Exercise and activity mat

Abstract

A scented mat suitable for yoga comprises an elastically compressible sheet 50 and one or more areas of scent material 22. The scent may be present in insertable pads and those pads may be configured

Description

The present invention relates to an exercise and activity mat suitable for use by a person undertaking exercise and activity such as to cushion themselves when carrying out that activity when standing on a hard floor. The invention relates more particularly to such mats as engendering improved use when practising yoga. Background It is common to place a soft mat on the floor upon which exercise or other physical activity, including yoga can be performed. The mat acts to cushion the user against the ground. When Yoga is performed, it is often done alongside other relaxation techniques are made to utilise relevant enhancements, such as lighting scented candles, pleasant smells scented oils, burning incense and the use of other aromatic materials. Undesirably, particularly in terms of yoga, the performance of physical activities can cause sweating, which has an undesirable smell. The contact with the soft mat can cause the mat to also pick up the smell of the sweat. This can undermine the relaxation experience. The present invention The present invention in its various aspects is as set out in the appended claims. The present invention provides a mat comprising an elastically compressible sheet and one or more areas of scent material. This allows the mat to be scented and release scent. The mat will smell like the scent used as opposed to sweat absorbed during the physical exercise session. The scent of the mat disperses to be smellable by those in the room of the physical activity, improving the activity. Preferably the mat which the areas of scented material comprise is a porous material. The porous material absorbs before slowly emitting the scent. A preferred porous material is carbon, more preferably charcoal. These materials in particular are more so charcoal enable the absorption of a fragrance and its gradual release. Preferably the mats of the present invention comprises an absorbent portion of the mat, for example constituted by said porous material, for the absorption of a fragrance for subsequent release during use of the mat. More preferably the absorbent portion of the mat is hydrophobic. This addresses a significant problem with articles which absorb perfume / fragrance in that the mat will require washing, particularly if the user aspires during use and this can leave the absorbent portion saturated with water, difficult to dry and incapable of further absorption of a perfume / fragrance in effective amounts. By use of a hydrophobic absorption washing, preferably in conjunction with a hydrophobic perfume / fragrance this problem is overcome. The present invention therefore preferably comprises a kit of parts including the mats, and absorbent material (optionally built into the mat) were in the absorbent material is hydrophobic and further constituting the kit a fragrance or set of fragrances which are hydrophobic. Hydrophobicity can be defined as having a contact angle of greater than 90 degrees with pure water. The matching of a fragrance / perfume with a hydrophobic portion of the mats can be defined as the perfume / fragrance having a contact angle of less than 90 degrees, preferably less than 70 degrees more preferably less than 45 degrees, most preferably immediately absorbs with no contact angle one a droplet of the perfume / fragrance is placed upon the mat. Preferably the mat, to which the scent is added by the user, preferably in the form of the application of aromatic liquid, is configured to be adsorbed in a porous composition in a specific to the area of the mat. Thereby, the scent can be changed by the user according to preference, use case and time of use. Preferably the undesired scent can be washed out and the new scent added. A preferred absorbent material for use with the present invention is a cellulose substrate derived from a renewable raw material, preferably a harvestable crop, a preferred example is straw, for example compressed straw. Preferably the mat where the movement of an individual on a mat stimulates the release of aromatic scent. Preferably this allows the mat to comparatively retain scent when not in use and release scent when in use. Preferably the mat where the mat is rollable or foldable to be wieldier. The mat when laid out on the floor takes a formfactor inconvenient for transportation. The preferably the mat when not in use or when can be folded up and / or rolled up, such that the formfactor of the mat is better suited to be carried by a human, stored in a bag which can be carried by a human. Furthermore, this new formfactor is likewise preferable for storage in common household storage solutions including common sizes of box and cupboard. When the mat in in the folded / rolled formfactor scent is comparatively retained. The mat can later be unfolded and / or unrolled from this alternative form factor without damage. Optionally the mat can have lines to be folded on, of different thickness or material to the rest of the mat, such that the lines are not prone to damage. Wieldy ( / 'wi:Idi / ), adjective, comparative adjective: wieldier, easily controlled or handled. Preferably the mat of thickness between than 4 mm and 26 mm. If too thin then the surface can be uncomfortable. If too thick the mat can be hard to transport. Different users have different mat thickness preferences. Preferably different embodiments can be at different thicknesses for the preferences of different users. Mats can be expected to be transported to different locations and placed on different surfaces for different groups and activities. Preferably the mat where the scent material pad is removable. Preferably allowing the pad to be removed, washed and replaced, swapped. Preferably the mat further comprising floor gripping surface element. It is generally undesirable for the mat to slip or slide on the floor. The gripping surface increases friction between the floor and the mat, stopping movement. Preferably the mat can be made in different colours allowing users to easily distinguish their mat from other users’ mats when coming together to perform physical activity together, avoiding confusion and accidental theft. Preferably the mat comprising graphical printing on the upper mat surface. The graphical information can mark out foot and or hand placement on the mat for physical activities, aiding the user in the process. This can also be used to mark relevant information about the mat on it. Preferably the mat comprises cork. Cork, preferably Natural cork refers to a material derived from the bark of the cork oak tree (Quercus suber). Whi 1st the cork is preferably grey day cork it may also comprise or consist of agglomerated cork. The material used for agglomerate the cork is preferably nonporous. This has the advantage of reducing the rate of fragrance diffusion through the court layer, particularly when the cork is used in conjunction with an open cell foam layer. For the purposes of the present invention the elastically compressible sheet of the mat does not comprise the cork. The cork is preferably a topmost layer of the mat. Alternatively, the cork may be a synthetic cork. Synthetic cork emulates the properties or natural cork. Natural cork can be prone to contamination with 2,4,6-trichloroanisole (TCA) or 2,4,6-tribromoanisole (TBA) among other compounds. These compounds are responsible for the development of cork taint. Cork taint imparts unpleasant musty odours, mouldy odours, damp odours and / or cardboard-like odours. These are considered unrelaxing and undesirable. Other contaminates may also be present causing undesirable odours. Bleaching. Synthetic cork does not have this problem. The cork may be agglomerated cork. This allows for use of cork off-cuts, which may otherwise be disposed of. Synthetic cork is commonly made of plastic. The plastic for synthetic cork is commonly made of polyethylene. Preferably the elastically compressible sheet of the mat comprises foam. That form is preferably an open cell foam. This is beneficial in the present invention as it allows the diffusion of fragrance through the foam. This further has an advantage, particularly when the fragrance is absorbs onto an absorbent substrate placed within a pocket below the surface of the foam, such as to protect it, that the fragrance / perfume can be released from the absorbent substrate and pass through the mat so as to be perceived by the user. The use of a foam is preferable as during movements of the user during use of the mat the throne will expand and compress and as such the spaces in the interstices of the foam expands and contracts and thus acts to “pump” the fragrance through the mat. This therefore enables an increased release of fragrance during activity which impinges upon the mat. Preferably the porous material comprises felt. Felt is elastically deformable. Preferably the elastically compressible sheet of the mat comprises rubber. More preferably it consists of rubber. Preferably the comprising materials being resistant to wear under vigorous use. Preferably the mat comprises two or more areas of scent material. The different areas can have the same scents or different scents. The different scents allowing for a greater variety. The comprising elements of the mat preferably can be jigsaw pieces for insertion, such that they fit together This allows for assembly and disassembly. Advantageously this can allow for easy cleaning between surfaces. Alternativity, a Hook and Loop Fastener, for example Velcro®, can be used for assembly of comprising elements. Particularly attaching the porous areas to the elastically compressible sheet. Advantageously allowing for a strong connection. The mat may have jigsaw ends to fit with other mats to make a larger surface. Preferably the mat is flexible. The mat being able to flex in any direction. This is thanks the elastically deformable material, Which can flex in any direction. Preferably the mat is large enough for the user to be able to perform any desired physical activity without having to contact the floor surrounding the mat. The scent preferably is smellable across the mat. Preferably some areas, for example nearer the expected placement of the head to the mat, It may be desirable to have stronger scent. It may be desirable to have a different scent. Many contemporary scents are rather pungent, some other scents less so. Likewise, some users have a more sensitive sense of smell, some less so. Preferably the user can mediate the amount of scent applied and released to achieve a desired strength of scent. The present invention also may comprise a kit of parts. The kit of parts of the present invention comprises the mats of the present invention and additional components. Those additional components can be selected from one or more of: absorbent sheets for incorporation within the mat. The absorbent sheets are preferably absorbent for the purposes of absorbing a perfume / fragrance. The absorbent sheets are more preferably pre-absorbed with perfume / fragrance. The absorbent sheets are preferably configured to match the dimensions of a holding space, such as an aperture, in the mat. The absorbent sheets are preferably provided as a plurality the mats having a corresponding plurality of apertures, the apertures being configured so as to enable only specific absorbent sheets to be placed in that aperture. This has the advantage that fragrance distribution may be tailored into a preferred configuration. This is particularly beneficial were, for example, a deodorising fragrance may be present in the central area where the user sits and an aromatic fragrance may be present in outer areas for ambient fragrance. Those covering any residual smells which were not deodorised. An example of how this may be achieved is that a first aperture / absorbent material may be configured as a five-pointed star of a given radius and a second aperture / absorbent material may be configured, with the same radius a six pointed star. It is advantageous for the two shapes not to be interchangeable with other aperture / absorbent material pairs. The ensures that the user does not confuse the shapes. The different shapes may be made of different materials. Drawings The present invention is illustrated by means of the following drawings in which like features are designated with like numerals. The figures provide figure 1: Isometric depiction of an embodiment of the mat figure 2: Isometric depiction of an embodiment of the mat with areas of porous material distinguished. figure 3: Isometric depiction of an embodiment of the mat with areas of porous material distinguished, the porous areas being identical shape. figure 4: Cross-sectional depiction of an embodiment of the mat figure 5: Isometric depiction of an embodiment of the mat rolled up The features of the drawings are listed as follows: 10 Mat 12 Mat, further form 20 Porous material area, rectangular 21 Additional porous material area, rectangular 22 Porous area 30 Porous material area, octagonal 50 Elastically compressible sheet 60 Gripping surface Detailed description The mat 10 in figure 1 shows the elongate shape of the mat 10, with on large surface. The shape of the mat 10 is that of a rectangle with rounded corners. The mat 10 in figure 2 shows three areas of porous material 20,21,30 as a part of the elastically compressible sheet 50. Two of the areas 20,21 are of the same rounded rectangular shape close to the ends of the mat 10. One of the areas is octagonal 30 and is central on the mat. The areas of porous material 20,21,30 fit have shape which corresponding with the slots in the elastically compressible sheet 50. The octagonal shape and the rectangle with rounded corners are readily diffentiable by a user such that different fragrances may be provided for specific positions by providing suitable shared areas of porous material. The areas have depth. The depth of areas having the same shape is the same. Depth may vary between shapes. Greater depth being capable of containing greater amounts of fragrance. Lesser depth having less of an impact on the tactile surface. The shapes neatly fit into the apertures. The gap between the edge of the shape and the apertures is minimal such that the shape cannot slide around in the area. The mat 10 in figure 2 shows three areas of porous material, 22, the areas are all a rectangular shape of the same size, and are thus interchangeable. The mat 10 in figure 4 shows a cross-section of an area of porous material 20, the area of porous material is surrounded on three sides by elastically compressible sheet 50. The 5 bottom is a gripping surface 60. The porous material has spaces or holes through which liquid or air may pass The elastically compressible sheet is elastically deformable. The gripping material has high friction with other surfaces. The elastically compressible sheet is stuck to the gripping material. io The gripping material is thinner than the elastically compressible sheet. The mat in figure 5 shows the mat rolled up. The mat is rolled in a spiral pattern. The rolled-up mat is able to stand upright on the edge surface which is in spiral form. Standing upright in this manner the mat is unable to roll away. The mat in the rolled-up form may further have a band, string, rope or similar rapped around it to hold in 15 rolled up under tension.

Claims

03 07 251. A mat comprising:a. an elastically compressible sheetandb. two or more areas of scent material, the areas of scent material having different shapes,the mat further comprising two or more holding spaces, said area of scent material shapes being configured to match the dimensions of the holding spaces,the holding spaces being configured so as to enable only specific of the areas of scent material to be placed in said holding space,with at least two of the areas of scent material shapes not being interchangeable,and where the movement of an individual on the mat stimulates the release of aromatic scent.

2. The mat of claim 1 further in which the areas of scented material comprise a porous material.

3. The mat of any prior claim where the scent is added by the user in the form of the application of aromatic liquid to the area or areas of scent material.

4. The mat of any prior claim where the mat is rollable or foldable to be wieldier.

5. The mat of any prior claim of thickness between than 4 mm and 26 mm.

6. The mat of any prior claim where the areas of scent material are removable.

7. The mat of any prior claim further comprising floor gripping surface element.

8. The mat of any prior claim further comprising graphical printing on the upper mat surface.

9. The mat of any prior claim comprised of cork.

10. The mat of any prior claim comprised of foam.

11. The mat of any prior claim comprised of rubber.

12. The mat of any prior claim comprised of breathable material.

13. The mat of any prior claim being a flexible mat.LD14. A kit of parts for providing the mat of any prior claim.CM

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