EP2785422B1 - Training mat, design of training mats, use of one or more training mats - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an exercise mat, an arrangement of exercise mats and a use of one or more exercise mats according to the preambles of the independent claims.

Different exercise mats are known from the prior art.

For example, shows WO 2008/087594 A1 a fitness and therapy mat for standing and walking. This mat is flat, soft and elastic so that it allows a fatigue-free and joint-gentle standing and walking on the mat.

US 2009/0192028 A1 shows a yoga mat, which simplifies the posture especially for various yoga exercises and allows longer practice phases by a more comfortable posture. This mat has a wedge shape in its cross section and can be combined into various shapes.

In DE 297 10 709 U1 discloses a seat wedge, which is used in particular for comfortable sitting and to improve the attitude when sitting. This seat wedge is multi-layered made of different foam materials and correspondingly expensive to manufacture. The seat wedge in this case has a lower layer, which is formed of a harder material than the upper layer.
The document US7966679 discloses a stretch pad comprising an upper wedge-shaped element and a lower element, the material properties being selected to provide an improved cushion, the hardness of the wedge-shaped element being selected to provide suitable elasticity, and the user does not penetrate too much into the upper element.

All known mats have the disadvantage that they are either not used in daily use or no relaxation Musculature with simultaneous training effect in the mass can ensure as desired.

It is an object of the present invention to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art. In particular, a training mat is to be made available, which can be used on the one hand in daily use and on the other hand allows relaxation of the muscles with simultaneous training effect. This object is achieved by the exercise mat according to independent claim 1, an arrangement of exercise mats according to independent claim 18 and by the use of an exercise mat according to independent claim 13. Further embodiments emerge from the subclaims.

An exercise mat according to the invention comprises an integrally foamed plastic material, in particular of polyurethane. The exercise mat has a support surface on a lower side when used as intended. On an upper side when used as intended, a standing surface is arranged. The exercise mat also has one or more side walls, which may be arranged approximately perpendicular to the support surface. A cross-sectional area, in particular in a region or partial region of the integrally foamed plastic material, which is arranged perpendicular to the support surface, is configured in a somewhat wedge-shaped manner, so that the support surface has a slope.

Here and below, an angle of 90 ° +/- 20 °, in particular of 90 ° +/- 10 ° is understood as being approximately perpendicular. Under approximately wedge-shaped is in particular a known wedge shape with a constant angle between the support surface and the base understood. Both the support surface and the base can have a concave or convex curvature respectively. It is also conceivable that the stand surface consists of several surfaces with different angles. In addition, the wedge shape may be dull on its pointed side, ie cut off. The base and the support surface thus do not intersect directly, but are spaced apart in each position. It is also conceivable that the distance between the support surface and the standing surface at the thinnest and / or the thickest point of the wedge shape is continued constant, so that the wedge shape has an extension. In addition, a shape is understood as a wedge shape in which the footprint corresponds approximately to a wing profile.

An angle of inclination is understood to be the angle between the support surface and the support surface. Should the support surface and / or the support surface not be an effective or planar surface, then the angle of inclination is understood to mean that angle which forms between tangents which are applied to them in the middle of the two surfaces.

The fact that the exercise mat consists of a one-piece foamed plastic material, a particularly favorable production is possible. In this case, the plastic can be foamed directly into a corresponding shape or be cut out of an example block-shaped block. It has been shown that polyurethane has advantageous properties such as high tensile strength and is permanently elastic. In addition, foamed polyurethane shows a high resilience, can be highly compressed and is extremely durable. However, similar properties can also be achieved with other foamed plastics.

It has been found that a training mat with an approximately wedge-shaped cross-sectional area is particularly advantageous when the exercise mat is used for standing or pedaling in place, in particular for endurance training for the musculoskeletal system, for cosmetic composition and modeling of muscle mass, for the enhancement of a non-therapeutic capacity of the musculature, for the improvement of the fitness, for the relaxation of the musculature, for the increase of the well-being, for the cosmetic shaping of the posture and / or for the cosmetic shaping of the human body, in particular of breast, belly, Legs, buttocks. Depending on the desired goal, the wedge-shaped exercise mat can be oriented from the heel to the toes, from the toes to the heels, from left to right or from right to left. Also, an arrangement of two or more exercise mats can be combined with different orientations of the individual exercise mats.

The exercise mat can have a pitch angle between 4 ° and 25 °, in particular between 6 ° and 20 °, preferably between 8 ° and 16 °. It has been shown that larger pitch angles are no longer perceived as pleasant and accordingly discourage a user from using the exercise mat for extended periods of time. Also, the above effect is not available at smaller angles or only to a lesser extent.

The exercise mat may have a roof shape with a ridge. The exercise mat is thus formed on two sides wedge-shaped. In this case, the pitch angle can be identical or different in design on both sides.

The exercise mat may have a pitch angle between 12 ° and 60 °, in particular between 15 ° and 40 °, preferably between 20 ° and 30 °. By such a shape, for example, a rocking standing on the ridge of a training mat with roof shape or two pushed together exercise mats allows.

The plastic material can be a bulk density measured according to DIN EN ISO 845 between 99 kg / m ³ and 121 kg / m ³ , in particular between 104 kg / m ³ and 116 kg / m ³ , preferably between 108 kg / m ³ and 112 kg / m ³ have. The proportion of air in the foamed plastic material is thus correspondingly large and the plastic material is thus very flexible and soft.

The plastic material has a compression hardness or compressive stress at 40% compression measured according to DIN EN ISO 3386-1 between 15 kPa and 23 kPa, in particular between 16.5 kPa and 21.5 kPa, preferably between 18 kPa and 20 kPa. Harder plastic materials are perceived as unpleasant in the long run and miss the desired training effect. A softer construction is no longer suitable to stand on, as such an exercise mat is easily pushed.

The plastic material may have an air permeability measured according to DIN EN ISO 9237 with a test pressure of 200 Pa of greater than 10 l / m ² s, in particular greater than 25 l / m ² s, preferably greater than 40 l / m ² s. Such air permeability causes the air to escape from the foam upon compression of the plastic material and only the plastic material as such is responsible for the compression or compression hardness.

The plastic material has a rebound resilience> 50%. In this case, the rebound resilience is determined as follows: A sphere with a diameter of 40 mm and a weight of 262 g is dropped from a height of 1 m onto a plastic sample with a thickness of 60 mm. The plastic sample has at least a base area of 100 mm x 100 mm and is arranged on a solid base, that the ball impinges approximately in the center of the base. The rebound resilience is the ratio of the rebound height to the height of fall of the ball, expressed as a percentage. In this case, both the drop height and the rebound height are measured as the distance between the underside of the ball and the surface of the plastic sample. It should be noted that for plastic samples of smaller thickness or lower compressive strength, a ball of lesser weight must be used, otherwise the ball will "break through" the plastic sample. The measured values, which are obtained with a lighter ball, are only partially comparable with the measured values of the aforementioned ball with a diameter of 40 mm and a weight of 262 g. A high resilience gives a pleasantly soft feeling when lifting the foot, the foot is raised in the shape of a trampoline. Regardless of the cadence even with highly dynamic exercises always a counterforce of the exercise mat on the foot.

The plastic material may have a tensile strength measured according to DIN EN ISO 1798 of at least 210 kPa, in particular of at least 250 kPa, preferably of at least 290 kPa.

The plastic material may have an elongation at break measured according to DIN EN ISO 1798 of at least 126%, in particular of at least 150%, preferably of at least 175%. A high tensile strength and stretch at break guarantee a robust exercise mat and long lasting behavior.

The exercise mat may have a thickness of at least 15 mm at its thinnest point. In this case, the thinnest point is understood to be the point at which the contact surface and the base surface come closest to each other. The fact that always at least a thickness of 15 mm is guaranteed, it can be ensured that regardless of the standing position of a user is always at least as much foamed foam material under the user's foot is present that the exercise mat in any case has its resilient property. In particular, it is prevented that a foot or a part of a foot passes through the exercise mat to the under the exercise mat arranged underlay. In addition, it is prevented that a sharp edge is formed, which is prone to damage.

The exercise mat can have a maximum thickness of 120 mm at its thickest point. Here, the thickest point is understood to be the point at which the support surface and the support surface are spaced furthest apart. The thickness is measured perpendicular to the support surface. Due to the maximum thickness of 120 mm, the risk of accidents due to unintentional stepping down of the exercise mat or due to bending of the foot due to only partial occurrence on the exercise mat is minimized.

The exercise mat can be configured roof-shaped and have a ridge in the middle region. In the area of the ridge, the exercise mat can be made thicker than 120 mm, as there is an inclined side surface on both sides. Thus For a roof-shaped exercise mat a maximum thickness of up to 300 mm is conceivable.

The base of the exercise mat may have any shape, in particular a square or a rectangular shape. Even round shapes are conceivable. It has been found that the minimum area of the exercise mat in a square shape is 400 mm x 400 mm. Preferably, however, the square base has a dimension of 500 mm x 500 mm. Especially with rectangular designs 500 mm x 1000 mm are preferred. However, it is also conceivable that other masses are used. Thus, for example, a combination of two exercise mats, each with 250 mm x 500 mm is conceivable, in which the two thin sides or the two thick sides are directed towards each other. In the case of exercise mats having a rectangular base, the thin side or the thick side is preferably arranged on a longitudinal side, so that the wedge shape extends over the broad side.

The footprint of the exercise mat can be provided with graphic elements, which, however, do not or only to a limited extent influence the stated properties of the plastic material. For example, an optimal foot position can be printed on the stand surface. Alternatively, an entire training program can be displayed pictorially on the stand area.

The surface of the exercise mat may be provided with a special structure which, in addition to stimulating movement through the soft plastic material, also actively stimulates the circulation of the sole of the foot. Such a surface can be achieved for example by an additionally applied to the foamed plastic grain structure or alternatively by means of a suitably designed coating be applied over the exercise mat. Such a coating preferably has an elasticity and elasticity, so that the aforementioned properties of the plastic material are not or only to a limited extent influenced. Such a coating may also be equipped with the mentioned graphic elements.

Alternatively or in addition to a coating, a protective layer can also be applied directly to the plastic material. In this case, this protective layer has a maximum thickness of 2 mm, preferably 1 mm, more preferably between 0.2 to 0.5 mm. In this case, the material of the protective layer can be made on an identical basis as the plastic material of the exercise mat or it can be used a completely different material. For example, this is PVC, rubber or a textile fabric. Such a protective layer can be applied directly to the plastic material of the exercise mat or subsequently connected to the exercise mat, for example by gluing or welding. It goes without saying that such a protective layer is designed so that the aforementioned properties of the plastic material are not or only slightly influenced.

• Ausdauertraining für den Bewegungsapparat,
• kosmetischer Aufbau und Modellierung der Muskelmasse,
• Steigerung einer nicht therapeutischen Leistungsfähigkeit der Muskulatur,
• Steigerung der Fitness,
• Entspannung der Muskulatur,
• Steigerung des Wohlbefindens,
• kosmetische Formung der Körperhaltung,
• kosmetische Formung des menschlichen Körpers, insbesondere von Brust, Bauch, Beinen, Gesäss.

An inventive use of a wedge-shaped exercise mat, in particular an exercise mat as described above, for standing or pedaling in place optionally comprises one or more of the following purposes:

• Endurance training for the musculoskeletal system,
• cosmetic construction and modeling of muscle mass,
• Increasing non-therapeutic muscle performance
• Increase in fitness,
• Relaxation of the muscles,
• Increase in well-being,
• cosmetic shaping of posture,
• cosmetic shaping of the human body, in particular of the breast, abdomen, legs, buttocks.

It has been shown, for example, that even a daily standing or pedaling in place of at least 5 minutes causes good endurance training for the entire musculoskeletal system. Decisive for this training effect is the soft-elastic property of the foamed plastic material, which prevents a static standing of the foot. The user has to constantly keep moving with his foot and musculoskeletal system and seek balance. Thus, unconsciously an endurance training is completed. Due to the steady and gentle training of the musculoskeletal system, it is possible to prevent unaesthetic body postures and, correspondingly, to make the body posture cosmetically. In addition, such training can increase the non-therapeutic performance of the muscles, especially the deep muscles and general fitness. Through the gentle use of the muscles a deep relaxation can be achieved, especially if you lie down after such a workout. The general well-being can be increased.

By prolonged use, even a targeted structure and modeling of muscle mass can be achieved.

The exercise mat can be oriented so that the thickness of the exercise mat in a heel area is greater than the thickness of the exercise mat in a toe area of a user. For example, such a position releases tensions in the lumbar region. In addition, the abdominal muscles are unconsciously stressed and trained.

Accordingly, the exercise mat may also be oriented so that the thickness of the exercise mat in a heel region is less than the thickness of the exercise mat in a toe region of a user. Thus, the back muscles, especially the iliopsoas muscles are stretched. The thoracic spine straightens, resulting in an opening of the ribcage and freer breathing.

In a particular application, the exercise mat may be oriented such that the thickness of the exercise mat in an area of a first foot is greater than the thickness of the exercise mat in an area of a second foot of a user. Such an arrangement can release tension in the back muscles, especially when changing orientation. For example, such an alignment is ideal even with different leg lengths, since the difference in length can be compensated.

Through the use of two or more juxtaposed exercise mats, with at least two exercise mats are aligned differently, again other exercise or training forms can be achieved, for example, a targeted training of the foot arch muscle.

By using a roof-shaped exercise mat or two training mats assembled with the thick side, the ridge or the forming ridge can be arranged in the region of the midfoot, so that a rocking standing is made possible. The permanent balancing strengthens the coordination ability of different muscle groups. In addition, combinations of the above training effects are possible, depending on whether the foot is more in front of or behind the ridge on the exercise mat.

Figur 1:

eine Ansicht auf eine erfindungsgemässe Trainingsmatte in einer ersten Ausführungsform,

Figur 2a:

eine Ansicht auf eine erfindungsgemässe Trainingsmatte in einer zweiten Ausführungsform mit konkaver Standfläche,

Figur 2b:

eine Ansicht auf eine erfindungsgemässe Trainingsmatte in einer dritten Ausführungsform mit konvexer Standfläche,

Figur 3:

eine Ansicht auf eine erfindungsgemässe Trainingsmatte in einer weiteren Ausführungsform mit einer Standfläche ähnliche einem Flügelprofil,

Figur 4:

eine Ansicht auf eine erfindungsgemässe Trainingsmatte in einer weiteren Ausführungsform mit einer Standfläche mit Fortsätzen an der dünnsten und der dicksten Stelle,

Figur 5:

eine Ansicht auf eine erfindungsgemässe Anordnung mit zwei Trainingsmatten in einer ersten Ausführungsform,

Figur 6a:

eine Ansicht auf eine erfindungsgemässe Anordnung mit zwei Trainingsmatten in einer zweiten Ausführungsform, und

Figur 6b:

eine Ansicht auf eine erfindungsgemässe Anordnung mit zwei Trainingsmatten in einer dritten Ausführungsform.

On the basis of figures, which represent only embodiments, the invention will be explained in more detail below. Show it:

FIG. 1:

a view of an inventive exercise mat in a first embodiment,

FIG. 2a:

a view of an inventive exercise mat in a second embodiment with concave base,

FIG. 2b:

a view of an inventive exercise mat in a third embodiment with a convex footprint,

FIG. 3:

a view of an inventive exercise mat in another embodiment with a standing surface similar to a wing profile,

FIG. 4:

a view of an inventive exercise mat in another embodiment with a footprint with projections at the thinnest and the thickest point,

FIG. 5:

a view of an inventive arrangement with two exercise mats in a first embodiment,

FIG. 6a:

a view of an inventive arrangement with two exercise mats in a second embodiment, and

FIG. 6b:

a view of an inventive arrangement with two exercise mats in a third embodiment.

FIG. 1 shows a view of an inventive exercise mat 1 in a first embodiment. The exercise mat 1 consists of a foamed polyurethane and has a bearing surface 2 when used as intended on its underside. The top is formed as a base 3. In addition, the exercise mat shown four side surfaces 4, 4 ', 4 ", 4'", which protrude at a right angle from the support surface. Hatched is a cross-sectional area 5 is shown, which has approximately a wedge shape. The cross-sectional area 5 at the thinnest point 6 of the exercise mat 1 is not formed into a pointed wedge; rather, the tip is cut off and terminates in the side surface 4 "." The exercise mat 1 has a pitch angle α, which is constant at 8.5 °, from its thinnest point 6 to the thickest point 7. It goes without saying that other pitch angles are also possible The surface of the exercise mat is square with a side length of 400 mm and the thickness of the exercise mat varies between 20 mm and 80 mm between its thinnest point 6 and the thickest point 7.

In the FIGS. 2a and 2b is ever a view of an inventive exercise mat 1 in a further embodiment with concave or convex standing surface 3 shown. Both exercise mats 1 have a pitch angle α, which is 8.5 °. In this case, the pitch angle α is in each case measured in the middle region between the thinnest and the thickest point of the exercise mat 1 at a tangent to the base 3. Depending on the position of the user, the effective pitch angle can be varied.

FIG. 3 shows a view of an inventive exercise mat 1 in a further embodiment with a standing surface 3, which is designed similar to a wing profile. The pitch angle α is, as already to the FIGS. 2a and 2b described measured at a tangent in the middle region of the exercise mat 1. With a footprint 3 with an approximate sash profile, the user has a particularly large number of possible variations through suitable position selection. For example, in addition to the pure gradient variation, a position can be taken where only the heel of the user dives into the plastic material of the exercise mat 1 while the toes are free the air.

In FIG. 4 is a view of an inventive exercise mat 1 in a further embodiment with a base 2 with extensions 8 at the thinnest point 6 and the thickest point 7 shown. It goes without saying that these extensions 8 can not only be parallel to the support surface 2, but also in a further angle.

The in the FIGS. 1 to 4 All shown embodiments have a pitch angle α in only one direction, ie parallel to a side surface. However, it is also conceivable that the inventive exercise mat has a pitch angle, for example in the diagonal direction. Such an exercise mat could, for example, run into a peak at the thickest point.

In FIG. 5 is a view of an inventive arrangement with two exercise mats 1, 1 'shown in a first embodiment. The two exercise mats 1, 1 'are aligned with each other so that the two exercise mats touch at their thickest points 7, 7'. Alternatively, the exercise mats 1, 1 'also be arranged so that they touch at the thinnest points 6, 6'. This arrangement is in the FIG. 6a shown.

FIG. 6b shows a view of an inventive arrangement with two exercise mats 1, 1 'in another embodiment, wherein the exercise mats 1, 1' not on a side surface at the thickest or thinnest point, but touch on a arranged between these side surfaces side surface. Thus, for example, one foot of a user can stand on a rising footing 2, while the second foot is positioned on a sloping footing 2 '.

It goes without saying that the exercise mats 1, 1 'do not necessarily have to touch each other. It is also conceivable that the exercise mats 1, 1 'are arranged at a distance from one another. The distance can be deliberately left empty or filled with a suitable spacer.

Claims (17)

1. Training mat (1) comprising a one-piece foamed plastic material, in particular of a polyurethane, with a support surface (2), a standing surface (3) and a several side surfaces (4, 4', 4", 4"'), wherein a cross-section (5) perpendicular to the support surface (2) is approximately wedge-shaped,
   characterized in that
   the plastic material has a high resilience of > 50% and a compression hardness between 15 kPa and 23 kPa at 40% compression.
2. Training mat (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the training mat (1) has a roof shape with a ridge.
3. Training mat (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the training mat (1) has a tilt angle (α) between 4° and 25°, in particular between 6° and 20°, preferably between 8° and 16°.
4. Training mat (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the training mat (1) has a tilt angle (α) between 12° and 60°, in particular between 15° and 40°, preferably between 20° and 30°.
5. Training mat (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the plastic material has a density between 99 kg/m³ and 121 kg/m³, in particular between 104 kg/m³ and 116 kg/m³, preferably between 108 kg/m³ and 112 kg/m³.
6. Training mat (1) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the plastic material has a compressive stress between 15 kPa and 23 kPa, in particular between 16.5 kPa and 21.5 kPa, preferably between 18 kPa and 20 kPa.
7. Training mat (1) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the plastic material has an air permeability greater than 10 l/m² s, in particular greater than 25 l/m² s, preferably greater than 40 l/m² s.
8. Training mat (1) according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the plastic material has a tensile strength of at least 210 kPa, in particular of at least 250 kPa, preferably of at least 290 kPa.
9. Training mat (1) according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the plastic material has an elongation at break of at least 126%, in particular of at least 150%, preferably of at least 175%.
10. Training mat (1) according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the training mat (1) has a thickness of at least 15 mm at its thinnest point (6).
11. Training mat (1) according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the training mat (1) has a maximal thickness of 120 mm at its thickest point (7).
12. Use of a wedge-shaped Training mat (1) according to one of claims 1 to 11, for standing or walking in place, optionally for one or more of the following purposes:

    - endurance training for the locomotor system,

    - cosmetic building and modeling of muscle mass,

    - increasing non-therapeutic capacity of the musculature,

    - increasing fitness,

    - relaxation of the musculature,

    - increasing well-being,

    - cosmetic shaping of posture,

    - cosmetic shaping of the human body, especially of the chest, abdomen, legs, buttocks.
13. Use according to claim 12, characterized in that the training mat (1) is oriented so that the thickness of the training mat (1) in a heel area is greater than the thickness of the training mat (1) in a toe area of a user.
14. Use according to claim 12, characterized in that the training mat (1) is oriented so that the thickness of the training mat (1) in a heel area is smaller than the thickness of the training mat (1) in a toe area of a user.
15. Use according to claim 12, characterized in that the training mat (1) is oriented so that the thickness of the training mat (1) in a region of a first foot is greater than the thickness of the training mat (1) in a region of a second foot of a user.
16. Use of at least two training mats (1) according to claim 12, characterized in that at least two training mats (1) are oriented differently.
17. Arrangement of at least two training mats (1) according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that at least two training mats (1) are oriented differently.

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