Mat

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.

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;   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;   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;   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.   
   
   
       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.