Yoga Framework Assistant
An apparatus and system is disclosed for assisting people with Yoga related postures and exercises in the space above the yoga mat. The apparatus includes one or more Resting Pads (includes a bar and handles under the top pad) that are used in the space above the Yoga Mat (the Z and Y-axis.) Resting Pads are approximately the width of the yoga mat and can be adjusted from the ground level to 6 ft. high or higher to help assist with yoga style postures and exercises. The apparatus is placed around the yoga mat with gridlines on the yoga mat and in the space above the yoga mat to assist users with adjustments and for visual reference points while performing exercises or postures while using the yoga mat.
The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/690333, filed Jun. 25, 2012 and titled APPARATUS AND SYSTEM FOR ASSISTING WITH YOGA STYLE POSTURES AND EXERCISE IN THE SPACE ON AND ABOVE THE YOGA AT MAT (X, Y AND Z-AXIS).
BACKGROUND1. Field
The present invention relates to exercise and stretching equipment and, in particular, to a multipurpose exercise and stretching apparatus which allows a participant, regardless of the exercise or stretching motion being performed, to always stretch in a preferred ergonomic and physiologically acceptable fashion.
2. Description of the Related Art
Typical yoga mats are approximately 24″ wide by 72″ long, though they may vary in size. The yoga mats are typically used alone or with a chair, block or other devise(s) to help users with yoga postures and exercises (e.g., a chair). The yoga mat offers the ability for people to exercise and perform postures by using standing, sitting and many other positions that use natural gravity by positioning or by applying downward force on the yoga mat.
SUMMARYIn accordance with one embodiment, an apparatus and system is disclosed for assisting people with Yoga related postures and exercises. The apparatus includes one or more resting pads (includes a bar and handles under the top pad) that are used in the space above the yoga mat (the Z and Y-axis.) Resting Pads are approximately the width of the yoga mat and can be adjusted from the ground level to 6 ft. high or higher to help assist with yoga style postures and exercises. The apparatus is placed around the yoga mat to assist users while performing exercises or postures while using the yoga mat.
A yoga framework 200 (see
With reference to
The framework 200 allows the use of the horizontal X-axis, the horizontal Y-axis and the vertical Z-axis (see
Instruction materials can be provided along with the yoga framework 200 to instruct the user on how to use the framework 200. In one embodiment, programs for users are provided on different yoga style exercises and postures while using the yoga framework 200. For example, while in Downward Dog (
Claims
1. (canceled)
2. A yoga practice system, comprising:
- a yoga mat having a width and length configured to support one or more limbs of a user during practice of yoga, a surface of the yoga mat having a grid thereon and one or more reference points to indicate user progress in positioning their limbs while performing a yoga pose; and
- a framework positionable over the yoga mat, the framework having one or more rest pad assemblies configured to support one or more of the user's limbs during a yoga pose, the position of the one or more rest assemblies adjustable along the horizontal Y axis and the vertical Z axis to a plurality of set positions within a space defined by the framework above the yoga mat along the horizontal Y axis, a horizontal X axis perpendicular to the Y axis, and along the vertical Z axis perpendicular to the X and Y axes.
3. The yoga system of claim 2, wherein the one or more rest pad assemblies each comprise a rest pad, a bar disposed below the rest pad, and a handle and strap attached to the bar or rest pad.
4. The yoga system of claim 2, wherein the framework comprises a base frame positionable over the yoga mat, a front vertical frame and a rear vertical frame, wherein one or both of the front and rear vertical frames is movably coupled to the base frame and can be moved forward and backward along the base frame to vary the distance between the front vertical frame and rear vertical frame along the horizontal Y axis, the one or more rest pad assemblies coupled to one or both of the front and rear vertical frames and movable along the front and rear vertical frames to a plurality of fixed positions along the vertical Z axis.
5. The yoga system of claim 4, wherein the one or more rest pad assemblies can be adjusted to a plurality of positions along the vertical Z axis between the yoga mat and a top of the framework, and including a release mechanism actuatable to unlock and lock the one or more rest pad assemblies in a desired location along the vertical Z axis.
6. The yoga system of claim 2, wherein the framework is portable by the user.
7. The yoga system of claim 2, further comprising a handle and flexible cord or nonflexible cord attachable to the framework.
8. The yoga system of claim 2, wherein the one or more rest pad assemblies extends along the width of the yoga mat.
9. The yoga system of claim 3, wherein the rest pad comprises a soft pad and can support a user's limb thereon, be pulled or be pushed by the user during a yoga pose.
10. The yoga system of claim 2, wherein the framework is configured to support the user's entire weight, allowing the user to hang from the framework during an exercise pose.
11. The yoga system of claim 2, wherein the framework comprises reference points to assist the user in gauging performance and progress in positioning their limbs while performing a yoga pose.
12. A yoga practice system, comprising:
- a framework positionable over a yoga mat, the framework having one or more rest pad assemblies configured to support one or more of a user's limbs during a yoga pose, the position of the one or more rest assemblies adjustable along the horizontal Y axis and the vertical Z axis to a plurality of set positions within a space defined by the framework above a support surface along the horizontal Y axis, a horizontal X axis perpendicular to the Y axis, and along the vertical Z axis perpendicular to the X and Y axes.
13. The yoga system of claim 12, further comprising a yoga mat having a width and length configured to support one or more limbs of a user during practice of yoga, a surface of the yoga mat having a grid thereon and one or more reference points to indicate user progress in positioning their limbs while performing a yoga pose, wherein the framework is positioned over the yoga mat.
14. The yoga system of claim 12, wherein the one or more rest pad assemblies each comprise a rest pad, a bar disposed below the rest pad, and a handle and strap attached to the bar or rest pad.
15. The yoga system of claim 13, wherein the framework comprises a base frame positionable over the yoga mat, a front vertical frame and a rear vertical frame, wherein one or both of the front and rear vertical frames is movably coupled to the base frame and can be moved forward and backward along the base frame to vary the distance between the front vertical frame and rear vertical frame along the horizontal Y axis, the one or more rest pad assemblies coupled to one or both of the front and rear vertical frames and movable along the front and rear vertical frames to a plurality of fixed positions along the vertical Z axis.
16. The yoga system of claim 15, wherein the one or more rest pad assemblies can be adjusted to a plurality of positions along the vertical Z axis between the yoga mat and a top of the framework, and including a release mechanism actuatable to unlock and lock the one or more rest pad assemblies in a desired location along the vertical Z axis.
17. The yoga system of claim 12, wherein the framework is portable by the user.
18. The yoga system of claim 13, wherein the one or more rest pad assemblies extends along the width of the yoga mat.
19. The yoga system of claim 14, wherein the rest pad comprises a soft pad and can support a user's limb thereon, be pulled or be pushed by the user during a yoga pose.
20. The yoga system of claim 12, wherein the framework is configured to support the user's entire weight, allowing the user to hang from the framework during an exercise pose.
21. The yoga system of claim 12, wherein the framework comprises reference points to assist the user in gauging performance and progress in positioning their limbs while performing a yoga pose.
Type: Application
Filed: Jun 25, 2013
Publication Date: Aug 14, 2014
Inventor: NATHAN JERALD MILLSAP (SPRING, TX)
Application Number: 13/927,041
International Classification: A63B 21/00 (20060101);