U.S. patent application number 14/352148 was filed with the patent office on 2014-09-11 for training mat, arrangement of training mats, use of one or more training mats.
The applicant listed for this patent is Kybun AG. Invention is credited to Karl Mueller.
Application Number | 20140256525 14/352148 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 47222068 |
Filed Date | 2014-09-11 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140256525 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Mueller; Karl |
September 11, 2014 |
Training Mat, Arrangement of Training Mats, Use of One or More
Training Mats
Abstract
A training mat (1) comprising an integrally expanded plastics
material, in particular consisting of a polyurethane, with a
support surface (2), a standing surface (3) and a plurality of side
surfaces (4, 4', 4'', 4'''), wherein a cross-sectional surface (5)
perpendicular to the support surface (2) is configured
approximately in a wedge-shaped manner.
Inventors: |
Mueller; Karl; (Roggwil,
CH) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Kybun AG |
Roggwil |
|
CH |
|
|
Family ID: |
47222068 |
Appl. No.: |
14/352148 |
Filed: |
November 16, 2012 |
PCT Filed: |
November 16, 2012 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/EP2012/072825 |
371 Date: |
April 16, 2014 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
482/142 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61H 2201/1645 20130101;
A61H 2201/1284 20130101; A61H 1/0292 20130101; A63B 21/4039
20151001; A63B 26/003 20130101; A61H 1/0237 20130101; A61H 2201/168
20130101; A63B 21/4037 20151001; A63B 21/00047 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
482/142 |
International
Class: |
A63B 21/00 20060101
A63B021/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Dec 1, 2011 |
EP |
11191534.4 |
Claims
1-18. (canceled)
19. A training mat comprising an integrally expanded plastics
material with a support surface, a standing surface and a plurality
of side surfaces, wherein a cross-sectional surface perpendicular
to the support surface is configured approximately in a
wedge-shaped manner.
20. The training mat as claimed in claim 19, wherein the training
mat has a roof shape with a ridge.
21. The training mat as claimed in claim 19, wherein the training
mat has an angle of slope of between 4.degree. and 25.degree..
22. The training mat as claimed in claim 19, wherein the training
mat has an angle of slope of between 12.degree. and 60.degree..
23. The training mat as claimed in claim 19, wherein the plastics
material has an apparent density of between 99 kg/m3 and 121
kg/m3.
24. The training mat as claimed in claim 19, wherein the plastics
material has a compressive stress of between 15 kPa and 23 kPa.
25. The training mat as claimed in claim 19, wherein the plastics
material has an air permeability of greater than 10 l/m2s.
26. The training mat as claimed in claim 19, wherein the plastics
material has a rebound resilience of >35%.
27. The training mat as claimed in claim 19, wherein the plastics
material has a tensile strength of at least 210 kPa.
28. The training mat as claimed in claim 19, wherein the plastics
material has an elongation at break of at least 126%.
29. The training mat as claimed in claim 19, wherein the training
mat has a thickness of at least 15 mm at its thinnest location.
30. The training mat as claimed in claim 19, wherein the training
mat has a thickness of at most 120 mm at its thickest location.
31. A use of a wedge-shaped training mat, as claimed in claim 19,
for standing or walking on the spot alternatively for one or more
of the following purposes: stamina training for the locomotor
system, cosmetic build-up and modeling of the muscle mass,
increasing a non-therapeutic capacity of the musculature,
increasing fitness, relaxing the musculature, enhancing the sense
of wellbeing, cosmetic development of posture, cosmetic development
of the human body.
32. The use as claimed in claim 31, wherein the training mat is
oriented such that the thickness of the training mat in a heel area
is greater than the thickness of the training mat in a toe area of
a user.
33. The use as claimed in claim 31, wherein the training mat is
oriented such that the thickness of the training mat in a heel area
is less than the thickness of the training mat in toe area of a
user.
34. The use as claimed in claim 31, wherein the training mat is
oriented such that the thickness of the training mat in an area of
a first foot is greater than the thickness of the training mat in
an area of a second foot of a user.
35. The use of at least two training mats as claimed in claim 31,
wherein at least two training mats are oriented differently.
36. An arrangement of at least two training mats as claimed in
claim 19, wherein at least two training mats are oriented
differently.
Description
[0001] The present invention relates to a training mat, an
arrangement of training mats, and a use of one or more training
mats, according to the preambles of the independent claims.
[0002] Various training mats are known from the prior art.
[0003] For example, WO 2008/087594 A1 discloses a fitness and
therapy mat for standing and walking This mat is flat, soft and
elastic, such that it allows a person to stand and walk on the mat
in a way that does not cause fatigue and that is gentle on the
joints.
[0004] US 2009/0192028 A1 discloses a yoga mat which, in particular
for various yoga exercises, simplifies posture and allows longer
periods of exercise by virtue of a more comfortable posture. This
mat has a wedge-shaped cross section and can be combined to give
different shapes.
[0005] DE 297 10 709 U1 discloses a seat wedge which serves in
particular for comfortable sitting and for improving the posture
when sitting. This seat wedge is made from multiple layers of
different foam materials and is accordingly expensive to produce.
The seat wedge has a lower layer that is made from a harder
material than the top layer.
[0006] All of the known mats have the disadvantage that either they
cannot be used in everyday situations or they do not allow muscle
relaxation with a simultaneous training effect to the extent
desired.
[0007] It is an object of the present invention to overcome the
disadvantages of the prior art. In particular, a training mat is to
be made available which, on the one hand, can be used in everyday
situations and, on the other hand, permits muscle relaxation with a
simultaneous training effect. This object is achieved by the
training mat according to independent claim 1, an arrangement of
training mats according to independent claim 18, and the use of a
training mat according to independent claim 13. Further embodiments
are set forth in the dependent claims.
[0008] A training mat according to the invention comprises an
integrally expanded plastics material, in particular consisting of
polyurethane. On what is a lower face during normal use, the
training mat has a support surface. On what is an upper face during
normal use, it has a standing surface. In addition, the training
mat has one or more side walls, which can be arranged approximately
perpendicular to the support surface. A cross-sectional surface,
particularly located in an area or partial area of the integrally
expanded plastics material, and arranged perpendicularly with
respect to the support surface, is configured in an approximately
wedge-shaped manner, such that the standing surface has a
slope.
[0009] Here, and in the text below, approximately perpendicular is
understood as an angle of 90.degree..+-.20.degree., in particular
of 90.degree..+-.10.degree.. Approximately in a wedge-shaped manner
is understood in particular as a wedge shape known per se with a
constant angle between the support surface and the standing
surface. Both the support surface and also the standing surface can
have a concave or convex curvature. It is likewise conceivable that
the standing surface is composed of a plurality of surfaces with
different angles. In addition, the wedge shape can be blunt at its
point, i.e. cut off. Thus, the standing surface and the support
surface do not directly intersect each other, but instead are
spaced apart from each other in every position. It is likewise
conceivable that the distance between support surface and standing
surface at the thinnest and/or the thickest location of the wedge
shape is continued farther in a constant manner, such that the
wedge shape has an extension piece. In addition, a shape is also
understood as wedge-shaped in which the standing surface
corresponds approximately to a wing profile.
[0010] An angle of slope is understood as the angle between the
support surface and the standing surface. If the support surface
and/or the standing surface is not an effective or plane surface,
then the angle of slope is understood as the angle that forms
between tangents applied on the two surfaces, at the center of said
surfaces.
[0011] By virtue of the fact that the training mat is composed of
an integrally expanded plastics material, it can be produced in a
particularly expedient manner. The plastic can be expanded directly
in a suitable mold or else can be cut out from, for example, a
square block. It has been found that polyurethane has advantageous
properties such as high tear strength and is permanently elastic.
In addition, expanded polyurethane has a high degree of resilience,
can be greatly compressed and is extremely durable. Similar
properties can, however, also be obtained with other expanded
plastics.
[0012] It has been found that a training mat with an approximately
wedge-shaped cross-sectional surface is particularly advantageous
if the training mat is used for standing or walking on the spot, in
particular for stamina training for the locomotor system, for
cosmetic build-up and modeling of the muscle mass, for increasing a
non-therapeutic capacity of the musculature, for increasing
fitness, for relaxing the musculature, for increasing the sense of
wellbeing, for cosmetic development of posture, and/or for cosmetic
development of the human body, in particular of the chest, abdomen,
legs and buttocks. Depending on the desired objective, the
wedge-shaped training mat can be oriented sloping upward from the
heel to the toes, from the toes to the heels, from left to right or
from right to left. Likewise, an arrangement of two or more
training mats can be combined with different orientations of the
individual training mats.
[0013] The training mat can have an angle of slope of between
4.degree. and 25.degree., in particular of between 6.degree. and
20.degree., preferably of between 8.degree. and 16.degree.. It has
been found that greater angles of slope are no longer found to be
comfortable and accordingly disincline a user from using the
training mat over a longer period of time. Similarly, the
abovementioned effect is not present, or present only to a lesser
extent, at smaller angles.
[0014] The training mat can have a roof shape with a ridge. The
training mat is thus designed with a wedge shape on two sides. The
angles of slope can be identical on both sides or can be
different.
[0015] The training mat can have an angle of slope of between
12.degree. and 60.degree., in particular of between 15.degree. and
40.degree., preferably of between 20.degree. and 30.degree.. By
means of such a shape, it is possible, for example, to stand with a
swaying motion on the ridge of one training mat with a roof shape
or of two training mats pushed together.
[0016] The plastics material can have an apparent density, measured
as per DIN EN ISO 845, of between 99 kg/m3 and 121 kg/m3, in
particular of between 104 kg/m3 and 116 kg/m3, preferably of
between 108 kg/m3 and 112 kg/m3. The air fraction in the expanded
plastics material is therefore correspondingly great, and, as a
result, the plastics material is very flexible and soft.
[0017] The plastics material can have a compressive strength or a
compressive stress at 40% compression, measured as per DIN EN ISO
3386-1, of between 15 kPa and 23 kPa, in particular of between 16.5
kPa and 21.5 kPa, preferably of between 18 kPa and 20 kPa. Harder
plastics materials are felt to be uncomfortable after a time and
fail to provide the desired training effect. A softer structure is
no longer suitable for standing on, since such a training mat is
easily pressed through.
[0018] The plastics material can have an air permeability, measured
as per DIN EN ISO 9237 at a test pressure of 200 Pa, of greater
than 10 l/m.sup.2 s, in particular of greater than 25 l/m.sup.2 s,
preferably of greater than 40 l/m.sup.2 s. Such an air permeability
has the effect that the air can escape from the foam when the
plastics material is pressed together, and only the plastics
material as such is responsible for the compression or the
compressive strength.
[0019] The plastics material can have a rebound resilience of
>35%, preferably of >45%, particularly preferably of >50%.
The rebound resilience is determined as follows: A ball with a
diameter of 40 mm and with a weight of 262 g is dropped from a
height of 1 m onto a plastics specimen with a thickness of 60 mm.
The plastics specimen has at least a surface area of 100
mm.times.100 mm and is arranged on a solid support such that the
ball impacts approximately at the center of the surface area. The
rebound resilience is the ratio of the rebound height to the drop
height of the ball, expressed as a percentage. Both the drop height
and also the rebound height are measured as the distance between
the underside of the ball and the upper face of the plastics
specimen. It should be noted that, in the case of plastics
specimens having a smaller thickness or less compressive strength,
it is necessary to use a ball with less weight, since otherwise the
ball crashes through the plastics specimen. The measured values
that are obtained with a lighter ball are not really comparable to
the measured values of said ball with a diameter of 40 mm and a
weight of 262 g. A high degree of rebound resilience gives a
pleasantly soft walking sensation when lifting the foot since the
foot rises as if from a trampoline. Independently of the step
frequency, an opposing force of the training mat is exerted on the
foot even during highly dynamic exercises.
[0020] The plastics material can have a tensile strength, measured
as per DIN EN ISO 1798, of at least 210 kPa, in particular of at
least 250 kPa, preferably of at least 290 kPa.
[0021] The plastics material can have an elongation at break,
measured as per DIN EN ISO 1798, of at least 126%, in particular of
at least 150%, preferably of at least 175%. A tensile strength and
elongation at break guarantee a robust training mat with durable
performance.
[0022] The training mat can have a thickness of at least 15 mm at
its thinnest location. The thinnest location is understood as the
location where the support surface and the standing surface come
closest to each other. By virtue of the fact that a thickness of at
least 15 mm is always guaranteed, it is possible to ensure that,
independently of the standing position of a user, the amount of
expanded foam material under the foot of the user is always at
least precisely such that the training mat has its resilient
property in each case. It is in particular possible to prevent a
situation where a foot or a part of a foot passes through the
training mat all the way to the floor located under the training
mat. It is also possible to prevent the formation of a sharp edge
susceptible to damage.
[0023] The training mat can have a thickness of at most 120 mm at
its thickest location. The thickest location is understood as the
location where the support surface and the standing surface are
spaced farthest apart from each other. The thickness is measured
perpendicular to the support surface. The maximum thickness of 120
mm minimizes the risk of accidents due to inadvertently stepping
down from the training mat or due to twisting the foot by only
partially stepping onto the training mat.
[0024] The training mat can be designed in the shape of a roof and
can have a ridge in the central area. In the area of the ridge, the
training mat can be made thicker than 120 mm, since an inclined
side face adjoins it on both sides. Thus, a maximum thickness of up
to 300 mm is conceivable for a training mat designed in the shape
of a roof.
[0025] The base of the training mat can have any desired shape, in
particular a square or a rectangular shape. Round shapes are also
conceivable. It has been found that the minimum surface area of the
training mat in the case of a square shape measures 400
mm.times.400 mm. Preferably, however, the square base has a
dimension of 500 mm.times.500 mm. Particularly in the case of
rectangular designs, dimensions of 500 mm.times.1,000 mm are
preferred. However, it is also conceivable for other dimensions to
be used. Thus, for example, a combination of two training mats each
of 250 mm.times.500 mm is conceivable, in which the two thin sides
or the two thick sides are oriented toward each other. In the case
of training mats with a rectangular base, the thin side or the
thick side is preferably arranged on a long side, such that the
wedge shape extends across the broad side.
[0026] The standing surface of the training mat can be provided
with graphic elements which, however, do not influence the stated
properties of the plastics material or do so only minimally. For
example, an optimal positioning of the feet can be printed onto the
standing surface. Alternatively, an entire training program can be
presented pictorially on the standing surface.
[0027] The surface of the training mat can be provided with a
special structure which, in addition to the stimulation of movement
through the soft plastics material, also actively stimulates the
blood circulation in the sole of the foot. Such a surface can be
obtained, for example, by a grain structure additionally applied to
the expanded plastics material or alternatively by means of a
suitably configured cover over the training mat. Such a cover
preferably has an elasticity and extensibility, such that the
aforementioned properties of the plastics material are influenced
only slightly, if at all. Such a cover can also be provided with
the graphic elements mentioned.
[0028] Alternatively or in addition to a cover, a protective layer
can also be applied directly to the plastics material. This
protective layer has a maximum thickness of 2 mm, preferably of 1
mm, particularly preferably of between 0.2 and 0.5 mm. The material
of the protective layer can be composed on an identical basis to
the plastics material of the training mat, or a completely
different material can be used. For example, PVC, rubber or a
textile fabric is suitable for this purpose. Such a protective
layer can be applied directly to the plastics material of the
training mat or can subsequently be connected to the training mat,
for example by adhesive bonding or by welding. It will be
appreciated that such a protective layer is also configured such
that the aforementioned properties of the plastics material are
influenced only slightly, if at all.
[0029] A use according to the invention of a wedge-shaped training
mat, in particular of a training mat as described above, for
standing or walking on the spot alternatively comprises one or more
of the following purposes: [0030] stamina training for the
locomotor system, [0031] cosmetic build-up and modeling of the
muscle mass, [0032] increasing a non-therapeutic capacity of the
musculature, [0033] increasing fitness, [0034] relaxing the
musculature, [0035] enhancing the sense of wellbeing, [0036]
cosmetic development of posture, [0037] cosmetic development of the
human body, in particular of the chest, abdomen, legs and
buttocks.
[0038] It has been found, for example, that standing or walking on
the spot for at least 5 minutes a day provides good stamina
training for the entire locomotor system. The decisive factor
leading to this training effect is the soft elastic property of the
expanded plastics material, which prevents static standing on the
foot. The user has to keep his feet and his locomotor system
constantly in motion and seek to maintain his balance. Stamina
training is thus completed unconsciously. As a result of the
constant and gentle training of the locomotor system, non-esthetic
postures can be prevented, and the posture can accordingly be
cosmetically developed. In addition, such training can increase the
non-therapeutic capacity of the musculature, in particular of the
deep musculature, and improve general fitness. Through the gentle
use of the musculature, deep relaxation can be achieved,
particularly if one lies down after such training The general sense
of wellbeing can be enhanced.
[0039] Through more prolonged use, it is even possible to
specifically build up and model the muscle mass.
[0040] The training mat can be oriented such that the thickness of
the training mat in a heel area is greater than the thickness of
the training mat in a toe area of a user. For example, muscle
tension in the region of the lumbar spine is relieved by such
positioning. In addition, the abdominal muscles are unconsciously
stressed and trained.
[0041] Correspondingly, the training mat can also be oriented such
that the thickness of the training mat in a heel area is less than
the thickness of the training mat in a toe area of a user. In this
way, the posterior muscle regions are stretched, in particular the
iliopsoas musculature. The thoracic spine straightens, which leads
to opening of the thoracic cage and to more relaxed breathing.
[0042] In a special use, the training mat can be oriented such that
the thickness of the training mat in an area of a first foot is
greater than the thickness of the training mat in an area of a
second foot of a user. Such an arrangement can, particularly with
alternating orientation, relieve tension in the muscles of the
back. For example, such an orientation is also ideal when the legs
are of different lengths, since the difference in length can be
compensated.
[0043] Through the use of two or more training mats arranged
alongside one another, with at least two training mats being
oriented differently, other forms of exercise or training can also
be achieved, for example targeted training of the muscles of the
plantar arch.
[0044] Through the use of a roof-shaped training mat or of two
training mats placed together at the thick side, the ridge, or the
resulting ridge, can be arranged in the metatarsal region of the
foot, such that a swaying motion is permitted. By means of the
permanent balancing, the coordination of different muscle groups is
improved. Combinations of the abovementioned training effects are
also possible, depending on whether the foot lies more to the front
of or to the rear of the ridge on the training mat.
[0045] The invention is explained in more detail below with
reference to figures which depict only illustrative embodiments and
in which:
[0046] FIG. 1 shows a view of a training mat according to the
invention in a first embodiment,
[0047] FIG. 2a shows a view of a training mat according to the
invention in a second embodiment, with a concave standing
surface,
[0048] FIG. 2b shows a view of a training mat according to the
invention in a third embodiment, with a convex standing
surface,
[0049] FIG. 3 shows a view of a training mat according to the
invention in a further embodiment, with a standing surface similar
to a wing profile,
[0050] FIG. 4 shows a view of a training mat according to the
invention in a further embodiment, with a standing surface having
continuations at the thinnest and the thickest location,
[0051] FIG. 5 shows a view of an arrangement according to the
invention with two training mats in a first embodiment,
[0052] FIG. 6a shows a view of an arrangement according to the
invention with two training mats in a second embodiment, and
[0053] FIG. 6b shows a view of an arrangement according to the
invention with two training mats in a third embodiment.
[0054] FIG. 1 shows a view of a training mat 1 according to the
invention in a first embodiment. The training mat 1 consists of an
expanded polyurethane and, during normal use, has a support surface
2 on its underside. The top is designed as a standing surface 3. A
person using the training mat stands with his feet on this standing
surface 3. In addition, the training mat shown has four side
surfaces 4, 4', 4'', 4''', which protrude at a right angle from the
support surface. The hatching indicates a cross-sectional surface 5
which has approximately a wedge shape. The cross-sectional surface
5 is not shaped to form a pointed wedge at the thinnest location 6
of the training mat 1; the point is instead cut off and ends in the
side surface 4'''. From its thinnest location 6 to the thickest
location 7, the training mat 1 has an angle of slope .alpha., which
measures a constant 8.5.degree.. It will be appreciated that other
angles of slope are also possible. The support surface of the
training mat is square with a side length of 400 mm. In addition,
the thickness of the training mat varies between 20 mm and 80 mm
between its thinnest location 6 and the thickest location 7.
[0055] FIGS. 2a and 2b each show a view of a training mat 1
according to the invention in a further embodiment, respectively
with a concave standing surface 3 and with a convex standing
surface 3. Both training mats 1 have an angle of slope .alpha.
which measures 8.5.degree.. The angle of slope .alpha. is in each
case measured in the central area between the thinnest location and
the thickest location of the training mat 1 at a tangent to the
standing surface 3. The effective angle of slope can be varied
depending on the position of the user.
[0056] FIG. 3 shows a view of a training mat 1 according to the
invention in a further embodiment, with a standing surface 3 which
is designed like a wing profile. As has already been described with
reference to FIGS. 2a and 2b, the angle of slope .alpha. is
measured at a tangent in the central area of the training mat 1. In
the case of a standing surface 3 with approximately the profile of
a wing, a particularly large number of possible variations are
available to the user through a suitable choice of position. Thus,
for example, besides the purely sloping variation, a position can
also be adopted in which only the heel of the user sinks into the
plastics material of the training mat 1, while the toes are held
free in the air.
[0057] FIG. 4 shows a view of a training mat 1 according to the
invention in a further embodiment, with a standing surface 3 having
continuations 8 at the thinnest location 6 and the thickest
location 7. It will be appreciated here that these continuations 8
are not only able to extend parallel to the support surface 2 but
can also extend at another angle.
[0058] The embodiments shown in FIGS. 1 to 4 all have an angle of
slope .alpha. in just one direction, i.e. parallel to a side
surface. However, it is also conceivable that the training mat
according to the invention has an angle of slope in a diagonal
direction for example. Such a training mat could, for example, run
to a point at the thickest location.
[0059] FIG. 5 shows a view of an arrangement according to the
invention with two training mats 1, 1' in a first embodiment. Here,
the two training mats 1, 1' are oriented with respect to each other
such that the two training mats touch each other at their thickest
locations 7, 7'. Alternatively, the training mats 1, 1' can also be
arranged such that they touch each other at the thinnest locations
6, 6'. This arrangement is shown in FIG. 6a.
[0060] FIG. 6b shows a view of an arrangement according to the
invention with two training mats 1, 1' in a further embodiment, in
which the training mats 1, 1' do not touch each other via a side
surface at the thickest or thinnest location, but instead via a
side surface arranged between these side surfaces. Thus, for
example, one foot of a user can stand on an upwardly sloping
standing surface 3, while the second foot is positioned on a
downwardly sloping standing surface 3'.
[0061] It will be appreciated that the training mats 1, 1' do not
necessarily have to touch each other. It is also conceivable that
the training mats 1, 1' are arranged at a distance from each other.
The distance between them can be deliberately left empty or can
alternatively be filled with a suitable intermediate piece.
* * * * *