WO2005042108A2

WO2005042108A2 - Boxing ring corner mat

Info

Publication number: WO2005042108A2
Application number: PCT/US2004/035003
Authority: WO
Inventors: Roland MUÑOZ
Original assignee: Munoz Roland
Priority date: 2003-10-22
Filing date: 2004-10-22
Publication date: 2005-05-12
Also published as: US20050088020A1; WO2005042108A3

Abstract

The present invention provides a boxing ring corner mat (22) that may prevent the surface in the corner of a boxing ring from becoming dangerously slippery when water or other liquids are spilled thereon. The present invention also provides a boxing ring corner mat (22) that may be in place on the surface of a boxing ring, and rotatable out of place around or over the corner of a boxing ring, preventing, while serving as a means for promotions. This is accomplished with a corner mat having a bottom portion (30), a top portion (28), a front portion (32), a back portion (34), and a seat (23) fixedly attached to the mat.

Description

BOXING RING CORNER MAT BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[001] The present invention generally relates to floor mats specifically for use in boxing ring corners, that trap and contain water or other liquids, and are rotatable around the corner posts of a boxing ring. The use of a mat as a means for floor protection is well known within the art. These may include traditional floor mats often found in entranceways, protective mats for car floors and cargo space or garage mats for containing fluid leaking from an automobile, or debris.

[002] By way of example, U.S. patent number 6,062,162 issued to Dean describes a protective garage mat for protecting the garage surface from fluids that could possibly leak from a vehicle. The floor mat is constructed of reinforced rubber with ribs, channels, and a perimeter lip that can contain a given amount of liquid. A similar floor-protecting mat, U.S. patent number 6,148,577 issued to Smolenski et al. describes a modular floor mat protection system. This modular system can protect floors of various sizes from contaminants and contains these contaminants on the mat, also implementing a perimeter lip. [001] U.S. patent number 4,280,729 issued to Morawski discloses a floor mat to be used in a car. This floor mat has a tread like forward end comprised of multiple grooves or channels, which channel water to the rear end. The rear end of the floor mat is comprised of multiple square trough-like water collectors, which collect and contain the water runoff from the forward tread portion. This floor mat is also lightweight and flexible as to facilitate easy emptying. Similar to the 729 patent, U.S. patent number 5,962,350 issued to Krotine discloses a floor mat that is used to absorb and retain water dripping from shoes, umbrellas and other items that could possibly introduce water to a building. This floor mat is constructed of a multitude of polypropylene absorbent layers that draw liquid from the upper level of the mat, wick the water towards the bottom of the mat and hold it until it evaporates. [001] While these devices serve their specific purposes, the aforementioned patents do not disclose a mat that retains liquids, can be rotatably fixed to a corner post of a boxing ring, and conveniently and easily moved in and out of place. The prior art also does not disclose a mat that includes a rotatable mat further incorporating a stool attachment or a rotatable towel attachment. Further more, the prior art does not disclose floor mats that can be used for advertising or promotional purposes.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [002] The present invention provides a boxing ring corner mat that may prevent the surface in the corner of a boxing ring from becoming dangerously slippery when water or other liquids are spilled thereon. The present invention also provides a boxing ring corner mat that may be in place on the surface of a boxing ring, and rotatable out of place around or over the corner of a boxing ring, preventing, while also serving as a means for promotions.

[003] According to the first embodiment of the present invention, a corner mat is disclosed comprising: a mat having a bottom portion, a top portion, a front portion, a back portion, and a seat fixedly attached to the mat. [004] According to a second embodiment of the present invention, a comer mat is disclosed comprising: a mat having a bottom portion, a top portion, a front portion, a back portion and seat receiving means on the top portion of the mat.

[005] According to a yet another embodiment of the present invention, a corner mat is disclosed comprising: a mat in the shape of a quarter circle, having a back portion, a rounded front portion, a first side portion extending from the first end of the front portion, a second side portion extending from the second end of the front portion wherein the first side portion is substantially perpendicular to the second side portion, a bottom portion and a top portion; a peripheral lip perpendicularly extending from the perimeter of the mat; a seat hingedly attached to the mat; an attachment means comprised of a first piece of fabric and a second piece of fabric, a first end of the first piece of fabric and a first end of the second piece of fabric are fixedly attached to the seat, the first piece of fabric and the second piece of fabric being long enough to allow a second end of the first piece of fabric and a second end of the second piece of fabric to be joined around the corner of a boxing ring; and a discontinuous ring shaped towel with a first end, a second end, an inner circumference, an outer circumference and a promotional display thereon, in removable communication with the mat. The first end of the towel and the second end of the towel are attachable around the hingedly attached seat and the corner post of a boxing ring. [006] According to another aspect of the present invention, a method of fabricating a boxing ring corner mat is disclosed, the method comprising the steps of: providing a mat having a bottom portion, a top portion, a front portion, a back portion and a seat fixedly attached thereto. [007] According to yet another aspect of the present invention, a method of fabricating a boxing ring corner mat is disclosed, the method comprising the steps of: providing a mat having a bottom portion, a top portion, a front portion, a back portion and seat receiving means. [008] This summary is not to be taken in a limiting sense, but is made merely for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the invention, since the scope of the invention is best defined by the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [009] Figure 1A depicts a perspective view of an apparatus according to the present invention;

[010] Figure 1B depicts a side view of an apparatus according to the present invention;

[011] Figure 1C depicts a perspective view of an apparatus according to the present invention; [012] Figure 1 D depicts a perspective view of an apparatus according to the present invention;

[013] Figure 1E depicts a perspective view of an apparatus according to the present invention;

[014] Figure 1F depicts a side view of an apparatus according to the present invention;

[015] Figure 1G depicts a side view of an apparatus according to the present invention;

[016] Figure 1H depicts a perspective view of an apparatus according to the present invention;

[017] Figure 2A depicts a perspective view of an apparatus according to the present invention;

[018] Figure 2B depicts a side view of an apparatus according to the present invention;

[019] Figure 2C depicts a perspective view of an apparatus according to the present invention;

[020] Figure 2D depicts a perspective view of an apparatus according to the present invention;

[021] Figure 2E depicts a perspective view of an apparatus according to the present invention; [022] Figure 2F depicts a side view of an apparatus according to the present invention;

[023] Figure 2G depicts a side view of an apparatus according to the present invention;

[024] Figure 2H depicts a perspective view of an apparatus according to the present invention;

[025] Figure 3A depicts a perspective view of an apparatus according to the present invention;

[026] Figure 3B depicts a side view of an apparatus according to the present invention; and

[027] Figure 4 depicts a flowchart of a method according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [028] The following detailed description is of the best currently contemplated modes of carrying out the invention. The description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, but is made merely for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the invention, since the scope of the invention is best defined by the appended claims.

[029] Figures 1A and 1B depict the boxing ring corner mat 20 according to the present invention. The corner mat 20 is comprised of a mat 22 and a seat 24 fixedly attached to the mat 20. The seat 24 may be hingedly attached to the mat as to provide a collapsible seat 24. An attachment means 26 may allow the corner mat 20 to rotate over or around the ropes 121, corner post 122 or corner of a boxing ring 120. The mat 22 is comprised of a top portion 28, a bottom portion 30 a front portion 32 and a back portion 34. The attachment means 26, which may attach the corner mat 20 to the ropes 121 , comer post 122 or corner of a boxing ring 120, may be comprised of a first piece of fabric 25 and a second piece of fabric 27. The first end 40 of the first piece of fabric 25 and the first end 42 of the second piece of fabric 27 may be fixedly attached to the seat 24 or the mat 22. The first piece of fabric 25 and the second piece of fabric 27 are long enough to allow the second end 36 of the first piece of fabric 25 and the second end 38 of the second piece of fabric 27 to be joined around the ropes 121, corner post 122 or comer of a boxing ring 120. Velcro, a tie or a clip, may join the second end 36 of the first piece of fabric 25 and the second end 38 of the second piece of fabric 27 around the ropes 121, corner post 122 or corner of a boxing ring 120. The attachment means 26 allows the corner mat 20 to be rotatable over and around the ropes 121 , corner post 122 or corner of a boxing ring 120. Handles 37 may be attached to the mat allowing the mat to be easily moved in and out of place on the boxing ring surface. The corner mat 20 may have a promotional display 23 affixed to the top portion 28, bottom portion 30 or the seat 24. The promotional display may be a logo, advertisement, brand name, trademark and emblem.

[030] As displayed in Figure 1C, the mat 52 may be cone shaped, having a rounded front portion 44, first side portion 48 and second side portion 50 extending from the rounded front portion 44 narrowing towards the back portion 46 of the mat 52. The examples of mat shape as provided are not to be taken in a limiting sense, but rather by way of example. It is envisioned that a multitude of shapes and sizes are envisioned without departing from the scope of the invention. [031] As displayed in Figure 1 D, the mat 60 may have a peripheral lip 62 perpendicularly extending from the perimeter of the mat 60, to prevent liquids from leaking off the mat 60 and onto the boxing ring surface 161. The mat 60 may further comprise a drain means 64 located on the back portion 66 of the mat 60, to rid the mat 60 of liquids thereon. The drain means 64 may be a hole in the bottom portion 68 of the mat 60, a hole through the peripheral lip 62 of the mat 60, or a channel 67 guiding liquids off the mat 60 through the peripheral lip 62. [032] As displayed in Figure 1E, the top portion 72 of the mat 70 may have water collection troughs 74 thereon formed by a multitude of intersecting ridges 76 extending perpendicularly from the top portion 72 of the mat 70. These troughs 74 would retain liquids on the mat 70, preventing spilling of the liquids and providing easy dumping of any liquids on the mat 70. As displayed in Figure 1 F, the top portion 82 of the mat 80 may also be elevated with the front portion 84 extending towards the back portion 86 in a downward sloping fashion, thus directing liquids from the front portion 84 of the mat 80 towards the back portion 86. As shown in Figure 1G the top portion 83 of the mat 81 may be elevated towards the front portion 89, forming a ridge 85. The top portion 83 extends toward the front portion 89 of the mat 81 in a downward sloping fashion providing a mat 81 that the boxer may easily step onto without the danger of tripping. The top portion 83 of the mat may also extend from the ridge 85 in a downward sloping fashion towards the back portion 87 of the mat 81 thus directing liquids from the ridge 85 of the mat 81 towards the back portion 87. As shown in Figure 1H, the top portion 92 of the mat 90 may have channels 98 thereon. The channels 98 are formed by ridges 100 running from the front portion 94 of the mat 90 to the back portion 96 which are substantially perpendicularly extending from the top portion 92 of the mat 90. [033] Figures 2A and 2B depict the boxing ring corner mat 220 according to the present invention. The corner mat 220 is comprised of a mat 222 seat receiving means 221 on the top portion 228 of the mat 20. The seat receiving means 221 allow the seat 224 to be in removable communication with the mat 222. The seat 224 and seat receiving 221 means may be removably attached using Velcro grips. The seat receiving means 221 may be through holes in which the seat 224 is in direct communication with the surface 231 of the boxing ring 229. An attachment means 226 allows the corner mat 220 to rotate over or around the ropes 310, corner post 311 or corner of a boxing ring 312. The mat 222 is comprised of a top portion 228, a bottom portion 230 a front portion 232 and a back portion 234. The attachment means 226 attaching the corner mat 220 to the ropes 310, corner post 311 or corner of a boxing ring 312 may be comprised of a first piece of fabric 225 and a second piece of fabric 227. The first end 240 of the first piece of fabric 225 and the first end 242 of the second piece of fabric 227 may be fixedly attached to the mat 222. The first piece of fabric 225 and the second piece of fabric 227 are long enough to allow the second end 236 of the first piece of fabric 225 and the second end 238 of the second piece of fabric 227 to be joined around the corner of a boxing ring 229. Velcro, a tie or a clip, may join the second end 236 of the first piece of fabric 225 and the second end 238 of the second piece of fabric 227 around the corner of a boxing ring 229. The attachment means 226 allows the corner mat 220 to be rotatable over or around the ropes 310, corner post 311 or corner of the boxing ring 312. Handles 237 may be attached to the mat allowing the mat to be easily moved in and out of place on the boxing ring surface. The corner mat 220 may have a promotional display 223 affixed to the top portion 228, bottom portion 230 or the seat 224. The promotional display may be a logo, advertisement, brand name, trademark and emblem.

[034] As displayed in Figure 2C, the mat 252 may be cone shaped, having a rounded front portion 244, first side portion 248 and second side portion 250 extending from the rounded front portion 244 narrowing towards the back portion 246 of the mat 252. The examples of mat shape as provided are not to be taken in a limiting sense, but rather by way of example. It is envisioned that a multitude of shapes and sizes are envisioned without departing from the scope of the invention.

[035] As displayed in Figure 2D, the mat 260 may have a peripheral lip

262 perpendicularly extending from the perimeter of the mat 260, to prevent liquids from leaking off the mat 260 and onto the surface 271 of the boxing ring 273. The mat 260 may further comprise a drain means 264 located on the back portion 266 of the mat 260, to rid the mat 260 of liquids thereon. The drain means 264 may be a hole in the bottom portion 268 of the mat 260, a hole through the peripheral lip 262 of the mat, or a channel 267 guiding liquids off the mat 260 through the peripheral lip 262. As also displayed in Figure 2D, the seat receiving means may be composed of a round depressed area 261 that is approximatelylδ inches in diameter, that will snugly hold a seat 263 in place [036] As displayed in Figure 2E, the top portion 272 of the mat 270 may have water collection troughs 274 thereon formed by a multitude of intersecting ridges 276 extending perpendicularly from the top portion 272 of the mat 270. These troughs 274 would retain liquids on the mat 270, preventing spilling of the liquids and providing easy dumping of any liquids on the mat 270. As displayed in Figure 2F, the top portion 282 of the mat 280 may also be elevated with the front portion 284 extending towards the back portion 286 in a downward sloping fashion, thus directing liquids from the front portion 284 of the mat 280 towards the back portion 286. As shown in Figure 2G the top portion 283 of the mat 281 may be elevated towards the front portion 289, forming a ridge 285. The top portion 283 extends toward the front portion 289 of the mat 281 in a downward sloping fashion providing a mat 281 that the boxer may easily step onto without the danger of tripping. The top portion 283 of the mat may also extend from the ridge 285 in a downward sloping fashion towards the back portion 287 of the mat 281 thus directing liquids from the ridge 285 of the mat 281 towards the back portion 287. As shown in Figure 2H the top portion 292 of the mat 290 may have channels 298 thereon. The channels 298 are formed by ridges 300 running from the front portion 294 of the mat 290 to the back portion 296 which are substantially perpendicularly extending from the top portion 292 of the mat 290.

[037] Figures 3A and 3B, depict the boxing ring corner mat 130 according to another preferred embodiment. The mat 140 is in the shape of a quarter circle, and comprised of a top portion 131, a bottom portion 142, a back portion 143 a rounded front portion 144, a first side portion 145 extending from the first end 147 of the front portion 144 substantially perpendicular to a second side portion 146 extending from the second end 148 of the front portion 144. The corner mat 130 also comprises a seat 137 hingedly attached to the mat 131. When the seat 131 is in the collapsed position, the entire corner mat 130 may slide underneath the ropes of the boxing ring 139. The mat has a peripheral lip 149 perpendicularly extending from the perimeter of the mat 140, to prevent liquids from leaking off the mat 140 and onto the boxing ring 139. [038] The attachment means 444 attaches the corner mat 130 to the corner of the boxing ring 139 is comprised of a first piece of fabric 446 and a second piece of fabric 454. The first end 448 of the first piece of fabric 446 and the first end 456 of the second piece of fabric 454 are fixedly attached to the mat 140. The first piece of fabric 446 and the second piece of fabric 454 are long enough to allow the second end 450 of the first piece of fabric 446 and the second end 452 of the second piece of fabric 454 to be joined around the corner post 138 of a boxing ring 139. Velcro, a tie or a clip, may join the second end 450 of the first piece of fabric 446 and the second end 452 of the second end of fabric 454 around the corner of a boxing ring 139. The attachment means 444 allows the corner mat 130 to be rotatable over and around the corner of the boxing ring 139. [039] The corner mat 130 further comprises a towel 132 in removable communication with the mat 140. The towel 132 may be a discontinuous ring shape having an inner circumference 133 and an outer circumference 134, a first end 135 and a second end 136. The first end 135 of the towel 132 and the second end 136 of the towel 132 may be joined around the seat 137 and the corner post 138 of a boxing ring 139 providing a removable, rotatable towel 132. The first end 135 and the second end 136 may be secured together using Velcro. The towel 132 may be in removable communication with the top portion 131 of the mat 140. Velcro affixed to the top portion 131 of the mat 140 may removably secure the towel 132 to the mat 140. Promotional displays 141 may also be affixed on the towel 132. These promotional displays 141 may be logos, advertisements, brand names, trademarks or emblems. The ring shaped towel 132 allows for multiple promotional displays 141 to be displayed simultaneously. The rotatable nature of the towel 132 allows the promotional displays 141 to be rotated into various positions, be it on the top portion 131 of the mat 140 or hanging off the corner of the boxing ring 139. The rotatable nature of the towel 132 may also allow for used, wet portions of the towel 132 to be rotated off the mat 140, and drier portions of the towel 132 rotated into place on the mat 140.

[040] Figure 4 depicts a method of fabricating of a boxing ring corner mat 20, the method comprising the steps of: step (400) providing a mat 22 having a seat 24 fixedly attached thereto. Step (402) is attaching an attachment means 26 to the corner mat 20 for rotatably fixing the corner mat 20 to a corner of a boxing ring 120. Step (404) may be affixing a promotional display 23 onto a portion of the corner mat 20. Step (406) may be providing a discontinuous ring shaped towel to be in removable communication with the mat. [041] It should be understood, of course, that the foregoing relates to preferred embodiments of the invention and that modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims.

Claims

Claim 1. A corner mat for the surface of a boxing ring, comprising: a mat having a bottom portion, a top portion, a front portion, a back portion; and a seat fixedly attached to said mat.

2. A corner mat for the surface of a boxing ring, comprising: a mat having a bottom portion, a top portion, a front portion, a back portion; and seat receiving means on the top portion of the mat.

3. A corner mat for the surface of a boxing ring, comprising: a mat in the shape of a quarter circle, having a back portion, a rounded front portion, a first side portion extending from the first end of said rounded front portion, a second side portion extending from a second end of said front portion, wherein said first side is substantially perpendicular to said second side, a bottom portion and a top portion which is elevated at said front portion and extends downward sloping towards said back portion; a peripheral lip perpendicularly extending from the perimeter of said mat; a seat hingedly attached to said mat; an attachment means comprised of a first piece of fabric and a second piece of fabric, a first end of said first piece of fabric and a first end of said second piece of fabric are fixedly attached to said mat, said first piece of fabric and said second piece of fabric being long enough to allow a second end of said first piece of fabric and a second end of said second piece of fabric to be joined around the corner post of a boxing ring; and a discontinuous ring shaped towel in removable communication with said mat, with a first end and a second end, said first end of said towel being attachable to said second end of said towel around said hingedly attached seat and said boxing ring corner post, and promotional displays affixed to said towel.

4. The apparatus as in any of the preceding claims 1-3, wherein said mat has an attachment means attached to said seat.

5. The apparatus as in any of the preceding claims 1-4, wherein said mat has a peripheral lip perpendicularly extending from the perimeter of said mat.

6. The apparatus as in any of the preceding claims 1-5, wherein said attachment means is comprised of a first piece of fabric and a second piece of fabric, said first end of said first piece of fabric and said first end of said second piece of fabric are fixedly attached to said seat, said first piece of fabric and said second piece of fabric being long enough to allow said second end of said first piece of fabric and said second end of said second piece of fabric to be joined around the corner of a boxing ring.

7. The apparatus as in any of the preceding claims 1-6, wherein said attachment means is comprised of a first piece of fabric and a second piece of fabric, said first end of said first piece of fabric and said first end of said second piece of fabric are fixedly attached to said mat, said first piece of fabric and said second piece of fabric being long enough to allow said second end of said first piece of fabric and said second end of said second piece of fabric to be joined around the corner of a boxing ring.

8. The apparatus as in any of the preceding claims 1-7, wherein said top portion of said mat is elevated in said front portion and extends downward sloping towards said back portion.

9. The apparatus as in any of the preceding claims 1-8, wherein said top portion is raised towards said front portion, forming a ridge, said top portion sloping downward from said ridge toward said front portion, and sloping down from said ridge toward said back portion.

10. The apparatus as in any of the preceding claims 1-9, wherein said top portion has channels thereon formed by longitudinally running ridges substantially perpendicularly extending from said top portion of said floor mat.

11. The apparatus as in any of the preceding claims 1-10, further comprising a drain means located on said back portion of said mat.

12. The apparatus as in any of the preceding claims 1-11, wherein said top portion has water collection troughs thereon formed by a multitude of intersecting ridges extending perpendicularly from said top portion of said mat.

13. The apparatus as in any of the preceding claims 1-12, wherein said mat has a promotional display affixed thereto.

14. The apparatus as in any of the preceding claims 1-13, wherein said promotional display is selected from the group consisting of logo, advertisement, brand name, trademark and emblem.

15. The apparatus as in any of the preceding claims 1-14, wherein said promotional display is affixed to said bottom portion of said mat, said top portion of said mat, and said seat.

16. The apparatus as in any of the preceding claims 1-15, wherein said mat is cone shaped having a rounded front portion, side portions extending from said rounded front portion narrowing towards said back portion of said mat.

17. The apparatus as in any of the preceding claims 1-16, wherein said mat has handles attached thereto.

18. The apparatus as in any of the preceding claims 1-17, further comprising a towel in removable communication with said mat.

19. The apparatus as in any of the preceding claims 1-18, wherein said towel is ring shaped having an inner circumference and an outer circumference generally surrounding said chair.

20. The apparatus as in any of the preceding claims 1-19, wherein said towel is a discontinuous ring shaped having an inner circumference, an outer circumference, a first end and a second end, said inner and outer circumference generally surrounding said chair and boxing ring corner post.

21. The apparatus as in any of the preceding claims 1-20, wherein said towel has promotional displays affixed thereon.

22. The apparatus as in any of the preceding claims 1-21, wherein the front portion of the base of said seat is hingedly attached to said mat.

23. The apparatus as in any of the preceding claims 1-22, wherein said promotional displays are selected from the group consisting of logo, advertisement, brand name, trademark, emblem.

24. The apparatus as in any of the preceding claims 1-23, wherein said corner mat has an attachment means attached to said seat allowing said mat and said seat to be rotatable around the corner of a boxing ring.

25. The apparatus as in any of the preceding claims 1-24, wherein said seat receiving means are indentations in said top portion for receiving the feet of said seat.