Abstract:
A foldable, portable exercise mat is disclosed. The mat is generally circular in shape when in the working position and is foldable to a generally rectangular shape when in the transport position. The exemplary embodiment of the mat includes a first side and a second side. The exemplary embodiment of the mat includes load-bearing strips strategically positioned on the first side to support the mat when it is in the transport position. Load-bearing strips may also be positioned around the perimeter of an integrated pocket to reduce the wear on the main body of the mat. Strap loops, gripping surfaces, affixing straps, and zippered pockets may also be affixed to either the first or second side. Carry straps may be engaged with strap loops to ease transportation of the mat. In a second embodiment of the mat, the mat may be folded into a backpack in the transport position.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims the filing benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) of provisional U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 61/124,718 filed on Apr. 17, 2008, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. 
     
    
     FIELD OF INVENTION 
       [0002]    A mat having a round shape and plurality of pockets is disclosed; more specifically, the mat is adapted for convenient use for yoga or other exercise as it may easily be modified from the working position to a folded transport position. 
       STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
       [0003]    No federal funds were used to develop or create the invention disclosed and described in the patent application. 
       REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER PROGRAM LISTING COMPACT DISK APPENDIX 
       [0004]    Not Applicable 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0005]    There are many kinds of yoga, as well as many reasons to practice yoga. In particular, yoga mats are preferably used in Hatha Yoga, which deals with keeping the physical body fit. The focus is on balance, strength, flexibility, and coordination on both sides of the body. Generally, people have a dominant side, for example, in golf, tennis, and baseball people swing only one way as they are either right or left-handed. Only a few people are capable of using both sides of their bodies equally. It is not uncommon for chiropractors and yoga instructors to find that one leg of a client might be slightly longer than the other due to injuries, poor posture, or lack of exercise. It is possible that a leg might be from one-quarter of an inch to one full inch shorter or longer than the other leg. This adversely affects our health as one knee might not bend as well as the other and the effect is magnified through the rest of the body. The purpose of Hatha Yoga practice is to make the right and left sides of our bodies equally strong, flexible and balanced to the best of our ability. 
         [0006]    Yoga postures are based and taught that the postures are built from the foundation up, analogous to the building of a house. The definition of “foundation” for this purpose is the part of the body touching the floor. There are basically two kinds of foundations: (1) down on the floor, for example, prone, supine, or sitting; and (2) up off the floor, for example standing, kneeling on hands and feet, hands and knees, headstand, elbow stand, handstand, etc. There are over one thousand yoga postures. Standing balancing poses need a good foundation so that the practitioner doesn&#39;t fall down. A short flexible person&#39;s feet would be wider apart in his or her stance than a practitioner who is less flexible and a tall person&#39;s feet would be even wider apart in his or her stance. 
         [0007]    Yoga poses are held for a good length of time, sometimes one minute or more. Being stable is important and again the foundation is a good start. Like a gymnast on a balance beam, alignment brings stability, example: standing with the legs wide apart in forward bend over right leg, the back leg needs to be in line with the right leg not crossed midline (off the balance beam). Exact placement of the feet changes from teacher to teacher and pose to pose depending on purpose and ability. 
         [0008]    Oftentimes those who practice yoga desire to meet in a central site and practice yoga as a group. Accordingly, those persons must transport all their equipment to the central site. Since so many positions require a large amount of contact between the person and the floor, most people desire to practice yoga using a mat. However, most mats are difficult to transport because they are difficult to fold into a configuration that is easily transportable. 
         [0009]    Accordingly, there is a need for a universally usable yoga mat that is easy to transport from one location to another. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0010]    The mat as claimed and disclosed herein provides for an easily transportable, foldable mat. The mat may include integrated and zippered pockets to transport additional items within the mat. 
         [0011]    It is an objective of the mat to provide a cushioned surface upon which a person may perform exercises. 
         [0012]    It is another objective of the mat to maximize the ratio of work area provided by the mat to the floor area required to unfold the mat. 
         [0013]    Other features and advantages of the mat will become apparent from the following more detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the mat. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
         [0014]    In order that the advantages of the invention will be readily understood, a more particular description of the invention briefly described above will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are not therefore to be considered limited of its scope, the invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings. 
           [0015]      FIG. 1  provides a perspective view of the first embodiment of the mat with the first side facing upward. 
           [0016]      FIG. 2  provides an elevated view of the first embodiment of the mat with the second side facing upward folded along the first fold line. 
           [0017]      FIG. 3  provides an elevated view of the first embodiment of the mat with the second side facing upward folded along the first and second fold lines. 
           [0018]      FIG. 4  provides an elevated view of the first embodiment of the mat with the second side facing upward folded along the first, second, third, and fourth fold lines. 
           [0019]      FIG. 5  shows the first embodiment of the mat folded along the first, second, third, fourth, and fifth fold lines. 
           [0020]      FIG. 6  shows the first embodiment of the mat folded along the first, second, third, fourth, and fifth fold lines with the carry straps attached. 
           [0021]      FIG. 7  provides a perspective view of the second embodiment of the mat with the first side facing upward. 
           [0022]      FIG. 8  provides an elevated view of the second embodiment of the mat with the second side facing upward. 
           [0023]      FIG. 9  provides an elevated view of the second embodiment of the mat with the second side facing upward folded along the first and second fold lines. 
           [0024]      FIG. 10  provides an elevated view of the second embodiment of the mat with the second side facing upward folded along the first, second, and third fold lines. 
           [0025]      FIG. 11  shows the second embodiment of the mat folded along the first, second, third, and fourth fold lines. 
           [0026]      FIG. 12  shows the second embodiment of the mat folded along the first, second, third, fourth, and fifth fold lines. 
       
    
    
       [0027]      
         [0000]    
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
               
               
                 DETAILED DESCRIPTION - LISTING OF ELEMENTS 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 ELEMENT DESCRIPTION 
                 ELEMENT # 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Mat 
                 10 
               
               
                   
                 Carry strap 
                  12a 
               
               
                   
                 Strap loop 
                  12b 
               
               
                   
                 First fold line 
                 14 
               
               
                   
                 Second fold line 
                 15 
               
               
                   
                 Third fold line 
                 16 
               
               
                   
                 Fourth fold line 
                 17 
               
               
                   
                 Fifth fold line 
                 18 
               
               
                   
                 First Side 
                 20 
               
               
                   
                 Zipper pocket 
                 22 
               
               
                   
                 Integrated pocket 
                 24 
               
               
                   
                 Load-bearing strip 
                 26 
               
               
                   
                 Affixing strap 
                 28 
               
               
                   
                 Second Side 
                 30 
               
               
                   
                 Gripping Surface 
                 32 
               
               
                   
                 Integrated Handle 
                 40 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0028]    Before the various embodiments of the present invention are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangements of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that phraseology and terminology used herein with reference to device or element orientation (such as, for example, terms like “front”, back “up”, “down”, “top”, “bottom”, and the like) are only used to simplify description of the present invention, and do not alone indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a particular orientation. In addition, terms such as “first”, “second”, and “third” are used herein and in the appended claims for purposes of description and are not intended to indicate or imply relative importance or significance. 
         [0029]    Referring now to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals designate identical or corresponding parts throughout the several views,  FIG. 1  shows an exemplary embodiment of the mat  10 . As shown in the figures herein, the mat  10  is generally circular in shape, but is capable of being folded into a generally rectangular shape (as shown in  FIGS. 5-6 ), which facilitates convenient transport. The mat  10  may consist of several layers, and the exemplary embodiment as pictured and described herein consists of three layers. 
         [0030]    The first layer forms the first side  20 , which is an exterior layer. The second layer (not shown) is positioned adjacent the first layer and forms an interior layer, which may be comprised of one or more materials having different physical properties. The third layer forms the second side  30 , which is an exterior layer. Accordingly, the second layer is sandwiched between the first and third layers. In other embodiments not pictured herein, the second layer is not used so that the mat  10  consists of only a first and third layer. In still other embodiments, the second layer is formed of a material or a combination of materials having an extreme amount of cushioning or other physical properties according to the application of the mat  10 , such as water resistant or antimicrobial properties. The second layer may be composed of a material with insulative properties and/or force absorption properties as well, depending on the specific application of the mat  10 . Additionally, the first and third layers may be composed of materials having the desired physical properties for the application, such as antimicrobial, water resistance, anti-slip, and so forth. It is contemplated that in most embodiments, the entire mat  10  will be machine washable. Accordingly, the specific material(s) used to construct the first, second, and/or third layers in no way limits the scope of the mat  10 . 
         [0031]    The mat  10  is designed such that it may easily be folded from the working position, shown in  FIG. 1 , to the transport position, shown in  FIGS. 5-6 . This allows the user to conveniently transport the mat  10  from one location to the next and is described in detail below. 
         [0032]    The first side  20  is the portion of the mat  10  that is in contact with the user during use, which is shown opposite the floor (i.e., facing up) in  FIG. 1 . Affixed to the first side  20  is a plurality of load-bearing strips  26 , some of which terminate in loose affixing straps  28 , the purpose for which is explained in detail below. These load-bearing strips  26  are strategically placed at various positions of the first side  20  so that when the mat  10  is folded into the transport position, as shown in  FIGS. 5-6 , the load-bearing strips  26  are positioned to bear the majority of the load of the mat  10  or objects placed therein when the mat  10  is in transport. 
         [0033]    As shown in  FIG. 1 , the load-bearing strips  26  form an H-pattern having two cross bars on the first side  20  of the mat  10 . That is, the load-bearing strips  26  on the exemplary embodiment are formed with two pairs of load-bearing strips  26 . The entire length of each load-bearing strip  26  may be affixed to the first side  20 , or only certain portions thereof depending on the specific application of the mat  10  and to conserve labor and material in construction. The first pair of load-bearing strips  26  is parallel to one another and to the third and fourth fold lines  17 ,  18 , respectively. At the either end of each load-bearing strip  26  in the first pair is an affixing strap  28 . This pattern allows the affixing straps  28  to be positioned adjacent one another when the mat  10  is configured to the transport position, as shown in  FIG. 6 . 
         [0034]    The second pair of load-bearing strips  26  is also parallel to one another, but is perpendicular to the first pair and the third and fourth fold lines  17 ,  18 . Accordingly, the second pair of load-bearing strips  26  is parallel to the first and second fold lines  14 ,  15 . In the exemplary embodiment, a strap loop  12   b  is affixed to either end each load-bearing strip  26  in the second pair. The load-bearing strips  26  may be oriented differently in different embodiments, and the specific orientation thereof in no way limits the scope of the mat  10 . Furthermore, the dimensions of the load-bearing strips  26  may vary from one embodiment of the mat  10  to the next, as may the dimensions of the mat  10 . For example, in the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 1-6 , each load-bearing strip  26  is approximately fifty-eight inches long, the distance between the two load-bearing strips  26  in the first pair is approximately fifty-eight inches, and the distance between the two load-bearing strips  26  in the second pair is approximately eighteen inches. The affixing straps  28  at the end of each load-bearing strip  26  in the first pair are approximately three inches in length. However, in other embodiments described in detail below, the various dimensions of the load-bearing strips  26  and affixing straps  28  may be different. 
         [0035]    The load-bearing strips  26  also border the top side of the integrated pocket  24 , as described further below. This in turn reduces the stress and wear on the other fabric of the mat  10 . Strap loops  12   b  are affixed to the load-bearing strips  26  in the exemplary embodiment of the mat  10  so that carry straps  12   a  may be used to transport the mat  10 . As shown herein, simple spring clips are used to affix the carry straps  12   a  to the strap loops  12   b , but those skilled in the art may use other structures to affix the carry straps  12   a  to the strap loops  12   b  without departing from the spirit and scope of the mat  10 . 
         [0036]    The second side  30  is the portion of the mat  10  that is in contact with the floor or ground surface during use. A gripping surface  32  may be affixed to at least a portion of the second side  30  (as shown in  FIG. 2 ) to mitigate slippage of the mat  10  with respect to the floor or ground surface. Alternatively, the entire first and/or second sides  20 ,  30  may be configured with scattered areas of gripping material. For example, small polyvinyl chloride areas may be incorporated into the material of the first and/or second sides  20 ,  30  so that the gripping surface  32  is integrated with the material of the mat  10 . The gripping surface  32  in any embodiment of the mat  10  may be constructed of any suitable material for the application of the mat  10 . For example, if the mat  10  is to be used on a wooden floor, the gripping surface  32  may be constructed of rubber, polyvinyl chloride, silicon, or any other material known to those skilled in the art. 
         [0037]    A zippered pocket  22  may be formed in the mat  10  so that the interior of the zippered pocket  22  is accessible through either the first side  20  or the second side  30  of the mat  10 . In the exemplary embodiments pictured herein, the zippered pocket  22  is accessible through the second side  30  of the mat  10 . In another embodiment not pictured herein, zippered pockets  22  may be formed in both the first and second sides  20 ,  30  of the mat  10 . 
         [0038]    An integrated pocket  24  may be formed in the first side  20  (see  FIG. 1 ) between one of the load-bearing strips  26  and the periphery of the mat  10  to facilitate various different exercise positions. In other embodiments not pictured herein, the periphery of the integrated pocket  24  may be reinforced with load-bearing strips  26  to enhance the durability of the mat  10  and the integrated pocket  24 . The integrated pocket  24  allows the user of the mat  10  to perform the yoga pose referred to as “savasana” or “corpse”, by placing the user&#39;s feet within the integrated pocket  24 . 
         [0039]    In other embodiments not pictured herein, the integrated pocket  24  may be formed in the second side  30 , or both the first and second sides  20 ,  30  may include an integrated pocket  24 . 
         [0040]    Converting the mat  10  from the working position to the transport position will now be explained. As noted, generally the mat  10  will be completely unfolded and placed flat against the floor or ground when it is in use, as shown in  FIG. 1 . In  FIG. 1 , the second side  30  is adjacent the floor, which is the orientation when the mat  10  is in use. 
         [0041]    The first step is to spread the mat  10  out over a relatively flat surface with the second side  30  facing up. Next, the mat  10  is folded along the first fold line  14 , as shown in  FIG. 2 . The orientation of the mat  10  in  FIG. 2  is opposite that shown in  FIG. 1 , as the portion of the mat  10  that appears toward the top of the depiction in  FIG. 1  is moved to the bottom of the depiction in  FIG. 2 . Next, the mat  10  is folded along the second fold line  15 , as shown in  FIG. 3 . As is apparent from  FIGS. 1-4 , the distance from the first fold line  14  to a tangent line on the periphery of the mat  10  parallel to the first fold line  14  is approximately one-fourth the diameter of the mat  10 , which orientation is mirrored for the second fold line  15 . The distance between the first and second fold lines  14 ,  15  is approximately half the diameter of the mat  10 . 
         [0042]    As shown in  FIG. 3  the mat  10  is symmetrical. Next, the mat  10  is folded along the third and fourth fold lines  16 ,  17 , respectively, so that the mat  10  is substantially square in shape, which is shown in  FIG. 4 . As with the first and second fold lines  14 ,  15 , the distance from the third fold line  16  to a tangent line on the periphery of the mat  10  parallel to the third fold line  16  is approximately one-fourth the diameter of the mat  10 , which orientation is mirrored for the fourth fold line  17 . The distance between the first and second fold lines  16 ,  17  is approximately half the diameter of the mat  10 . 
         [0043]    Finally, the mat  10  is folded in half along the fifth fold line  18  to achieve the configuration shown in  FIG. 5 , in which configuration the mat  10  is prepared for transport. The fifth fold line  15  passes through the geometric center of the mat  10  in the embodiment thereof shown in  FIGS. 1-6 . After the mat  10  is folded along the fifth fold line  18 , it is substantially rectangular in shape. 
         [0044]    In the exemplary embodiment, the relative positions of the fold lines  14 ,  15 ,  16 ,  17 ,  18  are ensured by providing a crease in the appropriate position on the second (interior layer). For example, if the interior layer is constructed of a polyurethane foam, then the foam may be of a lesser thickness in the positions on the interior layer corresponding to the fold lines  14 ,  15 ,  16 ,  17 ,  18 . Alternatively, the interior layer may be formed of several distinct portions, wherein the border between each portion is positioned to correspond to one of the fold lines  14 ,  15 ,  16 ,  17 ,  18 . 
         [0045]    When configured as shown in  FIG. 5 , the corresponding affixing straps  28  are now positioned adjacent one another so that two pairs of affixing straps  28  are formed and may be affixed to one another. This allows the user to affixing the respective affixing straps  28  to one another (shown unfixed in  FIG. 4 ) to secure the mat  10  in the transport position.  FIG. 5  shows the affixing straps  28  affixed together to secure the mat  10  in the transport position, thereby ensuring that the mat  10  remains folded along the fold lines  14 ,  15 ,  16 ,  17 ,  18 . In the exemplary embodiment pictured herein a total of four affixing straps  28  are used, which are arranged in two corresponding pairs (best shown in  FIGS. 1 and 5 ). At this point the carry straps  12   a  may be connected to the strap loops  12   b , as shown in  FIG. 6 , and the mat  10  may be conveniently transported. 
         [0046]    As shown in the first embodiment of the mat  10 , the affixing straps  28  are engaged with one another through tying corresponding affixing straps  28 . However, in other embodiments, as described in detail below, the affixing straps  28  may be affixed to one another using other methods, such as placing Velcro on corresponding affixing straps  28 , magnets, buttons, loops, or any other structure known to those skilled in the art. 
         [0047]    With the carry straps  12   a  affixed to the strap loops  12   b  and the mat  10  folded into the transport position the mat  10  is compact and relatively easy to transport. Furthermore, this configuration of the mat  10  shows how the carry straps  12   a  and load-bearing strips  26  serve to reduce the load and wear on other portions of the mat  10 , thereby extending the useful life of the mat  10 . Certain additional items, such as a key ring, may also be hung from the strap loop  12   b  or carry strap  12   a  as long as such additional items do not overburden the relevant portions of the mat  10  with the weight of the additional items. The connections between the relevant portions of the mat  10  may be sized so that the load-bearing properties of the mat  10  and relevant elements thereof may be greater or less than the apparent load-bearing properties of the embodiment pictured herein. 
         [0048]    When the mat  10  is in the transport position, additional items may be placed into the interior of the mat  10  as long as such additional items do not overburden the relevant portions of the mat  10 . It is contemplated that additional padded mats (not shown) or other relatively light-weight items such as personal electronic devices, books, nutrition supplements, etc. may be conveniently placed into the interior of the mat  10 . In embodiments not pictured herein, heavier items may be placed within the interior of the mat  10  as long as the relevant elements of the mat  10  are sized accordingly. 
         [0049]    A second embodiment of the mat  10  is shown in  FIGS. 7-12 . In the second embodiment of the mat  10 , when the mat  10  is configured to the transport position (shown in  FIG. 12 ) it may be used as a backpack.  FIG. 7  shows the second embodiment of the mat  10  with the first side  20  facing upward. A plurality of load-bearing strips  26  are affixed to the first side  20  toward the center thereof. 
         [0050]    The load-bearing strips  26  are arranged in an H-shaped pattern, wherein the sides of the H-shape are formed by a pair of load-bearing strips  28  that are parallel to the first and second fold lines  14 ,  15  and perpendicular to the third, fourth, and fifth fold lines  16 ,  17 ,  18 . At the end of each load-bearing strip  26  of the pair is an affixing strap  28 . Each affixing strap  28  is oriented so that when the mat  10  is in the transport position (shown in  FIG. 12 ), the two affixing straps  28  attached to one of the load-bearing strips  26  form a pair of affixing straps  28  positioned adjacent one another. 
         [0051]    A load-bearing strip  26  is positioned between the two load-bearings strips  26  of the pair, adjacent to which an integrated pocket  24  may be positioned. The second embodiment also includes an integrated handle  40  positioned between the two load-bearing strips  26  of the pair. The affixing straps  28  as shown in the second embodiment are Velcro, but many other variations exist as explained for the first embodiment above. 
         [0052]    The mat  10  is shown in  FIG. 8  with the second side  30  facing upward. The orientation of the mat  10  is opposite in  FIG. 8  compared to the orientation in  FIG. 7  so that the portion of the mat  10  that appears on the left side of the depiction in  FIG. 8  appears on the right side of the depiction in  FIG. 7  and vice versa. 
         [0053]    To convert the second embodiment of the mat  10  from the working position (shown in  FIGS. 7 and 8 ) to the transport position (shown in  FIG. 12 ), first the mat  10  is folded along the first fold line  14 . Next the mat  10  is folded along the second fold line  15  so that the mat  10  is configured as shown in  FIG. 9 . In the second embodiment the distance from the first fold line  14  to a tangent line on the periphery of the mat  10  parallel to the first fold line  14  is approximately one-third the diameter of the mat  10 , which orientation is mirrored for the second fold line  15 . 
         [0054]    Next, the mat  10  is folded along the third fold line  16  as shown in  FIG. 10 . The mat  10  is then folded along the fourth fold line  17  as shown in  FIG. 11 , and subsequently along the fifth fold line  18  as shown in  FIG. 12 . The distances between the third, fourth, and fifth fold lines  16 ,  17 ,  18  will vary from one embodiment to the next, but are approximately equal to one-fourth the diameter of the mat  10  in the second embodiment. 
         [0055]    After the mat  10  has been folded into the configuration shown in  FIG. 12 , the respective affixing straps  28  are positioned adjacent one other affixing strap  28  to form a pair thereof. The respective affixing straps  28  of each pair may then be joined to one another to secure the mat  10  in the transport position (shown in  FIG. 12 ). As with the first embodiment of the mat  10 , in the second embodiment the integrated pocket  24  is oriented so that it is accessible when the mat  10  is in the transport position. 
         [0056]    When configured in the transport position, the second embodiment of the mat  10  may be transported through use of the integrated handle  40 . Alternatively, the portion of the pair of load-bearing strips  26  that extends from the top of the integrated pocket  24  to the affixing strap  28  may loose with respect to the first side  20 . Accordingly, that portion of each load-bearing strip  26  forms a loop through which the user&#39;s arm may be inserted so that the mat  10 , when in the folded position, may be transported as a backpack. 
         [0057]    Any embodiment of the mat  10  or the various components thereof may be constructed in dimensions suitable for the specific application of the mat  10 . For example, in the first embodiment, it is contemplated that an optimal diameter for the mat  10  may be seventy-two inches. In the second embodiment, it is contemplated that an optimal diameter for the mat  10  may be forty-four inches. Accordingly, the scope of the mat  10  is not limited by the dimensions thereof or the various elements employed therewith. 
         [0058]    It should be noted that the mat  10  is not limited to the specific embodiments pictured and described herein, but is intended to apply to all similar apparatuses for practicing yoga or exercising. Modifications and alterations from the described embodiments will occur to those skilled in the art without departure from the spirit and scope of the mat  10 .