U.S. patent application number 10/139756 was filed with the patent office on 2003-11-06 for simulated inplace cushioned jogging and running mat.
Invention is credited to Wong, Tony L..
Application Number | 20030207738 10/139756 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 29269597 |
Filed Date | 2003-11-06 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030207738 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Wong, Tony L. |
November 6, 2003 |
Simulated inplace cushioned jogging and running mat
Abstract
A portable in-place beveled multilevel cushioned mat that allows
simulated jogging and running. This cushioned mat consists of a
flat front section for the toes and front of the foot, and a
beveled higher back section with a high flat top for the heel to
provide foot support and anatomically corrected jogging and running
motion. It is made of a closed or open cellular foam system from
polymeric elastomers. The mat may be made of a foam core with
polymer coated shell or molded with one or more than one type of
foam system.
Inventors: |
Wong, Tony L.; (Freemont,
CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Donald W. Meeker
924 East Ocean Front #E
Newport Beach
CA
92661
US
|
Family ID: |
29269597 |
Appl. No.: |
10/139756 |
Filed: |
May 2, 2002 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
482/74 ;
482/53 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 2208/12 20130101;
A63B 21/028 20130101; A63B 21/00047 20130101; A63B 26/003 20130101;
A63B 23/0458 20130101; A63B 21/4037 20151001; A63B 69/0035
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
482/74 ;
482/53 |
International
Class: |
A63B 022/04; A63B
071/00 |
Claims
What is claimed:
1. An anatomically corrected simulated inplace cushioned jogging
and running mat comprising: a cushioned multilevel jogging mat
having a horizontally flat front toe level, an upwardly inclined
variable height mid-foot level, and an elevated flat heel level 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, naturally assisting the rolling forward
of the mid foot of a runner on the inclined mid-foot level for a
short midstance position, and receiving the toes on the lower front
flat section in a position to push the body upward; wherein the
cushioned multilevel jogging mat is fabricated of a resilient shock
absorbing material.
2. The anatomically corrected simulated inplace cushioned jogging
and running mat of claim 1 wherein the cushioned mat is fabricated
in two sections: a flat bottom section and a wedge-shaped top
section with a horizontal elevated end resting on the flat bottom
section leaving a portion of the flat bottom section exposed to
form the flat toe level, the wedge forming the beveled variable
height mid-foot level, and the horizontal elevated end forming the
elevated flat heel level.
3. The anatomically corrected simulated inplace cushioned jogging
and running mat of claim 1 wherein the cushioned mat is formed in
three sections hinged together to fold out into a long flat
cushioned mat for storage or other exercise purpose, wherein two of
the sections are flat cushioned mats with one at the back and one
in the middle, the two flat cushioned mats being hinged together on
a top side so that the middle one is pivotable toward the rear of
the cushioned mat so that the middle section overlaps the rear
section for an elevated base and the front section having a wedge
shape is hinged to the middle section on the bottom so that after
the middle section is folded back on the back section, the front
wedge-shaped section is pivotable toward the front of the cushioned
mat to partially overlap the middle section, exposing a portion of
the middle section to form the flat toe level, the wedge resting on
the middle section forming the beveled variable height mid-foot
level, and the horizontal elevated end forming the upwardly beveled
variable height mid-foot level, and the elevated flat heel
level.
4. The anatomically corrected simulated inplace cushioned jogging
and running mat of claim 1 further comprising a stand having two
upright sides with hand rails secured to a flat bottom platform
upon which the cushioned mat rests, enabling a user to hold the
hand rails while jogging or running in place on the cushioned
mat.
5. The anatomically corrected simulated inplace cushioned jogging
and running mat of claim 1 wherein the cushioned mat is formed in
two identical multi-leveled narrow cushioned mats spaced apart so
that each of the narrow cushioned mats receives one foot of the
user during exercise.
6. The anatomically corrected simulated inplace cushioned jogging
and running mat of claim 1 wherein the cushioned mat is
sufficiently wide to receive both feet of the user thereon during
exercise.
7. The anatomically corrected simulated inplace cushioned jogging
and running mat of claim 1 wherein the cushioned mat is fabricated
of a foam core having at least one foam material, with an outer
polymer coated fabric shell.
8. The anatomically corrected simulated inplace cushioned jogging
and running mat of claim 1 wherein the cushioned mat is fabricated
of dissimilar foam materials which are bonded together.
9. The anatomically corrected simulated inplace cushioned jogging
and running mat of claim 1 wherein the cushioned mat is fabricated
of a system of elastomeric material and is molded into shape.
10. The anatomically corrected simulated inplace cushioned jogging
and running mat of claim 1 wherein the entire cushioned mat is
fabricated by being molded from a foam material.
11. The anatomically corrected simulated inplace cushioned jogging
and running mat of claim 1 wherein the cushioned mat is fabricated
of dissimilar elastomeric material and is multi-component molded
into shape.
12. The anatomically corrected simulated inplace cushioned jogging
and running mat of claim 11 wherein the elastomeric material is a
foam material.
13. The anatomically corrected simulated inplace cushioned jogging
and running mat of claim 1 wherein the cushioned mat is fabricated
from an open cellular foam system.
14. The anatomically corrected simulated inplace cushioned jogging
and running mat of claim 1 wherein the cushioned mat is fabricated
from a closed cell type foam.
15. The anatomically corrected simulated inplace cushioned jogging
and running mat of claim 1 wherein 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.
16. The anatomically corrected simulated inplace cushioned jogging
and running mat of claim 1 wherein the mat is fabricated from a
material having a density range from 2 lb. to 12 lb. per cubic
feet.
17. An anatomically corrected simulated inplace cushioned jogging
and running mat comprising: a cushioned jogging mat having an
upwardly inclined variable height mid-foot level and an elevated
flat heel level and positioned for utilizing a portion of a surface
supporting the cushioned jogging mat as a lower front flat portion,
the cushioned jogging mat being configured 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, naturally assisting the rolling forward of the mid foot of a
runner on the inclined mid-foot level for a short midstance
position, and receiving the toes on the lower front flat portion in
a position to push the body upward; wherein the cushioned
multilevel jogging mat is fabricated of a resilient shock absorbing
material.
18. The anatomically corrected simulated inplace cushioned jogging
and running mat of claim 17 comprising a flat bottom surface for
resting on the supporting surface, a vertical surface extending
from a back edge of the bottom surface and a curved surface
extending from a front edge of the bottom surface to a top of the
vertical surface, wherein the curved surface is capable of
functioning both as the upwardly inclined variable height mid-foot
level and the elevated heel level.
19. The anatomically corrected simulated inplace cushioned jogging
and running mat of claim 17 further comprising a flat bottom
surface for resting on the supporting surface and a vertical
surface extending from a back edge of the bottom surface, wherein
the elevated flat heel level extends horizontally from a top edge
of the vertical surface, and the upwardly inclined variable height
mid-foot level comprises an inclined surface extending from a front
edge of the bottom surface to a front edge of the flat heel level.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] 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.
[0003] 2. Description of the Prior Art
[0004] This invention concerns a device which is designed
specifically for in-place jogging and running. According to
Runner'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.
[0005] 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.
[0006] 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.
[0007] 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.
[0008] There were several patents granted for devices utilized
shock absorbing and resilient materials, and were designed for
in-place walking, jogging and running.
[0009] 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.
[0010] 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.
[0011] 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.
[0012] U.S. Pat. No. 3,634,895, issued Jan. 18, 1972 to Childers,
describes a flat broad pad inside a frame.
[0013] 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.
[0014] 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
[0015] 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.
[0016] 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.
[0017] 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.
[0018] 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.
[0019] A further object of the present invention is to provide an
alternate replacement for a more expensive treadmill.
[0020] An added object of the present invention is to provide a low
impact exercise device for rehabilitation purposes.
[0021] 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.
[0022] 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.
[0023] 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.
[0024] 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.
[0025] 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.
[0026] 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.
[0027] 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.
[0028] A secondary advantage of the present invention is that it
allows a convenient access to a 15-45 minutes workout at a flexible
location.
[0029] 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.
[0030] An additional advantage of the present invention is that it
is shock absorbing to lessen impact.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0031] 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:
[0032] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of
the anatomically corrected cushioned mat for running and jogging in
place;
[0033] FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the preferred
embodiment of FIG. 1;
[0034] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of
the invention having two cushioned mats side by side;
[0035] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of an alternate embodiment
of the invention having an inner resilient core and an outer
covering;
[0036] 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;
[0037] 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;
[0038] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of
the invention used with a stand having hand rails;
[0039] 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;
[0040] 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;
[0041] 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;
[0042] FIG. 11 is a side elevational view of an alternate
embodiment of the invention of FIG. 8;
[0043] FIG. 12 is a side elevational view of an alternate
embodiment of the invention of FIG. 9;
[0044] FIG. 13 is a side elevational view of an alternate
embodiment of the invention of FIG. 10;
[0045] 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;
[0046] 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;
[0047] 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;
[0048] 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;
[0049] 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;
[0050] 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;
[0051] 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;
[0052] 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;
[0053] FIG. 22 is a side elevational view of the alternate
embodiment of the invention of FIG. 21;
[0054] 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;
[0055] FIG. 24 is a side elevational view of the alternate
embodiment of the invention of FIG. 23.
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
[0056] In FIGS. 1-24, an anatomically corrected cushioned running
mat 20, and 20A-R comprises a multilevel cushioned mat for jogging,
running, and walking in place having a horizontally flat front toe
level 21 and 21A-R, an upwardly inclined variable height mid-foot
level 22 and 22A-R, and an elevated heel level 23 and 23A-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 23A-R, naturally assisting the rolling
forward of the mid foot of a runner on the beveled, arched or
vertical mid-foot level 22 and 22A-R for a short midstance
position, and receiving the toes on the lower front flat level 21
and 21A-R of the cushioned mat or the supporting surface in a
position to push the body upward, all as seen in FIG. 2.
[0057] The preferred embodiment of the anatomically corrected
cushioned running mat 20 of FIGS. 1 and 2 provides a cushioned mat
which is sufficiently wide to receive both feet of the user thereon
during exercise.
[0058] 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 a 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.
[0059] In FIG. 5 the anatomically corrected cushioned running mat
20C is fabricated in two sections: a flat bottom section 29 and a
wedge-shaped top section 28 with a horizontal elevated top 23C
resting on the flat bottom section leaving a portion of the flat
bottom section exposed to form the flat toe level 21C, the wedge
forming the beveled variable height mid-foot level 22C, and the
horizontal elevated end forming the elevated flat heel level
23C.
[0060] In FIG. 6 the cushioned mat 20D 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 29A with
one flat cushioned mat 27 at the back and one flat cushioned mat
29A in the middle, the two flat cushioned mats 27 and 29A being
hinged together by a flexible fabric strip 18 or other hinging
means on a top side so that the middle cushioned mat 29A is
pivotable toward the rear of the cushioned mat so that the middle
section 29A overlaps the rear section 27 for an elevated base and
the front section 28A having a wedge shape is hinged to the middle
section 29A along a flexible strip of material 19 on the bottom so
that after the middle section 29A is folded back on the back
section 27, the front wedge-shaped section 28A is pivotable toward
the front of the cushioned mat to partially overlap the middle
section 29A, exposing a portion of the middle section to form the
flat toe level 21D, the wedge resting on the middle section forming
the beveled variable height mid-foot level 22D, and the horizontal
elevated end forming the upwardly beveled variable height mid-foot
level 22D, and the elevated flat heel level 23D.
[0061] 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.
[0062] In FIG. 3 an alternate embodiment of the cushioned mat 20A
is formed in two identical sections each having the three levels
21A, 22A and 23A with the cushioned mats spaced apart so that each
cushioned mat receives one foot of the user.
[0063] In FIGS. 15-19, the preferred embodiment has the three
sections built-in (the flat toe section 21J-M, the inclined
midsection 22J-M and the elevated heel section 23J-M.
[0064] In FIG. 15 a low model of the preferred embodiment of the
multilevel cushioned mat 20J has a relatively thin toe section 21J
and a very slight beveled incline section 22J, and only a slightly
elevated heel section 23J for elderly people or young light weight
children or low impact workouts such as walking or slow jogging in
place.
[0065] In FIG. 16 a middle model of the preferred embodiment of the
multilevel cushioned mat 20K has a slightly thicker toe section 21J
and a moderately beveled incline section 22J, and a moderately
elevated heel section 23J for the average person of average weight
and age exercising moderately with medium impact jogging in
place.
[0066] In FIG. 17 a high model of the preferred embodiment of the
multilevel cushioned mat 20L has a slightly thicker toe section 21K
and a steeply beveled incline section 22K, and a highly elevated
heel section 23K for very fit healthy people exercising intensely
with high impact fast running in place.
[0067] In FIG. 18 another high model of the preferred embodiment of
the multilevel cushioned mat 20M has a slightly thicker toe section
21M and a steeply arched curve forming both the incline section 22M
and the highly elevated heel section 23M for very fit healthy
people exercising intensely with high impact fast running in
place.
[0068] In FIG. 19 another different model of the preferred
embodiment of the multilevel cushioned mat 20N has a normal toe
section 21N, a vertical incline section 22K, and a moderately
elevated heel section 23N 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 23N.
[0069] In FIGS. 8-14 and 21 and 22 alternate compact embodiments of
the multilevel cushioned mat 20E-H and 20P and 20R all rely on the
supporting surface in front of the cushioned mat as the toe portion
21E-H and 21P and 21R.
[0070] FIGS. 8-13 show three different compact models of the
alternate embodiments of the cushioned mat 20E-G with a low incline
22E and low heel portion 23E model 20E for low impact walking in
place and light jogging, a moderate incline 22F and moderately
elevated heel portion 23F model 20F for moderate impact jogging
workouts, and a steep incline 22G and highly elevated heel portion
23G model 20G for high impact workouts such as fast running in
place.
[0071] FIG. 14 shows another alternate compact embodiment of the
multilevel cushioned mat 20H relying on the supporting surface in
front of the cushioned mat as the toe portion 21H. An arched front
surface forms both the incline section 22H and the heel section
23H.
[0072] In FIG. 21 another compact model of the alternate embodiment
of the multilevel cushioned mat 20P 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 21P. The mat itself has a vertical
incline section 22P, and a moderately elevated heel section 23P 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 23P.
[0073] In FIG. 23 another compact model of the alternate embodiment
of the multilevel cushioned mat 20R 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 21R. The mat itself has an arched
front portion which forms both the incline section 22R, and a
moderately elevated heel section 23R 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 23R.
[0074] There are two preferred ways the cushioned mat can be
constructed: 1.) A foam core consists of one or more foam materials
25, with an outer polymer coated fabric shell 26 as in FIG. 4. 2.)
The entire cushioned mat can be molded with one or more types of
foams. As an option, rigid members may be incorporated into the
foam system as reinforcement. Dissimilar foam materials can be
bonded or multi-component molded.
[0075] 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.
* * * * *