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Yoga matRelated Patent Categories: Exercise Devices, GymnasticYoga mat description/claimsThe Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20070275827, Yoga mat. Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims
FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] The present invention relates to exercise mats and, in particular, to exercise mats that are particularly well-suited to yoga. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] Yoga is practiced worldwide as both a form of spiritual and physical development. In the West, Yoga is most often practiced as a form of exercise that develops and tones the muscles, increases flexibility and strength, improves balance and promotes overall health and well-being. Circulation is also increased and the nerves are ensured a supply of nutrients and oxygen. [0003] The Yogic physical exercises are called Asanas, a term which means "steady pose." By way of example, in one form of yoga some basic postures include: headstand, shoulderstand, plough, fish, forward bend, cobra, locust, bow, spinal twist, crow pose, and peacock pose, standing forward bend, and triangle. The names of these poses indicate that much bending and stretching is involved. [0004] The routine is typically done on a floor, and poses are normally held for some time. It is therefore common to use a yoga mat or rug during a yoga routine. However, many of the yoga mats currently in use do not provide optimal support to the user, or do not provide optimal comfort. Consequently, it would be desirable to have improved mat options for the yoga practitioner. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0005] In one embodiment, an exercise mat for yoga has a lower non-slip layer, a middle cushion layer, and an upper layer. The upper layer has knobs on its outer surface to provide acupressure support to a user. Side layers are interconnected with the upper and lower layers to encompass the middle cushion layer. [0006] In accordance with optional aspects of the embodiment, the middle cushion layer may be made of foam. The foam may be any type of foam known in the art for mats, or may be a specialized foam such as memory foam. As an alternative to foam, the cushion layer may be formed from cotton batting, hulls, or other cushioning material. The upper layer may be molded rubber. The knobs may be integral to the upper layer, or may be separately attached. [0007] In one embodiment, the mat is divided into foldable sections. The sections may be divided by seams, such as sewn seems, interlocking seems, or other seems known in the art. [0008] Considering another embodiment, an exercise mat for yoga may have a lower non-slip layer, a middle cushion layer, an upper layer, and side layers interconnected with the upper and lower layers to encompass the middle cushion layer. In all of the embodiments, the lower, upper and side layers may be one continuous sheet of material, if desired, that is welded or otherwise connected together. [0009] In another embodiment, an exercise mat for yoga has a lower non-slip layer, at least one foam middle cushion layer, and an upper layer that has integral knobs on its outer surface, to provide acupressure support to a user. Side layers are interconnected with the upper and lower layers to encompass the middle cushion layer. The exercise mat also has foldable sections. [0010] Generally, the present invention encompasses a variety of improved mat designs, including sectioned mats that fold, mats that are cushioned with memory foam, mats that have knobs or similar protrusions on (or beneath) the upper surface in order to provide acupressure, and/or any combination of these elements. [0011] Other variations are possible, including providing a foam layer that has a pattern on its surface, such as a wave pattern, an undulating pattern, an egg crate pattern, or the like, to provide a specialized cushioning to the user. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0012] FIG. 1 is a top view of one version of a yoga mat having an upper surface that has protrusions such as knobs, and which may optionally have sections so as to be foldable; [0013] FIG. 2 is a cross-section of the mat in FIG. 1, illustrating the top outer portion formed from a material having knobs, and a central layer of resilient foam, which could optionally be a memory foam; [0014] FIG. 3 is a simplified drawing showing that the mat can be folded; [0015] FIG. 4 shows that the mat, alternatively, can be rolled up; [0016] FIG. 5 is a cross-section of an alternative embodiment in which the foam layer has an "egg crate" or similar pattern; [0017] FIG. 6 is an alternative embodiment in which there are no knobs on the upper surface but which has sections so that the mat may be folded for storage; and [0018] FIG. 7 is another alternative configuration in which the mat does not have separate sections. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS [0019] The present invention relates to various embodiments of optimal yoga mats for improved balance, stability, relief of joint and knee pain, and/or improved grip. Certain embodiments also provide specific advantages, such as providing acupressure to the exerciser, and/or utilizing memory foam, and/or dividing the mat into hinged sections so as to be foldable. Continue reading about Yoga mat... Full patent description for Yoga mat Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims Click on the above for other options relating to this Yoga mat patent application. ###  How KEYWORD MONITOR works... a FREE service from FreshPatents1. Sign up (takes 30 seconds). 2. Fill in the keywords to be monitored. 3. Each week you receive an email with patent applications related to your keywords. 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