U.S. patent application number 16/000817 was filed with the patent office on 2019-01-10 for anti-fatique comfort mat.
The applicant listed for this patent is Mark W. Publicover. Invention is credited to Mark W. Publicover.
Application Number | 20190008302 16/000817 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 64903698 |
Filed Date | 2019-01-10 |
View All Diagrams
United States Patent
Application |
20190008302 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Publicover; Mark W. |
January 10, 2019 |
ANTI-FATIQUE COMFORT MAT
Abstract
Disclosed is a standing platform having granular material, such
as sand, with the granular material positioned to support a user
standing on an upper surface of the platform when the platform
rests on a floor surface.
Inventors: |
Publicover; Mark W.;
(Saratoga, CA) |
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Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Publicover; Mark W. |
Saratoga |
CA |
US |
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|
Family ID: |
64903698 |
Appl. No.: |
16/000817 |
Filed: |
June 5, 2018 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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15437349 |
Feb 20, 2017 |
10045647 |
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16000817 |
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PCT/US2016/029618 |
Apr 27, 2016 |
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15437349 |
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62515483 |
Jun 5, 2017 |
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62565060 |
Sep 28, 2017 |
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62245268 |
Oct 22, 2015 |
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62211856 |
Aug 30, 2015 |
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62182429 |
Jun 19, 2015 |
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62153505 |
Apr 27, 2015 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47G 27/0231
20130101 |
International
Class: |
A47G 27/02 20060101
A47G027/02 |
Claims
1. A standing platform, comprising: a container having an inner
surface that defines a receptacle; and a volume of a granular
material contained within the receptacle, wherein the location and
amount of the granular material are sufficient for the granular
material to support a user standing on the platform when the
platform rests on a floor surface.
2. The standing platform of claim 1 wherein: the container
comprises an envelope having an inner surface that defines a
chamber; and the volume of a granular material contained within the
chamber, an upper portion of the envelope is an upper membrane that
is flexible, the envelope has an envelope upper surface that is a
portion of the upper membrane, at least a portion of the envelope
upper surface is located over the volume of granular material when
the platform rests on a floor surface, and the location and amount
of the granular material are sufficient for the granular material
to support a user standing on the upper surface when the platform
rests on a floor surface.
3. The standing platform of claim 2 wherein the envelope is
sufficiently nonporous to prevent the escape of granular material
from the chamber.
4. The standing platform of claim 2 wherein the envelope further
comprises a lower membrane, the upper membrane and lower membranes
being secured together at a perimeter seam to define the
cavity.
5. The standing platform of claim 2 wherein the granular material
is distributed in a layer of substantially uniform thickness
throughout the envelope.
6. The standing platform of claim 2 having: a length, measured
across a greatest span of the upper surface, that is perpendicular
to a greatest width measured across the upper surface, the length
being no longer than 39 inches and no shorter than 16 inches; and
the greatest width being no longer than 25 inches.
7. The standing platform of claim 2 further comprising a base and
wherein: the base has a base upper surface that faces upwardly when
the base rests on a floor surface and a base lower surface that
faces substantially opposite to the base upper surface, the base
lower surface contacting the floor surface when the base rests on
the floor surface; and the envelope has an envelope lower surface
that rests on the base.
8. The standing platform of claim 7 wherein the envelope lower
surface is secured to the base upper surface.
9. The standing platform of claim 2 further comprising: a base
having a base upper surface that faces upwardly when the base rests
on a floor surface and a base lower surface that faces
substantially opposite to the base upper surface, the base lower
surface contacting the floor surface when the base rests on the
floor surface; and a pad that rests on the base upper surface, and
wherein the envelope has an envelope lower surface that rests on
the pad.
10. The standing platform of claim 9 wherein the pad is a foam pad
or a gel pad.
11. The standing platform of claim 9 wherein the pad is secured to
both the envelope lower surface and the base upper surface.
12. The standing platform of claim 9 wherein the base is an
inflatable bladder.
13. The standing platform of claim 9 wherein the base lower surface
is convex so that when the platform rests on a floor surface with a
user standing on the upper surface, the user can cause the standing
platform to rock by shifting weight.
14. The standing platform of claim 9 wherein the base upper surface
defines a seat that is configured to receive the envelope.
15. The standing platform of claim 14 wherein: the standing
platform comprises plural of the envelopes; and the base upper
surface defines plural seats, each of which seats is configured to
receive one of the envelopes.
16. The standing platform of any of claim 7 wherein the base
further comprises at least two terrain bodies that extend upwardly
from the base upper surface at locations below the envelope.
17. The standing platform of claim 1 further comprising at least
one inclusion body contained within the chamber.
18. The standing platform of claim 17 wherein the at least one
inclusion body is secured to the inner surface of the envelope.
19. The standing platform of claim 17 wherein the at least one
inclusion body is not secured to the inner surface of the
envelope.
20. The standing platform of claim 17 wherein: the at least one
inclusion body is a pouch; and the pouch contains a granular
material that differs from other granular material in the
chamber.
21. (canceled)
22. (canceled)
23. (canceled)
24. (canceled)
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.
62/515,483, filed Jun. 5, 2017, and U.S. Provisional Application
No. 62/565,060, filed Sep. 28, 2017.
[0002] This is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No.
15/437,349, filed Feb. 20, 2017, which is a continuation of
International Application No. PCT/US2016/029618, filed Apr. 27,
2016, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.
62/245,268, filed Oct. 22, 2015, U.S. Provisional Application No.
62/211,856, filed Aug. 30, 2015, U.S. Provisional Application No.
62/182,429, filed Jun. 19, 2015, and U.S. Provisional Application
No. 62/153,505, filed Apr. 27, 2015.
[0003] All of the above-named applications are incorporated herein
by reference in their entireties.
SUMMARY
[0004] Disclosed is a standing platform containing sand or sand
like material. Said mat may be of any polygon or shape and any
perimeter shape, coupled to the top, bottom or base side of any
standing platform of any polygon or three dimensional shape and any
perimeter shape or outline. The sand material mat may be sized and
shaped to follow the contours of any device to which it is
attached. Said standing platform containing a sand mat will
generally contact the ground surface which in turn permits
predetermined movement profiles. Also disclosed is a platform FIGS.
1A-7D disclose multiple versions of this concept. With the
disclosed engineered and tested sand levels, a standing user is
able to control the quantity and comfort beneath their feet while
standing on the top surface of the sand mat, whether coupled to
another standing platform, or alone, without being coupled to
another platform. Various materials may be used in concert with the
sand layer in the types and versions discussed in this disclosure
to improve or alter the feeling under foot.
[0005] Disclosed is a device that provides increased safety for a
standing user. First, standing on a sand based layer helps secure
and stabilize the foot from slipping easily on or off of a standing
platform or surface. This is especially true if that standing
surface is unstable, either by design or inadvertence. Secondly, a
sand based surface slows the reactivity of a standing platform that
moves, such as a rocking board or other type of instability board
or platform. This quality is especially beneficial to users who
lack balance, either by age or physical condition. A sand based
surface helps stabilize the feet and slows the speed at which a
user's foot movement energy is transferred to a standing platform,
thus dampening excessive speed of movement. The movement on such a
board is slower and more muted because a user's foot pressure and
movement energy is dampened as that energy is transferred through
the sand layer to a standing platform to which the sand surface
layer is attached. The sand containing layer may be placed directly
underfoot, which is the most desirable because of the feel
underfoot, but may also be coupled to a board in concert with other
layers, such as foam or other resilient material. If the sand layer
is placed in direct contact with the ground, then movement of the
board is diminished due to the stabilizing influence of a sand
base. Multiple layers of sand containing sheets (sand filled
containers that are generally horizontal and flat of various depths
or thicknesses) could be used together on a single standing
platform. For example, a sheet of sand could be placed on the
surface where a user's feet are in direct contact, but a second
sand sheet could be placed closer to the ground surface between
other layers of foam or other material. Although not in direct
contact with a user's feet, the other sand sheet will help soften
the overall feel of the board to the user, and help modulate and
delay reactivity of an unstable platform such as a rocker or
instability board.
[0006] Being barefoot on sand has its appeal, but it also has many
possible health benefits. There are several reasons why standing on
sand is beneficial: First, one experiences improved Proprioception.
Proprioception--a favorite term among barefoot runners and fans of
minimal shoes--is defined as the ability to sense stimuli arising
within the body regarding position, motion, and equilibrium.
Basically, good proprioception means your mind is in touch with the
stimuli coming from your feet, which helps you connect with the
world around you. While thickly-padded conventional mats can numb
this ability, standing on a sand-based surface separately, or in
concert with a standing platform while barefoot or in stocking feet
is an extremely beneficial way to tap into this effect. A person
has between 3,000-7,000 nerve endings in each foot. Feeling the
sand grains under the sensitive part of your arch or between your
toes is comfortable and stimulating. Also, sand acts as a natural
cushion for feet, and one that people immediately recognize and
associate with being at the beach. This in turn can increase a
sense of well-being because of the positive association.
[0007] The sand may be secured, housed or otherwise contained in
materials of varying thickness. For example, to increase the
likelihood of feeling improved Proprioception, a very thin top
layer over the sand may be employed; so that the user's feet
maximize the beneficial feeling of sand underfoot without allowing
the sand to escape. The foot contact material separating the sand
from the user's foot may be made of a stretchier or more elastic
material, to more closely achieve a feeling of direct contact with
sand underfoot. In areas where foot contact is not anticipated, the
material can be thicker and made more durable to increase the
overall strength of the sand containing envelope.
[0008] The sand containing envelope may be removable from a
standing platform to which it is compatible or attachable. For
example, the design shown in FIG. 4 is one way to express this
concept. 401 may be nested into a standing platform designed to
receive and secure (either by simple tension, or attachment or
coupling), a sand containing envelope. A user may remove or
otherwise detach the sand layer from the rest of the standing
platform in order to be used separately. Some users may suffer from
balance issues due to medical conditions such as diabetes or age,
or other conditions that results in inhibited balance while
standing. They may utilize the sand mat without it being attached
to an elevated board or instability board. The result is a
weighted, steady and more secure platform on which they may stand,
that still provides safer method to provide positive stimulation
underfoot.
[0009] The sand containing layer may be of varying thicknesses
ranging from a very thin 1 millimeter to a relatively thick 77
millimeters. Thicknesses greater than 51 millimeters result in a
heavier surface that becomes more difficult to move for some due to
the additional weight. In such cases, portability of the surface
can suffer. Any thicker and the weight and height of the sand can
become counterproductive to balance and safety for some users.
Optimally, the range will likely vary somewhere between 2
millimeters and 51 millimeters. The sand contained within the layer
may possess various properties and types to improve or alter the
feeling underfoot; or to change its properties, and dynamics. For
example, the sand may be composed of a portion of coarse sand and
fine sand in varied combinations. The sand may contain non-sand
bodies such as beads or balls of plastic, wood, metal or other
materials that vary in firmness so that they may range from soft to
hard, and may vary in any three-dimensional shape to stimulate the
feeling and comfort underfoot and to alter and fine tune desired
characteristics. The non-sand materials contained within the sand
layer may comprise any percentage of the material in the layer so
that sand is the majority component or the minority component in
any combination or percentage. The size of both the sand granules
and other non-sand materials may vary as well.
[0010] If one's feet are confined in tight or constricting shoes
all day, then removing them from constricting shoes during
standing, and letting toes move and stretch out, naturally provides
relief to one's feet. Sand conforms to feet without restricting
them, so it's almost like a standing foot massage, meaning one gets
the added benefit of the sand pressing, rubbing and otherwise
stimulating (through the containing layer) the soles of their feet,
which in turn activates venous and lymphatic circulation. To adjust
the feel of sand underfoot, one naturally "works" or presses their
foot deeper into the sand based surface, which in turn stimulates
muscle action, tendon extension and overall foot exercise and
manipulation. This natural activity stimulates muscles, and
improves blood flow in the feet and adjacent appendages,
contributing to improved overall feeling and alertness.
[0011] A study from the University of Exeter suggested that people
who spent more time on beaches had less stress and better overall
health. Another, more esoteric benefit is called grounding or
"Earthing". The theory behind grounding, also known as earthing, is
that electrical energy from the earth can be absorbed through your
feet when you walk or stand barefoot on sand and lead to a
multitude of health benefits. Even if one takes such a theory as
dubious, there is no denying that feeling sand mold underfoot is a
pleasurable and stimulating activity that would be desirable during
a long day at the office. According to a study from the University
of Gothenburg in Sweden, staying constantly plugged into electrical
devices has been associated with stress, loss of sleep and
depression. The disclosed device and its variants help achieve
these benefits for a standing worker in the office environment
where a standing desk is employed, or in any other environment
where a person is required to stand for periods of time.
DRAWING DESCRIPTIONS
[0012] FIG. 1A is a front view of an air platform with a sand mat
attached on top.
[0013] FIG. 1B is a side cross section view of an air platform with
a sand mat attached on top.
[0014] FIG. 1C is a detailed side cross section view of an air
platform with a sand mat attached on top.
[0015] FIG. 1D is an upper angled view of an air platform with a
sand mat attached on top.
[0016] FIG. 1E is an exploded upper angle view of an air platform
with a sand mat attached on top.
[0017] FIG. 2A is a front view of a rocking platform with a sand
mat on top.
[0018] FIG. 2B is a side cross section view of a rocking platform
with a sand mat on top.
[0019] FIG. 2C is a detailed side cross section view of a rocking
platform with a sand mat on top.
[0020] FIG. 2D is an upper angled view of a rocking platform with a
sand mat on top.
[0021] FIG. 2E is an exploded upper angled view of a rocking
platform with a sand mat on top.
[0022] FIG. 2F is a side cross section view of a rocking platform
with a thin sand mat on top.
[0023] FIG. 2G is a side cross section view of a rocking platform
with a thicker sand mat on top.
[0024] FIG. 2H is a side cross section view of a rocking platform
with a medium thickness sand mat on top with a foam mat in between
it and the rockable platform.
[0025] FIG. 3A is a top view of a sand filled mat that has solid
features inside of it.
[0026] FIG. 3B is a side view of a sand filled mat that has solid
features inside of it.
[0027] FIG. 3C is a front cross section view of a sand filled mat
that has solid features inside of it.
[0028] FIG. 3D is an isometric view of a sand filled mat that has
solid features inside of it.
[0029] FIG. 4A is a top view of a foam mat with a recessed sand
mat.
[0030] FIG. 4B is a front view of a foam mat with a recessed sand
mat.
[0031] FIG. 4C is a side cross section view of a foam mat with a
recessed sand mat.
[0032] FIG. 4D is a detailed side cross section view of a foam mat
with a recessed sand mat.
[0033] FIG. 4E is an isometric view of a foam mat with a recessed
sand mat.
[0034] FIG. 5A is an exploded upper angled view of a mat with a
textured surface sand mat.
[0035] FIG. 5B is an upper angled view of a mat with a textured
surface with a sand mat nested on it.
[0036] FIG. 5C is a front view of a mat with a textured surface
with a sand mat nested on it.
[0037] FIG. 5D is a side cross section view of a mat with a
textured surface with a sand mat nested on it.
[0038] FIG. 5A is an angled upper view of a base mat and a sand mat
next to it
[0039] FIG. 5B is an angled upper view of a sand mat placed inside
of a base mat.
[0040] FIG. 5C is a front view of the sand mat nested inside a base
mat.
[0041] FIG. 5D is a side cross section view of the sand mat nested
inside a base mat pressed or coupled to raised bump features at or
near the bottom of the sand mat.
[0042] FIG. 6A is a top view of a multi-layer sand board.
[0043] FIG. 6B is a front view of a multi-layer sand board.
[0044] FIG. 6C is a side cross section view of a multi-layer sand
board.
[0045] FIG. 6D is a side detailed cross section view of a
multi-layer sand board.
[0046] FIG. 6E is an isometric view of a multi-layer sand
board.
[0047] FIG. 7A is a top view of a partitioned sand platform with
vertical baffles.
[0048] FIG. 7B is a front cross section view of a partitioned sand
platform with vertical baffles.
[0049] FIG. 7C is a top view of a partitioned sand platform with
vertical wave baffles.
[0050] FIG. 7D is a front cross section view of a partitioned sand
platform with vertical wave baffles.
[0051] FIG. 7E is a top view of a partitioned sand platform with
vertical hourglass baffles.
[0052] FIG. 7F is a front cross section view of a partitioned sand
platform with vertical hourglass baffles.
[0053] FIG. 7G is a top view of a partitioned sand platform with
foot conforming baffles.
[0054] FIG. 7H is a side cross section view of a partitioned sand
platform with foot conforming baffles.
[0055] FIG. 7I is a top view of a partitioned sand platform with
horizontal baffles.
[0056] FIG. 7J is a side cross section view of a partitioned sand
platform with horizontal baffles.
[0057] FIG. 7K is a top view of a partitioned sand platform with
concentric baffles.
[0058] FIG. 7L is a side cross section view of a partitioned sand
platform with concentric baffles.
[0059] FIG. 8A is a top view of a platform filled with a granular
material of different particle size.
[0060] FIG. 8B is a side view of a platform filled with a granular
material of different particle size.
[0061] FIG. 8C is a front cross section view of a platform filled
with a granular material of different particle size.
[0062] FIG. 8D is a detailed front cross section view of a platform
filled with a granular material of different particle size.
[0063] FIG. 9A is a top view of a connected dual pad platform
filled with a granular material.
[0064] FIG. 9B is a front view of a connected dual pad platform
filled with a granular material.
[0065] FIG. 9C is an isometric view of a connected dual pad
platform filled with a granular material.
[0066] FIG. 9D is a top view of a connected dual oval pad platform
filled with a granular material.
[0067] FIG. 9E is a front view of a connected dual oval pad
platform filled with a granular material.
[0068] FIG. 9F is an isometric view of a connected dual oval pad
platform filled with a granular material.
[0069] FIG. 10A is a top view of a foam standing pad with
integrated granular filled inserts.
[0070] FIG. 10B is a front cross section view of a foam standing
pad with integrated granular filled inserts.
[0071] FIG. 10C is an isometric view of a foam standing pad with
integrated granular filled inserts.
[0072] FIG. 11A is a top view of a granular filled standing pad
with fixed internal bumps.
[0073] FIG. 11B is a side cross section view of a granular filled
standing pad with fixed internal bumps.
[0074] FIG. 12A is a top view of a granular filled standing pad
with internal pouches.
[0075] FIG. 12B is a side cross section view of a granular filled
standing pad with internal pouches.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0076] FIG. 1A is a front view of an inflatable standing platform
103 with a sand mat 101 on it. The sand mat 101 has a perimeter rim
102 that helps hold the mat 101 in place on the standing platform
103. FIG. 1B is a side cross section view showing the sand mat 101,
the perimeter rim 102, the inflatable platform 103, the sand inside
the mat 104, and the drop stitch fibers inside of the inflatable
105. FIG. 1C is a detailed side cross section view. This shows how
the perimeter rim 102 extends over the side of the inflatable
platform 103 to help center the sand mat 101. The sand mat 101 is
shown to curve over the edge of the inflatable platform 103
slightly. This extends the sand feel further to encompass the
edges. The sand mat 101 could also be flat or generally
horizontally disposed. FIG. 1D is an angled view showing the sand
mat 101 on top, the inflatable platform 103 as a base, and the
perimeter rim 102 extending over the top edge of the inflatable
platform 103. FIG. 1E is an exploded view showing the sand mat 101
with perimeter rim 102 lifted off exposing the inflatable platform
103. This allows the sand mat to be added as an accessory and
installed on an existing inflatable platform. The installation may
be achieved by tension, hook and loop closures, or other coupling
methods such as snaps, etc. to ensure the sand envelope stays in
the desired position while a standing user is engaging it.
[0077] FIG. 2 shows a sand containing envelope coupled to a
rockable platform. FIG. 2A is a front view of a rocking platform
comprised of a curved base 203, a flat top 202, with a sand mat 201
coupled to the top or upper surface. FIG. 2B is a side cross
section view of the rocking platform with sand mat 201 attached.
FIG. 2C is a more detailed close up of the side cross section view
showing the sand mat 201 filled with sand 204, on top of the
rocking platform flat top 202 which caps onto the rocking base 203.
Generally, the rocking base 203 will be comprised of a rigid
material to give a consistent rocking action, and the sand 204 will
act as the compliant material to provide a pleasant surface feel as
previously discussed. FIG. 2D is an angled view showing the sand
mat 201 on the rocking platform top 202 and base 203. FIG. 2E is an
angled exploded view showing the sand mat 201 removed from the
rocking platform top 202 and base 203. FIG. 2F is a side cross
section view showing a thin sand mat 201 on a rocking platform. The
thin mat will minimize weight or minimize any height increase, and
will provide a feel that is pleasant without letting the user sink
down excessively. FIG. 2G is a side cross section view showing a
thicker sand mat 205 on a rocking platform. This mat will provide
the user with a deeper and realistic feel and it will allow the
user's feet to travel into the sand more for more stability and
different feel underfoot. However, it will be of a greater weight.
The thicker sand surface may be decoupled and used as a separate
standing surface, in this case, one that no is no longer rockable,
and is lower in overall height. The sand containing layer may be
detached in this manner regardless of thickness. Or, the sand
containing layer may include non-sand portions that are used in
concert with the sand for varied feel and weight underfoot.
[0078] FIG. 2H is a side cross section view showing a medium
thickness sand mat 206 on a foam pad 207 which is on a rocking
platform. The sand helps suppress excessive movement and help
reduce the reactiveness of the rocking action. Slowing the overall
reaction time provides additional safety for those users that have
difficulty maintaining their balance for physical or mental
reasons. It should be apparent that the thickness of the sand mat
may be of any thickness from thin up to multiple inches thick. This
sandwich of layers provides a unique feel under foot. By adjusting
the density of the foam and the thickness of the sand, either more
stable or more compliant properties can result. The layers can also
be rearranged so that the foam is on top, and the sand is
sandwiched between the foam and rigid base. There can also be
multiple layers such as a foam, sand, foam, base arrangement, etc.
Many different materials and combinations can be conceived to
create the optimal surface feeling.
[0079] FIG. 3A is a top view of a sand mat or envelope 301 with
internal solid features. FIG. 3B is a side view of a sand mat 301
with internal solid features. FIG. 3C is a front cross section view
of a sand mat 301 filled with sand 302 with internal solid features
303. The solid features 303 are evenly distributed in the sand
medium 302. The solid features 303 can be rigid or semi rigid, but
they do not flow freely like the grains of sand 302, so they will
provide firmer feeling bumps to the user's feet. This has massage
and therapeutic benefits. The size of solid features 303, number of
solid features 303, and solid feature materials can all be adjusted
to change the feel. The solid features 303 are shown as round
objects, but they can be of any 3-dimensional shape and size such
as pyramids or asymmetrical polygons or any other three dimensional
shape of varying curves and not flat sides. The solid features 303
can be independent bodies and are free to move relative to each
other, or they can be connected to keep the pattern evenly
distributed. FIG. 3D is an angled view of the sand mat 301 with
internal solid features. Although, not shown, it should be noted
that the solid features may vary in length, such as rods disposed
in varying patterns or free-floating, or the like, to vary the feel
underfoot within the sand medium. Also, the solid features can be
resting at the bottom of the mat because they can shift to the
bottom. Or the solid features could be put in, and then the sand
material may be filled in on top of them.
[0080] FIG. 4A is a top view of a foam platform 402 with a recessed
edge containing a sand mat 401. FIG. 4B is a front view of a foam
platform 402 containing a sand mat 401. FIG. 4C is a front cross
section view of a foam platform 402 containing a sand filled mat
401, and 403. FIG. 4D is a detailed cross section view showing how
the foam platform 402 has a recessed surface that the sand mat 401
sits within. Allows the sand mat 401 surface to be flush with the
top edge of the foam mat 402; which in turn keeps the sand mat 402
in place and creates a smooth top surface. FIG. 4E is an isometric
view showing the sand mat 401 nested inside the foam mat 402.
[0081] FIG. 5A is an angled upper view of a base mat 501 and a sand
mat 503 next to it. The base mat 501 has a textured surface
comprised of a pattern of raised bump features 502. The base mat
501 is also shown to have two raised terrain features 504 that the
user can stand on with their foot arches and in a variety of other
positions. The terrain features 504 can be fixed in position, or
they can be removable so the user may reposition them where
desired. The terrain features 504 are shown as smooth domes, but
they could be any number of different shapes that provide pleasing
standing positions including log shapes, sharper domes, or insole
(foot or shoe) shaped. The base mat 501 can be made of a variety of
materials including foam that is soft, along an increasingly firmer
material such as a hard plastic. This shows that the sand mat 503
and the base mat 501 may both be used as stand-alone mats. FIG. 5B
is an angled upper view of a sand mat 503 placed inside of the base
mat 501. This shows that the sand mat 503 fits inside of the
recessed area of the base mat 501. By putting the two mats together
it provides a composite feel of the two mats so that the surface
has a nice sand feel while also having harder massage points. FIG.
5C is a front view of the sand mat 503 nested inside the base mat
501, having a surface containing raised bumps.
[0082] It should be apparent that the bumps may be of any polygonal
shape or three dimensional solid or amorphous shape, and in any
pattern in relations to other solid parts. Shown is an even
distribution of bumps or three dimensional extensions, being
equidistant from each other. But, these extensions or bumps may
follow a pattern of greater spaces between each bump or greater
spaces between groups of bumps that are sorted or combined together
in various patterns. Thus, some portions of said surface may be
completely devoid of bumps or extensions, while other portions
contain them. FIG. 5D is a side cross section view of the sand mat
nested inside a base mat pressed or coupled to raised bump features
at or near the bottom of the sand mat.
[0083] FIG. 5D is a side cross section view of the sand mat 503
nested inside the base mat 501. This view shows how the raised bump
features 502 press into the bottom of the sand mat 503. This
compresses the sand 505 in these areas which creates a non-uniform
feel across the mat surface. This provides massage benefits by
having firmer and softer area press against the user's feet.
[0084] FIGS. 6A-6E describes a version of the disclosed device that
incorporates an adjacent layer of gel-like material, or memory foam
type material commonly made of a viscoelastic material. Such
material takes time to return to its original shape in a manner
known as hysteresis, absorbing energy before slowly returning to
shape. By utilizing such materials in tandem, less sand may be used
in the sand layer to reduce overall weight, or to produce a more
equivalent or a more preferred feel underfoot without the need for
additional sand. Sand is generally not viscoelastic, but the
combination of sand with this material can be of great benefit to a
standing user. This can be achieved in several versions, but
usually, the gel or memory foam type layer will be generally
adjacent in whole or in part with the sand containing layer. The
foam layer may be hybridized or combined in multiple layers, such
as gel foam, cooling vented type foam and memory foam in various
combinations; in addition to a sand layer disposed above or below
the hybridized or combined foam type layer. Other combinations may
be considered to work in concert with the sand layer, such as
water, air as previously discussed, beads of plastic or other
materials, shavings, beads or other small shapes of various
materials like wood or wood pulp, grains, buckwheat, or bamboo,
etc. that behave similarly. The material used is less important so
long as the result is a feeling similar to sand underfoot that is
lighter or more comfortable, while maintain a more sand-like the
feeling underfoot.
[0085] FIG. 6A is a top view that shows a thin sand layer 601
sitting inside a base platform 602. FIG. 6B is a side view showing
the base platform 602. FIGS. 6C and D are cross section views that
show the base platform 602 has a recessed cutout and that there is
an extra layer of material 604 between the thin sand pad 601 and
the base platform 602. The extra layer 604 can be a gel or foam
type of material discussed that provides similar benefits as
standing on sand, such that a thinner sand mat or layer 601 may be
used. FIG. 6E is an isometric view showing the sand mat 601 sitting
in the base platform 602. The composition may be altered so that
the base, 602, is made of granular material or sand, and the other
layers, either 603 and/or 604 may contain non-sand materials
previously described in any combination. This allows for altering
the feel and support to optimize performance and comfort for any
number of users.
[0086] FIG. 7A-L shoes how segmenting the sand portions in various
patterns by stitching or sealing isolated pockets of sand. This
pockets can resemble pillow shapes along a horizontal plane or in
three dimensions with additional depth. FIG. 7A shows a partitioned
sand mat that has seams 702 to create vertical baffles 704. FIG. 7B
is a front cross section view showing the vertical baffles 701 are
filled with sand 703. The seams 702 are areas where the sand
containing material of the mat pinches down and is connected. FIG.
7C shows a partitioned mat with wave shaped vertical baffles 704.
The curved seams 702 provide comfortable places for the user to put
their feet. FIG. 7E shows a partitioned mat with hour glass shaped
vertical baffles. The baffles alternate between shapes the cut in
706 and bulge out 705. This creates a symmetrical baffling across
the center plane of the board which is well suited for interacting
with the user's feet. The placement of the sand containing baffles
may vary to resemble beneficial shapes. For example, some baffles
may be foot shaped serving to reduce overall weight while still
providing the desired benefits directly underfoot, FIG. 7G. Other
shapes and patterns not shown may be conceived that maximize any
intended benefits.
[0087] FIG. 7G shows a partitioned mat with baffling specifically
designed to accommodate a user's feet. It is comprised of forefoot
pads 707, arch pads 708, heel pads 709, and horizontal baffles 710
complete the rest of the board. FIG. 7H is a side cross section
view which shows that the different baffles have varying
thicknesses. This shows that the forefoot pad 707 and heel pad 709
are extra thick to provide additional cushioning in those specific
areas, and the arch pad 708 is thinner. These formations could be
different such that the arch pad 708 could be thicker to provide
additional arch support. The optimal shape may vary depending on
the user's feet. Such structures may therefore be customizable for
such adaptation.
[0088] FIG. 7I shows a partitioned sand pad with horizontal baffles
711. FIG. 7K shows a partitioned sand pad with concentric baffle
sections 712. FIG. 7L shows that these concentric baffle sections
712 vary in thickness. Other shapes may be utilized depending on a
user's optimum foot placement and desired feeling underfoot. This
example shows that the front portion of the board has the thicker
baffles 712 and the rear contains thinner, which helps to stretch
the user's calves. Other possible combinations would be to have the
rear of the mat thicker, or to have a curved thickness profile so
either the ends or the center would be the thickest part. It should
be apparent that other combinations and thicknesses may be utilized
to beneficially vary the feeling underfoot for a broad spectrum of
standing users and uses.
[0089] FIGS. 8A and B show a platform 801 filled with a granular
material. Granular material may represent 100% sand in varying
coarseness or mix of coarseness. It may also represent mixed
materials of types and sizes and shapes that may vary. FIG. 8C is a
front cross section view showing a platform 801 filled with a
granular material 802. FIG. 8D is a detailed front cross section
view showing a platform 801 filled with a mixed granular material
802 of different sizes. Although not shown, as discussed, the
shapes and percentage of materials may vary. The varied sizes
creates a substance that has less gaps between the particles. The
particle size and distribution can be adjusted to change the feel
of the platform. Round, spherical particles are shown, but many
different shapes could be used instead. Examples include cylinders,
cubes, and pyramids or asymmetrical solid bodies containing facets
or curves. Also, the particles may be roughly spherical, but they
may possess a rough and imperfect surface, or they could be
polished to a smooth and consistent surface. The roughness of the
particles determines the friction between them which will change
how the mat feels under foot.
[0090] FIG. 9A-C show a standing pad comprised of two granular
filled pad sections 901 which are connected with a center fabric
webbing 902. The purpose of this configuration is to put the
granular filled pads where the user places their feet but to cut
away the center area where the user typically does not stand.
Granular materials can be heavy and this design significantly
reduces the weight of the fill material which will reduce shipping
costs and it will make the product easier to move. The center
fabric webbing 902 can be grasped by the user's hand so they can
move the pad easily.
[0091] FIG. 9D-F show a variation where the pad sections 903 are
more of an oval shape compared to the more rectangular shaped pads
901 shown in FIG. 9A-C. The rectangular shaped pads 901 offer more
foot positions for the user, while the oval shaped pads 903 reduce
weight further.
[0092] FIG. 10A shows a traditional foam standing pad 1001 with
integrated granular filled pads 1002. This provides the special
benefits of the granular filled pads where the user stands most
often, while utilizing a lightweight foam that is acceptable to
stand on in the lesser used areas.
[0093] FIG. 10B is a cross section view showing the granular filled
pads 1002 sitting in the recessed areas 1003 of the foam pad 1001.
This view shows the granular filled pads 1002 raised above the
surface of the foam pad 1001, but they could be flush or recessed
as well.
[0094] FIG. 11A-B show a granular filled platform that has
integrated bumps. FIG. 11B is a cross section view showing the
internal bumps 1103 which are attached to the skin of the pad 1101.
The skin is filled with a granular material 1102 which fills in
around the internal bumps 1103. The bumps 1103 can be sewn or
affixed to the skin material 1101. The mat can be used in any
orientation so the bumps could be on the top or bottom surface.
There can be many smaller bumps or fewer larger bumps depending on
the desired feel underfoot.
[0095] FIG. 12A-B show a platform comprised of an outer skin 1101
which is filled with a granular material 1102, and also has
internal pouches 1103 which are intermixed within the granular fill
material 1102. The pouches 1103 can also be filled with a granular
material but it can be different from the primary fill material
1102. For example different densities of granular fill material can
be used inside and outside of the pouches. This creates a composite
feel that can be used to fine tune the feel or to save weight while
maintaining a good feel.
[0096] While the apparatus has been described in connection with
preferred embodiments, it is not intended to limit the scope of the
apparatus to the particular form set forth, but on the contrary, it
is intended to cover such alternatives, modifications, and
equivalents as may be within the spirit and scope of the apparatus
as defined by the appended claims.
* * * * *