Patent Publication Number: US-7718244-B1

Title: Protective mat assembly for a boxing ring

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is entitled to the benefit of provisional application No. 60/918, 336 filed on Mar. 16, 2007, the specification of which is incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to a mat assembly for collecting fluids emanating from a fighter. 
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART 
     Boxers, wrestlers and ultimate fighters usually compete in a designated area referred to as a ring. Between rounds, each fighter returns to a respective corner of the ring to remove accumulated bodily fluids, to rinse and to rehydrate. Because the fighter is seated for several minutes, blood, rinse water, perspiration and other fluids often fall onto the ring thereby exposing the fighters to severe health and safety risks. Accordingly, there is currently a need for a device that prevents such fluids from contacting a boxing ring surface. The present invention addresses this need by providing a uniquely designed mat assembly that is temporarily placed into a corner of a ring to collect and absorb fluids emanating from a fighter. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     A protective pad for a boxing ring includes a substantially trapezoidal panel having multiple strips of hook and loop fasteners on the upper surface thereof. A similarly-shaped absorbent foam pad includes a plurality of mating hook and loop fastener strips on a lower surface to engage those of the base mat. The absorbent pad includes foot indentions for receiving a boxer&#39;s feet and openings for receiving the legs of a boxer&#39;s stool. Accordingly, when a boxer or other fighter sits on the stool between rounds, the underlying absorbent pad collects any fluids that would otherwise fall onto the ring surface. 
     It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a mat assembly that enhances the safety associated with certain fighting matches. 
     It is another object of the present invention to provide a mat assembly that readily absorbs fluids emanating from a fighter. 
     Other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become readily apparent from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment when considered with the attached drawings and the appended claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a top, plan view of the mat assembly according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  is a top view of the base mat. 
         FIG. 3  is a top view of the absorbent foam pad. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     The present invention relates to a protective mat assembly for a boxing ring. The device comprises a substantially trapezoidal base mat  1  having a wide-profile rear edge  2 , tapering side edges  3  and a narrow-profile front edge  4 . Integrally extending from the wide-profile rear edge is a handle  5 . Multiple strips of hook and loop fasteners  6  are positioned on the upper surface of the base mat. A continuous lip  7  borders the entire periphery of the base mat to retain fluids thereon. 
     The device also includes an absorbent pad  8  having a substantially identical dimension and configuration as the base mat so as to fit neatly within the area defined by the peripheral lip. On the lower surface of the pad are multiple strips  9  of hook and loop fasteners which are positioned and dimensioned to engage the mating fasteners on the base mat. The absorbent pad is constructed with foam or a similar material that readily absorbs perspiration, water, blood or other fluids. Formed on the upper surface of the absorbent pad are a pair of foot indentions  10  for receiving a fighter&#39;s feet. The portion  11  of the base mat immediately beneath the foot indentions is free of hook and loop fasteners so that the fighter&#39;s feet rest directly on the base mat. Immediately adjacent the foot indentions are four openings  12  for receiving the legs of a boxer&#39;s stool or chair. 
     Accordingly, between rounds, the pad is positioned within the corner of a boxing ring. A stool is placed on the pad with its legs received within the leg openings allowing a boxer to sit and comfortably place his feet within the foot indentions. While the boxer is rehydrating and receiving other care, any errant fluid emanating from the boxer is readily absorbed by the underlying absorbent pad. 
     The above described device is not limited to the exact details of construction and enumeration of parts provided herein. Furthermore, the size, shape and materials of construction of the various components can be varied. 
     Although there has been shown and described the preferred embodiment of the present invention, it will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that modifications may be made thereto which do not exceed the scope of the appended claims. Therefore, the scope of the invention is only to be limited by the following claims.