BENCH PRESS NON-SLIP MAT

Description

BACKGROUND

Mats for use in, e.g., fitness centers have been described in the prior art patent literature.

For example, U.S. Pat. No. 11,273,339 describes a workout mat for placement onto a workout apparatus is provided. The workout mat includes a body having a first side and a second side, the second side of the body being positioned opposite to the first side and a top portion connected adjacently to the body. The top portion of the workout mat has a first side and a second side positioned oppositely to the first side, the second side of the top portion being attached to the first side. The workout apparatus has a workout surface, whereby the workout surface is contactable by a human user. The workout apparatus includes a headrest, whereby the headrest is at least partially hydrophobic.

US20080004168 discloses a releasable cover that can be quickly attached to and removed from fitness equipment. The cover comprises a hood that allows the cover to be secured to fitness equipment. The width of the hood may be releasably adjusted so that the cover may be securely attached to a wide range and variety of fitness equipment. The cover may be comprised of absorbent, durable material that can withstand repeated use and may be machine washable, allowing the user to conveniently clean the cover prior to next use.

However, prior art workout mats for placement on workout apparatus do not address the difficulties specific to bench presses.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

Therefore, the present invention provides a non-slip mat for efficient and hygienic use of a commercial bench press. The mat of the present invention helps to stabilize and maintain body position through the intended movement with minimal energy expenditure and loss of kinetic energy.

According to one aspect of the present invention disclosed herein, there is provided a mat for use with a bench press machine, comprising: a surface material; one or more pairs of elastic straps on opposite sides of the surface material; and one or more pairs of fastener straps connected to the respective ends of the one or more pairs of elastic straps.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an illustration of the bench press mat according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an illustration of the bench press mat attached to a bench press machine.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A bench press is an exercise that targets the muscles of the upper body. It involves lying on a bench and pressing weight upward using a barbell. During a bench press, a person lowers the weight down to chest level and then press upwards while extending your arms. This movement is considered one repetition.

Ordinarily, these benches have a cushioned cover. In use, as the covers absorb perspiration from the users, and the users have a tendency to slip along the bench. This contributes to shoulders slipping on the bench press, and lack of upper back stability on commercial bench presses.

FIG. 1 is an illustration of the bench press mat according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Mat 10 comprises surface material 12 formed from e.g., synthetic materials such as neoprene, PVC, polyester, latex, polyethylene, natural rubber, synthetic rubber and the like, and hook and loop fastener straps 14 sewed to the bench press mat. Both sides of the surface may comprise an anti-slip material of this type.

The optimal measurements for the mat are:

• • Surface material: 13″ wide and 20″ long
  • Elastic straps: 2″ long placed at 3″ off the top and bottom of the mat.
  • Hook and loop fastener straps: 7″ long and 2″ wide

These measurements are optimal for the size of both the typical person and the typical bench press equipment.

Prior art mats have tended to be too large to try to cover the entire surface of a bench press machine, and the size of the mat of the present invention more effectively prevents slipping in addition to being more convenient to use.

The elastic straps help to keep the mat stable on the bench press and provide some flexibility in sizing the mat to a particular bench press which may vary somewhat in width.

FIG. 2 is an illustration of the bench press mat attached to a bench press machine.

Mat 10 is attached to the bench press machine near the end of the bench press where the user's head will rest.

The illustrations of embodiments described herein are intended to provide a general understanding of the structure of various embodiments, and they are not intended to serve as a complete description of all the elements and features of apparatus and systems that might make use of the structures described herein.

Many other embodiments will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. Other embodiments may be utilized and derived therefrom, such that structural and logical substitutions and changes may be made without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

Figures are also merely representational and may not be drawn to scale. Certain proportions thereof may be exaggerated, while others may be minimized. Accordingly, the specification and drawings are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense.

Thus, although specific embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, it should be appreciated that any arrangement calculated to achieve the same purpose may be substituted for the specific embodiments shown. This disclosure is intended to cover any and all adaptations or variations of various embodiments. Combinations of the above embodiments, and other embodiments not specifically described herein, will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. Therefore, it is intended that the disclosure not be limited to the particular embodiment(s) disclosed.