Paschima Stretch Box System

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims benefit of priority with U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 63/446,854, filed Feb. 19, 2023 and U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 63/462,972, filed Apr. 29, 2023; the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

This application claims benefit of priority with U.S. Non-Provisional application Ser. No. 18/444,722, filed Feb. 19, 2024 the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

There are other international applications and/or international patents listed on the ADS to which this application claims priority.

BACKGROUND

Field of the Invention

This invention relates to exercise equipment; more particularly, to stretching devices.

Description of the Related Art

In human physiology a forward bend is defined as moving the top part of the body forwards and downwards. Forward bend provides a strong stretch for the back of the body, and it is a precursor to more intense stretches and movements. Yet forward bends can also be a challenge to many people, especially those with tight hamstrings, back problems etc. Therefore, there exists a need for a device which enables a user to sequentially increase the depth of their forward bend such that they may become more healthy, fit, and flexible.

SUMMARY

The disclosure concerns an exercise device that enables a user to stretch their muscles. The device takes the form of a five-sided box, which takes the shape of a rectangular prism in preferred embodiments. The box has holes, also called “apertures” herein, through some or all of the lateral sides of the box. Two adjacent holes may form a crossbar between them which the user can grasp when using the box to stretch.

In one method of use, the user may stand on the box and grasp the holes or crossbars of the box. In another method of use, the user may assume a seated position with their feet against the box and grasp the holes or crossbars of the box. As the user bends forward or extends their legs the depth of the forward bend is improved. When using the box, the user may gently push forwards with their feet while pulling backwards with their hands. This technique helps the user stretch the back side of their body, including but not limited to their hamstrings and back. With repeated practice over time, the user may be able to reach their hands to the next further hole or crossbar.

There are various sizes and shapes which the box may take. There are also various hole sizes and hole shapes which provide the user with various types of stretching exercises and various stretching exercise levels.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Other features, combinations, and embodiments will be appreciated by one having the ordinary level of skill in the art of exercise devices and accessories upon a thorough review of the following details and descriptions, particularly when reviewed in conjunction with the drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 shows an isometric view of the stretch box system in accordance with a first illustrated embodiment;

FIG. 2 shows an isometric view of the stretch box system in accordance with a first illustrated embodiment;

FIG. 3 shows a back profile view of the stretch box system in accordance with a first illustrated embodiment;

FIG. 4 shows a front profile view of the stretch box system in accordance with a first illustrated embodiment;

FIG. 5 shows a left profile view of the stretch box system in accordance with a first illustrated embodiment;

FIG. 6 shows an isometric view of the stretch box system in accordance with a first illustrated embodiment;

FIG. 7 shows an isometric profile view of the stretch box system in accordance with a second illustrated embodiment;

FIG. 8 shows a right profile view of the stretch box system in accordance with a second illustrated embodiment;

FIG. 9 shows an isometric view of the stretch box system in accordance with a second illustrated embodiment;

FIG. 10 shows an isometric view of the stretch box system in accordance with a third illustrated embodiment;

FIG. 11 shows a back profile view of the stretch box system in accordance with a third illustrated embodiment;

FIG. 12 shows an isometric view of the stretch box system in accordance with a fourth illustrated embodiment;

FIG. 13 shows an isometric view of the stretch box system in accordance with a fifth illustrated embodiment;

FIG. 14 shows a front profile view of the stretch box system in accordance with a fifth illustrated embodiment;

FIG. 15 shows a back profile view of the stretch box system in accordance with a fifth illustrated embodiment;

FIG. 16 shows a left profile view of the stretch box system in accordance with a fifth illustrated embodiment;

FIG. 17 shows a right profile view of the stretch box system in accordance with a fifth illustrated embodiment;

FIG. 18 shows a top plan view of the stretch box system in accordance with a fifth illustrated embodiment;

FIG. 19 shows a bottom plan view of the stretch box system in accordance with a fifth illustrated embodiment; and

FIG. 20 shows an isometric view of the stretch box system in accordance with a fifth illustrated embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

For purposes of explanation and not limitation, details and descriptions of certain preferred embodiments are hereinafter provided such that one having ordinary skill in the art may be enabled to make and use the invention. These details and descriptions are representative only of certain preferred embodiments, however, a myriad of other embodiments which will not be expressly described will be readily understood by one having skill in the art upon a thorough review of the instant disclosure. Accordingly, any reviewer of the instant disclosure should interpret the scope of the invention only by the claims, as such scope is not intended to be limited by the embodiments described and illustrated herein.

For purposes herein, the term “aperture” means a hole or penetration through a panel.

Unless explicitly defined herein, terms are to be construed in accordance with the plain and ordinary meaning as would be appreciated by one having skill in the art.

General Description of Embodiments

General Description

In preferred embodiments, the stretch box system, or simply “the box,” takes form of a generally rectangular prism comprising five sides. Each of the sides of the box are referred to as panels herein. The box may have a top panel, and four side panels. The four side panels may be identified as a front panel, a back panel, a left panel, and a right panel. A similarly shaped 6-sided box having a bottom panel is contemplated. However, in the preferred embodiment, the box has five sides.

In some embodiments, the panels may be attached to each other to form the box. The panels may be attached using methods known to one skilled in the art. The attachment methods may include but are not limited to wood joinery, glue, adhesive, and fasteners, or some combination thereof. In some embodiments, the panels may be integrated together, forming one continuous body.

Inner/Outer Sides

The box has an outer side comprising the outer surfaces of all the panels. The outer side is generally oriented away from the center of the box. The box has an inner side comprising the inner surfaces of all the panels. The inner side is generally oriented towards the center of the box.

Axis System

For the purpose of description, a 3-dimensional axis system has been assigned to the box. The axis system includes an X-axis, a Y-axis, and a Z-axis. The Z-axis passes perpendicularly through the top panel. In some embodiments, the X-axis passes perpendicularly through the left panel and the right panel. In some embodiments, the Y-axis passes perpendicularly through the front panel and the back panel.

In some embodiments, the box may take the shape of a five-sided shape which is not a square rectangle or cube. For example, the box may take the shape of a trapezoidal prism or an isosceles trapezoidal prism. In non-rectangle embodiments of the box, the analogous X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis would not be passing through their respective sides perpendicularly.

Apertures (Holes)

The holes through the panels described above are referred to as apertures herein. In some embodiments, the left panel and right panel may be configured with a plurality of apertures passing between the outer side and the inner side. The plurality of left panel apertures may substantially align with the plurality of right panel apertures. In some embodiments, the location of the plurality of left panel apertures may mirror the plurality of right panel apertures. In some embodiments, the left panel may be adapted with three apertures and the right panel may be adapted with three apertures. In some embodiments, the left panel may be adapted with two apertures, and the right panel may be adapted with two apertures. In some embodiments, the left panel may be configured with five apertures and the right panel may be configured with five apertures.

In some embodiments, the front panel and back panel may be configured with a plurality of apertures passing between the outer side and the inner side. The plurality of front panel apertures may substantially align with the plurality of back panel apertures. In some embodiments, the location of the plurality of front panel apertures may mirror the plurality of back panel apertures. In some embodiments, the front panel may be adapted with two apertures and the back panel may be adapted with two apertures. In some embodiments, the front panel may be adapted with three apertures and the back panel may be adapted with three apertures.

In some embodiments, the left panel, the right panel, the front panel, and the back panel may be configured with a plurality of apertures passing between the outer side and the inner side.

In some embodiments, the apertures may be horizontally centered on the panel through which they pass. In some embodiments, the vertical distances between vertically adjacent apertures may be the same. Said another way, vertically adjacent apertures may be vertically equidistant apart.

Elongated Apertures

The apertures may be shaped in various ways. In some embodiments, apertures may be elongated apertures forming a slot-shaped hole. The elongated apertures are wider in one first dimension and narrower in a second perpendicular dimension. In some embodiments, the elongated apertures may form a shape which is bounded by two parallel lines which are connected at each end with inwardly concave semicircles. For the purposes of description, the diameter of the elongated aperture wider dimension is referred to as the major diameter, and the diameter of the elongated aperture in the narrower dimension is referred to as the minor diameter. In some embodiments, the major diameter of some of the elongated apertures may be parallel with the X-axis of the box. In some embodiments, the major diameter of some of the elongated apertures may be parallel with the Y-axis of the box. In some embodiments, the minor diameter of the elongated apertures may be generally parallel with the Z-axis of the box.

Circular Apertures

In some embodiments, apertures may be circular apertures forming a generally circular-shaped hole. In some embodiments, some of the apertures on the front panel and the back panel are circular-shaped. In some embodiments, there are two circular apertures on the front panel and two apertures on the back panel. Circular apertures on the front panel may mirror and substantially align with apertures on the back panel. In some embodiments, a user may insert a pole through a pair of aligned apertures.

Box Use with Pole

A user may insert a pole through the apertures to serve as a grasping point. In some embodiments, the user may insert a pole through an aperture on the left panel and an aperture on the right panel. The user may grasp the ends of the pole which protrude out from the outer side of the box to assist in their stretching exercises. Similarly, a user may insert a pole through an aperture on the front panel and an aperture on the back panel. Again, the user may grasp the ends of the pole which protrude out from the outer side to assist in their stretching exercises.

Notches

In some embodiments, the panels may have notches disposed on the lower edge of the box. The lower edge of the box is in the opposite direction from the top panel. The notches are cavities or voids in the lower edge of the box. The notches serve as an additional location where the user may grasp the box.

In some embodiments, the box may have one notch on the left panel and one notch on the right panel. In some embodiments, the box may have one notch on the front panel and one notch on back panel. In some embodiments, the box may have a notch on the front panel a notch on back panel, a notch on left panel, and a notch on right panel

Rounded Edges

The apertures, the notches, and the crossmembers or some combination thereof, may have rounded edges to make grasping them more comfortable and ergonomic for the user. In some embodiments, some or all of the edges of the box are rounded edges.

Panel Thickness

The panels may have a variety of thicknesses depending on the embodiment. In some embodiments, the panels have a thickness of between 10 mm and 20 mm. In some embodiments, the panel thickness may be greater than 20 mm. In some embodiments, the panel thickness may be less than 10 mm.

Margin Spacing

The distance between a panel's edge and an aperture may be referred to as a margin. In some embodiments, the margin distance may be varied to provide the user with a more gradual stretching progression. For example, the margin between the outer side of the top panel and the uppermost aperture on the front panel may be a given distance, margin A. Similarly, the margin between the outer side of the top panel and the most upper aperture on the back panel may also be a given distance, margin A. Then the margin between the outer side of the top panel and the uppermost aperture on the left panel, referred to herein as margin B, may be offset by half the distance between adjacent apertures along the Z-axis, referred to herein as the adjacent aperture distance. The right panel uppermost aperture may be similarly offset. For example, the difference between margin A and margin B, as measured along the Z-axis, may be half the adjacent aperture distance, as measured in the Z-axis between, an uppermost aperture and a vertically adjacent aperture below it.

Offsetting margin A with respect to margin B by half the adjacent aperture distance allows the user to scale the intensity of their stretch more gradually. For example, a user may first stretch by standing on the top panel and grasping the uppermost apertures having margin A on the front panel and back panel. When they are ready to progress the intensity of their stretch, instead of grasping the next aperture or crossmember they may rotate the box 90 degrees about the Z-axis under their feet. They may then grasp the uppermost apertures on the left panel and the right having margin B. When the user is ready to progress the intensity of their stretch again, they may again rotate the box 90 degrees about the Z-axis with respect to their feet placement. They may then grasp the second uppermost aperture on the front panel and back panel. Other embodiments of the box may take advantage of similar margin offset features to provide more stretching intensity options.

In some embodiments, the margin between the outer side of the front panel and the nearest aperture on the left panel and the nearest aperture on the right panel may be a given distance, margin C. In the same embodiment, the margin between the outer side of the back panel and the nearest aperture on the left panel and the nearest aperture on the right panel may be a given distance, margin D. If the distance of margin C is offset from the distance of margin D the user may be provided with a more gradual stretching progression by switching between having their feet against the front panel and having their feet on the back panel. In some embodiments, margin C may be offset from margin D by half the adjacent aperture distance.

The purpose of this offset is to allow a more gradual stretching progression for the user. For example, once a user is comfortable with grasping on to the uppermost apertures through the front panel and back panel, they can turn the box 90 degrees about the Z-axis and grasp the uppermost apertures through the left panel and right panel. Thus, the user may increase the depth of their stretch by half the vertical distance between apertures as opposed to simply grasping the next lower aperture through the same opposing pairs of box panels. By alternating sides, the user can have a more gradual stretching progression.

Dimensions

The dimension of the box between the outer side of the left panel and the outer side of the right panel is called the box width. The dimension of the box between the outer side of the front panel and the outer side of the back panel is called the box length. The dimension of the box between the lower edge and the outer side of the top panel is called the box height. These dimensions may vary depending on the exercise or stretching method the box is designed for.

In some embodiments, the width dimension of the box is between 230 mm-280 mm, the length dimension of the box is between 230 mm-280 mm, and the height dimension of the box is between 180 mm-300 mm.

In some embodiments, the width dimension of the box is between 230 mm-280 mm, the length dimension of the box is between 300 mm-400 mm, and the height dimension of the box is between 230 mm-280 mm.

In some embodiments, the width dimension of the box is between 100 mm-140 mm, the length dimension of the box is between 300 mm-400 mm, and the height dimension of the box is between 230 mm-280 mm.

The dimensions of the elongated apertures are important so the user can properly and ergonomically grip the elongated apertures while using the box. The dimension of the major axis may be limited to a specific range such that it is better configured to receive a user's hand. Similarly, the dimension of the minor axis may be limited to a specific range such that the aperture is better configured to receive a user's hand.

In some embodiments, the dimension of the major axis of the elongated apertures may be between 150 mm-90 mm. In some embodiments, the dimension of the minor axis of the elongated apertures may be between 40 mm-20 mm. Other embodiments may have major axes or minor axes which fall outside these preferred dimensions.

Manufacturing

In some embodiments, the fasteners used to attach the panels together can be obtained commercially. Alternatively, the box can be customized in accordance with the level and knowledge of one having skill in the art.

In some embodiments, the panels may be made of wood materials. In some embodiments, the panels may be made of plastic materials. Otherwise, the panels can be fabricated in accordance with the level and knowledge of one having skill in the art.

Each of the components of the box and related system described herein may be manufactured and/or assembled in accordance with the conventional knowledge and level of a person having skill in the art.

While various details, features, combinations are described in the illustrated embodiments, one having skill in the art will appreciate a myriad of possible alternative combinations and arrangements of the features disclosed herein. As such, the descriptions are intended to be enabling only, and non-limiting. Instead, the spirit and scope of the invention is set forth in the appended claims.

First Illustrated Embodiment

A first illustrated embodiment of the box (100) is shown in FIG. 1-FIG. 6. The box is shown from a top isometric perspective in FIG. 1 wherein a top panel (102), a front panel (103), and a right panel (106) are identified. All five panels are collectively referred to as panels (101). The outer surfaces of all the panels are referred to as the outer side (107) of the box. This embodiment of the box has three apertures (201) through each side panel. The apertures are elongated apertures (203) in this embodiment. Two adjacent apertures form a crossbar (204) between the apertures. A notch (200) is shown along the lower edge (109) of the front panel. The 3-dimensional axis system is shown as well, and the directions of the X-axis (300), Y-axis (301), and Z-axis (302) are identified.

The inner side (108) of the box (100) comprising the inner surfaces of the panels (101) is shown in FIG. 2. A side profile view of the back panel (104) of the box is shown in FIG. 3. In FIG. 3 the major diameter (205) and minor diameter (206) of the elongated apertures are shown. In FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 the margin between the uppermost apertures (201) and the outer surface (107) of the top panel (102) are identified. In this embodiment, the top panel and back panel have margin A (208), and the left panel and right panel have margin B (209). The adjacent aperture distance (212) between an upper most aperture and the adjacent aperture below it is also identified. By offsetting margin A from margin B by half the adjacent aperture distance, a more gradual stretching progression is provided to the user. Other offset distances between margin A and margin B are possible in other embodiments. In some embodiments, there may be zero offset between margin A and margin B.

In FIG. 6 a user is shown using the first illustrated embodiment of the stretch box (100) system in a standing position. Other methods and techniques of using the box to stretch are possible.

Second Illustrated Embodiment

A second illustrated embodiment of the box (100) is shown in FIG. 7-FIG. 9. The box is shown from a top isometric perspective in FIG. 7 wherein a top panel (102), a back panel (104), and a right panel (106) are identified. This embodiment of the box has five apertures (201) through the left panel (105) and through the right panel. The apertures are elongated apertures (203) in this embodiment. Two adjacent apertures form a crossbar (204) between the apertures. The major diameter (205) of the elongated apertures in this embodiment are generally parallel with the Z-axis (302) of the box.

In FIG. 8 the margin between margin C (210) and margin D (211) are identified. In this embodiment, margin C is offset from margin D by half the adjacent aperture distance (212) of the apertures (201). This offset provides the user with a more gradual stretching progression.

In FIG. 9 a user is shown using the second illustrated embodiment of the stretch box (100) system in a seated position. Other methods and techniques of using the box to stretch are possible.

Third Illustrated Embodiment

A third illustrated embodiment of the box (100) is shown in FIG. 10-FIG. 11. The box is shown from a bottom rear perspective in FIG. 10 wherein a top panel (102), a front panel (103), a back panel (104), a left panel (105), and a right panel (106) are identified. The inner side (108) and outer side (107) of the box are also identified. This embodiment of the box has five elongated apertures (203) passing through the left panel and through the right panel. In addition, this embodiment of the box has two circular apertures (202) passing through the front panel and through the back panel. Other embodiments of the box may have a different number of circular apertures.

In FIG. 10 two notches (200) are shown. One notch is disposed on the lower edge (109) of the front panel (103), and one notch is disposed on the lower edge of the back panel (104) are identified. The panel thickness (110) is also identified in three different locations in FIG. 10 and FIG. 11.

Fourth Illustrated Embodiment

A fourth illustrated embodiment of the box (100) is shown in FIG. 12. The apertures (201) are shown with rounded edges. Rounded edges may be applied to any aperture. Rounded edges may be applied to the outer side (107) of an aperture. Rounded edges may be applied to the inner side (108) of an aperture.

Fifth Illustrated Embodiment

A fifth illustrated embodiment of the box (100) is shown in FIG. 13-FIG. 20. The box comprises five panels (101), one top panel (102) and four side panels. This embodiment of the box has two apertures (201) through each side panel between the outer side (107) and inner side (108) of the box. The apertures are elongated apertures (203) in this embodiment. Each aperture in this embodiment has rounded edges (207). Each of the side panels in this embodiment has two crossbars (204). The major diameter (205) and the minor diameter (206) of the elongated apertures are shown in FIG. 14-FIG. 17.

The fifth illustrated embodiment has notches (200) on the lower edge (109) of the side panels. Each of the side panels, including the front panel (103), the back panel (104), the left panel (105), and the right panel (106) has a single notch. Each of the notches in this embodiment has rounded edges (207).

The margin A (208) of the fifth illustrated embodiment is depicted in FIG. 14 and FIG. 15. The margin B (209) of the fifth illustrated embodiment is depicted in FIG. 14 and FIG. 15.

The box height (402) of the fifth illustrated embodiment is shown in FIG. 17. The box width (400) and the box length (401) are shown in FIG. 18. The panel thickness (110) of the four side panels is identified in FIG. 19.

Feature List

	Box	(100)
	Panel	(101)
	Top Panel	(102)
	Front Panel	(103)
	Back Panel	(104)
	Left Panel	(105)
	Right Panel	(106)
	Outer Side	(107)
	Inner Side	(108)
	Lower Edge	(109)
	Panel Thickness	(110)
	Notch	(200)
	Aperture	(201)
	Circular Aperture	(202)
	Elongated Aperture	(203)
	Crossbar	(204)
	Major Diameter	(205)
	Minor Diameter	(206)
	Rounded Edge	(207)
	Margin A	(208)
	Margin B	(209)
	Margin C	(210)
	Margin D	(211)
	Adjacent Aperture Distance	(212)
	X-axis	(300)
	Y-axis	(301)
	Z-axis	(302)
	Box Width	(400)
	Box Length	(401)
	Box Height	(402)