15.5 in. in width. In example embodiments, a length AL2 of about 7 in.-12 in. is defined between the front end of a first block and the inner side of the second block.

[0033] As described above, the angled or contoured surface 106 is defined by corners 112a-112d. Preferably, corner 112c is about 1.25 in. (31.8 mm) above the bottom surface (see X1). In other example embodiments, corner 112c may be about 0.75 in.-1.75 in. above the bottom surface. Preferably, corner 112d is about 2.5 in. (63.5 mm) above the bottom surface but, in other example embodiments, corner 112d may be 2 in. to 3 in. above the bottom surface (see X2). In example embodiments, the forward or longitudinal slope has an angle Δ.sub.2 of about 21.8 degrees relative to the bottom surface, as shown in FIG. 5. In example embodiments, the lateral slope (i.e., from outer side wall to inner side wall) has an angle Δ.sub.3 of about 11.8 degrees relative to the bottom surface. In example embodiments, the top boundary between corners 112a and 112b has an angle Δ.sub.1 of about 67.4 degrees relative to the outer side wall 210 as shown in FIG. 4. In other example embodiments, angles Δ.sub.1, Δ.sub.2 and Δ.sub.3 may be adjusted or modified to accommodate different physiologies and preferences.

[0034] According to example embodiments, the exercise blocks are generally made from or comprise Ethylene-Vinyl Acetate (EVA) foam. In other example embodiments, the exercise blocks may be made from or comprise wood, cork, bamboo, or other natural and/or synthetic materials.

[0035] According to example embodiments, the exercise block system can be used in a variety of configurations and manners. According to one example embodiment, the exercise block system can be used as a meditation seat to help perform and maintain seated meditation poses/postures, such as for example Easy Pose, Burmese, Lotus, and Seiza as shown in FIG. 1. When used as a meditation seat, the exercise block system 10 allows the user to sit with the user's hips positioned at a higher elevation than the user's knees which helps reduce pain, leg numbness, muscle pain/tension and fatigue. This allows the user to enjoy a more effective meditation experience by helping the user maintain the poses more comfortably and for a longer period of time than if the poses were performed for example without the exercise block system and/or on the floor.

[0036] According to another example embodiment, the exercise block system may be used to assist the user in performing for example difficult yoga poses and maintaining deeper holds. In the yoga block configuration, the exercise block system may be used assembled or separated as needed. In one example method of use, the user can grip or plant user's hands or feet to deepen poses. For example, as shown in FIGS. 7-8, the contoured portions/surfaces on the exercise blocks are configured so as to allow the user's wrist, hand and fingers to arch more naturally and reduce discomfort as the user balances over the blocks. Alternatively, the exercise blocks may be used to provide additional support, balance and/or stability during poses for additional assistance and safety, as shown for example in FIG. 9. In still other example methods of use, the exercise blocks may be placed under the user's hips or other body parts during certain yoga poses, such as for example the bridge pose, to provide support.

[0037] According to yet another embodiment and/or method of use, the exercise block system can be used as a stretch assistance prop to assist users in performing a variety of stretches. For example, FIG. 10 shows an example method of using the exercise block system to help users perform a seated stretch, and for example, shows how the blocks can be utilized to perform a variety of seated stretches. When used as a seat, for example with the blocks secured to one another as shown in FIGS. 1-2, the exercise block system raises the user's hips which releases tension in the back, hips, and knees compared to performing the same poses/positions without the exercise block system. In some example embodiments, the exercise blocks can be stacked on top of one another to provide a seat with even higher elevation (i.e., twice the height of a single block), as shown in FIG. 11. The raising of the hips and buttocks makes it easier to reach and hold stretches in the seated position. Exercise blocks made from EVA foam or other compressible material may also provide additional comfort by providing cushioning support between the user and a hard floor or ground.

[0038] The exercise block system can also be used for example to perform other stretches, such as for example stretching of the pectoralis muscles, calves, wrists, and forearms. For example, as shown in FIG. 12, the user can place the user's hand or foot on the contoured or sloped surface of one of the exercise blocks and apply pressure to stretch the user's forearm, wrist, or calf. According to yet another example method of use, the user may use the exercise blocks in a plank or push-up position to stretch for example the user's pectoralis muscles. For example, the user can space the two exercise blocks apart (for example a shoulder-width apart) and, with the palms of each hand placed over the non-sloped top surface and the fingers placed over the sloped portions of an exercise block, lower his/her chest towards the ground to stretch the pectoralis muscles. Because the front ends of the exercise blocks are generally contoured, or sloped, to accommodate the natural range of motion and contours of the user's body (as described above), the exercise blocks help relieve pressure on the user's wrists while in the plank position, and throughout the stretch, thereby allowing the user to enjoy a more effective stretch. This allows the user to achieve for example positions they otherwise could not without the exercise blocks, and helps the users perform stretches more comfortably and effectively while reducing risks of injury.

[0039] According to other example embodiments and methods of use, the exercise block system is an all-purpose seat which can be used as a cushion or seat for sitting on the ground or other surfaces. For example, the exercise block system can provide a comfortable seat when eating at a low-top table or when sitting on the floor to play with children. The exercise block system can also be used with other seating furnishings and fixtures, such as for example bleachers, benches, or chairs for additional comfort and/or height. Exercise blocks made from EVA foam or other compressible material may also provide additional comfort by acting at least partially as a cushion between the user and a hard floor or ground.

[0040] According to one alternative example embodiment, the present invention can be used as a child's booster seat for attachment/removably securing, or otherwise placement within a chair or other sitting surface, for example, so as to raise the sitting surface that is intended to sit atop when addressing a table or other surface, for example, to reduce the height defined between a top surface of the table and the sitting surface of the chair or other seating surface. According to example embodiments, one or more surfaces of the block components 100, 200 can be shaped, sized, contoured, and/or formed to facilitate one or more portions of a body generally nesting therein, or for example, to generally conform to one or more portions of the body so as to provide a comfortable sitting surface that elevates the sitting height of a child or user. According to example embodiments, one or both of the block components 100, 200 can incorporate one or more fastening or securing components/members so as to generally removably secure the block components to the chair or sitting surface.

[0041] While the invention has been described with reference to example embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that a variety of modifications, additions and deletions are within the scope of the invention, as defined by the following claims.