Disposable moisture proof absorbent/anti-microbial covers for exercise mats and exercise accessories

Abstract

Exercise mats and exercise accessories are used on daily basis by a multitude of individuals throughout the course of the day. These exercise mats and exercise accessories can, and do, become contaminated with bodily fluids containing germs, viruses, and bacteria excreted by the individuals using the exercise mats and exercise accessories. It would not be conceivable or cost effective for the operators of gyms or exercise studios to clean and disinfect the exercise mats and exercise accessories after each user. This invention is a simple, cost effective way of minimizing cross contamination and spread of germs, viruses, and bacteria amongst users of exercise mats and exercise accessories.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation in part of Ser. No. 61/520,137 filed Jun. 6, 2011

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Research and development of the present invention and application have not been Federally sponsored, and no rights are given under any Federal program.

REFERENCE TO A MICROFICHE APPENDIX

Not applicable

BACKGROUND—FIELD OF INVENTION

This invention relates to a means of insulating a user of exercise mats and exercise accessories, for example yoga mats and exercise blocks, from coming into contact with bodily fluids that are excreted and secreted from the body and may contain germs, viruses, and bacteria from previous operators of the same exercise mats and exercise accessories and to prevent the current operator from contaminating the exercise mats and exercise accessories, thereby minimizing cross contamination.

The present invention utilizes multi-layer, disposable, sanitary covers made of moisture proof, absorbent/anti-microbial materials used to insulate exercise mats and exercise accessories, minimizing the spread of germs, viruses, and bacteria between users. These covers can be attached to the exercise mats and exercise accessories and secured in place with either an elasticized band or adhesive strips, which are part of these covers. When an individual exercises, the body secretes bodily fluids through sweat glands, which is a normal body function. These fluids can contain all types of germs, viruses, and bacteria, which can contaminate the exercise mats and exercise accessories for the next operator. Exercise mats and exercise accessories are not always washed or cleaned between different operators use. Cleaning becomes the operator's responsibility.

A present means of attempting to control this type of contamination caused by germs, viruses, and bacteria in these fluids is for the operator to use a wiping cloth which contains alcohol or another type of anti-bacterial ingredient, or a paper towel and spray bottle of disinfectant to wipe down the exercise mats and exercise accessories. This method does not provide complete protection for the new operators from exposing themselves to the contamination left by the previous operators on the exercise mats and exercise accessories, exposing them to germs, viruses, and bacteria, thus posing a health risk.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This present invention provides a cost effective means of minimizing cross contamination by individuals who use exercise mats and exercise accessories. The disposable mat and accessory covers are moisture proof, absorbent and anti-microbial. The covers contain multiple layers of material and incorporate an elasticized band or adhesive strips to secure the covers to the exercise mats or exercise accessories. The moisture barrier material of the cover prevents any bodily fluids secreted by the operator from coming into contact with the exercise mats or exercise accessories while exercising. The absorbent/anti-microbial layer performs three functions. One, it captures and contains the excreted body fluids from the body including the hands, feet, buttocks, back, groin and chest areas. Two, it helps inhibit the growth of germs, viruses and bacteria providing an extra layer of protection for the operator. Three, it provides a non-slip surface to allow for vigorous exercise by an individual. The anti-microbial barrier also helps protect the operator from contracting any germs, viruses, or bacteria that may be left on exercise mats or exercise accessories from the previous operator while securing the covers to the exercise mats or exercise accessories. Prior to using the exercise mats or exercise accessories the operator secures these covers to the exercise mat or exercise accessories. These covers are secured with either an elasticized band or adhesive strips, depending on the type exercise mats or exercise accessories. The elasticized band or adhesive strips are part of these covers. When the operator has finished using the exercise mat or exercise accessories, they remove these covers from the exercise mat or exercise accessories, and dispose of them in a proper receptacle. This reduces the likelihood of the exercise mat or exercise accessories becoming contaminated for the next operator, thus minimizing cross contamination.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above and other objects and advantages of this invention may be more clearly seen when viewed in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 shows a view of a typical exercise mat;

FIG. 2 shows a view of one type of exercise accessory, a yoga block;

FIG. 3 shows a cutaway view of the multi-layer design material with the moisture barrier and the absorbent/anti-microbial layers;

FIG. 4 shows the underside view of the disposable, moisture proof, absorbent/anti-microbial cover with adhesive strips for securing the cover to the exercise mat;

FIG. 5 shows the underside view of the disposable, moisture proof, absorbent/anti-microbial cover with elasticized band for securing the cover to the exercise mat;

FIG. 6 shows the underside view of the disposable, moisture proof, absorbent/anti-microbial cover with adhesive strips for securing the cover to an exercise accessory, a yoga block;

FIG. 7 shows the underside view of the disposable, moisture proof, absorbent/anti-microbial cover with elasticized band for securing the cover to an exercise accessory, a yoga block;

FIG. 8 shows a view of the disposable, moisture proof, absorbent/anti-microbial cover with the adhesive strips used to secure it to an exercise mat, partially secured in place on a typical exercise mat;

FIG. 9 shows a view of the disposable, moisture proof, absorbent/anti-microbial cover with the adhesive strips used to secure it to an exercise mat, secured in place on one type of exercise mat;

FIG. 10 shows an underside view of an exercise mat with the disposable, moisture proof, absorbent/anti-microbial cover with the elasticized band, secured in place on one type of exercise mat;

FIG. 11 shows a view of the disposable, moisture proof, absorbent/anti-microbial cover with adhesive strips secured in place on one type of exercise accessory, a yoga block;

FIG. 12 shows an underside view of a typical exercise accessory with the disposable, moisture proof, absorbent/anti-microbial cover with the elasticized band, secured in place on one type of exercise accessory, a yoga block;

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring now to FIG. 1 of the drawing that shows one type of exercise mat 20. FIG. 2 shows one type of exercise accessory, a yoga block 21. FIG. 3 shows a topside, cutaway view of the exercise mat cover 22, with multi-layer design material with the moisture barrier layer 23, and the absorbent/anti-microbial layer 24. FIG. 4 shows the underside view of the disposable, moisture proof, absorbent/anti-microbial cover 22 with adhesive strips 25 for securing the cover 22 to an exercise mat. FIG. 5 shows an underside view of the disposable, moisture proof, absorbent/anti-microbial cover 22 with the elasticized band 26 around the perimeter, for securing the cover 22 to an exercise mat. FIG. 6 shows an underside view of the disposable, moisture proof, absorbent/anti-microbial cover 27 with adhesive strips 25 for securing the cover 27 to one type of exercise accessory, a yoga block. FIG. 7 shows an underside view of the disposable, moisture proof, absorbent/anti-microbial cover 27 with elasticized band 26 around the bottom edge of the cover 27 used to secure the cover 27 to one type of exercise accessory, a yoga block. FIG. 8 shows a topside view of the disposable, moisture proof, absorbent/anti-microbial cover 22 with the adhesive strips 25 used to secure it to the topside of an exercise mat 20, partially secured in place on a typical exercise mat 20. FIG. 9 shows a topside view of the disposable, moisture proof, absorbent/anti-microbial cover 22, secured in place on a typical exercise mat 20. FIG. 10 shows an underside view of an exercise mat 20 with the disposable, moisture proof, absorbent/anti-microbial cover 22 with the elasticized band 26, secured in place on an exercise mat 20. FIG. 11 shows a cutaway view of the disposable, moisture proof, absorbent/anti-microbial cover 27 with adhesive strips 25 (shown with hidden lines) secured in place on one type of exercise accessory, a yoga block 21. FIG. 12 shows an underside view of one type of exercise accessory, a yoga block 21, with the disposable, moisture proof, absorbent/anti-microbial cover 27 with the elasticized band 26 around the bottom edge of the cover 27, secured in place on one type of exercise accessory, a yoga block 21.

While the invention has been explained by a detailed description of certain specific embodiments, it is understood that various modifications and substitutions can be made in any of them within the scope of the appended claims, which are intended also to include equivalents of such embodiments

Claims

1. A disposable multi-layer moisture proof, absorbent/anti-microbial cover with an elasticized band or adhesive strips for securing the covers to exercise mats and exercise accessories to prevent cross contamination of bodily fluids containing germs, viruses, and bacteria amongst the users of exercise mats and exercise accessories:

2. The closure of claim 1 wherein the exercise mat covers are moisture proof;

3. The closure of claim 1 wherein the exercise mat covers are absorbent;

4. The closure of claim 1 wherein the exercise mat covers have anti-microbial qualities;

5. The closure of claim 1 wherein the exercise mat covers have a non-slip surface;

6. The closure of claim 1 wherein the exercise mat covers are disposable;

7. The closure of claim 1 wherein the exercise mat covers have adhesive strips to fit a variety mats;

8. The closure of claim 1 wherein the exercise mat covers have an elasticized band to fit a variety mats;

9. The closure of claim 1 wherein the exercise mat covers can be made in a variety of colors;

10. The closure of claim 1 wherein the exercise accessory covers are moisture proof;

11. The closure of claim 1 wherein the exercise accessory covers are absorbent;

12. The closure of claim 1 wherein the exercise accessory covers have anti-microbial qualities;

13. The closure of claim 1 wherein the exercise accessory covers are disposable;

14. The closure of claim 1 wherein the exercise accessory covers have adhesive strips to fit a variety of exercise accessories;

15. The closure of claim 1 wherein the exercise accessory covers have an elasticized band to fit a variety of exercise accessories;

16. The closure of claim 1 wherein the exercise accessory covers can be made in a variety of colors;

17. The closure of claim 1 wherein the exercise mat and exercise accessory covers can be made without anti-microbial qualities to offer an option for users who may have sensitivity to antimicrobial qualities;

18. The closure of claim 1 wherein the exercise mat and exercise accessory covers are printable;