Exercise mat ensemble and method of use

• US 6,751,816 B1
• Filed: 04/17/2003
• Issued: 06/22/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 04/17/2003
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Barbara Wechsler
• Original Assignee: Barbara Wechsler
• Inventors: Wechsler, Barbara
• Primary Examiner(s): LEE, JONG SUK
• Application Number:
  US10/417,725
• Time in Patent Office: 432 Days
• Field of Search: 541/7, 542/0, 383/4, 383/74, 482/23
• US Class Current: 5/417
• CPC Class Codes: A45F 2003/142 Carrying-straps
• CPC Class Codes: A45F 3/12 Shoulder-pads
• CPC Class Codes: A45F 3/14 Carrying-straps; Pack-carrying harnesses
• CPC Class Codes: A47G 9/062 for covering the ground, e.g. picnic or beach blankets
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/4037 Exercise mats for personal use, with or without hand-grips or foot-grips, e.g. for Yoga or supine floor exercises mats for absorbing shocks A63B6/00
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2208/12 specially adapted for children

Abstract

An exercise mat ensemble for use in exercise disciplines such as yoga that involve floor exercises and positions. A vinyl padded sticky mat is covered with a sheet of washable absorbent fabric that overlays the sticky mat on all four sides. The fabric sheet may be extended at one transverse end with sufficient fabric that when folded over more than once it forms a cushion to aid in certain exercises and positions. When the fabric sheet is placed on top of the mat and the two are rolled together the fabric extension encloses the mat within the roll. The extension may also be stitched to form an envelope or stitched on each side to form channels into which drawstrings are placed, both capable of forming a case around the rolled mat and fabric sheet. A strap may be added to the ensemble to assist in certain exercises and positions and also to be incorporated into the rolled mat and fabric sheet for use as a carrying strap. The fabric extension may also be separate from the main fabric sheet to increase the number of fold possibilities, to provide added assistance for specific exercises and positions, and to serve as a meditation blanket. A sheath may be used to cushion the strap for ease of carrying.

Claims

1. An exercise mat ensemble for use by participants in exercise regimens that involve a variety of floor exercises, said ensemble comprising:

a padded rubberized rectangular mat having two longitudinal sides and two transverse sides, a proximal end and a distal end; and

a soft absorbent fabric cover of the same shape as said mat and being at least one half inch longer than said mat on each of three sides and the fourth transverse side at the proximal end being substantially longer than one half inch, the mat being completely concealed on all four sides when the cover is placed thereon,

whereby the ensemble may be used with the cover over the mat and the mat may be used alone, said cover being easily removed from the mat and just as easily replaced thereon as needed to perform the exercises, and the mat and cover with cover on top and distal ends aligned may be rolled together from their distal ends for transport and storage and the longer end of said cover overlaying said mat.

2. An exercise mat ensemble as in claim 1 further comprising a strap having two ends and being of sufficient length to be inserted within the rolled ensemble and extend beyond said roll whereby the two ends may be fastened together to assist in transporting said ensemble, and said strap to further assist in performing certain exercises.

3. An exercise mat ensemble as in claim 2 further comprising a sheath for placement around the strap to provide extra cushioning over said strap when transporting said ensemble.

4. An exercise mat ensemble as in claim 2 wherein the strap further comprises cooperating closure means affixed to each end thereof such that the strap may be formed into a loop for transporting said ensemble.

5. An exercise mat ensemble as in claim 1 wherein the cover is elongated at the proximal transverse end such that the elongated portion forms an extension of sufficient length that said extension may be folded to form a cushion over the proximal end of the mat for use in certain of the exercises and further so that the extension may be used as a flap to completely enclose the mat when the two components are rolled together from their distal ends.

6. An exercise mat ensemble as in claim 5 wherein the extension is from 1 to 5 feet in length.

7. An exercise mat ensemble as in claim 5 further comprising fastening means that consist of two cooperating elements, one element being disposed on the obverse side of the extension at the outer edge thereof and the other element being disposed on the reverse side of the extension adjacent to the mat when the cover is properly positioned, said fastening means for maintaining the extension as a flap over the mat when the cover5 and mat are rolled from their distal ends for transport and storage.

8. An exercise mat ensemble as in claim 5 wherein the extension is wider than the cover at each longitudinal side and further comprises a stitched channel along each of said sides and a drawstring disposed within each channel, whereby when the cover and mat are rolled from their distal ends the drawstrings may be drawn up and tied and the stitched channels form end covers for the rolled ensemble.

9. An exercise mat ensemble as in claim 1 further comprising an attachment ring affixed at each side of the distal end of the cover.

10. An exercise mat ensemble as in claim 9 further comprising a strap having two ends and being of sufficient length to be inserted through each of the attachment rings and extend beyond said attachment rings and around said rolled ensemble to assist in transporting said ensemble and said strap to further assist in performing certain exercises.

11. An exercise mat ensemble as in claim 10 wherein the strap further comprises cooperating closure means affixed to each end such that the strap may be formed into a loop for transporting said ensemble.

12. An exercise mat ensemble as in claim 10 further comprising a sheath for placement around the strap to provide extra cushioning over said strap when transporting said ensemble.

13. An exercise mat ensemble as in claim 1 wherein the cover is elongated at the proximal transverse end such that the elongated portion may be folded and stitched to form an envelope and a flap whereby the envelope and flap may be folded onto the cover to provide cushioning for selected exercises, the rolled cover and mat may be enclosed within the envelope and the flap may cover the opening for transport and storage.

14. An exercise mat ensemble as in claim 1 further comprising a second length of fabric of the same width as the cover and of sufficient length that said second length of fabric may be folded to form a cushion for use in some of the exercises and further so that the second length of fabric may be drawn over the participant for use as a meditation blanket.

15. An exercise mat ensemble as in claim 1 further comprising a second length of fabric of the same width as the cover and of sufficient length that said second length of fabric may be folded to form a cushion for use in some of the exercises and further so that the second length of fabric may be attached to the proximal end of the cover forming an extended cover and used as a flap to completely enclose the mat when the mat and extended cover are rolled together from their distal ends;

and attachment means to attach said second length of fabric to said cover.

16. An exercise mat ensemble as in claim 1 further comprising:

a second length of fabric of sufficient length that said second length of fabric may be folded to form a cushion for use in certain of the exercises, said second length of fabric may be attached to the proximal end of the cover forming an extended cover and for use as a flap to completely enclose the mat when the mat and extended cover are rolled together from their distal ends, and said second length of fabric being wider than the cover, said extra width being sufficient such that each side may be folded over and stitched to form a channel;

a drawstring disposed in each channel; and

attachment means to attach said second length of fabric to the proximal end of said cover, whereby when the mat and extended cover are rolled together from their distal ends the drawstrings are drawn up and tied and the stitched channels form end covers for the rolled ensemble.

17. An exercise mat ensemble as in claim 1 further comprising:

a second length of fabric of sufficient length that said second length of fabric may be folded to form an envelope and a flap, and said second length of fabric being of sufficient width to permit the sides of the envelope to be stitched for closure; and

attachment means to attach said envelope to said cover such that the inside edge of the envelope is attached to the proximal edge of the cover;

whereby the envelope may be folded to provide cushioning for certain exercises and the cover and mat may be rolled from their distal ends and enclosed within the envelope with the flap closing over the rolled cover and mat to hold same therein for transport and storage.

18. An exercise mat ensemble as in claim 1 further comprising:

a second length of fabric of sufficient length to be folded to form a cushion for use in certain of the exercises, said second length of fabric being wider than the cover, said extra width being sufficient to form a central portion of the same width as the cover and two wing portions, one on each side of said central portion, each wing portion being substantially ½

the width of the central portion such that when folded over the central portion the two wings lie flat thereon with no overlap and further so that the second length of fabric with wings folded over the central portion may be attached to the proximal end of the cover forming an extended cover; and

attachment means to attach said second length of fabric to said cover, whereby the second length of fabric may be used as a flap to completely cover the mat when the mat and extended cover are rolled together from their distal ends for transport and storage.

19. An exercise mat ensemble as in claim 1 wherein the fabric cover is washable.

20. An exercise mat ensemble as in claim 1 wherein the fabric cover is padded.

21. An exercise mat ensemble as in claim 1 wherein the fabric cover is water resistant.

22. An exercise mat ensemble for use by participants in exercise regimens that involve a variety of floor exercises, said ensemble comprising:

a padded rubberized rectangular mat having two longitudinal sides and two transverse sides, a proximal end and a distal end; and

a soft absorbent fabric cover of the same shape as said mat and being at least one half inch longer than said mat on each of the four sides so as to completely conceal said mat on all four sides when placed thereon,

whereby the ensemble may be used with the cover over the mat, the mat may be used alone, said cover being easily removed from the mat and just as easily replaced thereon as needed to perform the exercises, said cover may be folded or rolled at one end to form a cushion for certain of the exercises, the cover may be removed from the mat and placed over the participant as the participant lies on the mat for use as a meditation blanket, and the mat and cover with cover on top may be rolled together from their distal ends so that the upper face of the cover is completely concealed within the roll and the roll may be transported and stored.

23. A method of performing a series of exercises and positions on a flat horizontal surface, said method comprising;

obtaining a padded rubberized rectangular mat having two longitudinal sides and two transverse sides, a proximal end and a distal end;

obtaining a soft absorbent fabric cover of the same shape as said mat and being at least one half inch longer than said mat on each of the four sides so as to completely conceal said mat when placed thereon;

placing the mat on the flat horizontal surface;

performing exercises and positions upon said mat;

placing the cover over the mat so that the mat is completely concealed thereunder;

performing exercises and positions upon said cover;

folding a portion of the cover back and upon itself to form a cushion at the proximal end;

performing exercises and positions upon said cover utilizing said cushion;

unfolding the folded portion of the cover and rolling a portion of the cover from the proximal end to form a bolster;

performing exercises and positions upon said cover utilizing said bolster;

unrolling said bolster so that the cover completely conceals the mat thereunder;

turning back the cover, reclining on the mat and bringing the cover over a body such that the cover is used as a meditation blanket;

rising and replacing the cover over the mat;

rolling the cover and mat together from their distal ends until completely rolled and the upper surface of the cover is completely enclosed within the roll;

transporting the cover and mat to a place of storage; and

storing the cover and mat.

24. A method of performing a series of exercises and positions as in claim 23 further comprising the steps of;

obtaining a strap composed of a non-elastic material, having two ends, and being of a length substantially greater than twice the width of the cover;

utilizing the strap in a selection of the exercises and positions;

placing the strap across the distal end of the cover after the cover has been placed atop the mat such that the mat is completely concealed thereunder and the strap extends beyond the cover on both sides;

rolling the cover and mat together from their distal ends until completely rolled together and the upper surface of the cover is completely enclosed within the roll and the strap extends on both sides from the center of the roll;

connecting the ends of the strap to form the strap into a loop;

transporting the rolled cover and mat, by holding the strap, to a place of storage; and

storing the cover, mat and strap.

25. An exercise mat cover ensemble for use with a padded rubberized rectangular mat having two longitudinal sides and two transverse sides, said ensemble and mat for use by participants in exercise regimens that involve a variety of floor exercises and said ensemble comprising:

a soft absorbent fabric cover of the same shape as the mat and being at least one half inch longer than said mat on each of three sides and being substantially longer than one half inch on the fourth proximal transverse side, said cover to completely conceal the mat on all four sides when placed thereon, and

a non-elastic strap having two ends and being substantially longer than twice the width of the cover;

whereby the cover may be used atop the mat and the mat may be used alone, said cover being easily removed from the mat and just as easily replaced thereon as needed to perform the exercises, the proximal end of the cover may be rolled or folded to provide additional cushioning for certain of the exercises, the strap may be used to assist in certain of the exercises, and the cover may be placed on top of the mat so that the mat is completely concealed thereunder with the strap placed across the distal transverse end of the cover and the cover and mat may be rolled together from the distal ends so that the strap projects from both sides of the resulting roll, the longer end of said cover overlaying the mat so that the mat is completely enclosed, and the ends of the strap may be connected for ease of transport and storage.

26. An exercise mat cover ensemble as in claim 25 further comprising a sheath for placement around the strap to provide extra cushioning over said strap when transporting said ensemble and mat.

27. An exercise mat cover ensemble as in claim 25 wherein the strap further comprises cooperating closure means affixed to each end thereof to connect the ends such that the strap may be formed into a loop for carrying said ensemble and mat.

28. An exercise mat cover ensemble as in claim 25 wherein the cover is elongated at the proximal transverse end such that the elongated portion forms an extension of sufficient length that when the cover is placed atop the mat and their distal ends are coextensive said extension may be folded to form a cushion for use in certain of the exercises and further so that the extension may be used as a flap to completely enclose the mat when the mat and cover are rolled together from their distal ends for transport and storage.

29. An exercise mat cover ensemble as in claim 28 further comprising fastening means that consist of two cooperating elements, one element being disposed on the obverse side of the extension at the outer edge thereof and the other element being disposed on the reverse side of the extension adjacent to the mat when the cover is properly positioned, said fastening means for maintaining the extension as a flap over the mat when the cover and mat are rolled together from their distal ends for transport and storage.

30. An exercise mat cover ensemble as in claim 25 wherein the extension is wider than the cover at each longitudinal side and further comprises a stitched channel along each of said sides and a drawstring disposed within each channel, whereby when the cover and mat are rolled together from their distal ends the drawstrings may be drawn up and tied and the stitched channels form end covers for the rolled mat and cover.

31. An exercise mat cover ensemble as in claim 25 further comprising a fastening ring affixed at each side of the distal end of the cover.

32. An exercise mat cover ensemble as in claim 31 wherein the strap is of sufficient length to be inserted through each of the fastening rings and extend beyond said fastening rings and around said rolled mat and cover to assist in transporting said rolled mat and cover.

33. An exercise mat cover ensemble as in claim 32 wherein the strap further comprises cooperating closure means affixed to each end thereof such that the strap may be formed into a loop when carrying said rolled mat and cover.

34. An exercise mat cover ensemble as in claim 32 further comprising a sheath for placement around said strap to provide extra cushioning over said strap when transporting the rolled mat and cover.

35. An exercise mat cover ensemble as in claim 25 wherein the cover is elongated at the proximal transverse end such that the elongated portion forms an envelope and a flap, whereby the envelope may be folded to provide cushioning for certain exercises and the cover and mat may be rolled from their distal ends and enclosed within the envelope with the flap closing over the rolled cover and mat to hold same within for transport and storage.

36. An exercise mat cover ensemble as in claim 25 further comprising a second length of fabric of the same width as the cover and of sufficient length that said second length of fabric may be folded to form a cushion for use in certain of the exercises and further so that the second length of fabric may be attached to the proximal end of the cover forming an extended cover and used as a flap to completely enclose the mat when the mat and extended cover are rolled together from their distal ends;

and attachment means to attach said second length of fabric to said cover.

37. An exercise mat ensemble as in claim 25 further comprising a second length of fabric of sufficient length that said second length of fabric may be folded to form a cushion for use in certain of the exercises and of sufficient width that each side may be folded over and stitched to form a channel;

a drawstring disposed in each channel; and

fastening means to attach said second length of fabric to the proximal end of said cover, whereby the second length of fabric may be attached to the proximal end of the cover forming an extended cover and may be used as a flap to completely enclose the mat when the mat and extended cover are rolled together from their distal ends and when the mat and extended cover are rolled together the drawstrings may be drawn up and tied and the stitched channels form end covers for the rolled mat and cover.

38. An exercise mat cover ensemble as in claim 25 further comprising:

a second length of fabric of sufficient length that said second length of fabric may be folded to form an envelope and a flap, and said second length of fabric being of sufficient width to permit the sides of the envelope to be stitched for closure; and

attachment means to attach said envelope to said cover such that the inside edge of the envelope is attached to the proximal edge of the cover;

whereby the envelope may be folded to provide cushioning for certain exercises and the cover and mat may be rolled from their distal ends and enclosed within the envelope with the flap closing over the rolled cover and mat to hold same within for transport and storage.

39. An exercise mat cover ensemble as in claim 25 further comprising a second length of fabric that is wider than the cover, said extra width being sufficient to form a central portion of the same width as the cover and two wing portions, one on each side of said central portion, and each wing portion being substantially ½

the width of the central portion so that when folded over the central portion they lie flat thereon with no overlap, and said second length of fabric being of sufficient length that said second length of fabric may be folded to form a cushion for use in certain of the exercises and further so that the second length of fabric with wings folded over the central portion may be attached to the proximal end of the cover forming an extended cover and may be used as a flap to completely cover the mat when the mat and extended cover are rolled together from their distal ends; and

fastening means to attach said second length of fabric to said cover.

40. An exercise mat cover ensemble as in claim 25 wherein the fabric cover is washable.

41. An exercise mat cover ensemble as in claim 25 wherein the fabric cover is padded.

42. An exercise mat cover ensemble as in claim 25 wherein the fabric cover is water resistant.