Patent Publication Number: US-10765910-B2

Title: Yoga mat barrier

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This patent application claims priority to U.S. Patent application 62/635,136 entitled “Yoga Dragon. A Soft Tube Designed to Hook, and/or Fix onto a Yoga Mat” filed on Feb. 26, 2018; and 62/635,974 entitled “Yoga Dragon. A Soft Tube Designed to Hook, and/or Fix onto a Yoga Mat” filed on Feb. 27, 2018 both by Michael D. Salamone, that are hereby incorporated by reference to the extent that they do not conflict with this application. 
    
    
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH 
     Not Applicable. 
     BACKGROUND 
     1. Field of Invention 
     The present invention relates to a barrier that attaches to a yoga mat, and more specifically to a barrier that attaches to a yoga mat, and said barrier remains stationary during a yoga exercise. 
     2. Description of Related Art 
     When performing yoga positions and moves, there are transitions from one position to another. These are to be performed in a certain manner. For example, there may be one position in which the person&#39;s feet are on the rear part of the yoga mat and his/her feet must be moved to a position on the front part of the yoga mat. He/she does this by lifting one foot from the back portion of the yoga mat and then planting it on the front portion of the yoga mat, while otherwise maintaining the yoga position. He/she then repeats the move with the other foot. This is to be done properly by lifting one&#39;s feet (not dragging them), then placing the feet on the front portion of the yoga mat. 
     In order that the transition may be performed properly, there is usually a barrier or divider that is several inches high that runs across the mat between the rear portion of the mat and the front part of the mat. 
     As the person transitions his/her feet from the back to the front portion of the yoga mat, he/she must step over the barrier. It is more difficult to lift one&#39;s feet over the barrier than to drag the feet from the rear portion to the front portion of the yoga mat. 
     Therefore, the barrier prevents the person from dragging his/her feet from the rear of the mat toward the front of the mat and thereby causes him/her to step over the barrier, which is a more difficult maneuver and provides a better workout than simply dragging the feet. 
     Typically, users just place a firm block across the mat between the front and rear portions of the yoga mat. Since this block is not held in place, the block is typically moved if accidently touched or kicked. 
     Also, the degree of difficulty increases as the barrier is moved toward the front portion. Since there are no markings, it is difficult to gauge where to place the barrier. Also, since there are no markings, it is difficult to quantify the location of the barrier and the difficulty. Therefore, the user cannot identify if he/she is advancing over time. 
     Currently, there is a need for a yoga accessory that holds a barrier in place to ensure that the user performs the yoga transitions properly. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The advantages of the system described in this application will become more apparent when read with the exemplary embodiments described in the specification and shown in the drawings. Further, in the accompanying drawings and description that follow, like parts are indicated throughout the drawings and description with the same reference numerals, respectively. The figures may not be drawn to scale and the proportions of certain parts have been exaggerated for convenience of illustration. 
         FIG. 1A  is a perspective view of a simplified embodiment of an extendable barrier according to the current invention attached to a yoga mat, exhibiting extendable height. 
         FIG. 1B  is a side elevational view of an extension piece compatible with the extendable barrier of  FIG. 1A . 
         FIG. 2A  is a perspective view of a simplified embodiment of another barrier attachment system according to the current invention attached to a yoga mat. 
         FIG. 2B  is an enlarged, partial, cut-away view through a mat attachment of the embodiment of  FIG. 2A . 
         FIG. 3A  is a perspective view of another embodiment of a barrier attachment system according to the current invention attached to a yoga mat. 
         FIG. 3B  is an enlarged, partial, cut-away view through one side of the barrier attachment system of the embodiment of  FIG. 3A . 
         FIG. 4A  is a perspective view of another embodiment of a barrier attachment system according to the current invention attached to a yoga mat. 
         FIG. 4B  is an enlarged side elevational view of the barrier of  FIG. 4A . 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view of another embodiment of a barrier attachment system according to the current invention, exhibiting extendable width. 
         FIG. 6A  is a perspective view of an embodiment of a roller barrier according to the current invention, attached to a yoga mat. 
         FIGS. 6B-6E  are various views of the mat connector of  FIG. 6A . 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view of an embodiment of a roller barrier according to the current invention, attached to a yoga mat. 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view of another embodiment of a mat connector. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The present invention will now be described in detail by describing various illustrative, non-limiting embodiments thereof with reference to the accompanying drawings. The invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the illustrative embodiments set forth herein. Rather, the embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and will fully convey the concept of the invention to those skilled in the art. The claims should be consulted to ascertain the true scope of the invention. 
     1. Theory 
     Those who practice the physical aspects of yoga work through a series of yoga positions. The person performing the yoga positions will be referred to as a ‘Subject’. It is a goal of the Subject to perform each pose or position with accuracy to improve physical and mental discipline. 
     It is another goal of the invention to capture the physical experience of Subject incorporating the equipment of the current invention into their practice of the practice of Vinyasa and other select Asana. 
     Yoga is typically practiced on a yoga mat on a floor. In most cases, the Subject travels to a location where there is a yoga class. Each one brings his/her own personal yoga mat for the exercise. Therefore, the yoga mat and any other equipment used for the yoga class must be small and easy to carry. 
     There are transitions from one pose to another in which the Subject should lift at least one part of the body and position it at a different location. It takes more effort and discipline to lift and place as opposed to dragging across the yoga mat. Therefore, it is best to prevent dragging and instead direct the Subject toward lifting and placing, to promote the proper way to exercise. 
     In the past some have used yoga blocks for this purpose. Since they are rectangular or cube-shaped, the corners tend to catch onto the Subject and move. Once they move, they are no longer in the proper place to aid in the yoga exercise. The Subject must then stop the exercise, set up the blocks properly, then resume his/her exercise. This can become frustrating and time-consuming. 
     2. Implementation 
     The current invention may be implemented several different ways, each referred to as an ‘embodiment’. 
     A first embodiment is shown in  FIG. 1A . This is a perspective view of a simplified embodiment of an extendable barrier  100  attached to a yoga mat  10 . The extendable barrier  100  is attached to the yoga mat  10  delineating a rear portion  11  of the yoga mat  10  and a front portion  13  of the yoga mat  10 . 
     Extendable barrier  100  has an elongated body  101  that employs side extensions  120 . Each side extension  120  includes a mat edge notch  121 . These edge notches  121  are shaped, sized and positioned to receive and retain a side edge  15  of yoga mat  10 . The left side extension  120  and edge notch  121  are shown in an enlarged image in  FIG. 1A . The extensions  120  and edge notches  121  are designed to receive and hold side edges  15  between them, holding the extendable barrier  100  upright. Now the Subject must lift his/her feet over the extendable barrier  100  instead of simply dragging them from the front portion  13  to the rear portion  11  (or from the rear portion  11  to the front portion  13 , as the case may be), thereby adding to the difficulty of the exercise. 
     When the Subject has advanced to the point where he/she requires an additional challenge, the extension piece  150  may be implemented to increase the barrier height. 
       FIG. 1B  is a side elevational view of an optional extension piece  150  compatible with the barrier  100  of  FIG. 1A . Extension piece  150  employs an elongated body  151  and an interlocking bottom edge  153 . If required, the interlocking bottom edge  153  of extension piece  150  can be used to attach to interlocking edge  130  of extendable barrier  100 . This increases the height of the extendable barrier  100  for increased difficulty. 
       FIG. 2A  is a perspective view of a simplified embodiment of a curved barrier  200  attached to a yoga mat  10 . Curved barrier  200  is attached to the yoga mat. 
     This embodiment employs an elongated body that has a curved top surface  210 . This allows one to lift arms, legs or feet over the barrier easily without catching on edges or corners. 
     Preferably, the barrier has a flat bottom ( FIG. 2B, 240 ), preferably with a rigid plate ( FIG. 2B, 241 ). It employs a plurality of clip ports  231  near the bottom edge of the curved barrier  200 . 
     There may be clips  223  or other fasteners which fit into the clip ports  231  and secure the curved barrier  200  to the yoga mat edges  15 . 
       FIG. 2B  is an enlarged, partial, cut-away view showing the edge  15  of the yoga mat  10  attached to the curved barrier  200  by clips  233 . Here is more clearly shown that the clips  233  attach to and hold the bottom  240  (or rigid plate  241 ) of curved barrier  200  to the yoga mat  10 . More specifically, the clips  233  hold the bottom  240 /rigid plate  241  to the edges  15  of yoga mat  10 . 
       FIG. 3A  is a perspective view of another embodiment of a tubular barrier  300  attached to a yoga mat. In this case, the tubular barrier  300  only has a height that is approximately equal to the outside diameter of the tubular crossbar  310 . This embodiment employs a slotted side piece  320  attached to either side of the tubular crossbar  310 . The slotted side pieces each have a slot  321  cut into their inner side, sized to snugly accept the edge  15  of the yoga mat. 
     Since the crossbar is intended to extend across and rest upon the top surface of yoga mat  10 , there must be an offset connection  330  between the tubular cross bar  310  and each slotted side piece  320 . 
       FIG. 3B  is an enlarged, partial, cut-away view through one side of the barrier attachment system of the embodiment of  FIG. 3A . It can be seen that the cross bar  310  is about one-half of the cross-bar diameter above the slotted side pieces  320 . This allows the cross bar  310  to be above and rest upon the yoga mat  10 . Also, if the Subject falls or leans on the cross bar  310 , the pressure translates to the slotted side pieces  320 . The downward pressure causes the slotted side pieces  320  to close slot  321 , thereby pinching edges  15  of the yoga mat  10 . This pinching increases the grip of the slotted side pieces  320  on the edges  15  of yoga mat  10  at a time when there is a force trying to move the tubular barrier  300 . Therefore, it exhibits the strongest grip at the time it needs the grip the most. 
     This tubular barrier embodiment allows for quick assembly and disassembly. Since it can be constructed from readily available PVC piping, it can be inexpensive, lightweight and durable and can easily be carried to a yoga session and quickly setup. It can also be disassembled quickly and carried home. 
       FIG. 4A  is a perspective view of another embodiment of a padded barrier according to the current invention attached to a yoga mat. In this embodiment, there is an elongated body  410 , preferably padded, having two ends. There is a lower extension  420  protruding from the bottom of the elongated body at each end. The lower extension  420  forms an edge notch  421  sized and shaped to snugly receive and hold the edges  15  of the yoga mat ( 15  of  FIGS. 1A, 2A, 3A ). Typical dimensions of the padded barrier  400  would be a 24 inch elongated body  410  sized to match standard yoga mats. For stability, the lower extensions may be 3-4 inches long. A longer extension results in more holding force. 
       FIG. 4B  is an enlarged side elevational view of the padded barrier  400  of  FIG. 4A . The lower extensions  420  and edge notches are more easily seen in this view. 
     Since yoga mats are sold in different sizes and widths, it would be beneficial to be able to adjust the barrier to retrofit the yoga mats.  FIG. 5  is a perspective view of another embodiment of an extendable barrier  500  according to the current invention, exhibiting extendable width. 
     The extendable barrier  500  has an elongated body  510 . The elongated body  510  has a first portion  511  and a second portion  513 . The second portion  513  is shaped and sized to fit within the first portion  511 . This allows the extendable barrier  500  to adjust to extend across various sized yoga mats  10 . 
     This embodiment employs a lower extension  520  which forms an edge notch  521 . The extendable body  510  may be extended wider than the width of the yoga mat  10 , then shortened such that the mat edges  15  fit within the edge notches  521 . 
     Even though this embodiment is shown using lower extensions and edge notches, any other attachment means disclosed in this application may also be used. 
     In one embodiment, the second portion  513  fits snugly within first portion  511 , thereby resisting extension by friction. This causes the lower extensions  520  and edge notches  521  to securely hold yoga mat  10 . 
     In other embodiments, known connection devices may be used to prevent the first portion  511  from moving relative to the second portion  513 . These may include pins, clips, hook-and-loop attachments, etc. 
       FIG. 6A  is a partial perspective view of an embodiment of a roller barrier  600  according to the current invention attached to a yoga mat  10  with mat connectors  610 . This specific mat barrier  600  employs a roller body  620  having two sides  627  each having an orifice  629  in each side. 
     The roller body has a generally cylindrical shape that is made of a structural material  623  which is pliable and easily deformable. 
     Spindles  617  which are generally cylindrical and horizontal when in use, are inserted into the orifices  629  to hold the roller body  620  against yoga mat  10 . 
     The spindle  617  is connected at one of its ends to a vertical support  615  which extends vertically downward to connect to a base  611  positioned under the yoga mat  10 . In this way, if the Subject falls on the roller barrier  600 , the Subject&#39;s weight on the roller body  620  causes the roller barrier to press on the yoga mat  10 , causing increased friction to hold the yoga mat  10  in place. 
     This force is transmitted downward causing the yoga mat  10  to press against the base  611  increasing friction between the yoga mat  10  and the base  611 . The yoga mat  10  is therefore ‘sandwiched’ between the roller body and the base  611 , increasing the ability to hold the roller barrier  600  in place relative to the yoga mat  10 . 
     Optionally, there is a retaining ridge  613  on base  611  which increases the ability of the base  611  to grip the edges  15  of yoga mat  10 . 
     Also, optionally, the orifices  629  extend as an internal recess  621  through roller body  620 . The diameter of the recess determines the rigidity of the roller body  620 . 
     There may also be an internal tube extending through the internal recess  621  which may provide additional support or rigidity. 
     In the optional embodiment above, if the internal tube is strong enough, a mat connector may be used with a higher spindle  617  to cause the roller body  620  to be lifted off the yoga mat surface allowing it to rotate around the spindles  617 . In this case, the Subject may lean upon the roller body  620  and roll against it for stretching and massaging purposes. 
       FIGS. 6B-6E  are various views of the mat connector of  FIG. 6A . 
       FIG. 6B  shows an enlarged perspective illustration of the mat connector  610  of  FIG. 6A  showing the base  611 , retaining ridge  613 , vertical support  615 , and spindle  617 . 
       FIG. 6C  is a front elevational view of the mat connector  610  from the end of the spindle  617 . 
       FIG. 6D  is a side elevational view of the mat connector  610 . Here the shape of the retaining ridge  613  may be seen more clearly. 
       FIG. 6E  is a plan view of the mat connector  610  from the bottom. The bottom of base  611  and spindle  617  are visible. 
       FIG. 7  is a partial perspective view of another embodiment of a roller barrier  600  according to the current invention attached to a yoga mat  10  with mat connectors  610 . This embodiment employs all the same structures as described for  FIG. 6A  that function in the same manner as described for  FIG. 6A , with the exception that the roller body  620  employs a durable outer covering  725 . It was found that covering the foam rubber used for the structural material  623  with neoprene increases its structural integrity and allows it to function better. It also makes the roller body  620  more rigid. 
     In an alternative Yoga Roller Embodiment, the foam roller body  620  may be detached form the yoga mat  10  of  FIG. 7 . The foam roller body  620 , may be used by the Subject, by to promote muscular release and relaxation. This is done by the Subject moving his/her body over the cylindrical surface such that it rolls. This is the first and only self-massage implement designed to attach securely to your yoga mat and be rolled conveniently within it for easy transport. 
     Vinyasa-Focused (Active) 
     The primary function of the current invention it that of a vinyasa trainer helping Subjects to improve their alignment and strength during the vinyasa-focused, active portions of the Yoga exercise. As a Subject builds his/her practice, they will move the placement of a yoga mat barrier from towards the back of the mat (Beginners), to the center of the mat (Intermediate), to toward the toward the top edge of the mat (Advanced). 
     Restorative/Yin Postures (Passive) 
     When the active practice or vinyasa work is over, the yoga mat barrier can be used to support parts of the body during restorative postures. 
     Muscular Release (Foam Rolling) 
     When both the active and restorative practice is complete, the roller barrier can be easily detached from the mat by removing the end clips. The YFR can then be used as a traditional foam roller to encourage muscular release and recovery. 
     In an alternative embodiment, there may be a sticker or other label having numbered or lettered markings  727  indicating locations to attach the barrier  700 . 
     Alternatively, the markings may be directly marked on the yoga mat  10  and purchased with the other parts. These marking features may be implemented in this, and any of the previous embodiments. 
     Since the Subject may lie upon and/or roll over the roller barrier  600 , it may cause discomfort. This is especially true if he/she lies directly upon one of the mat connectors  610 . The vertical support  615  and spindle  617  are made of rigid material and can jab the Subject, even through the roller body  620 . Therefore, another alternative embodiment is described which minimizes this problem. 
       FIG. 8  shows a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the mat connector  810 . In this embodiment, the vertical support  615  is replaced by a top vertical support section  815  which is sized and shaped to fit into a bottom vertical support section  817 . A spring or other urging device may be used to fully extend the vertical supports  815 ,  817  relative to each other when in normal use. 
     However, when the Subject lies upon the vertical supports,  815 ,  817 , the top vertical support  815  may be pushed into the bottom vertical support section  817 , minimizing the discomfort to the Subject. Please note that it is within the spirit of the invention, that these may be reversed in which the bottom vertical support section  817  slides within the top vertical support section  815 . 
     While the present disclosure illustrates various aspects of the present teachings, and while these aspects have been described in some detail, it is not the intention of the applicant to restrict or in any way limit the scope of the claimed systems and methods to such detail. Additional advantages and modifications will readily appear to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the teachings of the present application, in its broader aspects, are not limited to the specific details and illustrative examples shown and described. Accordingly, departures may be made from such details without departing from the spirit or scope of the teachings of the present application. Moreover, the foregoing aspects are illustrative, and no single feature or element essential to all possible combinations may be claimed in this or a later application.