RETRACTABLE AND PORTABLE FITNESS MAT ASSEMBLY

Abstract

A portable and retractable fitness mat assembly having a housing, an axle rotatably coupled to and disposed within the housing, and a mat member forming a monolithic body of an elastically deformably material, with an upper mat surface utilized by a user, a lower mat surface configured to be placed on a ground surface, with a first mat end, the mat member directly coupled to the axle, and the mat member operably configured to have a retracted configuration with the mat member rolled around the axle within the housing and a plurality of extended and longitudinally locked configurations along the mat translation path with the mat member disposed in a substantially planar orientation on the ground surface and with each of the plurality of extending and longitudinally locked configurations having approximately 68-84 inches of the mat length extending outwardly from the external housing surface.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to exercise and physical fitness and, more particularly, relates to a portable fitness mat assembly operably configured to be selectively retractable and adjustable in length.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Various fitness and physical exercise activities require the use of a fitness mat, e.g., yoga, Pilates, etc., to comfortably cushion and support users during physical exercise activities and to provide sufficient gripping capabilities to prevent users from slipping during use. While the benefits of fitness mats are many, existing prior art is characterized by significant limitations. Chief among them is the fact that yoga and fitness mats are generally available in a variety of preset lengths that cannot be selectively tailored or adjusted to accommodate different heights of users or different physical activities. These known mats require users to individually buy them based on the desired length, which is costly and time consuming. Another deficiency of the prior art is that known mats lack any mode or mechanism of remotely manipulating the fitness mat, e.g., unfurling or retracting the fitness mat, mechanically or through a wireless network.

Therefore, a need exists to overcome the problems with the prior art as discussed above.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention provides a retractable and portable fitness mat assembly that overcomes the hereinafore-mentioned disadvantages of the heretofore-known devices and methods of this general type and that is capable of being retracted and extended efficiently and effectively.

With the foregoing and other objects in view, there is provided, in accordance with the invention, a portable and retractable fitness mat assembly having a housing with an external housing surface and an internal housing surface opposing the external housing surface and defining a housing cavity, wherein the housing defines an elongated and enclosed channel opening spanning a length of the housing and providing access to the housing cavity. The assembly also includes an axle rotatably coupled to the housing and disposed within the housing cavity and a mat member forming a monolithic body of an elastically deformably material, with an upper mat surface, a lower mat surface opposing the upper mat surface, with a first mat end, a second mat end opposing the first mat end, a mat length separating the first and second mat ends, and directly coupled to the axle. The mat member is operably configured to have a retracted configuration along a mat translation path with the mat member rolled around the axle and disposed within the housing cavity, the mat translation path spanning through the elongated and enclosed channel opening and operably configured to have a plurality of extended and longitudinally locked configurations along the mat translation path with the mat member disposed in a substantially planar orientation and with each of the plurality of extending and longitudinally locked configurations having approximately 68-84 inches of the mat length extending outwardly from the external housing surface.

In accordance with a further feature of the present invention, the housing and the housing cavity are cylindrical and the housing cavity is defined by an inner surface of the housing and defines a housing volume greater than a mat volume defined by a uniform mat thickness separating the upper and lower mat surfaces, the mat length, and a uniform mat width separating opposing sides of the mat member.

In accordance with another feature of the present invention, the retracted configuration includes the mat member completely disposed within the housing cavity.

In accordance with another feature, an embodiment of the present invention includes the mat member having a uniform mat thickness within a range of 1-4 inches separating the upper and lower mat surfaces.

In accordance with yet another feature, an embodiment of the present invention also includes a coiled spring operably coupled with the axle and operably configured to bias the mat member in the retracted configuration.

In accordance with a further feature, an embodiment of the present invention also includes the housing having a side housing member coupled to one of two opposing sides of the housing and having an inner side surface partially defining the housing cavity and including an axle coupling member coupled to an end of the axle.

In accordance with yet another feature, an embodiment of the present invention also includes the first mat end is directly coupled and permanently fastened to the axle.

In accordance with an additional feature, an embodiment of the present invention also includes the mat member having a weighted cap member directly coupled to and covering the second mat end and shaped or sized to have restricted access through the enclosed channel opening.

In accordance with an exemplary feature, an embodiment of the present invention also includes the mat member defining an outer perimeter having a weighted material coupled thereto and of a density greater than a density of the monolithic body of the mat member.

In accordance with yet another feature, an embodiment of the present invention also includes an electric motor operably coupled to the axle, housed within the housing, and electrically coupled to a power source and an electronic user interface coupled to the housing, electrically coupled to a power source, communicatively coupled to the electric motor, and operably configured to selectively cause rotation of the electric motor and axle to place the mat member in the mat translation path.

In accordance with an additional feature, an embodiment of the present invention also includes a network adapter operably configured to communicatively couple with an external electronic computing device over a network and communicatively coupled with an electronic controller housed by the housing, the electronic controller communicatively coupled to the electric motor, and operably configured to selectively cause rotation of the electric motor and axle to place the mat member in the mat translation path.

Also in accordance the present invention, a portable and retractable fitness mat assembly is disclosed that includes a housing with an external housing surface and an internal housing surface opposing the external housing surface and defining a housing cavity, wherein the housing defines an elongated and enclosed channel opening spanning a length of the housing and providing access to the housing cavity. The assembly includes an axle rotatably coupled to the housing and disposed within the housing cavity and a mat member forming a monolithic body of an elastically deformably material, with an upper mat surface, a lower mat surface opposing the upper mat surface, with a first mat end, a second mat end opposing the first mat end, a mat length separating the first and second mat ends and at least 68 inches and directly coupled to the axle, the mat member operably configured to have a retracted configuration along a mat translation path with the mat member rolled around the axle and disposed within the housing cavity, wherein the mat translation path spanning through the elongated and enclosed channel opening. The mat member is also configured to have a plurality of extended and longitudinally locked configurations along the mat translation path with the mat member disposed in a substantially planar orientation and with at least 90% of the mat length extending outwardly from the external housing surface.

Although the invention is illustrated and described herein as embodied in a portable and retractable fitness mat assembly, it is, nevertheless, not intended to be limited to the details shown because various modifications and structural changes may be made therein without departing from the spirit of the invention and within the scope and range of equivalents of the claims. Additionally, well-known elements of exemplary embodiments of the invention will not be described in detail or will be omitted so as not to obscure the relevant details of the invention.

Other features that are considered as characteristic for the invention are set forth in the appended claims. As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention, which can be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one of ordinary skill in the art to variously employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed structure. Further, the terms and phrases used herein are not intended to be limiting; but rather, to provide an understandable description of the invention. While the specification concludes with claims defining the features of the invention that are regarded as novel, it is believed that the invention will be better understood from a consideration of the following description in conjunction with the drawing figures, in which like reference numerals are carried forward. The figures of the drawings are not drawn to scale.

Before the present invention is disclosed and described, it is to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. The terms “a” or “an,” as used herein, are defined as one or more than one. The term “plurality,” as used herein, is defined as two or more than two. The term “another,” as used herein, is defined as at least a second or more. The terms “including” and/or “having,” as used herein, are defined as comprising (i.e., open language). The term “coupled,” as used herein, is defined as connected, although not necessarily directly, and not necessarily mechanically. The term “providing” is defined herein in its broadest sense, e.g., bringing/coming into physical existence, making available, and/or supplying to someone or something, in whole or in multiple parts at once or over a period of time. Also, for purposes of description herein, the terms “upper”, “lower”, “left,” “rear,” “right,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and derivatives thereof relate to the invention as oriented in the figures and is not to be construed as limiting any feature to be a particular orientation, as said orientation may be changed based on the user's perspective of the device. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any expressed or implied theory presented in the preceding technical field, background, brief summary or the following detailed description.

As used herein, the terms “about” or “approximately” apply to all numeric values, whether or not explicitly indicated. These terms generally refer to a range of numbers that one of skill in the art would consider equivalent to the recited values (i.e., having the same function or result). In many instances these terms may include numbers that are rounded to the nearest significant figure. In this document, the term “longitudinal” should be understood to mean in a direction corresponding to an elongated direction of the mat or direction of extension and retraction of the mat. The terms “program,” “software application,” and the like as used herein, are defined as a sequence of instructions designed for execution on a computer system. A “program,” “computer program,” or “software application” may include a subroutine, a function, a procedure, an object method, an object implementation, an executable application, an applet, a servlet, a source code, an object code, a shared library/dynamic load library and/or other sequence of instructions designed for execution on a computer system.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying figures, where like reference numerals refer to identical or functionally similar elements throughout the separate views and which together with the detailed description below are incorporated in and form part of the specification, serve to further illustrate various embodiments and explain various principles and advantages all in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the fitness mat assembly with the fitness mat member retracted within a housing in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the fitness mat assembly in FIG. 1 with the fitness mat member extended from the housing in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is an exploded view of a fitness mat assembly in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a top plan view of the fitness mat assembly in FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the fitness mat assembly in FIG. 4 along section line A-A;

FIG. 6 is a top plan view of the fitness mat assembly in FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the fitness mat assembly in FIG. 6 along section line B-B; and

FIG. 8 depicts a schematic diagram depicting components utilized with the fitness mat assembly in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

While the specification concludes with claims defining the features of the invention that are regarded as novel, it is believed that the invention will be better understood from a consideration of the following description in conjunction with the drawing figures, in which like reference numerals are carried forward. It is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention, which can be embodied in various forms.

The present invention provides a novel and efficient portable and retractable fitness mat assembly. Referring now to FIGS. 1-2, one embodiment of the present invention is shown in perspective views. FIGS. 1-2 show several advantageous features of the present invention, but, as will be described below, the invention can be provided in several shapes, sizes, combinations of features and components, and varying numbers and functions of the components. The first example of a retractable and portable fitness mat assembly 100 (hereinafter referred to as “assembly 100” for brevity) can be seen in a retracted configuration in FIG. 1 and an extended configuration in FIG. 2. Embodiments of the invention provide an assembly 100 that is operably configured to selectively retract into a housing 102 and selectively extend or unfurl from the housing 102 to form a desired fitness mat length and to beneficially provide a greater or smaller surface area for performing physical fitness or exercise activities. In this way, the assembly 100 has been designed to overcome several significant limitations with existing prior art, namely, the inability to selectively tailor the length of a fitness mat, the inability to unfurl or retract the fitness mat using automated means, and the inability to unfurl or retract the fitness mat remotely.

Referring now to FIGS. 1-2, the assembly 100 is depicted in perspective views depicting the assembly 110 with the mat member 104 in a retracted configuration and with the mat member 104 in an exemplary extended and longitudinally locked configuration. More specifically, the assembly 100 includes a housing 102 with a fitness mat 104 having an upper surface 106, a lower surface 108 opposing the upper surface 106, and a mat length that is selectively adjustable, the fitness mat 104 being operably configured to selectively retract and housed within the housing 102. The lower surface 108 is configured to be placed on a ground surface and may include a plurality of ridges or other friction-inducing material or structure to reduce the likelihood of the mat member 104 slipping. The housing 102 should be proportionately sized and shaped to receive and retain the fitness mat 104 therein. In an exemplary embodiment, the housing is cylindrical in shape to reflect the cylindrical shape of the fitness mat 104 when the fitness mat 104 is completely retracted and rolled up.

The mat length of the fitness mat 104 is approximately 80-84 inches (2-2.5 m) to accommodate users with greater heights, e.g., users who are 6 feet in height or taller. Existing fitness mats generally come in three sizes: (a) approximately 68 inches (1.5-1.9 m) to accommodate users who are 5 feet 5 inches in height, i.e., the standard size; (b) approximately 72 inches (1.6-2.0 m) to accommodate users who are between 5 feet 6 inches and 6 feet; and (c) approximately 80-84 inches to accommodate users who are over 6 feet tall. Because the assembly 100 needs to be selectively adjustable to accommodate the full range of the foregoing heights, the mat length should preferably be as long as the last category (c) so it may beneficially be adjusted into the 68-inch length, the 72-inch length, the 84-inch length, and any other length between said ranges. With reference to FIG. 4, the effective mat length 400 discussed above will be relative to the external housing surface, i.e., the portion of the mat length 110 extending outwardly from the external housing surface.

With reference to FIGS. 1-3 and FIG. 5, the housing 102 can also be seen having an external housing surface that may include an electronic display 110, or user interface, coupled thereto for controlling any electronic components utilized with the assembly 100 and/or viewing the performance of the electronic components or viewing the specifications associated with the assembly (e.g., the mat length extending from the housing 102). The housing 102 also includes an internal housing surface opposing the external housing surface and defines a housing cavity 500, wherein the housing 102 can also be seen defining an elongated and enclosed channel opening 300 spanning a length of the housing 102 that provides access to the housing cavity 500.

The housing 102 also be seen housing an axle 306 that is rotatably coupled thereto and disposed within the housing cavity 500. The axle 306 may of a substantially rigid material, e.g., PVC or aluminum, and may be of a cylindrical shape that is configured to directly coupled with the housing 102. In one embodiment, the housing 102 includes a side housing member 310 coupled to one of two opposing sides 114, 116 of the housing 102 and that has an inner side surface 312 partially defining the housing cavity 500, wherein an axle coupling member 314 is coupled to an end of the axle 306. In one embodiment, the housing 102 may include two opposing axle coupling members 314 that retain the axle 306 and enable rotation thereof. The axle coupling members may also include one or more bearing(s) thereon. In another embodiment and with brief reference to FIG. 8, the axle coupling member(s) may also include an electric motor 802 (e.g., 12V 3500 RPM permanent magnet having a torque of 1-3 kgf/cm) operably coupled to the axle 306 and operably configured to selective cause rotation of the axle 306.

The axle 306 may include a channel or slot for receiving the mat member 104. The first mat end 302 may also be directly coupled and permanently fastened to the axle 306 using, for example, adhesive, screws, fastening clips, etc., wherein the mat member 104 is not configured for selective removal by the user. The mat member 104 may be coupled to the axle 306 along another portion of the mat length and not necessarily at its terminal end. In other embodiments, the first mat end 302 may include one or more permanent magnets coupled thereto and of an opposing polarity to one or more magnets on the axle 306, thereby enabling selectively removal of the mat member 104 from the axle 306 if apply a sufficient amount of force (e.g., 10-30 lbf).

As the assembly 100 is utilized for fitness and comfort of the user when utilized, the mat member 104 forms a monolithic body of an elastically deformably material, includes an upper mat surface 106, a lower mat surface 108 opposing the upper mat surface 106, a first mat end 302, a second mat end 304 opposing the first mat end 302, and a mat length separating the first and second mat ends 302, 304. The width of the fitness mat 104 that separates two opposing sides of the fitness mat 104 is approximately 24 inches (55-65 cm) in an exemplary embodiment so as to provide sufficient surface area for a user to perform physical exercise activities. In one embodiment, the fitness mat 104 is of a polyvinyl chloride (PVC) material composition, also commonly referred to as vinyl, although another deformably resilient material may be utilized, e.g., natural and recycled rubber, polyethylene foam, jute, or organic cotton or natural cotton material(s).

Though the thickness of the fitness mat 104 varies depending on the material composition, the fitness mat 104 is approximately 2 inches (20-30 mm) thick separating the upper and lower surfaces 106, 108. The housing 102 may be of a fabric material or a cylindrical tube of compressed form for greater structural rigidity in housing the fitness mat 104 and in transporting the same. Depending on the material used, the housing 102 may also function as a headrest. The housing 102 may also define a housing diameter that is proportionate to (as the mat member 104 may deform) or preferably greater than a diameter of the mat length when rolled up (best seen in FIG. 7) to ensure that the fitness mat 104 fully and adequately fits within the housing 102. The housing 102 and the housing cavity 500 may be cylindrical and the housing cavity 500 is at least partially defined by an inner surface of the housing 102 and defines a housing volume greater than a mat volume defined by a uniform mat thickness separating the upper and lower mat surfaces 106, 108, the mat length, and a uniform mat width separating opposing sides of the mat member 104, wherein “uniform” is defined as separating the entire dimension of the mat member 104. The uniform mat thickness may also beneficially be within a range of 1-4 inches separating the upper and lower mat surfaces 106, 108 to provide sufficient comfort to the user.

As seen in the figures, the mat member 104 is operably configured to have a retracted configuration and a plurality of extended and longitudinally locked configurations along a mat translation path (exemplified with arrow 112). As best seen in FIG. 1 and FIGS. 6-7 (with reference to FIG. 3), the retracted configuration includes the mat member 104 rolled around the axle 306 and disposed within the housing cavity 500. The mat translation path 112 may be linear or curvilinear, but includes the mat member 104 configured to span through the elongated and enclosed channel opening. As best seen in FIGS. 2-5, the plurality of extended and longitudinally locked configurations along the mat translation path 112 include the mat member 104 disposed in a substantially planar orientation. Each of the plurality of extending and longitudinally locked configurations have approximately 68-84 inches of the mat length extending outwardly from the external housing surface to beneficially accommodate the different sizes desired by users as discussed above. The longitudinally locked configurations may be generated by a clutch utilized in a spool/reel assembly operably coupled to the axle 306, wherein the clutch is operably configured to release with the mat member 104 when a user pulls of a sufficient force (e.g., 2-10 lbf) and engage with the mat member 104 the user applies a counter force. The locked configurations may also be generated with a selectively movable fastener or structure that compresses the mat member 108 and prevents it from moving along the mat translation path 112 (i.e., it is longitudinally locked) unless desired by the user.

In one embodiment, the retracted configuration includes the mat member 104 completely disposed within the housing cavity 500 to prevent the mat member 104 from being damaged when not utilized by the user and during transport. To facilitate bringing the mat member 104 in the retracted configuration, a coiled spring 308 may be utilized and that is operably coupled with the axle 306 to bias the mat member 104 in the retracted configuration, i.e., rotating the axle 306 to bring the mat member 104 in one of the extended configurations generates potential energy stored in the spring 308 biasing the axle 306 to rotate in the opposite direction to bring the mat member 104 in the retracted configuration.

With reference to FIG. 1 and FIG. 8, the housing 102 may also include a control panel 110, e.g., an electronic display, having several functioning capabilities including the capability to open/close the housing 102, to unfurl/retract the fitness mat 104 using an electronic motor 802 communicatively coupled thereto (e.g., using wired or wireless connections 808a-n, wherein “n” represents any number greater than one), and to configure the fitness mat 104 into a pre-set desired length. The foregoing functioning capabilities may also allow each function to be performed automatically by the assembly 100 and without any additional physical prompts by the user, e.g., once a “memory” button is pushed by a user (wherein the memory stores preset programs or software applications). The assembly 100 may also be automatically configured to place the fitness mat 104 into the user's pre-set desired length.

For example, in accordance with a user's prompt, the assembly 100 is operably configured to mechanically and automatically unfurl into the user's desired length and to autonomously retract when prompted to by a user, e.g., when the “close” button is pressed. The foregoing functioning capabilities of the assembly 100 may also be remotely manipulated or controlled either mechanically or through a wireless network to conveniently allow access to, and control over, the assembly 100 from a remote location, e.g., the fitness mat 104 can be unfurled or retracted using prompts on a mobile application that is communicatively coupled to the housing 102. This beneficially allows a user to manipulate and control the assembly 100 remotely so as to conveniently configure a user's assembly 100 into the desired length and configuration without the user being in close physical proximity to the assembly 100. When a user is running late to their exercise class, for example, the user can conveniently set up their fitness mat before arriving to the fitness location.

Said another way, the assembly 100 includes an electric motor 802 operably coupled to the axle 306, housed within the housing 102, and electrically coupled to a power source 800 (e.g., 12V lithium-ion battery). Further the assembly 100 includes an electronic user interface 110 coupled to the housing 102, electrically coupled to the same or another power source 800, communicatively coupled to the electric motor 802, and operably configured to selectively cause rotation of the electric motor 802 and axle 306 to place the mat member 104 in the mat translation path. The assembly 100 may also include a network adapter 806 operably configured to communicatively couple with an external electronic computing device (e.g., mobile phone, tablet, etc.) over a network and is communicatively coupled with an electronic controller 804 housed by the housing 102. The electronic controller 804 is communicatively coupled to the electric motor 802 and is operably configured to selectively cause rotation of the electric motor 802 and axle 306 to place the mat member 104 in the mat translation path as discussed herein.

The exemplary network referenced herein may include connections that are a medium used to provide communication links between various devices and computers connected together within the network. The connections may be wired or wireless connections. A few exemplary wired connections are cable, phone line, and fiber optic. Exemplary wireless connections include radio frequency (RF) (e.g., Bluetooth) and infrared radiation (IR) transmission. Many other wired and wireless connections are known in the art and can be used with the present invention. As discussed herein, the network may include the network adapter or interface 806 and other electronic devices such as a personal mobile computing devices. The personal mobile computing device, for example, can be operable to execute programming instructions embodied in a software application that can be received from a server via a wide area network (WAN). In one embodiment, the WAN is the Internet. The Internet represents a worldwide collection of networks and gateways that use the TCP/IP suite of protocols to communicate with one another. At the heart of the Internet is a backbone of high-speed data communication lines between major nodes or host computers, consisting of thousands of commercial, government, educational and other computer systems that route data and messages. Of course, the network referenced herein also may be implemented as a number of different types of networks, such as for example, an Intranet, a local area network (LAN), or a cellular network.

In one embodiment, the outer perimeter of the fitness mat 104 may further comprise a weighted and sturdy but malleable material composition that beneficially and structurally assists the fitness mat 104 to be unfurled and retracted at the prompt of the user. Because the material composition of the fitness mat 104 is typically very lightweight, it is more difficult to unfurl or retract the fitness mat 104 without the added weighted material component. Accordingly, this weighted material composition mechanically assists the assembly 100 to automatically unfurl or retract the fitness mat member 104 to the user's desired length, i.e., using the control panel, the user can prompt the fitness mat member 104 to continuously unfurl up until the desired mat length is reached. To further allow the fitness mat member 104 to be automatically and mechanically unfurled and/or retracted by the assembly 100, the fitness mat 104 is preferably permanently attached to the inner wall of the housing 102. As used herein, the term “wall” is intended broadly to encompass continuous structures, as well as, separate structures that are coupled together so as to form a substantially continuous external surface.

In one embodiment, the mat member 104 may include a cap member 118 (that may preferably be weighted or of a density greater than the monolithic body of the mat member 104) that is directly coupled to and covering the second mat end 304 and shaped or sized to have restricted access through the enclosed channel opening 300. The mat member 104 defines an outer perimeter that may also include a weighted material coupled thereto (at or within 1 in of the outer perimeter) and of a density greater than a density of the monolithic body of the mat member 104. For example, the density of the monolithic body of the mat member 104 may be 0.1-1.5 g/cm³ and the density of the weighted material (e.g., aluminum) is 2.5 g/cm³.

Although a specific order of utilizing the assembly 100 has been described herein, the order of executing the steps may be changed relative to the order shown in certain embodiments. Also, two or more steps described or depicted as occurring in succession may be executed concurrently or with partial concurrence in some embodiments. Certain steps may also be omitted for the sake of brevity. In some embodiments, some or all of the process steps can be combined into a single process.

Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For example, while the embodiments described above refer to particular features, the scope of this disclosure also includes embodiments having different combinations of features and embodiments that do not include all of the above-described features.

Claims

1. A portable and retractable fitness mat assembly comprising: a housing of a cylindrical shape, with an external housing surface, and with an internal housing surface opposing the external housing surface and defining a cylindrical housing cavity, the external housing surface of the housing forming an accurate shape defining an elongated and enclosed channel opening spanning a length of the housing and providing access to the housing cavity;an axle rotatably coupled to the housing and disposed within the housing cavity; anda mat member forming a monolithic body of an elastically deformably material, with an upper mat surface, a lower mat surface opposing the upper mat surface, with a first mat end, a second mat end opposing the first mat end, a mat length separating the first and second mat ends, and directly coupled to the axle, the mat member operably configured to have:

2. The portable and retractable fitness mat assembly according to claim 1, wherein: the housing cavity defines a housing volume greater than a mat volume defined by a uniform mat thickness separating the upper and lower mat surfaces, the mat length, and a uniform mat width separating opposing sides of the mat member.

3. The portable and retractable fitness mat assembly according to claim 1, wherein: the retracted configuration includes the mat member completely disposed within the housing cavity.

4. The portable and retractable fitness mat assembly according to claim 1, wherein the mat member further comprises: a uniform mat thickness within a range of 1-4 inches separating the upper and lower mat surfaces.

5. The portable and retractable fitness mat assembly according to claim 1, further comprising: a coiled spring operably coupled with the axle and operably configured to bias the mat member in the retracted configuration.

6. The portable and retractable fitness mat assembly according to claim 5, wherein the housing further comprises: a side housing member coupled to one of two opposing sides of the housing and having an inner side surface partially defining the housing cavity and including an axle coupling member coupled to an end of the axle.

7. The portable and retractable fitness mat assembly according to claim 1, wherein the first mat end is directly coupled and permanently fastened to the axle.

8. The portable and retractable fitness mat assembly according to claim 1, wherein the mat member further comprises: a weighted cap member directly coupled to and covering the second mat end and shaped or sized to have restricted access through the enclosed channel opening, the weighted cap member of a density greater than a density of the mat member.

9. The portable and retractable fitness mat assembly according to claim 1, wherein the mat member defines an outer perimeter having a weighted material coupled thereto and of a density greater than a density of the monolithic body of the mat member.

10. The portable and retractable fitness mat assembly according to claim 1, further comprising: an electric motor operably coupled to the axle, housed within the housing, and electrically coupled to a power source; and

11. The portable and retractable fitness mat assembly according to claim 10, further comprising: a network adapter operably configured to communicatively couple with an external electronic computing device over a network and communicatively coupled with an electronic controller housed by the housing, the electronic controller communicatively coupled to the electric motor, and operably configured to selectively cause rotation of the electric motor and axle to place the mat member in the mat translation path.

12. A portable and retractable fitness mat assembly comprising: a housing of a cylindrical shape, with an external housing surface, and with an internal housing surface opposing the external housing surface and defining a cylindrical housing cavity, the external housing surface of the housing forming an accurate shape defining an elongated and enclosed channel opening spanning a length of the housing and providing access to the housing cavity;an axle rotatably coupled to the housing and disposed within the housing cavity; anda mat member forming a monolithic body of an elastically deformably material, with an upper mat surface, a lower mat surface opposing the upper mat surface, with a first mat end, a second mat end opposing the first mat end, a mat length separating the first and second mat ends and at least 68 inches and directly coupled to the axle, the mat member operably configured to have:

13. The portable and retractable fitness mat assembly according to claim 12, wherein: each of the plurality of extending and longitudinally locked configurations have a length of approximately 68-84 inches of the mat length.

14. The portable and retractable fitness mat assembly according to claim 12, wherein: the housing cavity defines a housing volume greater than a mat volume defined by a uniform mat thickness separating the upper and lower mat surfaces, the mat length, and a uniform mat width separating opposing sides of the mat member.

15. The portable and retractable fitness mat assembly according to claim 12, wherein: the retracted configuration includes the mat member completely disposed within the housing cavity.

16. The portable and retractable fitness mat assembly according to claim 12, wherein the mat member further comprises: a uniform mat thickness within a range of 1-4 inches separating the upper and lower mat surfaces.

17. The portable and retractable fitness mat assembly according to claim 12, further comprising: a coiled spring operably coupled with the axle and operably configured to bias the mat member in the retracted configuration.

18. The portable and retractable fitness mat assembly according to claim 17, wherein the housing further comprises: a side housing member coupled to one of two opposing sides of the housing and having an inner side surface partially defining the housing cavity and including an axle coupling member coupled to an end of the axle.