Exercise Mat wtih Integral Repositionable Support Assemblies

Abstract

An exercise device with a mat portion and one or more support assemblies. The mat portion defines a plurality of through holes. Each support assembly has a support member, a support bridge, and one or more support inserts. The support member has a flat bottom and a bolster-shaped top and defines one or more cavities that extend through the bottom of the support member and into the interior of the support member. The support inserts are generally hollow and are fitted into the cavities in the support member. The support bridge defines one or more projections that extend upwards from and generally perpendicular to the top of the support bridge. Each projection is sized and shaped to fit through one of the through-holes in the mat portion. The interior surface of each of the support inserts defines a plurality of grooves, each of the projections defines a plurality of ridges, and the grooves and ridges are adapted to form a press fit when coupled together, to removably couple the mat portion between the support member and the support bridge. The support assembly may be removed and repositioned to different locations on the mat portion as desired by a user.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/181,712, entitled “Exercise Mat with Integral, Repositionable Supports,” filed on May 28, 2009. The entire contents of the priority application are expressly incorporated by reference herein.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates generally to the field of exercise accessories, and more particularly to exercise mats and props or supports, which are commonly used for Yoga and other fitness disciplines.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Padded surfaces are often used to make activities that take place on the floor or ground easier and more comfortable. Athletic mats have been developed for many sports, including gymnastics and tumbling, wrestling, aerobic exercises, and yoga.

Yoga mats are typically flat and relatively thin as compared to other exercise mats, and are designed to provide traction and cushioning. Most yoga mats are rectangular in shape, with a standard mat measuring approximately 24 inches by 68 inches. Yoga mats are made from a variety of materials, including rubber, vinyl, and hemp.

Props or supports, such as blocks, wedges and bolsters, are often used by Yoga practitioners to provide support and comfort, and to properly align specific parts of the body while performing poses. Yoga props or supports are available in many shapes, sizes, and materials. In practice, however, Yoga props or supports have a tendency to slip or move during use, which may cause discomfort and result in a potential safety hazard.

There is a need in the art then, for an exercise mat with props or supports that can be secured to the mat and yet easily repositioned to accommodate the user's varying exercise requirements.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention provides an improved exercise mat with integral props or support assemblies. The user may position and reposition the support assemblies as needed to provide a safe, comfortable and functional surface for Yoga and other floor exercises.

In a preferred embodiment, the exercise device disclosed herein comprises a generally rectangular mat portion and one or more support assemblies. Each support assembly comprises one or more support members, one or more support inserts, and one or more support bridges.

The mat portion comprises a plurality of through-holes. The through-holes are preferably arranged in three groups or patterns; one group proximate each of the opposing longitudinal ends of the mat portion and a third group located proximate the longitudinal center of the mat portion. Each group or pattern of through-holes resembles an “X” shape.

The support member defines a top surface and a bottom surface. The bottom surface is generally flat and the top surface is generally semi-circular in shape. The support member defines one or more cavities that are formed through the bottom surface and extend into the interior of the support member.

Each cavity is sized and shaped to accept a generally cylindrical support insert. The support insert is preferably permanently affixed within the cavity of the support member. The interior of the support insert is generally hollow, and the interior surface of the support insert defines one or more substantially longitudinal grooves.

The support bridge defines a top surface and a bottom surface. The top surface of the support bridge defines one or more generally cylindrical projections. Each projection is configured to be placed through one of the through-holes in the mat portion and to extend above the surface of the mat portion. The projections define one or more generally longitudinal ridges.

The grooves of the support insert are configured to accommodate the ridges of the projections to provide a press fit when mated, thus removably securing the support bridge to the support member, with the mat portion sandwiched in between.

In a preferred embodiment, the exercise device comprises a mat portion comprising a plurality of through-holes and a support assembly comprising a support member, a support bridge and at least one support insert. The support member defines a top surface, a bottom surface, and at least one cavity that extends through the bottom surface of the support member and into the interior of the support member. The support bridge defines a top surface, a bottom surface, and at least one projection that extends upwards from and generally perpendicular to the top surface of the support bridge. The projection is sized and shaped to fit through one of the through-holes in the mat portion, and the projection defines one or more ridges. The support insert is generally hollow and sized and shaped to fit into the cavity in the support member, and the interior surface of the support insert defines one or more grooves. The ridges of the projection and the grooves of the support insert are adapted to fit together to removably couple the mat portion between the support member and the support bridge.

In an aspect, the through-holes are arranged in one or more groups of eight through-holes, and each group of eight through-holes are configured in a generally “X”-shaped pattern. In another aspect, there are three groups of eight through-holes. In still another aspect, a first group of eight through-holes is located proximate the center of the mat portion, a second group of eight through-holes is located proximate a first longitudinal edge of the mat portion, and a third group of eight through-holes is located proximate the opposing longitudinal edge of the mat portion.

In an aspect, the support member has a generally flat bottom surface and a semi-circular top surface. In another aspect, the support member has a generally flat bottom surface and a generally rectangular top surface. In yet another aspect, the support member has a generally flat bottom surface and a generally wedge-shaped top surface.

In an aspect, the support insert defines four grooves, each groove extending along substantially the length of the support insert, and the grooves are evenly spaced about the longitudinal center axis of the support insert. In another aspect, the projection defines four ridges, each ridge extending substantially along the length of the projection, and the ridges are evenly spaced about the longitudinal center axis of the projection. In yet another aspect, the ridges of the projection and the grooves of the support insert are adapted to accomplish a press fit when coupled together. In still another aspect, the cavity and the support insert are generally cylindrical in shape.

In another preferred embodiment, the exercise device comprises a mat portion comprising a plurality of through-holes, and a support assembly comprising a support member, a support bridge and two support inserts. The support member defines a top surface, a bottom surface, and two cavities, where each cavity extends through the bottom surface of the support member and into the interior of the support member. The support bridge defines a top surface, a bottom surface, and two projections, where each projection extends upwards from and generally perpendicular to the top surface of the support bridge. Each of the projections are sized and shaped to fit through one of the through-holes in the mat portion, and each projection defines a plurality of ridges. Each support insert is generally hollow and sized and shaped to fit into one of the cavities in the support member, and the interior surface of each support insert defines a plurality grooves. The ridges of the projections and the grooves of the support inserts are adapted to fit together to removably couple the mat portion between the support member and the support bridge.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing and other objects, features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following more particular description of preferred embodiments of the invention, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings in which like reference characters refer to the same parts throughout the different views. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of the invention.

FIG. 1A is a perspective, partially exploded view of a preferred embodiment of an exercise mat with integral, repositionable support assemblies, constructed in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 1B is a top view of the exercise mat with integral, repositionable support assemblies of FIG. 1A, showing alternate locations for the support assemblies;

FIG. 2A is a top view of the exercise mat with integral, repositionable support assemblies of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 2B is a bottom view of the exercise mat with integral, repositionable support assemblies of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 3A is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a mat portion of the exercise mat with integral, repositionable support assemblies of FIG. 1A, constructed in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 3B is a top view of the mat portion of FIG. 3A, showing certain dimensions of a preferred embodiment;

FIG. 4A is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a support member of the exercise mat with integral, repositionable support assemblies of FIG. 1A, constructed in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 4B is an end view of the support member of FIG. 4A, showing certain dimensions of a preferred embodiment;

FIG. 4C is bottom view of the support member of FIG. 4A, showing certain dimensions of a preferred embodiment;

FIG. 4D is a top view of the support member of FIG. 4A, showing certain dimensions of a preferred embodiment;

FIG. 4E is a cross-sectional view of the support member of FIG. 4A, taken along line G-G of FIG. 4D;

FIG. 4F is an end view of an alternative embodiment of a support member of the exercise mat with integral, repositionable support assemblies of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 4G is an end view of another alternative embodiment of a support member of the exercise mat with integral, repositionable support assemblies of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 5A is a perspective view of a support insert of the exercise mat with integral, repositionable support assemblies of FIG. 1A, constructed in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 5B is a front view of the support insert of FIG. 5A, showing certain dimensions of a preferred embodiment;

FIG. 5C is a top view of the support insert of FIG. 5A, showing certain dimensions of a preferred embodiment;

FIG. 5D is a bottom view of the support insert of FIG. 5A, showing certain dimensions of a preferred embodiment;

FIG. 5E is a cross-sectional view of the support insert of FIG. 5A, taken along line N-N of FIG. 5B;

FIG. 6A is perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a support bridge of the exercise mat with integral, repositionable support assemblies of FIG. 1A, constructed in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 6B is a top view of the support bridge of FIG. 6A, showing certain dimensions of a preferred embodiment;

FIG. 6C is a cross-sectional view of the support bridge of FIG. 6A, taken along line J-J of FIG. 6B;

FIG. 6D is an enlarged view of an edge of the support bridge of FIG. 6A, shown as Detail B in FIG. 6C;

FIG. 7A is a cross-sectional view of the exercise mat with integral, repositionable support assemblies of FIG. 1A, taken along line A-A of FIG. 2B; and

FIG. 7B is an enlarged view of Detail A of FIG. 7A, showing the mat portion sandwiched between a support bridge and a support member.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

With reference to FIG. 1A, in a preferred embodiment, exercise mat with integral, repositionable support assemblies 100 comprises mat portion 10 and one or more support assemblies 15. Each support assembly 15 comprises a support member 20, a support bridge 30, and one or more support inserts 40.

As shown in FIGS. 1A, 1B, 2A, 2B, 3A and 3B, mat portion 10 defines a plurality of through-holes 25, to accommodate the mating of support bridge 30 to support member 20. Support bridge 30 and support inserts 40 are adapted and configured to provide a press fit when mated, to cause mat portion 10 to be securely, yet removably, sandwiched between support member 20 and support bridge 30. Support assembly 15 may be removed and repositioned to a different location on mat portion 10 as desired by a user.

As shown in FIG. 3B, in a preferred embodiment, mat portion 10 is generally rectangular-shaped, although the invention is not limited to any particular shape. Mat portion 10 is preferably made of natural rubber, but may also be made of hemp, jute or synthetic materials, such as vinyl. FIG. 3B provides certain dimensions of a mat portion 10 in a preferred embodiment of the invention. Mat portion 10 defines two opposing longitudinal edges 11 and 12.

With further reference to FIGS. 1A, 3A, and 3B, in a preferred embodiment, the plurality of through-holes 25 in mat portion 10 are arranged in three distinct groups or patterns, with one group 26 proximate edge 11 of mat portion 10, a second group 28 proximate the distal edge 12 of mat portion 10, and a third group 27 proximate the longitudinal center of mat portion 10. In a preferred embodiment, each group or pattern 26, 27, 28, comprises eight through-holes arranged in a generally “X” shape. The groups of through-holes are preferably centered relative to the width of the mat portion.

The preferred configuration of through-holes 25 in mat portion 10, as shown in FIG. 3B, allows for twenty-four different locations for each support assembly 15. Three of the possible locations for each support assembly 15 are shown in FIG. 1B, as references 15A, 15B and 15C. The invention, however, is not limited to any specific number of through-holes 25, or any particular number or configuration of through-holes 25.

As shown in FIGS. 4A-4E, support member 20 is preferably shaped as a bolster, having a generally flat bottom surface 21 and semi-circular top surface 23, although top surface 23 may have other shapes, including but not limited to generally rectangular or generally wedge-shaped, as shown in FIGS. 4F and 4G, respectively. Support member 20 preferably defines two generally cylindrical cavities 22A and 22B formed through the bottom surface 21 and extending into, but not completely through, the interior of support member 20. In alternate embodiments, support member 20 may define only one cavity.

As shown in FIG. 4C, in a preferred embodiment, bottom surface 21 defines two opposing longitudinal edges 24 and 25. A first cavity 22A is located slightly to the right of the approximate midpoint between the center of bottom surface 21 and edge 24, and a second cavity 22B is located slightly to the left of the approximate longitudinal midpoint between the center of bottom surface 21 and the distal edge 25. In alternate embodiments, cavities 22A and 22B may have other locations, including but not limited to the approximate midpoint between the center of bottom surface 21 and edge 24, and the approximate midpoint between the center of bottom surface 21 and the distal edge 25.

Cavities 22A and 22B are adapted to accommodate support inserts 40, and extend from the bottom surface 21 of support member 20 through approximately two-thirds of the height H1 of support member 20, as shown in FIG. 4E. As shown in FIG. 1A, support inserts 40 are inserted through the bottom surface 21 of support member 20. In a preferred embodiment, support inserts are permanently affixed with glue.

As shown in FIGS. 5A-5E, support insert 40 is generally cylindrical in shape, with a slightly rounded top surface 42 and a generally flat bottom surface 44. In a preferred embodiment, the interior of support insert 40 is generally hollow, and comprises four involute or curved grooves 45 that extend from the bottom surface 44 through a majority of the height H2 of support insert 40, as shown in FIG. 5E. As shown in FIGS. 5D and 5E, grooves 45 are evenly spaced about the longitudinal center axis of support insert 40, shown as line N-N in FIG. 5D. Grooves 45 are configured to accommodate the complementary involute splines or ridges 34 of projections 32A and 32B of support bridge 30, shown in FIGS. 6A-6D and discussed in detail below.

With further reference to FIGS. 6A-6D, support bridge 30 is preferably generally oval in shape and comprises a generally flat bottom surface 36 and a top surface 37 that defines one or more generally cylindrical projections 32A and 32B. In a preferred embodiment, projections 32A and 32B are generally perpendicular to top surface 37, and each projection comprises a slightly tapered top surface 39 and four involute or curved splines or ridges 34. The splines or ridges 34 extend along substantially the length of projections 32A and 32B. As shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, ridges 34 are evenly spaced about the longitudinal center axis of projections 32A and 32B.

With further reference to FIG. 1A, in a preferred method of use, one or more support bridges 30 are placed on a horizontal surface, such as the floor, such that bottom surface 36 is on the horizontal surface and projections 32A and B are facing upwards. Mat portion 10 is then placed over the top of support bridge 30, such that each projection 32A and 32B passes through one through-hole 25 in mat portion 10. Alternatively, a support member may be held in place if only one projection passes through a through-hole in the mat portion, as shown by support assembly 15C in FIG. 1B.

Support member 20, comprising support inserts 40, is then placed on top of mat 10 and support bridge 30, such that each cavity 22A and 22B aligns with one projection 32A and 32B. When pressed together, the grooves 45 of support insert 40 and the ridges 34 of projections 32A and 32B accomplish a press fit to lock support member 20 and support bridge 30 in place, as shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B. Support member 40 and support bridge 30 may also be separated and moved to different locations on mat portion 10 as desired by a user.

The grooves 45 of support insert 40 and the projections 32 of support bridge 30 provide the cross-sectional strength necessary to maintain the support assembly 20 on the mat portion 10 during use, while reducing the amount of material needed, and thus reducing costs.

The claims should not be read as limited to the described order or elements unless stated to that effect. Therefore, all embodiments that come within the scope and spirit of the following claims and equivalents thereto are claimed as the invention.

Claims

1. An exercise device, comprising:

a mat portion comprising a plurality of through-holes;

a support assembly comprising a support member, a support bridge and at least one support insert;

where the support member defines a top surface, a bottom surface, and at least one cavity that extends through the bottom surface of the support member and into the interior of the support member;

where the support bridge defines a top surface, a bottom surface, and at least one projection that extends upwards from and generally perpendicular to the top surface of the support bridge;

where the at least one projection is sized and shaped to fit through one of the through-holes in the mat portion, and the projection defines one or more ridges;

where the at least one support insert is generally hollow and sized and shaped to fit into the cavity in the support member, and the interior surface of the support insert defines one or more grooves;

where the ridges of the projection and the grooves of the support insert are adapted to fit together to removably couple the mat portion between the support member and the support bridge.

2. The exercise device of claim 1, where the through-holes are arranged in one or more groups of eight through-holes, and each group of eight through-holes are configured in a generally “X”-shaped pattern.

3. The exercise device of claim 2, comprising three groups of eight through-holes.

4. The exercise device of claim 3, where a first group of eight through-holes is located proximate the center of the mat portion, a second group of eight through-holes is located proximate a first longitudinal edge of the mat portion, and a third group of eight through-holes is located proximate the opposing longitudinal edge of the mat portion.

5. The exercise device of claim 1, where the support member has a generally flat bottom surface and a semi-circular top surface.

6. The exercise device of claim 1, where the support member has a generally flat bottom surface and a generally rectangular top surface.

7. The exercise device of claim 1, where the support member has a generally flat bottom surface and a generally wedge-shaped top surface.

8. The exercise device of claim 1, where the at least one support insert defines four grooves, each groove extending along substantially the length of the support insert, and where the grooves are evenly spaced about the longitudinal center axis of the support insert.

9. The exercise device of claim 1, where the at least one projection defines four ridges, each ridge extending substantially along the length of the projection, and where the ridges are evenly spaced about the longitudinal center axis of the projection.

10. The exercise device of claim 1, where the ridges of the projection and the grooves of the support insert are adapted to accomplish a press fit when coupled together.

11. The exercise device of claim 1, where the cavity and the support insert are generally cylindrical in shape.

12. An exercise device, comprising:

a mat portion comprising a plurality of through-holes;

a support assembly comprising a support member, a support bridge and two support inserts;

where the support member defines a top surface, a bottom surface, and two cavities, where each cavity extends through the bottom surface of the support member and into the interior of the support member;

where the support bridge defines a top surface, a bottom surface, and two projections, where each projection extends upwards from and generally perpendicular to the top surface of the support bridge;

where each of the projections are sized and shaped to fit through one of the through-holes in the mat portion, and each projection defines a plurality of ridges;

where each support insert is generally hollow and sized and shaped to fit into one of the cavities in the support member, and the interior surface of each support insert defines a plurality grooves;

where the ridges of the projections and the grooves of the support inserts are adapted to fit together to removably couple the mat portion between the support member and the support bridge.

13. The exercise device of claim 12, where the through-holes are arranged in one or more groups of eight through-holes, and each group of eight through-holes are configured in a generally “X”-shaped pattern.

14. The exercise device of claim 13, comprising three groups of eight through-holes.

15. The exercise device of claim 14, where a first group of eight through-holes is located proximate the center of the mat portion, a second group of eight through-holes is located proximate a first longitudinal edge of the mat portion, and a third group of eight through-holes is located proximate the opposing longitudinal edge of the mat portion.

16. The exercise device of claim 12, where the support member has a generally flat bottom surface and a semi-circular top surface.

17. The exercise device of claim 12, where the support member has a generally flat bottom surface and a generally rectangular top surface.

18. The exercise device of claim 12, where the support member has a generally flat bottom surface and a generally wedge-shaped top surface.