Foldable Mat

Abstract

A foldable elongate mat (10) comprising seven cushioning panels (1-7) hingedly connected to one another and moveable relative to one another between a folded stacked position and an unfolded position. The mat (10) further comprises a retaining flap (20) and a carrying handle. Each panel (1-7) has a flexible covering and a cushioning foam rubber insert. The coverings are provided by a fabric sheet, the inserts are sewn into the sheet, ends (13) of the panels (1-7) correspond with seams extending across the mat (10) between adjacent inserts, and the hinging action is largely provided by fold lines at the seams and adjacent regions of the sheet extending alongside the inserts. The mat (10) may be configured for many different uses, and for ready transportation and stowage in a compact form.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO PRIOR APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims priority from Australian provisional patent application number 2006906416, filed Nov. 16, 2006, which is incorporated herein by reference.U.S. GOVERNMENT SUPPORT [0002]Not ApplicableBACKGROUND [0003]1. Area of the Art[0004]The present invention is in the art of mats such as those used in exercise and is particularly directed to a foldable configuration.[0005]2. Description of the Background of the Invention[0006]Elongate mats for use on floors and for cushioning other surfaces are available in a range of shapes and sizes. Although some of those mats can adopt a more compact form for ease with transport or stowage, such mats typically have the disadvantage in that they can not be readily configured such that, say, one region of the mat is elevated relative to another region of the mat. A user may wish to use such an elevated region as a head or foot support, or as a seat.[0007]The present inventor has now developed a ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0027]The mat may have retaining means for holding together the panels when fully stacked, for ease with transportation or stowage in a compact form. Any suitable type of retaining means may be used. Preferably, the retaining means comprises a retaining flap extending from one of the panels and a fastener. The retaining flap may be extendible around the stacked panels and a free end of the flap may be detachably connected to another region of the flap by way of the fastener. Preferably, the retaining flap extends from an end panel of the mat. Any suitable type of fastener may be used, including a hook and loop type fastener, press studs or clips. One portion of the fastener may be located at one end of the retaining flap and the other portion of the fastener may be located at the opposing end of the retaining flap.

Problems solved by technology

Although some of those mats can adopt a more compact form for ease with transport or stowage, such mats typically have the disadvantage in that they can not be readily configured such that, say, one region of the mat is elevated relative to another region of the mat.

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