Abstract:
Yoga mat devices which generally comprise a yoga mat having one or more storage compartment(s). Also disclosed are related methods of manufacture and use of such devices.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The present invention relates generally to the fields of exercise, meditation and holistic health and more particularly to yoga mats used in the practice of yoga. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    Pursuant to 37 CFR 1.71(e), this patent document contains material which is subject to copyright protection and the owner of this patent document reserves all copyright rights whatsoever. 
         [0003]    Various types of styles of yoga have existed and been practiced over the years. The modern-day practice of toga in Western cultures typically involves physical postures or poses, breathing control techniques, and meditation. Commonly, a group of persons may gather in a single room to practice yoga under the lead of an instructor (sometimes referred to as a “yogacharya”). It is typical for each person in the room to sit or stand on an individual yoga mat throughout each yoga session. While some yoga studios do make lockers available for storage of personal items cell phones, keys, sun glasses and yoga mat carrying bags, it is not unusual for persons to eschew use of such lockers, opting instead to place such personal items on the floor near their yoga respective yoga mats. Also, individuals often wish to have work out towels with them while practicing yoga and such towels are commonly placed on the floor along with their other items of personal property. Such items lying on the floor can be unsightly and/or may present a slip-and-fall hazard. 
         [0004]    A standard yoga mat typically comprises a sheet of foamed or solid elastomeric material (e.g., polyvinyl chloride (PVC)) having a thickness in the range of about ⅙ inch to about ¼ inch. In some more complex yoga mats, a plurality of layers of different material are used. For example, yoga mats sold for use in hot yoga or Bikram yoga may have an absorbent upper layer (e.g., terry cloth material) permanently affixed to an elastomeric mat lower layer such that the elastomeric lower layer will contact the underlying floor while the yoga practitioner sits/stands on the towel-like upper layer. The towel like upper layer may then absorb perspiration. One commercially available example is the Breath™ Yoga Mat marketed by Breathe Yoga Mats or Vancouver, British Columbia which has a cotton terry top layer, a middle layer of absorbent cushioning fibers and a coated, brushed bottom layer for gripping the underlying floor surface. However, the multi-layer yoga mats of the prior art have typically not been designed to permit periodic detachment and laundering of the upper perspiration-absorbing layer. 
         [0005]    The prior art has also included various other purported improvements and accessories relating to yoga mats, including those described in: U.S. Pat. No. 8,607,381 entitled Yoga Mat; U.S. Pat. No. 8,317,660 entitled Yoga Mat with Pose Markings; U.S. Pat. No. 8,192,330 entitled Yoga Mat with Intuitive Tactile for Visually Impaired; U.S. Pat. No. 7,955,224 entitled Yoga Mat with Intuitive Tactile Feedback for Visually Impaired; U.S. Pat. No. 7,108,635 entitled Yoga Mat with Body Contact Placement Indicia; U.S. Pat. No. 6,640,359 entitled Yoga Mat; U.S. Pat. No. 6,491,196 entitled Yoga Mat Holder; United States Patent Application Publication Nos. 2014/0069970 entitled Yoga Mat Carrying Bag Assembly; 2013/0180048 entitled Exercise Yoga Mat and Method of Using Same; 2013/0042408 entitled Smart Fold Yoga Mat; 2012/0324645 entitled Yoga Mat Incorporating Non-Slip Positioning Pads; 2012/0210512 entitled Yoga Mat; 2012/0076981 entitled Yoga Mat with Support and Traction; 2011/0118097 entitled Yoga Mat with Intuitive Tactile Feedback for Visually Impaired; 2011/0111926 entitled Yoga Mat with Pose Markings; 2010/00267535 entitled Yoga Mat; 2009/0241260 entitled Yoga Mat; 2009/0178267 entitled ID Clip for Yoga Mat; 2009/0078662 entitled Yoga Mat Storage Racks; 2009/0062076 entitled Yoga Mat with intuitive Tactile Feedback for Visually Impaired; 2007/0275827 entitled Yoga Mat; 2006/0073305 entitled Yoga Mat; 2005/0172402 Yoga Mat Carry Bag; 2004/0250346 entitled Anti-Slip Multi-Layer Yoga Mat; 2001/0034288 Yoga Mat with Body Contact Placement Indicia and the designs shown in U.S. Design Pat. Nos. D702970; 0699980; 0699979; D698187; D688068; D678703; D674226; D671784; D660068; 0657987; D653894; D646517; 0599149; D589289; D584093; 0572068; D565339; 0554208; 0530512 and D389642. The entire disclosure of each of the patents and patent applications listed in this paragraph is expressly incorporated herein by reference. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONS 
       [0006]    The present invention provides yoga mats which have storage compartment(s) (e.g., one or more pockets, pouches, boxes, etc.) useable for storage of personal items. 
         [0007]    The present invention also provides yoga mats having upper layers (e.g., fabric or perspiration absorbing material) which are detachable from underlying layer(s) of the may so as to be periodically laundered or replaced. 
         [0008]    Further aspects and details of the present invention will be understood upon reading of the detailed description and examples set forth herebelow. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0009]    The following detailed description and examples are provided for the purpose of non-exhaustively describing some, but not necessarily all, examples or embodiments of the invention, and shall not limit the scope of the invention in any way. 
           [0010]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of one example of a yoga mat which incorporates a storage compartment in accordance with the present invention. 
           [0011]      FIG. 1A  is another perspective view of the yoga mat of  FIG. 1  with its storage compartment closure flap in an open position exposing various items stored within the storage compartment. 
           [0012]      FIG. 2  is a top view of another example of a yoga mat of the present invention incorporating a plurality of storage compartments as well as a removable upper layer which may comprise soft or towel-like fabric or other suitable material. 
           [0013]      FIG. 2A  is a diagram showing an example of a storage compartment attached to a yoga mat by way of snaps in accordance with the present invention. 
           [0014]      FIG. 2B  is a diagram showing an example of a storage compartment attached to a yoga mat by way of a zipper in accordance with the present invention. 
           [0015]      FIG. 2C  is a diagram showing an example of a storage compartment attached to a yoga mat by way of buttons in accordance with the present invention. 
           [0016]      FIG. 2D  is a diagram showing an example of a storage compartment sewn or stitched to a yoga mat in accordance with the present invention. 
           [0017]      FIG. 2E  is a diagram showing an example of a storage compartment attached to a yoga mat by way of hook and loop (Velcro) connection material in accordance with the present invention. 
           [0018]      FIG. 3  is a cross-sectional view through line  3 - 3  of  FIG. 2 . 
           [0019]      FIG. 3  A is a perspective view of a partially rolled yoga mat having a removable upper layer which may comprise fabric or other suitable material, in accordance with the present invention. 
           [0020]      FIG. 4A  shows a top view of a yoga mat of the present invention having a storage compartment which comprises a large pouch sized to additionally function as a carrying case for the yoga mat. 
           [0021]      FIG. 4B  shows a top view of a yoga mat of the present invention having a plurality of storage compartments on a common base member which is attached to one end of the yoga mat. 
           [0022]      FIG. 4C  shows a top view of a yoga mat of the present invention having a storage compartment attached to a corner of the yoga mat. 
           [0023]      FIG. 4D  shows a top view of a yoga mat of the present invention having a plurality of storage compartments mounted on separate base members attached to one end of the yoga may. 
           [0024]      FIG. 4E  shows a top view of a yoga mat of the present invention having a storage compartments attached to all four sides of the yoga mat. 
           [0025]      FIG. 4F  shows a top view of a yoga mat of the present invention having a non-rectangular storage compartment attached to one end of the yoga mat. 
           [0026]      FIG. 4G  shows a top view of a yoga mat of the present invention having a plurality of non-rectangular storage compartments attached to one end and portions of the two opposite sides of the yoga mat. 
           [0027]      FIG. 4H  shows a top view of a yoga mat of the present invention having a rigid box type storage compartment attached to the yoga mat. FIG.  4 I shows a top view of a yoga mat of the present invention having a plurality of storage compartments attached to opposite sides of the yoga mat, wherein the storage compartments include flexible pouches of varying size as well as a rigid box-type storage compartment. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0028]    The following detailed description and the accompanying drawings to which it refers are intended to describe some, but not necessarily all, examples or embodiments of the invention. The described embodiments are to be considered, in all respects, as only illustrative and not restrictive. The contents of this detailed description and the accompanying drawings do not limit the scope of the invention in any way. 
         [0029]      FIGS. 1 and 1A  show one example of a yoga mat device  10  of the present invention. In this example, the yoga mat device  10  comprises a yoga mat  12  having a storage compartment  14  attached to one end of the mat  12 . The storage compartment in this example comprises a flat base panel having a flexible pouch  16  mounted thereon. The pouch  16  may include a closure flap  18  with an optional flap retaining apparatus  20  which retains positioning of the closure flap  18  when in the closed position as seen in  FIG. 1 . As shown in  FIG. 1A , the flap retaining apparatus  20  may comprise a first member  20   b  on the flap  18  which is alternately engageable with and disengageable from a second member  20   b  on the wall of the pouch  16 . Disengagement of the first member  20   a  from the second member  20   b  allows the closure flap  18  to be moved to an open position as illustrated in  FIG. 1A . 
         [0030]    It is to be appreciated that any number of storage compartment(s)  14 , which may be of the same or differing size and/or type, may be permanently or detachably attached to some of all ends and/or sides of the yoga mat. In an illustrative example,  FIG. 2  shows a yoga mat device which comprises a yoga mat  12   a  having numerous storage compartments  14   a  of varying size and/or type attached to both ends and both sides of the yoga mat  12   a  so that the entire yoga mat is substantially surrounded by storage compartments. 
         [0031]    It is to be further appreciated that the yoga mat  12  may be of any suitable construction or type, including any of the yoga may designs or constructions disclosed in the patents and patent applications referenced and incorporated by reference above. Optionally, regardless of the particular construction or design of the mat itself, a removable upper layer may be provided on the mat in accordance with the present invention. In this regard, the yoga mat  12   a  seen in  FIGS. 2-3A  includes an optional removable upper layer  24  that is attached to the mat by way of connectors  26 . The removable upper layer  24  may comprise any suitable material, such as a disposable or washable material. Examples of suitable materials include but are not limited to soft or absorbent paper, polymer, fabric material (e.g., paper towel, cotton fabric, polyester fabric, terry fabric, fleece, Sherpa fleece, microfiber material, etc.). In embodiments where the removable upper layer  24  is intended to be disposed of rather than laundered, the user may remove, dispose of and replace the upper layer  24  when the upper layer  24  becomes soiled or otherwise in need of replacement. In embodiments where the upper layer  24  is formed of washable material intended to be laundered or otherwise cleaned, the user may remove, launder or otherwise clean and then reattach the upper layer  24 . 
         [0032]    As seen in  FIGS. 3 and 4 , embodiments of the invention wherein the yoga mat has a removable upper layer  24 , the yoga mat may comprise a bottom portion  40  formed of a elastomeric polymer or other suitable material, the underside of which will preferably engage an underlying floor surface so as not to slip on the floor surface during use. The connectors  26  comprise first connector members  26   a  on the upper surface of the bottom portion  40  are releasably engageable with corresponding second connectors  26   b  on the underside of the removable upper surface  24  to firmly hold the upper surface  24  in place on the bottom portion  40  during use. Preferably, the connectors  26  are positioned and constructed so as not to create hard areas, lumps or bumps in the yoga mat  12   a  which would be uncomfortable to or cause interference with the user&#39;s performance of yoga on the mat  12   a . At the same time, however, the connectors  26  will preferably hold the upper surface  24  in place without wrinkling, puckering or sliding of the upper surface  24  relative to the bottom portion  40 . In this regard connectors  26  comprising flat adhesive strips or flat strips of hook and loop (Velcro) connector material may be advantageous for this application. In some embodiments, a temporary adhesive may present on all or part of the upper surface of the lower member and/or undersurface of the removable upper member  24  as an alternative to discrete individual connectors  26 . 
         [0033]      FIGS. 2A through 2E  show non-limiting examples of ways in which the storage compartment(s)  14  may be permanently or detachably connected to a yoga mat  12 . Specifically, in  FIG. 2A  a storage compartment  14   b  comprising a pocket with a closure flap is attached to a corner of a yoga mat  12  by snaps  28 . In  FIG. 2B  a similar storage compartment  14   c  is attached laterally to an edge of a yoga mat  12  by a zipper  30 . In  FIG. 2C  a similar storage compartment  14   c  is attached at its bottom end to an edge of a yoga mat by buttons  32 . In  FIG. 2D , the top end of a similar storage compartment  14   e  is permanently attached to an edge of a yoga mat  12  by a sewn seem or stitching  34 . In  FIG. 2E  a similar storage compartment  14   f  is attached laterally to an edge of a yoga mat  12  by hook and loop fastener material (Velcro)  36 . It is to be understood that the ways in which storage compartment(s)  14  may be attached to yoga mats according to the present invention are not limited to only the specific attachment means shown in these examples. Any suitable attachment apparatus or material may be used, including where applicable the following: zippers, buttons, snaps (metallic and plastic), magnets, stitching, sewing, nails, staples, rings such as key rings, hooks; slides, purse feet, swivel hooks, chains such as key chains, hook and eye connectors, dill fashion bubbles, screws, pins, wires, clasps, D-rings, buckles such as vest buckles, nickel eyelets, magnetic snaps, snap eyelets, needles, fork pins, hinges, tacks such as thumbtacks, clips such as bondage clips, paper clips or binder clips, Blutac material, dress pins, notions, thread, ties: yarn, laces, trim, ribbons, safety pins, buckles; snap buckles, knobs, cords, zip ties, tape such as cloth tape, glues such as hot melt glue, fabric glues and adhesives, heat &amp; bond fabrics, gripper snaps, twine, string, rubber bands, heat sink, Velcro dots, Velcro tape, electrically charged surfaces or members that are electrically connected to one another, fasteners, grommets, third hand tools, rubber cement, clear gum, fabric fusion, welding, fusible bias, strap slides and rings, clear straps, cotton and polyester webbing, spiral binding, solder wire, Uhu-glue, dowel, Oxystrap, epoxy resins, masking tapes, duct tapes, gaffe tapes, double-sided tapes, comb bindings, Bodog clips, pushpins, gums such as arabic gum or Tarzan grips. Also, the terms “attached” or “connected” as used in relation to the storage compartment(s)  14  of this invention include forming the storage compartments integrally or continuously with all or part of the yoga mat  12  such that the storage compartment(s)  14  and yoga mat  12  comprise a unitary (e.g., single or integrated) structure which includes the storage compartment(s)  14 . 
         [0034]      FIGS. 4A through 4I  show various non-limiting examples of variations in the size, number, location and type of storage compartment(s) used on yoga mats of the present invention. Specifically,  FIG. 4A  shows a yoga mat  12  with storage compartment  14  wherein the storage compartment  14  comprises sized to additionally function as a carrying case for the yoga mat. Thus, during use of the yoga mat  12 , this storage compartment may be attached to one side of the yoga mat  12  as shown and used for storage of ancillary or personal items. After the user has completed a yoga session, the storage compartment may be detached from the mat  12 , the mat  12  may be rolled or folded and placed inside the storage compartment  14  so that the storage compartment  14  then acts as a carrying case for the mat  12 . In such embodiments where the storage compartment doubles as a carrying case, it may optionally include a handle, shoulder strap or other suitable accessory to facilitate carrying of the article. 
         [0035]      FIG. 4B  shows yoga mat  12  having a plurality of storage compartments  14  on a common base member which is attached to one end of the yoga mat  12 . 
         [0036]      FIG. 4C  shows yoga mat  12  having a single storage compartment  14  attached to a corner of the yoga mat  12 . 
         [0037]      FIG. 4D  shows a yoga mat  12  having two separate storage compartments  14  attached at separate, spaced-apart locations on one end of the yoga mat  12 . 
         [0038]      FIG. 4E  shows a yoga mat  12  having a storage compartments  14  attached to all four sides of the yoga mat. 
         [0039]      FIG. 4F  shows a yoga mat  12  having a non-rectangular storage compartment  14  attached to one end of the yoga mat  12 . 
         [0040]      FIG. 4G  shows a yoga mat  12  of the present invention having a plurality of non-rectangular storage compartments  14  attached to one end and portions of the two opposite sides of the yoga mat  12 . 
         [0041]      FIG. 4H  shows a yoga mat  12  having a rigid box type storage compartment  14  attached to one end of the yoga mat  12 . 
         [0042]      FIG. 4I  shows yoga mat  12  having a plurality of storage compartments  14  attached to opposite sides of the yoga mat  12 , wherein the storage compartments include flexible pouches of varying size as well as a rigid box-type storage compartment. 
         [0043]    It is to be appreciated that, although the invention has been described hereabove with reference to certain examples or embodiments of the invention, various additions, deletions, alterations and modifications may be made to those described examples and embodiments without departing from the intended spirit and scope of the invention. For example, any elements, steps, members, components, compositions, reactants, parts or portions of one embodiment or example may be incorporated into or used with another embodiment or example, unless otherwise specified or unless doing so would render that embodiment or example unsuitable for its intended use. Also, where the steps of a method or process have been described or listed in a particular order, the order of such steps may be changed unless otherwise specified or unless doing so would render the method or process unsuitable for its intended purpose. Additionally, the elements, steps, members, components, compositions, reactants, parts or portions of any invention or example described or shown herein may optionally exist or be utilized in the substantial absence of other elements, steps, members, components, compositions, reactants, parts or portions, unless otherwise specified. All reasonable additions, deletions, modifications and alterations are to be considered equivalents of the described examples and embodiments and are to be included within the scope of the following claims.