Magnetic Exercise Blocks

Abstract

Exercise blocks have one or more magnets on or inserted into one or more of the six faces of an exercise block provide the ability to releasably connect and configure multiple blocks in various configurations that are suitable for a wider variety of exercises. The magnetic connection between and among the blocks helps to prevent unexpected and unintentional disconnections that could pose hazards during use.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to foam blocks that can be configured into a variety of orientations and their use in personal exercise.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Yoga is an exercise system that can use rigid (e.g., wood) or semi-rigid (e.g., closed cell foam or cork) blocks of various shapes to enhance the exercises. Yoga blocks are blocks used to aid in the performance of a variety of poses by providing stability and support for proper alignment. Yoga blocks are used under the hands, feet, or seat to achieve proper alignment and deepen stretches safely.

Yoga blocks are usually made of foam, but some blocks are made of wood or cork. Yoga blocks reduce the distance between the body and the floor, allowing one to modify poses to a specific level of flexibility. Foam and cork blocks provide less stable surfaces so they force the need for balance and thereby enhance exercises for core muscles.

A typical block is a rectangular block in which the height, width and length are all different. One or more of these blocks can be used as individual supports or gripped devices to provide a varied level of exertion and type of exercise.

At times, it would be desirable to use multiple blocks stacked together for an even greater diversity of possible exercises. Unfortunately, traditional yoga blocks have smooth external surfaces and no engageable locations that would permit multiple blocks to be stacked in a stable configuration. The absence of something that might hold the blocks together allows the blocks to separate as the user's balance falters. Such an unstacking event can cause harm to the users from unexpected changes in the support base used for the exercise.

Others have offered the use of sculpted blocks with interlocking surface features as potential solutions to the risks of separating support blocks during exercise. Such surface features introduce other complications in the use of such blocks for performing the types of strength and balance exercises that are characteristic of yoga. For example, interlocking surface recesses and corresponding surface extensions compromise the support area of the affected block faces and their ability to provide stable, planar, support surfaces for other exercises.

It would be desirable to have a rigid or semi-rigid support block dimensioned for balance and strength exercises characteristic of yoga that could releasably form various stacked or combined configurations while also providing a set of substantially planar support surfaces on the block.

It would also be desirable to have a yoga support block that was substantially solid with a substantially rectangular shape.

It would further be desirable to have a method of using such connectable blocks for strength and balance exercises that are characteristic of yoga.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the invention to provide an exercise support block that is useful for yoga exercises and that is releasably connectable for secured connections in various configurations.

It is also an object of the invention to provide a method of exercising balance and strength training that uses multiple support blocks that remain releasably connected in various configurations.

In accordance with these and other objects of the invention that will become apparent from the description herein, exercise blocks according to the invention have (a) six planar faces, wherein three pair of said faces are substantially parallel; and (b) at least one first magnet of a first polarity in at least one face of said block, wherein said first polarity is opposite that of a second polarity of at least one second magnet inset into a second yoga block so that the first and second yoga blocks are magnetically, releasably, connected when the first and second magnets are aligned.

The exercise blocks according to the invention provide an ability to stack blocks in various configurations that are stable and will not unexpectedly separate. This ability increases the safety of the exercise blocks and the method of using them in connection with exercises.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a top view drawing of a yoga block containing one or more magnets according to the invention.

FIG. 2 is a side view of the yoga block shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is an end view of the yoga block shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.

FIG. 4 depicts an embodiment with two magnets on one of the block faces.

FIG. 5 shows an embodiment having five round magnets on one of the block faces.

FIG. 6 illustrates the use of an internal magnet holder that positions the magnets behind a block face as the block is formed around the holder.

FIG. 7 presents an embodiment in which a sheet magnet is secured to one or more faces of the yoga block.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Yoga blocks according to the invention are characterized by one or more magnets on one or more of the block's six sides so that blocks can be stacked and combined in multiple ways in a secure configuration. Such secured stacking is helpful for exercises that involve using the stacked blocks as a support base, as a gripped object, or as an object balanced by the user.

The block can be almost any three-dimensional geometric shape having in cross section a two-dimensional shape that is, e.g., circular, ovoid, triangular, square, or rectangular. Preferably, the block is a generally cubic or rectangular shape with substantially planar outer faces. Most preferably, the block is a 4 inch×6 inch×9 inch block. It will be understood that the face edges of the blocks can be rounded, chamfered, square, beveled, or any combination thereof.

The block itself can be made of any material that can receive and hold one or more magnets in an outer surface thereof by threaded connection, sonic welding, or with a suitable adhesive. As examples, the block can be made of wood, cork, foamed plastic of a rigid or semi-rigid nature, or combinations thereof. A preferred material is a recycled ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) foam.

The magnets can be made of any magnetic material having a Gauss strength and any shape, the choice of which depends on the size, shape, number, and block material used. In general, strips, blocks, cylindrical, and disc-shaped magnets are readily available. In one embodiment of the invention, the magnet is embedded within the block. In another embodiment, the block is formed around a core holder that secures one or more magnets in position for alignment behind a corresponding face of the block.

Ferromagnets and neodymium can also be used provided that the pull strength of the magnet does not exceed the force required to pull the magnet from its recess in the block. For example, wooden blocks are amenable to a wide variety of securing systems that include threaded connections and strong adhesives (e.g., epoxy). Stronger magnets, such as the neodymium magnets, can be used in the faces of wooden blocks because those magnets can be secured with strong retention systems. On the other hand, closed cell foam blocks generally have lower strengths of the materials and would benefit from lower strength ferromagnets in strip form for increased surface area that are secured to the face recess with a compatible adhesive.

In any embodiment, a decorative sticker or product label can be placed over the magnet if the appearance of the magnet is not desired.

In a further embodiment, the magnet is in the form of an adhesive-backed sticker, sheet, or other thin, substantially planar, form that can be secured to one or more faces of the yoga block. The selection of a suitable adhesive largely depends on the material of the underlying block and is well within the scope of the existing level of skill in the art. The adhesive chosen should be sufficient to keep the magnet anchored to the yoga block as connected blocks are magnetically disengaged.

The magnetic blocks of the present invention are particularly well suited for use as supports or gripped or balanced objects such as when performing yoga exercises. Yoga exercises involve a variety of systematic exercises and self-development techniques that have spiritual themes to help in the development of body, mind, and spirit. Yoga is considered to be a low-impact activity that can provide the same benefits as “any well-designed exercise program, increasing general health and stamina, reducing stress, and improving those conditions brought about by sedentary lifestyles”. It is particularly promoted as a physical therapy routine, and as a regimen to strengthen and balance all parts of the body.

Yoga exercises are generally in the form of physically demanding posed positioning of the body and limbs with controlled breathing. There are several types of yoga, each with their own emphasis. For example, bikram yoga keeps the room heated to 105° F., power or vinyasa yoga have a greater intensity, and restorative or hatha yoga classes focus more on breathing and meditation.

Blocks are used in yoga poses as supports to elevate one or more parts of the body to change the muscles exercised. A number of information sources are available on when blocks are helpful in a yoga exercise, e.g., https://www.yogabycandace.com/blog/2013/10/28/how-to-use-yoga-blocks.

Blocks are particularly useful for both the beginner and seasoned yogi. For beginners, yoga blocks can be used when the flexibility isn't quite there yet. For example, yoga blocks can be placed under the user's hips when performing hip lifts can help stretch hip, shoulder, and spine muscles. Blocks under the hands in a downward dog position can be used to stretch their back muscles. In a downward facing dog position, the blocks can change the angles enough to work a different set of muscles. One or more blocks under the lead foot of a crescent lunge can elevate the foot to provide additional stretching of both leg muscles and tendons. A block stack can help a beginner stay in the resolved triangle pose as the leg and core is stretched and exercised.

Using a block in pigeon pose can be helpful when hip or knee flexibility isn't there or if the hip rotation or knee rotation isn't available (usually due to bone compression in the joints). Put the edge of the block directly under the sit bone. Just like with forward fold, the block encourages a forward tilt of the pelvis which brings the body into proper alignment.

Using a block with bridge pose will encourage the inner thighs to draw toward one another. As they do, this brings the knees in alignment, and encourages a lift in the pelvis. You can also do this with full wheel pose, and the block will help to protect the knee joints.

People with tight groins can also use blocks in seated poses like baddha konasana. In this case, the blocks support the knees so the weight of the legs doesn't pull too hard on the inner thighs. You can flip or combine the blocks to find the correct height for how much support you need.

In general, yoga exercises are performed with a combination of blocks by (a) combining two blocks having magnets installed therein due to magnetic attraction between a first magnet in a fist block and a second magnet in a second block, and (b) supporting a user's body part on the combination of the blocks or gripping the combined blocks between the user's hands, knees, ankles or feet. Supported body parts include the user's hands, feet, hips, shoulders, knees, or legs depending on the pose and desired exercise.

FIGS. 1-3 show a yoga block having six faces: top face 1, bottom face 2, end faces 3 and 4, and side faces 5 and 6. Top magnet 7 is inserted substantially flush into top face 1. Similarly, first end magnet 8 is set into end face 3, second end magnet 9 is in end face 4, first side magnet 10 is in side face 6, second side magnet 11 is inserted flush into side 5, and bottom magnet 12 is fixed in bottom face 2.

The magnets in FIGS. 1-3 have all been depicted as rectangular strip magnets that are installed flush and centered in each face. It should be understood, however, that other magnet shapes can be used in various locations to magnetically engage with corresponding magnets in a second block that have an opposite polarity. FIG. 4 shows long strip magnets 11 at even thirds across the block face. FIG. 5 illustrates the use of round magnets set in a 2-1-2 pattern.

FIG. 6 shows the use of an internal magnet holder tree 13 around which block 14 is formed, such as injection molding. Tree 13 is configured to position one or more of magnets 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 behind a face of block 14.

FIG. 7 is an illustration showing the use of an adhesive-backed, magnetic, sheets 15 on top face 1 as well as side faces 5, 6. Sheets 15 may be of any shape or size provided that the size and position are configured to align with magnetic elements in a second block for magnetic attachment. End faces 3, 4 are shown without magnetic stickers or sheets. It will be understood that they may also have magnets on or in those surfaces.

It will be understood that the details of the drawings and the preferred embodiments discussed herein are not intended to limit the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A connectable, substantially rectangular, first yoga block having: (a) six planar faces, wherein three pair of said faces are substantially parallel; and (b) at least one first magnet of a first polarity in at least one face of said block, wherein said first polarity is opposite that of a second polarity of at least one second magnet in a second yoga block so that the first and second yoga blocks are magnetically, releasably, connected when the first and second magnets are aligned.

2. A yoga block according to claim 1 further comprising at least one first magnet in at least two faces of said block and at least one second magnet in at least one other face of said block that does not already have a first magnet inset therein.

3. A yoga block according to claim 2 wherein said block has a first magnet in each of a first face and a second face of said block, and a second magnet in a third face of said block.

4. A yoga block according to claim 3 wherein the first and second faces are on opposite, substantially parallel faces of said block.

5. A yoga block according to claim 1 further comprising a magnet holder within said yoga block holding said at least one first magnet in position behind at least one face of said block.

6. A method for performing yoga exercises with a combination of rigid or semi-rigid blocks that comprises: (a) combining two blocks having magnets installed therein due to magnetic attraction between a first magnet in a first block and a second magnet in a second block, and (b) supporting a user's body part on the combination of the blocks or gripping the combined blocks between the user's hands, knees, ankles or feet.