Exercise Balancing Support Device

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims priority to, and the benefit of, U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/634,613, which was filed on Apr. 16, 2024, and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to the field of yoga. More specifically, the present invention relates to a device that provides support for yoga or balance exercises, comprising a foldable base with a central locking hinge, non-slip rubber feet, and cross members for structural integrity. The device also has a dual-handle system with a telescopic first handle for width adjustment and a height-adjustable second handle with an inverted U-shape. Accordingly, the present disclosure makes specific reference thereto. Nonetheless, it is to be appreciated that aspects of the present invention are also equally applicable to other like applications, devices, and methods of manufacture.

BACKGROUND

Yoga is a widely practiced activity known for its physical and mental health benefits, including improved flexibility, balance, and strength. However, amateur yoga practitioners and individuals with limited stability, flexibility, or strength often face significant challenges in performing certain yoga poses. These challenges can prevent users from fully achieving the benefits of yoga poses and may even result in falls or injuries. To address these issues, practitioners frequently rely on walls, poles, or chairs for support, but these makeshift solutions can be limiting and unsafe. In addition, those recovering from injuries or surgeries, as well as older adults, often need additional assistance to safely participate in yoga routines. The lack of dedicated equipment for enhancing stability and balance during yoga poses creates a barrier for many individuals, particularly those with mobility impairments, to explore yoga comfortably and independently. Consequently, there is a need for a practical, portable, and adjustable support system that enables users to perform yoga poses confidently and safely.

Therefore, there exists a long-felt need in the art for an exercise balancing support device that provides multipurpose support for performing yoga poses without slipping, falling, or losing balance. There also exists a long-felt need in the art for an exercise balancing support device that incorporates adjustable height and width features to accommodate various user body types and pose requirements. Moreover, there exists a long-felt need in the art for an exercise balancing support device that is compact, portable, and easily stored, allowing for convenient transportation and use across different environments.

The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises an exercise balancing support device. The device is designed to enhance stability, adjustability, and ergonomic support for users practicing yoga or balance-focused exercises. The device comprises a foldable base with a central locking hinge for portability and storage, featuring non-slip rubber feet for stability on diverse surfaces and cross members for structural integrity. The device incorporates a dual-handle system, including a telescopic first handle for adjustable width and a height-adjustable second handle with an inverted U-shaped design, both equipped with non-slip grip textures for comfort and secure hand placement. These independently adjustable handles allow customization to accommodate various body types, skill levels, and pose requirements.

In this manner, the exercise balancing support device of the present invention accomplishes all the forgoing objectives and provides a stable, adjustable, and ergonomic device designed for yoga practitioners and individuals with limited mobility, flexibility, or balance. The base with non-slip rubber feet ensures stability on various surfaces, in addition to the dual-handle system that provides customizable height and width adjustments. These features allow users to perform a wide range of poses with improved confidence and safety. The device is also compact and portable, folding easily for storage and transportation while maintaining structural integrity, while the adjustable handles provide the flexibility to accommodate diverse body types and pose requirements. By addressing the key challenges faced by yoga practitioners, the exercise balancing support device ensures greater accessibility to performing yoga.

SUMMARY

The following presents a simplified summary to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosed innovation. This summary is not an extensive overview, and it is not intended to identify key/critical elements or to delineate the scope thereof. Its sole purpose is to present some general concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises an exercise balancing support device. The exercise balancing support device is designed to provide stability, adjustability, and ergonomic support for individuals practicing yoga or balance-focused exercises, enhancing balance, flexibility, and strength. The device is comprised of a foldable base, featuring two halves connected by a central locking hinge that enables folding for storage and portability. A locking mechanism secures the halves during transport, while non-slip rubber feet provide stability on various surfaces.

A dual-handle system is included, offering adjustability and ergonomic support when performing yoga poses. The first handle spans horizontally between vertical support posts attached to the base and is telescopic for width adjustment, secured via a locking mechanism. The first handle incorporates a non-slip grip area made of materials such as foam, rubber, or silicone and may feature ergonomic shapes for additional support. The second handle, positioned above the first, has an inverted U-shape with a horizontal bar connected to adjustable vertical members that slide within the vertical support posts. Height adjustments are secured using a locking mechanism. Independent adjustability of the handles for width and height accommodates various user needs and skill levels, supporting a wide range of poses. The device may also include an attachment point for securing a rolled yoga mat during transport or storage.

A method of use involves unfolding and locking the base, adjusting the first handle for width and the second handle for height, and engaging with the handles during yoga poses or other balance exercises.

Accordingly, the exercise balancing support device of the present invention is particularly advantageous as it provides a stable, adjustable, and ergonomic device designed for yoga practitioners and individuals with limited mobility, flexibility, or balance. The base with non-slip rubber feet ensures stability on various surfaces, in addition to the dual-handle system that provides customizable height and width adjustments. These features allow users to perform a wide range of poses with improved confidence and safety. The device is also compact and portable, folding easily for storage and transportation while maintaining structural integrity, while the adjustable handles provide the flexibility to accommodate diverse body types and pose requirements. By addressing the key challenges faced by yoga practitioners, the exercise balancing support device ensures greater accessibility to performing yoga.

To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, certain illustrative aspects of the disclosed innovation are described herein in connection with the following description and the annexed drawings. These aspects are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles disclosed herein can be employed and are intended to include all such aspects and their equivalents. Other advantages and novel features will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of an exercise balancing support device of the present invention while unfolded in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of an exercise balancing support device of the present invention while folded in accordance with the disclosed architecture; and

FIG. 3 illustrates a flowchart of a method of using one potential embodiment of an exercise balancing support device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments are discussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are described only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the invention and do not limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, an illustrated embodiment need not have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus, in other embodiments, any of the features described herein from different embodiments may be combined.

As noted above, there exists a long-felt need in the art for an exercise balancing support device that provides multipurpose support for performing yoga poses without slipping, falling, or losing balance. There also exists a long-felt need in the art for an exercise balancing support device that incorporates adjustable height and width features to accommodate various user body types and pose requirements. Moreover, there exists a long-felt need in the art for an exercise balancing support device that is compact, portable, and easily stored, allowing for convenient transportation and use across different environments.

The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, is comprised of an exercise balancing support device designed to provide stability, adjustability, and ergonomic support for individuals practicing yoga or balance-focused exercises, enhancing balance, flexibility, and strength. The device includes a foldable base comprised of two halves connected by a central locking hinge, allowing folding for storage and portability. A locking mechanism secures the halves during transport, and non-slip rubber feet ensure stability on various surfaces.

A dual-handle system offers adjustability and ergonomic support during yoga poses. The first handle spans horizontally between vertical support posts attached to the base, with telescopic width adjustment secured by a locking mechanism. It features a non-slip grip area made of materials such as foam, rubber, or silicone and may have ergonomic shapes for added support. The second handle, positioned above the first, has a horizontal bar connected to adjustable vertical members that slide within the vertical support posts. Height adjustments are secured by a locking mechanism. Independent handle adjustability for width and height accommodates various user needs and skill levels, supporting a wide range of poses. The device may also include an attachment point for securing a rolled yoga mat during transport or storage.

The method of use involves unfolding and locking the base, adjusting the first handle for width (which also adjust the width of the base) and the second handle for height, and engaging with the handles during yoga poses or balance exercises.

The exercise balancing support device provides a stable, adjustable, and ergonomic solution for yoga practitioners and individuals with limited mobility, flexibility, or balance. The non-slip base ensures stability on diverse surfaces, while the dual-handle system allows customizable height and width adjustments, enabling users to perform a variety of poses with greater confidence and safety. Compact and portable, the device folds easily for storage and transportation while maintaining structural integrity. The adjustable handles offer flexibility to accommodate different body types and pose requirements, enhancing accessibility for yoga practice.

Referring initially to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of an exercise balancing support device 100 of the present invention while unfolded in accordance with the disclosed architecture. The exercise balancing support device 100 is designed to provide stability, adjustability, and ergonomic support for individuals practicing yoga or engaging in balance-focused exercises performed during rehab or physical therapy. By offering physical support, the device 100 enhances user confidence and safety during challenging poses or exercises, improving overall balance, flexibility, and strength.

The device 100 is comprised of at least one base 102. In the preferred embodiment, the base 102 is comprised of a first half 104 and a second half 106 connected by a central locking hinge 108, which allows the base 102 to fold in half for storage and portability, as seen in FIG. 2. The hinge 108 may be any hinge type, such as but not limited to a piano hinge, barrel hinge, or spring-loaded hinge and/or any type of pivot point. When folded, the two halves 104, 106 are secured together via at least one locking mechanism 110 (as seen in FIG. 2), such as but not limited to a latch, buckle, clip, or magnetic closure, to prevent accidental opening during transport.

The base 102 may also incorporate a plurality of cross members 112 within each half 104, 106, which can be either horizontal or diagonal in orientation. The cross members 112 improve structural integrity and evenly distribute weight, ensuring the device 100 can effectively support users during various poses. To maintain stability on diverse surfaces, such as yoga mats, hardwood floors, or tiles, the base 102 may be comprised of non-slip rubber feet 114, preferably made from high-friction thermoplastic elastomer or similar durable materials.

The device 100 features a dual-handle system designed to provide flexibility, ergonomic support, and stability during use. The first handle 120 spans horizontally between at least one vertical support post 130 that is fixedly attached to the base 102. The handle 120 is telescopic, allowing users to adjust the overall width of the device 100 to accommodate different body types and pose requirements. The desired width is secured using a locking mechanism 122, such as but not limited to a twist-lock, clamp, or snap-fit system, which prevents unintended movement of the handle 120 during use.

The first handle 120 may include a grip area 150 that is comprised of a grip texture, such as but not limited to ribbed, dimpled, or knurled patterns. The grip area 150 may be made from non-slip materials, such as but not limited to foam, rubber, or silicone, to enhance user comfort and prevent slipping during use. The shape of the first handle 120 can vary based on ergonomic or functional needs and may include straight, arched, or waved configurations, each designed to provide additional grip options and support for various poses.

A second handle 140 is positioned above the first handle 120 and features an inverted U-shaped design in one embodiment, although different embodiments may have different handle shapes. The second handle 140 includes a horizontal bar 142 that connects two vertical members 144, as seen in FIG. 1. The vertical members 144 slide into the vertical support posts 130, enabling users to adjust the overall height of the handle 140 as needed. Height adjustments are facilitated by a locking mechanism 132, such as but not limited to a spring-loaded pin system, a friction clamp, or a ratchet mechanism. The support posts 130 may attach to each half 104, 106 via at least one hinge 170 of any type and/or any other pivot point. The device 100 may have any number of vertical support posts 130 in different embodiments.

The second handle 140 may also vary in shape to suit different user preferences and pose requirements, and alternate embodiments can include arched designs, oval shapes, or trapezoidal configurations. These variations provide multiple grip options and support levels, allowing users to select the handle shape that best suits their practice.

The independent adjustment capability of the handles 120, 140 allows users to modify the width of the device 100 via the first handle 120 and the height of the device 100 via the second handle 140 to suit their specific needs. This versatility ensures that the device 100 can accommodate users of various body types and skill levels while supporting a wide range of poses.

Similar to the first handle 120, the second handle 140 may also include a grip area 150 comprised of a grip texture, such as but not limited to ribbed, dimpled, or knurled patterns, for secure hand placement. This grip area 150 is made from non-slip materials, such as but not limited to foam, rubber, or silicone, to enhance grip and provide added comfort during extended use.

By incorporating these features, including various handle shapes and grip options, the exercise balancing support device 100 offers a robust and adjustable platform to aid in a variety of yoga poses and balance-focused exercises. The device 100 may also be comprised of at least one attachment point 160 such as but not limited to a strap, a clip, a clamp, etc. for attaching a rolled yoga mat to the device 100 during transport and/or storage.

The present invention is also comprised of a method of using 200 the device 100, as seen in FIG. 3. First, a device 100 is provided, comprised of a base 102, a first handle 120, and a second handle 140, wherein the base 102 is foldable via a central locking hinge 108 and includes non-slip rubber feet 114, and the handles 120 and 140 are adjustable for width and height [Step 202]. Then, the base 102 is unfolded and locked into its extended position via the hinge 108 and locking mechanism 110, ensuring stability during use [Step 204]. Next, the user can adjust the width of the first handle 120 by extending or retracting its telescopic sections and securing the desired width via the locking mechanism 122 [Step 206]. Following this, the user can adjust the height of the second handle 140 by sliding the vertical members 144 within the vertical support posts 130 to the desired height and locking them into place using the locking mechanism 132 [Step 208]. Finally, the user engages with the device 100 by gripping the first handle 120, the second handle 140, or both, depending on the yoga pose, exercise, or movement being performed [Step 210].

Certain terms are used throughout the following description and claims to refer to particular features or components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, different persons may refer to the same feature or component by different names. This document does not intend to distinguish between components or features that differ in name but not structure or function. As used herein “exercise balancing support device” and “device” are interchangeable and refer to the exercise balancing support device 100 of the present invention.

Notwithstanding the forgoing, the exercise balancing support device 100 of the present invention and its various components can be of any suitable size and configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided that they accomplish the above-stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the size, configuration, and material of the exercise balancing support device 100 as shown in the FIGS. are for illustrative purposes only, and that many other sizes and shapes of the exercise balancing support device 100 are well within the scope of the present disclosure. Although the dimensions of the exercise balancing support device 100 are important design parameters for user convenience, the exercise balancing support device 100 may be of any size, shape, and/or configuration that ensures optimal performance during use and/or that suits the user's needs and/or preferences.

Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present invention. While the embodiments described above refer to particular features, the scope of this invention also includes embodiments having different combinations of features and embodiments that do not include all the described features. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the scope of the claims, together with all equivalents thereof.

What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications, and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.