U.S. patent application number 12/789107 was filed with the patent office on 2010-12-02 for exercise mat wtih integral repositionable support assemblies.
This patent application is currently assigned to Fitness Equipment Manufacturing, LLC. Invention is credited to George Kessler.
Application Number | 20100299833 12/789107 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 43218533 |
Filed Date | 2010-12-02 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100299833 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kessler; George |
December 2, 2010 |
Exercise Mat wtih Integral Repositionable Support Assemblies
Abstract
An exercise device with a mat portion and one or more support
assemblies. The mat portion defines a plurality of through holes.
Each support assembly has a support member, a support bridge, and
one or more support inserts. The support member has a flat bottom
and a bolster-shaped top and defines one or more cavities that
extend through the bottom of the support member and into the
interior of the support member. The support inserts are generally
hollow and are fitted into the cavities in the support member. The
support bridge defines one or more projections that extend upwards
from and generally perpendicular to the top of the support bridge.
Each projection is sized and shaped to fit through one of the
through-holes in the mat portion. The interior surface of each of
the support inserts defines a plurality of grooves, each of the
projections defines a plurality of ridges, and the grooves and
ridges are adapted to form a press fit when coupled together, to
removably couple the mat portion between the support member and the
support bridge. The support assembly may be removed and
repositioned to different locations on the mat portion as desired
by a user.
Inventors: |
Kessler; George; (Taftville,
CT) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MIRICK, O'CONNELL, DEMALLIE & LOUGEE, LLP
1700 WEST PARK DRIVE
WESTBOROUGH
MA
01581
US
|
Assignee: |
Fitness Equipment Manufacturing,
LLC
Uxbridge
MA
|
Family ID: |
43218533 |
Appl. No.: |
12/789107 |
Filed: |
May 27, 2010 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61181712 |
May 28, 2009 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
5/417 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 21/4037
20151001 |
Class at
Publication: |
5/417 |
International
Class: |
A47G 9/06 20060101
A47G009/06 |
Claims
1. An exercise device, comprising: a mat portion comprising a
plurality of through-holes; a support assembly comprising a support
member, a support bridge and at least one support insert; where the
support member defines a top surface, a bottom surface, and at
least one cavity that extends through the bottom surface of the
support member and into the interior of the support member; where
the support bridge defines a top surface, a bottom surface, and at
least one projection that extends upwards from and generally
perpendicular to the top surface of the support bridge; where the
at least one projection is sized and shaped to fit through one of
the through-holes in the mat portion, and the projection defines
one or more ridges; where the at least one support insert is
generally hollow and sized and shaped to fit into the cavity in the
support member, and the interior surface of the support insert
defines one or more grooves; where the ridges of the projection and
the grooves of the support insert are adapted to fit together to
removably couple the mat portion between the support member and the
support bridge.
2. The exercise device of claim 1, where the through-holes are
arranged in one or more groups of eight through-holes, and each
group of eight through-holes are configured in a generally
"X"-shaped pattern.
3. The exercise device of claim 2, comprising three groups of eight
through-holes.
4. The exercise device of claim 3, where a first group of eight
through-holes is located proximate the center of the mat portion, a
second group of eight through-holes is located proximate a first
longitudinal edge of the mat portion, and a third group of eight
through-holes is located proximate the opposing longitudinal edge
of the mat portion.
5. The exercise device of claim 1, where the support member has a
generally flat bottom surface and a semi-circular top surface.
6. The exercise device of claim 1, where the support member has a
generally flat bottom surface and a generally rectangular top
surface.
7. The exercise device of claim 1, where the support member has a
generally flat bottom surface and a generally wedge-shaped top
surface.
8. The exercise device of claim 1, where the at least one support
insert defines four grooves, each groove extending along
substantially the length of the support insert, and where the
grooves are evenly spaced about the longitudinal center axis of the
support insert.
9. The exercise device of claim 1, where the at least one
projection defines four ridges, each ridge extending substantially
along the length of the projection, and where the ridges are evenly
spaced about the longitudinal center axis of the projection.
10. The exercise device of claim 1, where the ridges of the
projection and the grooves of the support insert are adapted to
accomplish a press fit when coupled together.
11. The exercise device of claim 1, where the cavity and the
support insert are generally cylindrical in shape.
12. An exercise device, comprising: a mat portion comprising a
plurality of through-holes; a support assembly comprising a support
member, a support bridge and two support inserts; where the support
member defines a top surface, a bottom surface, and two cavities,
where each cavity extends through the bottom surface of the support
member and into the interior of the support member; where the
support bridge defines a top surface, a bottom surface, and two
projections, where each projection extends upwards from and
generally perpendicular to the top surface of the support bridge;
where each of the projections are sized and shaped to fit through
one of the through-holes in the mat portion, and each projection
defines a plurality of ridges; where each support insert is
generally hollow and sized and shaped to fit into one of the
cavities in the support member, and the interior surface of each
support insert defines a plurality grooves; where the ridges of the
projections and the grooves of the support inserts are adapted to
fit together to removably couple the mat portion between the
support member and the support bridge.
13. The exercise device of claim 12, where the through-holes are
arranged in one or more groups of eight through-holes, and each
group of eight through-holes are configured in a generally
"X"-shaped pattern.
14. The exercise device of claim 13, comprising three groups of
eight through-holes.
15. The exercise device of claim 14, where a first group of eight
through-holes is located proximate the center of the mat portion, a
second group of eight through-holes is located proximate a first
longitudinal edge of the mat portion, and a third group of eight
through-holes is located proximate the opposing longitudinal edge
of the mat portion.
16. The exercise device of claim 12, where the support member has a
generally flat bottom surface and a semi-circular top surface.
17. The exercise device of claim 12, where the support member has a
generally flat bottom surface and a generally rectangular top
surface.
18. The exercise device of claim 12, where the support member has a
generally flat bottom surface and a generally wedge-shaped top
surface.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent
Application Ser. No. 61/181,712, entitled "Exercise Mat with
Integral, Repositionable Supports," filed on May 28, 2009. The
entire contents of the priority application are expressly
incorporated by reference herein.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The invention relates generally to the field of exercise
accessories, and more particularly to exercise mats and props or
supports, which are commonly used for Yoga and other fitness
disciplines.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Padded surfaces are often used to make activities that take
place on the floor or ground easier and more comfortable. Athletic
mats have been developed for many sports, including gymnastics and
tumbling, wrestling, aerobic exercises, and yoga.
[0004] Yoga mats are typically flat and relatively thin as compared
to other exercise mats, and are designed to provide traction and
cushioning. Most yoga mats are rectangular in shape, with a
standard mat measuring approximately 24 inches by 68 inches. Yoga
mats are made from a variety of materials, including rubber, vinyl,
and hemp.
[0005] Props or supports, such as blocks, wedges and bolsters, are
often used by Yoga practitioners to provide support and comfort,
and to properly align specific parts of the body while performing
poses. Yoga props or supports are available in many shapes, sizes,
and materials. In practice, however, Yoga props or supports have a
tendency to slip or move during use, which may cause discomfort and
result in a potential safety hazard.
[0006] There is a need in the art then, for an exercise mat with
props or supports that can be secured to the mat and yet easily
repositioned to accommodate the user's varying exercise
requirements.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] The invention provides an improved exercise mat with
integral props or support assemblies. The user may position and
reposition the support assemblies as needed to provide a safe,
comfortable and functional surface for Yoga and other floor
exercises.
[0008] In a preferred embodiment, the exercise device disclosed
herein comprises a generally rectangular mat portion and one or
more support assemblies. Each support assembly comprises one or
more support members, one or more support inserts, and one or more
support bridges.
[0009] The mat portion comprises a plurality of through-holes. The
through-holes are preferably arranged in three groups or patterns;
one group proximate each of the opposing longitudinal ends of the
mat portion and a third group located proximate the longitudinal
center of the mat portion. Each group or pattern of through-holes
resembles an "X" shape.
[0010] The support member defines a top surface and a bottom
surface. The bottom surface is generally flat and the top surface
is generally semi-circular in shape. The support member defines one
or more cavities that are formed through the bottom surface and
extend into the interior of the support member.
[0011] Each cavity is sized and shaped to accept a generally
cylindrical support insert. The support insert is preferably
permanently affixed within the cavity of the support member. The
interior of the support insert is generally hollow, and the
interior surface of the support insert defines one or more
substantially longitudinal grooves.
[0012] The support bridge defines a top surface and a bottom
surface. The top surface of the support bridge defines one or more
generally cylindrical projections. Each projection is configured to
be placed through one of the through-holes in the mat portion and
to extend above the surface of the mat portion. The projections
define one or more generally longitudinal ridges.
[0013] The grooves of the support insert are configured to
accommodate the ridges of the projections to provide a press fit
when mated, thus removably securing the support bridge to the
support member, with the mat portion sandwiched in between.
[0014] In a preferred embodiment, the exercise device comprises a
mat portion comprising a plurality of through-holes and a support
assembly comprising a support member, a support bridge and at least
one support insert. The support member defines a top surface, a
bottom surface, and at least one cavity that extends through the
bottom surface of the support member and into the interior of the
support member. The support bridge defines a top surface, a bottom
surface, and at least one projection that extends upwards from and
generally perpendicular to the top surface of the support bridge.
The projection is sized and shaped to fit through one of the
through-holes in the mat portion, and the projection defines one or
more ridges. The support insert is generally hollow and sized and
shaped to fit into the cavity in the support member, and the
interior surface of the support insert defines one or more grooves.
The ridges of the projection and the grooves of the support insert
are adapted to fit together to removably couple the mat portion
between the support member and the support bridge.
[0015] In an aspect, the through-holes are arranged in one or more
groups of eight through-holes, and each group of eight
through-holes are configured in a generally "X"-shaped pattern. In
another aspect, there are three groups of eight through-holes. In
still another aspect, a first group of eight through-holes is
located proximate the center of the mat portion, a second group of
eight through-holes is located proximate a first longitudinal edge
of the mat portion, and a third group of eight through-holes is
located proximate the opposing longitudinal edge of the mat
portion.
[0016] In an aspect, the support member has a generally flat bottom
surface and a semi-circular top surface. In another aspect, the
support member has a generally flat bottom surface and a generally
rectangular top surface. In yet another aspect, the support member
has a generally flat bottom surface and a generally wedge-shaped
top surface.
[0017] In an aspect, the support insert defines four grooves, each
groove extending along substantially the length of the support
insert, and the grooves are evenly spaced about the longitudinal
center axis of the support insert. In another aspect, the
projection defines four ridges, each ridge extending substantially
along the length of the projection, and the ridges are evenly
spaced about the longitudinal center axis of the projection. In yet
another aspect, the ridges of the projection and the grooves of the
support insert are adapted to accomplish a press fit when coupled
together. In still another aspect, the cavity and the support
insert are generally cylindrical in shape.
[0018] In another preferred embodiment, the exercise device
comprises a mat portion comprising a plurality of through-holes,
and a support assembly comprising a support member, a support
bridge and two support inserts. The support member defines a top
surface, a bottom surface, and two cavities, where each cavity
extends through the bottom surface of the support member and into
the interior of the support member. The support bridge defines a
top surface, a bottom surface, and two projections, where each
projection extends upwards from and generally perpendicular to the
top surface of the support bridge. Each of the projections are
sized and shaped to fit through one of the through-holes in the mat
portion, and each projection defines a plurality of ridges. Each
support insert is generally hollow and sized and shaped to fit into
one of the cavities in the support member, and the interior surface
of each support insert defines a plurality grooves. The ridges of
the projections and the grooves of the support inserts are adapted
to fit together to removably couple the mat portion between the
support member and the support bridge.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0019] The foregoing and other objects, features and advantages of
the invention will be apparent from the following more particular
description of preferred embodiments of the invention, as
illustrated in the accompanying drawings in which like reference
characters refer to the same parts throughout the different views.
The drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being
placed upon illustrating the principles of the invention.
[0020] FIG. 1A is a perspective, partially exploded view of a
preferred embodiment of an exercise mat with integral,
repositionable support assemblies, constructed in accordance with
the invention;
[0021] FIG. 1B is a top view of the exercise mat with integral,
repositionable support assemblies of FIG. 1A, showing alternate
locations for the support assemblies;
[0022] FIG. 2A is a top view of the exercise mat with integral,
repositionable support assemblies of FIG. 1A;
[0023] FIG. 2B is a bottom view of the exercise mat with integral,
repositionable support assemblies of FIG. 1A;
[0024] FIG. 3A is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a
mat portion of the exercise mat with integral, repositionable
support assemblies of FIG. 1A, constructed in accordance with the
invention;
[0025] FIG. 3B is a top view of the mat portion of FIG. 3A, showing
certain dimensions of a preferred embodiment;
[0026] FIG. 4A is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a
support member of the exercise mat with integral, repositionable
support assemblies of FIG. 1A, constructed in accordance with the
invention;
[0027] FIG. 4B is an end view of the support member of FIG. 4A,
showing certain dimensions of a preferred embodiment;
[0028] FIG. 4C is bottom view of the support member of FIG. 4A,
showing certain dimensions of a preferred embodiment;
[0029] FIG. 4D is a top view of the support member of FIG. 4A,
showing certain dimensions of a preferred embodiment;
[0030] FIG. 4E is a cross-sectional view of the support member of
FIG. 4A, taken along line G-G of FIG. 4D;
[0031] FIG. 4F is an end view of an alternative embodiment of a
support member of the exercise mat with integral, repositionable
support assemblies of FIG. 1A;
[0032] FIG. 4G is an end view of another alternative embodiment of
a support member of the exercise mat with integral, repositionable
support assemblies of FIG. 1A;
[0033] FIG. 5A is a perspective view of a support insert of the
exercise mat with integral, repositionable support assemblies of
FIG. 1A, constructed in accordance with the invention;
[0034] FIG. 5B is a front view of the support insert of FIG. 5A,
showing certain dimensions of a preferred embodiment;
[0035] FIG. 5C is a top view of the support insert of FIG. 5A,
showing certain dimensions of a preferred embodiment;
[0036] FIG. 5D is a bottom view of the support insert of FIG. 5A,
showing certain dimensions of a preferred embodiment;
[0037] FIG. 5E is a cross-sectional view of the support insert of
FIG. 5A, taken along line N-N of FIG. 5B;
[0038] FIG. 6A is perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a
support bridge of the exercise mat with integral, repositionable
support assemblies of FIG. 1A, constructed in accordance with the
invention;
[0039] FIG. 6B is a top view of the support bridge of FIG. 6A,
showing certain dimensions of a preferred embodiment;
[0040] FIG. 6C is a cross-sectional view of the support bridge of
FIG. 6A, taken along line J-J of FIG. 6B;
[0041] FIG. 6D is an enlarged view of an edge of the support bridge
of FIG. 6A, shown as Detail B in FIG. 6C;
[0042] FIG. 7A is a cross-sectional view of the exercise mat with
integral, repositionable support assemblies of FIG. 1A, taken along
line A-A of FIG. 2B; and
[0043] FIG. 7B is an enlarged view of Detail A of FIG. 7A, showing
the mat portion sandwiched between a support bridge and a support
member.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0044] With reference to FIG. 1A, in a preferred embodiment,
exercise mat with integral, repositionable support assemblies 100
comprises mat portion 10 and one or more support assemblies 15.
Each support assembly 15 comprises a support member 20, a support
bridge 30, and one or more support inserts 40.
[0045] As shown in FIGS. 1A, 1B, 2A, 2B, 3A and 3B, mat portion 10
defines a plurality of through-holes 25, to accommodate the mating
of support bridge 30 to support member 20. Support bridge 30 and
support inserts 40 are adapted and configured to provide a press
fit when mated, to cause mat portion 10 to be securely, yet
removably, sandwiched between support member 20 and support bridge
30. Support assembly 15 may be removed and repositioned to a
different location on mat portion 10 as desired by a user.
[0046] As shown in FIG. 3B, in a preferred embodiment, mat portion
10 is generally rectangular-shaped, although the invention is not
limited to any particular shape. Mat portion 10 is preferably made
of natural rubber, but may also be made of hemp, jute or synthetic
materials, such as vinyl. FIG. 3B provides certain dimensions of a
mat portion 10 in a preferred embodiment of the invention. Mat
portion 10 defines two opposing longitudinal edges 11 and 12.
[0047] With further reference to FIGS. 1A, 3A, and 3B, in a
preferred embodiment, the plurality of through-holes 25 in mat
portion 10 are arranged in three distinct groups or patterns, with
one group 26 proximate edge 11 of mat portion 10, a second group 28
proximate the distal edge 12 of mat portion 10, and a third group
27 proximate the longitudinal center of mat portion 10. In a
preferred embodiment, each group or pattern 26, 27, 28, comprises
eight through-holes arranged in a generally "X" shape. The groups
of through-holes are preferably centered relative to the width of
the mat portion.
[0048] The preferred configuration of through-holes 25 in mat
portion 10, as shown in FIG. 3B, allows for twenty-four different
locations for each support assembly 15. Three of the possible
locations for each support assembly 15 are shown in FIG. 1B, as
references 15A, 15B and 15C. The invention, however, is not limited
to any specific number of through-holes 25, or any particular
number or configuration of through-holes 25.
[0049] As shown in FIGS. 4A-4E, support member 20 is preferably
shaped as a bolster, having a generally flat bottom surface 21 and
semi-circular top surface 23, although top surface 23 may have
other shapes, including but not limited to generally rectangular or
generally wedge-shaped, as shown in FIGS. 4F and 4G, respectively.
Support member 20 preferably defines two generally cylindrical
cavities 22A and 22B formed through the bottom surface 21 and
extending into, but not completely through, the interior of support
member 20. In alternate embodiments, support member 20 may define
only one cavity.
[0050] As shown in FIG. 4C, in a preferred embodiment, bottom
surface 21 defines two opposing longitudinal edges 24 and 25. A
first cavity 22A is located slightly to the right of the
approximate midpoint between the center of bottom surface 21 and
edge 24, and a second cavity 22B is located slightly to the left of
the approximate longitudinal midpoint between the center of bottom
surface 21 and the distal edge 25. In alternate embodiments,
cavities 22A and 22B may have other locations, including but not
limited to the approximate midpoint between the center of bottom
surface 21 and edge 24, and the approximate midpoint between the
center of bottom surface 21 and the distal edge 25.
[0051] Cavities 22A and 22B are adapted to accommodate support
inserts 40, and extend from the bottom surface 21 of support member
20 through approximately two-thirds of the height H1 of support
member 20, as shown in FIG. 4E. As shown in FIG. 1A, support
inserts 40 are inserted through the bottom surface 21 of support
member 20. In a preferred embodiment, support inserts are
permanently affixed with glue.
[0052] As shown in FIGS. 5A-5E, support insert 40 is generally
cylindrical in shape, with a slightly rounded top surface 42 and a
generally flat bottom surface 44. In a preferred embodiment, the
interior of support insert 40 is generally hollow, and comprises
four involute or curved grooves 45 that extend from the bottom
surface 44 through a majority of the height H2 of support insert
40, as shown in FIG. 5E. As shown in FIGS. 5D and 5E, grooves 45
are evenly spaced about the longitudinal center axis of support
insert 40, shown as line N-N in FIG. 5D. Grooves 45 are configured
to accommodate the complementary involute splines or ridges 34 of
projections 32A and 32B of support bridge 30, shown in FIGS. 6A-6D
and discussed in detail below.
[0053] With further reference to FIGS. 6A-6D, support bridge 30 is
preferably generally oval in shape and comprises a generally flat
bottom surface 36 and a top surface 37 that defines one or more
generally cylindrical projections 32A and 32B. In a preferred
embodiment, projections 32A and 32B are generally perpendicular to
top surface 37, and each projection comprises a slightly tapered
top surface 39 and four involute or curved splines or ridges 34.
The splines or ridges 34 extend along substantially the length of
projections 32A and 32B. As shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, ridges 34 are
evenly spaced about the longitudinal center axis of projections 32A
and 32B.
[0054] With further reference to FIG. 1A, in a preferred method of
use, one or more support bridges 30 are placed on a horizontal
surface, such as the floor, such that bottom surface 36 is on the
horizontal surface and projections 32A and B are facing upwards.
Mat portion 10 is then placed over the top of support bridge 30,
such that each projection 32A and 32B passes through one
through-hole 25 in mat portion 10. Alternatively, a support member
may be held in place if only one projection passes through a
through-hole in the mat portion, as shown by support assembly 15C
in FIG. 1B.
[0055] Support member 20, comprising support inserts 40, is then
placed on top of mat 10 and support bridge 30, such that each
cavity 22A and 22B aligns with one projection 32A and 32B. When
pressed together, the grooves 45 of support insert 40 and the
ridges 34 of projections 32A and 32B accomplish a press fit to lock
support member 20 and support bridge 30 in place, as shown in FIGS.
7A and 7B. Support member 40 and support bridge 30 may also be
separated and moved to different locations on mat portion 10 as
desired by a user.
[0056] The grooves 45 of support insert 40 and the projections 32
of support bridge 30 provide the cross-sectional strength necessary
to maintain the support assembly 20 on the mat portion 10 during
use, while reducing the amount of material needed, and thus
reducing costs.
[0057] The claims should not be read as limited to the described
order or elements unless stated to that effect. Therefore, all
embodiments that come within the scope and spirit of the following
claims and equivalents thereto are claimed as the invention.
* * * * *