The invention relates to an anti-slip surface for use in the practice of yoga. Specifically, the invention relates to non-slip yoga towels and rugs.
Yoga is becoming increasingly popular in the United States and around the world as a means for improving not only the physical fitness, but also the mental and spiritual well-being of those who practice it. Recent years have seen multiple forms of yoga being practiced in heated and non-heated rooms. The physical exertion of yoga practice causes most participants to perspire heavily, with their perspiration dripping on their yoga mats and creating a risk of participants slipping as they practice.
To reduce the chance of slipping and resulting annoyance, distraction, or injury, many participants cover all or a portion of their mats with a towel or rug to absorb the perspiration. The towels can be effective; however, many times they too can slip under the lateral forces generated in holding or moving between some postures.
In response to these problems, a form of yoga towel, marketed under the YOGIETOES trademark was developed and patented as U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,961,969; 7,069,607; and 7,137,157. This yoga towel, which is formed of a synthetic microfiber, includes a gridded pattern of raised rubber-like dots or nodules bonded to its backside. The raised rubber-like dots contact the top surface of a yoga mat during use, reducing chances of the towel slipping.
Although the YOGIETOES yoga towel was an improvement over towels without the special backing, the present inventor has recognized that it has at least three problems. The first problem is that its microfiber material, a blend of 80% polyester and 20% nylon, tends to be slippery when dry. This is particularly troublesome at the start of a yoga practice before the fabric becomes wet with perspiration. The second problem is that because the towels are slippery when dry, many users spray or pour water on the topside of the towel to improve traction, not only wasting time and water, but also making the towel inconvenient to use and limiting further absorption capabilities. The third problem is that the microfiber material is thin and lightweight, and prone to folding, bulging, or curling during use as users feet sometimes drag or catch the mat. To avoid tripping on these folds and bulges alert users repeatedly re-adjust their yoga towels over the course of a practice session, distracting and interrupting them from achieving the benefits of yoga that they desire.
The foregoing problems are addressed by the anti-slip yoga rug in accordance with the present invention.
The present invention is generally directed to an anti-slip yoga rug that includes a fabric weave that may be a woven material that may absorb sweat or water. In one embodiment of the present invention, the anti-slip yoga rug may include a topside grip that may prevent or minimize slipping or other movement of the user during a yoga practice. The topside grip may include an anti-slip material that may be woven into the fabric weave. The anti-slip yoga rug may further include an edger to stabilize the anti-slip yoga rug and prevent bunching, folding, or bending of the fabric weave. The anti-slip yoga rug may also include a bottom-side grip that may prevent or minimizing slipping of the anti-slip yoga rug relative to the mat or floor. The bottom-side grip may include an anti-slip material that may be adhered to the edger. The anti-slip yoga rug may further include a grommet to hang or store the anti-slip yoga rug. The grommet may also be used to focus the gaze of the user and assist in balance during a yoga practice. The anti-slip yoga rug may include a pocket to safely store one or more personal items.
These and other features will be disclosed in the accompanying drawings and in the Detailed Description.
For a better understanding of the invention, and to show how the same may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying drawings, in which:
The Ridgeback™ yoga rug of the present invention is an innovative solution to known problems, compiling form and function equally to the universal problems of slippage, fidgeting, sweat wicking, absorption, hygienic, and other distractions that may occur during a yoga practice. The Ridgeback™ yoga rug or anti-slip yoga rug embodies multiple features listed below, which may allow the rug to resist movement throughout an entire yoga/fitness practice. The one or more features below may, additionally or alternatively, prevent the user from slipping on top of the rug as they hold their yoga/fitness positions.
Referring generally to
The fabric weave 110 may absorb or otherwise wick sweat away from a user. The fabric weave 110 may, additionally or alternatively, provide a user with a natural grip during their practice, which may reduce or minimize slipping. The fabric weave 110 may be hand woven, machine woven, or some combination thereof.
Referring now to
In several embodiments, the fibers or threads of the anti-slip yoga rug 100 may be comprised of natural fibers. In some embodiments, the fibers or threads may be comprised of cotton. In some embodiments, the fibers or threads of the fabric weave 110 may, additionally or alternatively, be comprised of hemp, bamboo, soy, silk, linen, any other suitable natural fiber, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the fibers or threads of the anti-slip yoga rug 100 may, additionally or alternatively, be comprised of one or more synthetic fibers or materials. For example, and without limitation, the one or more synthetic fibers or materials may include rayon, polyester, nylon, fleece, plastic, rubber, PVC, Vinyl, any other suitable material, or any combination thereof. In various embodiments having two or more ply's, one or more of the individual ply's may be a natural and/or synthetic fiber and one or more ply's may be an alternative material thread comprised of elastic, rubber, PVC, Vinyl, silicone, EPDM or other anti-slip fibers.
In various embodiments, the fabric weave 110 may include an antimicrobial, an antibacterial, a deodorizer, or some combination thereof. In some embodiments, the antimicrobial, antibacterial, or deodorizer may be comprised of a natural fiber or material, including but not limited to silver. In other embodiments, other materials may, additionally or alternatively, be used, including but not limited to, stainless steel. In still other embodiments, the fabric weave 110 may, additionally or alternatively, be treated to include one or more of these features or other desired properties.
In some embodiments, the fabric weave 110 may, additionally or alternatively, include a cooling activation material, a warming activation material, or both. An example of, but not limiting too, a cooling material fabric would be the use of ‘Ice Cotton” or “Stanford Material” that would act as the base alternative material as the warp and weft of the anti-slip yoga rug/towel.
Topside Grip 130: Anti-slip gripper ridges/cord/thread.
Referring now to
In a preferred embodiment, the anti-slip yoga rug 100 may include twenty-eight anti-slip ridges 315. In one such embodiment, fourteen anti-slip ridges 315 may be generally located on or towards the front side 302 of anti-slip yoga rug 100 and fourteen anti-slip ridges 315 may be generally located on or towards the back side 304 of anti-slip yoga rug 100. In the various embodiments, the anti-slip ridges 315 may be generally separated by one or more spaces 320. In one embodiment, the space 320 between the anti-slip ridges 315 may be approximately 1.75 inches. In other embodiments, the space 320 may be greater than or less than 1.75 inches. In various embodiments, the anti-slip yoga rug 100 may additionally include a center space 340 generally void of anti-slip ridges 315. In one embodiment, the center space 340 is approximately 22.5 inches in length. In other embodiments, the space 340 may be greater than or less than 22.5 inches. In at least one embodiment, the anti-slip yoga rug 100 may not include a center space 340.
As may be appreciated, in other embodiments, the anti-slip yoga rug 100 may include greater than or less than twenty-eight anti-slip ridges 315. In some embodiments, the anti-slip ridges 315 may be spaced 320 the entire length of anti-slip yoga rug 100. In some embodiments, there may be more anti-slip ridges 315 located on or towards the front side 302 of anti-slip yoga rug 100. In other embodiments, there may be more anti-slip ridges 315 located on or towards the back side 304 of anti-slip yoga rug 100. In addition, in some embodiments, the spacing 320, 340 between anti-slip ridges 315 may not be uniform. That is, the spacing 320, 340 may generally vary between each of the anti-slip ridges 315.
In various embodiments, each of the plurality of anti-slip ridges 315 may be hand woven, machine woven, or secured using some combination thereof to the fabric weave 110. In at least one embodiment, the anti-slip ridges 315 of the topside grip 130 may be woven as part of the weft. In at least one embodiment, the anti-slip ridges 315 of the topside grip 130 may, additionally or alternatively, be woven as part of the warp. In still other embodiments, the anti-slip ridge 315 may be adhered, bonded, or fused onto the fabric weave 110. As may be appreciated, any suitable method to secure or attach the one or more anti-slip ridges 315 to the fabric weave 110 may be used.
Referring now to
In other embodiments, and with reference to
In some embodiments, and with reference to
In various embodiments, the anti-slip ridge 315, 415A-C may run horizontally, vertically, or obliquely relative to the length dimension of the anti-slip yoga rug 100, 400A-C. In some embodiments, one or more of the anti-slip ridges may be generally woven across the entire anti-slip yoga rug; from one peripheral edge to the opposing peripheral edge. In some embodiments, one or more of the anti-slip ridges may be woven such that they span a distance less than the entire length or width of the anti-slip yoga rug. In some embodiments, and with reference to
In some embodiments the topside grip may take other forms, including but not limited to, a piled, sheared, turfed, a woven pattern, a random woven arrangement, any other suitable form, or any combination thereof. As may be appreciated, any suitable design or shape may be used.
As may be appreciated, the anti-slip ridges of the topside grip may be comprised of a material that is anti-slip, i.e., a material having a texture or shape that may prevent or minimize slipping. In a preferred embodiment, the anti-slip ridges 315, 415A-C, 515 of the topside grip 130 may be comprised, at least in part, of EPDM rubber. In at least one embodiment, the EPDM may include a UV protectant, which may promotes durability. In various embodiments, the anti-slip ridges 315, 415A-C, 515 of the topside grip 130 may, additionally or alternatively be comprised of Buna, Silicone, elastic, latex, any other thermos-elastic material, PVC, vinyl, recycled rubber, non recycled rubber, Jute, recycled yoga/fitness mats, any other suitable material, or any combination thereof.
In some embodiments, the topside grip 130 may be comprised of multiple strands or threads of Buna, silicone, EPDM rubber or other thermoelastic material interwoven into the fabric weave 110, 410A-C. In some embodiments, one or more of the strands or cords are formed of Nitrile rubber, also known as Buna-N, Perbunan, acrylonitrile butadiene rubber, and NBR. More generally, these are synthetic rubber copolymers of acrylonitrile (ACN) and butadiene. Some other trade names of these materials include Nipol, Krynac and Europrene. Silicone refers to polymers that include any inert, synthetic compound made up of repeating units of siloxane, which is a chain of alternating silicon atoms and oxygen atoms, frequently combined with carbon and/or hydrogen. Natural rubbers or other materials having a higher coefficient of friction than the fabric weave 110, 410A-C are used in other embodiments. In various embodiments, the material comprising the fabric weave 110, 410A-C may have a generally higher absorbency than the topside grip 130. In other embodiments, the material comprising the topside grip 130 may have the same or higher absorbency as the fabric weave 110, 410A-C.
In some embodiments, the anti-slip ridge 315 of the top-side grip 130 may generally protrude out from the fabric weave 110, thereby creating a ridge or other surface to assist in preventing or minimizing slipping. In other embodiments, the anti-slip ridge 315 may be flush with the fabric weave 110.
In various embodiments, and with reference back to
In various embodiments, the edger 170 may be comprised of a polyester grosgrain. In some embodiments, the edger 170 may, additionally or alternatively, be comprised of one or more materials including, but not limited to, nylon, rayon, PVC, vinyl, fleece, natural or organic cotton, patterned trim borders that are handwoven, scraps of recycled denim, cotton, poly/tri/quad blends, any other suitable material, or any combination thereof.
In some embodiments the edger 170 may be sewn or stitched onto the fabric weave 110, which may assist in preventing fraying. The edger 170 may, additionally or alternatively, secure the topside grip 130 and bottom-side grip 150 (discussed below).
With reference now to
In some embodiments, as seen in
In some embodiments, the bottom-side grip 150 may be attached, secured, or adhered to the floor or mat facing side 672 of edger 170. Any suitable method to connect the bottom-side grip to the edger 170 may be used. With reference to
In other embodiments, and as seen in
With general reference to
In various embodiments, the canvass fabric 754 may be comprised of cotton, spandex, polyester, nylon, rayon, linen, silk, satin, denim, jute, any other woven fabric, any other suitable material, or any combination thereof. In at least one embodiment, the gripper tape 752 is elastic. In one such embodiment, the canvass fabric 754 may, additionally or alternatively, include elastic. In various embodiments, the grip 756 may be comprised of silicone, EPDM, Buna, elastic, latex, PVC, vinyl, rubber, any other thermos-elastic material, any other suitable material, or any combination thereof.
In some embodiments the canvass fabric, grip or both may not be present. In such embodiments, a suitable bottom-side grip 150 may, additionally or alternatively, include, but is not limited to, cotton, spandex, polyester, nylon, rayon, linen, silk, satin, denim, silicone, silver thread, jute, stainless steel thread, or any polymer sticky material or natural woven fabric either designed in a pattern or individual placement. In various embodiments, the bottom-side grip 150 may, additionally or alternatively, include but is not limited to, EPDM, Buna, Silicone, elastic, latex, any other thermos-elastic material, PVC, vinyl, recycled rubber, non recycled rubber, Jute, recycled yoga/fitness mats, any other suitable material, or any combination thereof. As may be appreciated, any suitable design and material may be used. In addition, any suitable method to secure or affix the bottom-side grip 150 to the edger 170 or fabric weave 110 may be used.
In various embodiments, and with reference to
The pocket 180 may be generally positioned along one or more edges of the anti-slip yoga rug 100. In some embodiments, the pocket 180 may be generally positioned near the front of the anti-slip yoga rug 100. In other embodiments, the pocket 180 may, additionally or alternatively, be generally positioned near the back of the anti-slip yoga rug 100. In most embodiments, the pocket 180 may be positioned on the topside of the anti-slip yoga rug 100. In other embodiments, the pocket 180 may be positioned on the bottom-side of the anti-slip yoga rug 100. For example, in some embodiments the pocket 180 may be positioned in the bottom right hand corner, bottom left hand corner, top left hand corner, top right hand corner, or at some location in the middle of the anti-slip yoga rug. In at least one embodiment, the pocket 180 may be located at least partially within the edger 170. As may be appreciated, the pocket 180 may be positioned at any suitable location.
In various embodiments, and with reference to
In various embodiments, the pocket 180 may include a closure 884. In some embodiments the closure 884 of the pocket 180 may be a YKK Metaluxe lock stop with rubber tip zipper. However, in other embodiments, the closure may comprise but is not limited to, Velcro, zip-lock slider, snap button, buttons, glue, any other suitable adhesive, any other suitable closure, or any combination thereof.
Referring back to
In some embodiments, the grommet 190 may be comprised of a rolled rim with a metal spur washer. In some embodiments, the grommet may be a hole or loop of any appropriate material. In various embodiments, the grommet 190 may be comprised of black oxidized brass. In other embodiments, the grommet 190 may, additionally or alternatively, include but is not limited to, copper, metal, stainless steel, plastic, ceramic, glass, any other suitable material, or any combination thereof.
In at least one embodiment, the grommet 190 may have a diameter of 9/16 of an inch. In other embodiments, the grommet 190 may have a diameter greater than or less than 9/16 of an inch.
In at least one embodiment, the grommet 190 may have a reinforced stitch of the woven warp 122 and weft 124 due to the puncturing within the borders or base rug fabric.
In some embodiments, a loop may, additionally or alternatively, be used. The loop may be woven into, sewn or stitched, or otherwise connected to the fabric weave 110 or edger 170. The loop may also provide a point
Those skilled in the art will also appreciate further features and advantages of the invention based on the above-described aspects. Accordingly, the invention is not to be limited by what has been particularly shown and described.
While the present disclosure has been described in connection with a plurality of exemplary aspects, as illustrated in the various figures and discussed herein, it is understood that other similar aspects or features may be used and modifications and additions may be made without deviating from the scope of the present invention. For example, various features may have been described in particular detail with respect to one aspect of the present disclosure, but such features may be present or incorporated into other aspects described herein without deviating from the scope of the invention contemplated by the present disclosure. The aspects above are intended to be illustrative and not limiting. Additional aspects are within the scope of the claims. Moreover, the aspects and features of the aspects described herein are not mutually exclusive.
In addition, persons of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that the invention may comprise fewer features than illustrated or described in any individual aspect disclosed herein. The aspects are not meant to be exhaustive of the ways in which the various features described herein may be combined or used. The present disclosure should not be limited to any single aspect or aspect.
This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/376,099, filed Aug. 17, 2016, entitled “Anti-Slip Yoga Rugs,” which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety, as if fully set forth below. This application further claims the benefit of U.S. Non-Provisional application Ser. No. 15/678,359, filed Aug. 16, 2017, entitled “Anti-Slip Yoga Rugs,” which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety, as if fully set forth below.
Number | Date | Country | |
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62376099 | Aug 2016 | US |
Number | Date | Country | |
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Parent | 15678359 | Aug 2017 | US |
Child | 15905553 | US |