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| United States Patent Application |
20090192028
|
| Kind Code
|
A1
|
|
Shank; John Allan
|
July 30, 2009
|
Yoga comfort system wedge
Abstract
A yoga comfort system wedge is provided constructed of medium density,
high quality, closed cell foam materials and adhesives comprised of
layers and septums which create a uniquely flexible prop. The
construction forms a triangularly shaped yoga, fitness, or therapeutic
device in the form of a flexible wedge which allows users to achieve or
maintain certain poses, stretches, exercises or therapeutic positions
while improving tactile comfort and aiding range of motion. Said device
has advantages over traditional types of yoga, meditation, fitness, or
therapy devices. The invention allows for users with specific physical
limitations to comfortably modify and maintain desired poses or exercises
which would not ordinarily be possible, while at the same time provides
for the advanced user to practice their highly skilled activities with
greater comfort and ease.
| Inventors: |
Shank; John Allan; (Keller, TX)
|
| Correspondence Address:
|
John A. Shank
1208 Sunrise Drive
Keller
TX
76248
US
|
| Serial No.:
|
011003 |
| Series Code:
|
12
|
| Filed:
|
January 24, 2008 |
| Current U.S. Class: |
482/148; 5/655.9 |
| Class at Publication: |
482/148; 5/655.9 |
| International Class: |
A63B 26/00 20060101 A63B026/00 |
Claims
1. A yoga comfort system wedge in the preferred embodiment comprising a
construction and fabrication of selected materials, size, shape, and two
different angled surfaces, which provide tactile comfort and a flexible
shape when used as a yoga prop.
2. A yoga comfort system wedge in the preferred embodiment whose
materials' density and softness, coupled with its size, shape, and
flexibility, provide tactile comfort and bodily placements not possible
from yoga wedges or yoga blocks made of rigid materials or other types of
props.
3. The yoga comfort system wedge in claims 1 and 2 is constructed of two
layers of flexible material, separated by a septum.
4. The yoga comfort system wedge in claims 1 and 2 is fabricated from
flexible, closed-cell foam materials of selected density and softness.
5. The yoga comfort system wedge in claims 1 and 2 has a septum, which is
fabricated from an adhesive or combination of adhesives and/or a layer or
layers of material of selected densities.
6. The yoga comfort system wedge in claims 1 and 2 is configured with a
triangular shaped cross section with a truncated angle on its bottom
providing a durable flat edge near the point; and has a nominal length,
which spans the width of a standard sized yoga mat.
7. A yoga comfort system wedge in modified forms of construction, or
versions, comprising overall wedge sizes (length, height and width),
slopes of the angled surface, two different angled surfaces, and flat
edge(s) chosen to ergonomically accommodate additional yoga and
meditation prop, fitness, and physical or massage therapy
tools.
8. The yoga comfort system wedge in claim 7 is shaped in a right
triangular pattern; and can have truncated angles on its bottom and/or at
the top vertex providing flat edges.
9. The yoga comfort system wedge in claim 7 is fabricated from one, two or
more layers of selected materials having the thickness, density and
softness to achieve varying levels of rigidity and to maintain stability
and form of the wedge, and may contain one or more septums, which can be
an adhesive and/or a combination of adhesives and/or a layer or layers of
materials of selected density; contains a top vertex angle and a bottom
angle, which can be truncated to form flat edges; can have a durable flat
edge near the point; and can have a larger flat edge near the top for
added comfort.
10. A yoga comfort system wedge in the preferred embodiment in claims 1
and 2 and in the modified forms of construction, or versions, in claim 7
is particularly well suited for users with limited hand, wrist, arm, feet
or torso movement or range of motion, and for those needing a tactile
soft and stable surface to press against when used for a variety of
applications such as yoga, fitness, physical and massage therapy,
meditation and relaxation props or
tools.
11. The yoga comfort system wedge in claims 1, 2 and 7 is ergonomically
configured to conveniently attain and maintain yoga postures, fitness
exercises, prescribed physical therapy positions, relaxation and massage
therapy positions, and meditation positions while experiencing tactile
comfort.
12. The yoga comfort system wedge in claims 1, 2 and 7 is ergonomically
configured to improve training goals, and can be placed in selected
positions to increase the challenge of specific balance exercises of
advanced yoga practitioners, fitness enthusiasts or physical therapy
patients.
13. Methods for use of a yoga comfort system wedge in the preferred
embodiment in claims 1 and 2 and in the modified forms of construction,
or versions, in claim 7 comprising sizes, shapes and two different angled
surfaces for use as yoga, fitness, physical and massage therapy,
meditation and relaxation props or
tools comprising placing the yoga
comfort system wedge(s) against a part of the body to achieve the tactile
comfort and support desired.
14. Methods for use of a yoga comfort system wedge in the preferred
embodiment in claims 1 and 2 and in the modified forms of construction,
or versions, in claim 7 comprising sizes, shapes and two different angled
surfaces for use as yoga, fitness, physical and massage therapy,
meditation and relaxation props or
tools comprising placing the yoga
comfort system wedge(s) against various surfaces such as the floor, mat,
or rug, on the seat of a chair, or against a wall, and placing the
appropriate body part onto the yoga comfort system wedge to achieve the
tactile comfort and support desired.
15. A method of performing yoga, fitness, physical or massage therapy
routines, or meditation, placing two yoga comfort system wedges in the
preferred embodiment in claims 1 and 2 and in the modified forms of
construction, or versions, in claim 7 together with similar planar faces
adjoining creating a rectangularly shaped comfort bolster, and said
bolster configuration placed against a part of the body to achieve the
tactile comfort and support desired.
16. A method of performing yoga, fitness, physical and massage therapy
routines, or meditation comprising placing one, two, or more yoga comfort
system wedges in the preferred embodiment in claims 1 and 2 and in the
modified forms of construction, or versions, in claim 7 in various
configurations to achieve the tactile comfort and support desired. These
configurations may include arranging or stacking several yoga comfort
system wedges with similar planar faces adjoining creating rectangularly
shaped comfort bolster(s) which may be placed side by side, or on top of
one another, creating a larger, customized bolster configuration, and
placing said customized bolster(s) against a part of the body to achieve
the tactile comfort and support desired. These arranged configurations
may also include placing a single yoga comfort system wedge on top of, or
next to, a bolster configuration to provide a sloping or slanted surface,
which may be placed against a part of the body to achieve the tactile
comfort and support desired.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001]Embodiments of the present invention relate to apparatuses that
constitute a yoga comfort system. More particularly, those embodiments
relate to a yoga comfort system wedge.
[0002]Yoga is a practice involving prescribed positions, coupled with
concentration and controlled breathing. Over recent decades, it has
achieved increasing popularity worldwide, as a method of exercise, health
maintenance, physical therapy, relaxation, and enhancing mental and
spiritual disciplines.
[0003]Practitioners of yoga, both male and female of all ages, often make
yoga a regular practice in their lives. Increasingly, those with physical
and/or health limitations are taking up yoga, both voluntarily and
doctor-prescribed, as a means to improve mobility, strength, balance,
flexibility and breathing capacity. Approaches to practicing yoga include
active practices wherein the practitioner purposely engages specific
muscle groups, as well as restorative practices, wherein the practitioner
is placed in passive, supported positions which facilitate muscle, joint
and total body relaxation and also the opening of breathing pathways. The
form a practitioner's body takes in yoga can be referred to as a pose,
posture or position.
[0004]Yoga is often performed on surfaces such as wood or tile floors,
linoleum, carpeting, or on the ground, outdoors. Yoga can also be
performed with the aid of chairs or walls. Mats, rugs, blankets, towels
or sheets are used for covering various surfaces. Yoga assistance
devices, called yoga props, such as blocks, wedges, bolsters, and folded
blankets or mats are used to facilitate entrance into postures and to
provide general cushioning and support.
[0005]Conventional yoga props including blocks, rigid wedges or slants,
bolsters, folded blankets and rolled up mats are deficient in several
aspects. In general, they are not ergonomically configured in size or
shape for those practitioners with physical and/or health limitations in
order for them to attain and maintain postures that involve pressing on a
floor, mat, chair, wall, or similar surface. The conventional yoga block
and wedge do not provide the level of tactile comfort needed by
practitioners, with or without physical and/or health limitations, while
performing certain prescribed positions. Furthermore, the conventional
yoga block and wedge are made of rigid materials, such as wood, cork, and
non-flexible foam, and thus are limited in their applications for various
yoga positions. The folding of blankets, or rolling up parts of mats, to
achieve a size and shape for padding is time consuming, laborious and
cumbersome, while not always providing the ideal support or comfort
needed for the user.
[0006]Accordingly, it is desirable to have a system of apparatuses that
accommodates the user's physical and/or health limitations, allowing the
user to comfortably and conveniently maintain yoga postures, as well as
positions or exercises found in traditional fitness, physical or massage
therapy, and also in meditation and relaxation practices. Such a
desirable system of apparatuses can be ergonomically designed in size and
shape, and fabricated from flexible materials to provide tactile comfort.
One such apparatus is a yoga comfort system wedge.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007]A yoga comfort system wedge is ergonomically configured for use by
yoga practitioners, particularly those with physical and/or health
limitations, to conveniently attain and maintain yoga postures and
prescribed positions while experiencing tactile comfort. A yoga comfort
system wedge is constructed of selected materials, which provide tactile
comfort and flexibility. This includes two or more layers of material,
separated by a septum(s), configured with a triangular shaped cross
section. By design, yoga comfort system wedges are versatile therapeutic
devices in that they can also be configured for use as a comfortable
block or supportive bolster, expanding the versatility of a single yoga
prop design. Using yoga comfort system wedges in lieu of various
conventional yoga props simplifies the use and need for multiple yoga
props.
[0008]A yoga comfort system wedge is also ergonomically configured for use
in meditation, fitness, and physical or massage therapy applications. A
yoga comfort system wedge is also beneficial for advanced users, for the
simple benefit of comfort, as well as offering placement in such a way as
to provide an added balance challenge to specific postures or exercises.
[0009]The following description and the attached drawings set forth in
detail certain illustrative embodiments of the invention. These
embodiments are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in
which the principles of the invention may be employed. The features,
aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better
understood with regard to the following description and accompanying
drawings, which illustrate examples of the invention and methods for use.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010]The present invention provides a simple means for a multifunctional
prop, which can be utilized in yoga, fitness exercises, as well as
physical therapy, relaxation and meditation practices. FIGS. 1 through 19
illustrate a yoga comfort system wedge in which similar reference numbers
denote similar elements throughout the Figures.
[0011]FIGS. 1 through 3 depict the construction and fabrication of the
yoga comfort system wedge in the preferred embodiment and in modified
forms of construction, and are illustrative only; changes may be made in
the specific construction illustrated and described within the scope of
the appended claims.
[0012]FIGS. 4 through 19 depict methods for use of the yoga comfort system
wedge, and are not limited to those shown herein. As shown in the
Figures, one or more placements of the yoga comfort system wedge are
chosen by the user or therapist to facilitate range of motion, and to
provide support and tactile comfort in the various positions, as needed
by the individual user.
[0013]FIG. 1 depicts the top perspective view of the preferred embodiment
of the yoga comfort system wedge according to one version of the present
invention. The drawing also details the end profile or cross section.
This version is shaped in a right triangular pattern with a truncated
angle on its bottom providing a flat edge. It has two layers of flexible
material and one septum. Its length spans the width of a standard sized
yoga mat.
[0014]FIG. 2 depicts the bottom perspective view that also details the end
profile or cross section of the preferred embodiment of the yoga comfort
system wedge.
[0015]FIG. 3 depicts the perspective view of a modified form of
construction, or version, of the present invention. This version is
shaped in a right triangular pattern, and can have truncated angles on
its bottom and/or at the top vertex providing flat edges. It is
fabricated from two or more layers of selected material, and can have
septums. Modified forms of construction, selected materials, and sizing
of the present invention expand the design concept to broader yoga and
meditation props and traditional fitness, physical or massage therapy
applications.
[0016]FIG. 4 depicts a method for use showing a user overlaying the
flexible yoga comfort system wedge 10 over the top of the foot to enable
support and comfort simultaneously to both hands in a lunging yoga pose.
The flexibility of the material allows for this form fitting application
with a single yoga prop and is a unique capability of the yoga comfort
system wedge 10. The lunge type of exercise shown is also commonly used
in fitness and physical therapy routines.
[0017]FIG. 4A is an exploded view of the method of use shown in FIG. 4,
with the pant leg removed for clarity. This close-up figure highlights
the flexibility of the yoga comfort system wedge 10 material in the
preferred embodiment, as shown overlaid on the foot.
[0018]FIG. 5 depicts a method for use showing two yoga comfort system
wedges 10 placed together, with similar planar faces adjoining, creating
a rectangularly shaped comfort bolster or block. Said bolster
configuration is wide enough for the average user to comfortably sit on,
and is shown being used for a seated meditation pose. This positioning
facilitates the user's spine to be in proper alignment.
[0019]FIG. 6 depicts a method for use showing a single yoga comfort system
wedge 10 placed beneath the buttocks and between the thighs and calves in
Hero, a seated yoga or meditation posture. In the preferred embodiment,
the flexibility of the material allows for this form-fitting, comfort
application with a single yoga prop and is a unique capability of the
yoga comfort system wedge.
[0020]FIG. 7 depicts a method for use showing three yoga comfort system
wedges 10 employed for Easy pose, a seated yoga or meditation posture.
One yoga comfort system wedge 10 is placed below the torso to provide
lift, which allows a user to cross his or her legs comfortably when range
of motion is limited. Optional placements are also shown wherein a yoga
comfort system wedge 10 is placed beneath each ankle to provide added
comfort and support in the area of the foot and leg. In the preferred
embodiment, the flexibility of the material allows for this form fitting,
comfort application near the feet and legs, and is a unique capability of
the yoga comfort system wedge.
[0021]FIG. 8 depicts a method for use in Pose of the Child, a restorative
yoga pose, showing a bolster configuration, as described in FIG. 5,
placed under the chest and face for support and comfort. A single yoga
comfort system wedge 10 is also placed under the feet for comfort and
support. In this drawing, the bottom surface/angle of the yoga comfort
system wedge 10 is shown placed against the top of the feet to obtain
optimal comfort.
[0022]FIG. 8A depicts a method for use in Pose of the Child, showing three
yoga comfort system wedges employed. One yoga comfort system wedge 10 is
placed between the thighs and calves to provide comfort and facilitate
limits in a user's range of motion. One yoga comfort system wedge 10 is
placed below the chest, while another yoga comfort system wedge 10 is
placed below the face to provide comfort and support. FIGS. 8 and 8A are
modifications of the same yoga pose, depicting but a few of the
variations in placements of the yoga comfort system wedge, to provide the
tactile comfort and support needed for users with differing physical
requirements.
[0023]FIG. 9 depicts a method for use showing the user placing a portion
of the foot on the yoga comfort system wedge 10 for comfort, and also to
protect a sensitive area of the user's foot in a standing yoga pose, such
as Warrior or Triangle. Various foot placements on a selected angled
surface of the yoga comfort system wedge may also be used for physical
therapy exercises.
[0024]FIG. 10 depicts a method for use, showing a user with both feet
placed on an angled surface of the yoga comfort system wedge 10 to
provide comfort and/or to increase the balance challenge of the posture.
Another yoga comfort system wedge 10 is placed between the calves and
thighs to provide comfort and support and/or facilitate limits in a
user's range of motion. Squatting types of exercises, similar to the yoga
pose shown, are also used in fitness and physical therapy routines.
[0025]FIG. 11 depicts a method for use in Wheel pose showing a yoga
comfort system wedge 10 placed under the feet and another yoga comfort
system wedge 10 placed under the hands to provide comfort and support or
to facilitate limits in a user's range of motion. This type of back
bending exercise is also popular in gymnastics, as the yoga comfort
system wedge may also be used in a multitude of such training routines.
[0026]FIG. 12 depicts a method for use showing the user placing a hand on
the yoga comfort system wedge 10 for comfort and support in a modified
yoga Side Plank pose or similar Pilate's fitness exercise.
[0027]FIG. 12A depicts a method for use showing the user placing a hand on
the yoga comfort system wedge 10 for comfort and support in a fitness
exercise while also using a stability ball. Stability ball exercises are
also commonly used in physical therapy.
[0028]FIG. 13 depicts a method for use in Mountain pose, showing the user
placing just the toes of both feet on the yoga comfort system wedge 10.
This pose and physical therapy exercise is used to train the user's feet
and body to bear weight properly.
[0029]FIG. 14 depicts a method for use in Cow pose, showing the user
placing both hands on the yoga comfort system wedge 10 for comfort and
support, and also placing both knees on a yoga comfort system wedge 10
for tactile comfort, which increases the ability to maintain duration in
said pose.
[0030]FIG. 15 depicts a method for use in a modification of the Downward
Facing Dog pose performed with the aid of a chair. Said yoga comfort
system wedge 10 is placed under both forearms and also beneath both feet
for comfort, support, and range of motion.
[0031]FIG. 15A depicts a method for use in the Downward Facing Dog pose.
The yoga comfort system wedge 10 is placed under both forearms and also
beneath both feet for comfort, support and range of motion.
[0032]FIG. 16 depicts a method for use in a modification of the Warrior
pose performed with the aid of a chair. This figure shows three possible
placements, or combinations of uses, for the yoga comfort system wedge.
Two yoga comfort system wedges 10 are placed in a block, or bolster type
of configuration, as described in FIG. 5, underneath the forward foot to
bring the floor surface closer to the user's foot. Another yoga comfort
system wedge 10 is placed under the forward thigh for comfort, support
and range of motion. A third yoga comfort system wedge 10 is placed
beneath the rear foot for comfort, or placed as a mechanical stop to
facilitate a limit in the user's range of motion.
[0033]FIG. 17 depicts a method for use in the Pigeon pose, showing a yoga
comfort system wedge 10 being used as a support for the hip and a yoga
comfort system wedge 10 being used with the bottom angled surface under
the hands for support, comfort and lift. The flexibility of the material
allows for this form fitting, comfort and support application under the
hip and thigh, and is a unique capability of the yoga comfort system
wedge 10.
[0034]FIG. 18 depicts a method for use in the Legs Up the Wall, a
restorative pose, showing a combination of yoga comfort system wedges 10
arranged to provide a customized bolster under the buttocks and torso.
This figure shows yoga comfort system wedges 10 in the preferred
embodiment, as well as in modified forms of construction. A yoga comfort
system wedge 10 in the arrangement is placed to provide a sloping surface
to support the user's back. A yoga comfort system wedge 10 is also placed
beneath each arm to further open the chest, which facilitates easier
breathing.
[0035]FIG. 19 depicts a method for use in the restorative
Corpse/Relaxation pose, showing two yoga comfort system wedges 10
configured as a bolster, as described in FIG. 5. Said bolster
configuration is placed underneath the user's back. This placement
provides tactile comfort while creating a chest opening yoga pose, which
facilitates easier breathing. This placement is also beneficial when used
in a physical, massage, or relaxation therapy position. This Figure also
shows a yoga comfort system wedge 10 placed underneath the legs to
provide support and comfort.
[0036]It will be appreciated that the yoga, exercise and therapeutic
positions shown in FIGS. 4-19 utilizing the yoga comfort system wedge(s)
are but a sampling of the many postures and positions known to yoga and
meditation practitioners, fitness enthusiasts, as well as physical and
massage therapists. The present invention is not limited in scope by the
preferred embodiment and modified forms of construction, or the Figures
showing methods for use. Additional methods for use, using a single yoga
comfort system wedge, or using combinations of one or more yoga comfort
system wedges placed within a given posture, exercise, or therapeutic
bodily position will reveal themselves to those skilled in their
practice(s). Additional methods for use in convenience, improvements, and
advantages will also reveal themselves to those skilled in their
practice(s).
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0037]Now referring to the drawings detailing the construction and
fabrication, the Figures illustrate a yoga comfort system wedge in which
similar reference numbers denote similar elements throughout the Figures.
[0038]FIG. 1 depicts the top perspective view of the yoga comfort system
wedge 10 according to the preferred embodiment version of the present
invention. FIG. 2 depicts the bottom perspective view of the yoga comfort
system wedge 10 according to the preferred embodiment version of the
present invention. The size, shape, and angled surfaces of this preferred
embodiment are particularly well suited for use as a yoga prop due to its
versatility in application to a variety of yoga postures and therapeutic
positions.
[0039]In the preferred embodiment, the yoga comfort system wedge is
fabricated from flexible, closed-cell foam materials and adhesives. The
materials' flexibility, coupled with the wedge's overall length and shape
allows unlimited versatile applications or bodily placements that are not
possible with conventional rigid yoga wedges, yoga blocks or other props.
The materials' density and softness, coupled with its shape and
flexibility, provide tactile comfort not possible from yoga wedges or
yoga blocks made of rigid materials.
[0040]In the preferred embodiment, three pieces of material are used: a
top piece 18 and a bottom piece 20, separated by a septum 19. The various
layers of material can be of different density and softness. The septum
19 can be an adhesive and/or a combination of adhesive(s) and a layer or
layers of material of selected density, in order to achieve varying
levels of rigidity and to maintain stability and form of the wedge. This
embodiment is particularly well suited for users with limited hand,
wrist, arm, feet or torso movement or range of motion, and for those
needing a tactile soft and stable surface to press against.
[0041]In the preferred embodiment, the yoga comfort system wedge comprises
two longitudinal edges 11 and 12 and two longitudinal surfaces 21 and 22
that are equal in a length of 24 inches. It has two side ends 13 and 14
that are equally shaped in a right triangular pattern. The right
triangular end profiles 13 and 14 consist of one bottom angle 15 of 90
degrees and a top angle 16 of 67 degrees, and a second bottom reference
angle 17 of 23 degrees which is truncated to form a flat edge 11. In the
preferred embodiment, the length of the height edge 12 is 2.75 to 3
inches and the length of the bottom width 24 is 6 inches. The length of
the edge 11 is a height of 0.25 inch. The septum 19 is in a horizontal
plane parallel to the bottom surface 22. The size of the wedge and the
slope of the angled surface, results in less bending and/or flexion of a
user's hand, wrist, arm, and/or feet when pressing his or her hands,
and/or feet down on the floor, mat, chair, wall or similar surface. By
ergonomically tailoring the wedge's shape to prevent excessive bending
and/or flexion of the hand, wrist, arm and/or feet, the user is able to
more comfortably attain and maintain certain yoga postures, fitness
exercises or therapeutic positions. The yoga comfort system wedge has two
longitudinal surfaces available, specifically, the top surface 21 and the
bottom surface 22, to offer the user a choice of comfort angles or
positions.
[0042]By ergonomically tailoring a wedge's overall shape and size, the
user is able to more comfortably attain and maintain certain active or
restorative yoga postures, as well as certain prescribed traditional
physical therapy positions or exercises. The added comfort is perceived
in the user's skeletal structure, muscles, joints, nerves and/or soft
tissue. Finally, two yoga comfort system wedges can be placed together to
form a comfortable block or bolster, offering more versatility and
applications from a single yoga prop design.
[0043]FIG. 3 shows modified forms of construction, or versions of the
present invention, which can contain two or more layers of selected
materials of varying thicknesses and densities, two longitudinal
surfaces, one or two longitudinal edges, and one or more septums. These
modified forms of construction are sized for more specific active or
restorative yoga postures, as well as traditional physical therapy
exercises or positions. In these embodiments of the present invention,
the wedge's longitudinal edges 11, 12, and 23, and longitudinal surfaces
21, 22 comprise a length ranging from 12 inches to 28 inches. The wedge's
height 12 comprises a length ranging from 1.25 inches to 8 inches, and
the wedge's width 24, comprises a length ranging from 6 inches to 12
inches. The two triangular-patterned sides consist of one bottom angle 15
of 90 degrees, while the selected ranges of lengths for the height 12 and
the bottom width 22 define the remaining two angles.
[0044]Two or more pieces of material can be used: a top piece 18 and a
bottom piece 20, separated by a septum 19. When more than two pieces of
material are used, they are layered between the top piece 18 and a bottom
piece 20, separated by the respective number of septums which are in a
horizontal plane parallel to the bottom surface 22. The various layers of
material can be of different thicknesses, density and softness. The top
vertex angle 16 and bottom angle 17 can be truncated to form flat edges
11 and 23. The septum(s) 19 can be an adhesive and/or a combination of
adhesives and a layer or layers of material of selected density, in order
to achieve varying levels of rigidity and to maintain stability and form
of the wedge. A modified form of construction may also include a yoga
comfort system wedge constructed of one layer of flexible material, when
appropriate for the specific application of use. In these embodiments, or
versions of the yoga comfort system wedge, the size of the wedge, the
slope of the angled surface, and the flat edges are chosen to
ergonomically accommodate additional yoga and meditation prop, fitness,
and physical or massage therapy applications for a wide range of hand,
feet, and torso sizes and shapes. These yoga comfort system wedges of
modified forms of construction also have two longitudinal surfaces
available, specifically, the top surface 21 and the bottom surface 22, to
offer the user a choice of comfort angles or positions. These embodiments
are also well suited for users with limited hand, wrist, arm, feet or
torso movement or range of motion, and for those needing a tactile soft
and stable surface to press against.
[0045]By ergonomically tailoring a wedge in the modified forms of
construction's overall shape and size, the user is able to more
comfortably attain and maintain certain active or restorative yoga
postures, as well as certain prescribed traditional physical therapy
positions or exercises. The added comfort is perceived in the user's
skeletal structure, muscles, joints, nerves and/or soft tissue.
[0046]Finally, embodiments of two yoga comfort system wedges can be placed
together with similar planar faces adjoining to form a comfortable block
or comfort bolster, offering more versatility and applications from a
single yoga prop design. A variety of yoga comfort system wedges can also
be stacked or arranged to provide additional methods for use.
* * * * *