US20090078662A1

US20090078662A1 - Yoga mat storage racks

Info

Publication number: US20090078662A1
Application number: US11/904,150
Authority: US
Inventors: Genevieve A. Boehm Clifton
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2007-09-26
Filing date: 2007-09-26
Publication date: 2009-03-26

Abstract

Yoga mat storage racks are disclosed. The storage racks are used to store mats used for practicing yoga.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to the field of storage racks. In particular, the present invention is directed to storage racks adapted for yoga mats. Yoga mats are used by persons engaged in yoga in either a home, a gym or a studio setting. Currently, there are no available storage racks particularly adapted for yoga mats. Consequently, yoga mats are generally left in a disorganized, cluttered fashion whereby the mats are thrown into crates, piled around the floor of a gym or rolled up and placed in a corner. The primary object of the present invention is to provide an easy to use yoga mat storage rack.

SUMMARY AND OBJECTIVES OF THE INVENTION

The objectives of the present invention are to provide space saving and convenient storage for yoga mats. In addition, it is an objective to provide visually appealing storage devices consistent with a yogic lifestyle. A further objective is to provide a yoga mat storage device that is clean and hygienic by providing air flow for the mats.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a front perspective view of one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 1B is a bottom perspective view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 1C is a front perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of a second alternate embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a third alternate embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention will now be described in connection with the presently preferred embodiments thereof. Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that many obvious modifications may be made to these embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention.
The first embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in FIG. 1. The yoga mat holder 10 comprises a plurality of vertically disposed tubular mat holders 11, 12 and 13. The tubular mat holders 11, 12 and 13 are joined at collar 14 which can also serve as a tray for holding various items. The diameter of the tubular mat holders is in the approximate range of 7 to 10 inches while the height is in the approximate range of 18 to 25 inches. In this embodiment, the yoga mats are first rolled up into a tubular configuration and then inserted into the tubular mat holders 11, 12 and 13. It is presently contemplated that in this embodiment the yoga mat holder 10 will be a free-standing device that can be easily moved within the area of use. Although the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 comprises three tubes, the number of tubes could be less than three or greater than three.
The embodiment shown in FIG. 1A further comprises a plurality of small feet 15 to slightly elevate the yoga mat holder 10 off the floor. In addition, each of the tubular mat holders 11, 12 & 13 comprise a plurality of slots 16 on the bottom of each of the tubes as shown in FIG. 1B. The slots 16 allow for air flow through the mat holders to keep the yoga mats dry and sanitary. FIG. 1 c illustrates an alternate embodiment of FIG. 1 where a plurality of slots 19 are provided on the side of the tubular holders 11, 12, 13 rather than on the bottom.
The second embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in FIG. 2. The yoga mat holder 20 in FIG. 2 is adapted to be permanently affixed to the studs in a wall. In this embodiment, the yoga mat holder 20 comprises a generally rectangular frame 21. It is contemplated that the frame 21 will be fabricated from wood although the scope of the invention should not be so limited. The frame will be provided with a plurality of through holes 22. The through holes 22 are adapted to receive screws 23 or other fastening devices to connect the frame 21 to a wall or other structure.
The yoga mat holder 20 further comprises a plurality of shelves 24. The shelves 24 will be supported by a plurality of brackets 25. It is contemplated that the shelves 24 will be able to fold up or down to accommodate storage of the yoga mats. The sizes of the shelves 24 can be adapted to accommodate the size of the yoga mats to be stored thereon.
The third embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in FIG. 3. The yoga mat holder 30 illustrated in FIG. 3 comprises a frame 31. The frame 31 comprises a top rectangular frame 32 and four legs 33. The top rectangular frame 32 is adapted to receive a removable storage tray 34. The front of the frame 31 comprises a plurality of generally cylindrical mat holders 35. The mat holders 31 are perforated to allow for air flow in and around the yoga mats and provide for hygienic storage of the mats. The mat holders 31 are sized to fit the particular size of the yoga mat to be stored in the mat holder 31. The yoga mat holder 30 is generally adapted to be free-standing and movable. It may be optionally provided with wheels to facilitate easy movement.
The fourth embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in FIG. 4. The yoga mat holder 40 illustrated in FIG. 4 is adapted to be mounted on a wall. The yoga mat holder 40 comprises a back 41. The mat holders 42 are welded to the back 41. The mat holders 42 are each supported by two stiffening brackets 43. The mat holders 42 comprise a plurality of perforations 46 to provide for air flow and are sized to accommodate the yoga mats to be stored. The back 41 comprises an optional cut-out 45. The cut-out 45 is adapted to receive ornamental inserts 47 as illustrated in FIG. 4 d.
Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the foregoing embodiments are merely illustrations of the present invention and many obvious modifications may be made thereto without departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention as set forth in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A free-standing portable yoga mat storage device comprising:

(a) one or more tubular, vertically disposed yoga mat holders;

(b) a means for connecting the plurality of yoga mat holders; and

(c) a means for elevating the yoga mat holders from the ground surface.

2. The free-standing portable yoga mat storage device of claim 1 wherein the tubular vertically disposed yoga mat holders comprise a plurality of slots to provide air-flow through the tubes and the means for elevating the yoga mat holders are a plurality of feet.

3. A free-standing portable yoga mat storage device comprising:

(a) a frame comprising a plurality of legs;

(b) a storage tray adapted for installation on the top of the frame; and

(c) a plurality of storage trays connected to the plurality of legs adapted to receive the yoga mats.

4. A yoga mat storage device for mounting to a wall comprising:

(a) a frame;

(b) a means for attaching the frame to the wall;

(c) a plurality of brackets attached to the frame; and

(d) a plurality of shelves adapted to be received on the plurality of brackets and for the storage of yoga mats.

5. A yoga mat storage device for mounting to a wall comprising a rigid frame and a plurality of generally cylindrical mat holders.