阅读说明：本技术 瑜伽凳 (Yoga stool ) 是由 兰·娄 于 2020-03-06 设计创作，主要内容包括：一种瑜伽凳或运动凳可以具有：座椅部分和底座部分；所述底座部分具有形成在前侧、后侧或这两者中的窗槽；把手槽,其在顶部处或附近形成在例如所述前侧的至少一侧中；水平抓握槽,其在所述顶部处或附近形成在左侧、右侧或这两者中；以及竖直抓握槽,其在底部处或附近形成在所述左侧、所述右侧或这两者中；有利地,在所述左侧和所述右侧的底角附近形成四个这样的槽。一种瑜伽凳还可以具有底座部分和在所述底座部分的顶部上的座椅部分,其中所述座椅部分具有内部稳固支撑构件,例如实心板条,并且优选地具有至少在所述左侧和所述右侧上包围所述支撑构件的较软材料,例如泡沫橡胶。所述瑜伽凳可以包含由后部元件和前部元件接合的相对侧元件以及可移除顶部元件,所述可移除顶部元件可以是U形的以允许额外的姿势或运动。(A yoga stool or athletic stool may have: a seat portion and a base portion; the base portion having a window slot formed in a front side, a back side, or both; a handle slot formed in at least one side, such as the front side, at or near the top; a horizontal gripping trough formed in the left side, the right side, or both at or near the top; and a vertical grip groove formed at or near the bottom in the left side, the right side, or both; advantageously, four such slots are formed near the bottom corners of the left and right sides. A 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 a softer material, such as foam rubber, surrounding the support member on at least the left and right sides. The yoga stool may include opposing side elements joined by a rear element and a front element, and a removable top element, which may be U-shaped to allow additional posture or movement.)

1. A yoga stool, comprising:

a seat portion and a base portion;

the base portion having opposing top and bottom sides, opposing left and right sides, and opposing front and rear sides;

a window groove formed in at least one of the front and rear sides;

a horizontal grip groove formed in an upper portion of at least one of the left side and the right side;

a vertical grip groove formed in a lower portion of at least one of the left side and the right side.

2. The yoga stool of claim 1, wherein the base portion further comprises a handle slot formed in the upper portion of at least one of the left side, the right side, the front side, and the rear side.

3. The yoga stool of claim 1, comprising at least two vertical gripping slots formed in the lower portions of the left and right sides, respectively.

4. The yoga stool of claim 3, comprising four vertical gripping slots formed in the lower portion of the left and right sides, two of the slots being near or at the front side and two other of the slots being near or at the rear side.

5. The yoga stool of claim 4, comprising two horizontal gripping slots formed on the left side and the right side, respectively.

6. The yoga stool of claim 1, wherein the bottom side is covered with a material for gripping a floor.

7. The yoga stool of claim 1, further comprising a massage roller mounted in the window slot and accessible from an exterior of the base portion to massage a foot.

8. A yoga stool, comprising: a base portion and a seat portion on top of the base portion;

the base portion having opposing top and bottom sides, opposing left and right sides, and opposing front and rear sides;

wherein the seat portion has an internal horizontally stable support member and a soft material surrounding the support member adjacent the left side, the right side, the front side, and the rear side.

9. The yoga stool of claim 8, wherein the firm support member is a solid plank and the soft material is foam rubber.

10. The yoga stool of claim 8, wherein the bottom side is covered with a material for gripping a floor.

11. A yoga stool, comprising:

opposed left and right members connected to opposed front and rear members;

wherein at least one of the left element and the right element comprises at least one horizontal opening and at least one vertical opening;

a removable top element connected to at least one of the opposing left and right elements and the opposing front and rear elements.

12. The yoga stool of claim 11, wherein the removable top element includes a substantially flat upper surface and extends between the opposing left and right elements and the opposing front and rear elements.

13. The yoga stool of claim 11, wherein the removable top element comprises a upholstered upper surface.

14. The yoga stool of claim 11, wherein removable top element is U-shaped and extends between the left and right elements and the rear element.

15. The yoga stool of claim 14, wherein the rear element includes an opening formed substantially in a central portion thereof, and includes a horizontal support member above the opening.

16. The yoga stool of claim 14, wherein the removable top element further comprises a filled top surface.

17. The yoga stool of claim 14, wherein the U-shape is sized to receive a neck of a user.

18. The yoga stool of claim 14, wherein the U-shape is sized to allow a user's head to enter an interior of the yoga stool.

19. The yoga stool of claim 11, wherein at least one of the first and second opposing side elements comprises a plurality of vertical openings.

20. The yoga stool of claim 11, wherein at least one of the first and second opposing side elements comprises a plurality of horizontal openings.

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a stool, in particular for practicing yoga, having a combination of features suitable for facilitating a wide variety of yoga postures, and for other stretching or fitness activities.

Background

It is a well known way to exercise yoga while sitting on a chair, or to incorporate a chair or another structure, such as a wall, into the yoga exercise. However, chairs are not standardized and do not always have access to walls in a given space. The use of chairs for other fitness or health activities such as stretching, physical therapy and other sports is also well known. However, conventional chairs may limit the types of motion that may be performed, as these chairs may limit the range of motion of the user.

It is desirable to provide a portable, compact, multi-functional support unit to perform the functions of both a chair and a wall, thereby making yoga exercises and other fitness or wellness activities more comfortable and convenient.

In addition, it is also desirable that the support unit provide specific handle and foot points to guide and facilitate yoga exercises and other fitness activities.

Disclosure of Invention

In an embodiment, a yoga stool may include: a seat portion and a base portion; the base portion having opposing top and bottom sides, opposing left and right sides, and opposing front and rear sides; a window channel formed in at least one of the front side and the rear side; a horizontal grip groove formed in an upper portion of at least one of the left side and the right side; a vertical grip groove formed in a lower portion of at least one of the left side and the right side. The yoga stool preferably may have at least two vertical gripping grooves formed in the lower portion of the left side and the right side, respectively, and even more preferably may have four vertical gripping grooves formed in the lower portion of the left side and the right side, two of the grooves being near or at the front side and the other two of the grooves being near or at the rear side, and/or the yoga stool may have two horizontal gripping grooves formed in the left side and the right side, respectively.

In an embodiment, a yoga stool may include: a base portion and a seat portion on top of the base portion; the base portion having opposing top and bottom sides, opposing left and right sides, and opposing front and rear sides; wherein the seat portion has an inner horizontally stable support member, such as a solid slat, and a soft material, such as foam rubber, surrounding the support member adjacent the left side, the right side, the front side, and the rear side.

In embodiments, a yoga stool may include opposing left and right elements connected to opposing front and rear elements; wherein at least one of the left element and the right element comprises at least one horizontal opening and at least one vertical opening; a removable top element connected to at least one of the opposing left and right elements and the opposing front and rear elements.

Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of embodiments thereof, which proceeds with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Drawings

Fig. 1 is a front right perspective view of a yoga stool according to an embodiment of the invention;

fig. 2 is a rear right perspective view of the yoga stool;

fig. 3 is a front elevation view of the yoga stool;

fig. 4 is a rear elevation view of the yoga stool;

fig. 5 is a left side elevation view of the yoga stool;

fig. 6 is a right side elevation view of the yoga stool;

fig. 7 is a top plan view of the yoga stool;

fig. 8 is a bottom plan view of the yoga stool;

FIGS. 9 to 12 show a user seated on the stool and interacting with the stool in a corresponding plurality of positions;

figures 13 to 17 and 19 show a user standing adjacent to a stool and interacting with the stool in a corresponding plurality of positions;

FIG. 18 shows a user kneeling near and interacting with a stool;

FIG. 20 shows a user handstand near a stool and interacting with the stool;

fig. 21 illustrates a front perspective view of another embodiment of a yoga stool according to the present disclosure;

fig. 22 illustrates a front perspective view of the yoga stool of fig. 21, including the entire top;

fig. 23 shows a side view of the yoga stool of fig. 21;

fig. 24 shows a front view of the yoga stool of fig. 21;

fig. 25 illustrates a rear view of the yoga stool of fig. 21;

fig. 26 illustrates a bottom view of the yoga stool of fig. 21;

fig. 27 shows a top view of the top of the yoga stool of fig. 22;

fig. 28 shows a side view of the top of the yoga stool of fig. 22;

fig. 29 shows a user interacting with the yoga stool of fig. 22 in a selected posture;

fig. 30 illustrates a front perspective view of the yoga stool of fig. 21 including an alternative top;

FIG. 31 shows a more detailed top view of the alternative top portion of FIG. 29;

FIG. 32 shows a side view of an alternative top; and is

Fig. 33 shows a user interacting with the yoga stool of fig. 29 in a selected posture.

Detailed Description

Fig. 1 to 8 show yoga stools according to embodiments of the present invention, including the following main components: [0022] yoga stool 1, [0023] seat part (seat) 2, [0024] base part (base) 3, [0025] base front side 4, [0026] base right side 5, [0027] base left side 6, [0028] base rear side 7, [0029] base bottom 8. While the term "yoga stool" is used herein, the stools 1, 101 of the present disclosure are also suitable for additional applications, such as stretching, physical therapy, and other athletic or health care activities, to name a few.

As seen in the drawings, the yoga stool 1 is generally cubic in shape.

Referring to fig. 1, the seat 2 may be covered, for example, by a pair of spaced apart side bars 10, for example made of rubber material for a firm grip, and by a middle bar 12, which may be made of cotton for decorative effect. Other suitable materials may be used. In an embodiment, a single strip of rubber material may be used. In embodiments, more than two strips of rubber material may be used. In an embodiment, the strip 10 may not be rubber. In an embodiment, the strip 10 may be made of a material that achieves better grip and reduces slippage.

In an embodiment, the seat 2 has a high density foam rubber or another suitable material under the cover strips 10, 12. In an embodiment, the seat 2 may comprise another material under the cover strip that provides elasticity and cushioning.

As shown in dashed lines in fig. 5, 6 and 7, a slat 20, which may be made of wood or another stiff material, is arranged in the seat 2 to provide a firm seating surface and to provide a firm support for the wrist and/or palm heel of the user. In an embodiment, the slats 20 are covered by a top layer 22 of foam rubber or the like. In an embodiment, the slats 20 extend across the seat 2 partially between the right and left sides 5, 6, leaving side portions 24 and front and rear portions 28 that are filled with foam rubber and provide a comfortable placement and gripping area for the hand.

Optionally, the slats may be omitted from the middle of the seat 2, instead two or more smaller slats or other suitable supports may be provided within the seat.

The base 3 has four vertical side grip slots 30 formed in the lower portion of the right and left sides 5, 6 near or at the bottom side 8 for the user to grip for various yoga postures. In this context, "lower portion" or "near or at the bottom" refers to a suitable location for performing yoga postures in conjunction with the ground.

The upper parts of the right and left sides 5, 6 each have a horizontal gripping groove 32 near the top for performing other yoga postures. In this context, "upper portion" or "near or at the top" refers to a suitable location for grasping by a user sitting on the seat.

The front side 4 and the rear side 7 have respective generally rectangular window channels 34, 36 that extend substantially from one side of the stool to the other and occupy approximately the middle third of the surface area of the respective side 4 or 7.

Optionally, rollers for foot massage may be mounted at one or both of the window channels 34, 36 in a position accessible from the exterior of the base portion to massage the foot.

The upper part of the front side 4 also has a handle slot 38 near or at the top of the base part 3. In this context, "upper portion" or "near or at the top" refers to a suitable location for carrying the yoga stool. In embodiments, any of the openings discussed herein may be used as a handle.

In an embodiment, an internal brace 40 near or at the bottom 8 may be provided to improve the structural integrity of the stool. In an embodiment, the rack 40 may be used in conjunction with a storage box (not shown) for storing stools. The interior of the bench may also be used to store other equipment, such as yoga bricks. Fastening means may be provided, such as a lid, a strap or a zipper for closing the stored item. For example, an anchor such as a U-bolt mounted on the support 40 may also be provided for a cable, bungee cord, or the like to facilitate other postures and motions.

In an embodiment, the bottom 8 may be surface treated with rubber or another material suitable for firm gripping of the ground.

In an embodiment, all of the slots and windows described above are preferably lined with foam rubber or another soft material to provide a comfortable grip or other contact point for the user.

Referring now to fig. 9, a user is shown with the heel hooked over the window channel 36 on the posterior side 7 to stretch both feet.

In fig. 10, the user's hand further grasps the side channel 32 to stretch the spine.

In fig. 11, the user places the heel on the window channel 36, the right hand on the left knee, and the left hand grasps the top handle channel 38 on the anterior side 4 for spinal torsion.

In fig. 12, the user's heel rests on the window channel 36, the right hand rests on the right side 5 of the stool, and the left hand grasps the handle channel 32 on the left side 6 of the stool for additional spinal twisting.

Fig. 13 shows a user with the left toe hooked over the rear window channel 36 to stretch the left leg.

Fig. 14 shows a user with the left heel hooked over the rear window channel 36 for extension of the other foot.

Fig. 15 and 16 are two views showing a user whose toes of both feet are hooked on the rear window groove 36 and whose right and left hands are respectively placed on the right and left sides of the seat 2. The wrist and heel are supported on the right and left ends of the slat 20 inside the seat 2, respectively. The rest of the hand extends beyond the side portion 24 of the seat 2 where the slats 20 are not present.

Fig. 17 is similar to fig. 15 and 16, but with both feet removed from the stool for different stretching.

Fig. 18 and 19 show a user gripping a vertical slot 30 at the bottom of the back side 7 of the stool. In FIG. 18, the user is kneeling, while in FIG. 19, the user is bending forward.

Fig. 20 shows a user performing a head inversion with the head against the rear side 7. It is also possible to carry out an inversion of the forearms with the hands grasping the handle slots 30, as shown in fig. 18. In any of these handstands, yoga stools are advantageous because the legs can swing farther on the user's head than conventional wall-leaning handstands. Recesses for the head may be provided at the back side 7, the first side 4 and/or elsewhere.

Thus, the combination of elements and components in the bench 1 provides great versatility in accommodating a wide variety of yoga postures. As mentioned above, while bench 1 is referred to as a "yoga bench," it is suitable for a variety of applications, including stretching, physical therapy, and other fitness or wellness activities, to name a few.

Fig. 21 shows an alternative embodiment of a yoga stool 101 comprising two opposing side elements 105a, 105b, a front element 103 extending between and connected to the opposing side elements, and a rear element 104 also extending between and connected to the opposing side elements. In an embodiment, the bottom element 109 may extend between and connect to the front element 103 and the rear element 104, as seen in fig. 26. The width of the base member is less than the distance between the opposing walls 105a and 105b so that when the user's fingers extend through the vertical slot 130, there is space inside the stool 101 to accommodate the fingers.

In an embodiment, both side elements 105a, 105b include three vertical slots 130 located along their bottom edges. In an embodiment, the side elements 105a, 105b include three horizontal slots 132 positioned near the top edges thereof (see, e.g., fig. 23). The slots 130 and 132 may serve as handle points. In embodiments, the vertical slots 130 and the horizontal slots 132 may be used as handle points, footing points, or for any other purpose. In an embodiment, the edges of the grooves may be filled for comfort.

In an embodiment, such as the one shown in fig. 22, a top element 108 may be provided. In an embodiment, the top element 108 may be substantially flat and extend between the opposing sides 105a, 105b and between the front element 103 and the rear element 104. In an embodiment, the top element 108 may be filled or partially filled. In embodiments, the top member 108 may comprise one or more strips of material to aid in gripping. In embodiments, additional support structure may be added to the top element 108.

In an embodiment, the front element 103 may comprise an open central portion 134 (see fig. 24). In an embodiment, the posterior element 104 may include a second open central portion 136 (see fig. 25). In an embodiment, the edges of these open portions may be lined with a filler for comfort. In an embodiment, the edges of the open portion may be covered with a material for facilitating gripping and reducing slippage. In an embodiment, as seen in fig. 25, the rear element 104 may include a top member 104a to completely frame the opening 136 and provide additional structural support.

As seen in fig. 27-28, in an embodiment, the members 108 may have a square or rectangular shape and may include a protrusion 108a that extends downward into the stool 101 when the top member is placed thereon. In embodiments, the top surface of the top element 108 may be partially or completely covered with a cushion and/or fabric or other cover.

Fig. 29 shows an example of a user interacting with the yoga stool 101 of fig. 22.

Fig. 30 shows an alternative top element 208 mounted on the yoga stool 101 of fig. 21. As can be seen in more detail in fig. 31, the alternative top element 208 is U-shaped and does not extend all the way from the rear element 104 to the front element 103. The U-shape provides an opening to accommodate the head and neck of the user inside the stool 101.

As can be seen in fig. 30 and 32, the top element 208 may comprise a tab 208a extending from below the top element at the rear edge. As can be seen in fig. 30, when the top member 208 is in place, the tabs 208a extend outside of the rear member 104 and help hold the top member 208 in place. Fig. 33 shows an example of a user performing shoulder handstand using the top member 208. In embodiments, additional structure may be provided on the top element 208 and/or on the side elements 105a, 105b or the rear element 104 to enable connection between the top element and the opposite side element and the rear element. In an embodiment, this connection allows for removal of the top element 208.

In embodiments, the bottom edges of the side panels 105a, 105b, the rear element 104, and the front element 104 may comprise a gripping or non-slip material.

The stools 1, 101 enhance the stability of the user in all of the positions shown, as well as other positions known to those versed in yoga but not shown herein. In embodiments, the stool 101 is also suitable for use by a user performing stretching or other movements to enhance the user's stability.

The drawings are not drawn to scale. For the purposes of this disclosure, and to mark the relative arrangement of components, the terms "front," "back," and the like are arbitrarily designated, but should not be construed as limiting the structure or possible orientation of the yoga stool in actual use.

As shown and described herein, the arrangement of the seat, handle slot, window slot and other components has been developed by the inventors after numerous experiments and constitutes the best mode known of practicing the invention.

Modifications and variations of the disclosed stools, including alternative arrangements of slots, windows, contact areas and armrests, may be envisaged by those skilled in yoga and are considered to be within the scope of the present invention.