BACKGROUND 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to the field of exercise equipment. More particularly, the present invention is directed to a device that promotes correct posture when performing exercises, such as those performed in various yoga disciplines. 2. Description of Related Art A variety of exercise devices are known in the art for assisting or guiding a user in proper exercise technique. Of such devices, many are directed to conventional exercises, such as sit-ups and weight-lifting, or the like. Although yoga is practiced by millions of people worldwide, few devices are available for assisting and guiding a user in proper technique. Moreover, the modern, sedentary lifestyle is causing an out of proportion crisis. Lack of activity, combined with sporadic overexertion causes damage to our anatomy, including the spinal disks which compress and bulge, resulting in pain and predisposition to further injury. Such damage is typically masked by anti-inflammatory and analgesic medications, without addressing the root cause. Poor posture is at epidemic proportions, begins in childhood, and continues through adulthood in our workplaces. Applicant recognizes that workplaces are plagued with lost productivity and absenteeism. Disorders related to poor posture account for 60% of workplace disabilities, and the terms “spinal injury” “computer posture”, “computer neck posture”, and “carpal tunnel syndrome” are common terms these days. Applicant recognizes that aging populations transcend these conditions into retirement. Deprived of comfort and mobility, dreams of freedom, recreation and travel are replaced with appointments to cure their pain and disabilities. As a result, healthcare systems are overwhelmed and billions of dollars are spent on treatment, addictive pain medication and their toxic side effects. Accordingly, the costs for medical benefits and insurance plans are at a breaking point. Applicant recognizes that medications simply mask pain, while massage, other passive therapies and special pillows can help release tightness, but regular activity is needed to get stronger and bring about long term changes in habits. One can lower one's risks and help preserve collective healthcare resources by protecting one's body mechanics. Sources of chronic pain can be overcome. Good posture reduces risk factors for problems such as osteoporosis, myofascial pain, fibromyalgia, arthritis, TMD, chronic headaches, carpal tunnel syndrome, back, hip and neck pain, breathing problems, incontinence and many more maladies. The best solution is to transform one's awareness about one's body condition and restore healthy movement in daily living. There remains a need in the art for devices that are inexpensive and easy to make, that aid users in achieving strength and flexibility. The present invention provides a solution for these problems. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The purpose and advantages of the present invention will be set forth in and apparent from the description that follows. Additional advantages of the invention will be realized and attained by the methods and systems particularly pointed out in the written description and claims hereof, as well as from the appended drawings. To achieve these and other advantages and in accordance with the purpose of the invention, as embodied, the invention includes, in one aspect, a supportive exercise device adapted and configured to assist a user in achieving and maintaining an exercise posture, the device comprising a seat adapted and configured to be placed under a user, a support frame extending upwardly from the seat, a backrest carried by the support frame, and shoulder straps carried by the support frame, adapted and configured for maintaining the user's shoulders in a predetermined position. The supportive exercise device can further include an angle adjustment mechanism in connection with the support frame, adapted and configured to adjust a position of an upper end portion of the support frame, and thus also the shoulder straps. The seat can be adapted and configured to be foldable. In accordance with the invention, the supportive exercise device can further include a knee strap carried by the support frame, adapted and configured for maintaining a user's knees in a predetermined position. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and are intended to provide further explanation of the invention claimed.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute part of this specification, are included to illustrate and provide a further understanding of the devices of the invention. Together with the description, the drawings serve to explain the principles of the invention, wherein: FIG. 1 is an upper left front isometric view of a first representative embodiment of a supportive exercise device in accordance with the present invention, shown in an open conformation; FIG. 2 is an upper right front isometric view of the supportive exercise device of FIG. 1; FIG. 3 is an upper left rear isometric view of the supportive exercise device of FIG. 1; FIG. 4 is an upper right rear isometric view of the supportive exercise device of FIG. 1; FIG. 5 is a left plan view of the supportive exercise device of FIG. 1; FIG. 6 is a right plan view of the supportive exercise device of FIG. 1; FIG. 7 is a front plan view of the supportive exercise device of FIG. 1; FIG. 8 is a rear plan view of the supportive exercise device of FIG. 1; FIG. 9 is a top view of the supportive exercise device of FIG. 1; FIG. 10 is a bottom view of the supportive exercise device of FIG. 1; FIG. 11 is an upper right front isometric view of the supportive exercise device of FIG. 1, shown in a folded conformation; FIG. 12 is an upper left rear isometric view of the supportive exercise device of FIG. 1, shown in a folded conformation; FIG. 13 is a left plan view of the supportive exercise device of FIG. 1, shown in a folded conformation; FIG. 14 is a front plan view of the supportive exercise device of FIG. 1, shown in a folded conformation; FIG. 15 is a rear plan view of the supportive exercise device of FIG. 1, shown in a folded conformation; FIG. 16 is a top view of the supportive exercise device of FIG. 1, shown in a folded conformation; FIG. 17 is a bottom view of the supportive exercise device of FIG. 1, shown in a folded conformation; FIG. 18 is an upper left rear isometric view illustrating shoulder straps of the supportive exercise device of FIG. 1; FIG. 19 is an upper left front isometric view illustrating shoulder straps of the supportive exercise device of FIG. 1; FIG. 20 is an upper left rear isometric view of a support frame of the supportive exercise device of FIG. 1; FIG. 21 is a lower right front isometric view of a support frame of the supportive exercise device of FIG. 1; FIG. 22 is a right plan view of a support frame of the supportive exercise device of FIG. 1; FIG. 23 is a bottom view of a support frame of the supportive exercise device of FIG. 1; FIG. 24 is an upper front right isometric view of a seat frame of the supportive exercise device of FIG. 1; FIG. 25 is an upper front right isometric view of a seat of the supportive exercise device of FIG. 1, provided in two separate portions; FIG. 26 is an lower front left isometric view of the seat of FIG. 25; FIG. 27 is a front view of the seat of FIG. 25; FIG. 28 is a top view of the seat of FIG. 25; FIG. 29 is a bottom view of the seat of FIG. 25; FIG. 30 is a lower isometric view of a seat cushion of the supportive exercise device of FIG. 1; FIG. 31 is an upper isometric view of the seat cushion of FIG. 30; FIG. 32 is an upper left rear isometric view of a backrest of the supportive exercise device of FIG. 1; FIG. 33 is a lower left front isometric view of the backrest of FIG. 32; FIG. 34 is a top view of the backrest of FIG. 32; FIG. 35 is a rear plan view of the backrest of FIG. 32; FIG. 36 is a front plan view of the backrest of FIG. 32; FIG. 37 is an upper right front isometric view of a shoulder strap yoke, backrest support tube and bottom cap therefor, of the supportive exercise device of FIG. 1; FIG. 38 is an upper front left isometric view of an interface collar of the supportive exercise device of FIG. 1; FIG. 39 is a left plan view of the interface collar of FIG. 38; FIG. 40 is a rear plan view of the interface collar of FIG. 38; FIG. 41 is a top view of the interface collar of FIG. 38; FIG. 42 is an upper left rear isometric view of an angle adjustment mechanism of the supportive exercise device of FIG. 1; FIG. 43 is a left plan view of the angle adjustment mechanism of FIG. 42; FIG. 44 is an upper isometric view of a pair of latches for engaging the seat portions of the supportive exercise device of FIG. 1, when in a folded conformation; FIG. 45 is an isometric view of a spacer for the seat frame of the supportive exercise device of FIG. 1; FIG. 46 is an isometric view of a bushing for the backrest pivot joint of the supportive exercise device of FIG. 1; FIG. 47 is an isometric view of a height-adjustment lock for the backrest of the supportive exercise device of FIG. 1; FIG. 48 is a side view illustrating an example supportive exercise device in accordance with the present invention, with a user in a seated position, and shoulder straps being utilized to maintain the user's shoulders in one correct position; FIG. 49 is a side view illustrating the supportive exercise device of FIG. 48, with a user in a seated position, shoulder straps being utilized to maintain the user's shoulders in the correct position, and knee straps being utilized to support the user's knees in a first example position; FIG. 50 is a side view illustrating the supportive exercise device of FIG. 48, with a user in a seated position, shoulder straps being utilized to maintain the user's shoulders in the correct position, and knee straps being utilized to support the user's knees in a second example position; FIG. 51 is a side view illustrating the supportive exercise device of FIG. 48, with a user in a seated position, shoulder straps being utilized to maintain the user's shoulders in the correct position, and knee straps being utilized to support the user's knees in a third example position; FIG. 52 is a left isometric view of a further example embodiment of a supportive exercise device in accordance with the invention, having a separate carrying handle and cables connected to the seat portion; FIG. 53 is a lower isometric view of an example supportive exercise device in accordance with the invention, having a pump for adjusting a seat portion thereof; FIG. 54 is a side isometric view of the supportive exercise device of FIG. 52, having the pump of FIG. 53, shown in a folded conformation; FIG. 55 is a detail side cross-sectional view, illustrating an alternative angle adjustment mechanism for use with supportive exercise devices, in accordance with the invention; FIG. 56 is an upper left front isometric view of a further example embodiment of a supportive exercise device in accordance with the invention illustrating a folding arrangement therefor; FIG. 57 is a side view of the supportive exercise device of FIG. 55, shown in an example carrying bag therefor; FIG. 58 is an upper left front isometric view of still a further example embodiment of a supportive exercise device in accordance with the invention; FIG. 59 is a side plan view of the supportive exercise device of FIG. 58 illustrating a folding arrangement therefor; and FIG. 60 is an enlarged upper left front isometric view of the supportive exercise device of FIG. 58. DETAILED DESCRIPTION Reference will now be made in detail to example embodiments of the invention, which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The devices presented herein assist a user in achieving and maintaining any of a variety of postures prescribed by various exercise practices, including yoga disciplines. The present invention is particularly suited for use in yoga disciplines, for training purposes by assisting and guiding a user. For the purposes of explanation and illustration, and not limitation, FIGS. 1-47 illustrate one example embodiment of a supportive exercise device in accordance with the invention, which is designated, generally, by reference number 100. Other example embodiments of supportive exercise devices in accordance with the invention, or aspects thereof, are provided in FIGS. 48-60, as will be described below. As seen in FIG. 1, the supportive exercise device 100 includes a support frame 110, at the upper end of which is provided a pivot joint 111, facilitated by a sleeve 112 (FIG. 20) formed in the support frame 110. A bushing 116 (FIG. 46), in the illustrated embodiment, is inserted into the sleeve 112, and an interface collar 135 is then connected to the support frame 110 by a fastener, such as a pin or bolt. An angle adjustment mechanism 113 is optionally provided in connection with the support frame 110 to provide adjustability of position of the support frame 110, and thus also of the backrest 130 held thereby, by way of the interface collar 135, adjustable backrest support tube 133, and a lock 137 therefor. Latches 115 are provided on the support frame 110 for engaging apertures 125 on the folding seat portions 122a, 122b, to maintain the supportive exercise device 100 in a more compact closed conformation (e.g., see FIGS. 11-17). A boss 117 can be provided on the support frame 110 for supporting the latches 115 and/or for reinforcing the support frame 110. A seat 120 includes seat halves 122a, 122b carried by a frame 123, which is inserted through a sleeve 114 provided in a lower end of the support frame. A spacer 128 is provided in the illustrated embodiment to additionally support the seat halves 122a, 122b. A cushion 121 can be provided for the seat 120 to improve comfort for the user. Such cushion can be formed of any suitable material, such as a molded foam material for example. The backrest 130 also includes a padded area 131 to improve comfort for the user, which can be formed any suitable material, such as a molded foam material. The backrest 130 can be provided with a groove 136 to minimize direct pressure on a user's spine, while a lumber support 138 helps the backrest 130 conform to the user's anatomy. Further, protrusions 139 can be provided for applying pressure to the user's scapulae (shoulder blades) to maintain correct posture. The backrest support tube 133 is engaged with the backrest 130 and, as mentioned above, is adjustable with respect to the support frame 110. As seen in FIG. 37, the support tube 133 is provided with a plurality of holes to permit, with lock 137, height adjustment. The pivot joint 111 provides angle adjustability in a vertical plane, while an alternative lock (not illustrated) can also permit lateral rotation of the backrest 130 with respect to the support frame 110 and interface collar 135, such as by acting through frictional engagement therebetween. One or more knee straps 119 (FIGS. 49-51) can be provided for supporting and helping maintain the position of a user's legs, such as by wrapping around a user's knee. The knee straps in the illustrated embodiment are engaged with the supportive exercise device 100 by way of eyelets 132 provided in connection with the backrest 130, however other configurations are possible. Such straps can be any suitable material, such as nylon, cotton or the like. Adjustability can be imparted by a buckle, repositionable fasteners or other adjustment elements. At the upper end of the support tube 133, a shoulder support assembly 140 can be provided, including a strap yoke 143 and shoulder straps 141. The straps 141 can be any suitable configuration permitting adjustability thereof. In accordance with one aspect, the straps 141 can include repositionable fasteners, such as hook-and-loop material. FIG. 48 is a side view illustrating an example supportive exercise device in accordance with the present invention, with a user 91 in a seated position, and shoulder straps 141 being utilized to maintain the user's shoulders in one position. FIGS. 49-51 are side views illustrating the user 91 in a seated position, shoulder straps 141 being utilized to maintain the user's shoulders in the correct position, and knee straps 119 being utilized to support the user's knees in respective example positions. FIG. 52 is a left isometric view of a further example embodiment of a supportive exercise device 200 in accordance with the invention, having an integral carrying handle 250 and cables 260 connected to the seat portion. The cables 260 can provide additional structural integrity to the supportive exercise device 200 in use, and optionally can help hold the supportive exercise device 200 in a closed conformation, if so adapted. FIG. 53 illustrates a pump 270 for adjusting a compatible inflatable seat portion of the subject supportive exercise devices. FIG. 54 is a side isometric view of the supportive exercise device 200, having a pump 270, shown in a folded conformation for storage and/or transport. FIG. 55 is a detail side cross-sectional view, illustrating an alternative angle adjustment mechanism 213 for use with supportive exercise devices of the invention. FIG. 56 is an upper left front isometric view of a further example embodiment of a supportive exercise device 300 in accordance with the invention illustrating a folding arrangement therefor. FIG. 57 is a side view of the supportive exercise device 300, shown in an example carrying bag 370 therefor. In accordance with a preferred aspect of the invention, the overall dimensions of the stowed, folded supportive exercise device 300, in the carrying bag 370 is about 15 inches high by 15 inches wide, as illustrated in FIG. 57. FIG. 58 is an upper left front isometric view of still a further example embodiment of a supportive exercise device 400 in accordance with the invention. FIG. 59 is a side plan view of the supportive exercise device 400, shown in a folded conformation for storage or transport. In accordance with a preferred aspect of the invention, the overall dimensions of the stowed, folded supportive exercise device 400, is about 10 inches high by 15 inches wide, as illustrated in FIG. 59. FIG. 60 is an enlarged upper left front isometric view of the supportive exercise device 400. The devices of the present invention, as described above and shown in the drawings, provide a supportive exercise device with superior properties including simplicity, ease of use and portability. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to the devices of the present invention without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. |
