EXERCISE BOARD

Abstract

A system including a board having plurality of generally flat panels rotatably coupled together. The board is movable between an extended position wherein the panels are generally co-planar and together form a generally continuous board surface, and a collapsed position wherein the panels are arranged parallel to each other but are not co-planar. At least one of the panels includes a plurality of openings, wherein each opening is configured to removably receive a handle therein.

Description

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 63/200,646, entitled YOGA BUTTERFLY BOARD and filed on Mar. 19, 2021, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

The present invention is directed to an exercise board, and more particularly to an exercise board with openings configured to receive handles therein.

BACKGROUND

Exercise mats, such as yoga mats, are often used to provide a comfortable, portable and cleanable surface for a user conducting yoga or carrying out other exercises. However many existing yoga mats do not provide structure which can be gripped and provide resistance during the yoga or other exercises, which limits the type of exercises or other activities that can be carried out.

SUMMARY

In one embodiment the present invention is directed to an exercise board with openings that can receive handles therein to assist the user in using the board. More particularly, in one embodiment the invention is a system including a board having plurality of generally flat panels rotatably coupled together. The board is movable between an extended position wherein the panels are generally co-planar and together form a generally continuous board surface, and a collapsed position wherein the panels are arranged parallel to each other but are not co-planar. At least one of the panels includes a plurality of openings, wherein each opening is configured to removably receive a handle therein

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of one embodiment of a board, shown in an assembled configuration;

FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of the board of FIG. 1, shown in a disassembled configuration and in conjunction with two handles exploded therefrom;

FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of the board of FIG. 1, shown in conjunction with a mat;

FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of another embodiment of the board, shown in conjunction with two handles exploded therefrom;

FIG. 5 is a front perspective view of the board of FIG. 4, shown in a partially collapsed position;

FIG. 6 is a front perspective view of the board of FIG. 4, shown in a collapsed position;

FIG. 7 is an underside view of a boss of the board of FIG. 4;

FIG. 8 shows the boss of FIG. 7, with the distal end of a handle inserted therethrough and twisted;

FIG. 9 is a detail cross sectional view of the board of FIG. 4, with a mat positioned thereon and pair of handles coupled thereto;

FIG. 10 shows the board of FIG. 4 in conjunction with a mat;

FIG. 11 shows the mat of FIG. 10 positioned on the board, with a user position thereon;

FIG. 12 shows the board of FIG. 6, in conjunction with a carrying strap, and with the mat in a rolled-up configuration; and

FIG. 13 is a side cross section taken along line 13-13 of FIG. 12.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

With reference to FIGS. 1-3, in one embodiment the board system 10 includes a board 12 including a first panel 14a, second panel 14b and a third panel 14c. The board 12, and the first 14a, second 14b and third 14c panels can each be generally flat and planar. For example, the first 14a, second 14b and third 14c panels can in one case each be generally square and have a size of at least about 18″×18″, or at about 24″×24″ in one case, and less than about 36″×36″ in another case. However one or more, or each, of the panels 14 can be have shapes other than square, having at least one side, or two sides, that are at least about 18″ long in one case, or about 24″ long in one case, and less than about 36″ long in another case. When the panels 14 are not square they can also have a surface within the same ranges as those outlined above for the square panels. The board 12, and the first 14a, second 14b and third 14c panels individually, can each have a thickness of least about ¼″ in one case, and less than about 2″ in another case. However it should be understood that the first 14a, second 14b and third 14c panels can have varying sizes, shapes and dimensions beyond those described above.

The board 12/panels 14 can be made of any of a relatively wide variety of materials, but in one case are made of a material or materials which are relatively stiff/strong, such as wood, polymers, plastic, fiberglass, metal, ceramics, foam boards, composites, combinations thereof, etc. In one case the board 12 and/or each panel 14 is made of sufficiently strong material to retain its shape, and not significantly sag or deform (e.g. a distal end of the board 12 and/or panel 14 sags or deforms vertically less that about 10% of its length in one case), when positioned in a cantilever arrangement. In one particular case the board 12 and/or each panel 14 is made of material having a modulus of elasticity of at least about 8 GPa and a stiffness of at least about 0.7 Mpsi.

The first panel 14a can be configured to be removably coupled to the second panel 14b on a first side of the second panel 14b, and the third panel 14c can be configured to be removably coupled to the second 14b panel on a second, opposite side of the second panel 14b. The first 14a and third 14c panels can each include a cut-out or recess 16 (collectively termed a “recess” herein) formed therein along one side (as shown) or multiple sides if desired. The second panel 14b can include correspondingly-shaped recess 16 on at least two opposite sides, or three or four (or more), sides if desired. Each recess 16 can extend partially or fully through the thickness of the associated panel 14. The board 12 board system 10 can include an insert 18, or coupling component, configured to be closely received in the recesses 16 to thereby removably couple the panels 14 together in the manner of a dovetail-type tenon joint.

In the illustrated embodiment recesses 16 are all generally trapezoid shaped, and the insert 18 is generally butterfly shaped (e.g. having a shape of two trapezoids stacked on top of each other) and configured to be simultaneously received in adjacent recesses 16. However, the recesses 16 and inserts 18 can take on any of a wide variety of shapes and configurations, but in any case may be configured such that the panels 14 are not easily pulled apart in a direction of the plane of the panels 14 when joined by the inserts 18. Thus in one embodiment the outer/facing edges 20 of the recesses 16 are smaller/shorter, in the lateral direction A (FIG. 2), than the inner edges/periphery 22 of the recesses 16.

The first 14a and third 14c panels can have generally the same size and shape, and thus be interchangeable, as shown in the illustrated embodiment. In addition, the recess 16 of the first panel 14a and the adjacent recess 16 of the second panel 14b can have generally the same shape but have mirror image symmetry when the first 14a and second 14b panels are positioned such that their recesses 16 are positioned adjacent to each other. Similarly, the recess 16 of the third panel 14c and the corresponding recess 16 of the second panel 14b can have generally the same shape but have mirror image symmetry when the third 14c and second 14b panels are positioned such that their recesses 16 are positioned adjacent to each other, as shown in FIG. 1. This can enable the inserts 18 to be interchangeably used. However, if desired, some or all of the recesses 16 can have differing sizes and/or shapes, in which case the inserts 18 will be correspondingly sized/shaped.

In the illustrated embodiment the first 14a and third 14c panels each include a plurality of holes or openings 24 (collectively termed openings herein) formed at least partially, or completely, through their thickness thereof. Each opening 24 can be configured to closely receive a handle 26 therein such that when each handle 26 is received in the opening 24 the handle 26 protrudes outwardly and is oriented generally perpendicular to the board 10/panels 14. Each handle 26 can have a length of at least about four inches in one case, or less than about twelve inches in another case.

When the handles 26 are inserted into the openings 24, the handles 26 can be anchored in place such as by a retaining tabs 28 as disclosed and discussed in greater detail in the embodiment below. In an alternative embodiment, the handles 26 are retained in the opening 24 simply by a frictional or interference fit. If desired, the openings 24 may be an eccentric (non-circular) shape, and the handles 26 can have a corresponding eccentric shape so that the handles 26 do not rotate in the openings 24. Once inserted, the handles 26 provide a gripping surface which a user 30 can grip and pull on when conducting exercises on the board 12 (see e.g. FIG. 11). In particular, when the user 30 is positioned on the board 12, the user's weight can help to anchor the board 12 in place, and the user 30 can thereby apply substantial force to the handles 26, such as pulling on the handles 26 when in a stretching position, such that the handles 26 provide a resistive force and remain stably in place. A user 30 can also wrap their feet, elbows, knees, or other body parts around the handles 26 such that the handles 26 can be useful in any of a wide variety of body positioning and/or stretching exercises, yoga positions, and other exercises.

The board 12 panels 14 can include a wide variety of arrangements and configurations of openings 24. The first 14a and third 14c panels each have at least five openings 24 in one embodiment, or at least ten openings 24 in yet another embodiment. In one case, each opening 24 is spaced apart of from adjacent opening 24 by at least about one inch in one case, or at least about two inches in another case, to provide sufficient choices to the user 30 in where the handles 26 are positioned, without unduly comprising the strength of the board 12/panels 14. As shown for example in in FIGS. 1-3, in one case the first 14a and third 14c panels each have four columns, of five openings 24 each, extending in a longitudinal direction B of the panel 14. The openings 24 can be staggered in the longitudinal direction B such that each opening 24 is offset from and not aligned with from any adjacent openings 24 in the lateral direction A, to provide flexibility/choice in handle 26 placement. In the illustrated embodiment, the second panel 14b lacks any openings 24 formed therethrough that are configured to receive any of the handles 26 therein, but if desired the second panel 14b can include openings 24 formed therein, either in the same or different pattern as the first 14a and third 14c panels.

Once the panels 14 are coupled together they form a generally flat, continuous board 12 as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3. In some cases, for example if space is limited, only the first 14a and second 14b (or second 14b and third 14c; or first 14a and third 14c) panels can be joined together. The upper surface of the inserts 18 can be sized and configured, once inserted in place, to be generally flush with upper surface of the adjacent panels 14 to provide a relatively smooth, continuous surface. Thus, once assembled the board 12 provides a generally continuous board surface, having an upper surface upon which the user 30 can be positioned and perform yoga exercises, stretching, or other physical activity when positioned on the board 12.

As shown in FIG. 3, in one embodiment the system 10 can include or be used in conjunction with a mat 32 that is configured to be positioned on the board 12, between a user 30 and the board 12, to provide cushioning and/or an easily cleanable surface. The mat 32 can be relatively soft and pliable (e.g. softer and/or more pliable and/or more flexible than the board 12 in one case), and may be sufficiently pliable to be rolled into a compact “coil” configuration, as shown in the mat 32′ of FIG. 12. The mat 32 can be made of a variety of materials including for example, PVC, PTE, rubber, synthetic rubber, foams (including foams of any of the foregoing), cork, cotton, wool, fabric, etc. In one case the mat 32 is made of relatively soft, pliable material, and may sag or deform (e.g. a distal end sags or deforms vertically at least about 10% in one case, or at least about 50% in another case, of its length), when positioned in a cantilever arrangement. In one particular case the mat 32 is made of material having a hardness of less than about 40 shore D. The mat 32 can have thickness of least about ¼″ in one case, and less than about 2″ in another case.

In one embodiment, the mat 32 has a size and shape generally corresponding to the board 12 (when fully assembled with the first 14a, second 14b and third 14c panels). However, if desired the mat 32 can have a size and/or shape smaller than/less than the board 12 when fully assembled. In one case the mat 32 can be formed in first, second and third mat portions (not shown) that correspond in size and shape to the associated first 14a, second 14b and/or third 14c panels, either with or without the recesses 16. The mat 32 can be configured to be loosely placed on the board 12, or to be removably coupled thereto (e.g. via hook-and-loop fasteners such as VELCRO® fasteners, or by bands, clips, brackets or the like). In another embodiment the mat 32 can be permanently coupled to the board 12 (e.g. to each individual panel 14 in one case), such a via adhesives or the like.

The mat 32 can have openings 24 formed therethrough that have the same or generally the same size, shape and spacing of the openings 24 of the board 12. In this manner the openings 24 of the mat 32 are generally aligned with the openings 24 of the board 12, when the mat 32 is positioned on and aligned with the board 12, to enable the handles 26 to be passed through the openings 24 of the mat 32 and received in the openings 24 of the board 12 when the mat 32 is positioned on the board 12. The mat 32 can have the same number of openings 24 in the same positions as the underlying board 12, or a different number and/or arrangement of openings 24. The mat 32 can have at least one opening 24 that is configured to be aligned an opening 24 of the board 12, or can include at least two such openings 24 in another case, or include at least such five openings 24 in another case, or include at least ten such openings 24 in yet another case, and include at least five such openings 24 at each end thereof in yet another case.

FIGS. 4-13 illustrate an alternative embodiment of the board system 10′, but it should be understood that the details described above for the board system 10 shown in FIG. 1-3, which can be applied to the board system 10′, can also be applied to the board system 10′ (and vice-versa), including for example the properties of the board 12, 12′; panels 14, 14′; mat 32, 32′; openings 24, handles 26, etc. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 4-13 the board 12′ includes six panels 14′ that are pivotally, rotatably or hingedly coupled together. However the board 12′ can include any number of desired panels 14′, including at least two panels 14′ in one case, or at least three in another case, and less than ten panels 14′ in yet another case.

Each panel 14′ can be rotatably coupled to an adjacent panel 14′ by one or more hinges 36, that allows each panel 14′ to rotate, pivot or hinge up to only about 180 degrees in one case about a hinge line or line/area of rotation 37 (FIG. 5), or slightly more than 180 degrees (e.g. about 190 or 200 degrees in one case, to accommodate tolerances and the thickness of the panels 14′). The hinges 36 may include or take the form of a link or linkage, and more specifically a two axis link that enable the panels 14′ to rotate relative to each other, and it should be understood that the term “hinge” includes such links, linkages or other similar structures or arrangements, and the term “hingedly” includes the utilization or operation of such links, linkages other similar structures or arrangements. If a classic hinge is utilized, a gap may be required to be positioned between adjacent panels 14′ to provide clearance and allow pivoting of the panels 14′ and/or the hinge may be offset from the hinge line 37.

The hinges 36 can be configured in an alternating arrangement with respect to the direction in which the hinges 36 allow rotation, such that the board 12′ is foldable in an accordion-style or concertina-style manner, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6. In this manner the board 12′ is movable between an extended position (FIG. 4) wherein the panels 14′ are generally co-planar, and their upper surfaces are aligned and together form a generally continuous board surface, and a collapsed position (FIG. 6) wherein the panels 14′ are arranged parallel to each other but not co-planar, and their outer perimeters are generally aligned. When in the collapsed position the panels 14′ can be positioned immediately adjacent to each other and/or in contact with each other. The ability of the board 12′ to move to the collapsed position enables the board 12′ to assume a relatively small size/footprint, for ease of storage and transportation.

In the illustrated embodiment, each panel 14′ is generally rectangular, and can have a dimension in the longitudinal direction B of at least about 6 inches in one case, or about 12 inches in another case, and less than about 24 inches in another case. Each panel 14′ can have a dimension in the lateral direction A of at least about 9 inches in one case or about 24 inches in another case, or less than about 36 inches in yet another case. However one or more, or each, of the panels 14′ can have shapes other than rectangular, including square, having at least one side, or two sides, that are at least about 18″ long in one less, or about 24″ long in one case, or less than about 36″ long in one case.

Each of the panels 14′ includes a plurality of openings 24 formed therein, wherein each opening 24 is configured to removably receive a handle 26 therein. In the illustrated embodiment, each panel 14′ includes fourteen openings 24, with two outer columns of four openings 24 extending in the longitudinal direction B, and two inner columns of three openings 24. However, each panel 14′ can include any number of desired openings 24 and arrangements of openings 24, including those described above for the embodiment of FIGS. 1-3. Each opening 24 can be at least partially defined by an opening boss 38 positioned on an underside of the associated panel 14′.

In the illustrated embodiment, each panel 14′ is generally identical to the other panels 14′ in terms of size, shape, thickness, size and placement of the openings 24, etc. This can provide ease of manufacturing in that only one type of panel 14′ needs to be made, and the board 12′ can then be assembled in a modular manner. The openings 24 of one panel 14′ may have mirror symmetry with any adjacent panel 14′ with respect to the hinge line 37 positioned therebetween. In this case, when the board 12 is in its collapsed position, as shown in FIGS. 6, 12 and 13, each of the openings 24 are aligned. For purposes explained in greater detail below, it may be desired for at least one opening 24 of each panel 14′ (or, in another case, at least two openings 24 of each panel 14′) to be aligned an opening 24 of each adjacent panel 14′, and an opening 24 of all other panels 14′ of the board 12, when the board 12 is in the collapsed position.

Each handle 26 can in one case have a generally constant cross section, such as a circular cross section to provide a cylindrical handle 26, but can have other cross sections such as square, octagonal, oval, etc. or have a varying cross section. If desired, in one case each handle 26 can be curved or have a generally “U” shape to enable the handle 26 to provide an at least partially closed shape through which a user 30 insert their foot, arm, etc. Each handle 26 can include a relatively soft/pliable gripping component 40 positioned on an outer surface thereof to provide a comfortable surface for gripping by the user 30. Each handle 26 can also be configured to be manually removably coupled to an associated panel 14′ when the handle 26 (or at least the distal end of the handle 26) is positioned in an opening 24. In particular, each handle 26 can including a retaining mechanism 42 to retain the handle in place. In the illustrated embodiment, the retaining mechanism 42 includes or takes the form of a pair of radially outwardly extending retaining tabs 28 positioned at a lower or distal end of the handle 26, and positioned 180 degrees apart in the illustrated embodiment.

Each opening 24 of the board 12′ can correspondingly include a pair of opening extensions 44, where the opening extensions 44 are positioned 180 degrees apart in the illustrated embodiment are each configured to receive one of the tabs 28 of the handle 26 therethrough when the handle 26 is properly aligned and positioned in the opening 24. In this manner, the handle 26 and tabs 28 can be passed through the opening 24 until the tabs 28 are positioned on a bottom or distal end of the panel 14′/board 12′, and more particularly the bottom or distal end of the opening boss 38. The handle 26 is then rotated to a locked position to cause the retaining tabs 28 to be misaligned with the opening extensions 44, as shown in FIG. 8.

With reference to FIGS. 7 and 8, each boss 38 can include a pair of opposed stops 48 which are engaged by the tabs 28, when the handles 26 are sufficiently rotated, to ensure the handles 26 are sufficiently rotated to the locked position. In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, each handle 26 can include a circumferentially-extending flange 50, which is configured to engage a top side of the board 12′ when the handle 26 is inserted into an opening 24, to limit the insertion of the handle 26 and ensure the retaining tabs 28 are inserted to the desired depth relative to the boss 38 and stops 48.

In this manner, when a handle 26 is in the locked position, the handle 26 is releasably coupled in place, and can resist removal therefrom until the handle 26 is returned to the unlocked position. The lockable nature of the handles 26 and/or the retaining mechanism 42 thereby helps to secure the handles 26 in place, prevent inadvertent removal, and enables the user 30 to apply force to the handle 26 without causing removal of the handle 26. However it should be understood that the handles 26 can be coupled to the board 12′/panels 14′ by any of a wide variety of mechanisms and methods, and the retaining mechanism 42 can take any of a wide variety of forms and shapes other than the tabs 28/opening extensions 44, such as press-fit or interference fits, claps, spring-biased latches, brackets, ramps/tabs, bayonet-style couplings, etc.

Each handle 26 can also operate as a coupling system to retain the board 12′ in the collapsed potion. In particular, as shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, when the board 12′ is in the collapsed position, one or more handles 26 (or other item, such as a rod, wire, cable, insert, rope or the like)) can be aligned with the aligned openings 24 of the panels 14′. The upper end of each handle 26 can then be passed entirely through the aligned openings 24 until the flange 50 at the bottom/distal end engages the outer/upper surface of a panel 14′. The tabs 28 on the upper end of the handle 26 can then protrude through the collapsed board 12′, and be utilized to secure the handle 26 in place (e.g. by twisting the handle 26, in the illustrated embodiment). This rotation of the handle 26 will cause the tabs 28 to become misaligned with the opening extensions 44 to retain the handle 26 in place. In this manner the board 12′ trapped between the flange 50 and tabs 28, and is secured in the collapsed position and prevented from moving to the extended position. Thus in one case each handle 26 has a length that generally corresponds to a thickness of the board 12′ (e.g. at least as long as the thickness of the board 12′, or within about 10% in one case, or about 20% in another case) when the board 12′ is in the collapsed position.

If desired, both handles 26 (or additional handles 26) can be utilized to further secure the board 12′ in the collapsed position. Using the handles 26 to secure the board 12′ in the collapsed position also provide a convenient way to store and transport the handles 26. When it is desired to utilize the board 12′, the handles 26 can be unlocked and removed from the openings 24, and the board 12′ can be unfolded to its extended position as shown in FIG. 4.

Much like the embodiment of FIG. 1-3, the system 10′ can include or be used in conjunction with a mat 32′ when the board 12′ is in the extended position. As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11 the mat 32′ can be positioned on and aligned with the board 12′ for use with the board 12′. As in the embodiment described above, the mat 32′ can have openings 24 formed therethrough that have the same or generally the same size, shape and spacing of the openings 24 of the board 12′ such that the openings 24 of the mat 32′ are generally aligned with the openings 24 of the board 12′, when the mat 32′ is positioned on and aligned with the board 12′. Thus the openings 24 of the mat 32′ can enable the handles 26 to be passed therethrough and received in the openings 24 of the board 12 when the mat 32′ is positioned on the board 12′. In one case, the openings 24 of the mat 32′ are slightly larger than the opening 24 of the board 12′, so that the handles 26, including the tabs 28, can be passed therethrough with little or no resistance. The mat 32′ can have the same number of openings 24 in the same position as the underlying board 12′, or a different number or arrangement of openings 24.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the mat 32′ only has openings 24 that correspond to the outer two end panels 14′ of the board 12′. This arrangement can enable the mat 32′ to cover the openings 24 of the center panels 14′ of the board 12′ and provide a continuous, and more comfortable, surface along the center of the mat 32′, which would be expected to typically support the torso of a wearer. However as outlined above the mat 32′ can have other configurations of openings 24, including where some or all of the openings 24 of the center panels 14′ are uncovered.

As shown in for example in FIGS. 6 and 12, one or both outer-most panels 14′ can include one or more attachment tabs 58 at a distal end thereof. Each attachment tab 58 is configured to be coupled to a carrying strap or straps 60 to enable the board 12′ to be manually carried by the carrying strap(s) 60. In addition, the carrying strap(s) 60 is configured to receive the mat 32′ positioned thereunder, in a rolled-up configuration. In this manner the board 12′, panels 14′ and handles 26 can be easily carried and conveniently and transported by a user.

Having described the invention in detail and by reference to the various embodiments, it should be understood that modifications and variations thereof are possible without departing from the scope of the claims of the present application.

Claims

1. A system comprising:

a board including plurality of generally flat panels rotatably coupled together, wherein the board is movable between an extended position wherein the panels are generally co-planar and together form a generally continuous board surface, and a collapsed position wherein the panels are arranged parallel to each other but are not co-planar, wherein at least one of the panels includes a plurality of openings, wherein each opening is configured to removably receive a handle therein.

2. The system of claim 1 wherein the board includes at least three panels that are rotatably coupled together in an accordion style such that the at least three panels are generally aligned when the board is in the collapsed position, and wherein each panel is positioned immediately adjacent to another panel when the board is in the collapsed position.

3. The system of claim 1 wherein each panel is hingedly coupled to at any adjacent panels by a hinge that allows pivoting of only about 180 degrees.

4. The system of claim 1 at least each outermost panel includes a plurality of openings, wherein each opening is configured to removably receive the handle therein.

5. The system of claim 1 each of the panels includes a plurality of openings, wherein each opening is configured to removably receive the handle therein.

6. The system of claim 1 further comprising the handle, wherein the handle is configured to be manually removably coupled one of the plurality of openings such that the handle is retained in a position where the handle is oriented generally perpendicular to an associated panel.

7. The system of claim 6 wherein the handle includes a pair of radially outwardly extending tabs positioned at a distal end thereof, and wherein each opening includes a pair of opening extensions, wherein each opening extension is configured to receive one of the tabs of the handle therethrough when the handle is positioned and properly aligned in the opening, such that the handle can be passed through the opening and then rotated to lock the handle in place.

8. The system of claim 1 further comprising a generally flexible mat having generally the same size and shape of the board when the board is in the extended position, wherein the mat has at least one opening that is aligned with at least one opening of the board when the mat is positioned on the board.

9. The system of claim 8 wherein the mat has less openings than the board and lacks any openings in a center portion thereof.

10. The system of claim 1 wherein each of the panels includes at least one opening, and wherein the board is configured such that when the board is in the collapsed position at least one opening of each panel is aligned with at least one opening of each other panel such that a handle can be received through the aligned openings.

11. The system of claim 10 wherein the handle has a length that generally corresponds to a thickness of the board when in the collapsed position.

12. The system of claim 10 further comprising the handle, wherein the handle is configured to be received through the aligned openings and manually coupled thereto to retain the board in the collapsed position.

13. A system comprising:

a board including plurality of generally flat panels rotatably coupled together, wherein the board is movable between an extended position wherein the panels are generally co-planar and together form a generally continuous board surface, and a collapsed position wherein the panels are arranged parallel to each other but are not co-planar, wherein each of the panels includes at least one opening, and wherein the board is configured such that when the board is in the collapsed position at least one opening of each panel is aligned with at least one opening of each other panel such that an item can be received through the aligned openings.

14. The system of claim 13 wherein each opening is configured to removably receive a handle therein such that the handle is retained in a position where the handle is oriented generally perpendicular to an associated panel.

15. The system of claim 13 further comprising a handle, wherein the handle is configured to be received through the aligned openings and manually coupled thereto to retain the board in the collapsed position.

16. A system comprising:

a relatively stiff board including a plurality of openings, wherein each opening is configured to removably receive a handle therein; and

a relatively soft mat having a size and shape generally corresponding to a size and shape of the board and configured to be positioned on top of the board, wherein the mat has a plurality of openings configured to be generally aligned with the plurality of openings of the board when the mat is positioned on the board and generally aligned therewith.

17. The system of claim 16 wherein the board includes a plurality of generally flat panels rotatably coupled together, wherein the board is movable between an extended position wherein the panels are generally co-planar and together form a generally continuous board surface, and a collapsed position wherein the panels are arranged parallel to each other but not co-planar, and wherein each opening is configured to removably receive a handle therein such that the handle is retained in a position where the handle is oriented generally perpendicular to an associated panel.

18. The system of claim 16 wherein the board is configured such that when the board is in the collapsed position at least one opening of each panel is aligned with at least one opening of each other panel such that a handle can be received through the aligned openings.

19. The system of claim 16 wherein the board includes a plurality of generally flat, separable panels, wherein the system further includes a plurality of coupling components configured to removably couple the panels together to form a generally continuous board surface.

20. The system of claim 16 wherein the board includes at least first, second and third panels, and wherein the system further includes a first coupling component configured to be received in a recess of the first panel and a first recess of the second panel to removably couple the first and second panels, and a second coupling component configured to be received in a second recess of the second panel and a recess of the third panel to removably couple the second and third panels.

21. A system comprising:

a board including plurality of generally flat panels rotatably coupled together, wherein the board is movable between an extended position wherein the panels are generally co-planar and together form a generally continuous board surface, and a collapsed position wherein the panels are arranged parallel to each other but are not co-planar, wherein the panels are rotatably coupled together in an accordion style such that the panels are generally aligned and positioned immediately adjacent to another panel when the board is in the collapsed position, wherein each of the panels includes a plurality of openings, wherein the board is configured such that when the board is in the collapsed position at least one opening of each panel is aligned with at least one opening of each other panel such that an item can be received through the aligned openings;

a handle configured to be manually removably coupled one of the plurality of openings such that the handle is retained in a position where the handle is oriented generally perpendicular to an associated panel; and

a generally flexible mat having generally the same size and shape of the board when the board is in the extended position, wherein the mat has at least one opening that is aligned with at least one opening of the board when the mat is positioned on the board.

22-36. (canceled)