Exercise mat

Abstract

An improved exercise mat allows performance of one or more physical activities while preventing direct user contact with the floor. In this manner, a user always remains “on” the mat unlike traditional exercise mats. The improved exercise mat may comprise a resilient material having a shape configured to prevent direct contact with the floor. The shape may be non-rectangular to save material and space, and may be continuous or a single piece. In one embodiment, the shape has portions that correspond to locations where a user's body would ordinarily contact the floor during a physical activity. The improved exercise mat may comprise textured areas, variable cushioning areas, or both configured based on one or more physical activities to provide cushioning and texturing appropriate to the physical activities.

Description

PRIORITY CLAIM

This application claims the benefit of and priority to Provisional Patent Application 61/217,949 titled Exercise Mat, filed Jun. 5, 2009.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The invention relates generally to exercise equipment and in particular to an improved exercise mat.

2. Related Art

Traditional rectangular exercise mats are very restrictive in that they limit a user to particular motions if the user is to keep his or her appendages “on” the mat. For example, a user's arms or legs often extend beyond the outer margins of the exercise mat. This results in direct user contract with the floor despite having an exercise mat to prevent just such an occurrence. In addition, when areas of the body extend beyond the mat, these area do not enjoy the benefit of padding of the mat. Moreover, parts of the body that extend beyond the mat touch the floor, which may be unclean.

From the discussion that follows, it will become apparent that the present invention addresses the deficiencies associated with the prior art while providing numerous additional advantages and benefits not contemplated or possible with prior art constructions.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An improved exercise mat is provided herein. In one or more embodiments, the improved exercise mat provides the benefit of preventing direct contact with the floor during physical activities. In this manner, a user of the improved exercise mat always remains “on” the mat allowing the mat to always provide cushioning or padding for a user performing physical activities. This also increases cleanliness for the user. As a result, a user will realize a more effective and enjoyable exercise session.

In one embodiment, the improved exercise mat may comprise a resilient material, one or more textured areas, and one or more variable cushioning areas. The textured areas may be configured to provide various surfaces for particular physical activities. For example, a gripping surface or a sliding surface may be provided. The variable cushioning areas may be configured to provide increased or decreased cushioning or padding at one or more locations of the mat. This provides additional support, comfort, or both for one or more physical activities.

The improved exercise mat's padded material may comprise one or more portions of the mat or the entire mat. These portions may be selectively located to provide a cushion between a user and a floor during performance of a particular physical activity. In this manner, the shape prevents the user from directly contacting the floor during performance of the particular physical activity. The shape may also reduce the size and thus the amount of space occupied by the mat and reduces the amount of material needed to form the mat. The shape will typically, but not always, be continuous and non-rectangular.

Other systems, methods, features and advantages of the invention will be or will become apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination of the following figures and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features and advantages be included within this description, be within the scope of the invention, and be protected by the accompanying claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The components in the figures are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of the invention. In the figures, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the different views.

FIGS. 1A-1F are top views illustrating exemplary improved exercise mats having various exemplary shapes;

FIGS. 2A-2B are top views illustrating exemplary improved exercise mats having textured areas and variable cushioning areas;

FIG. 2C is a top view illustrating an exemplary improved exercise mat having textured areas; and

FIGS. 3A-3C are top views illustrating exemplary improved exercise mats comprising one or more mat modules.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a more thorough description of the present invention. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art, that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known features have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the invention.

Exercise mats are used for a variety of physical activities. Typically, an exercise mat is used to cushion or reduce the impact of a user's feet, hands, or other body parts against the floor. An exercise mat may also be used as a padded surface to support the weight of a user thereby cushioning the user against the floor. For example, a user may sit, stand, or lie on the exercise mat while performing an exercise.

Use of an exercise mat increases user comfort and, in some cases, makes physical activities safer. For example, reducing the impact of a user's appendages against the floor can reduce the likelihood of injury from impacting a hard floor. These benefits allow a user to comfortably perform physical activities for longer periods of time.

As stated, traditional exercise mats generally comprise a rectangular or square shape. This limits the benefits of traditional exercise mats because there are relatively few physical activities which allow a user to stay within the confines of a traditional exercise mat. Thus, users often come into direct contact with the floor or other surface despite having an exercise mat.

A traditional exercise mat may be enlarged so as to encompass an area large enough for a user to always remain “on” the mat. However, this is an inefficient use of space and exercise mat materials. Such a large mat may be unwieldy, heavy, and inconvenient to move. In addition, where many users are performing physical activities, such as in an exercise class, large mats may reduce the number of people who may attend the class.

The improved exercise mat disclosed herein addresses undesirable aspects of traditional rectangular exercise mats while providing additional benefits. In general, the improved exercise mat comprises a unique shape which allows physical activities to be performed with the user always remaining “on” the mat. It is contemplated that various shapes may be used for various types of physical activity. For example, one or more shapes may be used for yoga, while one or more other shapes may be used for aerobics.

The unique shape is not rectangular and thus may use less mat material as well as less space while allowing a user to always remain on the mat during physical activity. FIGS. 1A-1F illustrate exemplary shapes which the improved exercise mat may have. As can be seen, these shapes may include tapers, extensions, rounded or circular areas, angles, and the like. Because the mat may be shaped to correspond to the locations where a user would ordinarily contact the floor during a physical exercise, the mat may also help ensure proper technique during the physical exercise. In other words, if the user is off the improved exercise mat, the user knows that he or she is moving or positioning his or her body improperly for the particular physical exercise.

FIG. 1A illustrates an improved exercise mat 104 having a first end 116 and a second end 120. As can be seen, in this embodiment, the mat 104 tapers inward from its ends. This allows various standing and sitting physical activities. In particular however, this allows a user to lie on the mat 104 and spread his or her arms and legs while always remaining on the mat.

FIG. 1B illustrates and improved exercise mat 104 which is tapered at its first end 116 and second end 120. As can be seen, the mat 104 may also have a rounded or other shaped middle portion. This also allows various standing and sitting physical activities. In addition, a user may lie on the mat 104. The middle portion of the mat 104 allows a seated user to sit on the mat while the first and second end 116, 120 can accommodate the user's arms and legs.

FIG. 1C illustrates an improved exercise mat 104 having a rounded first end 116 and second end 120. In this embodiment, the mat 104 tapers towards the center of the mat. The larger first and second ends 116, 120 allow a user to lie on the mat 104 and spread his or her arms and legs during physical activity. In addition, the larger first and second ends 116, 120 allow a user to be seated at either end to perform the desired physical activities. Standing physical activities may also be performed on this embodiment of the mat 104.

FIGS. 1D-1F illustrate additional example embodiments of the improved exercise mat 104. As can be seen, each embodiment may be used for a variety of physical activities. In general, the motion of the user during a physical activity will govern what embodiment of the mat 104 is best suited for the physical activity. The mat 104 that is best suited will typically be one where a user can always remain “on” the mat while performing the physical activity. In one or more embodiments, the shape of the mat 104 may be defined based on the movement of a user's appendages during one or more particular physical activities.

More particularly, in one or more embodiments, the shape of the mat 104 may correspond to locations where a user would ordinarily contact the floor during one or more physical activities. For example, the shape may comprise one or more portions located where a user would contact the floor during one or more particular physical activities. In an aerobics embodiment for example, the shape may have portions wherever a user would step during this type of physical activity. In a yoga embodiment, the shape may have portions wherever a user would contact the floor to perform one or more or a particular set of yoga poses. Typically, but not always, the shape of the mat 104 will be continuous or one piece. It is noted that in the case of a modular mat, as described herein, it will be understood that the mat's shape is one piece once its modules have been connected together.

To illustrate, the shape of the embodiment of FIG. 1E may be used for physical activities where the user lies down and extends his or her arms outward. As can be seen this embodiment comprises outwardly extending tabs which may be used to prevent contact with the floor as the user's arms as they are extended. In this manner, the shape corresponds to locations where the user would ordinarily contact the floor during this type of physical activity. As stated, this reduces the amount of material required to form the improved exercise mat 104 and reduces the space occupied by the mat.

It is noted that the shape of the improved exercise mat 104 may be configured for one or more physical activities. For example, the embodiment of FIG. 1E may also be used for standing exercises. As can be seen, the tabs can be used to accommodate a narrow or wide stance thus allowing physical activities where the user moves his or her legs to be performed while always keeping the user on the mat 104.

Though the above embodiments of the improved exercise mat 104 have been described with regard to one or more physical activities which may be performed while standing, sitting, or lying down, it is noted that various other physical activities may be performed on the mat 104 as well. For example, various yoga poses or aerobic exercises may be performed on the mat 104. It will be understood that the mat's shape may be selected according to the one or more physical activities which a user desires to perform on the mat 104.

An additional aspect of the improved exercise mat 104 is the variability of its cushioning. This aspect may be used to give the mat 104 areas with more or less cushioning or padding. For example, thicker or denser materials may be used to provide additional cushioning while thinner or less dense materials may be used to provide reduced cushioning. This is beneficial because additional cushioning may better support weight while reduced cushioning may be more responsive and easier to transport. In this manner, a single mat 104 may comprise areas having different levels of cushioning. The level and location of cushioning may be based on the movements and body positions associated with physical activities to be performed with the mat 104. For example, areas which may support a significant or other portion of the user's weight (e.g. areas where a user may stand, sit, or lift him or herself), may have additional or increased cushioning while other areas have reduced cushioning.

It is noted that the cushioning may also be varied according to other characteristics. For example, more resilient materials may be used in some areas. In general, these materials will return to their original shape faster to ensure that repeated motions by a user are cushioned. In other areas, less resilient materials may be used. These materials may conform better to a user's body to provide additional comfort.

FIGS. 2A-2B illustrate exemplary improved exercise mats 104 having one or more variable cushioning areas 208. In one or more embodiments, the variable cushioning areas 208 will have more or less cushioning than the mat 104 itself. It is noted that the dashed lines in the figures are used to identify the variable cushioning areas 208 and that in one or more embodiments, the variable cushioning areas may not be visible. Though particular configurations of variable cushioning areas 208 are shown, a variety of variable cushioning areas may be used with the improved exercise mat 104. Also as stated, the configuration of variable cushioning areas 208 may be based on the physical activities to be performed on the mat 104.

For example, in FIG. 2A, the cushioning areas 208 may correspond to the position of a standing users feet or the position of a user's palms during physical activity. In this embodiment, the variable cushioning areas 208 may have additional cushioning to support the user's weight. In FIG. 2B, a single variable cushioning area 208 is provided at a central portion of the improved exercise mat 104. It is noted that a mat 104 need not have any variable cushioning areas 208, such as illustrated in FIG. 2C and hence, the mat could have the same degree of padding throughout.

The cushioning areas 208 may be flush with the surface of the improved exercise mat 104 in some embodiments. In other embodiments, cushioning areas 208 may be higher or lower than the surface of the mat 104. For example, in one embodiment, a pillow may be formed with a raised cushioning area 208. In another embodiment, a depressed or lowered cushioning area 208 may be provided. For example, a depression forming a seat-like shape or a depression conforming to a portion of the user's body may be provided. This may be used to increase comfort and ensure there are no pressure points while the user is using the mat 104.

In one or more embodiments, the improved exercise mat 104 may be formed from one or more materials configured to provide padding or cushioning. For example, foam, rubber, or both may be used to form the improved exercise mat 104. The materials may deform in response to weight or contact with a user and return to their original shape or configuration subsequently. In one or more embodiments, the materials may be soft so that they may provide padding or cushioning. It is noted that the materials may also be flexible such as to allow the mat 104 to be rolled for transport or storage.

Variable cushioning areas 208 of the improved exercise mat 104 may be formed from the materials as well. In one or more embodiments, the variable cushioning areas 208 will be formed from different materials than the improved exercise mat 104. For example, denser or less dense materials may be used to increase or decrease cushioning, respectively. It is contemplated that the variable cushioning areas 208 may be integrally formed in some embodiments. In other embodiments, the variable cushioning areas 208 may be adhered, welded, or otherwise attached after the improved exercise mat 104 is formed. It is contemplated that variable cushioning areas 208 may be removable/replaceable in one or more embodiments.

Another aspect of the improved exercise mat 104 is the variability of its surface texturing. FIGS. 2A-2C illustrate exemplary improved exercise mats 104 having textured areas 204. Like the variable cushioning areas 208, the textured areas 204 may be at various locations and have various shapes or configurations. In general, the textured areas 204 provide a particular surface for one or more physical activities.

For example, some physical activities may require a surface which grips the user while, in other physical activities, a slick or slippery surface may be more desirable. Thus, different areas of the mat may have different levels of friction thereby forcing the mat to grip the user or allow the user to slip upon the surface of the mat. The textured areas 204 provide a surface suited to one or more physical activities. It is noted that other areas of the improved exercise mat 104, including the variable cushioning areas 208, may have a texture. In one or more embodiments, the texture of the textured areas 204 may be distinct or un-related to the texture of the other portions of the improved exercise mat 104. It is noted that a textured area 204 may cover or form a portion of a variable cushioning area 208 in some embodiments. This is advantageous in that it allows a variable cushioning area 208 to have a particular level of cushioning as well as a particular texture. For example, a user may desire a high grip area with increased cushioning for some physical activities.

FIG. 2C illustrates an embodiment, with two textured areas 204. As can be seen the textured areas 204 may take up some or all of the improved exercise mat's area. The textured areas 204 may have different textures as stated above. In this embodiment for example, one textured area 204 may have a gripping or high friction surface while the other has a sliding or low friction surface. This would allow various physical activities to be performed. For example, a user may lie on the gripping surface allowing his or her legs to slide on the sliding surface during a physical activity.

In one or more embodiments, the improved exercise mat 104 may be modular. For example, the mat 104 may comprise one or more mat modules which may be combined to form the mat. FIGS. 3A-3C illustrate exemplary mats 104 formed with one or more mat modules 304. As can be seen, a variety of shapes may be formed by the mat modules 304. Though shown in a rectangular or square shape, it will be understood that mat modules 304 may be configured in various shapes. In one embodiment, the mat modules 304 may have interlocking shapes such as puzzle pieces.

The mat modules 304 may be formed from the materials described above to provide cushioning or padding. Mat modules 304 of various materials may be combined to form an improved exercise mat 104. In this manner different levels of cushioning may be provided at particular areas of the mat 104. The mat modules 304 may also have a texture. In this manner, textured areas can be formed in a mat 104. It is contemplated that mat modules 304 may themselves comprise one or more variable cushioning areas or one or more textured areas in some embodiments.

Mat modules 304 may be attached to one another in various ways. In one or more embodiments, one or more fasteners may be used to attach the mat modules 304 together. The fasteners may be removable such that mat modules 304 may be arranged to form differently shaped improved exercise mats 104. Various fasteners may be used including but not limited to hook and loop fasteners, magnets, zippers, buttons, hooks, clips, clamps, screws, and pins. Also, as stated, the mat modules 304 may be shaped such that they interlock to fasten to one another.

The mat modules 304 are advantageous in that they allow the improved exercise mat 104 to have a variety of shapes. For example, the shapes described above with regard to FIGS. 1A-1F could be formed with mat modules 304. Of course, other shapes may be formed as well. In addition, the mat modules 304 allow an improved exercise mat 104 to be disassembled for easy storage or transport. Also, if damage were to occur to the mat 104, only the mat module(s) 304 that are damaged would need to be replaced.

An additional aspect of the improved exercise mat 104 is a covering for the mat. The cover may protect a portion or all of the mat 104 such as by providing a physical barrier between the mat and the environment. The cover may prevent dirt, sweat, and the like from contacting the improved exercise mat 104. In addition, the cover may be more easily washable than the mat 104. For instance, the cover may be removed and placed in a washing machine for cleaning.

In one embodiment, the cover may form a compartment which accepts the mat 104. The cover may be attached or closed through various fasteners. For example, the cover may have one or more hook and loop fasteners or zippers to allow it to be attached to a mat 104 or closed around the mat.

In one or more embodiments, the cover may have a similar shape to its associated improved exercise mat. In this manner, a snug fit may be provided between the cover and the mat. This prevents the cover from moving around during use of the mat. In one or more embodiments, the cover may also perform additional functions. For example, the cover may have one or more textured areas such as described above. In addition, the cover may have variable cushioning areas also as described above. It is contemplated that the cover may be used to give existing exercise mats variable cushioning areas, textured areas, or both if desired.

While various embodiments of the invention have been described, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that many more embodiments and implementations are possible that are within the scope of this invention. In addition, the various features, elements, and embodiments described herein may be claimed or combined in any combination or arrangement.

Claims

1. An improved exercise mat comprising:

a mat having a top surface and a bottom surface, the mate comprising a resilient material configured to provide a cushion between a user and a floor during performance of a physical activity, the mat having: a center section; two or more tabs extending outward from the center section, wherein the two or more tabs extending outward from the center section reduces the likelihood of a user directly contacting the floor during performance of the physical activity; and one or more textured areas and one or more smooth areas on the top surface or bottom surface of the mat.

2. The mat of claim 1, further comprising two or more variable cushioning areas in the mat, the variable cushioning areas providing different levels of cushioning to a user.

3. The mat of claim 2, wherein the two or more variable cushioning areas comprises a first area having a first density and a second area having a second density.

4. The mat of claim 2, wherein the two or more variable cushioning areas comprises a first area having a first thickness and a second area having a second thickness.

5. The mat of claim 1, wherein the tabs extend from the center section between a middle of the center section and an end of the center section.

6. The mat of claim 1, wherein the texture areas comprises a first area having a smooth texture and a second area having a surface varying between a first height and a second height.

7. An exercise mat, the exercise mat comprising:

a generally flat mat comprising at least one padded area configured to provide padding between a user and a floor or other hard surface;

a center section having a height defining a top end and a bottom end and a width, wherein the height is greater than the width.

one or more extensions extending widthwise from the center section at the top end, the bottom end, or both, the one or more extensions having a width that is greater than the width of the center section.

8. The mat of claim 7, wherein the mat has a first side with a first texture and a second side with a second texture, wherein the first texture has less friction than the second texture.

9. The mat of claim 7, wherein the mat has a first section with a first thickness and a second section with a second thickness.

10. The mat of claim 9, wherein the center section is thicker than a thickness of the one or more extensions.

11. The mat of claim 7, wherein the one or more extensions comprise a circular shape.

12. The mat of claim 7, wherein the one or more extensions comprise a triangular shape.

13. The mat of claim 7, wherein the one or more extensions comprise four rectangular extensions.

14. The mat of claim 7, wherein the one or more extensions are removable and connectable to the center section.

15. A modular exercise mat, the mat comprising;

Two or more mat modules, the mat modules comprising padded mats;

At least one fastener associated with each mat module, wherein the at least one fastener is configured to connect to the at least one mat and to at least one other fastener; whereby connecting fasteners connects mat modules to create a composite mat comprised of individual mat modules.

16. The modular exercise mat of claim 15, wherein at least one of the two or more mat modules has a thickness or density that is less than at least one other mat module.

17. The modular exercise mat of claim 15, wherein the mat modules are square.

18. The modular exercise mat of claim 15, wherein the mat modules are rectangular.

19. The modular exercise mat of claim 15, wherein the one or more fasteners comprise hook or loop fastener.

20. The modular exercise mat of claim 15, wherein each fastener is permanently connected to one mat module and releasably connectable to a second mat module.