TECHNICAL FIELD

Embodiments relate to exercising apparatus, such as for yoga, stretching, or physical training, and methods of their use. Such exercising apparatus can be specially adapted for particular parts of the body, and more particularly for the abdomen, spinal column, or torso. In one embodiment, a support block is contoured to more accurately match the lordosis of a human spine. BACKGROUND

Low back pain is not only a medical issue, it is also an economic issue. Many existing products for yoga do not make it accessible to beginners and those with injuries, for at least two reasons. First, the poses themselves, and the equipment used to facilitate those poses, can be uncomfortable or even painful, and can require intimidating ranges of motion and flexibility. Second, despite their relative simplicity, yoga products tend to be quite expensive. In fact, yoga equipment is a multi-billion dollar a year industry, and such expensive equipment also presents a cost barrier to those who might otherwise take up the very exercises and stretches that could be beneficial for preventing or remedying lower back injuries.

At any given time, it has been estimated that at least 31 million Americans experience lower back pain. According to The Lancet's Global Burden of Disease study, conducted in 2010, low back pain is also the single leading cause of disability worldwide, and back pain is one of the most common reasons for missed work. Some experts estimate that the combined cost of direct expenses, doctor visits, and lost work associated with lower back pain has exceeded $50 billion per year recently in the United States alone. This figure could continue to grow with increasingly sedentary lifestyles, an aging population, and increasing health care costs.

While surgical and pharmaceutical solutions are available to treat low back pain, these solutions can be expensive, impermanent, and even harmful to the patient. Current at-home supports and rehabilitative units can be costly, bulky, and/or inconvenient to use. Accordingly, many experts agree that physical therapy, exercises, stretching, and activities that combine these (such as yoga) can be beneficial for preventing and/or treating low back pain, among other maladies.

Many exercises and stretches, such as those involved in yoga, and can be inaccessible to beginners or people with injuries, who are not strong or flexible enough to perform certain poses. Likewise, physical therapy can incorporate stretches or exercises designed to increase range of movement but that are challenging or uncomfortable when first attempted. Thus, it would be desirable to provide a product that increases accessibility of these activities to the public.

Conventionally, support blocks have been used in these scenarios and others to improve their perceived and actual accessibility. A support block can be used as a spacer that allows for an individual to carry out the desired yoga poses, stretches, or exercises with a slightly smaller range of motion, for example. Support blocks can be placed on the floor, and the user can then use the block as a support under feet, hands, or back, for example. Support blocks are conventionally made of dense foam or cork, cut into rectangular prisms from the bulk materials. As a result, there are relatively few shapes available, and many support blocks have sharp edges and corners, or are not sized or shaped appropriately for all users.

Conventional support blocks can be uncomfortable in certain positions, such as when placed under the lower part of the back as a support. The sharp edges and corners and relatively dense materials cause pressure points at the edges of the block. Furthermore, the materials from which conventional yoga blocks are made are not necessarily environmentally friendly, which is of importance to many practitioners of yoga in particular. Therefore, a product that increases accessibility to yoga while obviating these problems is needed.

SUMMARY

According to a first embodiment, a support block comprises at least three flat faces and a curved face. The support block also includes a plurality of edges, wherein each of the edges is arranged between at least two of the at least three flat faces and the curved face. The support block comprises a foamed polymeric material.

According to another embodiment, a method of using a support block includes selecting an angle corresponding to a level of lordosis of a spine, selecting a size corresponding to a size of the spine, and selecting a support block. The support block comprises at least three flat faces having dimensions corresponding to the size, a curved face having a radius of curvature corresponding to the angle, and a plurality of edges arranged between each of the at least three flat faces and the curved face. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Fig. 1 is a diagram of a spine, depicting spinal lumbar lordosis.

Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a prior art support block.

Figs. 3 A-3E illustrate an ergonomic support block, according to an embodiment.

Fig. 4 is a perspective view of a support block, according to another embodiment. While embodiments are amenable to various modifications and alternative forms, specifics thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the intention is not to limit the invention to the particular embodiments described. On the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the block described herein addresses the aforementioned challenges, by increasing access to a variety of exercise, healthcare and other activities for people with injuries, limited range of motion, or unfamiliarity with activities like yoga. It should be understood that, although the embodiments of blocks described herein are referred to as yoga blocks, they could be used in a variety of other exercise, stretching, or physical therapy settings. The blocks described below are sustainable solution for billions of people who are either practicing yoga, or those who would be practicing yoga if it were more accessible to them either economically or physically. These blocks are relatively inexpensive, convenient, and ecofriendly solutions to these problems, compared to conventional yoga blocks and other exercise/physical therapy equipment. The blocks can be used at home, at work, or while traveling, for example, to more comfortably and safely enhance lower back health. The block can be used not just in yoga, but also in chiropractic treatment and care, physical therapy, or pilates, for example, among other exercises and stretches.

In embodiments, the block is an ergonomic support block that can be shaped and sized to more closely match the natural curve of a lumbar portion of a human spine. This takes excess weight and tension off of the low back, and during use in yoga, physical therapy, stretching, or other activities can also provide a massaging effect on tight muscles. The corners and edges of the ergonomic support block also can be rounded or contoured. In this way, the ergonomic support block is more comfortable and can make a variety of activities, including yoga, physical therapy, chiropractic, pilates and others, more accessible to beginners or injured people. This is a relatively compact, and convenient way to alleviate low back pain, compared to conventional yoga equipment or medical intervention.

The ergonomic support block can be made from recyclable, medium-density or high- density foam that provides sufficient support in many or all yoga postures that currently use the conventional rectangular block. Furthermore, the ergonomic support block described herein can even make more postures accessible to the user with pain in various parts of the body, in addition to those that are currently performed using the conventional rectangular block. Fig. 1 depicts a human spine S. Spine S includes a thoracic portion T and a lumbar portion L. Within lumbar portion L, there is a level of curvature, known as lordosis. Lordosis allows the spine to absorb axially-applied loads, by acting much like a spring. Lordosis of lumbar portion L is depicted in Fig. 1 by first angle Θ and second angle ψ. In different individuals, first angle Θ and second angle ψ can be the same as one another, or can be different from one another.

Some sources use the term "lordosis" differently than others. A large number of authors use the term "lordosis" to refer to an unexpectedly large level of curvature of the lumbar portion of the spine. Others use terms such as swayback, hyperlordosis, or saddleback to refer to unexpectedly large levels of curvature, and use the term "lordosis" to refer to the quantity of curvature itself. The second convention is used throughout this application, and accordingly the term "lordosis" in this application defines an extent of curvature of the lumbar portion L. In embodiments and examples that refer to a level of lordosis, the level of curvature of the spine could be either normal, greater than normal, or less than normal, unless otherwise specified.

The relative levels of lordosis can vary between individuals. First angle Θ and second angle ψ typically vary between about 20 degrees and about 45 degrees in humans. In some cases, known as lumbar hypolordosis, one or both of first angle Θ and second angle ψ can be less than 20 degrees. Contrariwise, in cases of hyperlordosis, one or both of first angle Θ and second angle ψ can be more than 45 degrees. However, for the vast majority of humans, first angle Θ and second angle ψ are within this fairly narrow, well-known range. In fact, in most humans, lordosis is between about 33 degrees and about 35 degrees.

Depending on the level of lordosis (i.e., the magnitudes of first angle Θ and second angle ψ), as well as the overall length of lumbar portion L, a maximum distance M is present between lumbar portion L and a straight line drawn alongside spine S. This maximum distance M is relatively larger for larger humans, with larger lumbar portions L. Likewise, maximum distance M is relatively larger for humans with higher levels of lordosis or even hyperlordosis, such that the magnitudes of first angle Θ and second angle ψ are larger than is typical. In contrast, maximum distance M can be relatively smaller for smaller humans or those having smaller lumbar portions L, as well as humans who have lower levels of lordosis or hypolordosis, such that the magnitudes of first angle Θ and second angle ψ are smaller than is typical.

Although there are a variety of levels of lordosis and sizes of human spine, in general all spines S will have a gradual curve rather than corners, such that conventional support blocks do not provide comfortable support when placed underneath as a support. The support block described below with respect to Figs. 3A-3E can provide support for a desired lumbar size and level of lordosis. Because most spines have a size and level of lordosis that is within a fairly narrow range, even a single embodiment of the support block as described below can be used by the vast majority of people.

Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a prior art support block or yoga block. Prior art support block 2 is shaped substantially as a rectangular prism, having six sides. First side 4a, second side 4b, and third side 4c are visible from the perspective in Fig. 2. The first side 4a and second side 4b intersect one another at edge 6a, first side 4a and third side 4c intersect one another at second edge 6b, and the second side 4b and third side 4c intersect at edge 6c.

As depicted in Fig. 2, the edges 6a, 6b, and 6c are relatively sharp. These sharp edges 6a- 6c can be easier to manufacture than edges with some other shape. However, sharp edges 6a-6c can create pressure points or provide discontinuous support to a spine or other part of the body.

Figs. 3A-3E show an embodiment of an ergonomic support block 100 in a variety of orientations. In particular, Fig. 3 A shows support block 100 in a perspective view; Fig. 3B shows support block 100 from a side view; Fig. 3C shows support block 100 from a different side view; Fig. 3D shows support block 100 from a top view; and Fig. 3E shows support block 100 from a bottom view. Support block 100 is an ergonomic support block, in that it correlates to an expected level of lordosis and size of a human spine, unlike a rectangular support block. It has been found that, although most spines have a level of lordosis of between 33 and 35 degrees, many practitioners of yoga or other stretches or exercises in which support is desirable prefer a block having an angle of curvature that is somewhat greater than their spine's lordosis. For example, many users preferred a block having an angle of curvature of about 44 to about 48 degrees.

Ergonomic support block 100 is defined by several faces connected at edges. In particular, support block 100 comprises a curved face 100, end faces 104a and 104b, and bottom face 106. These four faces are connected to one another at a series of edges and corners, each of which can be rounded or blunted in the embodiment shown in Figs. 3 A-3E. In particular, curved face 102 connects to end faces 104a and 104b at first edges 110a and 110b, respectively. End faces 104a and 104b connect to bottom face 106 at second edges 112a and 112b, respectively. Finally, curved face 102 and bottom face 106 connect at third edges 114a and 114b.

In alternative embodiments, edges 112a and 112b, as well as 114a and 114b, need not be rounded. Rounded edges may provide for fewer discontinuously curved edges that can cause pressure points for the user. For many users, however, normal usage of the block 100 does not involve direct contact between edges 112a, 112b, 114a, 114b and the user's body. Therefore, depending on the intended use, various users may prefer rounded or non-rounded embodiments. As shown in Figs. 3A-3E, support block 100 has a first dimension Dl, a second dimension D2, and a third dimension D3 (with respect to the orientation of block 100 in Figs. 3A-3E, these correspond to width, length, and height, respectively). The first dimension Dl extends between third edges 114a and 114b, the second dimension D2 extends between the end faces 104a and 104, and the third dimension D3 extends in a direction orthogonal to both first dimension Dl and second dimension D2.

For example, in one embodiment, first dimension Dl can be between about 10 cm and about 20 cm, and more particularly between about 14 cm and about 16 cm. Second dimension D2 can be between about 20 cm and about 30 cm, for example, or more particularly between about 23 cm and about 25 cm. Third dimension D3 can be between about 5 cm and about 10 cm, or more particularly between about 7 cm and about 8 cm. For example, in one embodiment, the first, second, and third dimensions Dl, D2, and D3 are about 15 cm, about 24 cm, and about 7.5 cm, respectively. However, in other embodiments these dimensions can be different than those described, in order to more closely match the dimensions desired by a particular individual or group.

All of the sides of support block 100 but one are substantially flat between their respective edges and corners, in one embodiment. In the embodiment shown in Figs. 3 A-3E, end faces 104a and 104b, as well as bottom face 106, are substantially flat, while curved face 102 is not. In alternative embodiments, there could be more or fewer flat or curved faces. The number of each type of face, as well as the level of curvature of the curved faces, can be selected based on an exercise, stretch, or yoga pose that the support block will be used for. Support block 100, for example, is contoured to substantially match the typical level of curvature of a part of the human spine. Because of this match in contour, support block 100 is ideal for use supporting a user's back during stretches, exercises, or yoga poses in which the user's back is positioned against a flat object such as a wall or floor. In alternative embodiments, where the user's back is against some non-flat surface or where the desired support is for a different body part, the orientation and curvature of the various faces that make up the support block could be modified.

Support block 100 can be used in a variety of yoga poses. In some uses, support block 100 can be placed with curved face 102 adjacent to the lumbar portion of a user's back to provide support during yoga, physical therapy, or some other activity. As such, support block 100 can be made of a medium- to high-density foam, so that it will provide adequate support. For example, in one embodiment, support block 100 is made of recycled ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) foam. In another embodiment, support block 100 is made of polyethylene (PE) foam. These materials are relatively light weight, can be readily acquired, are environmentally friendly, and have varying density options. Furthermore, the materials are sturdy and quite durable. The durability and strength of these materials can be enhanced by cross-linking them, in embodiments.

Curved face 102 is a face of support block 100 that is adapted to be positioned against the lumbar portion of a spine. As such, curved face 102 has a radius of curvature defined by third angle φ. Typically, third angle φ is defined such that the curved face 102 has a radius of curvature that matches the normal lordosis of a human spine. In other embodiments, however, third angle φ could be modified to more precisely match the contours of a spine having hyperlordosis or hypolordosis.

In still further embodiments, curved face 102 need not be symmetrical. As shown in Fig.

3 A, third angle φ is the same at both of the third edges 114a and 114b. However, in alternative embodiments, third angle φ could be relatively larger or smaller at third edge 114a as compared to third edge 114b. Such asymmetrical embodiments of support block 100 can match the contours of an individual's spine and be manufactured on a case-by-case basis, or alternatively the values of third angle φ can be selected to match common asymmetrical lordosis levels.

End faces 104a and 104b are adjacent to curved face 102, extending along the first dimension Dl and the third dimension D3. End faces 104a and 104b define the end points of support block 100 at its ends along the second dimension D2.

Bottom face 106 is a substantially flat, rectangular face in the embodiment shown in Figs. 3A-3E, extending along the first dimension Dl and the second dimension D2. Bottom face 106 is called "bottom" because, when support block 100 is in use as a lumbar support, bottom face 106 can be positioned on the bottom (i.e., on the floor). However, in other uses or in more complex yoga poses, bottom face 106 need not be strictly kept at the bottom of the support block 100. It should be understood that the term "bottom" is used only by convention and for convenience, and that support block 100 can be used in a multitude of orientations and positions, not all of which result in bottom face 106 being positioned at the gravitational bottom of support block 100.

In use, support block 100 can be positioned with the curved face 102 under the lumbar portion of a user's spine, for example. In this way, support for the lumbar portion of the user's back is provided that is uniform, and is not applied along sharp corners or edges. This type of support is not only preferable to experienced practitioners, but can also increase accessibility of certain poses or exercises to beginners and/or those with injuries, for whom discontinuous or point pressures can be significant obstacles. For relatively advanced users, the shape of support block 100 provides the opportunity to perform more complex poses or exercises. For example, support block 100 can be used "inverted," or with the bottom face 106 on top and the curved face 102 against the floor. Then, support block 100 can be used as a support under hands or feet, and requires some level of balance and control. In some embodiments all of the first edges 110a and 110b, second edges 112a and 112b, and third edges 114a and 114b can be rounded off, to avoid sharp, discontinuous levels of support that could be uncomfortable or painful, no matter which orientation the support block 100 is used in.

In alternative embodiments, support block 100 could be made in different sizes. For example, smaller and larger people can require differently sized blocks to match the size of the lumbar portion of their spine. Likewise, depending on the level of lordosis of the user, a different third angle φ can be used that will more closely match the user's spine, and provide an even level of support.

Likewise, as previously described, third angle φ can be increased or decreased to match a level of lordosis of the spine. As such, third angle φ can be between about 20 degrees and about 45 degrees in embodiments, and more particularly between about 33-35 degrees. In one embodiment, third angle φ is about 34 degrees.

For some users of support blocks, it may be desirable to have a range of different blocks that will conform to the size and level of lordosis of a variety of users. For example, yoga studios may desire multiple yoga blocks so that a variety of different members or users of the studio can select one having the appropriate size and level of curvature for them. Likewise, some physical trainers, physical therapists, chiropractors, and/or physicians, among other health care professionals, may desire different sizes and levels of curvature to accommodate patients and athletes whose sizes and levels of lordosis can vary significantly from those of the general public. As such, support block 100 can have dimensions D1-D3 and angles φ to suit any of these purposes, and can even be provided in packs or groups having a range of different dimensions D1-D3 and angles φ.

Environmentally-friendly and/or durability are attributes that can be important to yogis, in particular, whose traditions and philosophies often place great importance on sustainability. In some types fields of yoga, such as Bikram yoga or other types of "hot yoga," durability and cleanability is important because the support block 100 can be exposed to hot, humid conditions that could readily support undesirable growth of bacteria or fungi. Likewise, in communal yoga studios or physical therapy settings, the same blocks may be used by many different people over the course of a day. Thus, use of a durable, cleanable material is beneficial in that scrubbing, steaming, or otherwise cleaning the support block 100 can be carried out without damaging or significantly reducing the lifespan of the support block 100.

The materials from which support block 100 is made can vary depending on the type of use or the expected user. For example, as previously described, recycled EVA or PE can be used in some embodiments, which is appealing to yogis who have philosophies that emphasize environmental protection and sustainability. In other embodiments, relatively denser and firmer materials may be used, or softer and more pliable materials, in order to provide a desired level of support. Other supports and supplies used in the practice of yoga can be found in a spectrum of different levels of firmness. For example, rollers for beginners in physical therapy or other exercise or stretching programs can be extremely soft, whereas for experts often a PVC tube can be used, for example, which has almost no flexibility whatsoever.

Typically, support block 100 will be made entirely of a foamed polymer, rather than including a separate cover or case. This decreases the costs of production and the potential for delamination between the foam and any such cover. Furthermore, by choosing appropriate materials that are substantially fluid-resistant, there is no need for a cover or case. Thus, support block 100 can be made more economically and also be less prone to mechanical failures.

Another consideration for material choice is cleanability. As previously described, some users may prefer to use cleaning methods that are more environmentally friendly, as compared to harsher or less environmentally friendly chemical cleaners like bleach or alcohols. Instead, a common practice amongst yogis is the use of tea tree oil steaming to clean equipment used in the studio, for example. As such, a the support block 100 can be made from a material that is cleanable using this and other relatively environmentally-friendly cleaning techniques without being damaged. This is why, for example, cork may be used in some yoga equipment. Cork is both renewable, and it is also cleanable by tea tree oil steaming.

Furthermore, EVA, PE, cork, and various other plastics and plastic foams are relatively impermeable to water, sweat, tea tree oil, other environmentally friendly cleaning supplies, or anything else the support block 100 may come into contact with during use. This makes bacterial and fungal growth in the equipment far less likely, which increases the longevity of the equipment and is more sanitary for users. This can be of especial importance when the support block 100 is used or stored in a warm and/or humid environment much of the time.

In some embodiments, support block 100 can be made from a medium or heavy density foamed polymer such as PE or EVA. These materials have a relatively high compressive strength, and increasing density can also correspond to increased resistance to penetration by oils or other liquids. For example, PE foams having a density of between about 100-500 kg/m ³ can be used in some embodiments. These densities of foam correlate to varying levels of compressive strength.

Compressive strength can also be an important consideration, as in some exercises it may be desirable for support block 100 to compress more than in others. Typically, compressive strength is measured by as an amount of pressure required to compress a material by a certain percent. As used throughout this application, compressive strength is defined as the amount of pressure required to compress the material by 25%. Some PE or EVA foams can have a compressive strength of between 30 and 1500 kPa, for example. In some embodiments, support block 100 can be made of a medium or heavy density PE or EVA foam that has a compressive strength of between 100 and 1500 kPa.

In alternative embodiments, different materials such as polyethylene, polyisobutylene, or other plastics, biological materials such as cork or rubber, or even multi-layered materials (such as those having a relatively more solid core) can be used to form support block 100. The material or materials used can be selected to provide both a requisite amount of support for the exercises or stretches that the user desires to do, as well as optionally repel or block moisture, match the contours of an expected body part with which the support block will be in contact, and/or be made of a renewable, recycled, recyclable, or otherwise low environmental impact material.

Support block 100 can be used in a variety of yoga poses or physical therapy exercises. In an exercise, support block 100 is positioned with curved face 102 adjacent to the lumbar portion of a user's spine. Bottom face 106 can be placed on the floor or ground for a user lying on his or her back. Support block 100 then substantially fills the gap between the user's low back and the ground or floor, providing support for the lower back that is substantially even.

In other uses, support block 100 need not be positioned with curved face 102 adjacent to the spine. Instead, support block 100 could be used as a support under a user's feet, hands, legs, or any other part of the torso. For example, in the Baddha Konasana pose, the block could be positioned under the user's leg as a support, such that curved face 102 is adjacent to the leg and bottom face 106 is on the floor. As such, the sharp, discontinuous pressure that could result from use of a rectangular support block against the leg is eliminated. Other poses, such as Pigeon Pose, can benefit from the use of the blocks as support under a leg or other body part.

There are various other poses, exercises, and stretches that can benefit from the use of support block 100. For example, Setu Bandasana, Wind Removing Pose, and Happy Baby Pose are three such yoga poses. These poses, or variations thereon, are also used in physical therapy and chiropractic settings, for improving strength and motor control of the abdomen. In some exercises and stretches, it may be useful to use more than one support block 100, or combine the use of support block 100 with conventional support blocks. For example, in Restorative Fish Pose, support block 100 and a set of conventional, rectangular blocks can be used in combination to form a superstructure that more fully supports the practitioner without presenting discontinuous support of sharp edges. For alternative stretches, exercises, or poses, various other combinations of one or more support blocks 100 and/or one or more conventional blocks (such as the one previously described with respect to Fig. 2) can be combined to form other contoured support superstructures.

Still other poses, such as a Plank, can be enhanced by use of support block 100. In the Plank pose, a user supports himself or herself with only arms and feet, and the body extending straight (similar to a plank). The Plank pose requires a great deal of core body strength to maintain, with hands and feet on the ground. For advanced users, however, Plank pose can become quite easy, and placing the support block 100 underneath either the hands or feet, with curved face 102 adjacent to the ground, can provide additional strength training. Third edges 114a and 114b can be positioned such that the support block 100 can roll backwards or forwards with respect to the user. With support block 100 positioned in this way, the user needs to use his or her muscles to prevent support block 100 from rolling, rather than rely on contact with the floor or ground to keep both hands and feet stable and stationary.

In other uses, support block 100 can be used for balancing, exercises, or poses involving controlled movement. For example, in physical therapy, stretches can be slowly extended, by using support block 100 for support. The user can move into an exercise or stretch at a controlled speed, by starting with support block 100 as a support under his or her hands or feet, for example, with curved face 102 adjacent to the ground. Then, support block 100 can be slid or rolled along the ground to move into the stretch.

In many fields of physical therapy or training, such balancing or proprioception is a goal for advanced students. Such balancing is often accomplished using a support that is not flat on the bottom, such as a bosu ball. In contrast to the bosu ball conventionally used, support block 100 can provide a surface for balancing that is safe and accessible to those who are beginning such balancing/proprioception exercises or stretches.

It should be understood from the foregoing that other factors in addition to the previously-described size and level of lordosis can be important in determining what level of support block 100 needs to provide. For example, the physical skill and/or fitness level of the user, type of injury or condition, and/or the exercises or poses in which support block 100 will be used, can affect the needed level of support. Support block 100 can be relatively firmer, or be made of denser materials, when it is to be used to provide relatively more support. This can occur when the user is using the support block 100 as a support for hands or feet, for example, which can distribute the weight of the user in a small portion of rectangular face 106.

Fig. 4 depicts an embodiment in which the support block has corners that are not rounded as depicted in previous figures. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 4, like parts are numbered with reference numerals that are iterated by 100, as compared to the embodiment previously described with respect to Figs. 3A-3E. While Fig. 4 depicts a support block 200 (similar to 100 as previously described) with curved face 202, end face 204a, and bottom face 206 (not shown) each substantially similar to those of the embodiments previously shown with respect to Figs. 3A-3E, there are some differences in first edge 210a, second edge 112a, and third edge 114a. In particular, while Figs. 3A-3E showed rounded or beveled edges 110a, 112a, 114a, the edges 210a, 212a, and 214a of Fig. 4 are sharp. Such sharp edges can be manufactured more easily and efficiently (e.g., wasting less material from subtractive manufacturing processes) while still providing desired support for a variety of excercises and stetches detailed above.

Listing of Embodiments

A support block includes at least three flat faces, a curved face, and a plurality of edges, wherein each of the edges is arranged between at least two of the at least three flat faces and the curved face. The support block consists of a foamed polymeric material.

The curved face can extend at an angle from at least one of the plurality of edges, and the angle can define a radius of curvature that substantially matches an expected level of lordosis of a human spine. The plurality of edges can be rounded. The angle can be between about 25 degrees and about 50 degrees, or more particularly between about 44 degrees and about 48 degrees. The at least three flat faces can include a bottom face and at least two end faces. The bottom face can extend along a first dimension and a second dimension, and the at least two end faces can extend along the first dimension and a third dimension. The support block can extend between about 10 cm and about 20 cm in the first dimension, or more particularly between about 14 cm and about 16 cm in the first dimension. The support block can extend between about 20cm and about 30cm in the second dimension, or more particularly between about 23cm and about 25cm in the second dimension. The support block can extend between about 5 cm and about 10 cm in the third dimension, or more particularly between about 7cm and about 8cm in the third dimension. The support block can comprise a foamed foamed polymeric material has a density between about 100-500 kg/m ³ . The foamed polymeric material can be a recycled polyethylene. The polymeric material can have a compressive strength between about 100 kPa and about 1500 kPa. According to another embodiment, a method of using a support block comprises selecting an angle corresponding to a level of lordosis of a spine, selecting a size corresponding to a size of the spine, and selecting a support block that comprises at least three flat faces having dimensions corresponding to the size, a curved face having a radius of curvature corresponding to the angle, and a plurality of edges arranged between each of the at least three flat faces and the curved face.

The edges of the support block used in the method above can be rounded. The angle can be between about 44 degrees and about 48 degrees. The support block can extend between about 14 cm and about 16 cm in a first dimension, between about 23cm and about 25cm in a second dimension, and between about 5 cm and about 10 cm in a third dimension. The support block can comprise a foamed polymer. The compressive strength of the support block can be between about 100 kPa and about 1500 kPa.

Various embodiments of systems, devices and methods have been described herein. These embodiments are given only by way of example and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. It should be appreciated, moreover, that the various features of the embodiments that have been described may be combined in various ways to produce numerous additional embodiments. Moreover, while various materials, dimensions, shapes, configurations and locations, etc. have been described for use with disclosed embodiments, others besides those disclosed may be utilized without exceeding the scope of the invention.

Persons of ordinary skill in the relevant arts will recognize that the invention may comprise fewer features than illustrated in any individual embodiment described above. The embodiments described herein are not meant to be an exhaustive presentation of the ways in which the various features of the invention may be combined. Accordingly, the embodiments are not mutually exclusive combinations of features; rather, the invention can comprise a combination of different individual features selected from different individual embodiments, as understood by persons of ordinary skill in the art. Moreover, elements described with respect to one embodiment can be implemented in other embodiments even when not described in such embodiments unless otherwise noted. Although a dependent claim may refer in the claims to a specific combination with one or more other claims, other embodiments can also include a combination of the dependent claim with the subject matter of each other dependent claim or a combination of one or more features with other dependent or independent claims. Such combinations are proposed herein unless it is stated that a specific combination is not intended. Furthermore, it is intended also to include features of a claim in any other independent claim even if this claim is not directly made dependent to the independent claim. Any incorporation by reference of documents above is limited such that no subject matter is incorporated that is contrary to the explicit disclosure herein. Any incorporation by reference of documents above is further limited such that no claims included in the documents are incorporated by reference herein. Any incorporation by reference of documents above is yet further limited such that any definitions provided in the documents are not incorporated by reference herein unless expressly included herein.