US20090260157A1

US20090260157A1 - Mat

Info

Publication number: US20090260157A1
Application number: US12/425,067
Authority: US
Inventors: Julie Gere
Original assignee: GERE LLC
Current assignee: GERE LLC
Priority date: 2008-04-17
Filing date: 2009-04-16
Publication date: 2009-10-22

Abstract

A foldable, portable exercise mat is disclosed. The mat is generally circular in shape when in the working position and is foldable to a generally rectangular shape when in the transport position. The exemplary embodiment of the mat includes a first side and a second side. The exemplary embodiment of the mat includes load-bearing strips strategically positioned on the first side to support the mat when it is in the transport position. Load-bearing strips may also be positioned around the perimeter of an integrated pocket to reduce the wear on the main body of the mat. Strap loops, gripping surfaces, affixing straps, and zippered pockets may also be affixed to either the first or second side. Carry straps may be engaged with strap loops to ease transportation of the mat. In a second embodiment of the mat, the mat may be folded into a backpack in the transport position.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the filing benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) of provisional U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 61/124,718 filed on Apr. 17, 2008, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

FIELD OF INVENTION

A mat having a round shape and plurality of pockets is disclosed; more specifically, the mat is adapted for convenient use for yoga or other exercise as it may easily be modified from the working position to a folded transport position.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

No federal funds were used to develop or create the invention disclosed and described in the patent application.

REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER PROGRAM LISTING COMPACT DISK APPENDIX

Not Applicable

BACKGROUND

There are many kinds of yoga, as well as many reasons to practice yoga. In particular, yoga mats are preferably used in Hatha Yoga, which deals with keeping the physical body fit. The focus is on balance, strength, flexibility, and coordination on both sides of the body. Generally, people have a dominant side, for example, in golf, tennis, and baseball people swing only one way as they are either right or left-handed. Only a few people are capable of using both sides of their bodies equally. It is not uncommon for chiropractors and yoga instructors to find that one leg of a client might be slightly longer than the other due to injuries, poor posture, or lack of exercise. It is possible that a leg might be from one-quarter of an inch to one full inch shorter or longer than the other leg. This adversely affects our health as one knee might not bend as well as the other and the effect is magnified through the rest of the body. The purpose of Hatha Yoga practice is to make the right and left sides of our bodies equally strong, flexible and balanced to the best of our ability.
Yoga postures are based and taught that the postures are built from the foundation up, analogous to the building of a house. The definition of “foundation” for this purpose is the part of the body touching the floor. There are basically two kinds of foundations: (1) down on the floor, for example, prone, supine, or sitting; and (2) up off the floor, for example standing, kneeling on hands and feet, hands and knees, headstand, elbow stand, handstand, etc. There are over one thousand yoga postures. Standing balancing poses need a good foundation so that the practitioner doesn't fall down. A short flexible person's feet would be wider apart in his or her stance than a practitioner who is less flexible and a tall person's feet would be even wider apart in his or her stance.
Yoga poses are held for a good length of time, sometimes one minute or more. Being stable is important and again the foundation is a good start. Like a gymnast on a balance beam, alignment brings stability, example: standing with the legs wide apart in forward bend over right leg, the back leg needs to be in line with the right leg not crossed midline (off the balance beam). Exact placement of the feet changes from teacher to teacher and pose to pose depending on purpose and ability.
Oftentimes those who practice yoga desire to meet in a central site and practice yoga as a group. Accordingly, those persons must transport all their equipment to the central site. Since so many positions require a large amount of contact between the person and the floor, most people desire to practice yoga using a mat. However, most mats are difficult to transport because they are difficult to fold into a configuration that is easily transportable.
Accordingly, there is a need for a universally usable yoga mat that is easy to transport from one location to another.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The mat as claimed and disclosed herein provides for an easily transportable, foldable mat. The mat may include integrated and zippered pockets to transport additional items within the mat.
It is an objective of the mat to provide a cushioned surface upon which a person may perform exercises.
It is another objective of the mat to maximize the ratio of work area provided by the mat to the floor area required to unfold the mat.
Other features and advantages of the mat will become apparent from the following more detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the mat.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

In order that the advantages of the invention will be readily understood, a more particular description of the invention briefly described above will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are not therefore to be considered limited of its scope, the invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 provides a perspective view of the first embodiment of the mat with the first side facing upward.

FIG. 2 provides an elevated view of the first embodiment of the mat with the second side facing upward folded along the first fold line.

FIG. 3 provides an elevated view of the first embodiment of the mat with the second side facing upward folded along the first and second fold lines.

FIG. 4 provides an elevated view of the first embodiment of the mat with the second side facing upward folded along the first, second, third, and fourth fold lines.

FIG. 5 shows the first embodiment of the mat folded along the first, second, third, fourth, and fifth fold lines.

FIG. 6 shows the first embodiment of the mat folded along the first, second, third, fourth, and fifth fold lines with the carry straps attached.

FIG. 7 provides a perspective view of the second embodiment of the mat with the first side facing upward.

FIG. 8 provides an elevated view of the second embodiment of the mat with the second side facing upward.

FIG. 9 provides an elevated view of the second embodiment of the mat with the second side facing upward folded along the first and second fold lines.

FIG. 10 provides an elevated view of the second embodiment of the mat with the second side facing upward folded along the first, second, and third fold lines.

FIG. 11 shows the second embodiment of the mat folded along the first, second, third, and fourth fold lines.

FIG. 12 shows the second embodiment of the mat folded along the first, second, third, fourth, and fifth fold lines.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION - LISTING OF ELEMENTS

	ELEMENT DESCRIPTION	ELEMENT #

	Mat	10
	Carry strap	12a
	Strap loop
	12b
	First fold line	14
	Second fold line	15
	Third fold line	16
	Fourth fold line	17
	Fifth fold line	18
	First Side	20
	Zipper pocket	22
	Integrated pocket	24
	Load-bearing strip	26
	Affixing strap	28
	Second Side	30
	Gripping Surface	32
	Integrated Handle	40

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Before the various embodiments of the present invention are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangements of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that phraseology and terminology used herein with reference to device or element orientation (such as, for example, terms like “front”, back “up”, “down”, “top”, “bottom”, and the like) are only used to simplify description of the present invention, and do not alone indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a particular orientation. In addition, terms such as “first”, “second”, and “third” are used herein and in the appended claims for purposes of description and are not intended to indicate or imply relative importance or significance.
Referring now to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals designate identical or corresponding parts throughout the several views, FIG. 1 shows an exemplary embodiment of the mat 10. As shown in the figures herein, the mat 10 is generally circular in shape, but is capable of being folded into a generally rectangular shape (as shown in FIGS. 5-6), which facilitates convenient transport. The mat 10 may consist of several layers, and the exemplary embodiment as pictured and described herein consists of three layers.
The first layer forms the first side 20, which is an exterior layer. The second layer (not shown) is positioned adjacent the first layer and forms an interior layer, which may be comprised of one or more materials having different physical properties. The third layer forms the second side 30, which is an exterior layer. Accordingly, the second layer is sandwiched between the first and third layers. In other embodiments not pictured herein, the second layer is not used so that the mat 10 consists of only a first and third layer. In still other embodiments, the second layer is formed of a material or a combination of materials having an extreme amount of cushioning or other physical properties according to the application of the mat 10, such as water resistant or antimicrobial properties. The second layer may be composed of a material with insulative properties and/or force absorption properties as well, depending on the specific application of the mat 10. Additionally, the first and third layers may be composed of materials having the desired physical properties for the application, such as antimicrobial, water resistance, anti-slip, and so forth. It is contemplated that in most embodiments, the entire mat 10 will be machine washable. Accordingly, the specific material(s) used to construct the first, second, and/or third layers in no way limits the scope of the mat 10.
The mat 10 is designed such that it may easily be folded from the working position, shown in FIG. 1, to the transport position, shown in FIGS. 5-6. This allows the user to conveniently transport the mat 10 from one location to the next and is described in detail below.
The first side 20 is the portion of the mat 10 that is in contact with the user during use, which is shown opposite the floor (i.e., facing up) in FIG. 1. Affixed to the first side 20 is a plurality of load-bearing strips 26, some of which terminate in loose affixing straps 28, the purpose for which is explained in detail below. These load-bearing strips 26 are strategically placed at various positions of the first side 20 so that when the mat 10 is folded into the transport position, as shown in FIGS. 5-6, the load-bearing strips 26 are positioned to bear the majority of the load of the mat 10 or objects placed therein when the mat 10 is in transport.
As shown in FIG. 1, the load-bearing strips 26 form an H-pattern having two cross bars on the first side 20 of the mat 10. That is, the load-bearing strips 26 on the exemplary embodiment are formed with two pairs of load-bearing strips 26. The entire length of each load-bearing strip 26 may be affixed to the first side 20, or only certain portions thereof depending on the specific application of the mat 10 and to conserve labor and material in construction. The first pair of load-bearing strips 26 is parallel to one another and to the third and fourth fold lines 17, 18, respectively. At the either end of each load-bearing strip 26 in the first pair is an affixing strap 28. This pattern allows the affixing straps 28 to be positioned adjacent one another when the mat 10 is configured to the transport position, as shown in FIG. 6.
The second pair of load-bearing strips 26 is also parallel to one another, but is perpendicular to the first pair and the third and fourth fold lines 17, 18. Accordingly, the second pair of load-bearing strips 26 is parallel to the first and second fold lines 14, 15. In the exemplary embodiment, a strap loop 12 b is affixed to either end each load-bearing strip 26 in the second pair. The load-bearing strips 26 may be oriented differently in different embodiments, and the specific orientation thereof in no way limits the scope of the mat 10. Furthermore, the dimensions of the load-bearing strips 26 may vary from one embodiment of the mat 10 to the next, as may the dimensions of the mat 10. For example, in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-6, each load-bearing strip 26 is approximately fifty-eight inches long, the distance between the two load-bearing strips 26 in the first pair is approximately fifty-eight inches, and the distance between the two load-bearing strips 26 in the second pair is approximately eighteen inches. The affixing straps 28 at the end of each load-bearing strip 26 in the first pair are approximately three inches in length. However, in other embodiments described in detail below, the various dimensions of the load-bearing strips 26 and affixing straps 28 may be different.
The load-bearing strips 26 also border the top side of the integrated pocket 24, as described further below. This in turn reduces the stress and wear on the other fabric of the mat 10. Strap loops 12 b are affixed to the load-bearing strips 26 in the exemplary embodiment of the mat 10 so that carry straps 12 a may be used to transport the mat 10. As shown herein, simple spring clips are used to affix the carry straps 12 a to the strap loops 12 b, but those skilled in the art may use other structures to affix the carry straps 12 a to the strap loops 12 b without departing from the spirit and scope of the mat 10.
The second side 30 is the portion of the mat 10 that is in contact with the floor or ground surface during use. A gripping surface 32 may be affixed to at least a portion of the second side 30 (as shown in FIG. 2) to mitigate slippage of the mat 10 with respect to the floor or ground surface. Alternatively, the entire first and/or second sides 20, 30 may be configured with scattered areas of gripping material. For example, small polyvinyl chloride areas may be incorporated into the material of the first and/or second sides 20, 30 so that the gripping surface 32 is integrated with the material of the mat 10. The gripping surface 32 in any embodiment of the mat 10 may be constructed of any suitable material for the application of the mat 10. For example, if the mat 10 is to be used on a wooden floor, the gripping surface 32 may be constructed of rubber, polyvinyl chloride, silicon, or any other material known to those skilled in the art.
A zippered pocket 22 may be formed in the mat 10 so that the interior of the zippered pocket 22 is accessible through either the first side 20 or the second side 30 of the mat 10. In the exemplary embodiments pictured herein, the zippered pocket 22 is accessible through the second side 30 of the mat 10. In another embodiment not pictured herein, zippered pockets 22 may be formed in both the first and second sides 20, 30 of the mat 10.
An integrated pocket 24 may be formed in the first side 20 (see FIG. 1) between one of the load-bearing strips 26 and the periphery of the mat 10 to facilitate various different exercise positions. In other embodiments not pictured herein, the periphery of the integrated pocket 24 may be reinforced with load-bearing strips 26 to enhance the durability of the mat 10 and the integrated pocket 24. The integrated pocket 24 allows the user of the mat 10 to perform the yoga pose referred to as “savasana” or “corpse”, by placing the user's feet within the integrated pocket 24.
In other embodiments not pictured herein, the integrated pocket 24 may be formed in the second side 30, or both the first and second sides 20, 30 may include an integrated pocket 24.
Converting the mat 10 from the working position to the transport position will now be explained. As noted, generally the mat 10 will be completely unfolded and placed flat against the floor or ground when it is in use, as shown in FIG. 1. In FIG. 1, the second side 30 is adjacent the floor, which is the orientation when the mat 10 is in use.
The first step is to spread the mat 10 out over a relatively flat surface with the second side 30 facing up. Next, the mat 10 is folded along the first fold line 14, as shown in FIG. 2. The orientation of the mat 10 in FIG. 2 is opposite that shown in FIG. 1, as the portion of the mat 10 that appears toward the top of the depiction in FIG. 1 is moved to the bottom of the depiction in FIG. 2. Next, the mat 10 is folded along the second fold line 15, as shown in FIG. 3. As is apparent from FIGS. 1-4, the distance from the first fold line 14 to a tangent line on the periphery of the mat 10 parallel to the first fold line 14 is approximately one-fourth the diameter of the mat 10, which orientation is mirrored for the second fold line 15. The distance between the first and second fold lines 14, 15 is approximately half the diameter of the mat 10.
As shown in FIG. 3 the mat 10 is symmetrical. Next, the mat 10 is folded along the third and fourth fold lines 16, 17, respectively, so that the mat 10 is substantially square in shape, which is shown in FIG. 4. As with the first and second fold lines 14, 15, the distance from the third fold line 16 to a tangent line on the periphery of the mat 10 parallel to the third fold line 16 is approximately one-fourth the diameter of the mat 10, which orientation is mirrored for the fourth fold line 17. The distance between the first and second fold lines 16, 17 is approximately half the diameter of the mat 10.
Finally, the mat 10 is folded in half along the fifth fold line 18 to achieve the configuration shown in FIG. 5, in which configuration the mat 10 is prepared for transport. The fifth fold line 15 passes through the geometric center of the mat 10 in the embodiment thereof shown in FIGS. 1-6. After the mat 10 is folded along the fifth fold line 18, it is substantially rectangular in shape.
In the exemplary embodiment, the relative positions of the fold lines 14, 15, 16, 17, 18 are ensured by providing a crease in the appropriate position on the second (interior layer). For example, if the interior layer is constructed of a polyurethane foam, then the foam may be of a lesser thickness in the positions on the interior layer corresponding to the fold lines 14, 15, 16, 17, 18. Alternatively, the interior layer may be formed of several distinct portions, wherein the border between each portion is positioned to correspond to one of the fold lines 14, 15, 16, 17, 18.
When configured as shown in FIG. 5, the corresponding affixing straps 28 are now positioned adjacent one another so that two pairs of affixing straps 28 are formed and may be affixed to one another. This allows the user to affixing the respective affixing straps 28 to one another (shown unfixed in FIG. 4) to secure the mat 10 in the transport position. FIG. 5 shows the affixing straps 28 affixed together to secure the mat 10 in the transport position, thereby ensuring that the mat 10 remains folded along the fold lines 14, 15, 16, 17, 18. In the exemplary embodiment pictured herein a total of four affixing straps 28 are used, which are arranged in two corresponding pairs (best shown in FIGS. 1 and 5). At this point the carry straps 12 a may be connected to the strap loops 12 b, as shown in FIG. 6, and the mat 10 may be conveniently transported.
As shown in the first embodiment of the mat 10, the affixing straps 28 are engaged with one another through tying corresponding affixing straps 28. However, in other embodiments, as described in detail below, the affixing straps 28 may be affixed to one another using other methods, such as placing Velcro on corresponding affixing straps 28, magnets, buttons, loops, or any other structure known to those skilled in the art.
With the carry straps 12 a affixed to the strap loops 12 b and the mat 10 folded into the transport position the mat 10 is compact and relatively easy to transport. Furthermore, this configuration of the mat 10 shows how the carry straps 12 a and load-bearing strips 26 serve to reduce the load and wear on other portions of the mat 10, thereby extending the useful life of the mat 10. Certain additional items, such as a key ring, may also be hung from the strap loop 12 b or carry strap 12 a as long as such additional items do not overburden the relevant portions of the mat 10 with the weight of the additional items. The connections between the relevant portions of the mat 10 may be sized so that the load-bearing properties of the mat 10 and relevant elements thereof may be greater or less than the apparent load-bearing properties of the embodiment pictured herein.
When the mat 10 is in the transport position, additional items may be placed into the interior of the mat 10 as long as such additional items do not overburden the relevant portions of the mat 10. It is contemplated that additional padded mats (not shown) or other relatively light-weight items such as personal electronic devices, books, nutrition supplements, etc. may be conveniently placed into the interior of the mat 10. In embodiments not pictured herein, heavier items may be placed within the interior of the mat 10 as long as the relevant elements of the mat 10 are sized accordingly.
A second embodiment of the mat 10 is shown in FIGS. 7-12. In the second embodiment of the mat 10, when the mat 10 is configured to the transport position (shown in FIG. 12) it may be used as a backpack. FIG. 7 shows the second embodiment of the mat 10 with the first side 20 facing upward. A plurality of load-bearing strips 26 are affixed to the first side 20 toward the center thereof.
The load-bearing strips 26 are arranged in an H-shaped pattern, wherein the sides of the H-shape are formed by a pair of load-bearing strips 28 that are parallel to the first and second fold lines 14, 15 and perpendicular to the third, fourth, and fifth fold lines 16, 17, 18. At the end of each load-bearing strip 26 of the pair is an affixing strap 28. Each affixing strap 28 is oriented so that when the mat 10 is in the transport position (shown in FIG. 12), the two affixing straps 28 attached to one of the load-bearing strips 26 form a pair of affixing straps 28 positioned adjacent one another.
A load-bearing strip 26 is positioned between the two load-bearings strips 26 of the pair, adjacent to which an integrated pocket 24 may be positioned. The second embodiment also includes an integrated handle 40 positioned between the two load-bearing strips 26 of the pair. The affixing straps 28 as shown in the second embodiment are Velcro, but many other variations exist as explained for the first embodiment above.
The mat 10 is shown in FIG. 8 with the second side 30 facing upward. The orientation of the mat 10 is opposite in FIG. 8 compared to the orientation in FIG. 7 so that the portion of the mat 10 that appears on the left side of the depiction in FIG. 8 appears on the right side of the depiction in FIG. 7 and vice versa.
To convert the second embodiment of the mat 10 from the working position (shown in FIGS. 7 and 8) to the transport position (shown in FIG. 12), first the mat 10 is folded along the first fold line 14. Next the mat 10 is folded along the second fold line 15 so that the mat 10 is configured as shown in FIG. 9. In the second embodiment the distance from the first fold line 14 to a tangent line on the periphery of the mat 10 parallel to the first fold line 14 is approximately one-third the diameter of the mat 10, which orientation is mirrored for the second fold line 15.
Next, the mat 10 is folded along the third fold line 16 as shown in FIG. 10. The mat 10 is then folded along the fourth fold line 17 as shown in FIG. 11, and subsequently along the fifth fold line 18 as shown in FIG. 12. The distances between the third, fourth, and fifth fold lines 16, 17, 18 will vary from one embodiment to the next, but are approximately equal to one-fourth the diameter of the mat 10 in the second embodiment.
After the mat 10 has been folded into the configuration shown in FIG. 12, the respective affixing straps 28 are positioned adjacent one other affixing strap 28 to form a pair thereof. The respective affixing straps 28 of each pair may then be joined to one another to secure the mat 10 in the transport position (shown in FIG. 12). As with the first embodiment of the mat 10, in the second embodiment the integrated pocket 24 is oriented so that it is accessible when the mat 10 is in the transport position.
When configured in the transport position, the second embodiment of the mat 10 may be transported through use of the integrated handle 40. Alternatively, the portion of the pair of load-bearing strips 26 that extends from the top of the integrated pocket 24 to the affixing strap 28 may loose with respect to the first side 20. Accordingly, that portion of each load-bearing strip 26 forms a loop through which the user's arm may be inserted so that the mat 10, when in the folded position, may be transported as a backpack.
Any embodiment of the mat 10 or the various components thereof may be constructed in dimensions suitable for the specific application of the mat 10. For example, in the first embodiment, it is contemplated that an optimal diameter for the mat 10 may be seventy-two inches. In the second embodiment, it is contemplated that an optimal diameter for the mat 10 may be forty-four inches. Accordingly, the scope of the mat 10 is not limited by the dimensions thereof or the various elements employed therewith.
It should be noted that the mat 10 is not limited to the specific embodiments pictured and described herein, but is intended to apply to all similar apparatuses for practicing yoga or exercising. Modifications and alterations from the described embodiments will occur to those skilled in the art without departure from the spirit and scope of the mat 10.

Claims

1. A generally circular portable mat comprising:

a. a first side;

b. a second side opposite and affixed to said first side;

c. a first fold line;

d. a second fold line oriented parallel to said first fold line;

e. a third fold line oriented perpendicular to said first and second fold lines;

f. a fourth fold line oriented parallel to said third fold line and perpendicular to said first and second fold lines, wherein said third and fourth fold lines are positioned such that when said mat is folded along said third and fourth fold lines, said mat is approximately half the height of said mat when not folded along said third and fourth fold lines; and

g. a fifth fold line oriented parallel to said third and fourth fold lines and perpendicular to said first and second fold lines.

2. The mat according to claim 1 further comprising a plurality of load-bearing strips affixed to said first side of said mat.

3. The mat according to claim 1 further comprising a plurality of affixing straps affixed to said plurality of said load-bearing strips.

4. The mat according to claim 1 further comprising a gripping surface affixed to said second side of said mat.

5. The mat according to claim 1 further comprising a plurality of strap loops affixed to said plurality of load-bearing strips.

6. The mat according to claim 5 further comprising at least one carry strap that may be cooperatively engaged with said plurality of strap loops.

7. The mat according to claim 1 further comprising an integrated pocket formed in said first side of said mat.

8. The mat according to claim 1 further comprising a zippered pocket formed in said second side of said mat.

9. A generally circular portable mat comprising:

a. a first side;

b. a second side opposite and affixed to said first side;

c. a first fold line;

d. a second fold line oriented parallel to said first fold line, wherein said first and second fold lines are positioned such that when said mat is folded along said first and said second fold lines, said mat is approximately half the width of said mat when not folded along said first and second fold lines;

f. a fourth fold line oriented parallel to said third fold line and perpendicular to said first and second fold lines, wherein said third and fourth fold lines are positioned such that when said mat is folded along said third and fourth fold lines, said mat is approximately half the height of said mat when not folded along said third and fourth fold lines;

g. a fifth fold line oriented parallel to said third and fourth fold lines and perpendicular to said first and second fold lines, wherein said fifth fold line passes through the geometric center of said mat;

h. a first pair of load-bearing strips affixed to said first side, wherein said first pair of load-bearing strips are oriented parallel to said third and fourth fold lines;

i. four affixing straps, wherein each said affixing strap is affixed to a respective end of each load-bearing strip in said first pair of load-bearing strips; and

j. a second pair of load-bearing strips affixed to said first side, wherein said second pair of load-bearing strips are perpendicular to said first pair of load-bearing strips.

10. The mat according to claim 9 further comprising four strap loops, wherein each strap loop is affixed to a respective end of each load-bearing strip of said second pair of said load-bearing strips.

11. The mat according to claim 9 further comprising a gripping surface, wherein said gripping surface is affixed to said second side.

12. The mat according to claim 9 further comprising an integrated pocket formed in said first side of said mat.

13. The mat according to claim 9 further comprising a zippered pocket formed in said second side of said mat.

14. The mat according to claim 10 further comprising at least one carry strap that may be cooperatively engaged with said plurality of strap loops.

15. A generally circular portable mat comprising:

a. a first side;

b. a second side opposite and affixed to said first side;

c. a first fold line;

d. a second fold line oriented parallel to said first fold line, wherein said first and second fold lines are positioned such that when said mat is folded along said first and said second fold lines, said mat is approximately one third the width of said mat when not folded along said first and second fold lines;

16. The mat according to claim 15 further comprising a plurality of load-bearing strips affixed to said first side of said mat.

17. The mat according to claim 15 further comprising a plurality of affixing straps affixed to said plurality of said load-bearing strips.

18. The mat according to claim 15 further comprising a gripping surface affixed to said second side of said mat.

19. The mat according to claim 15 further comprising an integrated pocket formed in said first side of said mat.

20. The mat according to claim 16 further comprising an integrated handle affixed to said plurality of load-bearing strips.