Abstract:
A yoga prop to assist a yoga practitioner in performing a backbend include a gripping platform having a notch for the practitioner&#39;s head, a first side attached the gripping platform, and a second side attached to the gripping platform, wherein the first and second sides provide a height and a depth for the yoga prop. Slits can be placed in the gripping platform for performing exercises using straps or rubber bands. The yoga prop can also have a back piece and additional features. A plurality of such yoga props can form a multitier yoga prop to assist yoga practitioners in performing backbends. A plurality of brackets can be used to support the plurality of yoga props in the multitier prop.

Description:
[0001]    This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional App. No. 61/940,346 filed Feb. 14, 2014 and U.S. Provisional App. No. 62/059,106, filed Oct. 2, 2014, both of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein in their entirety. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    1. Technical Field 
         [0003]    Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a yoga prop. More specifically, embodiments are directed to a yoga prop for assisting yoga practitioners in performing a backbend. 
         [0004]    2. Background 
         [0005]    A basic position in yoga is the backbend. In essence a yoga practitioner bends their back such that they end up in a position where their back is bent backward using their hands and feet for support. The position is performed to strengthen and stretch the practitioner&#39;s back. 
         [0006]    However, a backbend can be difficult for beginners and even experienced practitioners. For that reason, props have been developed to assist the yoga practitioner in performing a backbend. To date, however, such props are large and expensive, generally costing hundreds of dollars. For example, they are often large enough and contoured such that a person can actually lay on them facing upward to perform the backbend. Further, they are usually too large to be easily transported, for example, between a home and a yoga studio. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0007]    In an embodiment, a yoga prop assists a yoga practitioner in performing a backbend, comprising. According to the embodiment, the yoga prop has a gripping platform having a notch for the practitioner&#39;s head, a first side attached the gripping platform, and a second side attached to the gripping platform, wherein the first and second sides provide a height and a depth for the yoga prop. The yoga prop can also have a back piece and additional features. 
         [0008]    In another embodiment, yoga prop has a gripping platform having a notch for the practitioner&#39;s head and one or more slits into which straps or rubber bands can be inserted and anchored, a first side attached the gripping platform; and a second side attached to the gripping platform, wherein the first and second sides provide a height and a depth for the yoga prop. The yoga prop can also have a back piece and additional features. 
         [0009]    In another embodiment, a multitier yoga prop includes a plurality of yoga props to assist a yoga practitioner to perform a backbend. A plurality of brackets can be added to support the plurality of yoga props. 
         [0010]    Additional features and advantages of a yoga prop according to embodiments of the present invention will be apparent from the following specification, drawings, and claims. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0011]      FIGS. 1A-1G  illustrate a yoga prop according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0012]      FIG. 2  illustrates a yoga prop according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0013]      FIGS. 3A-3C  illustrate a method for using a yoga prop according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0014]      FIGS. 4A-4B  illustrate a multitier yoga prop according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0015]      FIG. 5  illustrates a yoga prop according to another embodiment of the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0016]    Embodiments are used as a yoga aid or “prop” to facilitate executing a “from-the-floor” or floor-based backbend. A yoga prop according to an embodiment is designed to help keep proper alignment in the hands, arms, hips, elbows, core and feet when executing a backbend. A prop according to an embodiment alleviates the normal twisting, back crunching and adjusting that typically occurs when preparing to perform a yoga backbend, i.e., to “get into position.” 
         [0017]    A yoga prop according to an embodiment allows a user to simply place the user&#39;s hands on the top platform of the prop and from a comfortable grip position push up into a backbend using the proper muscles and alignment in the user&#39;s hands, wrists, arms, shoulders, feet and core. A unique grip design alleviates the stress and hyperextension on the wrist joints and the often uncomfortable pressure applied to shoulders, fingers, forearms and elbows that would typically be felt by a user without using a yoga prop according to an embodiment. 
         [0018]    Additionally, the natural alignment that happens when in the proper gripping position allows a beginner to execute a backbend without overuse of the hip and lower back muscles that is often required to overcome the initial leverage issue inherent in backbending for beginners and those with lesser body strength. Overuse of the lower back often occurs to compensate for weak upper arms, shoulders and/or abdominal muscles and odd hand and wrist placement. A prop according to an embodiment allows a user to use proper hand, arm, shoulder and core strength without overusing and improperly using the user&#39;s lower back to rise into a backbend. 
         [0019]    Once a beginner user executes an aligned backbend, the beginner user is able to graduate more safely and quickly into an unassisted backbend with proper alignment. Furthermore, because of its unique design and ability to aid in proper alignment, a prop according to an embodiment is also recommended for advanced users as it aids in deeper and more aligned backbends. 
         [0020]      FIG. 1A-1G  illustrate an exemplary prop  100  according to an embodiment.  FIG. 1A  is a top view of prop  100  according to an embodiment.  FIG. 1B  is a front view of prop  100  according to an embodiment.  FIG. 1C  is a bottom view of prop  100  according to an embodiment.  FIG. 1D  is a back view of prop  100  according to an embodiment.  FIG. 1E  is a top iso view of prop  100  according to an embodiment.  FIG. 1F  is a bottom iso view of prop  100  according to an embodiment.  FIG. 1G  is a side view of prop  100  according to an embodiment. 
         [0021]    As shown in  FIGS. 1A-1G , prop  100  includes a gripping platform  104  and sides  106   a  and  106   b . Sides  106   a  and  106   b  give height and depth to prop  100 , and provide sufficient room for a user to properly grip prop  100 . A back piece  108  can also be provided in embodiments. Back piece  108  provides additional structural support as well as cosmetic completeness. Sides  106   a  and  106   b  and optional back piece  108  are affixed to gripping platform  104  to make prop  100 . For example, the sides can be affixed using any technique to securely affix sides  106   a  and  106   b  and optionally back piece  108  to gripping platform  104 . Such affixing techniques include nailing, screwing, gluing, and combinations thereof. These and other techniques for affixing the sides to gripping platform  104  would be known to those skilled in the art. 
         [0022]    In an embodiment a non-slip surface is affixed to base  112  of prop  100 . The non-slip surface can be made of any non-slip material including, for example, rubber, neoprene, or any other non-skid material. In an alternative embodiment, gripping platform  104  and sides  106   a  and  106   b , and optionally back piece  108  are made in a unitary fashion such that no affixing is required. Such a unitary design could be made using an injection mold process. 
         [0023]    Gripping platform  104  and sides  106   a  and  106   b , and back piece  108  can be made from a number of materials including, for example, plastic, recycled plastic, wood, recycled wood, any number of metals, aluminum, and any other material that will serve the purposes described herein. 
         [0024]    Grips  110  are affixed to gripping platform  104 . Grips  110  provide a more secure area for a user to grip gripping platform  104  than simply using the material of the gripping platform. Grips  110  can be any material that provides a more secure, non-slip area for a user to grip including, for example rubber, neoprene, or textured materials, such as textured plastic. Other grip materials for grips  110  would be known to those having skill in the art. In an embodiment, grips  110  are not separate materials but areas of the material of platform  110  that have texture to provide a gripping area for the user. Techniques for forming grips  110  would be known to those having skill in the art. Grips  110  can be affixed using any technique to securely affix sides  110  to gripping platform  104 . Such affixing techniques include adhesive, sewing, stapling. These and other techniques for affixing grips  110  to gripping platform  104  would be known to those skilled in the art. 
         [0025]    In another embodiment, grips  110  are handles that the user can grab. For example, in an embodiment, grips  110  are rods or other handles a user can grab. In an embodiment, additional cutouts can be used to provide easier access to grips  110  that are handles. 
         [0026]    A prop  100  according to an embodiment can be sized to accomplish the purpose described herein of assisting a user in performing a yoga backbend. In an embodiment, a prop according to an embodiment can be sized to fit on a small or a large yoga mat. Dimensions for an exemplary prop  200  according to an embodiment are illustrated in  FIG. 2 . In the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 2 , the width of prop  200  from side  206   a  to side  206   b  ranges from 23-26 inches. In an embodiment as illustrated by height line  212 , prop  200  is 3-4 inches high and, as indicated by depth line  218 , prop  200  is 5 to 7 inches deep. The height and depth provide sufficient clearance for a user&#39;s head. Prop  200  includes a gripping platform  204 . The thickness of the gripping platform  204  is based on weight bearing per square inch. For example, depending on the material used to fabricate prop  200 , a thickness of 1.5 inches (indicated by line  214 ) is expected to support up to 350 pounds. Other thicknesses can be used depending on the intended use of an embodiment. Gripping platform  204  has a cutout  202  for the user&#39;s head. In embodiment, cutout  202  is 8 inches, which is the average size of a human head. Cutout  202  can be larger to accommodate a head of unusual size or smaller for a child&#39;s device. Any shape can be used for cutout  202 . For example, in an embodiment, cutout  202  is rounded. Further, the edges can of cutout  202  can be rounded for comfort. 
         [0027]    As mentioned above in an embodiment, sides  206   a  and  206   b  of prop  200  are 3 to 4 inches tall and 5 to 7 inches deep to provide the height and depth of prop  200 . Sides  206  provide clearance for a user&#39;s hands and head and structural support for the gripping platform  204 . In an embodiment, there is a minimum of 2 inches between the floor and gripping platform  204  for hand and head clearance. In an embodiment, there can be an additional side  208 . In an embodiment, brackets can be added to provide additional structural support when affixing the sides  206  and optional side  208  to gripping platform  204 . A yoga prop according to embodiments should accommodate both men and women&#39;s shoulder sizes. However, overall measurements can be adjusted if we ever desire to create a unique version for women, men or children only. It should be noted that the dimensions provided herein are not to be limiting, and different dimension may be used within the scope and spirit of embodiments described herein. 
         [0028]      FIGS. 3A-3C  illustrate three steps in using a prop  100  according to an embodiment. As shown in  FIGS. 3A-3C , in use a prop  100  according to an embodiment is set against a wall. As shown in  FIG. 3A , in step  1 , a user lies on his or her back with prop  100  at the user&#39;s head with a head cut out  102  facing the user. For comfort, the user preferably lies on a yoga mat, with prop  100  placed at top of the mat. The user&#39;s head rests on the mat within head cutout  102  the prop  100 . The user takes both hands and reaches directly over his or her shoulders to grasp the platform (in an embodiment, for example, on nonslip material) with his or her palms facing down as flat as possible with fingers facing shoulders, gripping the platform and elbows pointing up toward the ceiling in direct alignment with shoulders. The thumbs should be positioned along the front edge of the platform. As shown in  FIGS. 3A-3C , to use prop  100 , the user grips the platform, and in steps  2  and  3 , pushes down with his or her hands, arms and shoulders while simultaneously lifting his or her core up into a backbend with elbows, hands and feet remaining in alignment with shoulders as shown in  FIGS. 3B and 3C . 
         [0029]    In an embodiment, a prop according to an embodiment has multiple levels or tiers. Providing a prop with multiple levels or tiers can be used to facilitate backbends from a standing position. In such a case, a user starting in a standing position, bends back and grips the multi-tier prop at the highest level. The user then proceeds to work his or her way down the levels of the multi-prop prop until the user has achieved a backbend position with his or her hands on the floor. In time, the user will learn how to perform a backbend from a standing position without requiring the multi-tier prop. In an embodiment, the multi-level prop is fabricated by stacking props such as prop  100  or  200  on top of one another. The stacked props can be affixed to one another to prevent movement of the component props with respect to one another. The sides may have different heights depending on the number of levels desired and the amount of space that a user will have to navigate as the user moves down the levels. In an embodiment, various levels of the multi-level prop may have different sized or offset cutouts to account for the motion of the users head as the user traverses the various levels of the multi-level prop. 
         [0030]    Another embodiment of a multi-tier prop is illustrated in  FIG. 4A  and  FIG. 4B  showing front and side views, respectively, of a multi-tier prop according to an embodiment. A multi-tier prop  400  includes a plurality of props  402  on a prop support structure  412 . Prop support structure  412  has two legs  406   a  and  406   b , and a top  408 . Support structure  412  can also have supporting members  410   a  and  410   b  that provide structural support, for example, like a conventional step ladder. 
         [0031]    In an embodiment, each prop  402  is a prop such as prop  100  or prop  200  described above. Multi-tier prop  400  is configured with a plurality of brackets  404  for holding props, such as prop  402 . In an embodiment, the bottoms of the sides of prop  402  rest on oppositely positioned brackets  404 . In an alternate, embodiment brackets  404  extend between legs  406   a  and  406   b  and provide a platform for prop  402 . Multi-tier prop  400  can be made from a number of materials including plastic, polymer, metal, other materials, and combinations thereof and can be a unitary or non-unitary construction. 
         [0032]    In an embodiment, the locations of brackets  404  can be adjusted to provide different heights for props  402  and different distances between props  402  as desired by a particular user. In an embodiment, such height adjustment is provided for by providing a number of oppositely positioned holes, for example, hole  414 , in legs  406   a  and  406   b  in which to insert brackets  404 . 
         [0033]    In embodiment, the length of legs  406   a  and  406   b  as shown by line  416  is 40-50 inches, and their width as shown by line  418  is 3-6 inches. These dimensions are provided for an exemplary embodiment of multi-tier prop  400 . However, the dimensions are not limiting and can be modified as required for a particular application. 
         [0034]      FIG. 5  illustrates a prop according to another embodiment that provides a foundation for other exercises other than yoga backbends. For example, prop  500  is a prop such as props  100  and  200  described above, but configured with a plurality of slits  502 . Straps or rubber bands can be inserted through slits  502  and anchored by slits  502  to be used in exercises using straps or bands. To anchor a band or strap, a knot can be tied in the end of the band or strap not inserted into the slit such that when the band or strap is pulled through the slit, the knot will block the band or strap from being pulled completely through the slit, and thereby provide an anchor for the band or strap. Other ways of anchoring the band or strap are available, including, pulling one end of the band or strap through two slits  502  and tying the ends of the band or strap to form a loop that includes the slits. 
         [0035]    The foregoing disclosure of the preferred embodiments of the present invention has been presented for the purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed. Many variations and modifications of the embodiments described herein will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art in light of the above disclosure. The scope of the invention is to be defined only by the claims appended hereto, and by their equivalents. 
         [0036]    Further, in describing representative embodiments of the present invention, the specification may have presented the method and/or process of the present invention as a particular sequence of steps. However, to the extent that the method or process does not rely on the particular order of steps set forth herein, the method or process should not be limited to the particular sequence of steps described. As one of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate, other sequences of steps may be possible. Therefore, the particular order of the steps set forth in the specification should not be construed as limitations on the claims. In addition, the claims directed to the method and/or process of the present invention should not be limited to the performance of their steps in the order written, and one skilled in the art can readily appreciate that the sequences may by varied and still remain within the spirit and scope of the present invention.