Mat

Abstract

A gymnastic mat includes a plurality of sections that can be multi colored and includes at least one sensor in each section, and / or a visual indicator associated with each section, and / or an audio indicator associated with each section. The mat can use the visual indicator and / or audible sounds to indicate the user's proper sequence and rhythm of their hands and feet in executing a gymnastic move, for example a cartwheel. Upon proper execution of the gymnastic move, the visual indicator can illuminate corresponding sections of the mat to indicate execution in the proper sequence, and / or the audible sound output indicates execution in the proper sequence. When the user makes a mistake in executing the proper sequence of the gymnastic move, either the visual indicator will not display for that section (indicating improper execution in sequence), and / or the audible sound output will be out of the “proper” audio sequence (indicating improper execution in sequence).

Description

BACKGROUND[0001]1. Technical Field[0002]The present invention relates to gymnastic mats. More particularly, it relates to a mat for teaching specific gymnastic moves, for example, a cartwheel.[0003]2. Description of the Related Art[0004]The cartwheel is one of the most popular taught skills to students of gymnastics, acrobatics, dance, circus performing, cheerleading and schools as part of their physical education program.[0005]The most difficult aspect of teaching the cartwheel is to demonstrate and convey the proper rhythm and sequence of the skill. As such, the skill of performing a cartwheel (i.e., the proper form and rhythm) has been, and continues to be, difficult to teach individuals. Current gymnastic mats have attempted to resolve this problem by printing feet and hands on the mat so as to demonstrate where the user should be placing their hands and / or feet when performing a cartwheel.[0006]Unfortunately, the known gymnastic mats fail to teach the proper form and more impor...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0010]According to one implementation, the gymnastic mat includes a plurality of sections each delineated for receiving one of a hand or foot of a user, and at least one indicator in communication with each of the plurality of sections and responsive to a user's hand and foot placement onto any one of the plurality of sections while performing a gymnastic movement. The indicator providing proper or improper indications in response to the user's performance of the gymnastic movement.

Problems solved by technology

The most difficult aspect of teaching the cartwheel is to demonstrate and convey the proper rhythm and sequence of the skill.

As such, the skill of performing a cartwheel (i.e., the proper form and rhythm) has been, and continues to be, difficult to teach individuals.

Unfortunately, the known gymnastic mats fail to teach the proper form and more importantly, the rhythm and sequence associated with properly doing a cartwheel.

This is primarily due to the fact that there is no explanation, indication or demonstration for the user of how the skill needs to be kinesthetically and properly executed.

The current mats with printed feet and hands further confuse students because they assume that if there are graphic illustrations of hands and feet on the mat (e.g., two hands and two feet), the student will place both hands and both feet on the mat arriving at an incorrectly demonstrated and executed cartwheel, that in no way simulates the proper mechanics, sequence and rhythm of the cartwheel.

Thus, the existing mats do not provide the user with an indication as to the proper sequence and rhythm that are required to properly execute the cartwheel.

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