Patent Description:
The present invention relates generally to Pilates exercise. More particularly, it relates to a Pilates exercise method and body support device configured to provide inclined supine positioning of the user during Pilates exercise either on the body of the device or on a moving or stationary carriage or table of a Pilates apparatus.

Pilates is an exercise regimen which employs controlled movements using Pilates equipment or a Pilates apparatus. The controlled movements are adapted to help a person improve flexibility, build strength, and to develop control and endurance in the entire body. Conventionally, Pilates puts an emphasis on body alignment, breathing, the development of a strong core, and the improvement of coordination and balance. Exercising the core, which includes the muscles of the abdomen, back, and pelvis during Pilates, is conventionally thought to be the key to a person's stability.

The Pilates system and devices therefor, allow for different exercises to be accomplished by the user. These exercises can be modified in a range of difficulty from beginner to advanced or to other levels, depending on the instructor and practitioner's specific goals and/or limitations. Exercise intensity is generally increased over time as the body adapts itself to the exercises.

The term equipment is not generally employed in describing Pilates exercising, as such is more often term a Pilates apparatus. One widely employed Pilates apparatus is known.

conventionally as a Reformer. The Reformer apparatus was invented by Joseph Pilates, the founder of the Pilates exercise movement, as one of the primary pieces of Pilates apparatuses. The reformer apparatus is a bed-like frame with a flat support platform, also called a carriage, which rolls back and forth on wheels, operatively positioned between the platform and the frame.

Reformer apparatuses are manufactured by a wide number of manufacturers, but all are configured to be employed in a similar mode of operation. Springs or other biasing means are operatively connected with the frame, and the carriage can be set to provide movement assistance or movement resistance to aid the user in achieving proper muscle length and strength in an organized way.

The user of the Reformer apparatus, when lying upon the platform or table, is generally in a supine positioning of their body upon the substantially planar translating table. For users who have various physical limitations, such a supine planar positioning may not be comfortable or healthful. Other Pilates apparatuses can include ropes in a pulley system, metal springs, and bands which are elastic in operation, all provided with a number of different resistance tensions. These may all be employed to provide resistance exercise, during a Pilates exercise session, in combination with the device herein.

Other Pilates apparatuses and components can include Pilates bands, which are elastic in operation and are provided in a number of differing lengths and resistance tensions. These bands are employed to provide resistance during Pilates exercises.

The forgoing examples of related art in the field of Pilates exercise and the apparatus employed during such exercise, and limitation related therewith, are intended to be illustrative and not exclusive, and they do not imply any limitations on the inclined positioning Pilates invention described and claimed herein. Various limitations of the related art will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon a reading and understanding of the specification below and the accompanying drawings. <CIT> relates to a wedge-shaped training mat.

A selection of optional features of the invention is set out in the dependent claims. Insofar as the term invention or embodiment is used in the following, or features are presented as being optional, this should be interpreted in such a way that the only protection sought is that of the invention claimed (with due regard to Article <NUM> EPC and the protocol thereto). References to "embodiment (s)" throughout the description which are not under the scope of the appended claims merely represent possible exemplary executions and are not part of the present invention.

The device herein disclosed and described provides a Pilates apparatus which is configured to provide both a device and method for users to be enabled to easily assume an inclined positioning of their body during Pilates exercise on a carriage or platform of a Pilates exercise apparatus. The Pilates exercise device herein has a body which is adapted, on a bottom or lower surface, to sit upon the carriage or supporting platform used in a wide variety of existing Pilates exercise systems. Such Pilates exercise devices are available from a number of manufacturers and conventionally have a translating carriage or platform on which a user is positioned. As an example and in no way limiting, the Pilates Reformer employs such a translating carriage, while a Pilates Trapeze Table may include a stationary planar support surface for the carriage.

An upper surface of the body, opposite the base thereof, is configured to form a support against the back of a user positioned upon it. This upper surface is inclined. In a particularly preferred mode of the device herein a slight recess of the upper surface is formed in a central portion of the inclined upper surface.

Along a central area of the inclined upper surface is located a friction enhancing strip. The friction enhancing strip can extend across a central portion of the upper surface, or more preferably, to maximize the non-slip attributes the strip provides, the friction enhancing strip can extend between a lower edge of the upper surface to an upper edge of the upper surface. Users positioned in an inclined position supported by the upper surface are thus substantially prevented from slipping downward by the enhanced frictional engagement between the friction enhancing strip and the back of the user or their clothing worn on the back.

The upper surface can be planar with and run at a continuous inclined angle relative to the planar lower surface. Currently, an angle between <NUM> degrees and <NUM> degrees is preferred, with an angle substantially between <NUM> degrees and <NUM> degrees being especially preferred. This preferred angle, in experimentation, appeared to provide the most comfortable positioning to the most users.

In an alternative but preferred configuration, the upper surface has a first body portion thereof extending from the lower edge to a central portion of the upper surface. This first portion of the upper surface is substantially planar and runs at the preferred angle. In a second body portion of the upper surface, adjacent the first portion thereof, a curved recess is formed in the upper surface of the body of the device. This curved recess forms a slight dip for the length of the second portion of the upper surface. Extending from the upper edge of the upper surface to the end of the second portion of the upper surface is a third portion of the upper surface. This third portion can continue the angle of the first portion of the upper surface, or more preferably, the angle of the third portion will be increased <NUM>-<NUM> degrees from that of the first portion of the upper surface to more comfortably support the upper back of a user positioned thereon.

A removably engageable lumbar cushion may be provided which is positionable to a removable attachment with the first portion of the upper surface of the body of the device. The lumbar cushion, preferably, has a curved exposed surface adapted for contact against the lumbar area of the user positioned on the device. The removable engagement may be provided by hook and loop fabric, operatively positioned on the lower surface of the lumbar cushion and the first portion of the upper surface of the body of the device.

A removably engageable head cushion may also be provided. This head cushion has an exposed surface when mounted which is configured to contact against the neck and head region of the user positioned on the upper surface of the body of the device. This head cushion is removably engageable to the third portion of the upper surface between the upper edge and the second portion of the upper surface. In the same fashion as the lumbar cushion, removable engagement of the head cushion may be provided by hook and loop fabric operatively positioned on the lower surface of the head cushion and the third portion of the upper surface of the body of the device.

The body of the device is preferably covered with a soft covering layer, such as vinyl material, leather or synthetic leather, with padding positioned between the body and the covering layer. The body itself is preferably formed in a light weight material with hollow cavities between the upper surface and the bottom edge or surface which is configured for operative contact with support such as a floor, or as noted, the carriage of a Pilates Reformer apparatus or upon a stationary Pilates Trapeze Table. Such a material may be polymeric material, wood, fiberglass, carbon fiber, combinations of some thereof, or other lightweight but strong materials as would occur to those skilled in the art.

Where the body is formed of foam material the density of the foam material conventionally determine a hardness of the body and surfaces thereof. A foam density will be between <NUM> and <NUM>/m<NUM> (<NUM> and <NUM> lb/ft<NUM>) is preferred to provide users with a comfortable support to their body during contact and use. The <NUM>/m<NUM> (<NUM> lb/ft<NUM>) is the lowest possible and, while employable, it is at the lower end of "softness" for use. The <NUM>/m<NUM> (<NUM> lb/ft<NUM>) foam material would be at the high end of the spectrum and would be very firm, but may be too firm for some users. A particularly preferred range of foam density for use to form the body of the device would be between <NUM> and <NUM>/m<NUM> (<NUM> and <NUM> lb/ft<NUM>) for most users.

The device herein can also include fixed mounts positioned upon the body of the device which are configured for engagement to resistance components such as for example, elastic band or spring resistive, or other such resistance exercise components. The fixed mounts may be located upon a vertical rear wall of the body of the device. Such mounts preferably have openings or other connectors which are configured for the connection of one end of the resistive exercise component such as an elastic exercise band therewith. This allows the user of the device herein, while in a supine inclined positioning upon the upper surface of the body of the device herein, to employ the resistive exercise components for conventional Pilates exercise.

By resistive exercise components herein is meant, for example and in no way limiting, ropes in a pulley system, springs, elastic bands, or other resistive exercise components as would occur to those skilled in the art. Preferably, such resistive exercise components include a means to adjust and set them to any of a plurality of different resistance tensions.

The body of the device herein is positionable on the translating table or platform of a Pilates apparatus, such as the widely sold and employed Reformer or upon the stationary table of a conventional Pilates Trapeze Table. As used herein, the term Pilates apparatus or Pilates exercise device means any Pilates type exercise device, manufactured by any manufacturer which has either a stationary platform for Pilates exercising, or has a translating table or platform for body support. Such Pilates exercise devices and apparatuses are manufactured, for example, but in no way limiting, by manufacturers such as Balanced Body, Body Arts and Science International, Clinical Pilates, Elina Pilates, Gratz Pilates, Peak Pilates, Stamina, and Stott Pilates.

Using the device and method herein, when operatively positioned on the platform of such Pilates exercise devices, the user may exercise using a Pilates Reformer device or the Pilates Trapeze Table in the normal fashion. However, during such exercise, the user will enjoy an inclined supine positioning with their back well supported in an inclined position on the support surface, such as a Pilates machine platform.

Additionally, in an OEM mode of the device herein the body of the device herein can be formed as an integral part of a the platform supporting the body of a user on a conventional Pilates exercise device. Such may be a permanently inclined platform or can be a platform configured with hinges or pivots and the like, allowing a portion thereof, supporting the head and back of a user, to be inclined. So provided, the body of the device herein may extend from the top surface of the moving platform or carriage of a Pilates apparatus, such as a conventional Pilates Reformer, or as part of the support platform of a conventional Pilates Trapeze table or as part of similar conventional Pilates apparatuses made by any manufacturer, rather than just as a separate body.

With respect to the above description, before explaining at least one preferred embodiment of the herein disclosed Pilates apparatus having inclined user support in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and to the arrangement of the components in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The Pilates exercise apparatus herein described is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways which will be obvious to those skilled in the art. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception upon which this disclosure is based, may readily be utilized as a basis for designing of other inclined positioning Pilates exercise apparatuses and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present disclosed device.

As used in the claims to describe the various inventive aspects and embodiments, "comprising" means including, but not limited to, whatever follows the word "comprising". Thus, use of the term "comprising" indicates that the listed elements are required or mandatory, but that other elements are optional and may or may not be present. By "consisting of" is meant including, and limited to, whatever follows the phrase "consisting of". Thus, the phrase "consisting of" indicates that the listed elements are required or mandatory, and that no other elements may be present. By "consisting essentially of' is meant including any elements listed after the phrase, and limited to other elements that do not interfere with or contribute to the activity or action specified in the disclosure for the listed elements. Thus, the phrase "consisting essentially of' indicates that the listed elements are required or mandatory, but that other elements are optional and may or may not be present depending upon whether or not they affect the activity or action of the listed elements. Finally, the term "substantially" if not otherwise defined, means plus or minus ten percent.

It is an object of this invention to provide an inclined support for a user during Pilates exercises through the provision of a means for modifying traditional planar supine positioning of a user on a Pilates platform or table, during exercises to an inclined supine position.

It is a further object of this invention to provide such an inclined support for users during Pilates exercise which is formed of a body which may be supported on a floor or the like, or is operatively positionable upon a supporting surface of the carriage or platform of conventional Pilates exercise apparatus, such as the translating table of a conventional Pilates Reformer or the table of a Pilates Trapeze table.

It is yet another object of this invention to provide an inclined surface for positioning of a user thereon, where the inclined upper surface is operatively positionable on a moving carriage or stationary table of a conventional Pilates apparatus.

It is a further object of this invention to provide a method for providing the inclined positioning of users positioned on the translating platform of any Pilates exercise device or apparatus using an engageable inclined platform herein, an OEM platform for the user to lay upon which is inclined, or an OEM platform on a Pilates apparatus which includes pivots or bends or the like allowing a head and back support portion thereof to be positioned in an incline.

Other objects, features, and advantages of the presently disclosed device and method for inclined support for Pilates exercise, as well as the advantages thereof over existing prior art, will become apparent from the description to follow, and are accomplished by the improvements described in this specification and hereinafter described in the following detailed description which fully discloses the invention, but should not be considered as placing limitations thereon.

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein and form a part of the specification, illustrate some, but not the only or exclusive, examples of embodiments and/or features of the disclosed device. It is intended that the embodiments and figures disclosed herein are to be considered illustrative rather than limiting. In the drawings:.

Other aspects of the presently disclosed Pilates exercise invention and method of employment thereof, shall be more readily understood when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, and the following detailed description, neither of which should be considered limiting.

In this description, the directional prepositions of up, upwardly, down, downwardly, front, back, top, upper, bottom, lower, left, right and other such terms refer to the post engageable table device as it is oriented and appears in the drawings and are used for convenience only, and they are not intended to be limiting or to imply that the inclined Pilates support device herein has to be used or positioned in any particular orientation.

Now referring to drawings in <FIG>, <FIG> depicts the device <NUM> herein from a front perspective view. As shown, the device <NUM> has a body <NUM> which, as shown in other side views, has a generally triangular shape, with a bottom <NUM> and an inclined or upward-angled top surface <NUM>. The top surface <NUM> angles upward from a lowest point at a first end <NUM> of the body <NUM> where the top surface <NUM> will substantially intersect with a support surface, such as a carriage or platform <NUM>, such as a Pilates machine <NUM> platform <NUM> (<FIG> and <FIG>). The top surface <NUM> angles upward to a highest point above the support surface at a second end <NUM> of the body <NUM>. By platform <NUM> herein is meant, any carriage or moving or stationary support on which a user is positioned on a conventionally available Pilates exercise device, such as, for example only, the carriage of a Pilates Reformer.

It should be noted that there may be a curved recessed area <NUM> (<FIG>) in a central potion of the top surface <NUM> in between the first end <NUM> and second end <NUM> of the body <NUM>. Such is formed by a slightly curving top surface <NUM> having a first angle of incline A along a line substantially along the first portion of the top surface <NUM> to a central area of the top surface <NUM>. In the central area where there is shown positioned a curved recess <NUM>, the second inclining angle A1 extends toward the second end <NUM> at a steeper second angle of incline A1 than the first angle of incline A.

Currently, the first angle of incline A is between <NUM>-<NUM> degrees relative to the substantially planar support surface <NUM> which supports the bottom surface <NUM>, with an angle of <NUM>-<NUM> degrees being especially preferred. Currently the second angle of incline runs at <NUM>-<NUM> degrees along an imaginary line intersecting the planar support surface with a second angle of incline A1 <NUM>-<NUM> degrees being especially preferred.

These are preferred as the smaller incline angle A, at the first end <NUM> of the body <NUM> which is wider than the second end <NUM> of the body <NUM>, will provide a gradual incline and wide support area for the lower back of the user adjacent the support surface. The increase in angle of the second angle of incline A1 provides better support to the upper back and neck of the user in a more upright and comfortable position.

Shown in <FIG> are the configuration of the body <NUM> in all modes of the device. A first body portion <NUM>, extending between the first end <NUM> and the central area of the body <NUM>, where the recessed area <NUM> is positioned, is wider than a second body portion <NUM>. This second body portion <NUM> extends from a side of the first body portion opposite the first end <NUM> to the second end <NUM>. As shown, the second body portion <NUM> also may extend from the central or recessed area <NUM> to the second end <NUM> of the body <NUM>. Of note, for the platform or carriage <NUM> of a Pilates apparatus which is to be dedicated to users in need of a ramp or inclined surface, the body <NUM> herein, can be formed as part of the carriage or platform <NUM> and extend upward therefrom.

While shown as a unitary structure in the drawings herein the body <NUM> can be formed in two pieces where the second body portion <NUM> connects to a central area of the first body portion <NUM> and extends therefrom. This configuration may be easier to store when not in use. As such, where the body <NUM> is described herein as having the first body portion <NUM> and second body portion <NUM> extending from a central area of the first body portion <NUM>, such is meant to include a body <NUM> formed in a unitary or single structure or a body <NUM> formed of the first body portion <NUM> connected to the second body portion <NUM> such as with hook and loop fabric or other separable fasteners.

The width W1 of the top surface <NUM> across the first body portion <NUM> of the body <NUM> across the first end thereof at the first end <NUM> of the body <NUM> extending to the opposite side of the first body portion <NUM> is substantially <NUM> to <NUM> times the width W2 of the top surface <NUM> on the centrally positioned second portion <NUM> of the body <NUM>. The second body portion <NUM> extends in between a second side of the first body portion <NUM> opposite the first end <NUM> of the body <NUM>, second end <NUM> of the body <NUM>, from a central area of the first body portion <NUM>. By central area is meant that the second body portion <NUM> is positioned extending from the second side of the first body portion at a position substantially centered between the first side surface <NUM> at the first body portion <NUM> and the second side surface <NUM> of the first body portion <NUM>.

This configuration, with a wider top surface <NUM> upon the first body portion <NUM> and narrower top surface <NUM> at the second body portion <NUM> of the body <NUM> forms what might be defined as an inverted "T" shape to the top surface <NUM> and the body <NUM>, when viewed from overhead. This shape is particularly preferred, because it defines a first side space <NUM> running from the top surface <NUM> and along a first side of the second body portion <NUM> of the body <NUM> in between said first body portion and said second end <NUM> of said body <NUM>. It also has a second side space <NUM> running from the top surface <NUM> and along a second side of the second body portion <NUM> of the body <NUM> opposite the first side space <NUM>, in between said first body portion and said second end <NUM> of said body <NUM>.

These two opposing side spaces are particularly preferred in that they provide the inclined user, operatively positioned atop the top surface <NUM> of the device <NUM>, respective voids or spaces in the top surface <NUM> and below it, for positioning of one respective arm in each of the first side space <NUM> and second side space <NUM> during use. This allows the user, ergonomically positioned with their back upon the top surface <NUM>, to properly position and move their arms during use, such as to pull upon handles and resistive elastic bands <NUM> (<FIG> and <FIG> and <FIG>) for arm exercise. They also provide open areas for pulling upon platform-engaged tethers <NUM> (<FIG>) used to translate a Pilates carriage or platform <NUM> which forms the support surface <NUM> during use.

As such, when the bottom <NUM> edge or surface of the body <NUM> of the device <NUM> herein is operatively positioned upon a stationary or translating platform <NUM> of a Pilates exercise device, as for example in <FIG>, or a stationary platform <NUM> of a Pilates exercise device, such as in <FIG>, the device <NUM> thus provides a user with an inclined support of their back, neck, and head, when positioned on the top surface <NUM>. Also provided, as noted, are the first side space <NUM> and second side space <NUM> depending down from the top surface <NUM> for positioning and use of their arms while so positioned. While shown with the side spaces <NUM> and <NUM> formed as a complete absence of the body <NUM> they can also be formed as recesses extending from the sides of the top surface <NUM> and downward to a shorter portion or ledge of the body <NUM> or the first body portion <NUM> or second body portion <NUM>.

In a method for providing angled or inclined support of the body of users of a Pilates exercise device, for all modes of the device <NUM> and system herein, in a first step, the health or positioning needs of a user of a Pilates apparatus can be determined. By the term determined is meant that if, either by disclosure on a written form, or disclosure during an oral interview of the user to the provider of the Pilates apparatus, or by observation of the provider of the Pilates apparatus to the user, before use of a Pilates apparatus, it is disclosed or determined that the user has a physical limitation which would make exercise in a fully supine position contraindicated, but the user would still benefit from similar exercises modified to an inclined position. Such a physical limitation, for example and in no way limiting, can be a determination the user is pregnant or has spine or neck issues.

In a second step, once it is determined the user should employ or can benefit from inclined Pilates exercise, if the body <NUM> is formed as part of the carriage or platform <NUM> on a particular Pilates machine, <NUM> the user would be directed to that machine <NUM>. Where the body <NUM>, as formed separate herein, is to be used, it will be positioned with the planar bottom <NUM> located upon the planar carriage or platform <NUM> of a Pilates Exercise device. As noted, where the device <NUM> herein is formed as part of a Pilates apparatus <NUM> which has a carriage or platform <NUM> that pivots, or has an inclined top surface, or can otherwise be set to provide inclined support of the back and neck, it would be provided to or set to such an incline for that user. However, the provision of the device <NUM> herein for use atop a platform <NUM> is preferred as it provides the user and provider more options in use of their equipment for users of differing requirements.

In a third step, with the user operatively positioned upon the top surface <NUM> of the device <NUM>, the user will thereafter operate the Pilates exercise device in a conventional fashion while supported by the inclining top surface <NUM> of the body <NUM> of the device <NUM> herein.

Also shown in an optional mode of the device <NUM> herein in <FIG>, the device, as in <FIG>, is depicted with both of the engageable support components, such as pads <NUM> and head supports <NUM>, operatively removably engaged to the top surface <NUM>. Such pads <NUM> and head supports <NUM> can be provided in varying thicknesses and dimensions to allow for engagement of such, if needed, to provide additional support to the user.

Additionally shown in <FIG> are mounts <NUM> which may be provided with the device <NUM>. The mounts <NUM> are positioned to provide attachment points for other exercise components such as biasing and resistive elastic bands <NUM> or pathways for the elastic tethers <NUM> if needed.

In <FIG> is a view of the rear side of the body <NUM> of the device <NUM>. As shown, the mounts <NUM> are engaged to the body <NUM> along a rear wall <NUM>.

Depicted in <FIG> is a bottom view of a hollow mode of the body <NUM> forming the device <NUM>. As shown, where the body is formed of material other than foam or a similar light weight material, as in <FIG>, to keep the weight to a minimum for easy handling, an interior cavity <NUM> may be formed in-between a first sidewall <NUM> and a second sidewall <NUM> and the rear wall <NUM>. This interior cavity <NUM> may be left empty or may be filled with foam material or another such light weight material.

Where the body <NUM> is formed totally of open or closed cell foam type material such as Styrofoam, or where the sidewalls, rear wall, and top surface are formed of stronger or stiffer material, such as wood or fiberglass or carbon fiber or the like, the interior cavity <NUM> may be hollow or for more support it may be filled with light weight foam or other material. The exterior surfaces, such as the top surface <NUM>, can be covered with padding or vinyl or other materials, in all modes of the body <NUM>, whether formed of foam in a unitary structure or with sidewall supports.

In <FIG>, the device <NUM> herein, where the body <NUM> is operatively positioned with the base or bottom <NUM> of the body <NUM> located on a translating carriage or platform <NUM> or table of a Pilates Reformer or the like or similar Pilates exercise machine <NUM>. So positioned, the user of the Pilates Reformer has their body fully supported in an inclined position while using the Pilates Reformer. So supported, in an inclined position, the user may translate the carriage or platform <NUM> of the Pilates machine <NUM> in a conventional fashion, using one arm within the first side space <NUM> and the other within the second side space <NUM>.

In <FIG> is shown the body of the device <NUM> herein from a frontal view. As shown, the body <NUM> of the device <NUM> is positionable upon a support surface, such as a floor or the other depicted platforms <NUM> of a Pilates exercise machine. Also shown are optional resistive exercise members, such as elastic bands <NUM>, operatively connected to mounts <NUM> on the body <NUM>.

In <FIG> is shown the body <NUM> of the device <NUM> herein operatively positioned on the carriage or platform <NUM> of a conventional Pilates Trapeze Table type Pilates device <NUM>. Such a positioning provides the user of the Trapeze Table support for inclined positioning upon the platform <NUM> thereof, with the back of the user of the Trapeze Table fully supported in that inclined position.

<FIG> depicts an overhead perspective view of the device where the body <NUM> is preferably formed from lightweight foam or similar material. As shown, the body <NUM> is configured in the same fashion as above where the narrower top surfaces <NUM> along the second body portion <NUM> extends from a central area of the first body portion <NUM> from the side thereof opposite the first end <NUM>. By central area is meant an area of the end of the first body portion <NUM> which is substantially centered between the first sidewall <NUM> and second sidewall <NUM> where they are positioned on opposite sides of the first body portion <NUM>.

<FIG> depicts a view of the bottom <NUM> of the body <NUM> of the device as in <FIG>. As shown, the body <NUM> is formed of lightweight material such as a foam material and has a planar bottom <NUM>.

<FIG> show a mode of the device <NUM> herein having one or a plurality of shelves <NUM> positioned upon the rear wall <NUM> of the body <NUM>. As noted in the different figures herein, the shelves <NUM> can be formed of wood, metal, or polymeric material. The shelves <NUM> can be formed as part of the body <NUM> itself in a unitary structure, such as using foam or polymeric material. Alternatively, the shelves <NUM> can be engaged to the rear wall <NUM> in a permanent engagement or in a removable engagement. As shown in <FIG>, the shelves <NUM> are employable to support other exercise components, such as an elastic band <NUM>. So supported, the user may simply reach rearward with their arm within the first or second side spaces <NUM> and <NUM> and grasp it for use. With the elastic band <NUM> running in the space between the shelves <NUM> and positioned on the lower of the two shelves <NUM>, when the user pulls on both ends, it will be supported in the middle by contact with the rear wall <NUM> and prevented from sliding upward and off the rear wall <NUM> by the upper of the two shelves <NUM> which it will contact.

In <FIG> is shown a mode of the device <NUM> herein wherein the shelf or shelves are engaged to the rear wall <NUM> of the body <NUM> using slots <NUM> formed into the body <NUM> along the rear wall <NUM> in positions for such mounting. This configuration can provide a removable engagement of the shelves <NUM> by a frictional engagement in the slots <NUM>. Alternatively, using adhesive or the like, the shelves <NUM> can be permanently engaged.

In <FIG> are shown a mode of the device <NUM> herein wherein the shelves <NUM> are removably engageable such that they can be attached for use and detached when they are not needed. As shown in <FIG>, a first cooperative fastener <NUM> positioned on the rear wall <NUM> of the body <NUM> will removably connect to a second cooperative fastener <NUM> located on the shelves <NUM>. Such an engagement holds the shelves <NUM> to the body <NUM>, as shown for example in <FIG>. By cooperative fastener is meant any cooperative fastener where a first cooperative fastener is configured to connect to the second cooperative fastener, such as hook and loop fabric, magnets, pin and sockets, hooks, sliding engagements of a projection on the shelf <NUM> with a recess on the rear wall <NUM> and any other such cooperative fastener as would occur to those skilled in the art such as any cooperative fastener in the Grainger catalog of such.

<FIG> depicts a mode of the device <NUM> herein wherein the shelf is provided by a curved or substantially U-shaped tube <NUM>. This tube <NUM> can be permanently engaged to the rear wall <NUM> or it may be removably engageable to the rear wall <NUM> using the above noted first cooperative fasteners <NUM> and second cooperative fasteners <NUM>. This engagement in either mode is shown in <FIG>.

A passage <NUM>, communicating in a U-shaped path through the tube <NUM>, provides a position for a resistive exercise device, such as the elastic band <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. The U-shaped tube <NUM> is preferable to provide both pre-positioning of the elastic band <NUM> where it is easily grabbed as well as to provide a U-shaped path where both ends of the elastic band <NUM> can be grasped such as using handles <NUM> for exercise while the user is laying down. For two handed exercise this U-shape works well.

In <FIG> is shown the U-shaped tube <NUM> of <FIG> wherein it is in a rotational engagement <NUM> to the rear wall <NUM>. Such provides for rotation of the U-shaped tube <NUM> and the pathway therein, from the horizontal positioning of <FIG>, to a vertical positioning in <FIG>. This mode of the device <NUM> works especially well where the user wishes to have overhead resistance exercise, such as pulling on the elastic band <NUM> with one or both hands while laying down. A mount <NUM> can be positioned adjacent both open ends of the U-shaped tube <NUM> to temporarily connect one side of the elastic band <NUM> thereto. This allows the user to pull on the opposite end of the elastic band <NUM> extending from the other end of the U-shaped tube <NUM>, and stretch the elastic band <NUM> within the U-shaped tube <NUM> and at the exit thereof by the elastic band <NUM> over head.

As noted above, the body <NUM> can be formed of multiple portions, such as the first body portion <NUM> and second body portion <NUM> which may be connected together for use. In <FIG> is shown an example of such wherein the first body portion <NUM> will removably connect to the second body portion <NUM> using complimentary fasteners such as hook and loop <NUM> or the other complimentary fasteners, noted above. While shown in two sections herein, it is anticipated the body <NUM> can be formed of more sections and/or can be formed of sections engaging from side to side or end to end of the body <NUM>.

It should be noted that the disclosed Pilates exercise device herein, for providing users an inclined supine positioning of a user as disclosed herein, as either a device or where used in a method, has other applications potentially, and one skilled in the art could discover these, especially upon a reading of this specification.

It is additionally noted and anticipated that although the Pilates exercise device herein is shown in its most simple form and shape, various components and aspects of the device may be differently shaped or slightly modified when forming the invention herein.

Claim 1:
A support apparatus (<NUM>) comprising:
a body (<NUM>), said body (<NUM>) having a first end (<NUM>) opposite a second end (<NUM>) thereof;
said body (<NUM>) having a top surface (<NUM>) opposite a bottom (<NUM>) of said body, said top surface (<NUM>) extending between said first end (<NUM>) and said second end (<NUM>) of said body (<NUM>);
said top surface (<NUM>) extending at an inclining angle from a first end thereof adjacent said first end (<NUM>) of said body (<NUM>), to a second end of said top surface (<NUM>) adjacent said second end (<NUM>) of said body (<NUM>), a second portion of said top surface (<NUM>) extending from said second end of said top surface (<NUM>) toward said first end of said top surface (<NUM>) being narrower in width than a first portion of said top surface (<NUM>) extending from said first end of said top surface (<NUM>) to said second portion of said top surface (<NUM>);
a first side space (<NUM>) positioned on a first side of said second portion of said top surface (<NUM>) opposite a second side space (<NUM>) positioned on a second side of said second portion of said top surface (<NUM>);
said bottom (<NUM>) of said body (<NUM>) positionable upon either a floor or a platform (<NUM>) of a Pilates exercise machine (<NUM>) to an operative position; and
said top surface (<NUM>) of said body (<NUM>) defining an inclined support for a user positioned thereon when the body (<NUM>) is positioned on the platform (<NUM>), and said first side space (<NUM>) and said second side space (<NUM>) define respective areas for positioning of the arms of said user.