Exercise Mat wtih Integral Repositionable Support Assemblies

Abstract

An exercise device with a mat portion and one or more support assemblies. The mat portion defines a plurality of through holes. Each support assembly has a support member, a support bridge, and one or more support inserts. The support member has a flat bottom and a bolster-shaped top and defines one or more cavities that extend through the bottom of the support member and into the interior of the support member. The support inserts are generally hollow and are fitted into the cavities in the support member. The support bridge defines one or more projections that extend upwards from and generally perpendicular to the top of the support bridge. Each projection is sized and shaped to fit through one of the through-holes in the mat portion. The interior surface of each of the support inserts defines a plurality of grooves, each of the projections defines a plurality of ridges, and the grooves and ridges are adapted to form a press fit when coupled together, to removably couple the mat portion between the support member and the support bridge. The support assembly may be removed and repositioned to different locations on the mat portion as desired by a user.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION[0001]This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61 / 181,712, entitled “Exercise Mat with Integral, Repositionable Supports,” filed on May 28, 2009. The entire contents of the priority application are expressly incorporated by reference herein.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The invention relates generally to the field of exercise accessories, and more particularly to exercise mats and props or supports, which are commonly used for Yoga and other fitness disciplines.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]Padded surfaces are often used to make activities that take place on the floor or ground easier and more comfortable. Athletic mats have been developed for many sports, including gymnastics and tumbling, wrestling, aerobic exercises, and yoga.[0004]Yoga mats are typically flat and relatively thin as compared to other exercise mats, and are designed to provide traction and cushioning. Most yoga mats are rectangular in s...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0007]The invention provides an improved exercise mat with integral props or support assemblies. The user may position and reposition the support assemblies as needed to provide a safe, comfortable and functional surface for Yoga and other floor exercises.

[0013]The grooves of the support insert are configured to accommodate the ridges of the projections to provide a press fit when mated, thus removably securing the support bridge to the support member, with the mat portion sandwiched in between.

Problems solved by technology

In practice, however, Yoga props or supports have a tendency to slip or move during use, which may cause discomfort and result in a potential safety hazard.

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