Composite yoga mats

Abstract

This invention provides composite yoga mats comprising a fabric sheet with a frictional material and/or loop holes to provide support, a stable surface, and moisture absorption for the practice of yoga.

1 . A composite yoga mat comprising: 
 a moisture absorbent fabric sheet comprising a first side presenting a moisture absorbent surface, and a second side; and,    a frictional material disposed on the fabric sheet second side;    whereby the yoga mat provides moisture absorption and a stable surface for practice of yoga.    
   
   
       2 . The yoga mat of  claim 1 , wherein the fabric sheet comprises: terry cloth, chamois, synthetic chamois, hydrophilic fibers, fibers with a hydrophilic coating, a combination of absorbent and nonabsorbent fibers, microfibers, nanofibers, plant fibers, cellulose, polyester, hemp, cotton or paper.  
   
   
       3 . The yoga mat of  claim 1 , wherein the fabric sheet comprises a width less than about 3 feet and a length less than about 6 feet.  
   
   
       4 . The yoga mat of  claim 1 , wherein the fabric sheet further comprises a reinforced peripheral edge.  
   
   
       5 . The yoga mat of  claim 4 , wherein the fabric sheet further comprises two or more opposing loop holes adjacent to the peripheral edge, the loop holes comprising internal circumferences of more than about 6 inches.  
   
   
       6 . The yoga mat of  claim 1 , wherein the frictional material comprises: a rubber, a foam rubber, a resilient polymer, a polyvinyl foam, a sponge, cork, or silicone rubber.  
   
   
       7 . The yoga mat of  claim 1 , wherein the frictional material comprises: a continuous surface, a textured surface, indicia, or a pattern.  
   
   
       8 . The yoga mat of  claim 1 , further comprising frictional material disposed on the first side of the fabric sheet.  
   
   
       9 . The yoga mat of  claim 8 , wherein the frictional material comprises a pattern or indicia.  
   
   
       10 . The yoga mat of  claim 8 , wherein the frictional material comprises about 20% to about 60% of the first side.  
   
   
       11 . The yoga mat of  claim 1 , further comprising one or more connectors functionally mounted to: maintain a rolled configuration, bind two or more mats together, or to fix a constrictable loop in a desired position.  
   
   
       12 . A yoga mat comprising: 
 a fabric sheet comprising a first side, a second side, and a peripheral edge; and,    two or more opposing loop holes adjacent to the peripheral edge, the loop holes comprising an internal circumference of more than about 6 inches;    whereby the yoga positions can be learned or practiced by insertion of body appendages into the loop holes or constrictable loops formed therefrom.    
   
   
       13 . The yoga mat of  claim 12 , wherein the fabric sheet comprises a moisture absorbent material selected from the group consisting of: terry cloth, chamois, synthetic chamois, hydrophilic fibers, fibers with a hydrophilic coating, microfibers, nanofibers, a combination of absorbent and nonabsorbent fibers, plant fibers, cellulose, polyester, hemp, or cotton.  
   
   
       14 . The yoga mat of  claim 12 , wherein the comprising a length more than about 3 feet and a width about 18 inches or less.  
   
   
       15 . The yoga mat of  claim 12 , further comprising a frictional material disposed on the fabric sheet first side or second side.  
   
   
       16 . The yoga mat of  claim 15 , wherein the frictional material comprises: a rubber, a foam rubber, a resilient polymer, a polyvinyl foam, a sponge, cork, or silicone rubber.  
   
   
       17 . The yoga mat of  claim 12 , wherein the peripheral edge or loop hole internal circumferences comprise reinforcing material.  
   
   
       18 . The yoga mat of  claim 12 , further comprising one or more connectors functionally mounted to: maintain rolled configuration, bind two or more mats together, or to fix a constrictable loop in a desired position.  
   
   
       19 . The yoga mat of  claim 12 , further comprising one or more intermediate loop holes between the opposing perforations.  
   
   
       20 . A method of practicing yoga using the yoga mat of  claim 12.