Electronically powered illuminating mat for yoga and exercise

Abstract

An electronically powered, light emitting, portable mat with built in storage container is provided. The light is configured to provide illumination from the ground as well as a visual timing signal for exercise routines and enhanced experiences. The built in storage area also allows for the mat to be used as a backpack which can be unrolled into a floor mat. The light up mat may be particularly useful for exercising or camping in dark areas, as well as for mood lightning outdoors to illuminate the surrounding area.

Claims

1. An illuminating exercise mat comprising: a mat body having a substantially flat surface, the mat sized to receive a human user on the surface; a first light attached to a first lengthwise perimeter edge of the mat body; a second light attached to a second opposite lengthwise perimeter edge of the mat body; a power source configured to provide electricity to activate the first light and the second light; wherein the first light is an elongate LED strip comprising a plurality of LEDs extending along the first lengthwise perimeter edge of the mat body, the first light positioned to direct light outwardly from the first lengthwise perimeter edge, and wherein the second light is an elongate LED strip comprising a plurality of LEDs extending along the second lengthwise perimeter edge, the second light positioned to direct light outwardly from the second lengthwise perimeter edge; wherein the first light is attached to the mat body by seating in a first channel defined by the substantially flat surface of the mat body, the first channel extending along the first perimeter edge; wherein the second light is attached to the mat body by seating in a second channel defined by the substantially flat surface of the mat body, the second channel extending along the second perimeter edge; wherein each LED strip is covered by at least one of a sleeve or a protective coating; and further comprising a controller, the controller having a processor configured to control an operation of the first light and the second light; and a storage pouch attached to the mat, the storage pouch defining an interior storage space, and having a first opening providing access to the storage space, the power source and the controller positioned within the interior storage space of the pouch, a wiring passing through one or more wiring openings of the storage pouch to provide electronic communication between the power source, the controller, and the first light and to provide electronic communication between the power source, the controller, and the second light.

2. The illuminating exercise mat of claim 1 wherein the controller is configured to adjust a brightness of the first light and the second light.

3. The illuminating exercise mat of claim 1 wherein the controller is configured to change a color of the first light and the second light.

4. The illuminating exercise mat of claim 1 wherein the controller is configured to adjust a timing of a change of the first light and the second light.

5. The illuminating exercise mat of claim 4 wherein the controller is configured to adjust the timing of the change to be at one of a fifteen, thirty, forty five, sixty, and ninety second interval.

6. The illuminating exercise mat of claim 1 wherein the controller is configured to control a pulsing of the first light and the second light.

7. The illuminating exercise mat of claim 1 wherein the controller is further in communication with a second exercise mat comprising a third light, the controller configured to control an operation of the third light on the second exercise mat.

8. The illuminating exercise mat of claim 1 wherein the mat body is a yoga mat.

9. The illuminating exercise mat of claim 1 wherein the power source further comprises an electrical outlet port configured to charge a portable electronic device.

10. The illuminating exercise mat of claim 1 wherein the mat body is rolled into a compacted position.

11. The illuminating exercise mat of claim 1 wherein the mat body is rolled into a compacted position, the mat being wrapped about the storage pouch such that the storage pouch is on an inside of the mat body in the rolled position.

12. The illuminating exercise mat of claim 1 wherein the first light is positioned on a first lengthwise side of the mat body, and wherein the second light is positioned on a second opposite lengthwise side of the mat body.

13. A tent assembly comprising the illuminating exercise mat of claim 1 positioned on a floor of the tent.

14. An illuminating exercise mat comprising: a mat body having a substantially flat surface, the mat sized to receive a human user on the surface; a first light attached to a first lengthwise edge of the mat body; a second light attached to a second opposite lengthwise edge of the mat body; a power source configured to provide electricity to activate the first light and the second light; wherein the first light is an elongate LED strip comprising a plurality of LEDs extending along the first lengthwise edge from a first widthwise edge of the mat body to a second widthwise edge of the mat body, and wherein the second light is an elongate light extending along the second lengthwise edge; wherein the first light is attached to the mat body by seating in a first channel defined by the substantially flat surface of the mat body, the first channel extending along the first perimeter edge the first channel being inset from an outer side of the mat body, the first light positioned to direct light outwardly from the first lengthwise edge; wherein the second light is attached to the mat body by seating in a second channel defined by the substantially flat surface of the mat body, the second channel extending along the second perimeter edge the second channel being inset from a second outer side of the mat body opposite to the first channel, the second light positioned to direct light outwardly from the second lengthwise edge; wherein each LED strip is covered by at least one of a sleeve and a protective coating; and further comprising a controller, the controller having a processor configured to control an operation of the first light and the second light; and a storage pouch attached to the mat, the storage pouch defining an interior storage space, and having a first opening providing access to the storage space, the power source and the controller positioned within the interior storage space of the pouch, a wiring passing through one or more wiring openings of the storage pouch to provide electronic communication between the power source, the controller, and the first light and to provide electronic communication between the power source, the controller, and the second light.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) Embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example only, with reference to the attached figures wherein:

(2) FIG. 1 provides a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention.

(3) FIG. 2 provides an elevation view of another embodiment of the present invention.

(4) FIG. 3 provides an elevation view of yet another embodiment of the present invention.

(5) FIG. 4 provides a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention.

(6) FIG. 5 provides a perspective view of a rolled embodiment of the present invention.

(7) FIG. 6 provides a perspective view yet still another embodiment of the present invention.

(8) FIG. 7 provides a perspective view of another rolled embodiment of the present invention.

(9) FIG. 8A provides a detail view of an embodiment of the present invention.

(10) FIG. 8B provides a detail view of another embodiment of the present invention.

(11) FIG. 9 provides an elevation view of yet another embodiment of the present invention configured for use on a paddle board.

(12) FIG. 10 provides a detail view of yet still another embodiment of the present invention.

(13) FIG. 11 provides a perspective view of another embodiment of the present invention.

(14) FIG. 12 provides a view of an embodiment of the present invention having the pouch enveloping a portion of the mat.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

(15) This invention pertains to an electronically powered, illuminating mat or pad which may be used as a temporary surface for any various activities, such as involving yoga or exercise, sitting or resting, or for example as the floor of a camping tent. More particularly, a battery powered mat in a custom shape, which is easily transportable and portable but also contains built-in high powered LEDs to act as lights benefiting the user with additional visibility at night, as well as mood lighting to for an overall enhanced experience and timed function for exercise purposes.

(16) Furthermore, this invention pertains to an electronically powered illuminating exercise mat controlled by a microcontroller which may be connected to said LEDs in order to, through physical buttons or an IR (infrared) or RF (radio frequency) remote control, provide a unique and customized functionality. Particularly, the microcontroller may allow the user to select a pre-programmed control algorithm to quickly and easily set the lights to change to a specific set of instructions. For example, to cause the LEDs to change color every 30 seconds, for timing a workout.

(17) Furthermore, this invention pertains to a storage pouch/container which may be attached to said mat which may house the power source, and may also serve as a container to store belongings or other items, such as drink vessels. In another emboidment, the power source may be fully encased within the mat. The mat may be designed in such a way that the pouch can be removable and the mat can be rolled up and stored with or without the pouch. However, if the pouch is attached, the mat can be rolled up with the pouch, and used as a multi-functional backpack.

(18) One embodiment of the invention involves the combination of several existing items to create a mat which lights up and can be used for illumination, for timing workout exercises, as well as for carrying small items all in one. The mats may be made using the same existing processes and materials as existing exercise mats, but may offer a wider variety of sizes and shapes, since the uses for such mats may expand due to this invention. A particular embodiment may be made in the standard yoga mat size of approximately 74 inches long by 24 inches wide and about 10 mm thick.

(19) The mat of the present invention may be formed generally of flexible and soft materials, typically elastomeric materials. Examples of such materials include, but are not limited to rubber, flexible plastic, foam, and the like. In one embodiment, the mat may be made of an elastomeric material such as NBR, TPE, PVC, or other polymers.

(20) The mats may be made with two pre-molded channels where the lights may be attached. The channels may be approximately 6 mm deep and 12 mm wide and may run along the left and right side edges of the mat. Other embodiments may have channels along all four side edges, for example for a 4 ft.6 ft. mat for being used in a camping tent. The channels are meant to be approximately the same size as the light emitting diode (LED) strips and/or lights in a flexible sleeve. The channels keep the LED strips flush and allow the user to roll on the mat freely.

(21) LED strips can be procured in various lengths, types and sizes with various coatings. They are available in standard RGB format where all the lights change to the same color at the same time, or in addressable format where each individual LED can be different color. They are also available as organic LEDs. One embodiment for this invention may use non-addressable 5 volt 5050 RGB strips approximately one (1) inch shorter than the length of the pre-molded channels. The reason for the removed inch is to allow room for the connecting wires without them extending past the edge of the mat. The reason for using the 5 volt strips is so that the power source can also be used for charging common personal electronics such as cell phones. The LED strip may be inside a flexible silicone sleeve which is sealed on each end. In another embodiment, the LED strip may be covered by a protective gel or other sealant coating. Such a coating may provide a similar protective structure as the silicone sleeve. For example, the silicone sleeves may be made opaque to diffuse the light to protect the user from directly hurting their eyes, so that the LED circuits cannot be seen directly and so the strip may glow uniformly. However, the silicone sleeves may be any color or transparency without straying from the scope of this invention. LED strips may be attached to the mat using hook and loop style strips, or any other connection structure, such as magnets, buttons, pressure fit, adhesive, snap fitting, and the like. In a hook and loop embodiment, the hook side of the strip will be connected to the bottom of the LED strip, while the loop side will be laid into the pre-molded channels. A hook and loop connector system may be advantageous to connect the lights to the mat is so that they can be removed at will without damaging the mat, for example for easy replacement.

(22) The LED strips may be connected to a controller. In order to synchronize two different strips, they should both be connected to the same controller, which means a signal splitter may be required. In one embodiment, each LED strip may be connected to the output of a splitter, while the input may come from one microcontroller. The splitter and micro controller may be connected with sufficient lengths of cable so that they can reach the power source and be located inside the container or pouch. In a particular embodiment, a single controller may be in communication (such as wireless communication) with a plurality of different light sources on a plurality of different mats. In such an embodiment, a single controller may control lighting on multiple mats. This may allow for synchronized mat lighting, or controlled differences in mat lighting, depending on embodiment.

(23) There are many different types of controllers available in many sizes. They can be customized to receive various signals and produce various outputs. In a particular embodiment, a small microcontroller may be used. Typical controllers for LED strips allow the user to turn the lights on and off, change the color, adjust brightness, cause the lights to flash or fade between different combinations of colors, and strobe certain colors. They also typically allow the user to adjust the speed of the flash or fade, but the speed can only be adjusted in small and limited increments, up or down. There is currently not a way to set the changing to a specific time interval. Some controllers include a microphone to allow the colors to change based on audio feedback. The control can be enacted through physical buttons connected to the LED strip, through RF or IR remotes, or by a phone or other device via Bluetooth or wifi communication. One embodiment of this invention may use a microcontroller with RF remote control. The controller may use standard programs and hardware to allow the lights to turn on and off, adjust the level of brightness, change color, and flash and fade between colors. In addition however, one embodiment may use a customized program which will be created specifically for this invention. The program may instruct the lights to flash or fade between colors in certain specified time intervals. The remote control may be made with several customized buttons with set time intervals printed on them. When the user selects a specific number, the lights will change in that interval. This will allow the user to use the lights as a visual metronome in order to keep the tempo of their workout, or to time their exercises without the need for counting or using a stopwatch. A particular embodiment of this invention may provide pre-programmed buttons for one (1), two (2) five (5), ten (10), fifteen (15), thirty (30), sixty (60), and one hundred eighty (180) seconds. This timing may be used to, for example, instruct on breathing timing (1-2 second interval), position hold timings, and the like.

(24) The controller may be connected to a power source. The power source may be connected directly to the mat near the LED strips, or it may be placed inside a container. One embodiment of this invention may use a readily available portable battery with a 5 volt output as the power source, such as one used for charging cell phones. The power source must be capable of outputting sufficient amperage for powering both strips for the desired length of time. In one embodiment of this invention, the power source may have an output capable of supporting 3 amps to both strips can be powered by one power source, and may have a 5000 mAh or greater capacity so the lights can last for 4-6 hours or more.

(25) The power source, controller, splitter if used, and all connecting cables may be attached to the mat. They could be attached directly or through a number of various available methods. In one embodiment they may be attached by inserting them into a specially designed case, and the case will be attached to the mat. The case can then serve multiple purposes and store other items as well. This may allow the mat to become multi-use pack, which can be unrolled into a light up mat. A particular embodiment may have a soft but padded flexible case approximately the same width as the mat at about 24 inches, and about 4-6 inches long, and 1-2 inches thick. The case may be made of a water resistant material with a dual-zipper across the entire width and down the majority of each side, so that a side of the case may be accessed while the mat is rolled up if the user so desires. The pouch may double as a pillow. There may be access points for the cables to enter and exit and loops along the bottom for routing the cables. There may also be a smaller, more rigid pocket inside the container specifically for the power source and microcontroller. There may also be a small non-rigid pocket on the other side facing sideways so it could be used to store items which the user may want to access while the mat is rolled up. There may be a small hook and loop patch on the outside of the container for connected the remote control, and a pocket inside for storing it when not in use. There may also be a thin hidden pocket along the back of the container which may contain the straps to be used for keeping the mat rolled and carrying it. There may be a series of elastic bands on the front side of the case for storing additional items when the mat is unrolled, such as a small towel or drink bottle.

(26) The container may need to be attached to the mat. This may be done with a permanent adhesive or mechanical hardware, or it may be designed to be removable. One embodiment of this invention may use hook and loop fasteners so that it is removable. A patch of hook and loop fastener in similar dimensions of the case may be adhered permanently to the mat, and the opposing hook and loop side may be permanently attached to the back of the case. This arrangement may be below the rear pocket so the rear pocket is accessible. In many embodiments, the container may be attached to the mat at least partially on or over a top surface of the mat.

(27) Turning now to FIG. 1, an embodiment of the present invention is provided. The exercise mat 10 can be seen having two light strips 11 along its long edges. In other embodiments, light strips 11 may extend along the short edges instead, or along all four side edges. Mat 10 is generally formed of a soft cushioning material to allow a user to exercise on it, as noted earlier. The mat 10 has a substantially flat surface, which may be textured, form apertures, and the like, though all of these structures may be considered substantially flat for the purposes of the present disclosure. As used herein, the term substantially flat surface applies to a mat 10 that can be laid on a surface and has a top surface that roughly contours to the surface on which it is laid. For example, the mat 10 may be formed as a yoga mat. The light strips 11 may be any sort of lighting structure. In the embodiment shown, the lights 11 are formed as a plurality of LEDs encased in a sleeve 12. The structure shown is flexible, and may be rolled and unrolled in storage and use modes, respectively.

(28) FIG. 2 provides an elevation view of another embodiment of the present invention. In this view, mat 10 has lights 11 along its lengthwise edges. In this embodiment, mat 10 defines channels 21 in which the lights 11 can sit. Mat 10 extends slightly beyond the light sleeve 12 and the sleeve 12 sits within the channels. It should be understood that while this embodiment does not show the lights 11 exactly on the outer perimeter edge of the mat 10, for the purposes of this disclosure, this structure is considered as being lights 11 on the perimeter edges of the mat 10. A controller 22 (such as a computerized controller programmable and/or reprogrammable to control the lights based on an input) comprising a microprocessor is positioned on or in the mat 10. In one embodiment the remote 24 may comprise a plurality of inputs or a single touch screen with multiple different input areas to control different functionality of the light strips 11. For example, remote 24 may provide an input to controller 22 to control light activation, light activation timing, color change, brightness, a pulsing action, flashing pace, and the like. The controller 22 is configured to control operation of the light strips 11. As discussed above, the controller 22 is capable of controlling one or more aspects of the light operation. Wires 23 connect controller 22 to light strips 11 to allow for electronic communication between controller 22 and lights 11. A remote 24 is in wireless communication with the controller 22. Remote 24 is configured to provide instructions to controller 22 which may adjust or control aspects of the light operation.

(29) FIG. 3 provides an embodiment of the present invention having a storage pouch attached thereto. The storage pouch 31 is attached to a top end of the mat 10. The pouch 31 may be of varying sizes depending on embodiment, and may be connected to the mat 10 in any manner. The pouch 31 has an opening 32 to allow access to the pouch 31 interior. In this view, lights 11 are positioned around all four side edges of the mat 10. In FIG. 6, another embodiment can be seen having electronic components positioned within the storage pouch 31. In this view, pouch 31 has an opening 32 on a side, although in varying embodiments the opening may vary in position. For example, wires 23 connect controller 22, power source, remote receiver, and the like to the lights 11 through wires 23 passing from the lights 11 through opening 61 into an interior of the pouch 31. In the embodiments shown, the pouch 31 may serve a number of functions or combinations of functions such as providing a padding (the padding or inflatable bladder being positioned within at least a portion of the pouch). Further, the pouch 31 may also provide an anchor point for a wrapping strap and a shoulder strap, as shown in FIG. 7. In an embodiment similar to that of FIG. 7, the pouch 31 may be on an inside of the rolled mat 10, such that the mat 10 wraps around pouch 31.

(30) FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention. The mat 10 is being used by user U. Lights 11 can be illuminated, as discussed herein. The lights 11 in this embodiment are covered by sleeve 12, and are oriented to direct light in an approximately 180 degree arc facing outward from the mat, so that a floor on which the mat is resting is partially illuminated.

(31) FIG. 5 shows an embodiment of the present invention in a rolled position. The mat 10 of the present invention is configured to be rollable for storage, transportation, and the like. As can be seen, the lights 11 on the perimeter of the mat 10 are also rollable. Strap 51 wraps about the mat 10 to keep it rolled. Also, strap 51 or additional straps (not shown) may be used as a carrying strap to allow a user to carrying using one or two shoulder straps, for example. In such an embodiment, pouch 31 may double as a backpack style carrying pack. FIG. 7 provides another view of an embodiment of the present invention in a rolled position. Here, the strap 51 is anchored on an outer surface of the pouch 31. In the embodiment shown, the strap 51 may be formed of an elastic material such that it may be stretched over the rolled mat 10 to hold it in place in the rolled position, however, other structures of the strap may be used to hold the mat in the rolled positon without straying from the scope of this invention. Further shown in FIG. 7 is a shoulder strap 52 which is connected to the pouch 31. When in the rolled position, the shoulder strap 52 may be slung over a shoulder of a user, or used as a handle or carrier to provide convenient carrying of the device.

(32) FIGS. 8A and 8B provide detail views of embodiments of the mat having recessed channels. In FIG. 8A, recessed channel 21 is at on outer side of the mat 10 at the side edge. In FIG. 8B, recessed channel 21 is on an edge of the mat 10, but slightly inset so that a portion of the mat 10 is beyond the channel 21 on the side of the mat 10.

(33) FIG. 9 provides a view of a mat configured for use on a stand up paddle board. In this view, the mat 10 has curved side portions 91 which correspond to a curving shape of a stand up paddle board 90. Lights 11 are positioned in channel 21 to provide illumination. In other embodiments, the lights 11 may be connected to the mat 10 in any manner, such as those discussed throughout this disclosure, and need not be secured in the channel 21 as shown.

(34) FIG. 10 provides a detail view of another embodiment to connect a light sleeve 12 to the mat 10. Specifically, a ridge 101 of sleeve 12 extends into mat 10 and is covered by a top mat portion 10A and a bottom mat portion 10B. While the ridge 101 is shown extending from an approximately central portion of sleeve 12, it should be understood that it may extend from any portion of the sleeve, such as a bottom or top edge, among others. The ridge 101 may be connected between the portions by, for example, adhesive, plastic welding, friction, and the like. Sleeve 12 forms an opening into which lights may be positioned, either permanently or removably.

(35) FIG. 11 provides a view of another embodiment of the illuminated mat. In this embodiment, the mat has a top mat layer 10 and a lower layer 110. The lower layer 110 has a larger surface area than top mat layer 10 and has lower layer side portions 111 that extend beyond both ends of the top mat layer 10. A spacing between the lower layer side portions 111 and top may layer 10 defines channel 21, into which lights (not shown) may be secured. A spacing 112 formed by the lower layer 110 extending past a widthwise end of the top mat layer 10 may provide an area to removably or permanently secure a pouch (not shown) or to place loose items, among other functions. This embodiment may be formed in numerous ways, including, but not limited to laminating the top mat layer 10 to the lower layer 110, or removing portions of the lower mat layer 110 to define the recessed portions/channel at 112 and 21.

(36) FIG. 12 provides a view of an embodiment of the present invention having the pouch enveloping a portion of the mat. In this view, the pouch 31 is connected to the mat 10 by enveloping a portion of the mat 10 at envelope 121. As such, a portion of the pouch 31 covers both a top and a bottom portion of the mat 10. Adhesives, hook and loop connectors and any other connection structure may be used to hold mat 10 in place within envelope 121. In this embodiment, a side opening 32 can be seen. The side opening allows access to an interior of the pouch 31, and further, the mat can be wrapped around the pouch 31 and still allow access to the pouch 31 interior using the side opening 32.

(37) While several variations of the present invention have been illustrated by way of example in preferred or particular embodiments, it is apparent that further embodiments could be developed within the spirit and scope of the present invention, or the inventive concept thereof. However, it is to be expressly understood that such modifications and adaptations are within the spirit and scope of the present invention, and are inclusive, but not limited to the following appended claims as set forth.

(38) Those skilled in the art will readily observe that numerous modifications, applications and alterations of the device and method may be made while retaining the teachings of the present invention.