Smart Comfymatz Decorative Therapeutic Mat Cover

Abstract

A decorative cover for therapeutic mats comprising a rectangular fabric piece having four straps, each strap attached at one end proximal to one side of a corner with the other end attached proximal to the other side of the corner is presented. Another cover embodiment is a rectangular fabric piece having pockets formed by a second piece of fabric on each short side of the device. A third embodiment is a rectangular fabric piece having pockets formed by a second piece of fabric on each corner of the device.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims priority under 35 USC 119 (e) (1) from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/624,319, filed Apr. 15, 2012, for Smart ComfyMatz, a decorative therapeutic mat cover, of common inventorship.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable

REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER

PROGRAM LISTING COMPACT DISK APPENDIX

Not Applicable

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention pertains to the field of covers and more specifically relates to decorative covers for therapeutic gel mats.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Millions of Americans work at jobs that require them to be on their feet all day. Doctors, nurses, waitresses, hairdressers, sales associates, and factory workers are but just a few of the hundreds of occupations that require long hours of standing or walking. The average adult takes a staggering eight to ten thousand steps a day, this number can be far greater or those employed in the various industries that require extensive standing or walking. Therapeutic gel mats have been created to reduce the risk of Fibromyalgia, reduce stress and strain to your feet, legs and back, reduce fatigue and fatigue-related mistakes, improve circulation and posture, improve productivity, as well as preventing chronic pain and plantar fascitis.

These mats are generally offered in a small range of colors including black, brown and gray. In businesses such as health care providers, salons, as well as food service, there is a need for more aesthetically pleasing mats. In addition, these mats are being increasingly used in homes in areas where one may be standing for long periods of time such as working in the kitchen, waiting in line at reservations counters in hotels, airports, laundry rooms, massage therapists, etc. Especially in the home, salon, or restaurant setting, one would appreciate a mat that could be customized to fit the décor of the room.

A few attempts have been made to solve the problem of poor aesthetics of mats. These include U.S. Patent Application 2009/0258179 to Lucia Sudol et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,294,240 to Joseph J. Brunetto, and U.S. Pat. No. 6,224,962 to Surry Young et al.

None of these prior art references describe the present invention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is the object of the present invention to enhance the therapeutic gel mats that are currently on the market.

It is a further object of the present invention to solve the problem of poor aesthetics in therapeutic mats. A mat cover is presented that is customizable to any decor, easy to remove and replace, washable, and of low cost such that multiple covers could be owned and interchanged and also customized.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a top view of the present cover.

FIG. 2 is a bottom view of one embodiment of the present cover having four corner straps to secure the cover to the mat.

FIG. 3 is a bottom view of a second embodiment of the present cover having end pockets to secure the cover to the mat.

FIG. 4 is a bottom view of a third embodiment of the present cover having corner pockets to secure the cover to the mat.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is a decorative cover for therapeutic mats. FIGS. 1-4 are presented to show the invention in more detail.

As shown in a top view in FIG. 1, the present cover [1] for therapeutic mats fits snugly over the mat, leaving a protrusion of approximately 1.5 inches over the edge of the mat on all sides. It is made from synthetic fibers such as nylon, that are durable, washable and stain resistant. Olefin or a nylon-olefin blend is also a good choice for manufacture of the present cover. The cover is made in a non-skid configuration so the cover will stay in place and will not slide over the mat. The non-skid surface is on the underside of the cover that fits over the mat. The cover is rectangular in shape and designed to fit standard size therapeutic mats of 61 cm by 91 cm (24 by 36 inches). Therapeutic mats are manufactured in rectangular shaped mats of 0.46 m by 0.76 m (1.5 by 2.5 feet) to 1.2 m by 2.5 m (4 by 8 feet) sizes, as well as semicircular and oval shaped mats for use in the salon industry. Covers can be constructed in any dimension to fit the size of the mat, with an addition protrusion of 1.5 inches on all four sides. The cover could be produced in any number of colors, patterns, and/or printed designs to accommodate any decor or theme such as a holiday, season, event, sports team or company logo. The cover is secured to the mat with either corner or end pockets or corner straps as described further in FIGS. 2-4.

FIG. 2 is a bottom view of one embodiment of the present cover having four corner straps [2] to secure the cover to the mat [3]. FIG. 3 is a bottom view of a second embodiment of the present cover having end pockets [4] to secure the cover to the mat. FIG. 4 is a bottom view of a third embodiment of the present cover having corner pockets [5] to secure the cover to the mat.

Although this invention has been described with respect to specific embodiments, it is not intended to be limited thereto and various modifications which will become apparent to the person of ordinary skill in the art are intended to fall within the spirit and scope of the invention as described herein taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and the appended claims.

Claims

1. A device comprising a rectangular fabric piece having four straps, each strap attached at one end proximal to one side of a corner with the other end of the strap attached proximal to the other side of the corner.

2. A device comprising a rectangular fabric piece having pockets formed by a second piece of fabric on each short side of the device.

3. A device comprising a rectangular fabric piece having pockets formed by a second piece of fabric on each corner of the device.