At a glance
| Patent number | CN115445137B (application CN202211078420) |
| Type | China invention patent (发明专利) - protects product method and structure |
| Original title | Universal folding type yoga cushion (一种万向折叠式瑜伽用坐垫) |
| Patent owner | Jiangsu Youheng Sports Goods Co ltd |
| Inventors | Peng Shuibo, Zhang Jing |
| Filing date | 2022-09-05 |
| Grant date | 2023-10-27 |
| Status (China) | In force until at most 2042-09-05 (if annual fees are paid) |
| Patent family | Chinese filings only - no US, European, Japanese, PCT or other filings listed |
| Cited by | 0 later documents |
| Source | Google Patents (search for CN115445137B) |
What the claims cover, in plain language
Claim 1 defines a universal folding yoga mat comprising a yoga mat body with a folding groove on its back. Key structural elements include a first guide groove within the folding groove, a second guide groove aligned linearly with the first, and first and second transverse grooves perpendicular to the guide grooves. A matching groove area exists between the first guide groove and the first transverse groove, equipped with buttons on both sides fixed to the body.
Claim 2 details the matching groove, which includes a vertical guide groove parallel to the first guide groove and penetrating the back, plus inclined guide grooves (first and second chutes) communicating with the first transverse groove.
Claim 3 adds auxiliary grooves on both sides of the second guide groove.
Claim 4 specifies width relationships: guide grooves are wider than transverse/auxiliary grooves and contain a triangular lug.
Claims 5-6 describe an optional support assembly inside the second guide groove, consisting of a sliding block, a supporting plate with a reset spring, and a vesicle connected via pipes.
Claim 7 mentions exhaust cavities in the mat body.
Claim 8 links the vesicle to an air bag chamber and exhaust cavities.
Claim 9 notes a circular groove at the sliding connection part.
This is a simplified reading for orientation only. The legal scope is defined by the exact claim wording in the official Chinese document.
What this means for US production
This patent was filed only in China and is currently in force. Making or selling this specific folding design in China would require the owner’s permission. However, since there are no US or foreign family members, the patent itself does not restrict production or sales in the United States based on this document alone.
Two points to settle early:
- Other patents may exist. The field of convertible fitness mats and folding yoga equipment has various existing patents regarding hinge mechanisms, locking systems, and multi-functional shapes. A freedom-to-operate (FTO) review is recommended to ensure your specific implementation of the button-lock and groove-guided folding does not infringe on other US utility or design patents.
- Material Safety. The patent does not specify materials, but US buyers will require non-toxic, phthalate-free foams (e.g., TPE, natural rubber, PU) compliant with strict chemical regulations.
Customization and manufacturing
What can be customized
| Area | Options |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | Length and width set in design; custom dimensions available. |
| Material | Natural rubber, TPE, PVC, or PU leather surfaces; thickness set in design. |
| Texture | Surface patterns for grip; back texture for anti-slip performance. |
| Color | Pantone-matched colors for the mat body and contrasting colors for grooves/buttons. |
| Fasteners | Material and style of buttons (plastic snap, magnetic, or fabric hook-and-loop). |
| Internal Structure | Option to include or omit the air-bag/spring support assembly described in dependent claims. |
Things to plan for (US market)
- CPSC Lead & Phthalates: Ensure all plastics and rubbers meet federal limits for children’s products if marketed broadly, though adult yoga gear has slightly different scrutiny, safe materials are expected.
- California Prop 65: Warning labels required if certain chemicals (like some plasticizers or heavy metals) exceed safe harbor levels.
- ASTM F2092: Standard consumer safety specification for yoga mats, covering slip resistance and durability.
- Labeling: Care instructions and material composition must comply with FTC textile rules if fabric covers are used.
How a project runs
- Inquiry - Define target dimensions, material preference, and color scheme.
- Design - CAD modeling of the groove geometry and button placement to ensure smooth folding mechanics.
- Prototype - Mold development for the complex cross-section; sample production to test fold/unfold cycles.
- Pilot Run - Small batch production to verify consistency of the locking mechanism and material quality.
- Production - Full-scale molding, cutting, bonding, and assembly of fasteners.
Quantities & timeline
Manufacturing requires precision molds for the grooved edges and integrated button housings. The complexity of the folding mechanism means tooling costs are higher than standard flat mats. Development typically takes 8-12 weeks for prototyping and testing before mass production begins. Send us your dimensions, material, color, quantity and target price and we will reply with options.
Patent drawings
Drawings reproduced from the public patent document for reference.
