FOLDABLE YOGA BOARD

Abstract

A foldable yoga board includes one or more panels that are hingedly coupled to each other in succession. The one or more panels have an upper surface that faces a user and a lower surface that contacts the ground or other surface. The upper surface preferably has a soft material coupled thereto, which may provide cushioning and a non-slip surface. The one or more panels may comprise handle apertures as well as strap apertures. When the foldable yoga board is not in use, the user may fold the foldable yoga board (e.g., an accordion fold) to transport.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 63/046,790, filed on Jul. 1, 2020, which is incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to yoga. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a portable, foldable, and stable yoga board.

BACKGROUND

Yoga has been helping the physical, spiritual, and mental well-being of people for centuries. To participate in yoga, many people use a yoga mat. These mats are not only useful when performing yoga, they are also symbolic. The mats may come in a variety of materials, including polyvinyl chloride (PVC), rubber, and thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), among others. Yoga mats are often used when performing yoga indoors, providing a non-slip surface and an uninterrupted space. Additionally, many people have taken their expensive yoga mats outdoors to enhance the spiritual and mental stimulation that the outdoors provide. However, yoga mats on the market cannot withstand the varying terrains that are present outdoors. In particular, most yoga mats are thin and may not protect the user from protruding objects, like rocks or branches. Additionally, some may tear when placed on sharp rocks or branches, which may cause injury to a user and/or requires a user to replace an expensive yoga mat.

Due to their pliable nature, yoga mats do not provide the support that is needed for a user when used on an unstable surface. When yoga mats are used in homes or a yoga studio, a hard, stable surface is readily available. However, exercises, especially yoga postures, can be challenging to properly and safely perform if practicing on an unstable, unbalanced, uneven, or soft surface, which a user may encounter outdoors. Often, yoga is offered remotely or at special destinations where unstable surfaces may be prevalent. If a yoga mat is used in the outdoors, such as those described above, then the yoga mat in conjunction with the unstable surface may cause injury to the user or may ruin the mat.

In addition to yoga mats, some “boards” exist for use with yoga. However, these boards are often made of wood and are bulky, are meant for use on top of other objects to create motion, or are otherwise curved to create a “rocking” surface. These prior art boards are not an attempt to solve the problems addressed herein, but rather are for specific uses, such as for use on water or to create particular movements or rocking while performing. Those boards do not solve the issue of a properly sized board that is easy to transport, is lightweight, and that provides a stable surface for the practice of yoga.

Accordingly, there is a need for a yoga board that is foldable, lightweight, has a non-slip and/or soft surface, and can be used indoor or on any terrain outdoors. The present disclosure seeks to solve these and other problems.

SUMMARY OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

In some embodiments, a foldable yoga board comprises one or more panels that are coupled to each other via a coupler (e.g., hinges). The one or more panels comprise an upper surface that faces a user and a lower surface that faces away from the user. The upper surface may comprise a soft material coupled thereto, which may provide cushioning and/or a non-slip surface. The one or more panels may comprise handle apertures as well as strap apertures. When the foldable yoga board is not in use, the user may fold the foldable yoga board (e.g., an accordion fold) to transport.

In some embodiments, a foldable yoga board comprises a flexible layer and a plurality of upper panels attached to a first side of the flexible layer. The plurality of upper surface panels each comprise an aperture therebetween, allowing the exposed flexible layer (i.e., portion of flexible layer not covered by a surface panel) to form a hinge.

In some embodiments, a foldable yoga board comprises a flexible layer, a plurality of upper surface panels attached to a first side of the flexible layer, and a plurality of lower surface panels attached to a second side of the flexible layer opposite the plurality of upper surface panels.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a top plan view of a foldable yoga board in an unfolded configuration;

FIG. 2 illustrates a side elevation view of a foldable yoga board in an unfolded configuration;

FIG. 3 illustrates a side elevation view of a foldable yoga board in a folded configuration;

FIG. 4 illustrates a top, detailed plan view of a panel of a foldable yoga board;

FIG. 5 illustrates a top perspective view of a foldable yoga board in an unfolded configuration;

FIG. 6 illustrates a top, detailed perspective view of a plurality of panels and the hinge mechanism therebetween;

FIG. 7 illustrates a top, detailed perspective view of an upper surface panel and handle coupled thereto;

FIG. 8 is a side, detailed perspective view of a foldable yoga board in a partially folded configuration;

FIG. 9 is a side, detailed perspective view of a foldable yoga board in a partially folded configuration;

FIG. 10 is a bottom perspective view of a foldable yoga board in a partially folded configuration;

FIG. 11 is a top perspective view of a foldable yoga board in a partially folded configuration;

FIG. 12 is a side, detailed view of a foldable yoga board in a folded configuration; and

FIG. 13 is a top, perspective view of a foldable yoga board in a folded configuration.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

The following descriptions depict only example embodiments and are not to be considered limiting in scope. Any reference herein to “the invention” is not intended to restrict or limit the invention to exact features or steps of any one or more of the exemplary embodiments disclosed in the present specification. References to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “various embodiments,” and the like, may indicate that the embodiment(s) so described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but not every embodiment necessarily includes the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Further, repeated use of the phrase “in one embodiment,” or “in an embodiment,” do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, although they may.

Accordingly, the particular arrangements disclosed are meant to be illustrative only and not limiting as to the scope of the invention, which is to be given the full breadth of the appended claims and any and all equivalents thereof. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation. Unless otherwise expressly defined herein, such terms are intended to be given their broad, ordinary, and customary meaning not inconsistent with that applicable in the relevant industry and without restriction to any specific embodiment hereinafter described. As used herein, the article “a” is intended to include one or more items. When used herein to join a list of items, the term “or” denotes at least one of the items, but does not exclude a plurality of items of the list. For exemplary methods or processes, the sequence and/or arrangement of steps described herein are illustrative and not restrictive.

It should be understood that the steps of any such processes or methods are not limited to being carried out in any particular sequence, arrangement, or with any particular graphics or interface. Indeed, the steps of the disclosed processes or methods generally may be carried out in various sequences and arrangements while still falling within the scope of the present invention.

The term “coupled” may mean that two or more elements are in direct physical contact. However, “coupled” may also mean that two or more elements are not in direct contact with each other, but yet still cooperate or interact with each other.

The terms “comprising,” “including,” “having,” and the like, as used with respect to embodiments, are synonymous, and are generally intended as “open” terms (e.g., the term “including” should be interpreted as “including, but not limited to,” the term “having” should be interpreted as “having at least,” the term “includes” should be interpreted as “includes, but is not limited to,” etc.).

As discussed earlier, there is a need for a yoga board that is foldable, lightweight, has a non-slip and/or soft surface, and can be used on any terrain, whether for indoor or outdoor use. The present disclosure seeks to solve these and other problems.

The pliable nature of yoga mats found in the art may be beneficial for traveling and for comfort. In other words, the pliable yoga mats may be easily rolled up or folded, and transported, as well as offer cushioning on a hard surface. However, yoga mats may be difficult to use outdoors because of their pliable nature. For example, traditional yoga mats may not provide a stable yoga platform when used on uneven or soft terrain (e.g., sand).

In contrast to the yoga mats in the prior art, the foldable yoga board described herein generally comprises one or more panels that are foldable into a compact, portable unit. The foldable yoga board may also have a soft material coupled to an upper surface. To use the foldable yoga board, the user may carry the folded board by a handle, or by grasping a strap that couples to the foldable yoga board. When the user arrives at the desired location, the user may unfold the foldable yoga board. It will be appreciated that the user may place the foldable yoga board on any type of terrain, such as rocks, grass, sand, concrete, etc. The foldable yoga board provides a stable surface with an optional soft material where yoga postures may be performed safely and comfortably.

Referring now to FIGS. 1-4, in one embodiment, a foldable yoga board 100 comprises a plurality of panels 102A-D that are coupled to each other via hinged couplers 104A-F. The couplers 104A-F may be any known hinge mechanism, such as a traditional door hinge, straps, magnets, or any other mechanism that functions as a hinge. Alternatively, in one embodiment, the foldable yoga board may be a single unit (i.e., one piece of single manufacture) of a substantially rigid material so as to allow for a stable surface on uneven ground (e.g., PVC, plastic, etc.) with creases or areas that have been thinned so as to allow the material to bend at the crease/thinned areas without breaking, allowing the foldable yoga board to fold on itself.

The plurality of panels 102A-D may be made of polypropylene plastic, PVC, cork, rubber, foam, plastic, wood, bamboo, aluminum, carbon fiber, or any other material that provides a structured, substantially rigid and stable platform to do yoga positions. The plurality of panels 102A-D may be a variety of shapes, such as square, rectangular, circular, etc. The plurality of panels 102A-D may not only be different shapes, but also different sizes, such as long panels so as to have only two panels that fold together. In one embodiment, the one or more panels 102A-D may be removably attachable from one another, allowing for a user to customize the length of the board. For example, a foldable yoga board 100 may be adjusted to a variety of users, from children to adults. Two panels 102A-B may be used for children, while four panels 102A-D may be used for average adults. The hinge couplers 104A-F may be decoupled, such as by using locking pins, snaps, twist and lock mechanisms, hook and loop, buckles, screws, etc. Accordingly, the number of panels 102A-D used will depend upon the length/width of the panels 102A-D, the height of the user, and the user's preference. A single panel 102A is illustrated in FIG. 4, which may be coupled to other panels to form a length of a foldable yoga board 100. The prior art does not teach or suggest a yoga board that can vary in length by adding or subtracting panels 102A-D. Thus, the foldable yoga board 100 solves the need for a single yoga surface that is customizable in length for different users.

It will be appreciated that the one or more panels 102A-D, that provide a stable platform, may be used in numerous settings other than yoga. For example, the one or more panels 102A-D may be used as a stationary space for meditation, a sitting surface, a social space, a platform/table, or other uses. More specifically, nomadic lifestyles are on the rise, and clean stable spaces for changing, cooking, creating, sitting, and living are valuable when living out of a travelling unit. The foldable yoga board 100 can be used as a platform for any need in any location away from a traditional home.

Further, the one or more panels 102A-D may comprise an upper surface 106 that faces a user and a lower surface 108 (FIG. 2) that contacts the surface (e.g., floor, ground, etc.). The upper surface 106 may comprise a soft material 110 (e.g., a foam pad) coupled thereto, which may provide cushioning and/or a non-slip surface. The soft material 110 may be rubber, foam, PVC, polypropylene plastic, cotton, plastics, cork, etc. While the soft material 110 is shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, it will be appreciated that it is not required. For example, FIG. 2 does not illustrate soft material 110.

In some embodiments, the soft material 110 may be removably attachable from the upper surface 106, allowing a user to decide when to use the additional soft surface. The soft material 110 may be coupled using snaps, hook and loop, magnets, or any other removably attachable means. Additionally, a user may use any yoga mat on the market and place it on the upper surface 106 of the foldable yoga board 100 instead of using soft material 110. Alternatively, the soft material 110 may be bonded to the foldable yoga board by, for example, an adhesive. The lower surface 108 may, in some embodiments, comprise spikes or rubber grips, or other non-slip materials or components to ensure the foldable yoga board 100 remains stationary in an outdoor or indoor setting. The lower surface 108 is preferably a substantially rigid or semi-rigid material that can withstand abuse from any terrain and that allows a user to perform yoga where it may otherwise have not been ideal, such as a rocky beach. For example, the use of polypropylene plastic may prevent rocks from penetrating while providing a stable surface for a user.

The one or more panels 102A-D may comprise handle apertures 112 as well as strap apertures 114. The handle apertures 112 may be any shape, such as oval, square, etc. The strap apertures 114 may receive a variety of hand straps or shoulder straps and may couple to the yoga board 100 using snaps, hook and loop, tying the ends together, etc. When the foldable yoga board 100 is not in use, the user may fold the foldable yoga board 100 (e.g., an accordion fold), as shown in FIG. 3, to transport and carry it by grasping the handle apertures 112 or using a strap. In one embodiment, the foldable yoga board 100 may comprise a securement mechanism to keep the foldable yoga board 100 in a folded configuration. The securement mechanism may be a latch, a strap, a band, a carrying case, etc.

In one embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 5-13, a foldable yoga board 200 comprises a flexible layer 202 and a plurality of upper surface panels 204A-D coupled to a first side 206 of the flexible layer 202. The upper surface panels 204A-D are for contact with a user and may therefore be preferably of a soft, non-slip material. For example, and in no way limiting, the upper surface panels 204A-D may be manufactured from cork, rubber, foam, PVC, plastic, or other suitable materials. The plurality of upper surface panels 204A-D each comprise an aperture 208A-C therebetween, allowing the exposed flexible layer 202 (i.e., not covered by a panel 204A-D) to form a hinge portion 210A-C. In other words, the flexible layer 202 is preferably thin and flexible, allowing the foldable yoga board 100 to bend/fold at each hinge portion 210A-C so that one or more panels 204A-D come into contact with one another after being folded (i.e., an accordion fold). In other words, the flexible layer 200 may be comprised of plastics, vinyl, rubbers, and/or other materials or combinations of materials that allow bending without tearing or breaking. In one non-limiting example, the foldable yoga board 200 may comprise polypropylene plastic.

In one example, as best shown in FIGS. 12-13, the foldable yoga board 200 is folded in an accordion style to be in a closed position for storage or transportation.

In some embodiments, as best shown in FIG. 10, the foldable yoga board 200 further comprises a plurality of lower surface panels 212A-D attached to a second side 214 of the flexible layer 202. The lower surface panels 212A-D are substantially opposite the plurality of upper surface panels 204A-D. In other words, as best seen in FIGS. 8 and 12, the flexible layer 202 is interposed between the upper surface panels 204A-D and lower surface panels 212A-D. Because each upper surface panel 204A-D is opposite each lower surface panel 212A-D, the exposed flexible layer 202 on the upper side creates the hinge portion 210A-C and the gap between each lower panel 212A-D forms hinge portion 216A-C complementary to hinge portion 210A-C. As discussed earlier, the distance between each upper panel 204A-D is sufficient so as to allow the flexible layer 202 to bend sufficiently so that each upper panel 204A-D may fully contact the adjacent upper or lower panel 204A-D, 212A-D, respectively, as shown in FIG. 12. For example, when folded in an accordion style, upper panel 204A contacts upper panel 204B, with lower panel 212B contacting lower panel 212B, and upper panel 204C contacting upper panel 204D. The lower panels 212A-D may be comprised of the same materials as the upper panels 204A-D or may be different therefrom. In some embodiments, the lower panels 212A-D comprise a material harder than that of the upper surface panels, such as a hard plastic, carbon fiber, wood, metals, etc., to better protect the flexible layer 202, upper panels 204A-D, and ultimately the user. In other words, the lower panels 212A-D ideally have a greater durometer, such as Shore D, while the upper surface panels 204A-D have a lower durometer, such as Shore 00-A. While specific Shores are provided, the foldable yoga boards 100, 200 are not so limited and other variations may be used. It will also be appreciated that the same hardness may be used for both the upper and lower panels 204A-D, 212A-D, respectively.

As best seen in FIG. 10, to aid in keeping the foldable yoga board 200 in a folded, or closed, position, one or more hook and loop pads (e.g., Velcro®) 218A-D may be used. While hook and loop pads 218A-D are described, it will be appreciated that other closure mechanisms may be used, such as snaps, straps, buckles, hooks, magnets, or any other closure mechanism. Further, it will be appreciated that the yoga board 200 is not limited to four closure mechanisms, such as hook and loop pads 218A-D, but may have any number of closure mechanisms.

Additionally, in some embodiments, one or more non-slip pads 220A-D may be used on the second, lower side 214 to ensure the foldable yoga board 200 remains in place when being used by a user. It will be appreciated that the location and number of non-slip pads 220A-D may vary. Additionally, it will be appreciated that in some embodiments, the second side 214 may comprise a non-slip material, coating, or spray, or other non-slip mechanism to aid in preventing movement of the foldable yoga board 200 when in use.

Referring back to FIG. 5, one or more handles/shoulder straps 222A-B allow for easy transport of the foldable yoga board 200. In one embodiment, the straps 222A-B may be coupled to the yoga board 200 by interposing them between an upper panel 204A and the flexible layer 202, as shown in FIG. 5. For example, an adhesive may be used to secure the strap 222A therebetween. In other embodiments, the strap may be sewn, buckled, passed through a hole or aperture, or otherwise coupled to the yoga board 200.

It will be appreciated that each of the upper panels 204A-D and lower panels 212A-D may be coupled to the flexible layer 202 using a variety of methods. For example, adhesives may be used so that the panels are non-removable. In other embodiments, the upper panels 204A-D and/or the lower panels 212A-D may be removably attachable, such as by using snaps, magnets, hook and loop, etc. so that the panels 204A-D and/or 212-A-D may be removed and cleaned or replaced. This may be beneficial for use on different surfaces, allowing a user to customize the yoga board 100, 200 to the surface for use. For example, a user may desire a softer, non-slip lower surface for use on wooden floors, and may then couple softer panels (or no panels at all) to the lower side. When used on a rocky beach, a user may desire to use a very hard material to prevent penetration of rocks and to provide a stable surface, so a user may couple a panel comprising a material having a very hard durometer (Shore D) for such a use. In such a way, a user may customize the foldable yoga board 200 for use in a variety of settings. It may further allow the user to replace worn out or damaged panels 204A-D, 212A-D over time.

It will be appreciated that the foldable yoga board 100, 200 provides users a portable floor for their fitness endeavors. The foldable yoga board 100, 200 uses hinge mechanisms that allow the foldable yoga board 100, 200 to fold up to a conveniently portable size with handles/straps for transporting. The yoga board 100, 200 becomes a flat surface in outdoor areas, protecting a user's body from rocks, dirt, sand, water, and other elements. It can also be used in the home, yoga studio, or anywhere a user may want to create a stable platform. Lastly, many yoga studios or outdoor yoga settings are unsanitary. Yoga mats in the art are typically very porous, which can lead to a contaminated mat and therefore a contaminated surface for exercising and practicing yoga. In contrast, the foldable yoga board 100, 200 provides a sanitary space to perform yoga due to the hardened nature of the lower surface and the interchangeable panels. Accordingly, the foldable yoga board 100, 200 solves many problems found in typical yoga mats by being lightweight, easily transportable, and stable.

It will also be appreciated that systems and methods according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure may include, incorporate, or otherwise comprise properties or features (e.g., components, members, elements, parts, and/or portions) described in other embodiments. Accordingly, the various features of certain embodiments can be compatible with, combined with, included in, and/or incorporated into other embodiments of the present disclosure. Thus, disclosure of certain features relative to a specific embodiment of the present disclosure should not be construed as limiting application or inclusion of said features to the specific embodiment unless so stated. Rather, it will be appreciated that other embodiments can also include said features, members, elements, parts, and/or portions without necessarily departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

Moreover, unless a feature is described as requiring another feature in combination therewith, any feature herein may be combined with any other feature of a same or different embodiment disclosed herein. Furthermore, various well-known aspects of illustrative systems, methods, apparatus, and the like are not described herein in particular detail in order to avoid obscuring aspects of the example embodiments. Such aspects are, however, also contemplated herein.

Exemplary embodiments are described above. No element, act, or instruction used in this description should be construed as important, necessary, critical, or essential unless explicitly described as such. Although only a few of the exemplary embodiments have been described in detail herein, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible in these exemplary embodiments without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages herein. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of this invention.

Claims

1. A foldable yoga board, comprising:

a plurality of substantially rigid panels hingedly coupled in succession to one another, allowing the foldable yoga board to form an accordion fold.

2. The foldable yoga board of claim 1, further comprising a material softer than the substantially rigid panels on an upper surface.

3. The foldable yoga board of claim 2, wherein the softer material is removably attachable to the upper surface.

4. The foldable yoga board of claim 1, further comprising a non-slip material on a lower surface.

5. The foldable yoga board of claim 1, wherein the plurality of substantially rigid panels are removably attachable to one another.

6. A foldable yoga board, comprising:

a plurality of substantially rigid panels;

a soft material on an upper surface of each substantially rigid panel; and

a non-slip material on a lower surface of each substantially rigid panel;

wherein the panels are coupled in succession one to another with a gap of sufficient distance therebetween so as to allow each panel to come into contact with another panel to form an accordion fold.

7. The foldable yoga board of claim 6, wherein the soft material is removably attachable to the upper surface of each substantially rigid panel.

8. The foldable yoga board of claim 6, wherein each substantially rigid panel is removably couplable to the other, allowing for customization in overall length of the yoga board.

9. The foldable yoga board of claim 6, further comprising apertures for handles.

10. The foldable yoga board of claim 6, further comprising straps.

11. A foldable yoga board, comprising:

a flexible layer;

a plurality of upper surface panels coupled to a first side of the flexible layer;

a plurality of lower surface panels coupled to a second side of the flexible layer, each lower surface panel substantially opposite an upper surface panel;

wherein the upper surface panels each have an aperture therebetween forming a plurality of upper hinge portions and the lower surface panels each have an aperture therebetween forming a plurality of lower hinge portions complementary to each upper hinge portion; and

wherein the apertures between the upper surface panels and the lower surface panels are of sufficient distance to allow an accordion fold wherein each upper surface panel and each lower surface panel come into contact with another upper surface panel or lower surface panel.

12. The foldable yoga board of claim 11, further comprising hook and loop pads as a closure mechanism on a lower side.

13. The foldable yoga board of claim 11, further comprising non-slip pads on a lower side.

14. The foldable yoga board of claim 11, further comprising handles.

15. The foldable yoga board of claim 14, wherein the handles are straps with each end interposed between the flexible layer and either an upper surface panel or a lower surface panel.

16. The foldable yoga board of claim 11, wherein each upper surface panel and each lower surface panel is removably attachable to the flexible layer.

17. The foldable yoga board of claim 11, wherein the lower surface panels are comprised of materials having a hardness greater than that of the upper surface panels.