US20190217151A1

US20190217151A1 - Pilates mat with adjustable ischial tuberosity support

Info

Publication number: US20190217151A1
Application number: US16/055,678
Authority: US
Inventors: Darcy Wells
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2018-01-12
Filing date: 2018-08-06
Publication date: 2019-07-18

Abstract

An adjustable support mat for performing Pilates, yoga, or other activities involving sitting, has an adjustable gap region for providing ischial tuberosity support to a user having a protruding coccyx (tailbone), or experiencing pain in the coccyx region. A first and second mat element is held in position relative to each other with one or more adjustable spacing connectors to establish a gap width that is optimum for a particular user. The mat elements are constructed of resilient compressible material can be covered with an outer material, and can include nonskid bottom surface. The adjustable spacing connectors have touch fasteners, pressure sensitive adhesive, or other fastening means that are detachable and re-attachable, and can be rigid or flexible. A flexible nonskid adjustable connector sheet can be used as a spacing connector. The adjustable support mat can be folded or rolled for storage, or carried by a carrying strap.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/616,554 filed Jan. 12, 2018, for “PILATES MAT WITH ADJUSTABLE ISCHIAL TUBEROSITY SUPPORT”, by inventor Darcy Wells, which is hereby incorporated by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to exercise mats. In particular, the present invention relates to a Pilates mat with an adjustable region for providing ischial tuberosity support to a user having a protruding coccyx (tailbone), or experiencing pain in the region of the coccyx.

BACKGROUND

Pilates and yoga are increasingly popular forms of exercise, with an estimated 28.9 million people in the U.S. practicing these exercises in the Spring, 2017, compared to 16.21 million in the Spring, 2008 (source: https://www.statista.com/statistics/227433/number-of-yoga-and-pilates-practitioners-usa/, last accessed Dec. 7, 2017). The popularity of Pilates, in particular, is due in part to the many health benefits associated with it including improvements in a person's flexibility, muscle strength, muscle control, balance, posture, and concentration. Pilates, yoga, and other forms of exercise often involve sitting and/or forms of motion that involve sitting or rocking on the ischial tuberosity (often called sitting bones, sits bones, or sitz bones). However, persons having a caudal appendage (a portion of the tailbone which protrudes from the lumbosacrococcygeal region) or coccydynia (pain in the region of the coccyx) find it uncomfortable and/or difficult to perform Pilates using exercise mats that are normally provided. While Pilates is an exercise that is beneficial for a broad range of people, as a low-impact form of exercise it may be preferred by persons who are beyond their young adult years. Exasperating this, however, is that the mean age of onset of coccydynia has been shown to be 40 years, and the prevalence is five times greater in women than in men (source: Patel, R., Appannagari, A., & Whang, P. G. (2008). Coccydynia. Current Reviews in Musculoskeletal Medicine, 1(3-4), 223-226. http://doi.org/10.1007/s12178-008-9028-1). Therefore, older people in particular, who wish to benefit from Pilates and yoga exercises, may find it uncomfortable to do so by using a flat exercise mat that is normally made available during these exercises.
Devices have been developed that attempt to ease the discomfort for persons having these conditions while sitting. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 8,566,987 to Burge discloses cushion comprising a channel configured to a predetermined shape in relation to the ischial tuberosity relieving pressure in the perineal, rectal and coccyx regions of the pelvis. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,273,510 to Puckett discloses a pad assembly having a pad channel formed through an upper surface and extending a distance through the pad assembly through the lower surface. Devices have also been developed that attempt ease the discomfort for persons having these conditions during exercise. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,433,689 to Frins and U.S. Pat. No. 5,033,742 to Johnson both disclose an exercise aid having a relatively long void or channel in the center. Other designs have more closely followed the donut cushion design that is often used for sitting by placing one or more apertures (cutout regions) in the area of the mat near the user's coccyx. U.S. Application 2011/0059830 by Reese, and U.S. Pat. No. 6,854,144 to Mehring are two examples.
Despite the many advantages that are offered by the various mat and cushion designs of the prior art, some problems remain unsolved. For example, the size of the gap or aperture that exists for the user's coccyx region in each design of the prior art is generally fixed, and cannot be easily adjusted to suit the bone structure of a particular user. Moreover, a large mat or cushion does not offer the portability that makes it easy for a user to fold or roll the mat or cushion in order to carry from their house to a gym or exercise studio, or to provide for discrete storage. Additionally, many of the designs of the prior art have complex structures and are composed of materials that would make their cost relatively expensive, and therefore out of reach of some customers.
There exists an unfulfilled need for a Pilates mat that has an easily adjustable gap size to accommodate users of varying body shapes and sizes, while also being relatively small, foldable, or rollable to provide for discrete storage and ease in transportation, and which has a relatively low cost bill of materials to provide an affordable solution to persons who have a caudal appendage or who suffer from coccydynia.

SUMMARY

According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, an adjustable support mat with an adjustable gap for providing ischial tuberosity support to a user having a protruding coccyx (tailbone), or experiencing pain in the region of the coccyx. The adjustable support mat can be used on a bare or covered floor, on top of an existing exercise mat, or on a table, platform, or other machine or device that is adapted for performing Pilates, yoga, or other exercises. The adjustable support mat includes a first mat element having an upper element surface and a lower element surface, an inner edge and an outer edge, and a near end and a far end, the lower element surface having a plurality of attachment regions; a second mat element having an upper element surface and a lower element surface, an inner edge and an outer edge, and a near end and a far end, the lower element surface having a plurality of attachment regions; and at least one adjustable spacing connector having an upper connector surface and a lower connector surface; where: the first mat element is configured to be positioned proximal to the second mat element, with the first mat element inner edge facing the second mat element inner edge so that a gap exists between the first mat element and the second mat element; and the at least one adjustable spacing connector is configured such that the upper connector surface matably attaches to the lower element surfaces of the first and second mat elements at the attachment regions thereof, thereby securably holding the first mat element in proximal position to the second mat element.
According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, an adjustable support mat includes a first mat element having an upper element surface and a lower element surface, an inner edge and an outer edge, and a near end and a far end, the lower element surface having at least one attachment region; a second mat element having an upper element surface and a lower element surface, an inner edge and an outer edge, and a near end and a far end, the lower element surface having at least one attachment region; and an adjustable connector sheet having a top surface and a bottom surface; where: the first mat element is configured to be positioned proximal to the second mat element, with the first mat element inner edge facing the second mat element inner edge so that a gap exists between the first mat element and the second mat element; the adjustable connector sheet is comprised of a flexible material; and the adjustable connector sheet is configured such that the top surface matably attaches to the lower element surfaces of the first and second mat elements at the attachment regions thereof, thereby securably holding the first mat element in proximal position to the second mat element. The adjustable support mat is foldable for storage and/or transportation, and can include a carrying strap.
According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, a method for making an exercise mat with an adjustable region for providing ischial tuberosity support to a user having a protruding coccyx (tailbone), or experiencing pain in the region of the coccyx, the method including positioning a first mat element proximal to a second mat element; and attaching at least one adjustable spacing connector to the first mat element and the second mat element, where: the first mat element has an upper element surface and a lower element surface, an inner edge and an outer edge, and a near end and a far end, the lower element surface having a plurality of attachment regions; the second mat element has an upper element surface and a lower element surface, an inner edge and an outer edge, and a near end and a far end, the lower element surface having a plurality of attachment regions; the first mat element inner edge faces the second mat element inner edge so that a gap exists between the first mat element and the second mat element; each of the at least one spacing connectors has an upper connector surface and a lower connector surface; each of the at least one spacing connectors is configured such that the upper connector surfaces matably attach to the lower element surfaces of the first and second mat elements at the attachment regions thereof, thereby securably holding the first mat element in proximal position to the second mat element; the gap is configured to accommodate a protruding coccyx; and the first mat element and the second mat element are each configured to provide ischial tuberosity support.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, together with a general description of the invention given above, and the detailed description of the embodiments below, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of the adjustable support mat.

FIG. 1B is a top view of the adjustable support mat.

FIG. 1C is an end view of the adjustable support mat.

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of an alternative embodiment of the adjustable support mat.

FIG. 3A is a bottom view of the individual components of an alternative embodiment of the adjustable support mat.

FIG. 3B is an enlarged perspective view showing the detail of FIG. 3A.

FIG. 3C is an enlarged perspective view showing the additional detail of FIG. 3A.

FIG. 4A is a perspective view showing the adjustable support mat of FIG. 1A folded for storage.

FIG. 4B is a perspective view showing the adjustable support mat of FIG. 1A with the addition of a carrying strap for transportation.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the adjustable support mat of FIG. 2 rolled for storage.

FIG. 6A is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the adjustable support mat.

FIG. 6B is a perspective view of the adjustable support mat in FIG. 6A in a folded position.

FIG. 7A is a top view of the adjustable connector sheet of the adjustable support mat shown in FIG. 6A.

FIG. 7B is a side view of the adjustable connector sheet of FIG. 7A.

FIG. 7C is an end view of the adjustable support mat shown in FIG. 6A.

FIG. 7D is a top view of the mat elements of the adjustable support mat in FIG. 6A.

FIG. 7E is a bottom view of the mat elements of FIG. 7D.

FIG. 8A is a cut-away perspective view of a mat element of the adjustable support mat in FIG. 6A.

FIG. 8B is a cross-section end view of the mat element in FIG. 8A.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following description, various embodiments of the present invention will be described. For purposes of explanation, specific configurations and details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments. However, it will also be apparent to one skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without the specific details. Furthermore, well-known features may be omitted or simplified in order not to obscure the embodiment being described.
FIG. 1A is a perspective view of the adjustable support mat of the present disclosure. Shown in FIG. 1 are adjustable support mat 10, first mat element 12, second mat element 14, adjustable spacing connectors 16, adjustable gap 18, near end 40, and far end 42. Adjustable support mat 10 includes first mat element 12, second mat element 14, and adjustable spacing connectors 16. Adjustable support mat 10 has near end 40 and far end 42, as indicated. Accordingly, first mat element 12 and second mat element 14 each have a corresponding near end and far end (not labeled). First mat element 12 and second mat element 14 are substantially similar in shape and size to each other. As will be seen in FIGS. 1B and 1C, first mat element 12 and second mat element 14 are of substantially rectangular geometry. First mat element 12 and second mat element 14 are constructed of resilient compressible foam. In an embodiment, first mat element 12 and second mat element 14 can be constructed of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) foam, with properties that can be similar to those of exercise mats of the prior art. In another embodiment, first mat element 12 and second mat element 14 can be constructed of eco-PVC foam if it is desirable to comply with environmentally-friendly standards. Eco-PVC foam is generally manufactured without toxic materials, and does not leak volatile organic compounds (VOCs) during use, making it particularly attractive to health-conscious users. In another embodiment, first mat element 12 and second mat element 14 can be constructed of closed-cell rubber foam, which can also be non-toxic. Closed-cell rubber foam can also be bio-degradable, allowing it to degrade into the earth when it is disposed after the end of its useful service lifetime. Compressible rubber foam can be called “gym rubber”. Non-limiting examples of closed-cell foam materials that can be used in first mat element 12 and second mat element 14 include polyethylene, cross-linked polyethylene, polystyrene, neoprene, polypropylene, and polyolefin. Some of these materials can be obtained under trademarked names. For example, expanded polyolefin foam can be marked as VOLARA®. In yet another embodiment, first mat element 12 and second mat element 14 can be constructed of memory foam if it is desirable to enhance the comfort of the user. In some embodiments, first mat element 12 and second mat element 14 can be constructed of open-cell foam material.
In some embodiments, first mat element 12 and second mat element 14 can be constructed of a material that has a uniform density. In other embodiments, first mat element 12 and second mat element 14 can be constructed of a material that has a density gradient, offering a softer material on the surface toward the user's body and a more firm material on the opposite surface. As will be seen in the detailed description, the type of material used to construct first mat element 12 and second mat element 14 does not significantly detract from or alter the functioning of the adjustable support mat of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, first mat element 12 and second mat element 14 can be constructed of a material having very little compressibility, or essentially no compressibility at all.
In other embodiments, a covering material (not shown) can be applied to first mat element 12 and second mat element 14. For example, a plastic, rubber, or fabric cover may be applied to first mat element 12 and second mat element 14 for hygienic and/or aesthetic reasons, and/or to increase the wear resistance of first mat element 12 and second mat element 14. In some of these embodiments, the covering material can be applied to first mat element 12 and second mat element 14 by spraying, dipping, or through any other additive manufacturing process. In other embodiments, the covering material can be applied as a sheet of material that conforms to the outer surfaces of first mat element 12 and second mat element 14. These other embodiments will be described in greater detail in FIGS. 6A-6B and 8A-8B.
A plurality of adjustable spacing connectors 16 hold first mat element 12 and second mat element 14 in position proximate to each other. In the illustrated embodiment, three adjustable spacing connectors 16 are used. In some embodiments, two adjustable spacing connectors 16 can be used. In other embodiments, four or more adjustable spacing connectors 16 can be used. In an alternative embodiment, a single large adjustable spacing connector 16 can be used. Adjustable gap 18 is created between first mat element 12 and second mat element 14 as adjustable spacing connectors 16 are affixed, or matably attached, to first mat element 12 and second mat element 14. As will become apparent in this description, a key advantage of the present disclosure over the prior art is in the user's ability to set the size of adjustable gap 18 by means of positioning adjustable spacing connectors 16. In the illustrated embodiment, adjustable spacing connectors 16 are attachable, detachable, and re-attachable. Accordingly, adjustable spacing connectors 16 attach to first mat element 12 and second mat element 14 by means of a removable and repositionable attachment mechanism. In one embodiment, adjustable spacing connectors 16 can be coated on one surface with pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA). Several different types of PSA coatings can be commercially available, offering a variety of adhesive properties and degrees of adherence strength. In one embodiment, adjustable spacing connectors 16 are coated with a PSA coating having relatively low adherence strength, thereby allowing for easy removal and reapplication. In this particular embodiment, a user can freely reposition adjustable spacing connectors 16, thereby easily changing the size of gap 18. This particular embodiment may be preferable when adjustable support mat 10 is used in a setting where it is necessary to adapt to a number of different users, each requiring a different size of adjustable gap 18. Examples of this setting may include a clinic where physical therapy is performed on various patients or a gymnasium or exercise studio where adjustable support mats 10 are provided for different clients to use. In other embodiments, adjustable spacing connectors 16 can be coated with a PSA coating having higher adherence strength. A user may find this embodiment to be preferable after determining and setting the ideal size of adjustable gap 18, particularly where a user is the only person who requires use of adjustable support mat 10. In an alternative embodiment, adjustable spacing connectors 16 can be coated with a PSA that is a permanent adhesive. In this alternative embodiment, a user would permanently attach adjustable spacing connectors 16 to first mat element 12 and second mat element 14 after establishing the desired size of adjustable gap 18. This alternative embodiment is within the scope of the present disclosure.
In some embodiments, adjustable spacing connector 16 can be a rigid or semi-rigid piece or pieces of material. This embodiment may be preferred when adjustable support mat 10 remains in a particular position, such as in an exercise studio where adjustable support mat 10 generally remains in position. In other embodiments, adjustable spacing connectors 16 can be flexible. A particular advantage of this embodiment is that it allows adjustable support mat 10 to be folded in half with adjustable spacing connectors 16 remaining attached to first mat element 12 and second mat element 14. This particular aspect of adjustable support mat 10 will be described in more detail in FIGS. 4A and 6A.
In another embodiment, adjustable spacing connectors 16 are removable and reattachable by means of mechanical interconnecting features on first mat element 12, second mat element 14, and adjustable spacing connectors 16. For example, a class of fasteners known in the arts as touch fasteners, “hook and loop” fasteners, and “hook and pile” fasteners can be used. In this particular embodiment, the “hook” portions of the fastening system can be attached to regions of first mat element 12 and second mat element 14, while the “loop” or “pile” portions of the fastening system being used on adjustable spacing connectors 16. In another embodiment, the placement of the “hook” and the “loop” fasteners can be reversed. In other embodiments, different styles of touch fasteners can be used. Those who are skilled in the touch fastening arts are familiar with the various styles that may be used, and the various names and trademarks used to market these products. These and other embodiments of mechanical fasteners will be described in more detail in FIGS. 2, 3A, and 3B.
In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1A, adjustable support mat 10 is geometrically symmetrical. Accordingly, near end 40 and far end 42 are arbitrary based on the position of a user relative to adjustable support mat 10. In other embodiments, adjustable support mat 10 can be geometrically asymmetrical. For example, in one of these other embodiments, a notch (not shown) can be placed in first mat element 12 and/or second mat element 14 in a region near either near end 40 and/or far end 42 to accommodate a user's head.
FIG. 1B is a top view of adjustable support mat 10 described in FIG. 1A. Shown in FIG. 1B are adjustable support mat 10, first mat element 12, second mat element 14, adjustable spacing connectors 16, and adjustable gap 18. Also shown in FIG. 1B are dimensional labels, described as follows. In the illustrated embodiment, adjustable support mat 10 is comprised of components having substantially rectangular geometry, with first mat element 12 and second mat element 14 being substantially equal to each other in physical dimensions. First mat element 12 has length L and width W 1. Similarly, second mat element has length L and width W2. In the illustrated embodiment, length L of first mat element 12 and second mat element 14 is approximately equal. In other embodiments, length L of first mat element 12 can be greater than or less than length L of second mat element 14. In one embodiment, length L can be approximately 80-100 cm (31.5-39.4 in). In a particular embodiment, length L can be approximately 85 cm (33.5 in). This particular embodiment was optimum for one adult female. In other embodiments, length L can be less than 80 cm (31.5 in). In yet other embodiments, length L can be greater than 100 cm (39.4 in). Generally, a taller user may find greater values of length L to be beneficial. Similarly, a shorter user may find smaller values of length L to be beneficial. It should be noted that several factors other than a user's height may be used to determine length L, including the types of intended exercises to be performed on adjustable support mat 10, or the desire to have a compact size for adjustable support mat 10 to facilitate storage and/or transportation. In the illustrated embodiment, W1 and W2 can be approximately 7-14 cm (2.8-5.5 in). In a particular embodiment, W1 and W2 can be approximately 10 cm (3.94 in). This particular embodiment was optimum for one adult female. In other embodiments, W1 and W2 can be less than 7 cm (2.8 in). In yet other embodiments, W1 and W2 can be greater than 14 cm (5.5 in). Generally, a user with a larger frame may find greater values of W1 and W2 to be beneficial. Similarly, a user with a smaller frame may find smaller values of W1 and W2 to be beneficial.
It should be noted that several factors other than a user's height and frame size can be used to determine the values of L, W1, and W2. Examples of these various other factors include the types of intended exercises to be performed on adjustable support mat 10, or the desire to have a compact size for adjustable support mat 10 to facilitate use, storage, or transportation. Adjustable support mat 10 can be used on several different surfaces including on a bare or covered floor, on top of an existing exercise mat, or on a table, platform, or other machine or device that is adapted for performing Pilates, yoga, or other exercises. For example, some users perform Pilates on an apparatus that has been adapted for enhancing the exercise experience. One example of such apparatus is known as the Pilates Reformer, which can include a movable carriage that may be connected to springs, ropes, straps, gears, or other mechanical linkages. The movable carriage, or any other platform on which adjustable support mat 10 is used, can dictate the values of L and/or W1 and W2. Therefore, in a particular embodiment, adjustable support mat 10 can have size dimensions of W, L1, and W2 that are selected to optimize adjustable support mat 10 for use on a particular carriage or platform.
In the illustrated embodiment, width W1 of first mat element 12 is approximately equal to width W2 of second mat element 14. Advantages of this embodiment can include ease of manufacturing, marketing, use, and/or storage, and a balanced aesthetic appearance. In another embodiment, width W1 of first mat element 12 can be different from width W2 of second mat element 14. A reason for this particular embodiment may be to accommodate the special needs of a user where the user's ischial tuberosity or coccyx region is not symmetrical, or where other physical or medical needs require special adaptation. As will be seen in FIGS. 2, 3A, and 4B, first mat element 12 and second mat element 14 can be separated from each other for a number of possible reasons, including storage. Accordingly, several adjustable support mats 10 can exist with one user, or at one usage facility. It is possible that widths W1 and W2 of first mat element 12 and second mat element 14 can be different, thereby allowing different widths W1 and W2 to be joined together to produce a particular enablement of adjustable support mat 10.
Referring again to FIG. 1B, in the illustrated embodiment three adjustable spacing connectors 16 are used to join first mat element 12 to second mat element 14, with one adjustable spacing connector 16 being located near each of the ends of first mat element 12 and second mat element 14, and a third adjustable spacing connector 16 approximately centered between the two others, thereby being located approximately equidistant from the ends. Adjustable spacing connectors 16 near each end of adjustable support mat 10 are offset from the ends by end offset distance d. In one embodiment, end offset distance d can be approximately 2.5-7.5 cm (1-3 in). In a particular embodiment, end offset distance d can be approximately 4 cm (1.6 in). This particular embodiment was optimum during testing by one adult female. In other embodiments, end offset distance d can be less than 2.5 cm (1 in). In yet other embodiments, end offset distance d can be greater than 7.5 cm (3 in). The specific value of end offset distance d is not critical to the functioning of adjustable support mat 10. In the illustrated embodiment, end offset distance d is shown to be approximately equal at each end of adjustable support mat 10. In other embodiments, end offset distance d can be different values at the two ends of adjustable support mat 10. Moreover, end offset distance d could have a value of zero, meaning that the edge of an adjustable spacing connector 16 is approximately aligned with the end of adjustable support mat 10.
Referring again to FIG. 1B, each of the three adjustable spacing connectors 16 are shown to be approximately equal in size, having width c as labeled. In other embodiments, each adjustable spacing connector 16 can have a width c that is different from the others. The dimensions of adjustable spacing connectors 16 will be described further in FIG. 2. As shown in FIG. 1B, first mat element 12 and second mat element 14 are approximately parallel to each other, and the length axis of each adjustable spacing connector 16 is approximately perpendicular to the length axis of first mat element 12 and second mat element 14. Accordingly, adjustable gap 18 is formed by the placement of first mat element 12 and second mat element 14 relative to each other, with adjustable gap 18 having gap width g. As shown in FIG. 1B, gap width g is approximately uniform along length L from one end of first mat element 12 and second mat element 14 to the other end. In other embodiments, gap width g can vary from one end of first mat element 12 and second mat element 14 to the other end. In these other embodiments, for example a user may desire to have a gap width g smaller in one region than in another region of adjustable mat 10. Moreover, in setting up adjustable mat 10, a user can either intentionally or unintentionally set the placement of adjustable spacing connectors 16 such that adjustable gap width g is not uniform along length L. In so doing, the benefit of adjustable support mat 10 of providing relief for a user having a protruding coccyx (tailbone) is still provided. Any configuration of adjustable spacing connectors 16 in joining first mat element 12 and second mat element 14 is within the scope of the present disclosure.
FIG. 1C is an end view of adjustable support mat 10 described in FIGS. 1A and 1B. Shown in FIG. 1C are adjustable support mat 10, first mat element 12, second mat element 14, adjustable spacing connectors 16, and adjustable gap 18. Also shown in FIG. 1C are dimensional labels, described as follows. First mat element 12 has width W1 and thickness t, second mat element 14 has width W2 and thickness t, adjustable spacing connector 16 has thickness e, and adjustable gap 18 has gap width g. The dimensions for first mat element 12, second mat element 14, and adjustable gap 18 were described above in FIG. 1B. In the illustrated embodiment, thickness t of first and second mat elements 12, 14 is approximately 3.2 cm (1.25 in). In some embodiments, thickness t can be less than 3.2 cm (1.25 in). In other embodiments, thickness t can be greater than 3.2 cm (1.25 in). Several factors can be considered in selecting thickness t, including the user's body structure and amount of adaptation they require for a protruding coccyx (tailbone).
In the illustrated embodiment, thickness e of adjustable spacing connector 16 is less than 1 mm (0.04 in). Adjustable spacing connector 16 can be made from fabric or vinyl coated with pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA), thereby having thickness e less than 1 mm (0.04 in). In other embodiments, adjustable spacing connector 16 can have a thickness e of 1 mm (0.04 in) or greater. In an alternative embodiment, adjustable spacing connector 16 can be made from a touch fastener having hooks and loops as described in FIG. 1A. In this alternative embodiment, adjustable spacing connector 16 can have thickness e less than 1 mm (0.04 in). Touch fasteners can be made with different thicknesses. In some embodiments, adjustable spacing connector 16 can have thickness e of 1 mm (0.04 in) or greater. In some embodiments, adjustable spacing connector 16 can have thickness e between 1-5 mm (0.04-0.2 in). In yet other embodiments, adjustable spacing connector 16 can have thickness e of 5 mm (0.2 in) or greater. In some embodiments, adjustable spacing connector 16 can be made from materials other than PSA-coated material or touch fasteners. For example, adjustable spacing connector 16 can be made from foam or other compressible material, possibly having a similar composition to that of first mat element 12 and second mat element 14. In other embodiments, adjustable spacing connector 16 may be made from any material, with any other means of attaching adjustable spacing connector 16 to first mat element 12 and second mat element 14. In general, it may be advantageous to have thickness e of adjustable spacing connector 16 as small as possible, to minimize any contribution to the height of adjustable support mat 10 above the underlying surface. The reason for this can be seen in FIGS. 1A and 1B, in that three adjustable spacing connectors 16 are used in the illustrated embodiment. Therefore, a minimal thickness e of adjustable spacing connector 16 results in a minimal effect in producing any bumps on the top surfaces of adjustable support mat 10 that may be felt by a user. In some embodiments, particularly where adjustable support mat 10 is placed on top of another mat, the compressibility of adjustable support mat 10 and/or the underlying mat can accommodate various thicknesses e of adjustable spacing connector 16, thereby allowing for a range of thicknesses e of adjustable spacing connector 16. In other embodiments, particularly where the thickness t of adjustable support mat 10 is relatively great compared to the thickness e of adjustable spacing connector 16, the effect of the thickness e of adjustable spacing connector 16 may not be discernable to the user. In yet other embodiments, recessed regions on the bottom surfaces of first mat element 12 and second mat element 14 in the vicinity of where adjustable spacing connector 16 attaches can accommodate practically any thickness of adjustable spacing connectors 16, without resulting in a bump on the top surfaces of first mat element 12 and second mat element 14.
FIG. 2 is an exploded view of an alternative embodiment of the adjustable support mat. Shown in FIG. 2 are adjustable support mat 110, first mat element 112, second mat element 114, adjustable spacing connectors 116, touch fastener hook region 118, nonskid area 122, nonskid area 124, touch fastener loop region 126, and touch fastener loop region 128. Also shown in FIG. 2 are dimensional labels of length b and width c for adjustable spacing connectors 116. FIG. 2 depicts the bottom surfaces of first mat element 112 and second mat element 114, the surfaces that are in contact with the floor during normal use of adjustable support mat 110. In the illustrated embodiment, touch fasteners are used to attach adjustable spacing connectors 116 to first mat element 112 and second mat element 114. In the illustrated embodiment, touch fastener loop region 126 is near each end of first mat element 112, and also near the center of first mat element 112. Similarly, touch fastener loop region 126 is near each end of second mat element 114, and also near the center of second mat element 114. The top surfaces of adjustable spacing connectors 116 are shown in FIG. 2, these being the surfaces that are in contact with the bottom surfaces of first mat element 112 and second mat element 114 during normal use of adjustable support mat 110. Touch fastener hook region 118 covers the top surfaces of adjustable spacing connectors 116. During use, touch fastener hook regions 118 of adjustable spacing connectors 116 are attached to touch fastener loop regions 126, 128 of first mat element 112 and second mat element 114, thereby holding first mat element 112 in position relative to second mat element 114. The positioning of first mat element 112 and second mat element 114 relative to each other forms an adjustable gap (not labeled in FIG. 2), similar to adjustable gap 16 shown in FIGS. 1A-1C.
Adjustable spacing connectors 116 each have length b and width c. In the illustrated embodiment, length b is shown to be greater than width c. In the illustrated embodiment, length b can be 20-30 cm (7.9-11.8 in). In a particular embodiment, length b can be approximately 25 cm (9.8 in). This particular embodiment was optimum for one adult female. In other embodiments, length b can be less than 20 cm (7.9 in) or greater than 30 cm (11.8 in). In the illustrated embodiment, touch fastener loop regions 126, 128 cover approximately the full width of first mat element 112 and second mat element 114. In other embodiments, touch fastener loop regions 126, 128 can cover only a portion of the width of first mat element 112 and second mat element 114. In the illustrated embodiment, touch fastener loop regions 126, 128 have a length (measured in the long axis of first mat element 112 and second mat element 114) that is approximately equivalent to the width of adjustable spacing connectors 116 (measured in the short dimension of adjustable spacing connectors 116). In other embodiments, touch fastener loop regions 126, 128 can cover only a portion of the width of adjustable spacing connectors 116. In other embodiments, the size of touch fastener loop regions 126, 128 can be smaller than is depicted in FIG. 2, so long as an area is large enough to result in adequate touch fastener operation. In the illustrated embodiment, touch fastener hook regions 118 cover the full surface of adjustable spacing connectors 116. In other embodiments, touch fastener hook regions 118 can cover a portion of the surface of adjustable spacing connectors 116 with the only requirement being that the size of touch fastener hook region 118 is large enough to result in adequate touch fastener operation. In some embodiments it may be desirable to use a smaller size for touch fastener loop regions 126, 128 and/or touch fastener hook regions 118, for example, to result in a smaller pulling force that is required by a user to separate adjustable spacing connectors 116 from first mat element 112 and second mat element 114. As described in FIG. 1A, it may be desirable to have the components of adjustable support mat 110 easily removable and reattachable to each other to facilitate periodic adjustments to accommodate different users, or to disassemble adjustable support mat 110 for storage and/or transportation.
In an embodiment, a particular method of determining the optimum length b of adjustable spacing connector 116 is to add the width (not labeled) of first mat element 112 to the width (not labeled) of second mat element 114 to the desired gap width (not labeled), thereby obtaining length b that would entirely extend to the outer edges of first mat element 112 and second mat element 114. However, there is not a need for length b to be estimated with any precision. Adjustable mat 110 will perform adequately if adjustable spacing connectors 116 are shorter than this calculated width b, thereby not fully extending to the outer edges of first mat element 112 and second mat element 114. Similarly, adjustable mat 110 will perform adequately if adjustable spacing connectors 116 are longer than this calculated width b, thereby resulting in adjustable spacing connectors 116 extending beyond the outer edge of first mat element 112 and/or second mat element 114. Moreover, each adjustable spacing connector 116 can have a length b that is different from the others. And as noted above in FIG. 1B, each adjustable spacing connector 116 can have a width c that is different from the others.
In the illustrated embodiment adjustable spacing connectors 116 are manufactured from the “hook” surface of touch fastener material, thereby containing touch fastener hook region 118, and generally being of plastic and/or fabric construction. In this embodiment, adjustable spacing connectors 116 can be readily trimmed by a user to an ideal length b by use of scissors or other shearing or cutting device. In a particularly embodiment where adjustable support mat 110 is marketed in a kit form, adjustable spacing connectors 116 can be provided with length b longer than would normally be used, while providing instructions to a user to use a shearing or cutting device to trim adjustable spacing connectors 116 to a nominal length b that extends approximately to the outer edge of first mat element 112 and second mat element 114 after establishing the desired gap width (not labeled) for a particular user.
Referring again to FIG. 2, adjustable spacing connectors 116 have width c. In the illustrated embodiment, width c can be 2.5-7.5 cm (1-3 inches). In a particular embodiment, width c can be 2.5 cm (1 in). This particular embodiment was optimum for one adult female. In other embodiments, width c can be less than 2.5 cm (1 in) or greater than 7.5 cm (3 in). Several factors may be considered in selecting the width c of adjustable spacing connectors 116 in a particular embodiment, including the touch fastener style and grip strength of adjustable spacing connectors 116, and the number of adjustable spacing connectors 116 used in a particular embodiment. For example, a total number of adjustable spacing connectors 116 greater than three may allow the width c of each adjustable spacing connector 116 to be relatively small. In general, the designer of adjustable support mat 110 will evaluate the total surface area of contact between touch fastener hook regions 118 and touch fastener loop regions 126, 128 in establishing width c of adjustable spacing connectors 116. Touch fasteners are commercially available in a wide variety of styles and designs, while being sold under a variety of names and trademarks, as described in FIG. 1A. The particular style and design of touch fasteners used in a particular embodiment of adjustable support mat 110 is not critical, so long as touch fastener loop regions 126, 128 of first mat element 112 and second mat element 114 can make contact with touch fastener hook regions 118 of adjustable spacing connectors 116 to provide an attachment strength that is satisfactory to hold adjustable support mat 110 in position during use.
In other embodiments, the locations of touch fastener loop regions 126, 128 and touch fastener hook regions 118 can be reversed. That is, touch fastener hooks can be placed on first mat element 112 and second mat element 114, with touch fastener loops being placed on adjustable spacing connectors 116. A designer could consider several different reasons for the placement of touch fastener hooks and loops on adjustable support mat 110. Moreover, a different style of touch fastener could be used in which dedicated hooks and loops do not exist. A style of touch fastener could be used where a similar touch fastener surface is used on all mating components, and therefore, on first mat element 112, second mat element 114, and on adjustable spacing connectors 116. Those who are skilled in the touch fastener arts are familiar with the various types of touch fastener materials that could be used, all of which are within the scope of the present disclosure.
It should be noted that width c of adjustable spacing connectors 116 could be much wider than is depicted in FIG. 2. In some embodiments, width c of adjustable spacing connectors 116 could be greater than length b, while keeping within the scope of the present disclosure. In another embodiment, a single adjustable spacing connector 116 having a width c that is relatively large could be used. In this particular embodiment, a single adjustable spacing connector 116 could have a width c that is approximately equal to the length (not labeled) of first mat element 112 and second mat element 114 could be used.
Referring again to FIG. 2, nonskid regions 122 are on the bottom surface of first mat element 112. In the illustrated embodiment, there are two nonskid regions 122 on first mat element 112, each in position between adjacent touch fastener loop regions 126. Similarly, two nonskid regions 124 are on the bottom surface of second mat element 114, each in position between adjacent touch fastener loop regions 128. Nonskid regions 122, 124 are a soft, grippable surface to prevent or minimize adjustable support mat 110 from moving during use. Nonskid regions 122, 124 can also be referred to as nonslip regions. In an embodiment, nonskid regions 122, 124 can be a separate material that is attached to the bottom surfaces of first mat element 112 and second mat element 114. Those who are skilled in the art of nonskid and nonslip materials are familiar with the various types of materials that are used, including without limitation rubber, foam rubber, silicon rubber, and other types of elastomers that are designed to prevent or minimize slippage on a surface. In some embodiments, nonskid regions 122, 124 can be separate materials that are adhered to the surfaces of first mat element 112 and second mat element 114. In other embodiments, nonskid regions 122, 124 can be directly applied to the surfaces of first mat element 112 and second mat element 114 as part of the manufacturing process.
In an embodiment, the type of material used for nonskid regions 122, 124 will depend on the material used to construct first mat element 112 and second mat element 114. For example, as described in FIG. 1A, if first mat element 112 and second mat element 114 have a vinyl or fabric coating, or are constructed of PVC foam, a relatively smooth surface could exist. Therefore, it can be necessary to use nonskid regions 122, 124. Moreover, if adjustable support mat 110 is intended to be used on a floor having a smooth surface of wood, tile, or concrete, for example, then nonskid regions 122, 124 can be helpful to prevent slippage of adjustable support mat 110 during use. In other embodiments, it may not be necessary to have nonskid regions 122, 124. For example, if first mat element 112 and second mat element 114 are made of rubber or foam rubber, or if adjustable support mat 110 is intended to be used on a non-smooth surface, then nonskid regions 122, 124 may not be necessary. Examples of underlying surfaces where adjustable support mat 110 could be used without requiring nonskid regions 122, 124 could include carpeting and another exercise mat, for example.
Referring back to FIG. 2, nonskid regions 122, 124 cover the majority of the bottom surface area of first mat element 112 and second mat element 114. In other embodiments, a different size and/or number of nonskid regions 122, 124 can be used. For example, if only two adjustable spacing connectors 116 are used, then a single nonskid region 122, 124 can be used on first mat element 112 and second mat element 114, respectively. On the other hand, a number of adjustable spacing connectors 116 greater than three can result in a greater number of nonskid regions 122, 124. Moreover, in the illustrated embodiment, the width of nonskid regions 122, 124 is a significant portion of the width of first mat element 112 and second mat element 114. In some embodiments, nonskid regions 122, 124 can cover the entire widths of first mat element 112 and second mat element 114. In another embodiment, the width of nonskid regions 122, 124 can be narrower than is illustrated in FIG. 2. In other embodiments, nonslip material could be applied directly to first mat element 112 and second mat element 114 by direct material application or other form of additive manufacturing process to form nonskid regions 122, 124. Application of nonslip material in the form of dots, stripes, or any other pattern is within the scope of the present disclosure.
FIG. 3A is an exploded view of another alternative embodiment of the adjustable support mat. Shown in FIG. 3A are adjustable support mat 210, first mat element 212, second mat element 214, adjustable spacing connectors 216, first mat element cavities 226, second mat element cavities 228, and adjustable spacing connector prongs 218. FIG. 3B is an enlarged view of an end of second mat element 214, and FIG. 3C is an enlarged view of an end of adjustable spacing connector 216. In the illustrated embodiment, several first and second mat element cavities exist in first mat element 212 and second mat element 214, in approximately the same regions as touch fastener loop regions 126, 128 as shown in FIG. 2. Similarly, several adjustable spacing connector prongs 218 exist at the ends of adjustable spacing connectors 216. In the illustrated embodiment, adjustable spacing connector prongs 218 are designed to be pushed into first and second mat element cavities 226, 228, being held in position by an interlocking, frictional, or interference fit. For illustrative purposes, this method of interlocking pieces of materials can be likened to how some toy plastic building blocks can be attached together. Accordingly, first mat element 212 and second mat element 214 are held in position relative to each other by the attachment of adjustable spacing connectors 216. Several rows of first and second mat element cavities 226, 228 along the width of first mat element 212 and second mat element 214 enable a user to adjust the width of the adjustable gap (not labeled). FIG. 3A does not show nonskid regions on first mat element 212 and second mat element 214. In other embodiments, nonskid regions can be used, having styles similar to those described in FIG. 2.
FIG. 4A illustrates the adjustable support mat of FIG. 1A folded in a storage or transportation position. Shown in FIG. 4A are adjustable support mat 310, first mat element 312, second mat element 314, and adjustable spacing connectors 316. Adjustable spacing connectors 316 are folded such that second mat element 314 is setting upon first mat element 312, thereby occupying a smaller footprint. In the illustrated embodiment adjustable spacing connectors 312 are flexible, as described in FIG. 1A, allowing them to be folded in the manner illustrated. In the illustrated embodiment, adjustable support mat 310 can be stored in a more compact space. Than that occupied by adjustable support mat 310 during normal use. Moreover, adjustable support mat 310 can be folded, as illustrated, to be transported with greater ease. In an alternative embodiment, adjustable support mat 310, after being folded as shown, can be inserted in a sleeve or other container to aid in storage and transportation. In a particular embodiment, adjustable support mat 310 can be marketed in a kit form including first mat element 312 and second mat element 314, one atop the other as illustrated, and inserted in a carrying sleeve or bag (not shown). In this particular embodiment, the carrying sleeve could be made from fabric, plastic, canvas, nylon, polyester, or other suitable material, while also possibly having a zipper or other closure device and/or a carrying handle.
FIG. 4B illustrates the adjustable support mat of FIG. 4A with the addition of a carrying strap for transportation. Shown in FIG. 4B are adjustable support mat 310A, first mat element 312, second mat element 314, adjustable spacing connectors 316, and carrying strap 332. Adjustable spacing connectors 316 are folded such that second mat element 314 is approximately aligned with first mat element 312. Carrying strap 332 is attached at each end to adjustable spacing connectors 316 that are positioned at opposite ends of adjustable support mat 310A. A user can grip carrying strap 332 to carry adjustable support mat 310A for transportation. Carrying strap 332 can also be used to hand adjustable support mat 310A on a hook, peg, or other suitable hanger for storage. During use of adjustable support mat 310A, carrying strap 332 rests in the adjustable gap (not labeled in FIG. 4B), thereby not affecting the operation of adjustable support mat 310A.
In the illustrated embodiment, carrying strap 332 is a flexible web strap. Carrying strap 332 can be made from woven nylon or fabric, and can be attached to adjustable spacing connectors 316 by permanent means such as sewing or bonding. In other embodiments, carrying strap 332 can be plastic, vinyl, leather, or any other suitable material, and can be attached to adjustable spacing connectors 316 by either permanent or non-permanent means. In some embodiments, carrying strap 332 can have regions at each end containing touch fasteners or pressure sensitive adhesives. In the illustrated embodiment, carrying strap 332 has a length that approximately connects from one adjustable spacing connector 316 to another adjustable spacing connector 316 at opposite ends of adjustable support mat 310A. In other embodiments, carrying strap 332 can have a longer length, such that some excess material exists. In the illustrated embodiment, carrying strap 332 has an approximate width of 2 cm (0.8 in) and an approximate thickness of 2 mm (0.08 in). In other embodiments carrying strap 332 can have a width less than or greater than 2 mm (0.8 in) and thickness less than or greater than 2 mm (0.08 in). The size and material of construction of carrying strap 332 is not critical to the performance of adjustable support mat 310A. For example, in some embodiments carrying strap 332 can be a cord, rope, or band. Carrying strap 332 can also be a material that is rigid, flexible, or elastic.
FIG. 5 illustrates the adjustable support mat of FIG. 2 rolled in a storage position. Shown in FIG. 5 are adjustable support mat 410, first mat element 412, adjustable spacing connector 416, touch fastener loop regions 426, second mat element 414, adjustable spacing connectors 416, and touch fastener regions 428. First mat element is rolled and held in a rolled position by attaching adjustable spacing connector 416 between touch fastener loop region 426 at the outer end of first mat element 412 and another touch fastener loop region 426 at a center position of first mat element 412. Second mat element 414 is rolled in a similar manner, being held in a rolled position by attaching adjustable spacing connector 416 between touch fastener loop region 428 at the outer end of second mat element 414 and another touch fastener loop region 428 at a center position of second mat element 414. In the illustrated embodiment, adjustable support mat 410 can be stored in a more compact space. Moreover, adjustable support mat 410 can be more easily transported in a rolled position as shown, or possibly after being placed in a storage bag or other container (not shown). In a particular embodiment, adjustable support mat 410 can be marketed in a kit form including first mat element 412 and second mat element 414 rolled and held in position by adjustable spacing connectors 416, with adjustable spacing connectors 416 attached to touch fastener loop regions 426, 428 to maintain the rolled forms. Moreover, adjustable support mat 410 can be inserted within a carrying bag or other container to assist in storage and/or transportation. In this particular embodiment, the carrying bag could be made from fabric, plastic, canvas, nylon, polyester, or other suitable material, while also possibly having a zipper or other closure device. The carrying bag could also include one or more straps, grips, or handles to assist in being carried.
FIG. 6A is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the adjustable support mat. Shown in FIG. 6A are adjustable support mat 510, mat elements 512, adjustable connector sheet 516, adjustable gap 518, top surface 520, touch fastener loop region 526, carrying strap 532, near end 540, and far end 542. In the illustrated embodiment, two mat elements 512 of approximately the same size are used in adjustable support mat 510. Adjustable support mat 510 has near end 540 and far end 542, as indicated. Accordingly, each mat element 512 has a corresponding near end and far end (not labeled). The size of mat elements 512 can be similar to those of first mat element 12 and second mat element 14, as described in FIGS. 1A-1C. Adjustable connector sheet 516 performs the function of adjustable spacing connectors 16 as described in FIGS. 1A-1C. In the illustrated embodiment, adjustable connector sheet 516 has top surface 520 upon which are three regions of touch fastener loop regions 526. Located on the bottoms of mat elements 512 are touch fastener hook regions (not shown) that can engage with touch fastener loop regions 526 to hold mat elements 512 in position on adjustable connector sheet 516. Accordingly, adjustable connector sheet 516 is removably attachable to mat elements 512. Adjustable gap 518 is formed by the placement of mat elements 512 on adjustable connector sheet 516. Adjustable gap 518 can be modified to suit the needs of a particular user as was described of adjustable gap 18 in FIGS. 1A-1C. Adjustable connector sheet 516 and its interaction with mat elements 512 and will be described in more detail in FIGS. 7A-7F. Adjustable connector sheet 516 is flexible, thereby allowing adjustable support mat 510 to be folded. Carrying strap 532 can be used to hold adjustable support mat 510 in a folded position for storage, while also providing a convenient means for a user to carry adjustable support mat 510.
FIG. 6B is a perspective view of adjustable support mat 510 in a folded position. Shown in FIG. 6B is adjustable support mat 510A, adjustable connector sheet 516, bottom surface 522, and carrying strap 532. FIG. 6B depicts adjustable support mat 510 as shown in FIG. 6A in a folded position, being secured by carrying strap 532. In the illustrated embodiment, mat elements 512 (not visible) are in contact with each other within adjustable connector sheet 516. Bottom surface 522 of adjustable connector sheet 516 is visible, and will be described in more detail in FIGS. 7A-7F. As described in FIG. 6A, carrying strap 532 can be used to hold adjustable support mat 510 in a folded position for storage, and can also be used by a user to carry adjustable support mat 510 for transportation, or to hold adjustable support mat 510 for storage, for example, on a hook that is mounted on a wall. In the illustrated embodiment, carrying strap 532 is a woven material such as nylon, with quick-connect buckles that can be used by a user to configure carrying strap 532 on adjustable support mat 510A. Those who are skilled in the arts of straps and buckles are familiar with various styles of straps that can be used, and with the various means of attaching the various straps. Adjustable connector sheet 516 and bottom surface 522 will be described in more detail in FIGS. 7A-7F.
FIG. 7A is a top view of adjustable connector sheet 516 in FIG. 6A. FIG. 7B is a side view of adjustable connector sheet 516. FIG. 7C is an end view of adjustable support mat 510 in FIG. 6A. Shown in FIGS. 7A-7C are adjustable support mat 510, mat elements 512, adjustable connector sheet 516, adjustable gap 518, top surface 520, bottom surface 522, and touch fastener loop regions 526. Adjustable connector piece consists of top surface 520, bottom surface 522, and touch fastener loop regions 526. In the illustrated embodiment, top surface 520 is made of thin flexible vinyl. An advantage of vinyl as a material is that top surface 520 is relatively easy to be cleaned. In other embodiments, top surface 520 can be made of any flexible material including without limitation plastic, polyethylene, cross-linked polyethylene, polystyrene, neoprene, polypropylene, polyolefin, rubber, fabric, and vinyl-covered fabric. In the illustrated embodiment, bottom surface 522 is nonskid vinyl. An advantage of nonskid vinyl as a material is that bottom surface 522 will generally not slide on the floor during use. In other embodiments, bottom surface 520 can be made of any flexible material including without limitation plastic, polyethylene, cross-linked polyethylene, polystyrene, neoprene, polypropylene, polyolefin, rubber, fabric, and vinyl-covered fabric. Moreover, in some of these other embodiments, bottom surface 522 can be textured, thereby offering additional resistance to sliding on a floor. Adjustable connector sheet 516 has length N and width K. In some embodiments, length N can be approximately 80-100 cm (31.5-39.4 in). In a particular embodiment, length N can be approximately 85 cm (33.5 in). This particular embodiment was optimum for one adult female. In other embodiments, length N can be less than 80 cm (31.5 in). In yet other embodiments, length N can be greater than 100 cm (39.4 in). In some embodiments, width K can be approximately 32-48 cm (12.6-18.9 in). In a particular embodiment, width K can be approximately 40 cm (15.7 in). This particular embodiment was optimum for one adult female. In other embodiments, width K can be less than 32 cm (12.6 in). In yet other embodiments, width K can be greater than 48 cm (18.9 in). In the illustrated embodiment, top surface 520 and bottom surface 522 are attached to each other by a sewn hem (not shown) around the perimeter of adjustable connector sheet 516. In some embodiments, top surface 520 and bottom surface 522 can be bonded together by adhesive or by fusing. In yet other embodiments, top surface 520 and bottom surface 522 can be opposite sides of the same material. Adjustable gap 518 is created by the placement of both mat elements on adjustable connector sheet 516, and the description of adjustable gap 518 is similar to that of adjustable gap 16 in FIGS. 1A-1C.
Referring again to FIG. 7A, adjustable connector sheet 516 has three touch fastener loop regions 526 on top surface 520, with two touch fastener loop regions 526 being located at opposite (or distal) ends of adjustable connector sheet 516 in the axis of length N, and a third adjustable connector sheet 516 being located approximately between the first two. All two touch fastener loop regions 526 are approximately equal in size. Touch fastener loop regions 526 can have a thickness (not labeled) similar to that of adjustable spacing connectors 16 described in FIG. 1C. In the illustrated embodiment, width K of touch fastener loop region 526 is equal to width K of adjustable connector sheet 516, and touch fastener loop region 526 has length M. In the illustrated embodiment, length M is approximately 7.5 cm (3 in). In some embodiments, length M can be less than 7.5 cm (3 in). In other embodiments, length M can be greater than 7.5 cm (3 in). It should be noted that length M is less than width K in the illustrated embodiment. In some embodiments, more than three touch fastener loop regions 526 can be used. In other embodiments, fewer than three touch fastener loop regions 526 can be used. In yet other embodiments, only one touch fastener loop region 526 can be used. In a particular embodiment, the one touch fastener loop region 526 can cover most or substantially all of top surface 520. In the illustrated embodiment, touch fastener loop regions 526 are attached to adjustable connector sheet 516 by a sewn hem (not shown) around the perimeter of each touch fastener loop region 526. In other embodiments, touch fastener loop regions 526 can be bonded to top surface 520 by adhesive or fusing. For example, touch fastener loop regions 526 could be made from touch fastener material that is manufactured with pressure sensitive adhesive backing.
In the illustrated embodiment, touch fastener loop region 526 has width K that is equivalent to width K of adjustable connector sheet 516. In other embodiments, touch fastener loop region 526 can have a width that is less than that of adjustable connector sheet 516 width K. In the illustrated embodiment, each touch fastener loop region 526 is a continuous piece of touch fastener material that spans width K of bottom connector sheet 516. In other embodiments, each touch fastener loop region 526 could include two or more touch fastener loop regions. For example, in one of these other embodiments, touch fastener loop region 526 could have a discontinuity in the center along the axis of width K.
The interface area between touch fastener loop region 526 and touch fastener hook region 528 can vary significantly in various embodiments, as described above in FIG. 2. In some embodiments, a relatively large interface area is not necessary. Several factors can be considered in selecting the dimensions and locations of touch fastener loop region 526 and touch fastener hook region 528, for example, the type of touch fastener material being used and the strength of attachment that is required in a particular embodiment. In a particular embodiment, a relatively large interface area and/or a relatively strong touch fastener design can be used when adjustable support mat 510 will be used by a single user and it is desirable that adjustable gap 518 remain fixed for a period of time. In this exemplary embodiment, after adjustable gap 518 is initially established by the user and periodic subsequent adjustments are not necessary. On the other hand, if adjustable support mat 510 will be in an environment where repeated changes to adjustable gap 518 are necessary, then it may be desirable to have a relatively small interface area between touch fastener loop regions 526 and touch fastener hook regions 528 and/or a relatively weak touch fastener design. For example, this embodiment could be useful in a Pilates studio where adjustable support mat 510 can be used by many different users throughout the day. Therefore, in those other embodiments, it can be relatively easy for a user to detach one or both mat elements 512 from adjustable connector sheet 516 in order to change the size of adjustable gap 518.
FIG. 7D is a top view of mat elements 512 of adjustable support mat 510 in FIG. 6A. FIG. 7E is a bottom view of mat elements 512. Shown in FIGS. 7D-7E are mat elements 512 and touch fastener hook regions 528. In the illustrated embodiment, each mat element 512 includes three touch fastener hook regions 528, with each touch fastener hook region 528 located to attach to a corresponding touch fastener loop region 526 when each mat element 512 is placed on adjustable connector sheet 516. Each touch fastener hook region 528 has length P and width Q. In the illustrated embodiment, length P is approximately 7.5 cm (3 in) and width Q is approximately 2.5 cm (1 in). As can be seen in FIGS. 7A and 7E, length P of each touch fastener hook region 528 approximately matches length M of each touch fastener loop region 526. In other embodiments, length P can be either greater than or less than 7.5 cm (3 in), and width Q can be either greater than or less than 2.5 cm (1 in). In some of these other embodiments, the locations of each touch fastener hook region 528 do not need to directly correspond with the locations of each touch fastener loop region 526. In other embodiments, touch fastener hook regions 528 do not all need to be the same size as each other. In yet another embodiment, each mat element 512 could include a single touch fastener hook region 528 that spans most or substantially all of length J of mat element 512. In the illustrated embodiment, touch fastener hook regions 528 are attached to mat element 512 by a sewn hem (not shown) around the perimeter of each touch fastener hook region 528. As will be described in FIGS. 8A-8B, mat element 512 is covered with a covering material (not shown). Accordingly, each touch fastener hook region 528 is attached to the covering material. In other embodiments, touch fastener hook regions 528 can be bonded to mat element 512 by adhesive or fusing. For example, touch fastener hook regions 528 could be made from touch fastener material that is manufactured with pressure sensitive adhesive backing.
FIG. 8A is a cut-away perspective view of a single mat element 512 of adjustable support mat 510 in FIG. 6A. FIG. 8B is a cross-section end view of mat element 512 in FIG. 8A. Shown in FIGS. 8A-8B are mat element 512, mat element core 534, and mat element covering 536. Mat element 512 includes mat element core 534 and mat element covering 536. Mat element core 534 can be substantially the same as first mat element 12 and/or second mat element 14 as described in FIG. 1A. Mat element covering 536 generally conforms to and is attached to the outer surface of mat element core 534. In the illustrated embodiment, mat element covering 536 is flexible vinyl having a thickness of approximately 2 mm (0.08 in). In other embodiments, mat element covering 536 can be made from any flexible material including without limitation plastic, polyethylene, cross-linked polyethylene, polystyrene, neoprene, polypropylene, polyolefin, rubber, fabric, and vinyl-covered fabric, and can have any thickness that is either greater than or less than 2 mm (0.08 in). In the illustrated embodiment, mat element covering 536 has sewn hems (not showing) that hold mat element covering 536 in position around the outer surface of mat element core 534. In some embodiments, mat element covering 536 can be attached to the outer surface of mat element core 534 by use of an adhesive material. In other embodiments, mat element covering 536 can be applied to mat element core 534 by an additive manufacturing process. For example, in an embodiment, mat element covering 536 could be sprayed as a liquid on to mat element core 534 after which solidification occurs. In another embodiment, mat element core 534 could be dipped in a liquid material which then solidifies to become mat element covering 536. In yet another embodiment, mat element core 534 and mat element covering 536 could be fabricated simultaneously in an additive manufacturing process similar to three-dimensional printing.
Various embodiments of systems, devices, and methods have been described herein, with several non-exhaustive examples being provided. These embodiments are given only by way of example and are not intended to limit the scope of the claimed inventions. It should be appreciated, moreover, that the various features of the embodiments that have been described may be combined in various ways to produce numerous additional embodiments. Moreover, while various materials, dimensions, shapes, configurations and locations, etc. have been described for use with disclosed embodiments, others besides those disclosed may be utilized without exceeding the scope of the claimed inventions.
Persons of ordinary skill in the relevant arts will recognize that the subject matter hereof may comprise fewer features than illustrated in any individual embodiment described above. The embodiments described herein are not meant to be an exhaustive presentation of the ways in which the various features of the subject matter hereof may be combined. Accordingly, the embodiments are not mutually exclusive combinations of features; rather, the various embodiments can comprise a combination of different individual features selected from different individual embodiments, as understood by persons of ordinary skill in the art. Moreover, elements described with respect to one embodiment can be implemented in other embodiments even when not described in such embodiments unless otherwise noted.
While the invention has been described with reference to an exemplary embodiment(s), it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiment(s) disclosed, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims. For purposes of interpreting the claims, it is expressly intended that the provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112(f) are not to be invoked unless the specific terms “means for” or “step for” are recited in a claim.

Claims

1. An adjustable support mat comprising:

a first mat element having an upper element surface and a lower element surface, an inner edge and an outer edge, and a near end and a far end, the lower element surface having a plurality of attachment regions;

a second mat element having an upper element surface and a lower element surface, an inner edge and an outer edge, and a near end and a far end, the lower element surface having a plurality of attachment regions; and

at least one adjustable spacing connector having an upper connector surface and a lower connector surface;

wherein:

the first mat element is configured to be positioned proximal to the second mat element, with the first mat element inner edge facing the second mat element inner edge so that a gap exists between the first mat element and the second mat element; and

the at least one adjustable spacing connector is configured such that the upper connector surface matably attaches to the lower element surfaces of the first and second mat elements at the attachment regions thereof, thereby securably holding the first mat element in proximal position to the second mat element.

2. The adjustable support mat of claim 1, wherein:

the gap is configured to accommodate a protruding coccyx; and

the first mat element and the second mat element are each configured to provide ischial tuberosity support.

3. The adjustable support mat of claim 1, wherein the first mat element and the second mat element are each comprised of a resilient compressible foam selected from the group consisting of polyvinyl chloride (PVC), eco-PVC, rubber, closed-cell rubber, polyethylene, cross-linked polyethylene, polystyrene, neoprene, polypropylene, and polyolefin.

4. The adjustable support mat of claim 1, wherein the attachment regions of the first and second mat elements are comprised of touch fasteners.

5. The adjustable support mat of claim 1, wherein the touch fasteners comprise hook and loop fasteners.

6. The adjustable support mat of claim 1, wherein the attachment regions of the first and second mat elements are configured to matably attach to the plurality of adjustable spacing connectors with pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA).

7. The adjustable support mat of claim 1, wherein:

the attachment regions of the first and second mat elements comprise cavities;

the adjustable spacing connectors comprise prongs; and

the prongs are configured to matably attach to the cavities.

8. The adjustable support mat of claim 1, wherein the adjustable spacing connectors are comprised of a flexible material, thereby allowing the adjustable spacing connectors to be folded, such that the first mat element upper surface is positionable proximate the second mat element upper surface.

9. The adjustable support mat of claim 1, wherein the first mat element and the second mat element are each flexible, such that the first mat element and the second mat element are rollable.

10. The adjustable support mat of claim 9, wherein at least one of the adjustable spacing connectors matably attaches to at least two of the attachment regions of the first and second mat elements, thereby attachably holding the first mat element or the second mat element in a rolled position.

11. The adjustable support mat of claim 1, wherein the first mat element has a first length and the second mat element has a second length, and the first and second lengths are each between 40 and 120 cm.

12. The adjustable support mat of claim 1, wherein:

the first mat element has a first width and a first thickness;

the second mat element has a second width and a second thickness;

the first and second widths are each between 7-14 cm; and

the first and second thicknesses are each about 3.2 cm

13. The adjustable support mat of claim 1, wherein the lower element surfaces of the first mat element and the second mat element comprise a nonskid region that is selected from the group consisting of rubber, foam rubber, silicon rubber, neoprene, and vinyl.

14. The adjustable support mat of claim 10, further comprising a carrying strap having a first end and a second end, wherein:

the adjustable support mat has a weight;

the first end is attached near the near ends of the first and second mat element;

the second end is attached near the far ends of the first and second mat element; and

the carrying strap is configured to support the weight of the adjustable support mat when being carried.

15. An adjustable support mat comprising:

a first mat element having an upper element surface and a lower element surface, an inner edge and an outer edge, and a near end and a far end, the lower element surface having at least one attachment region;

a second mat element having an upper element surface and a lower element surface, an inner edge and an outer edge, and a near end and a far end, the lower element surface having at least one attachment region; and

an adjustable connector sheet having a top surface and a bottom surface;

wherein:

the first mat element is configured to be positioned proximal to the second mat element, with the first mat element inner edge facing the second mat element inner edge so that a gap exists between the first mat element and the second mat element;

the adjustable connector sheet is comprised of a flexible material; and

the adjustable connector sheet is configured such that the top surface releasably attaches to the lower element surfaces of the first and second mat elements at the attachment regions thereof, thereby securably holding the first mat element in proximal position to the second mat element.

16. The adjustable support mat of claim 15, wherein:

the gap is configured to accommodate a protruding coccyx; and

17. The adjustable support mat of claim 15, wherein the first mat element and the second mat element each comprise:

a mat element core comprised of a resilient compressible foam; and

a mat element covering comprised of a flexible material.

18. The adjustable support mat of claim 15, wherein:

the attachment regions of the first and second mat elements are comprised of touch fasteners; and

the bottom surface is comprised of a nonskid material that is selected from the group consisting of rubber, foam rubber, silicon rubber, neoprene, and vinyl.

19. The adjustable support mat of claim 1, wherein:

the first mat element has a first width and a first thickness;

the second mat element has a second width and a second thickness;

the first and second widths are each between 7-14 cm; and

the first and second thicknesses are each about 3.2 cm.

20. A method of assembling an adjustable support mat comprising:

positioning a first mat element proximal to a second mat element; and

attaching at least one adjustable spacing connector to the first mat element and the second mat element,

wherein:

the first mat element has an upper element surface and a lower element surface, an inner edge and an outer edge, and a near end and a far end, the lower element surface having a plurality of attachment regions;

the second mat element has an upper element surface and a lower element surface, an inner edge and an outer edge, and a near end and a far end, the lower element surface having a plurality of attachment regions;

the first mat element inner edge faces the second mat element inner edge so that a gap exists between the first mat element and the second mat element;

each of the at least one spacing connectors has an upper connector surface and a lower connector surface;

each of the at least one spacing connectors is configured such that the upper connector surfaces matably attach to the lower element surfaces of the first and second mat elements at the attachment regions thereof, thereby securably holding the first mat element in proximal position to the second mat element;

the gap is configured to accommodate a protruding coccyx; and