Patent Publication Number: US-2005124468-A1

Title: Simulated cushioned jogging and running mat

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
      This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/139,756, filed May 2, 2002, which is incorporated herein in its entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF INVENTION  
      1. Field of the Invention  
      The present invention relates to jogging mats and in particular to a cushioned multi-level jogging mat which varies in thickness from a lower anterior foot portion through a beveled, sloped or vertical mid section to a raised posterior foot portion for complete impact absorption during jogging in place.  
      2. Description of the Prior Art  
      This invention concerns a device, which is designed specifically for in-place jogging and running. According to Runner&#39;s World Magazine, running is most popular sport in the world. Running and jogging improve and maintain cardiovascular health, lower body strength, as well as mental and overall physical health. For active runners, it is important to keep a regular training schedule which often involves 3-6 days a week, in order to maintain or improve performance.  
      There are different types of in-place running and simulated running devices on the market. The most popular type is the treadmill. However, due to the cost to acquire the machine and space requirement, many people do not have the luxury of owning a treadmill. Besides the treadmill, there are other exercisers that simulate actual jogging and running to a certain extent. Yet many of them do not capture the essential elements of the jogging and running motion.  
      The actual running motion involves 3 stages of foot motion. First, there is the heel landing and striking stage. Then, there is a midstance stage in which the front and back of the foot are in contact with the landing surface. As the body moves forward, the heel lifts and the toes propel the body until the heel of the opposite foot strikes the ground.  
      All prior patents related to this application consisted of devices having flat foot contact surface. A flat surface in-place jogging running device with a non moving contact surface, does not truly allow the 3 stages of foot motion to occur. During in-place jogging or running on a non moving surface, as the center of gravity of the body moves vertically from the ground, the landing phase of the foot and propelling phase are done by the toes. Since our natural foot anatomy is adapted for the three stages of motion described above, landing on the toes on a flat surface increases strain on the foot. As a result, prolonged in-place jogging or running on a non moving flat surface can cause increased strain and even premature injury to the foot.  
      There were several patents granted for devices utilized shock absorbing and resilient materials, and were designed for in-place walking, jogging and running.  
      U.S. Pat. No. 4,253,661, issued Mar. 3, 1981 to Russell, provides a leg exercising device comprising a thick, resilient, flexible pad with a sloped top surface and sloped sides which reportedly provides for safe, non-jarring leg exercises involving running, squatting, squat-running, leg joint pivoting, balance and the like. Russell also has two other patents with side-by-side pads: U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,603,851 and 5,656,000. However the foot always lands on a flat surface.  
      U.S. Pat. No. 4,159,826, issued Jul. 3, 1979 to Hancock, claims a pneumatic jogging platform with resilient tubing under the pad and a flat surface.  
      U.S. Pat. No. 3,641,601, issued Feb. 15, 1972 to Sieg, shows a two pad device for walking, jogging and running exercise with flat surfaces.  
      U.S. Pat. No. 3,634,895, issued Jan. 18, 1972 to Childers, describes a flat broad pad inside a frame.  
      U.S. Pat. No. 1,931,146, issued Oct. 17, 1933 to Hampel, discloses a pad with corrugations for exercise having a flat landing surface.  
      None of the above patents has a multilevel surface with a beveled middle section suited for natural jogging and running motion.  
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
      A primary object of the present invention is to provide a cushioned multilevel jogging mat with an elevated heel cushion for anatomically corrected in-place jogging or running simulating the three stages of foot motion during actual running and jogging.  
      Another object of the present invention is to provide a cushioned jogging running mat that is inexpensive, portable, easy to store and more importantly, easily accessible.  
      One more object of the present invention is to provide a cushioned jogging and running mat that reduces jarring and impact to the joints in legs during simulated jogging and running.  
      An additional object of the present invention is to provide a cushioned jogging and running mat that can be used by a wide group of users across different recreational interests and experiences.  
      A further object of the present invention is to provide an alternate replacement for a more expensive treadmill.  
      An added object of the present invention is to provide a low impact exercise device for rehabilitation purposes.  
      Still a further object of the present invention is to provide a cushioned jogging and running mat that reduces the impact transmitted to the supporting surface and thereby reduces noise, so that disturbance to others can be minimized.  
      Yet one more object of the present invention is to provide various models having different heights and different inclines for various types of individuals having different needs and for different applications, such as low impact walking or high impact fast running in place.  
      Still one more object of the present invention is to provide a compact model having only the inclined section and the elevated heel section and utilizing the supporting surface, such as a rug or a rubber mat, as the toe portion.  
      In brief, the present invention provides a multilevel cushioned mat that simulates the three stages of foot motion in running and jogging while cushioning the impact on the feet and provides a solution to reduce strain on the foot during in-place jogging or running. The elevated section in the rear portion of the mat allows the heel to land with full shock absorption on the cushioned mat. After a very short midstance with the foot on the sloping beveled portion or vertical portion or curved portion making the transition between heel contact and toe contact, the body weight can be quickly transferred to the toes on the lower front flat section of the mat or underlying floor surface and lift the body upward. In this manner, the full motion of jogging or running is accomplished.  
      Various models are provided having different heights and different inclines for various types of individuals having different needs (such as children, fit adults, heavy adults, elderly) and for different applications, such as a slight incline with a relatively low heel section for low impact walking or slow jogging in place, a more inclined midsection with a moderately elevated heel section for greater impact jogging in place, and a sharply inclined midsection and substantially elevated heel section for high impact fast running in place.  
      A compact model has only the inclined section and the elevated heel section and utilizes the supporting surface, such as a rug or a rubber mat, as the toe portion. This model can easily be stored in a brief case or drawer and pulled out for in place walking, jogging or running workouts.  
      In one embodiment, the jogging mat comprises an upwardly inclined mid-foot level; and an elevated heel level having a heel receiving surface adapted to receive a foot of a runner.  
      In a further embodiment, the mat comprises a front foot level having a front foot receiving surface; an elevated heel level having a heel receiving surface; and a base adapted to receive the front foot level and the elevated heel level.  
      The primary advantage of the present invention is that it provides a solution for an anatomically corrected in-place jogging and running motion on a non moving surface, actually simulating the three foot motions of jogging and running while cushioning the foot.  
      A secondary advantage of the present invention is that it allows a convenient access to a 15-45 minutes workout at a flexible location.  
      Another advantage of the present invention is that it is inexpensive, portable and anatomically corrected and suited for all users across different recreational interests and skill levels.  
      An additional advantage of the present invention is that it is shock absorbing to lessen impact.  
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
      These and other details of my invention will be described in connection with the accompanying drawings, which are furnished only by way of illustration and not in limitation of the invention, and in which drawings:  
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the anatomically corrected cushioned mat for running and jogging in place.  
       FIG. 2  is a side elevational view of the preferred embodiment of  FIG. 1 .  
       FIG. 3  is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the invention having two cushioned mats side by side.  
       FIG. 4  is a cross-sectional view of an alternate embodiment of the invention having an inner resilient core and an outer covering.  
       FIG. 5  is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the invention having two cushioned mats, a flat bottom cushioned mat and a wedge-shaped top cushioned mat partially covering the bottom cushioned mat with the two cushioned mats aligned for interconnection.  
       FIG. 6  is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the invention having three cushioned mats hinged together, so that they may be flattened out for storage and stacked for use with the cushioned mats aligned for stacking.  
       FIG. 7  is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the invention used with a stand having hand rails.  
       FIG. 8  is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the invention having a wedge shape with an elevated rear heel section and low sloping beveled front midstance section for walking or slow jogging in place, while utilizing the underlying supporting surface as the front toe portion.  
       FIG. 9  is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the invention having a wedge shape with an elevated rear heel section and more steeply sloping beveled front midstance section for jogging in place, while utilizing the underlying supporting surface as the front toe portion.  
       FIG. 10  is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the invention having a wedge shape with an elevated rear heel section and very steeply sloping beveled front midstance section for fast running in place, while utilizing the underlying supporting surface as the front toe portion.  
       FIG. 11  is a side elevational view of an alternate embodiment of the invention of  FIG. 8 .  
       FIG. 12  is a side elevational view of an alternate embodiment of the invention of  FIG. 9 .  
       FIG. 13  is a side elevational view of an alternate embodiment of the invention of  FIG. 10 .  
       FIG. 14  is a side elevational view of an alternate embodiment of the invention of having a flat rear wall and arched front surface forming both the elevated rear heel section and arched front midstance section for fast running in place, while utilizing the underlying supporting surface as the front toe portion.  
       FIG. 15  is a side elevational view of a variation on the preferred embodiment of the invention of  FIG. 1  having a flat front toe section and a very slightly sloping beveled midstance section for walking or slow jogging in place, and a flat slightly elevated heel section.  
       FIG. 16  is a side elevational view of a variation on the preferred embodiment of the invention of  FIG. 1  having a flat front toe section and a moderate sloping beveled midstance section for jogging in place, and a flat moderately elevated heel section.  
       FIG. 17  is a side elevational view of a variation on the preferred embodiment of the invention of  FIG. 1  having a flat front toe section and a steeply sloping beveled midstance section for fast running in place, and a flat highly elevated heel section.  
       FIG. 18  is a side elevational view of a variation on the preferred embodiment of the invention of  FIG. 1  having a flat front toe section and an arched section forming both the midstance section and the elevated heel section.  
       FIG. 19  is a perspective view of a variation on the preferred embodiment of the invention of  FIG. 1  having a flat front toe section and a vertical midstance section, and a flat elevated heel section.  
       FIG. 20  is a side elevational view of a variation on the preferred embodiment of the invention of  FIG. 1  having a flat front toe section and a vertical midstance section, and a flat elevated heel section.  
       FIG. 21  is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the invention of having a flat elevated heel section and a vertical front midstance section, while utilizing the underlying supporting surface as the front toe portion.  
       FIG. 22  is a side elevational view of the alternate embodiment of the invention of  FIG. 21 .  
       FIG. 23  is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the invention of having a flat rear wall and arched front surface forming both the elevated rear heel section and arched front midstance section for fast running in place, while utilizing the underlying supporting surface as the front toe portion.  
       FIG. 24  is a side elevational view of the alternate embodiment of the invention of  FIG. 23 .  
       FIG. 25  is a perspective view of another embodiment of the invention having a multilevel cushioned mat having a front toe level, an upwardly inclined variable mid-foot level and an elevated heel with a recessed foot surface.  
       FIG. 26  is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the invention having a multilevel cushioned mat having a front toe level, an upwardly inclined variable mid-foot level and an elevated heel with an elevated foot surface.  
       FIG. 27  is a perspective view of another embodiment of the invention having a front base, an elevated variable height front foot level and an elevated heel level with a recessed foot surface.  
       FIG. 28  is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the invention having a front base, an elevated variable height front foot level and an elevated heel level with an extended foot surface.  
       FIG. 29  is a perspective view of another embodiment of the invention having a base, an elevated flat heel level and an inclined mid-foot supporting surface with a recessed foot surface.  
       FIG. 30  is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the invention having a base, an elevated flat heel level and an inclined mid-foot supporting surface with an extended foot surface.  
       FIG. 31  is a side elevation view of the alternate embodiment of the invention of  FIGS. 25 and 26  showing the mat in use. 
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
      In  FIGS. 1-24 , an anatomically corrected cushioned running mat  20 , and  20 A-R comprises a multilevel cushioned mat for jogging, running, and walking in place having a horizontally flat front toe level  21  and  21 A-R, an upwardly inclined variable height mid-foot level  22  and  22 A-R, and an elevated heel level  23  and  23 A-R for an anatomically corrected in-place jogging and running device capable of receiving a heel of a runner with full impact absorption on the elevated heel level  23  and  23 A-R, naturally assisting the rolling forward of the mid-foot of a runner on the beveled, arched or vertical mid-foot level  22  and  22 A-R for a short midstance position, and receiving the toes on the lower front flat level  21  and  21 A-R of the cushioned mat or the supporting surface in a position to push the body upward, all as seen in  FIG. 2 .  
      In an embodiment of the anatomically corrected cushioned running mat  20  of  FIGS. 1 and 2  provides a cushioned mat  20 , which is sufficiently wide to receive both feet of the user thereon during exercise.  
      The multilevel cushioned jogging mat is fabricated of a resilient shock absorbing material, such as being molded or cut from a foam material, or being fabricated of a foam core  25  having at least one foam material, with an outer polymer coated fabric shell  26 , as seen in  FIG. 4 . Other fabrication options include having the cushioned mat fabricated of dissimilar foam materials bonded together ( FIG. 5 ), fabricated of dissimilar foam materials multi-component molded, fabricated from an open cellular foam system, fabricated from closed cell type foam. The base foam material may consist of a material selected from a list of materials consisting of polyurethane, polypropylene, polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride, ethylene vinyl acetate, natural or synthetic rubber, or other resilient shock absorbing material. The cushioned mat is fabricated from a material having a density range from 2 lb. to 12 lb. per cubic feet.  
      In  FIG. 5  the anatomically corrected cushioned running mat  20 C is fabricated in two sections: a flat bottom section  29  and a wedge-shaped top section  28  with a horizontal elevated top  23 C resting on the flat bottom section leaving a portion of the flat bottom section exposed to form the flat toe level  21 C, the wedge forming the beveled variable height mid-foot level  22 C, and the horizontal elevated end forming the elevated flat heel level  23 C.  
      In  FIG. 6  the cushioned mat  20 D is formed in three sections hinged together by hinges  18  and  19  which could be strips of fabric, to fold out into a long flat cushioned mat for storage, wherein two of the sections are flat cushioned mats  27  and  29 A with one flat cushioned mat  27  at the back and one flat cushioned mat  29 A in the middle, the two flat cushioned mats  27  and  29 A being hinged together by a flexible fabric strip  18  or other hinging means on a top side so that the middle cushioned mat  29 A is pivotable toward the rear of the cushioned mat so that the middle section  29 A overlaps the rear section  27  for an elevated base and the front section  28 A having a wedge shape is hinged to the middle section  29 A along a flexible strip of material  19  on the bottom so that after the middle section  29 A is folded back on the back section  27 , the front wedge-shaped section  28 A is pivotable toward the front of the cushioned mat to partially overlap the middle section  29 A, exposing a portion of the middle section to form the flat toe level  21 D, the wedge resting on the middle section forming the beveled variable height mid-foot level  22 D, and the horizontal elevated end forming the upwardly beveled variable height mid-foot level  22 D, and the elevated flat heel level  23 D.  
      In  FIG. 7 , the invention further comprises a stand  30  having two upright sides with a pair of vertical posts  31  supporting a hand rail  33  between the posts on each side secured to a flat bottom base  30  upon which the anatomically corrected cushioned running mat  20  rests enabling a user to hold the hand rails  33  while running in place on the cushioned mat  20 .  
      In  FIG. 3  an alternate embodiment of the cushioned mat  20 A is formed in two identical sections each having the three levels  21 A,  22 A and  23 A with the cushioned mats spaced apart so that each cushioned mat receives one foot of the user.  
      In  FIGS. 15-19 , the preferred embodiment has the three sections built-in (the flat toe section  21 J-M, the inclined midsection  22 J-M and the elevated heel section  23 J-M.  
      In  FIG. 15 a  low model of the preferred embodiment of the multilevel cushioned mat  20 J has a relatively thin toe section  21 J and a very slight beveled incline section  22 J, and only a slightly elevated heel section  23 J for elderly people or young light weight children or low impact workouts such as walking or slow jogging in place.  
      In  FIG. 16 a  middle model of the preferred embodiment of the multilevel cushioned mat  20 K has a slightly thicker toe section  21 J and a moderately beveled incline section  22 J, and a moderately elevated heel section  23 J for the average person of average weight and age exercising moderately with medium impact jogging in place.  
      In  FIG. 17 a  high model of the preferred embodiment of the multilevel cushioned mat  20 L has a slightly thicker toe section  21 K and a steeply beveled incline section  22 K, and a highly elevated heel section  23 K for very fit healthy people exercising intensely with high impact fast running in place.  
      In  FIG. 18  another high model of the preferred embodiment of the multilevel cushioned mat  20 M has a slightly thicker toe section  21 M and a steeply arched curve forming both the incline section  22 M and the highly elevated heel section  23 M for very fit healthy people exercising intensely with high impact fast running in place.  
      In  FIG. 19  another different model of the preferred embodiment of the multilevel cushioned mat  20 N has a normal toe section  21 N, a vertical incline section  22 K, and a moderately elevated heel section  23 N for average people and average workouts.  FIG. 20  shows the vertical incline model in action with the foot of a user (shown dashed) in the horizontal impact position and the midstance rolling forward onto the toe position with the cushioned mat compacting down and forward into a compressed incline position as shown in the dashed line  23 N.  
      In  FIGS. 8-14  and  21  and  22  alternate compact embodiments of the multilevel cushioned mat  20 E-H and  20 P and  20 R all rely on the supporting surface in front of the cushioned mat as the toe portion  21 E-H and  21 P and  21 R.  
       FIGS. 8-13  show three different compact models of the alternate embodiments of the cushioned mat  20 E-G with a low incline  22 E and low heel portion  23 E model  20 E for low impact walking in place and light jogging, a moderate incline  22 F and moderately elevated heel portion  23 F model  20 F for moderate impact jogging workouts, and a steep incline  22 G and highly elevated heel portion  23 G model  20 G for high impact workouts such as fast running in place.  
       FIG. 14  shows another alternate compact embodiment of the multilevel cushioned mat  20 H relying on the supporting surface in front of the cushioned mat as the toe portion  21 H. An arched front surface forms both the incline section  22 H and the heel section  23 H.  
      In  FIG. 21  another compact model of the alternate embodiment of the multilevel cushioned mat  20 P has no toe section built in, but relies on a portion of the supporting surface in front of the cushioned mat as the toe portion  21 P. The mat itself has a vertical incline section  22 P and a moderately elevated heel section  23 P for average people and average workouts.  FIG. 22  shows the alternate embodiment model in action with the foot of a user (shown dashed) in the horizontal impact position and the midstance rolling forward onto the toe position with the cushioned mat compacting down and forward into a compressed incline position as shown in the dashed line  23 P.  
      In  FIG. 23  another compact model of the alternate embodiment of the multilevel cushioned mat  20 R has no toe section built in, but relies on a portion of the supporting surface in front of the cushioned mat as the toe portion  21 R. The mat itself has an arched front portion, which forms both the incline section  22 R and a moderately elevated heel section  23 R for average people and average workouts.  FIG. 24  shows the alternate embodiment model in action with the foot of a user (shown dashed) in the horizontal impact position and the midstance rolling forward onto the toe position with the cushioned mat compacting down and forward into a compressed incline position as shown in the dashed line  23 R.  
      In  FIG. 25 , an alternative embodiment of an anatomically corrected cushioned running mat  20  is shown. The mat  20  comprises a multilevel cushioned mat for jogging, running, and walking in place having a horizontally flat front toe level  21 , an upwardly inclined variable height mid-foot level  22 , and an elevated heel level  23 . The mat  20  is an anatomically corrected in-place jogging and running device capable of receiving the left and right heel of a runner with full impact absorption on the elevated heel level  23 , naturally assisting the rolling forward of the left and right mid-foot of a runner on the beveled mid-foot level  22  for a short midstance position, and receiving the left and right toes on the lower front flat level  21  of the cushioned mat or the supporting surface in a position to push the body upward, all as seen in  FIG. 31 .  
      As shown in  FIG. 25 , the mat  20  also comprises a foot surface  38  comprising a pair of front foot receiving surfaces  42 , a pair of arch or mid-foot receiving surfaces  44 , a pair of heel receiving surfaces  46 , which are recessed from the front toe level  21 , the variable mid-foot level  22 , and elevated heel level  23 , respectively. The foot receiving surfaces  42 ,  44 , and  46  can also include an anti-slip surface  48  to provide foot traction. The anti-slip surface  48  can be a tread and a groove pattern, an anti-slip material, any suitable surface pattern or any suitable material that provides foot traction to the user. The perimeter surfaces  50  around the perimeter of the mat  20  is drafted or angled for increased stability. The raised edge  52  along a front part  53  of the mat  20  keeps the feet and any debris dislodged from the feet or shoes within the mat  20  during exercising. The bottom surface  54  of the mat  20  can comprise an anti-slip material for an anti-slipping surface or have anti-slipping features such as tread and groove patterns.  
       FIG. 26  shows an alternative embodiment of an anatomically corrected cushioned running mat  20  comprising a multilevel cushioned mat for jogging, running, and walking in place. The mat  20  comprises a horizontally flat front toe level  21 , an upwardly inclined variable height mid-foot level  22 , and an elevated heel level  23  for an anatomically corrected in-place jogging and running device capable of receiving the left and right heel of a runner with full impact absorption on the elevated heel level  23 , naturally assisting the rolling forward of the left and right mid-foot of a runner on the beveled mid-foot level  22  for a short midstance position, and receiving the left and right toes on the lower front flat level  21  of the cushioned mat  20  or the supporting surface in a position to push the body upward, all as seen in  FIG. 31 .  
      As shown in  FIG. 26 , the foot surface  38  comprises a pair of front foot receiving surfaces  42 , a pair of arch or mid-foot receiving surfaces  44 , a pair of heel receiving surfaces  46 , which extend above the front toe level  21 , the variable mid-foot level  22 , and elevated heel level  23 , respectively. The foot receiving surfaces  42 ,  44 , and  46  can also include an anti-slip surface  48  to provide foot traction. The anti-slip surface  48  can be a tread and a groove pattern, an anti-slip material, any suitable surface pattern or any suitable material that provides foot traction to the user. The perimeter surface  50  around the perimeter of the mat  20  is drafted or angled for increased stability. The raised edge  52  along the front part  53  of the mat  20  keeps the feet and any debris dislodged from the feet or shoes within the mat during exercising. The bottom surface  54  of the mat  20  can comprise an anti-slip material for an anti-slipping surface or have anti-slipping features such as tread and groove patterns.  
      It can be appreciated that the foot surface  38  of the mat  20  can have any combination of recessed or extending foot surfaces  38 , such that the front foot receiving surfaces  42 , the pair of arch or mid-foot receiving surfaces  44 , and the pair of heel receiving surfaces  46 , can extend above or recessed below the front toe level  21 , the variable mid-foot level  22 , and elevated heel level  23 , respectively, without departing from the present invention. For example, only the pair of heel receiving surfaces  46  can be either recessed or extending above the elevated heel level  23 , wherein the front foot surfaces  42  and the pair of arch or mid-foot receiving surfaces are neither recessed nor extended.  
      The front toe level  21  transitions to the elevated heel level  23  at an angle of between about 2.5 degrees and about 60.0 degrees and more preferably about 9.5 degrees and 26.5 degrees. It can be appreciated if the mat  20  does not include a front toe level  21  ( FIGS. 29 and 30 ), the mid-foot surface  22  has an angle of between about 2.5 degrees and about 60.0 degrees between the ground supporting surface and the heel level  23 , and more preferably about 9.5 degrees and 26.5 degrees.  
       FIG. 27  shows another embodiment of an anatomically corrected cushioned running mat  20  comprises a multilevel cushioned mat for jogging, running, and walking in place. The mat  20  comprises a horizontally flat front base  60 , an elevated variable height front foot level  62 , and an elevated heel level  64  for an anatomically corrected in-place jogging and running device capable of receiving the left and right heel of a runner with full impact absorption on the elevated heel level  64 , and receiving the left and right toes on the lower front flat level  62  of the cushioned mat  20  or the supporting surface in a position to push the body upward.  
      As shown in  FIG. 27 , the foot surface  38  comprises a front foot receiving surface  42  and a heel receiving surfaces  46 , which are recessed from the front toe level  62  and elevated heel level  64 , respectively. The foot receiving surfaces  42 ,  44 , and  46  can also include an anti-slip surface  48  to provide foot traction. The anti-slip surface  48  can be a tread and a groove pattern, an anti-slip material, any suitable surface pattern or any suitable material that provides foot traction to the user. The perimeter surfaces  50  around the perimeter of the base mat  20  is drafted or angled for increased stability. The bottom surface  54  of the mat  20  can comprise an anti-slip material for an anti-slipping surface or have anti-slipping features such as tread and groove patterns.  
       FIG. 28  shows an alternative embodiment of an anatomically corrected cushioned running mat comprises a multilevel cushioned mat for jogging, running, and walking in place. The mat  20  comprises a horizontally flat front base  60 , an elevated variable height front foot level  62 , and an elevated heel level  64  for an anatomically corrected in-place jogging and running device capable of receiving the left and right heel of a runner with full impact absorption on the elevated heel level  64 , and receiving the left and right toes on the lower front flat level  62  of the cushioned mat  20  or the supporting surface in a position to push the body upward.  
      As shown in  FIG. 28 , the foot surface  38  comprises a front foot receiving surface  42  and a heel receiving surfaces  46 , which extend above the front toe level  62  and elevated heel level  64 , respectively. The foot receiving surfaces  42 ,  44 , and  46  can also include an anti-slip surface  48  to provide foot traction. The anti-slip surface  48  can be a tread and a groove pattern, an anti-slip material, any suitable surface pattern or any suitable material that provides foot traction to the user. The perimeter surfaces  50  around the perimeter of the base mat  20  is drafted or angled for increased stability. The bottom surface  54  of the mat  20  can comprise an anti-slip material for an anti-slipping surface or have anti-slipping features such as tread and groove patterns. The distance between the front foot level  62  and the elevated heel level  64  is preferably about 0.25 to about 6.0 inches and more preferably about 0.5 inches to about 3.0 inches.  
       FIG. 29  shows an another embodiment of an anatomically corrected cushioned running mat  20  comprising a multilevel cushioned mat for jogging, running, and walking in place. As shown in  FIG. 29 , the mat  20  utilizes the ground supporting surface as the flat front foot surface, and has a base  66 , an elevated flat heel level  68  and an inclined mid-foot supporting surface  70  for an anatomically corrected in-place jogging and running device capable of receiving the left and right heel of a runner with full impact absorption on the elevated heel level  68 , and receiving the left and right mid-foot on the inclined surface  70  of the cushioned mat  20 .  
      As shown in  FIG. 29 , the foot surface  38  comprises a mid-foot receiving surface  44  and a heel receiving surface  46 , which are recessed below the heel level  68 , and the mid-foot supporting surface  70 , respectively. The foot receiving surfaces  44  and  46  can also include an anti-slip surface  48  to provide foot traction. The anti-slip surface  48  can be a tread and a groove pattern, an anti-slip material, any suitable surface pattern or any suitable material that provides foot traction to the user. The perimeter surfaces  50  around the perimeter of the base mat  20  is drafted or angled for increased stability. The front surface  52  is of greater draft angle than the rest the surfaces. The bottom surface  54  of the mat  20  can comprise an anti-slip material for an anti-slipping surface or have anti-slipping features such as tread and groove patterns.  
       FIG. 30  shows an alternative embodiment of an anatomically corrected cushioned running mat comprising a multilevel cushioned mat for jogging, running, and walking in place, which utilizes the ground supporting surface as the flat front foot surface. The mat  20  comprises a base  66 , an elevated flat heel level  68  and an inclined mid-foot supporting surface  70  for an anatomically corrected in-place jogging and running device capable of receiving the left and right heel of a runner with full impact absorption on the elevated heel level  46 , and receiving the left and right mid-foot on the inclined surface  70  of the cushioned mat  20 .  
      As shown in  FIG. 30 , the foot surface  38  comprises a mid-foot receiving surface  44  and a heel receiving surface  46 , which extend above the heel level  68 , and the mid-foot supporting surface  70 , respectively. The foot receiving surfaces  44  and  46  can also include an anti-slip surface  48  to provide foot traction. The anti-slip surface  48  can be a tread and a groove pattern, an anti-slip material, any suitable surface pattern or any suitable material that provides foot traction to the user. The perimeter surfaces  50  around the perimeter of the base mat  20  is drafted or angled for increased stability. The front surface  52  is of greater draft angle than the rest the surfaces. The bottom surface  54  of the mat  20  can comprise an anti-slip material for an anti-slipping surface or have anti-slipping features such as tread and groove patterns.  
      It can be appreciated that the anatomically corrected simulated in place cushioned jogging and running mat  20  can be fabricated of an elastomeric material having a foam core having at least one foam material, with an outer polymer coated fabric shell, fabricated of dissimilar foam materials which are bonded together.  
      The cushioned mat  20  can be constructed of a foam core comprising of one or more foam materials  25 , with an outer polymer coated fabric shell  26  as shown in  FIG. 4  or the entire cushioned mat  20  can be molded with one or more types of foams. Alternatively, rigid members such as spring or structural reinforcement can be incorporated into the base material to enhance performance. In addition, dissimilar foam materials can be bonded or multi-component molded to form the mat  20 .  
      The elastomeric material can be a foam material, an open cellular foam system, closed cell type foam or other suitable elastomeric material. The base foam material consists of a material selected from a list of materials consisting of polyurethane, polypropylene, polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride, ethylene vinyl acetate, natural rubber and synthetic rubber.  
      In addition, the mat  20  is preferably fabricated from a material having a density range from 2 lb. to 12 lb. per cubic feet, however, it can be appreciated that any suitable density range can be used.  
      Also, a system of elastomeric gel material consisted of at least one gel material having the characteristics of the foam described within this document can be used in place of a foam material or foam system.  
      It is understood that the preceding description is given merely by way of illustration and not in limitation of the invention and that various modifications may be made thereto without departing from the spirit of the invention as claimed.