ARTICLE FOR USE IN PRACTICING YOGA OR MEDITATION
An article of manufacture for use during the practice of yoga or meditation is provided. The apparatus is a triangular-based pyramid having at least one gemstone, chakra stone or crystal affixed to or embedded at the apex of the pyramid. Additional stones can be affixed to or embedded in the panels forming the sides of the pyramid structure. The article can have additional gemstones, chakra stones or crystals embedded in or affixed to a side panel of the article and can be suspended from an overhead structure or hung from the ceiling employing a suspending rope, cable or chain.
The present invention concerns an article or device useful for consciousness-focusing or consciousness-enlightening practices, such as yoga, meditation, tantric, prayer, or the like. More specifically, the subject invention relates to an article which facilitates and enhances the performance of practicing such methods which incorporates powers and/or energies associated with pyramids and gemstones or chakra stones.
Reports of properties attributed to the pyramid shape can be found in the popular literature. Reportedly, the pyramid shape can be used to enhance physical change and further affect human beings who are proximate thereto.
In addition, according to certain beliefs, there are seven power points in the body, referred to as “chakras,” which circulate energy or the life force. The seven chakras are vertically aligned in the center of the body, close to the spine. If the chakras are unbalanced, it is believed that one's physical, mental and/or spiritual health can be affected. Each of the seven chakras is associated with a stone or crystal which can provide an energy or vibration or frequency which aligns the associated chakra. Thus, the frequency of each stone's energy is pulled through the associated chakra to realign, revitalize and replenish the energies of the body. The chakra stones are also understood to be associated with a particular color.
Methods and devices for use during the practice of yoga or meditation are known in the art. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,167,075 describes a meditation aid which has a panel-less frame defining a geometric shape, which can be a four-sided, or square-based, pyramid shape. The device is generally large enough to accommodate at least one person within the device and may be adjustably raised and lowered into position during use by a suspension means, such as a pulley system, which is hung from the ceiling. Being a framed structure, only, the device cannot include additional components such as crystals or gemstones in side panels forming the geometric (pyramidal) shape.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,134,740 describes a device which promotes proper seating of the user during meditation. The device has a tapered support member upon which the user places his legs. The support allows for sustained periods of meditation without circulation problems in the legs. The support is positioned below, rather than above, the person meditating.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,205,589 describes a meditation enhancing head covering or helmet apparatus which is made of a highly conductive metal such as copper forming a plurality of panels defining a geometric shape, which is preferably a four-sided pyramid. The head covering or helmet, during use, is positioned to contact the head of the user. The head covering includes several ports which are adapted to hold crystals, the ports being connected to conduits which serve to hold the crystals in position directly in front of the user's eyes and temples, as well as to conduct electromagnetic and other energy to the user's brain.
In contrast to any of the above devices or meditation aids, the subject invention has three non-metallic side panels forming a triangular-based pyramid having a defined volume, does not include a fixed-length suspending means, and includes gemstones or chakra stones embedded within the side panels rather than having stones suspended by conduits.
It has now been discovered that a particular size, shape and configuration of a pyramid, which includes gemstones or chakra stones embedded within the side panels of the pyramid structure, can provide benefits and advantages previously not described. None of the above patents, taken either singly or in combination, describes the instant invention as claimed.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONThe subject invention concerns an article of manufacture comprising a triangular-based pyramid having three side panels having gemstones or chakra stones embedded within the panel or panels. The article includes a fixed suspending means which can be used to hang the article above the head of a user while practicing yoga or while meditating. The article of the subject invention is a novelty device which can further be used as an energy transducer for conducting energy from the gemstones or other source, and focusing or transferring that energy to a person practicing yoga or meditation.
The subject invention, therefore, can be a novelty article for use during a consciousness-focusing practice, such as yoga, meditation, prayer, or the like. The article comprises three side panels forming a triangular-based pyramid forming a hollow core. A preferred embodiment has no bottom panel. The pyramid article comprises six, 18-inch measured lengths totaling 108 inches, at least one gemstone or chakra stone affixed to or embedded in the article at the apex of the side panels, and a fixed-length flexible suspending means.
The article can include a support frame, and each side panel can comprise a flange at the base end of the side panel.
In a preferred embodiment, the article can comprise at least one gemstone or chakra stone embedded in or affixed to at least one side panel, and preferably comprises at least one stone in each of the three side panels. More preferably, the one or more gemstones or chakra stones are centrally positioned on the side panel.
The suspending means can be selected from rope, cable, wire, or chain, or the like, and is preferably hemp rope. The suspending means is engaged with the pyramid be an aperture formed in the apical end of the pyramid, but preferably below the apical gemstone or chakra stone. More preferably, the article comprises at least two apertures for loopingly receiving and engaging the suspending means.
The subject invention further concerns a method of practicing yoga or meditation using the article. Specifically, a method of the invention comprises providing a pyramid article of the invention, suspending the article in a position that is above a user's head when the user is in a sitting or kneeling position, and carrying out a yoga or meditation session positioned under the article.
Accordingly, one object of the invention to provide a new and improved yoga or meditation method and device therefor.
It is another object of the invention to provide such an improved yoga or meditation method and device where the user may choose a particular meditation ritual to use with the method and device of the present invention.
It is yet another object of the invention to provide an improved yoga or meditation method and device where the device is inexpensive and easy to manufacture.
It is another object of the invention to provide an improved yoga or meditation device which is lightweight and portable and does not require electrical power.
Finally, it is a general object of the invention to provide improved elements and arrangements thereof in an apparatus for the purposes described which is inexpensive, dependable and fully effective in accomplishing its intended purposes.
These and other objects of the present invention will become readily apparent from the following specification and drawings.
Various other objects, features, and attendant advantages of the present invention will be readily understood and appreciated by the description provided herein, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which the several views are briefly described below:
The article of manufacture of the subject invention can be provided as a novelty item or a decorative item in view of the aesthetically pleasing appearance of the pyramid shape and the gemstones or chakra stones. The subject invention can also be useful to employ the properties of pyramids or as a chakra balancing article for persons that traditionally employ chakra stones to realign, revitalize and replenish unbalanced chakra energies of the body. The subject invention combines the well-documented properties of the pyramid shape, and the properties of gemstones or chakra stones.
Properties exhibited by pyramids are documented throughout history and in the modern literature. See for example, Wilcox, Ken, The Source Field Investigations (2011) at Chapter 8, entitled: “‘Pyramid Power’—Our key to the Golden Age.” This reference is incorporated by reference herein, in its entirety.
A preferred embodiment of the subject invention comprises three side panels adjoined with one another to form a triangular-based pyramid having a hollow center or “core,” and having no base (bottom) panel. The panels can be supported by a frame forming the general pyramid shape. Preferably, the frame is formed by adjoining together, in the pyramidal shape, supports which can be bars, rods, dowels, rectangular furring strips, or the like, each having a length of about 18 inches. More preferably, the frame of the pyramid of the invention comprises six (6) supports having a total length of 108 inches.
The volume of a triangular pyramid is calculated as (a)(b)(h)/6,
where:
a=apothem length
b=side length
h=height.
Alternatively, volume of a triangular-based pyramid can be calculated as the (area of the base)×(height of the pyramid)/3.
For a triangular pyramid of the subject invention, having a preferred length of each side of the pyramid of about 18 inches, the resulting volume is greater than about 700 cubic inches, more preferably between about 725-750 cubic inches, even more preferably between about 728 and 730 cubic inches, and most preferably about 729 cubic inches.
The pyramid-shaped article of the invention further comprises at least one gemstone or crystal or chakra stone known to be associated with a chakra of the body. For purposes of the subject invention, the terms “gemstone,” “crystal,” or “chakra stone” may be used interchangeably, or individually or collectively referred to by the encompassing term, “stone.” Preferably, the stone is affixed or embedded at the apex of the pyramid, i.e., at the point where each of the three side panels meet and adjoin together. Further embodiments of the invention can include additional stones affixed to or embedded in one or more of the side panels, and are typically centrally located within the panel in an axial or patterned alignment, depending on the number and size of stones provided in that panel.
Each chakra of the body is associated with one or more color of chakra stone or crystal. For example, a preferred composition can comprise seven chakra-balancing stones, such as: opal; amethyst; sodalite or blue agate; emerald, aventurine or rose quartz; citrine; carnelian, and red tiger eye. These chakra stones correspond, respectively, to the colors: white (Crown Chakra); violet or purple (Crown or Third Eye Chakra); blue (Throat Chakra); green or pink (Heart Chakra); yellow (Solar Plexus Chakra); orange (Sacral Chakra) and red (Root Chakra).
An embodiment of the article of the invention that includes more than seven stones or crystals can comprise: Tiger Eye—First, Second and/or Third Chakras; Red Jasper—First Chakra; Hematite—Second Chakra; Orange Calcite—Third Chakra; Rose Quartz—Fourth Chakra; Aventurine—Fourth Chakra; sodalite—Fifth and/or Sixth Chakras; Amethyst—Seventh Chakra; and Clear Crystal Quartz—All Chakras.
Generally, the chakras are understood to represent or comprise the following:
-
- 1. CROWN CHAKRA—SEVENTH CHAKRA: Located above the head. This chakra links the individual with the universal.
- 2. THIRD EYE CHAKRA—SIXTH CHAKRA: Located between the eyes. This is intelligence and psychic power.
- 3. THROAT CHAKRA—FIFTH CHAKRA: Located at the throat. This is the creativity, self-expression and the search for truth.
- 4. HEART CHAKRA—FOURTH CHAKRA: Located at the heart. This is the higher consciousness and love.
- 5. SOLAR PLEXUS CHAKRA—THIRD CHAKRA: Located at the solar plexus. This is the sense of identity.
- 6. SACRAL HARA CHAKRA—SECOND CHAKRA: Located at the genitals. This is the chakra that monitors sexuality and reproduction.
- 7. ROOT CHAKRA—FIRST CHAKRA: Located at the base of the spine and groin area. This is the animal or base nature.
Although seven chakras are generally accepted, the human energy field may be made up of a plurality of minor chakras in addition to the major seven. Additional chakras, known as the “etheric chakras” include: the Soul Star Chakra, the Thymus or Higher Heart Chakra, and the Earth Chakra.
Although most chakra stones of a specific color will be the stone for affecting a particular chakra or chakra energy of the body, it is understood that some stones may be used to affect, realign, revitalize or balance more than one chakra. There are many stones for each chakra, and various crystals may be particularly powerful to aid healing or realigning an unbalanced chakra in different ways. There are a wide range of alignment attributes that pertain to various stones and the things that they are known to remedy.
Colors associated with each chakra of the body are provided in Table 1, below.
Stones or crystals that are generally of a color, as listed above, are associated with realignment of that chakra. Some stones do not fit the pattern. For example, clear crystals, black, brown and various mixed color crystals can have a healing effect on more than one chakra. Other stones that heal more than one chakra are those with flecks of color through them, such as agates.
Clear quartz crystals are associated with realignment of all chakras of the body.
Red, associated with the Root or Base Chakra, symbolizes action, confidence, courage, vitality. Red Coral, Bloodstone, Garnet, Red Jasper, Ruby, and Red Calcite are stones or crystals that can be used in association with realignment of the Base Chakra.
The Base Chakra and Earth Chakra are also represented by black, which symbolizes death. Black Tourmaline, Obsidian, Onyx, Black Kyanite, Jet, Shungite, and Nuummite can be used in association with the realignment of the Base and Earth Chakras.
Pink, associated with the Heart or Higher Heart (Thymus) Chakra, symbolizes love and beauty. Rhodochrosite, Rhodonite, Rose Quartz, Pink Opal, Pink Tourmaline, Danburite, Pink Mangano, Calcite, Stilbite, Morganite, Chalcedony, Petalite, Pink Sapphire, Pink Halite, and Cobaltoan Calcite are stones or crystals that can be used in association with realignment of these chakras.
Brown, associated with the Earth Chakra, symbolizes earth, order, and convention. Tiger Eye, Petrified Wood, Dravite (brown tourmaline), Chiastolite, Aragonite, Stromatolite, Staurolite, Bronzite, Axinite, Moqui Ball, are stones or crystals that can be used in association with realignment of the Earth Chakra.
Orange, associated with the Navel or Sacral Chakra, symbolizes vitality and endurance. Carnelian, Fire Opal, Sunstone, Orange Calcite, Tangerine Quartz, Orange Kyanite, and Orange Elestial are stones or crystals that can be used in association with the realignment of the Navel or Sacral Chakra.
Yellow, associated with the Solar Plexus Chakra, symbolizes wisdom, joy, happiness, and intellectual energy. Amber, Citrine, Imperial Topaz, Lemon Quartz, Honey Calcite, Yellow Fluorite, and Sulphur are stones or crystals that can be used in association with the realignment of the Solar Plexus Chakra.
Green, associated with the Heart Chakra, symbolizes life, nature, fertility, and well-being. Emerald, Malachite, Aventurine, Jade, Peridot, Moss Agate, Chrysoprase, Serpentine, Green Calcite, Green Tourmaline, Dioptase, Prehnite, Infinite Stone, Tree Agate, Bloodstone, Seraphinite, Green Chlorite, Green Sardonyx, Green Irish Blessings stones, Fuchsite, Butterstone, Epidote, Prasiolite, Moldavite, and Hiddenite are stones or crystals that can be used in association with the realignment of the Heart Chakra.
Blue, which symbolizes youth, spirituality, truth, and peace and Indigo, which symbolizes intuition, meditation, and deep contemplation are associated with the Throat Chakra. Blue stones, such as Turquoise, Aquamarine, Blue quartz, Lapis Lazuli, Blue lace agate, Blue Calcite, Blue Kyanite, Blue Apatite, Angelite, Dumortierite, Chrysocolla, Sapphire (mine rough), Blue Aventurine, Celestite, Blue Aragonite, Blue Tourmaline, Larimar, Hemimorphite, Sodalite, and Tanzanite, and indigo stones, such as indigo, sapphire, azurite, and lolite, are stones or crystals that can be used in association with realignment of the Throat Chakra.
Purple, which symbolizes royalty, magic, and mystery, is associated with the Third Eye Chakra. Amethyst, Fluorite, Sugilite, Lepidolite, Charoite and Purpurite can be used in association with realignment of the Third Eye Chakra.
White is associated with the Crown Chakra. White is also associated with the Star Soul Chakra. White symbolizes purity and cleanliness. White chakra stones include Crystal quartz, White Topaz, White Aragonite, Howlite, Scolecite, White Selenite, White Opal, Opalite, White Kunzite, and Ulexite can be used in association with realignment of the Crown and Star Soul Chakras. In some instances, violet, which symbolizes purpose, is also associated with the Crown Chakra. Accordingly, Amethyst, Fluorite, Sugilite, Lepidolite, Charoite and Purpurite can be used in association with realignment of the Crown Chakra.
Grey is a neutral color that symbolizes sorrow, security, and maturity. Hematite and Galena can be used for a neutral activity for a chakra.
In addition, a preferred embodiment of the subject invention includes a suspending means, such as a flexible rope, twine, or string, cable, wire, chain, or the like, having a fixed length by which the pyramid can be suspended from an overhead fixture or hung from a ceiling of a structure. The suspending means can be any length such that it suspends the pyramid above the head of the user without contacting the user when the user is practicing yoga, meditation or other such practice preferably carried out in a sitting or kneeling position, More preferably, the suspending means has a length which allows for it to be suspended in the range of about two (2) feet to at least about 10 feet (for a 12-foot or higher ceiling) and most preferably provides for the pyramid to hang about 4-8 feet, from a ceiling, allowing for the height of the pyramid, itself. It would be understood that the length of the suspending means may be doubled to permit looping of the suspending means through an aperture formed in the pyramidal article. The end of the suspending means which is hung from the ceiling or structure can include a ring or hook for engaging or mating to a hook or ring at the fixture or ceiling end.
In a preferred embodiment, the suspending means is a primarily constructed from hemp material. The pyramid article preferably includes at least one aperture or port to receive the suspending means therethrough. The preferred configuration includes two apertures through the top end of the pyramid, below the apex to allow for apical placement of the stone.
Referring now to the drawings appended hereto:
It would be understood that zero, or any number of gemstones or chakra stones can be included in any one side panel, limited only by the size of the stones which can conveniently fit within the panel area. In one preferred embodiment, each side panel includes two stones and, including the apically placed stone, provides a total of seven stones embedded in or affixed to the pyramid article. The seven stones can each represent one of the seven conventional chakras of the body.
One purpose of a device of the subject invention is to hold crystals, gemstones, or chakra stones in place so that the user may benefit from the energy-focusing properties of the stones during meditation or yoga session. It is generally accepted that certain crystals can be used to enhance meditation or to generate or focus “energy” that can be used to enhance one's sense of emotional or physical well-being. While the exact nature of any energy emanating from or phenomena associated with these stones is not known with scientific certainty, it is assumed that at least some portion of this energy is electromagnetic (EM) in nature. In order to attract EM energy it is known to use an antenna or other primarily metallic or conductive structure to capture EM waves which are then guided or focused to a single point or points. In the device of the present invention, EM energy in the ambient environment is collected by or guided to stones which are held in position within a pyramid-shaped structure which, in itself can provide energy-focusing properties. Together, the energies focused by the pyramid structure and stones can be transduced to the person practicing yoga or meditation in direct proximity under the device.
Accordingly, a preferred method of using a device or article of the subject invention is to obtain a pyramid containing at least one gemstone or chakra stone in accordance with the invention, suspend the pyramid from an overhead structure or ceiling, position oneself under the suspended pyramid, and carry out a yoga or meditation in a siting or kneeling position under the pyramid. It is preferred that the article is suspended in a position above the user, without contacting the user. In this manner, there is no physical distraction or interference to the user while practicing the yoga or meditation procedure. In addition, placement of the article above the user, in a non-contacting position, can provide an advantageous focusing of the energies transduced from the device to the user.
The pyramid structure can be easily and inexpensively manufactured, the cost of which may be dictated by the cost of the gemstones or chakra stones affixed or embedded therein. In the typical manufacture, three triangular panels are formed, and affixed together in a pyramid shape. Preferably, each of the three panels are identical in dimension. The sizes of the panels are not critical, but are preferably equilateral triangles. A preferred triangular panel measures 18 inches on each side. The panels having dimension of 18 inches on each side provide a preferred volume within the pyramid, which is between about 725 and about 750 cubic inches.
The panels can be adhered or affixed together using any adhesive or affixing means, including an adhesive such as glue or epoxy, nails, screws, tongue and groove joints, or the like. Alternatively, the pyramid shape can be a molded article.
The materials used for the side panels can be fiberglass, polymer or plastic, wood, paper, fabric or other rigid or substantially rigid material. It is preferred that the panels are non-metallic.
The panels can be supported using a frame formed in the shape of a pyramid, wherein the frame underlies and supports the outer panels formed into the pyramid-shaped article of the invention.
It is to be understood that the provided illustrative examples are by no means exhaustive of the many possible uses for my invention.
From the foregoing description, one skilled in the art can easily ascertain the essential characteristics of this invention and, without departing from the spirit and scope thereof, can make various changes and modifications of the invention to adapt it to various usages and conditions. It is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to the preferred embodiment or embodiments described above, but encompasses any and all embodiments within the scope of the appended claims.
Claims
1. A novelty article for use during a consciousness-focusing practice, said article comprising: three side panels forming a triangular-based pyramid having a hollow core, said pyramid having a six, 18-inch measured lengths totaling 108 inches, at least one gemstone or chakra stone affixed to or embedded in the article at the apex of the side panels, and a fixed-length flexible suspending means.
2. The article of claim 1 where said device includes a support frame.
3. The article of claim 1 wherein each side panel has a base comprising a flange at the base end of the side panel.
4. The article of claim 1 wherein at least one side panel comprises at least one gemstone or chakra stone embedded in or affixed thereto.
5. The article of claim 4 wherein the gemstone or chakra stone embedded in or affixed to the side panel is centrally positioned on the side panel.
6. The article of claim 1 wherein at least one side panel comprises a plurality of centrally positioned gemstones or chakra stones embedded in or affixed to the side panel.
7. The article of claim 1 wherein each of the side panels comprise at least one gemstone or chakra stone embedded in or affixed to the side panel.
8. The article of claim 1 wherein the pyramid comprises at least one aperture for receiving and engaging the suspending means.
9. The article of claim 1 wherein the pyramid comprises at least two apertures for loopingly receiving and engaging the suspending means.
10. The article of claim 1 wherein the suspending means is selected from rope, cable, wire, or chain.
11. The article of claim 1 wherein the suspending means is a hemp rope.
12. A method of practicing yoga or meditation, said method comprising:
- providing an article of claim 1,
- suspending the article in a position that is above a user's head when the user is in a sitting or kneeling position, and
- carrying out a yoga or meditation session positioned under the article.
Type: Application
Filed: Sep 9, 2013
Publication Date: Mar 12, 2015
Inventor: Richard Conner (Santa Ana, CA)
Application Number: 14/022,023
International Classification: A63B 26/00 (20060101); A44C 17/02 (20060101);
