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  Headstand assisting implementUSPTO Application #: 20060010580Title: Headstand assisting implement Abstract: A headstand assisting implement for assisting an intended user while the latter performs a headstand includes an implement body defining a ground contacting surface for resting on a ground surface and a substantially opposed cranium contacting surface for contacting the cranium of the intended user. The cranium contacting surface is provided with a cranium receiving concavity configured and sized for substantially fittingly receiving a predetermined portion of the cranium of the intended user so as to ergonomically support the cranium of the intended user when the intended user performs the headstand. (end of abstract) Agent: Inventarium - Montreal, CA Inventor: Raymond A. Long USPTO Applicaton #: 20060010580 - Class: 002413000 (USPTO) Related Patent Categories: Apparel, Guard Or Protector, For Wearer's Head, Including Energy-absorbing Means, By Fluid-containing Cushion The Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20060010580. Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims
FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] The present invention relates to the general field of implements for performing physical exercise and is particularly concerned with a headstand assisting implement. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] The word "yoga" is derived from the Sanskrit "yeung", meaning to join. In Hindu philosophy, yoga is used to attain spiritual insight and harmony. In Western countries, the term yoga is often used interchangeably with "hatha yoga". [0003] The practice of "hatha yoga" involves performing various physical postures and relaxation exercises. The yogic physical exercises are called Asanas, a term which means steady pause. This is because Yoga Asanas are typically meant to be held for some time. Yoga Asanas typically focus on the health of the spine, its strength and flexibility. [0004] Although there are probably millions of Asanas, twelve selected pauses are considered as basic postures. Known as the "king of Asanas" because of its many benefits, the headstand is the first of the twelve basic Asanas. The headstand consists in balancing on the crown of the head also referred to as the Sahasrara chakra. [0005] The headstand is considered by many to be a panacea for countless human ills. Benefits of performing the headstand includes: a) reversal of venous flow, thus flushing out areas of stagnant or collected blood; b) reversal of the flow of cerebro-spinal fluid, resulting in formation of new cerebro-spinal fluid in the region of the intracerebral ventricles; c) activation of the carotid sinus barorereceptors, resulting in increased discharge from the parasympathetic nervous system, thus lowering heart rate and blood pressure; d) strengthening of the paravertebral musculature; e) improvement of balance as a result of the establishment of new neural circuitry by the new demand for balance placed on the cerebellum and vestibular apparatus; f) improvement in concentration; g) improvement in endurance; and h) improvement in relaxation and general well being. [0006] Although not necessarily considered an advanced Asana, the headstand nevertheless requires some level of experience and may be potentially hazardous. Indeed, when performing a headstand, the cervical spine, in particular, may be subjected to important stresses that may potentially lead to serious injury. [0007] Some believe that the headstand should not be performed by individuals having cervical spondylosis, blocked arteries, osteo-arthritis of the neck or shoulders, backache, premenstrual stress or high blood pressure. Furthermore, it is typically recommended to get help from a yoga practitioner to perform the headstand in a correct and safe manner. [0008] There exists several methods for performing a yoga headstand. Typically, the sequence is initiated by coming onto the elbows and knees about 6 inches away from a wall. The hands are then placed to the outside of the triceps muscles to establish a beginning arm position. The elbows are then released and the fingers interlocked creating a "V" stance with the forearms. The crown of the head is then rested on the floor. [0009] The toes are then tucked under and, while inhaling, the hips are lifted and the legs straightened. The neck must be maintained in proper alignment throughout the procedure. [0010] Once this initial position has been established, one foot is placed in front of the other, preferably the stronger leg forward. It is typically recommended that most of the weight should rest on the elbows and not on the crown of the head. However, this may actually train the bad habit of having the mechanical axis of the spine anterior to the anatomic axis. [0011] The abdominal muscles and the pelvic floor muscles are contracted and, slowly, one leg at a time, the individual floats the feet up resting the legs on the wall. When headstand is taught in this way, the weight does not rest on the crown of the head, but rather rests on the elbows. It is recommended to keep the legs together and the toes spread. [0012] When practiced as described in the foregoing it is only when the neck is very strong and the individual has been practicing for many years that he or she can then place the full weight of the body on the head. As the headstand posture is practiced, from the starting position the abdominal muscles may be engaged first and both legs then slowly floated up together until in the inverted headstand position. Eventually, as the posture is established, the individual can move away from the wall and attempt it in a free-stand position. Typically, the posture is held for 5 to 10 deep breaths. Many other sequences may be used to achieve a proper headstand. [0013] Typically, most people recommend that most of the weight be distributed onto the hands and/or forearms in order to "protect" the spine. However, it is believed that by maintaining most of the weight on the forearms and/or hands, the spine may in fact become more vulnerable since the mechanical axis of the body is shifted forward of the cervical spine. By shifting the mechanical axis away from the anatomic axis of the vertebral column, the spine and its surrounding musculature become at risk for both acute and chronic injury. Furthermore, the advantage of aligning the body weight with the trabeculae of the vertebral bodies, which combined with the intervertebral discs can withstand very high compressive forces, is lost if the mechanical and anatomic axis are not aligned. [0014] When the headstand is performed with the mechanical axis of the spine substantially aligned with the anatomic axis, the weight of the body is concentrated in a small area of a part of the cranium, commonly referred to as the crown, where it is in contact with the floor. The sustentation polygon or surface within which the centre of gravity of the body must project in order to maintain the body in the inverted position without falling over is relatively small. Furthermore, the surface of the cranium in contact with the ground has a somewhat convex configuration which further reduces the overall stability of the position. [0015] Sway or imbalance is magnified when one attempts to maintain the mechanical axis and the anatomic axis concentrated in such a small area. Furthermore, in the inverted and erect position, the body becomes a long lever arm such that movements caused by relatively small forces become magnified. Such small forces can reach significant levels to a point that imbalance is created by the sway. [0016] This sway must be countered by muscular forces in order to maintain the body in the headstand position. These forces, in turn, can reach relatively high levels and are transmitted in the form compensatory flexion, extension and rotary motion at the vertebral bodies. These motions and forces can result in disc bulging or herniation. [0017] Hence, it would be desirable to provide a headstand assisting implement allowing an intended user to assume the inverted and erect position associated with conventional headstands wherein the mechanical and anatomic axes are in a substantially co-linear relationship relative to each other but without the hereinabove mentioned disadvantages associated with such a position. In other words, it would be desirable to provide a headstand assisting implement that could allow an intended user to perform a headstand wherein involvement of the forearms is minimized and wherein the need for providing compensatory movements to maintain balance is also minimized. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0018] It is a general object of the present invention to provide a headstand assisting implement adapted to assist an intended user in ergonomically performing a headstand. [0019] In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a headstand assisting implement for assisting an intended user while the intended user performs a headstand, the intended user having a head including a cranium, the headstand assisting implement comprising: an implement body, the implement body defining a ground contacting surface for resting on a ground surface and a substantially opposed cranium contacting surface for contacting the cranium of the intended user; the cranium contacting surface being provided with a cranium receiving concavity, the cranium receiving concavity being configured and sized for substantially fittingly receiving a predetermined portion of the cranium of the intended user so as to ergonomically support the cranium of the intended user when the intended user performs the headstand. [0020] Conveniently, the cranium receiving concavity has a substantially ovoid configuration when seen from a top view, the ovoid configuration of the cranium receiving concavity defining a concavity long axis extending substantially longitudinally across the cranium receiving concavity and a substantially perpendicular concavity short axis extending transversally across the cranium receiving concavity, the concavity long and short axes being sized so that the outline of the cranium receiving concavity corresponds substantially to the outline of the predetermined portion of the cranium of the intended user. [0021] Preferably, the cranium receiving concavity defines a concavity main section and a concavity auxiliary section, the concavity main section being located substantially centrally relative to the cranium receiving concavity; the concavity auxiliary section being located peripherally relative to the concavity main section, the radius of curvature of the concavity auxiliary section being greater then the radius of curvature of the concavity main section; Continue reading... Full patent description for Headstand assisting implement Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims Click on the above for other options relating to this Headstand assisting implement patent application. ###  How KEYWORD MONITOR works... a FREE service from FreshPatents1. Sign up (takes 30 seconds). 2. Fill in the keywords to be monitored. 3. Each week you receive an email with patent applications related to your keywords. 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