Fold and roll portable yoga mat

Abstract

A yoga mat comprising at least one folding depression which enables folding and rolling of a yoga mat so that the width of the mat is typically less than the shoulder width of the user of the yoga mat. The at least one folding depression is typically on the upper, user-contacting surface of the yoga mat. In instances where the overall thickness of the yoga mat is greater than about 0.35 inches, it is advisable to use a location matching folding depression on each side of the yoga mat. The folding depression may be deeper on the user-contacting surface than on the floor contacting surface of the yoga mat. In an alternative embodiment, the upper surface of the yoga mat may be a solid layer, with at least two underlying spaced lower sections to permit folding inward upon the solid layer.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0001]Field of the Invention[0002]The present invention relates to a yoga mat which can be reduced in exterior surface area to promote easy handling, carrying, and storage.[0003]Description of the Background Art[0004]This section describes background subject matter related to the disclosed embodiments of the present invention. There is no intention, either express or implied, that the background art discussed in this section legally constitutes prior art.[0005]Yoga has become increasingly popular in the United States over the past decade. Classes and practice groups outside the home are becoming more available and offer advantageous opportunities for enthusiasts. As a result, there is a need for a convenient manner for transport of the yoga mat.[0006]There are a number of U.S. patents which relate to yoga mats, and a portion of these are briefly discussed below to illustrate concepts which, while different from the present invention, illustrate functional ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0024]As discussed above, for yoga mats which are thicker, in excess of about 0.35 inch, it is helpful to use a folding depression on each surface of the yoga mat. The folding depression on the lower surface of the yoga mat may be less deep than the folding depression on the upper surface of the yoga mat, with the idea of reducing stress at the lower surface in the folded mat, while the folding depression on the upper surface provides for flat folding of the mat. This is particularly helpful when the lower portion of the mat is a high density foam material which provides a padding effect to reduce the transfer of forces from the floor into the body of the user of the mat. The thick-layer high density foam materials are more stress sensitive upon stretching than the thin layer, typically low density upper mat

Problems solved by technology

However, none of these patents relate to a yoga mat which has a stru

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