U.S. patent application number 14/298840 was filed with the patent office on 2015-01-15 for yoga mat.
The applicant listed for this patent is Balanced Path, LLC. Invention is credited to Blaire Foubister, James Foubister.
Application Number | 20150013066 14/298840 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 52275922 |
Filed Date | 2015-01-15 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150013066 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Foubister; Blaire ; et
al. |
January 15, 2015 |
Yoga Mat
Abstract
The invention is directed toward an improved yoga mat for use on
uneven surfaces and outdoors. The invention is a yoga mat
comprising a top layer of pliable material, a bottom layer of
pliable material, and a plurality of rigid slats positioned between
the top layer of pliable material and the bottom layer of pliable
material. The rigid slats are composed of bamboo and the pliable
material is thermoplastic elastomer. In another embodiment of the
invention, a plurality of rigid slats are positioned along the
width of the yoga mat and a plurality of rigid slats are positioned
along the length of the yoga mat. In another embodiment of the
invention the yoga mat comprises a plurality of rigid slats encased
in a continuous pliable surface material. The rigid slats prevent
the yoga mat from slipping when used outdoors or on an uneven
surface.
Inventors: |
Foubister; Blaire; (Tampa,
FL) ; Foubister; James; (Tampa, FL) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Balanced Path, LLC |
Tampa |
FL |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
52275922 |
Appl. No.: |
14/298840 |
Filed: |
June 6, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61832281 |
Jun 7, 2013 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
5/417 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47G 27/0237
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
5/417 |
International
Class: |
A47G 9/06 20060101
A47G009/06 |
Claims
1. A yoga mat comprising A top layer of pliable material A bottom
layer of pliable material A plurality of rigid slats positioned
between said top layer of pliable material and said bottom layer of
pliable material.
2. The yoga mat as in claim 1 Wherein each of said plurality of
rigid slats are rectangular in shape Wherein the width of each
rigid slat is no less than 0.5 inches and no more than 1.5 inches
Wherein said plurality of rigid slats extend to within 0.25 inches
to 1.5 inches from the lateral edge of said yoga mat.
3. The yoga mat as in claim 2 Wherein the thickness of said
plurality of rigid slats is no less than 2 millimeters and no more
than 4 millimeters.
4. The yoga mat as in claim 3 Wherein the thickness of said top
layer of pliable material is no less than 2 millimeters and no more
than 4 millimeters Wherein the thickness of said bottom layer of
pliable material is no less than 1 millimeter and no more than 3
millimeters.
5. The yoga mat as in claim 4 Wherein said plurality of rigid slats
are composed of bamboo Wherein said pliable material is a
thermoplastic elastomer.
6. The yoga mat as in claim 5 Wherein said top layer of pliable
material and said bottom layer of pliable material are adhered to
said plurality of rigid slats by means of an adhesive.
7. The yoga mat as in claim 6 Wherein the exterior surfaces of said
top layer of pliable material and said bottom layer of pliable
material are textured surfaces.
8. The yoga mat as in claim 5 Wherein said top layer of pliable
material and said bottom layer of pliable material are adhered to
said plurality of rigid slats by means of heat lamination.
9. The yoga mat as in claim 1 Wherein the thickness of said top
layer of pliable material is no less than 2 millimeters and no more
than 4 millimeters Wherein the thickness of said bottom layer of
pliable material is no less than 1 millimeter and no more than 3
millimeters.
10. The yoga mat as in claim 1 Wherein the thickness of said
plurality of rigid slats is no less than 2 millimeters and no more
than 4 millimeters.
11. The yoga mat as in claim 1 Wherein said plurality of rigid
slats are composed of bamboo.
12. The yoga mat as in claim 1 Wherein said plurality of rigid
slats are composed of a thermoplastic.
13. The yoga mat as in claim 1 Wherein said pliable material is
thermoplastic elastomer.
14. The yoga mat as in claim 1 Wherein said top layer of pliable
material and said bottom layer of pliable material are adhered to
said plurality of rigid slats by means of an adhesive.
15. The yoga mat as in claim 1 Wherein said top layer of pliable
material and said bottom layer of pliable material are adhered to
said plurality of rigid slats by means of heat lamination.
16. The yoga mat as in claim 1 Wherein a plurality of rigid slats
are positioned along the width of said yoga mat Wherein a plurality
of rigid slats are positioned along the length of said yoga
mat.
17. The yoga mat as in claim 17 Wherein the thickness of said
plurality of rigid slats is no less than 2 millimeters and no more
than 4 millimeters Wherein the thickness of said top layer of
pliable material is no less than 2 millimeters and no more than 4
millimeters Wherein the thickness of said bottom layer of pliable
material is no less than 1 millimeter and no more than 3
millimeters Wherein said pliable material is thermoplastic
elastomer.
18. A yoga mat comprising A plurality of rigid slats A continuous
pliable surface material Wherein said plurality of rigid slats are
encased in said continuous pliable surface material.
19. The yoga mat as in claim 18 Wherein a plurality of rigid slats
are positioned along the width of said yoga mat Wherein a plurality
of rigid slats are positioned along the length of said yoga
mat.
20. The yoga mat as in claim 18 Wherein each of said plurality of
rigid slats are rectangular in shape Wherein the thickness of said
plurality of rigid slats is no less than 2 millimeters and no more
than 4 millimeters Wherein the width of each rigid slat is no less
than 0.5 inches and no more than 1.5 inches Wherein said plurality
of rigid slats extend to within 0.25 inches to 1.5 inches from the
lateral edge of said yoga mat Wherein said pliable material is
thermoplastic elastomer.
Description
PRIORITY
[0001] This application claims benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application No. 61/832,281 filed on Jun. 7, 2013, which is
incorporated herein in its entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates generally to accessories used during
yoga and more specifically to a yoga mat having a plurality of firm
slats to provide rigidity to the yoga mat.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] "Yoga" refers to the practice of Asana or the physical
postures of yoga. "Yoga mats" are also commonly used as general
exercise mats in gyms and outdoor activities. Yoga itself may be
performed in any environment including the studio, gym, home, or
outdoors. In recent years the popularity of performing yoga
outdoors has dramatically increased and the present invention seeks
to design a mat well suited for use in outdoor exercise and
specifically outdoor yoga practice.
[0004] Yoga is a physical practice that is performed in various
positions such as standing, sitting, or lying down. This form of
exercise is intended to focus on gaining strength, balance, and
flexibility of the body by flowing between and holding specific
postures. Yoga is traditionally performed on a yoga mat. These mats
were originally constructed of jute, animal's skin, or cotton.
Modern yoga mats are constructed of materials such as polyvinyl
chloride (PVC), thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), PER (Polymer
Environmental Resin), Ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA), or various
forms of natural or synthetic rubber. Each of these provides a
different level of traction, cushioning, and durability specific to
that material.
[0005] Although it is possible to perform yoga without a mat, the
use of a mat can provide a more stable base for postures such as
downward dog or warrior poses where the practitioner needs to apply
pressure through the feet and/or hands on the mat in opposing
directions. Without a mat, this would lead to instability and
slipping. The yoga mat also provides cushioning on hard or uneven
surfaces that could be uncomfortable otherwise.
[0006] Current mats on the market are not suited to outdoor use.
When you place one of these mats on an uneven surface such as deep
grass or sand, the mat conforms to the weight of the practitioner,
sinking into the surface, and surrounding the body part in contact
with the ground. With each movement of the body, the mat can bunch
up or move, thus preventing the practitioner from smoothly and
easily transitioning between poses, inhibiting the practice. It
also inhibits proper alignment in a posture by restricting the
ability to adjust the points of contact within a pose. Furthermore,
with the mat conformed around the contact surface of the body, this
greatly increases the instability when performing balancing
postures.
[0007] In the current market there is a need for an exercise mat
that would be able to provide a more stable surface on uneven
outdoor terrain to avoid the pitfalls described above.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] The invention is directed toward an improved yoga mat for
use on uneven surfaces and outdoors. The invention is a yoga mat
comprising a top layer of pliable material, a bottom layer of
pliable material, and a plurality of rigid slats positioned between
the top layer of pliable material and the bottom layer of pliable
material. Furthermore, each of the plurality of rigid slats may be
rectangular in shape, the width of each rigid slat may be no less
than 0.5 inches and no more than 1.5 inches, and the plurality of
rigid slats may extend to within 0.25 inches to 1.5 inches from the
lateral edge of the yoga mat. Additionally, the thickness of the
plurality of rigid slats may be no less than 2 millimeters and no
more than 4 millimeters. Furthermore, the thickness of the top
layer of pliable material may be no less than 2 millimeters and no
more than 4 millimeters and the thickness of the bottom layer of
pliable material may be no less than 1 millimeter and no more than
3 millimeters. The plurality of rigid slats may be composed of
bamboo and the pliable material may be a thermoplastic elastomer.
The top layer of pliable material and the bottom layer of pliable
material may be adhered to the plurality of rigid slats by means of
an adhesive. The exterior surfaces of the top layer of pliable
material and the bottom layer of pliable material may have textured
surfaces. The top layer of pliable material and the bottom layer of
pliable material may be adhered to the plurality of rigid slats by
means of heat lamination. The thickness of the plurality of rigid
slats may be no less than 2 millimeters and no more than 4
millimeters. The plurality of rigid slats may be composed of bamboo
or a thermoplastic. The pliable material may be thermoplastic
elastomer.
[0009] In another embodiment of the invention, a plurality of rigid
slats are positioned along the width of the yoga mat and a
plurality of rigid slats are positioned along the length of the
yoga mat. In this embodiment, the thickness of the plurality of
rigid slats may be no less than 2 millimeters and no more than 4
millimeters, the thickness of the top layer of pliable material may
be no less than 2 millimeters and no more than 4 millimeters, and
the thickness of the bottom layer of pliable material may be no
less than 1 millimeter and no more than 3 millimeters. The pliable
material may be thermoplastic elastomer.
[0010] In another embodiment of the invention the yoga mat
comprises a plurality of rigid slats and a continuous pliable
surface material. The plurality of rigid slats are encased in the
continuous pliable surface material. In another version of this
embodiment, a plurality of rigid slats are positioned along the
width of the yoga mat and a plurality of rigid slats are positioned
along the length of the yoga mat. Alternatively, in another version
of this embodiment, the plurality of rigid slats are rectangular in
shape, the thickness of the plurality of rigid slats is no less
than 2 millimeters and no more than 4 millimeters, the width of
each rigid slat is no less than 0.5 inches and no more than 1.5
inches, and the plurality of rigid slats extend to within 0.25
inches to 1.5 inches from the edge of the yoga mat. The pliable
material may be thermoplastic elastomer.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] FIG. 1 is a top view of the yoga mat.
[0012] FIG. 2 is a side view of the yoga mat.
[0013] FIG. 3 is a side view of another embodiment of the yoga
mat.
[0014] FIG. 4 is a top view of another embodiment of the yoga
mat.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] Although the present invention will be described with
reference to the exemplary embodiments shown in the drawings, it
should be understood that the present invention can be embodied in
many alternate forms or embodiments. In addition, any suitable
size, shape or type of elements or materials could be used.
[0016] The applicant's invention comprises an exercise mat
specifically suited for outdoor exercise and specifically yoga
practice. FIG. 1 displays a top view of the yoga mat 100 cut away
to view the internal structure of the yoga mat 100. The yoga mat
100 is comprised of a pliable material 10 and a plurality of slats
20. In the preferred embodiment of the yoga mat 100 the slats 20
are sandwiched between two layers of pliable material 10. The
pliable material 10 may be any natural or synthetic material which
may fold, roll, and bend, without tearing or ripping. The pliable
material 10 may be constructed of natural or synthetic rubber,
silicone, foam material, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), thermoplastic
elastomer (TPE), PER (Polymer Environmental Resin), or
Ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA). In some embodiments the pliable
material 10 may be a scrim of fabric such as cotton or other
lightweight fabric material. When the rubber or foam material
contacts the ground, the pliable material 10 provides traction to
prevent slippage. The slats 20 are composed of a rigid material.
The slats may be any rigid material such as bamboo, wood, cork,
plastic, or metal. The rigidity of the slats 20 permit an even
distribution of body weight over the surface of the yoga mat 100.
This will maintain stability of the surface preventing the yoga mat
100 from moving around under the weight of the practitioner,
allowing smooth transitional movements and improved balance during
poses.
[0017] Referring to FIG. 2, a side view of the yoga mat 100 is
displayed. The yoga mat 100 is constructed to have three layers.
The top layer and bottom layer are formed of the pliable material
10. The middle layer is formed of the slats 20. The slats 20 are
positioned consecutively side by side along the length of the yoga
mat 100. The slats 20 are positioned longitudinally across the
width of the yoga mat 100. In the preferred embodiment the slats 20
do not extend to the edges of the yoga mat 100 but are surrounded
by the pliable material. In other embodiments the slats 20 extend
to the edges of the yoga mat 100. The layers may be of any
thickness. In the preferred embodiment the thickness of the top
layer may range from 2 mm to 4 mm. In the preferred embodiment, the
slats 20 range in thickness from 2 mm to 4 mm. In the preferred
embodiment, the bottom layer may range in thickness from 1 mm to 3
mm. The layers may be adhered together in any manner. In the
preferred embodiment, the layers are adhered together using heat
lamination or adhesive. Alternatively the yoga mat 100 may be
constructed by injection molding the pliable material around the
slats 20.
[0018] The slats 20 may be of any size and shape. In the preferred
embodiment the slats are rectangular in shape. In the preferred
embodiment the slats 20 range from 0.5 inches to 1.5 inches in
width and the slats extend to within 0.25 inches to 1.5 inches away
from the edge of the yoga mat 100. The slats 20 provide a stability
to the yoga mat 100.
[0019] Referring to FIG. 3, an alternative embodiment of the yoga
mat 100 is displayed. In this embodiment, the slats 20 are not
positioned continuously side by side but are spaced apart to permit
the pliable material 10 to pass between the slats 20.
[0020] In other embodiments, the slats 20 may be other shapes and
sizes, as displayed in FIG. 4. The slats 20 may be shaped as
squares, rectangles, triangles, trapezoids, circles, or ovals
aligned in rows. The smaller shaped slats 20 permits the yoga mat
100 more flexibility transversely while maintaining stability. The
smaller shaped slats 20 may be spaced apart or positioned
continuously side by side.
[0021] In some embodiments of the invention the exterior surface of
the top and/or bottom layer may have a textured pattern to provide
additional friction and decrease slippage during use of the yoga
mat 100. Alternatively an additional layer of fabric may be added
to the surface of the top and/or bottom layer for this same
purpose.
* * * * *