Field of the invention

The present invention relates to a form of acupressure mat that can be used in a wide range of roles and environments. Although embodiments of the invention are described with reference to a mat, it will be appreciated that apparatus according to embodiments of the present invention can be used as coverings for any surfaces which support, either directly or reasonably indirectly, the weight of a living human body. Such uses include, but are not limited to, shoe inserts, seats, back supports, benches, and floors. Accordingly throughout this specification (including the claims) the term "mat" is used to include any such covering.

Background of the invention

Acupressure is a traditional Chinese medicine technique which is derived from acupuncture. In acupressure, physical pressure is applied to acupuncture points by the hand, elbow, or with various devices to create positive physiological change within the body via somatovisceral responses of the autonomic nervous system - that is, relaxation of skeletal and smooth muscle cells, increased circulation of blood and lymphatic fluid.

Existing anti-fatigue mats are heavy and cumbersome to move and to clean.

Existing exercise mats are made from flat foam that creates a soft and forgiving surface but does not function as an acupressure mat that can help to improve circulation and create a relaxation response in the body.

Summary of the invention

In contrast with currently available mats, the present invention provides a mat having first and second faces and a periphery, the mat comprising: a central core; a plurality of protrusions projecting substantially normally from the first face; and a plurality of protrusions projecting substantially normally from the second face, in which each of the protrusions which project from the first face are substantially larger than are each of the protrusions which project from the second face. It is preferred that: the protrusions comprising at least one of: the first plurality of protrusions; and the second plurality of protrusions, are pyramidal; and the apex of each pyramid is remote from the central core.

It is preferred that each protrusion has a square base or a triangular base.

In the case of pyramidal protrusions, it is preferred that: each protrusion projecting from the first face is substantially 20mm in height; and each protrusions projecting from the second face is substantially 2mm in height.

In the case where the protrusions are pyramidal with a square base, it is preferred that: the base of each protrusion projecting from the first face is substantially 25mm on each side; and the base of each protrusion projecting from the second side is substantially 3mm on each side. '

It is alternatively preferred that the protrusions comprising at least one of: the first plurality of protrusions; and the second plurality of protrusions, are conical; and the apex of each cone is remote from the central core.

In the case of conical protrusions, it is preferred that: each protrusion projecting from the first face is substantially 20mm in height; and each protrusions projecting from the second face is substantially 2mm in height.

It is preferred that the central core is substantially 4mm thick.

It is preferred that: the central core; the plurality of protrusions projecting substantially normally from the first face; and the plurality of protrusions projecting substantially normally from the second face, are integrally formed.

It is preferred that the mat has a length of about 1808mm and a width of about 608mm.

It is preferred that each mat further comprises means for peripherally interconnecting with another such mat. In this case, it is preferred that the means for peripherally interconnecting allows ready detachment of another such mat.

It is preferred that the mat is manufactured from closed cell EVA foam (Ethylene Vinyl Acetate).

It will accordingly be seen that embodiments of the present invention provide mats which are more versatile than are existing acupressure mats, exercise mats, sleeping mats, and anti- fatigue mats.

Brief description of the drawings

In order that the invention may be more readily understood, embodiments of it are described with reference to the accompany drawings, in which: figure 1 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention; figure 2 is a fragmentary perspective view of a detail of the embodiment of figure 1; figure 3 is a plan view of the embodiment of figure 1 ; figure 4 is a fragmentary plan view of a detail of one face the embodiment of figure 1 ; figure 5 is a cross sectional vie on the line 5-5 of figure 4; figure 6 is a fragmentary plan view of a detail of another face of the embodiments of figure 1 figure 7 is a perspective view of another preferred embodiment of the present invention; figure 8 is a plan view of a fragment of the embodiment of figure 7; and figures 9, 10 and 11 are fragmentary perspective views of details of the embodiment of figure 7.

Description of preferred embodiments of the invention

Structure

A mat 1 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention has an upper surface 8, a central core 2 and a lower surface 9.

Each of the upper surface 8 and the lower surface 9 is substantially covered by protrusions 3 and 4 respectively. The upper and lower protrusions 3 and 4 project in directions which are substantially normal to the upper and lower surfaces 8 and 9 respectively. The upper and lower protrusions 3 and 4 are integrally formed with the central core 2.

Each of the protrusions 3 and 4 is in the shape of a pyramid with a square base. Other preferred forms of the protrusions 3 and 4 which are not illustrated in the drawings include pyramids which have a triangular base, cones, and any other shape which allows a point of pressure to develop from the passive force of the user's body weight pressing on the mat.

The upper protrusions 3 have a substantially greater height and a substantially larger base than do the lower protrusions 4. According to the preferred embodiment of figures 1 to 6: the upper protrusions 3 have a height above the substrate 2 of 20mm and have a base which is 25mm on each side; whereas the lower protrusions 4 have a height above the substrate 2 of 2mm and a base which is 3mm on each side.

The central core 2 is 4mm thick.

The shape of the mat 1 is rectangular in plan view, with a length of about 1808mm and a width of about 608mm. The upper and lower surfaces 8 and 9 have upper and lower peripheral borders 6 and 7 respectively. The upper and lower peripheral borders 6 and 7 each have a width of 4mm.

According to the alternative preferred embodiment of figures 7 to 11, it is preferred to provide mechanisms whereby individual mats may be detachably joined together adjacent their peripheries to, in effect, provide a larger mat. As is illustrated in those figures, there are protrusions 11 around the periphery of the mat 1. Each protrusion 11 protrudes both: in a (horizontal) direction away from the body of the mat 1; and in the same direction as the protrusions 3, substantially normal to the upper surface 8 of the mat.

As is illustrated in figures 9, 10 and 11, multiple mats may be placed side by side with the protrusions 11 interlocking in the manner of a sliding dovetail joint.

Manufacture

It is preferred that mats according to embodiments of the present invention be manufactured from light weight foam plastics materials. Preferred forms of foam plastics material include light weight closed cell EVA foam (ethylene vinyl acetate). A preferred weight for a mat with a length of about 1808mm and a width of about 608mm is about 600 grams. It is preferred that the mat has a Shore hardness in the range of 30C to 4OC. Preferred forms of manufacture include pressing the EVA into aluminium moulding, and injection moulding.

Use

Although the description above describes the mat 1 as having an upper surface 8 and a lower surface 9, it may be used with either surface upwards/downwards.

In normal use as an acupressure mat, it is used with the surface 8 upwards. When in this orientation, the contours formed by the "large" protrusions 3 stimulate acupoints, trigger points, neurolymphatic points, skin and muscles to promote a relaxation response in the body and facilitate circulation of both blood and lymphatic fluid.

By reversing the mat position, it minimizes the total surface area in contact with the ground and therefore conductive heat loss. In this orientation, the mat is particularly suited to use as a sleeping mat, (such as are used by campers, mountaineers, hikers, climbers and the like.) or as an anti-fatigue mat in the home or workplace. The contours provided by the "small" protrusions 4 increase friction against sleeping bags or the like, reducing slippage during rest periods. The large pyramidal contours create an active base of support for the user; whereby the majority of weight of the body is distributed through the apex of the pyramids (high pressure), whilst the base of the pyramids creates a softer area (low pressure). This provides an adaptable support for the users musculoskeletal system, which moulds to the shape of both the ground surface and the body, ensuring a comfortable platform by reducing pressure points forming on hard or uneven ground surfaces.

While the present invention has been described with reference to a few specific embodiments, the description is illustrative of the invention and is not to be construed as limiting the invention. Various modifications may occur to those skilled in the art without departing from the true spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

"Comprises/comprising" when used in this specification is taken to specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps or components but does not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, components or groups thereof.

In the claims, each dependent claim is to be read as being within the scope of its parent claim or claims, in the sense that a dependent claim is not to be interpreted as infringed unless its parent claims are also infringed.