Patent Description:
The prior art teaches various forms of headstand devices for assisting a user in performing headstands. For example, Torii, <CIT>, teaches a headstand apparatus that is adapted for supporting a user in an inverted position supported on their shoulders that includes foot members, an abdomen rest member, a support member, a pair of shoulder rest members that are disposed between the abdomen rest member and support member, and a pair of grip members that are disposed below the shoulder members. To use the apparatus, a user first bends their abdominal region over the abdomen rest member, positioning their shoulders above the shoulder rest members and grasps the grip members with their hands. They then rest their shoulders onto the shoulder rest members with their head fitted between which shoulder rest members. The user then pivots their hips and knees away from the abdomen rest member, straightening their legs, that engage the support member, at the backs of the legs or their hips, the support member supporting their legs in an inverted position.

Lan, <CIT>, teaches a yoga stool that includes a seat portion and a base portion. The base portion has window slots formed in a front side, a rear side, or both. A handle slot is formed at least in one side, such as the front side, at or near the top; horizontal gripping slots are formed in the left side, the right side, or both, at or near the top; and vertical gripping slots are formed in the left side, the right side, or both, at or near the bottom. The yoga stool may also have a base portion, and a seat portion on top of the base portion, wherein the seat portion has an internal firm support member such as a solid slat, and preferably softer material such as foam rubber surrounding the support member, at least on the left and right sides.

Prior art <NUM> (<CIT>) teaches a kind of simple in structure, easy for installation, highly practical, suitable majority make with progress shoulder support formula motion exercise and body-building that are easily carried as stool, are suitble to the locomotory apparatus of outdoor application after combination Tool.

Prior art <NUM> (<CIT>) teaches a chair seat and a support frame; the yoga handstand concave-convex chair, wherein the chair seat comprises a concave chair seat part and a convex chair seat part. It discloses about a kind of Yoga and stand upside down concavo-convex chair, its scientific structure, easy to assembly, resistance to pressing property and supportive are strong, are suitable for yoga exercises, the exercise that particularly Yoga is stood upside down.

Prior art <NUM> (<CIT>) teaches a folding stool for performing exercises for head / shoulder stand, by removing struts, the square profiles are folded inwards to the square profile and when folded, the stool with struts in a bag can be accommodated for space-saving transport as well as for storage.

Prior art <NUM> (<CIT>) teaches a bast clerk mechanism that makes the bast clerk easy and comfortable by supporting the shoulder and head with a cushioned cushion. the shoulder assisted clerk mechanism is equipped with a chair shape of the most suitable height for the clenched clerk, and the shoulder rest cushion, headrest cushion, and auxiliary handles are effectively distributed to distribute the intensive force on the arm or head when standing. It was designed so that it would not take much effort even after standing for a long time.

The present invention teaches certain benefits in construction and use which give rise to the objectives described below.

The present invention provides a headstand bench comprising the features of claim <NUM>. The headstand bench includes a bench frame having a front pair of legs, a rear pair of legs, each of the front and rear legs having a top end and a bottom end. The bench frame further includes a pair of upper rails extending a longitudinal length between the top ends of the front pair of legs, to the top ends of the rear pair of legs, the pair of upper rails being laterally spaced a width. The bench frame further includes a pair of lower rails extending longitudinally between the front pair of legs to the pair of rear legs, beneath the pair of upper rails. A headstand plate is fixedly mounted on the pair of upper rails adjacent the rear pair of legs, the headstand plate having a first inner edge that includes an inwardly extending recessed area that is sized and shaped for performing headstand exercises. A removable rigid plate is adapted to be removably mounted on the pair of upper rails adjacent the front pair of legs, the removable rigid plate having a second inner edge that removably interlocks with the first inner edge of the headstand plate. A removable cushion is removably mounted on the removable rigid plate. The bench further includes a means of removably securing the removable rigid plate to the pair of lower rails.

A primary objective of the present invention is to provide a headstand bench having advantages not taught by the prior art.

Another objective is to provide a headstand bench that is convertible into multiple configurations for performing different physical activities.

A further objective is to provide a headstand bench adapted to be used as a piece of furniture when not in use for performing headstands.

Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following more detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the invention.

The accompanying drawings illustrate the present invention. In such drawings:.

The above-described drawing figures illustrate the invention, a headstand bench for performing physical exercises, wherein the headstand bench may be converted into various other types of furniture or exercise apparatuses.

<FIG> is a top perspective view of a headstand bench <NUM> according to one embodiment of the present invention, and <FIG> is a bottom perspective view thereof. As shown in <FIG>, the headstand bench <NUM> comprises a bench frame <NUM> having a front pair of legs 22a and a rear pair of legs 22b, each of the front and rear legs <NUM> including a bottom end 24a that extends a height H to a top end 24b. In this embodiment, H is between approximately <NUM>-<NUM> centimetres. A pair of upper rails <NUM> extend a longitudinal length L between the top ends 24b of the front pair of legs 22a, to the top ends 24b of the rear pair of legs 22b, the pair of upper rails <NUM> being laterally spaced a width W. In the current embodiment, L may be between approximately <NUM>-<NUM> centimeters, and W may be between approximately <NUM>-<NUM> centimeters; however, the dimensions of H, L, and W may be provided in alternative measurements than disclosed herein, and these alternative embodiments should be considered within the scope of the present invention.

As shown in <FIG>, in this embodiment, the front and rear pairs of legs <NUM> are attached to the pair of upper rails <NUM> via hinges <NUM>, though other means of attachment may be used, via any known means in the art, e.g., an alternative form of hinge, a fixed attachment such as bolts, etc. In this embodiment, a locking bracket <NUM> is attached to the top ends 24b of the rear pair of legs 22b and the pair of upper rails <NUM>, discussed in greater detail below.

As shown in <FIG>, the bench frame <NUM> further includes a pair of lower rails <NUM> having ends <NUM> and extending longitudinally between the front pair of legs 22a to the pair of rear legs 22b beneath the pair of upper rails <NUM>. As illustrated, in this embodiment, the pair of lower rails <NUM> are tubular in construction and include a means of removably attaching <NUM> the pair of lower rails <NUM> to the front and rear pairs of legs <NUM>, discussed in greater detail below. Alternatively, any suitable structure may be used for the pair of lower rails <NUM> (e.g., rods, planks, etc.), provided they interrelate and function as described herein.

In some embodiments, the bench frame <NUM> may also include a front cross-panel 36a extending laterally between the front pair of the legs <NUM> and positioned between the top and bottom ends <NUM>, and a rear cross-panel 36b extending laterally between the rear pair of legs 22b, positioned between the top and bottom ends <NUM>. However, in alternative embodiments, the cross-panels <NUM> may not be included. In the configuration illustrated in <FIG>, the longitudinal length L of the bench frame <NUM> is greater than the lateral width W, providing stability for the headstand bench <NUM> to be sat or stepped upon.

As shown in <FIG>, the headstand bench <NUM> further comprises a headstand plate <NUM> fixedly mounted on the pair of upper rails <NUM> adjacent the rear pair of legs 22b, the headstand plate <NUM> having a cushioned top surface <NUM>, a bottom surface <NUM>, and a first inner edge <NUM> that includes an inwardly extending recessed area <NUM> that is sized and shaped for performing headstand exercises. Furthermore, a removable rigid plate <NUM> is adapted to be removably mounted on the pair of upper rails <NUM> adjacent the front pair of legs 22a via a fastener <NUM>, the fastener <NUM> being best shown in <FIG> and discussed in more detail below. The removable rigid plate <NUM> includes a top surface <NUM>, a bottom surface <NUM>, and a second inner edge <NUM> that removably interlocks with the first inner edge <NUM> of the headstand plate <NUM>. In this embodiment, the second inner edge <NUM> includes a tab portion <NUM> that follows the line of the inwardly extending recessed area <NUM> of the headstand plate <NUM> when both plates <NUM> and <NUM> and are mounted on the bench frame <NUM>.

As illustrated, the removable rigid plate <NUM> further includes a removable cushion <NUM> removably mounted on the top surface <NUM> of the removable rigid plate <NUM> via an attachment mechanism <NUM>, the removable cushion <NUM> having a top surface <NUM> and a bottom surface <NUM> and being the same general shape as the rigid removable plate. The attachment mechanism <NUM> is best shown in <FIG> and is discussed in greater detail below.

As shown in <FIG>, the bottom surface <NUM> of the removable rigid plate <NUM> may further include a ruler <NUM> extending longitudinally from the inner edge <NUM> to the opposite edge of the removable rigid plate <NUM>, discussed in greater detail below. The bottom surface <NUM> may further have a locking mechanism <NUM> for securing the inner edges <NUM> and <NUM> of the headstand plate <NUM> and the removable rigid plate <NUM> in an interlocked position. In this embodiment, the locking mechanism <NUM> is in the form of a side-pull latch, wherein a keeper (female) body 54a is mounted on the bottom surface of the headstand plate <NUM> adjacent the recessed area <NUM>, and a latch (male) body 54b is mounted on the bottom surface <NUM> of the removable rigid plate <NUM>, the latch body 54b being adjacent the keeper body 54a of the headstand plate <NUM> when both plates <NUM> and <NUM> are mounted on the bench frame <NUM>. In this embodiment, the keeper body 54a and the latch body 54b are offset from each other by approximately <NUM>. However, the keeper body 54a and the latch body 54b may be more closely aligned or be offset by a different amount. Further, in alternative embodiments, the locking mechanism <NUM> may be a different type of latch or fastener, e.g., a hook-and-loop fastener, a buckle, press-studs, etc., or any other type of suitable locking mechanism known in the art. Further securing mechanisms for securing the headstand bench <NUM> in an assembled configuration may also be included (e.g., additional screws, adhesives, etc.), as determined by one skilled in the art.

<FIG> is a top perspective view of the headstand bench <NUM>, showing the removable cushion <NUM> exploded from the removable rigid plate <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the removable cushion <NUM> may be removably mounted on the top surface <NUM> of the removable rigid plate <NUM> via the attachment mechanism <NUM>. In this embodiment, the attachment mechanism <NUM> is in the form of a plurality of pegs 63a formed in the bottom surface <NUM> of the removable cushion <NUM> and a plurality of receiving holes 63b of the removable rigid plate <NUM>, wherein the plurality of pegs 63a and the plurality of receiving holes 63b align when the removable cushion <NUM> is mounted on the removable rigid plate <NUM>. However, in alternative implementations of the present invention, the attachment mechanism <NUM> may be any other similar type of mechanism (e.g., clips, hook and loop fasteners, pins, etc.).

As shown in <FIG>, in this embodiment, the means of attaching <NUM> the removable rigid plate <NUM> to the pair of lower rails <NUM> includes a pair of channels <NUM> formed in the top surface <NUM> of the removable rigid plate <NUM>, wherein the pair of channels <NUM> are positioned such that they receive the pair of lower rails <NUM> when the bottom surface <NUM> of the removable rigid plate <NUM> is facing upwardly and mounted on the pair of lower rails <NUM> (shown in <FIG>). In other embodiments, the means of attaching <NUM> may instead be another form of indents in the top surface <NUM> of the rigid plate <NUM>, or a protruding structure such as a clip.

<FIG> is a top perspective view of the headstand bench <NUM>, showing the removable rigid plate <NUM> mounted on the pair of lower rails <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, in this embodiment, the means of attaching <NUM> further includes an inwardly extending tab 35a on each end <NUM> of the pair of lower rails <NUM> that contacts the pair of front legs 22a. Further, a pair of indents 35b are formed in the bottom surface <NUM> of the removable rigid plate <NUM> that receive the tabs 35a when the removable rigid plate <NUM> is mounted on the pair of lower rails <NUM>. In this embodiment, an upwardly extending tab 35c also extends upwardly from each of the pair of lower rails <NUM> and contacts the inner edge <NUM> of the removable rigid plate <NUM> to further secure it in place. However, in alternative embodiments, the tabs and indents <NUM> may not be included, or an alternative means for securing may be implemented, e.g., clips, pegs, straps, etc..

As shown in <FIG>, the removable rigid plate <NUM> is mounted on the pair of upper rails <NUM> of the bench frame <NUM> via the fastener <NUM>, and the headstand plate <NUM> is mounted on the pair of upper rails <NUM> via bolts (not shown). In this embodiment, the fastener <NUM> is in the form of a pair of clip receivers 38a of the upper rails <NUM>, and a pair of clips 38b on the bottom surface <NUM> of the removable rigid plate <NUM>, wherein the pair of clip receivers 38a and the pair of clips 38b align and interlock when the removable rigid plate <NUM> is mounted on the bench frame <NUM>. However, in other embodiments, each plate may be mounted to the bench frame <NUM> via any equivalent means, as determined by one skilled in the art. Further, the headstand cushion may also be removably attached for replacement/cleaning/etc., or for converting the bench frame <NUM> for various different uses.

As shown in <FIG>, the removable rigid plate <NUM> may be mounted on the pair of upper rails <NUM>, wherein a user may sit on the headstand bench <NUM> or perform exercises such as a high-step, or any other related exercises known in the art. When the removable rigid plate <NUM> is removed from the bench frame <NUM>, a user may either perform headstand exercises using the inwardly extending recessed area <NUM>, and/or the removable rigid plate <NUM> may be mounted on the pair of lower rails <NUM>. In the configuration of <FIG>, a user may perform other exercises such as a low step, or any other related exercises known to those skilled in the art.

<FIG> is a top perspective view of the headstand bench <NUM>, showing the removable rigid plate <NUM> and a pair of lower rails <NUM> exploded out from the bench frame <NUM>, and the rear pair of legs 22b folding inwardly via the back-flap hinges <NUM> that attach each of the front and rear pairs of legs <NUM> to the pair of lower rails <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, in this embodiment, the pair of lower rails <NUM> may be removed prior to folding the front and rear pairs of legs <NUM> inwardly to collapse the bench frame <NUM>.

In this embodiment, each of the front and rear pairs of legs <NUM> includes a recessed portion <NUM>, such that the ends <NUM> of the pair of lower rails <NUM> may slidably engage the recessed portions <NUM> while that the front and rear pairs of legs <NUM> remain generally smooth. In some embodiments, the bench frame <NUM> further includes the means of removably attaching <NUM> the pair of lower rails <NUM> to the front and rear pairs of legs <NUM>. In this embodiment, the means of removably attaching <NUM> is in the form of magnets <NUM> embedded in the recessed portions <NUM> of the front and rear pair of legs <NUM> to hold the metallic pair of lower rails <NUM> in place. In another embodiment, physical fasteners (e.g., pins) may be used, to provide added strength.

As shown in <FIG>, in this embodiment, a pop pin 28a of each locking bracket <NUM> may further be "popped out" to enable the rear pair of legs 22b to hinge inwardly. Alternatively, the legs 22b may be removably secured using a different means (e.g., a different type of pin, clip, screw, etc.). In some embodiments, the front and rear pairs of legs <NUM> are both adapted to fold inwardly so the bench frame <NUM> is in a folded configuration with the pair of side rails separated from the rest of the bench frame <NUM> (not shown). As shown in <FIG>, in this embodiment, there are additional magnets <NUM> embedded in the pair of upper rails <NUM> such that when the front and rear legs <NUM> are in the folded configuration, the magnets <NUM> align with the magnets <NUM> to secure the bench <NUM> in the folded configuration. Alternatively, the magnets <NUM> may be excluded.

Most prior art exercise benches do not include the removable rigid plate <NUM> and are lesser in longitudinal length L for ease of storage/transport. However, the present invention is more stable due to the length L relative to W, while being easily disguisable as a piece of sitting furniture, and also collapsible for storage.

<FIG> is a top perspective view of the headstand bench <NUM>, further illustrating a meditation stool <NUM> mounted on top of the headstand bench <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the headstand bench <NUM> may be used with a variety of different exercise accessories/equipment. In this embodiment, the meditation stool <NUM> may be used separately from or in combination with the headstand bench <NUM>, or simply stored atop the headstand bench <NUM> as illustrated. In one implementation of the present invention, the meditation stool <NUM> may be combined with the headstand bench <NUM> in various configurations to be used as furniture, e.g., a shelf, table, etc. The meditation stool <NUM> may be any form of similar stool, which is well known in the art and so will not be further discussed herein.

<FIG> is a top perspective view thereof, further illustrating an exercise band <NUM> wrapped around the headstand bench <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the headstand bench <NUM> may be used with the exercise band <NUM>, wherein a user may use the bench frame <NUM> to create resistance while doing various strengthening/stretching exercises. In this embodiment, the exercise band <NUM> includes a band body <NUM> having handles <NUM> at either end and a plurality of loops <NUM> therebetween. In some embodiments, the loops <NUM> may include indicia (not shown) to indicate intensity of resistance and/or number of loops <NUM>.

<FIG> is a perspective view of a person using the removable rigid plate <NUM> to stretch against a wall <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, in this embodiment, the bottom surface <NUM> of the removable rigid plate <NUM> further includes the ruler <NUM> extending longitudinally from the tab <NUM> to the opposite outer perimeter edge of the removable cushion <NUM>. The ruler <NUM> may be in the form of spaced markings (e.g., printed, marked, etched, engraved, etc.) on the bottom surface <NUM> of the removable rigid plate <NUM>. A person may position the ruler <NUM> to measure stretches, symmetry, and other exercise metrics. For example, as shown in <FIG>, the removable rigid plate <NUM> may be placed against the wall <NUM> with the bottom surface <NUM> facing upwardly and used for a "sit and reach" test, to measure hamstring and lower back flexibility, and other forms of flexibility. Other exercise equipment may also be used in conjunction with the present invention, using any means known in the art.

Claim 1:
A headstand bench (<NUM>) for performing physical exercises, the headstand bench (<NUM>) comprising:
a bench frame (<NUM>) having a front pair of legs (22a), a rear pair of legs (22b), each of the front and rear legs (22a, 22b) having a top end (24b) and a bottom end (24a);
the bench frame (<NUM>) further including a pair of upper rails (<NUM>) extending a longitudinal length (L) between the top ends (24b) of the front pair of legs (22a), to the top ends (24b) of the rear pair of legs (22b), the pair of upper rails (<NUM>) being laterally spaced a width;
the bench frame (<NUM>) further including a pair of lower rails (<NUM>) extending longitudinally between the front pair of legs (22a) to the pair of rear legs (22b), beneath the pair of upper rails (<NUM>);
a headstand plate (<NUM>) fixedly mounted on the pair of upper rails (<NUM>) adjacent the rear pair of legs (22b), the headstand plate (<NUM>) having a cushioned top surface (<NUM>), a bottom surface (<NUM>), and a first inner edge (<NUM>) that includes an inwardly extending recessed area (<NUM>) that is sized and shaped for performing headstand exercises;
a removable rigid plate (<NUM>) adapted to be removably mounted on the pair of upper rails (<NUM>) adjacent the front pair of legs (22a) via a fastener (<NUM>), the removable rigid plate (<NUM>) having a top surface (<NUM>), a bottom surface (<NUM>), and a second inner edge (<NUM>) that removably interlocks with the first inner edge (<NUM>) of the headstand plate (<NUM>);
a removable cushion (<NUM>) removably mounted on the top surface (<NUM>) of the removable rigid plate (<NUM>) via an attachment mechanism (<NUM>), the removable cushion (<NUM>) having a top surface (<NUM>) and a bottom surface (<NUM>); and
a means of removably securing the removable rigid plate (<NUM>) to the pair of lower rails (<NUM>).