APPARATUS FOR STORAGE AND TRANSPORT OF ATHLETIC MATS

Abstract

An all in one system for storing, protecting and transporting athletic mats, includes at least one mat capsule, having a mat wrap defining a longitudinal axis and opposed first and second longitudinal ends, the mat wrap configured for accommodating an athletic mat in a rolled condition, a capsule base adjacent the first longitudinal end of the main capsule segment and a capsule cap releasably coupled to the second longitudinal end of the main capsule segment.

Description

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure is directed to an apparatus and all in one system for storage, protection, and transporting of athletic mats including, but not limited to, wrestling mats, gymnastic mats and cheerleading matters.

The storage of large athletic mats presents issues due to the size of the mats, the potential for damage due to vandalism, dragging, forklifts and other moving equipment, or direct exposure to the environment and the large area of space these mats occupy in an athletic facility when stored in a horizontal position.

SUMMARY

Accordingly, the present disclosure is directed to an apparatus and system which addresses the aforementioned concerns through the provision of a mat capsule system which is specifically adapted to store, protect and transport mats or any athletic surface including artificial turf or the like.

The mat capsule system provides the following features:

• • The mat capsule is designed to store, protect and easily transport rolled up athletic surfaces such as wrestling, martial arts, cheerleading and gymnastics mats. Nothing else on the market does all these things.
  • Made of lightweight, high impact resin material for easy handling and durability
  • The assembled mat capsule on wheels makes a heavy mat easily transported by virtually anyone.
  • Built in “quick connect” hooks allow the capsules to adjoin to move one capsule or multiple interconnected capsules together.
  • material and construction makes the capsule weather resistant
  • labeling system included to identify rolled up mats and sets
  • incorporates a “Mat Wrapper” for enclosing the mat prior to positioning within the mat capsule, which is made of a high impact, flexible resin that protects the mat from damaged due to transport, door latches, and damage during storage.
  • The mat wrapper uses a hook and loop (VELCRO) system to make it adjustable to different rolled up mat diameters although other fastener systems are also contemplated.
  • The mat Wrapper has plastic strips sewn in along the 2 vertical edges for structural support when wrapped around a mat section, and also to form an air tight seal when enclosed.
  • The mat wrapper alleviates the need for mat straps, which frequently break and get lost/stolen
  • The mat capsule “cap” is the only product designed to protect tapeless mat connect systems (the step in the cap which protects the coiled up flap at the top of a mat with the VELCRO system)
  • The cap is a water and chemical proof lid that protects damage from sprinklers or foreign matter stored above the mats, and from damage due equipment being stacked on top of stored mats.
  • The straps that loop through the base and cap on 2 or 4 sides of the capsule hold the assembly together and also serve as a handle to wheel the capsules.

The mat capsule is a modular system that can be useful as a complete set or just its parts. (the cap to protect the VELCRO flap, the wrapper to protect the roll and replace straps, the base to roll the mats on)

• • The mat capsule base is:
    • Water and chemical proof up to 7 inches deep to protect from flooding
    • Non-marking wheels to keep from damaging gym floors
    • 4 locking wheels to allow for easy loading of mats into the base and storage without rolling.

An effective stand-alone product for easy storage and moving mats.

• • Prolongs the life of mats by shielding them from weather and preventing physical damage.

The capsule will be packed to ship and store as 14 stacked pieces high, one piece nesting into the one below it (7 base pieces. 7 cap pieces) and 7 mat wrappers wrapped around the stack, efficiently shipping and storing the 7 capsule assemblies in a package equal in size to one mat roll. More or less than 14 stacked pieces are also contemplated.

• • Protects mat from contact with airborne debris and can be made airtight to keep out airborne pathogens and provide an air tight chamber to seal in disinfecting agents. Skin borne diseases acquired from bacteria and fungus on mats is a big issue in all combat sports.
  • Multiple models will be produced in different sizes to accommodate different products.
  • Sleek design is available in multiple colors on all components for fit with customer school colors, with the option of printing school letters and logos on all components.
  • Whole assembly or cart allows heavy, clumsy apparatus to roll easily across rough ground that is difficult to navigate even with hand trucks or dollies.

In one exemplary embodiment, a system for storing athletic mats, includes at least one mat capsule having a mat wrap defining a longitudinal axis and opposed first and second longitudinal ends, and configured for accommodating an athletic mat in a rolled condition, a capsule base adjacent the first longitudinal end of the main capsule segment and a capsule cap releasably coupled to the second longitudinal end of the main capsule segment.

In embodiments, the mat wrap is configured to be wrapped about the athletic mat when in the rolled condition thereof to enclose the athletic mat. In some embodiments, the mat wrap includes at least one attachment member to secure the mat wrap about the athletic mat when in the rolled condition thereof. In certain embodiments, the mat wrap includes a hook and loop fastener associated with ends of the mat wrap. In some embodiments, a plurality of the hoop and loop fasteners or fastener straps is provided.

In some embodiments, the system includes first and second capsules. In certain embodiments, the first and second capsules include cooperative structure to releasably couple the first and second capsules to each other. In embodiments, the cooperative structure includes hooks disposed on the capsule base of each of the first and second capsules, the hooks configured to selectively couple to each other.

In some embodiments, at least one roller is mounted to the capsule base for facilitating maneuverability of the at least one capsule along a floor.

In some embodiments, the capsule base is releasably coupled to the first longitudinal end of the main capsule segment. In certain embodiments, a strap is couplable to the capsule cap and the capsule base, and extends alone the mat wrap. The strap is configured to maintain the capsule cap and the capsule base coupled relative to the mat wrap and the mat, and further being configured for engagement by a user to facilitate manipulation of the at least one capsule along a floor.

In another exemplary embodiment, a method for storing an athletic mat includes rolling an athletic mat upon itself to assume a general cylindrical rolled configuration, positioning one longitudinal end of the athletic mat into a capsule base, wrapping a mat wrap about the athletic mat, positioning a capsule cap onto an opposed longitudinal end of the athletic mat and securing at least one strap between the capsule base and the capsule cap to secure the mat wrap relative to the athletic mat.

In certain embodiments, the method includes rolling a second athletic mat upon itself to assume a general cylindrical rolled configuration, positioning one longitudinal end of the second athletic mat into a second capsule base, wrapping a second mat wrap about the second athletic mat, positioning a second capsule cap onto an opposed longitudinal end of the second athletic mat, securing at least one strap between the second capsule base and the second capsule cap to secure the second mat wrap relative to the second athletic mat and coupling the first and second capsule bases to each other.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various embodiments of the presently disclosed surgical stapling instrument are described herein below with reference to the drawings, wherein:

FIGS. 1-2 are views illustrating two mat sections and associated coupling systems to be stored by the mat capsule system of the present disclosure;

FIGS. 3A-3C are side plan views of a mat capsule of the system for storing at least one mat section of FIGS. 1-2;

FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the mat capsule of FIGS. 3A-3C illustrating the mat wrap, the capsule base and the capsule cap;

FIG. 4A is a sectional illustrating mounting of the rollers to the capsule base;

FIG. 4B is a partial side elevation illustrating the capsule base, rollers and hooks;

FIG. 5A is a plan view of an exemplary mat wrap in an unrolled flat configuration;

FIG. 5B is a plan view another exemplary mat wrap in an unrolled configuration;

FIGS. 6-7 are top and bottom perspective views respectively of the capsule base of the mat capsule;

FIGS. 8-9 are bottom plan and side views respectively of the capsule base;

FIGS. 10-11 are top and bottom perspective views respectively of the capsule cap of the mat capsule;

FIGS. 12-13 are bottom plan and side views respectively of the capsule cap;

FIG. 14 is on exemplary methodology of rolling a mat section for placement relative to the mat capsule;

FIG. 15 is a view illustrating the mat section positioned on the capsule base and the mat wrap at least partially positioned about the mat section;

FIG. 16 is a sectional view illustrating the VELCRO flap secured in spaced relation relative to the capsule cap;

FIG. 17 is a view illustrating the mat capsule secured about the mat section; and

FIG. 18 is a flow chart illustrating an exemplary use of the mat capsule system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Athletic mats including wrestling and gymnastic mats require storage when not in use. A typical method for securing said mats is to roll the mat upon itself and position the rolled mat in either a horizontal or vertical orientation against a wall. Unfortunately, this method of storing mats exposes the mats for physical damage or air borne contaminants.

FIGS. 1-2 disclose a typical mat system used in, e.g., a wrestling event. Generally speaking, a wrestling mat system includes multiple mat sections 1000, 2000 (e.g., seven) coupled together to define a single mat unit upon which the wrestling, gymnastics, cheerleading or similar event is held. One system includes an attachment mechanism in the form of a VELCRO flap (hook or loop side) 1002 which extends from an edge of the mat 1000 and is connectable to a skive section 2002 of an adjacent mat 2000 incorporating VELCRO (hook or loop side) to couple the mat sections 1000, 2000 together as depicted in FIG. 2. It is noted that each mat section 1000, 2000 may include a VELCRO flap on one side and a skive section on the opposed side. Once the mat is used at the event, the mat sections 1000, 2000 are released relative to one another to be stored in the manner described herein. Unfortunately, with the aforedescribed mat system, not only is the mat exposed for physical damage and airborne contaminants, the VELCRO flap 1002 and skive section 2002 are exposed and also subjected to damage, which may potentially degrade the attachment mechanism to a point where the mat system is not usable. The present disclosure overcomes these disadvantages.

With reference to FIGS. 3A-5A, a novel system for storing athletic mats 1000, 2000 which overcomes the disadvantages of mat storage is disclosed. The system 10 includes at least one mat capsule 100 having a mat wrap 102 defining a longitudinal axis “k” with opposed first and second longitudinal ends 104, 106 and opposed side edges 108, 110 (FIGS. 4 and 5A). The mat wrap 102 is a flexible planar member and is configured for positioning about athletic mat sections 1000, 2000 in a rolled condition. In embodiments, the mat wrap 102 is fabricated of a flexible resin material which is resistant to high impact. The mat wrap 102 protects the enclosed mat sections 1000, 2000 from damage due to transport, door latches, etc., and/or incidental damage during storage.

As best depicted in FIG. 5A, the mat wrap 102 includes an attachment mechanism adjacent the side edges 108, 110 to secure the mat wrap 102 about either of the rolled mat sections 1000, 2000. The attachments mechanism may include at least one VELCRO strip(s) 112 adjacent the side edge 108 and a plurality of associated VELCRO strips 114 adjacent the side edge 110 (e.g., hook and loop fasteners). The attachment mechanism secures the mat wrap 102 about either mat section 1000, 2000 in the rolled condition. Other attachment mechanisms are also envisioned including plastic straps and buckles secured adjacent respective side edges 108, 110 to secure the side edges 108, 110 relative to each other and around either mat section 1000, 2000. For example, with reference to FIG. 5B, the mat wrap may include plastic strips 109 running adjacent opposed side edges 108, 110 to which buckles 111 aid straps 113 are attached. The buckles 111 and straps 113 couple with each other to secure the mat wrap 102 in a secured rolled positon about either mat section 1000, 2000. The plastic straps 109 provide rigidity to the mat wrap 102 and also ensure the mat wrap 102 is airtight upon secure of the buckles and straps. Any conventional buckle/strap arrangement may be utilized.

As best depicted in FIGS. 7-9, in conjunction with FIGS. 3-4B, the mat capsule 100 further includes a capsule base 116 for receiving the first longitudinal end 104 of the rolled mat wrap 102 and either mat section 1000, 2000. The capsule base 116 is dimensioned to receive the first longitudinal end 104 of the mat wrap 102 enclosing either rolled mat section 1000, 2000 and storing or supporting same in a vertical orientation. The capsule base 116 may include rollers 118 which may be releasably lockable to facilitate loading and storage of the mat capsule 100. Alternatively, the rollers 118 may be freely rotatable. The peripheral edge 120 of the capsule base 116 may include at least one strap slot 122 (FIG. 9) to receive a strap as will be discussed herein below. In embodiments, the capsule base 116 may include more eye-hooks, clasps or locks 124 (FIGS. 3A, 3B and 4B) to secure adjacent mat capsules 100 to each other to facilitate storage (e.g., secured to a capsule base 116 of another mat capsule 100). The capsule base 116 may be formed of a rigid polymer or metal.

As shown in FIG. 6, the interior of the capsule base 116 may include two or more reinforcing ribs 126 which provide support to the capsule base 116 and also may secure the rollers 118 relative to the capsule base 116 through conventional methodologies. Alternatively, the support ribs 126 may be replaced with a support plate of rigid material such as a rigid polymer or stainless steel. The peripheral edge 120 defines a height or depth “d1” (FIG. 9) to provide sufficient depth for reception of the first longitudinal end 104 of the mat wrap 102 to support the mat wrap 102 and the rolled mat section 1000, 2000 in a vertical orientation. In embodiments, the depth may range from about 3-7 inches, e.g., about 5 inches, although other dimensions are envisioned.

Referring now to FIGS. 10-13, in conjunction with FIGS. 3-4B, the mat capsule 100 further includes a capsule cap 128. The capsule cap 128 is configured for positioning about the second longitudinal end 106 of the rolled mat wrap 102 and either mat section 1000, 2000. In embodiments and as best depicted in FIG. 10, the capsule cap 128 includes a peripheral edge 130, an internal ledge 132 disposed radial inward of the peripheral edge 130 and an internal chamber 134. The internal ledge 132 defines an inner dimension “12” which may range from about 1 to 1.5 inches, e.g., 1.25 inches, although other dimensions are envisioned as well. The internal chamber 134 defines a depth “c1” which may range from about 2.25 inches to about 2.75 inches, e.g., 2.5 inches, although other dimensions are envisioned. The depth “c1” of the internal chamber 134 is selected to, e.g., accommodate the VELCRO flap 1002 extending from the mat section 1000 as will be discussed herein below. The peripheral edge 130 may include at least one or more strap opening(s) 136 to receive the straps to be extended between the capsule base 116 and the capsule cap 128.

With reference to FIGS. 3A-3C, and 4, the mat capsule 100 includes straps 138 which are passed through corresponding slots 122, 136 of the capsule base 116 and the capsule cap 128 to secure the components together. The straps 138 may optionally be provided with hooks 142 (FIGS. 3B-3C) on each end which engage the slots 122, 136 of the capsule base 116 and the capsule cap 128. The straps 138 each may include a buckle or belt 140 to facilitate tightening of the straps 138. The straps 138 may be utilized to be held by the operator to maneuver the mat capsule 100 along the work floor. When tightened, the straps 138 completely seal the mat wrap 102 within the capsule base 116 and the capsule cap 128. In this condition, the mat capsule 100 provides an air tight enclosure protecting the mat section from damage and airborne contaminants.

The use of the mat capsule 100 will now be discussed. By way of example in use of the system for storing athletic mats, e.g., wrestling mats, and with initial reference to FIG. 14, the mat section 1000 is rolled upon itself with the VELCRO flap 1002 being spaced from the work floor, i.e., the side of the mat section opposing the VELCRO flap 1002 is in contact with the work floor. The mat section 1000 is completely rolled upon itself from a cylindrical configuration. The end of the mat section 1000 opposing the VELCRO flap (e.g., with the skive section 2002) is positioned within the capsule base 116 to assume a vertical orientation of the rolled mat section 1000. The mat wrap 102 is positioned or wrapped about the rolled mat 1000 as depicted in FIG. 15. It is noted that the capsule base 116 defines an internal chamber sufficient to accommodate the rolled mat section 1000 and the mat wrap 102. The mat wrap 102 is secured upon itself with the use of the VELCRO straps or other fastening means to completely enclose the rolled mat section 1000. The capsule cap 128 is then positioned on the top of the rolled mat 1000 and the mat wrap 102 in opposition to the capsule base 116. As noted above and best depicted in the sectional view of FIG. 16, the internal chamber 134 of the capsule cap 128 is dimensioned to receive the VELCRO flap 1002 extending from the edge of the rolled mat 1000. It is noted that in the aforedescribed method of rolling the mat section 1000, the VELCRO flap 1002 will be on the inside of the rolled mat section 1000 thereby positioning the VELCRO flap 1002 entirely within the internal chamber 134 confined within the internal ledge 132 of the capsule cap 128. For example, the internal chamber 134 defines a depth “c1” which is greater than the extension of the VELCRO flaps 1002 from the edge of the mat section 1000. With this arrangement, the VELCRO flap 1002 is not compressed or bent in any direction which will advantageously preserve the integrity of the VELCRO flap 1002 and thus preserve the integrity of the mat attachment mechanism described hereinabove. In embodiments, the internal chamber has a depth of 2.5 inches while the VELCRO flap of the mat section extends for 2 inches. In addition, the underlying rubber section 1004 of the mat section 1000 which is disposed radial outward of the VELCRO flap 1002 engages the internal edge 132 such that the mat section cannot collapse whereby the VELCRO flap 1002 contacts components of the capsule cap 128 thus further preserving the integrity of the VELCRO flap 1002. The straps 138 may be coupled to the respective slots 122, 136 of the capsule base 116 and the capsule cap 128 to secure the components in air tight relation therewith as shown in FIG. 17. Other mat sections 1000, 2000 may be rolled and contained within a mat capsule 100 in a similar manner. The mat capsules 100 may be coupled to each other via the hooks or clasps 124 of the capsule base 116. It is envisioned that the mat sections 1000, 2000 forming the athletic mat may be coupled to each other for easy storage and to be readily identified as a set for forming the athletic mat. The mat capsules 100 may be maneuvered via the straps 138 and stored in select locations within the facility.

It is further envisioned that the mat wrap 102, the capsule base 116 or the capsule cap 128 may be utilized individually, e.g., as stand-alone units, without the other components of the system.

FIG. 18 illustrates a method of use of the system. The method (500) may includes one or more of the steps of including rolling an athletic mat 1000, 2000 upon itself to assume a general cylindrical rolled configuration (Step 502), positioning one longitudinal end 1004 of the athletic mat into a capsule base 116 (Step 504), wrapping a mat wrap 102 about the athletic mat 1000 (Step 506), positioning a capsule cap 128 onto an opposed longitudinal end 1006 of the athletic mat (Step 508) and securing at least one strap 138 between the capsule base 116 and the capsule cap 128 to secure the mat wrap 102 relative to the athletic mat (510). The method may be repeated (Step 512) for a second athletic mat and mat capsule, and the capsule bases may be coupled to each other (Step 514). The method may further include maneuvering the coupled mat capsules to a desired location (Step 516). The method may further include the step of coupling a plurality of mat sections forming an athletic mat to each other via the hooks 124 of the capsule base 116 (Step 518) to facilitate storage, transport and identification of the athletic mat.

While the disclosure has been particularly shown and described with reference to the preferred embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications and changes in form and detail may be made therein without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. Accordingly, the above description should not be construed as limiting, but merely as exemplifications of preferred embodiments. Thus, modifications such as those suggested above, but not limited thereto, are to be considered within the scope of the disclosure.

Claims

1. An all in one system for storing, protecting and transporting athletic mats, which comprises:

at least one mat capsule, including:

a mat wrap defining a longitudinal axis and opposed first and second longitudinal ends, the mat wrap configured for accommodating an athletic mat in a rolled condition;

a capsule base adjacent the first longitudinal end of the main capsule segment; and

a capsule cap releasably coupled to the second longitudinal end of the main capsule segment.

2. The system according to claim 1 wherein the mat wrap is configured to be wrapped about the athletic mat when in the rolled condition thereof to enclose the athletic mat.

3. The system according to claim 2 wherein the mat wrap includes at least one attachment member to secure the mat wrap about the athletic mat when in the rolled condition thereof.

4. The system according to claim 3 wherein the mat wrap includes a hook and loop fastener associated with ends of the mat wrap.

5. The system according to claim 4 including a plurality of the hoop and loop fasteners.

6. The system according to claim 1 including first and second capsules.

7. The system according to claim 6 wherein the first and second capsules include cooperative structure to releasably couple the first and second capsules to each other.

8. The system according to claim 7 wherein the cooperative structure includes hooks disposed on the capsule base of each of the first and second capsules, the hooks configured to selectively couple to each other.

9. The system according to claim 1 including at least one roller mounted to the capsule base for facilitating maneuverability of the at least one capsule along a floor.

10. The system according to claim 1 wherein the capsule base is releasably coupled to the first longitudinal end of the main capsule segment.

11. The system according to claim 10 including a strap couplable to the capsule cap and the capsule base, and extending along the mat wrap, the strap configured to maintain the capsule cap and the capsule base coupled relative to the mat wrap and the mat, and further being configured for engagement by a user to facilitate manipulation of the at least one capsule along a floor.

12. A method for storing an athletic mat comprising;

rolling an athletic mat upon itself to assume a general cylindrical rolled configuration;

positioning one longitudinal end of the athletic mat into a capsule base;

wrapping a mat wrap about the athletic mat;

positioning a capsule cap onto an opposed longitudinal end of the athletic mat; and

securing straps between the capsule base and the capsule cap to secure the mat wrap relative to the athletic mat.

13. The method according to claim 12 including

rolling a second athletic mat upon itself to assume a general cylindrical rolled configuration;

positioning one longitudinal end of the second athletic mat into a second capsule base;

wrapping a second mat wrap about the second athletic mat;

positioning a second capsule cap onto an opposed longitudinal end of the second athletic mat;

securing straps between the second capsule base and the second capsule cap to secure the second mat wrap relative to the second athletic mat; and

coupling the first and second capsule bases to each other.