US20150064388A1

US20150064388A1 - Changeable mat

Info

Publication number: US20150064388A1
Application number: US14/014,859
Authority: US
Inventors: Jeffrey J. Beyda
Original assignee: Town and Country Linen Corp
Current assignee: Town and Country Linen Corp
Priority date: 2013-08-30
Filing date: 2013-08-30
Publication date: 2015-03-05

Abstract

A mat is disclosed, and comprises a cover portion and a base portion. The cover portion includes a lower surface having an engagement portion. The base portion is removably coupled with the cover portion and includes a first layer and a second resilient layer. The first layer has a surface treatment configured to interengage the engagement portion so that the cover portion and the base portion resist relative movement due to lateral forcing. The second resilient layer is at least partially enclosed by the first layer and maintained in substantial fluid separation from a surrounding environment by the first layer. The force needed to move the cover portion relative to the base portion laterally is greater than the force needed to separate the cover portion from the base portion due to the surface treatment on the first layer of the base portion.

Description

FIELD

The present invention is directed to a mat, and in particular to a mat having a changeable portion.

BACKGROUND

Mats, e.g., floor coverings, rugs, carpets, and pads, to name a few, may be utilized in a number of applications, for example, floor surfaces, home areas such as kitchens and bathrooms, pet areas, garages, and/or floor surfaces in locations outside the home such as pools, patios, spas, offices, and vehicles, to name a few.
In some applications, it may be desirable to provide a mat that may be used to provide comfort to a user standing on a mat, for example, to distribute pressure away from a user's feet and/or to provide cushioning and/or a luxurious sensation for the user. Accordingly, it may be desirable to provide a mat that incorporates padding for the comfort of a user. Additionally, it may be desirable to provide a mat that incorporates features that are aesthetically pleasing, having a surface design and/or having a color scheme, to name a few. It may be desirable to change a surface design based on a user's preference, e.g., based on surrounding décor or seasonal changes.
In some instances, mats may be used to cover an area under a mat, for example, a floor or carpeted or upholstered surface, such that the mat may provide a barrier or buffer between the area under the mat and solid dirt or liquids. Some mats may be configured in whole or in part to absorb or retain liquids. Accordingly, mats may be in need of maintenance, e.g., cleaning, repair, and/or drying, during the course of regular use. However, challenges are presented in maintaining a mat that includes padding for the comfort of the user because some padded materials may be absorbent, e.g., foraminous and/or dense, such that some padded materials retain fluids such as liquid, moisture, vapors, and/or gases so that such padded materials may become warped, odiferous, and/or prone to mold growth, to name a few. Some mats incorporating padded materials may take comparatively longer periods of time to dry after exposure to fluids, such that maintenance periods may be prolonged, reducing the available time for use of the mat. Prolonged maintenance periods for mats may be associated with, for example, increased energy expenditure and/or increased waste by-products, such as cleaning fluids.
Accordingly, it would be desirable to provide a mat that includes padded features for the comfort of a user without providing an increase in time required to maintain the mat because of the added padded features. It would also be desirable to provide a mat that may incorporate a changeable surface portion based on a user's preference.

SUMMARY

A mat is disclosed, and comprises a cover portion and a base portion. The cover portion includes a lower surface having an engagement surface. The base portion is removably coupled with the cover portion and includes a first layer and a second resilient layer. The first layer has a surface treatment configured to interengage the engagement surface of the cover portion so that the cover portion and the base portion resist relative movement due to lateral forcing. The second resilient layer is at least partially enclosed by the first layer and maintained in substantial fluid separation from a surrounding environment. The force needed to move the cover portion relative to the base portion laterally is greater than the force needed to separate the cover portion from the base portion due at least in part to the surface treatment on the first layer of the base portion.
In embodiments, the first layer is a barrier layer. In embodiments, the first layer comprises a substantially fluid-resistant material. In embodiments, the first layer is comprised of rubber or other fluid impervious material. In embodiments, the second layer is a padded layer. In embodiments, the second layer is comprised of foam. In embodiments, there is a third layer adjacent the second layer. In embodiments, the third layer is a slip-resistant layer or has a slip-resistant surface treatment on the bottom surface, that is, the surface remote from the second layer. In embodiments, the third layer includes a frictionally enhanced lower surface. In embodiments, the first layer includes an upper surface. In embodiments, the upper surface is formed of fabric. In embodiments, the upper surface and the lower surface of the first layer are joined along a seam. In embodiments, the second layer is disposed between the first layer and the third layer. In embodiments, the first layer and the third layer are attached to one another. In embodiments, the surface treatment comprises flocking. In embodiments, the surface treatment covers substantially the entire upper surface of the first layer. In embodiments, the surface treatment covers a portion of the entire upper surface of the first layer. In embodiments, the engagement portion of the lower surface of the cover portion comprises a non-woven material. In embodiments, the lower surface of the cover portion comprises at least one protruding feature.
In an exemplary embodiment, a kit comprises one or more cover portions and a base portion. Each of the one or more cover portions includes a lower surface having an engagement portion. The base portion is configured to separately and sequentially receive each of the one or more cover portions. The base portion includes a first layer, a second layer, and a third layer. The first layer has a surface treatment configured to interengage the engagement surface of each of the one or more cover portions so that each respective cover portion and the base portion resist relative movement due to lateral forcing.
In an exemplary embodiment, a mat comprises a cover portion and a base portion. The cover portion includes a lower surface comprised of a non-woven material and at least one protective surface feature protruding from the lower surface. The base portion is removably coupled with the cover portion and includes a first layer, a second resilient layer, and a third layer. The first layer has a flocking configured to interengage the non-woven material so that the cover portion and the base portion resist relative movement due to lateral forcing but allows ready separation of the cover portion from the base portion when the cover portion is lifted upwardly. The second resilient layer is at least partially enclosed by the first layer and maintained in substantial fluid separation from a surrounding environment. The third layer has a substantially non-slip lower surface.
In exemplary embodiments, a method of repositioning a mat includes providing a mat that comprises a cover portion having an at least partially rigid profile and a base portion. The cover portion includes a lower surface having an engagement surface. The base portion is removably coupled with the cover portion and includes a first layer and a second resilient layer. The first layer has a surface treatment configured to interengage the engagement surface of the cover portion so that the cover portion and the base portion resist relative movement due to lateral forcing. The second resilient layer is at least partially enclosed by the first layer and maintained in substantial fluid separation from a surrounding environment. The force needed to move the cover portion relative to the base portion laterally is greater than the force needed to separate the cover portion from the base portion due at least in part to the surface treatment on the first layer of the base portion. The method also comprises separating the cover portion from the base portion. The method also comprises placing the cover portion into a non-planar engagement with the base portion. The method also comprises exerting an at least partially downward force on the upper surface of the cover portion so that downward force components are translated into laterally outward force components due to the at least partially rigid profile of the cover portion.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The features and advantages of the present invention will be more fully understood with reference to the following, detailed description of illustrative embodiments of the present invention when taken in conjunction with the accompanying figures, wherein:

FIG. 1A is a top perspective view of a mat according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 1B is a bottom perspective view of the mat shown in FIG. 1A;

FIG. 2A is a top perspective exploded view of the mat shown in FIG. 1A;

FIG. 2B is a bottom perspective exploded view of the mat shown in FIG. 1A;

FIG. 3A is an enlarged view of the area of detail identified in FIG. 2A;

FIG. 3B is a view similar to FIG. 3A showing the area of detail identified in FIG. 2A exposed to an electrostatic charge;

FIG. 3C is an enlarged view of the area of detail identified in FIG. 2B;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along section line 4-4 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5A is a perspective view of the cover portion being placed on the base portion of the mat of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 5B is a perspective view of a user standing on the mat of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 5C is a perspective view of the mat of FIG. 1A subject to a lateral force;

FIG. 6A is a perspective view of the mat of FIG. 1A, with the cover portion being lifted away from the base portion by one hand of a user;

FIG. 6B is a perspective view of the mat of FIG. 1A, with the cover portion positioned in a non-planar engagement with the base portion;

FIG. 6C is a perspective view of the mat of FIG. 1A, with a user pressing on the cover portion;

FIG. 6D is a perspective view of the mat of FIG. 1A, showing the engagement of a corner of the cover with a corner of the base;

FIG. 6E is a perspective view of the mat of FIG. 1A, showing the cover portion lying in planar engagement with the base portion;

FIG. 7A is a plan view of a base portion of a mat according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 7B is a plan view of a base portion of a mat according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a kit including a base portion and multiple cover portions according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Products according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure may include a mat having at least one changeable, e.g., modular or replaceable, portion. For the purposes of the present disclosure, the term “user” may refer to, e.g., a person, animal, or object placed on a mat. For the purposes of the present disclosure, the terms “top,” “bottom,” “upper,” “lower,” “side,” “front,” and “back” have their usual and ordinary meaning from a third person perspective, e.g., a person looking down or substantially horizontally at a mat placed on a floor or other horizontal surface.
Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure may be utilized on a variety of surfaces and locations, such as floor surfaces, home areas such as kitchens and bathrooms, pet areas, garages, and/or floor surfaces in locations outside the home such as offices, and vehicles, to name a few. Additionally, mats according to the present disclosure may be used for spas, on patios, near pools or in other outdoor locations where the advantages of the present invention may be enjoyed. Embodiments of the present disclosure may be utilized on surfaces other than floor surfaces and in any suitable location contemplated by one skilled in the art of the present disclosure.
Turning to FIGS. 1A and 2A, a mat according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is designated generally as 1000. Mat 1000 may include a cover portion 100 and a base portion 200. Cover portion 100 and base portion 200 may each have a generally rectangular planar profile with rounded corners. In embodiments, cover portion 100 and base portion 200 may each have different planar profiles, e.g., square, ovoid, circular, heptagonal, or triangular, to name a few. Cover portion 100 and base portion 200 may be releasably coupled with one another such that cover portion 100 and base portion may be used as separate components, or together as a unitary mat 1000. Cover portion 100 may be configured to at least partially overlay base portion 200, e.g., cover portion 100 may be dimensioned such that when cover portion 100 is superposed over base portion 200, base portion 200 is positioned substantially within the perimeter of cover portion 100. In embodiments, cover portion 100 and base portion 200 may have different or similar dimensions. Cover portion 100 and base portion 200 may be configured to lie in a generally planar, abutting relationship. In embodiments, cover portion 100 and base portion 200 may be disposed in an aligned, e.g., centered, or an offset, e.g., skewed, relationship.
Turning to FIGS. 2A and 2B, cover portion 100 and base portion 200 are shown with their respective components in parts-separated view. Cover portion 100 includes an upper surface 110 and a lower surface 120. Base portion 200 may include a first layer 210, a second layer 220, and a third layer 230.
The upper surface 110 of cover portion 100 may be configured for engagement, e.g., to support weight, by a user. Upper surface 110 may be textured, e.g., for the comfort of a user. Upper surface 110 may be formed of a material that is absorbent, e.g., tends to retain fluids and/or is configured to wick fluids, such as microfiber fabric. In embodiments, the upper surface 110 of cover portion 100 may be formed of any suitable material, such as fabric, polymer, or composite, to name a few. The upper surface 110 of cover portion 100 may include shag 112, e.g., tufts of unorganized and/or loosely organized long fabric fibers. In embodiments, the upper surface 110 of cover portion 100 may have a different texture, e.g., flat, bristled, or ridged, to name a few. In embodiments, upper surface 110 may incorporate a design, e.g., a printed, textured, or raised pattern, a separate decorative member that is coupled with the upper surface 110, and/or a color scheme, to name a few. The shag 112 of upper surface 110 of cover portion 100 may be affixed to, e.g., adhered, attached with a coupling member, or retained by a substrate, to name a few. In embodiments, upper surface 110 may comprise a single layer or multiple layers.
The lower surface 120 of cover portion 100 may be configured for engagement with the base portion 200, as will be described further below. Upper surface 110 and lower surface 120 may be surfaces of two separate layers of cover portion 110 that are joined along a binding 114. Binding 114 may be a length of material to which the layers that comprise upper surface 110 and lower surface 120 are joined, e.g., stitched, adhered, coupled with a joining member such as a tack or a staple, or heat welded, to name a few. In embodiments, lower surface 120 of cover portion 100 may be a surface of the cover portion 100 opposite the upper surface 110 or may be a surface on another layer fastened to the bottom of upper surface 110 by adhesive, heat, or other similar means.
Lower surface 120 may have an engagement surface 122 that may be formed of, e.g., a non-woven fabric or another material that presents a surface that includes a grainy, irregular, and/or fuzzy texture. In embodiments, lower surface 120 may be formed of a material other than a non-woven material. In embodiments, lower surface 120 may be formed of a composite material formed from two or more different materials. Lower surface 120 of cover portion 100 may include one or more surface features 124 for safety, durability, or ease of use, to name a few.
Referring additionally to FIG. 3C, surface features 124 may protrude from the lower surface 120 of cover portion 200. In embodiments, surface features 124 may be flush with or embedded within the lower surface 120 of cover portion 200. Surface features 124 may be formed of a polymeric material, such as latex, silicone, rubber, or other suitable materials. Surface features 124 may provide a protective feature between lower surface 120 of cover portion 100 and base portion 200. In embodiments, surface features 124 may provide a protective feature between lower surface 120 of cover portion 100 and another surface. In embodiments, surface features 124 may provide sufficient friction such that when the cover portion 100 is be disposed on a surface without base portion 200, it will be substantially resistant to slipping, sliding, or skidding. In embodiments, surface features 124 may facilitate engagement between the cover portion 100 and the base portion 200, as described further herein. Surface features 124 may inhibit damage, e.g., provide a sufficient buffer or spacing between, engagement surface 122 and base portion 200 such that damage such as wear or fraying due to repeated friction and/or excessive forcing incurred by engagement surface 122 is substantially inhibited. As shown, surface features 124 may be configured as dots. In embodiments, surface features may be, e.g., stripes, crosses or another configuration, to name a few. Alternatively and additionally, in embodiments, surface features 124 may be arranged in bands, patches, or another pattern, to name a few, or combinations thereof. In embodiments, multiple surface features 124 may be uniformly or non-uniformly spaced across the lower surface 120 of cover portion 100.
In embodiments, cover portion 100 may have an at least partially rigid, e.g., at least partially stiff and/or possessing at least some resistance to planar flexion, profile. The layers that comprise upper surface 110 and/or lower surface 120 may comprise such at least partially rigid properties. In embodiments, binding 114 may be at least partially rigid.
Turning to the base portion 200, first layer 210 of base portion 200 may be a substantially flat, e.g., having a generally planar configuration, member. First layer 210 may have a generally rectangular planar profile with rounded corners. In embodiments, cover portion 100 and base portion 200 may each have different planar profiles, e.g., square, ovoid, circular, heptagonal, or triangular, to name a few. In embodiments, first layer 210 may be contoured, e.g., have a generally curvate cross sectional profile, such as concave or convex, so that the outer edge of first layer 210 has a generally downward orientation to accommodate and overlay second layer 220 and third layer 230. First layer 210 may be formed of a fluid-resistant, e.g., fluid impermeable or fluid semi-impermeable, to name a few, material, such as SBR rubber, so that first layer 210 may have the properties of a barrier layer. First layer 210 may be comprised of a fluid resistant material such that fluids including liquids, moisture, vapor, and gases, are substantially inhibited from passing through the first layer 210. First layer 210 may be comprised of a substantially fluid-resistant material to maintain substantial fluid separation between second layer 220 and/or third layer 230 and a surrounding environment. In embodiments, other or additional portions of cover portion 100 and/or base portion 200, such as an additional layer, may be comprised of a substantially-fluid resistant material so that mat 1000 may have substantially fluid-resistant properties when the first layer 210 is comprised of a material other than a substantially fluid-resistant material. In embodiments, one or more layers may be disposed between the surface treatment 212 and the second layer 220. In such embodiments, any of such one or more layers may be a substantially fluid-resistant layer. In embodiments, the surface features 124 described herein may be disposed on the first layer 210 of the base portion 200.
First layer 210 preferably has a surface treatment 212 disposed on at least an upper surface thereof. Surface treatment 212 may provide first layer 210 with a textured surface, e.g., flocking. Referring additionally to FIG. 3A, an enlarged view of surface treatment 212 is shown. Surface treatment 212 may comprise a plurality of fibers 214, such as flocking, disposed along the surface of first layer 210. In embodiments, fibers 214 may comprise polyester or another filament material. Fibers 214 may have a generally cylindrical, e.g., hair-like, profile and protrude from the outer surface of first layer 210. In embodiments, surface treatment 212 may have another configuration such as spiked, grooved, ridged, or bristled, to name a few. Surface treatment 212 may be applied by various methods such as spraying, brushing, or dipping, to name a few. In embodiments, first layer 210 may be at least partially coated with an adhesive and brought into contact with a bed or box which may include fibers 214. In embodiments, first layer 210 may be brought into contact with fibers formed of 100% polyester short hair disposed in a 2 mm high pile within a bed or box. In embodiments, fibers 214 may have another length or configuration. In embodiments, another source of fibers 214 may be brought into contact with first layer 210.
Fibers 214 of surface treatment 212 may be arranged such that the surface engagement properties of fibers 214 are enhanced. Referring additionally to FIG. 3B, fibers 214 may be exposed to an electrostatic field E, such that fibers 214 are caused to have a substantially upright configuration under the influence of static electricity. In embodiments, electrostatic field E may be naturally generated, e.g., by a surrounding environment, or by artificial means such as friction or electromagnetic fields. The substantially upright configuration of fibers 214 may present a surface that is enhanced for engagement with another surface when compared to a surface treated with fibers that are not arranged in a generally upright configuration. In embodiments, fibers 214 may be densely packed such that fibers 214 have a generally upright configuration relative to the outer surface of first layer 210. In embodiments, fibers 214 may be treated with an adhesive or other binding member to cause fibers 214 to retain a generally upright configuration relative to the outer surface of first layer 210 when the binding member hardens.
Surface treatment 212 may be disposed along substantially all of the upper surface of first layer 210. In embodiments, a surface treatment may be disposed along a portion of an upper surface of a first layer, as will be described further below. In embodiments, a surface treatment may be applied to a portion of a cover portion, e.g., a lower surface of a cover portion, and a portion of a base portion, e.g., an upper surface of a first layer, may include an engagement portion configured to interengage the surface treatment.
Second layer 220 may have an elongate box-shaped profile. In embodiments, second layer 220 may have a different profile, such as an ovoid, curvate, or tubular profile, to name a few. Second layer 220 may be configured such that first layer 210 conforms to a top surface 222 of second layer 220. Second layer 220 may provide support to a user standing atop the cover portion 100 and/or base portion 200. In embodiments, the second layer 220 may be a padded layer. Second layer 220 may be configured to provide dampening and/or force-absorbing properties, to name a few. Second layer 220 may have a dampening coefficient and/or a spring coefficient. Second layer 220 may be configured to distribute forces applied to a portion thereof, for example, second layer 220 may be configured to exert a reduced pressure against an object supported by the second layer 220. In embodiments, second layer 220 may be formed of such materials as memory foam, open cell foam, closed cell foam, 3-D mesh, EVA foam, or another resilient material.
Third layer 230 may have a flat, planar profile. Third layer 230 may include an upper surface 232 to abut the bottom surface of the second layer 220, and a bottom surface 234 for engagement with a floor or other surface. Bottom surface 234 may be configured to provide a non-slip surface that inhibits sliding and/or skidding and/or bunching upon application of a lateral, e.g., shear, force therealong. In embodiments, bottom surface 234 may be formed of EVA, butyl rubber, or polyvinyl chloride (PVC) coated scrim, to name a few. In embodiments, third layer 230 may be formed of a substantially fluid-resistant material such that the third layer inhibits the passage of fluids including liquids, moisture, vapors, and gases therethrough. Third layer 230 may be configured as a fluid-resistant material to protect and maintain second layer 220 and/or first layer 210 in substantial fluid separation from the surrounding environment.
With additional reference to FIG. 4, the components of mat 1000 are shown in cross-sectional view. Upper surface 110 of cover portion 100 may be exposed such that a user may stand, sit, kneel, or walk across the upper surface 110 of cover portion 100. Bottom surface 120 of cover portion 100 may be disposed facing the base portion 200.
Base portion 200 may include first layer 210 covering second layer 220. Second layer 220 may be disposed between first layer 210 and third layer 230. First layer 210 and third layer 230 may be attached by various methods such as stitched, adhered, tacked, stapled, heat sealed, or flame sealed, to name a few. First layer 210 and third layer 230 may be attached such that an interface between first layer 210 and third layer 230 is substantially fluid-resistant so that fluids such as liquids, moisture, vapors, and gases, are inhibited from passing therethrough. The periphery around the first and third layers 210, 230 may be further finished or sealed by a binding extending substantially around the layers. In embodiments, first and third layers 210, 230 may be arranged such that second layer 220 is substantially surrounded by substantially fluid-resistant material.
Engagement surface 122 of the lower surface 120 of cover portion 100 may be engaged with the surface treatment 212 of the first layer 210 of base portion 200. The fibers 214 of the surface treatment 212 may interengage, e.g., interfere, mesh, or tangle, to name a few, with the texture of the engagement surface 122 of lower surface 120 of cover portion 100 such that the cover portion 100 and base portion 200 are releasably coupled with one another so that cover portion 100 and base portion 200 are coupled such that an external force is required to separate cover portion 100 from base portion 200. Surface features 124 may engage by frictional and/or geometric interference with, and/or become interposed with, fibers 214 of surface treatment 212 such that surface features 124 facilitate releasable coupling of the cover portion 100 and base portion 200.
Turning to FIGS. 5A, 5B, and 5C, the use of mat 1000 will be described according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Base portion 200 may be placed, e.g., positioned, dropped, or unrolled, on a desired surface. Cover portion 100 may be placed atop the base portion 200. Cover portion 100 may be, e.g., positioned, dropped, or rolled onto the base portion 200. Cover portion 100 may be aligned with the base portion 200, or may be placed atop base portion 200 in a skewed or offset manner.
The interengagement of the surface treatment 212 of the first layer 210 of base portion 200 with the engagement surface 122 and/or surface features 124 of the bottom surface 120 of cover portion 100 may provide a coefficient of friction between the cover portion 100 and base portion 200 such that cover portion 100 and base portion 200 resist relative motion in a lateral, e.g., sideways direction. In this manner, a user may exert a pulling force F_Pacross the cover portion 100 and the cover portion 100 will not move laterally over the surface of base portion 200. However, the interengagement of the surface treatment 212 of the first layer 210 of base portion 200 with the engagement surface 122 of the bottom surface 120 of cover portion 100 does not provide substantial resistance to the planar separation by lifting, peeling or rolling the cover portion 100 from the base portion 200. In embodiments, a user may remove the cover portion 100 from the base portion 200 by lifting the cover portion 100 with substantially little more force than needed to overcome the weight of the cover portion 100, as described further herein. In embodiments, the force necessary to lift the cover portion 100 from the base portion 200 may be less than the force necessary to move the cover portion 100 relative to the base portion 200 in a lateral direction and/or move the base portion 200 across a surface, such as a floor. The interengagement of cover portion 100 and base portion 200 may be such that cover portion 100 may be repositioned atop base portion 200 after an initial placement atop base portion 200 with substantial ease so that a user may reposition cover portion 100 with one hand, a foot, or a grabbing tool. Further, lifting the cover portion from the base portion may be accomplished without the need to restrain the base portion.
A user may stand atop mat 1000 such that mat 1000 supports the user's weight, while providing a comfortable surface to stand on. During routine use of the mat 1000, lateral forces, e.g., shear forces applied along a plane defined by the upper surface of cover portion 100, may be exerted across the cover portion 100 and/or base portion 200. The interengagement of the engagement surface 122 and/or surface features 124 and the surface treatment 212 of the respective cover portion 100 and base portion 200 may provide a sufficient resistance by static friction, dynamic friction, and/or interfering geometry, to name a few, to avoid relative lateral movement such as sliding, slipping, or bunching of the cover portion 100 relative to the base portion 200 when the mat is in use. As described herein, third layer 230 may incorporate a non-slip surface such that the mat 1000 is inhibited from relative movement from with a surface on which it is disposed, e.g., a floor. In embodiments, third layer 230 may have a surface with a coefficient of friction, that is similar, greater, or less than a coefficient of friction defined by one or both of the engagement surface 122 and/or surface features 124 and surface treatment 212.
During the course of use, mat 1000 may be exposed to liquids, such as through spills or through cleaning, to name a few or in the course of usage as a bath mat, kitchen mat, or otherwise. Cover portion 100 may be configured of an absorbable material such that fluids are retained by the cover portion 100. The configuration of mat 1000 is such that cover portion 100 may be removed from base portion 200 so that cover portion may be dried or cleaned independently of base portion 200, and replaced thereafter. The fluid-resistant configuration of the first layer 210 and/or third layer 230 of base portion 200 is such that base portion 200 may be exposed to fluids without necessitating the need for drying the base portion 200, as the second layer 220 may be maintained in substantial fluid-separation from any fluids brought into contact with base 200 by the first layer 210 and/or third layer 230. In this manner, mat 1000 may be configured such that base portion 200 provides padding, e.g., for the comfort of a user, while cover portion 100 may be removed and independently dried such that mat 1000 provides padding without adding to drying time. Accordingly, mat 1000 may be configured such that less energy, e.g., electricity, is required for maintenance of the mat 1000. Mat 1000 may be configured such that a reduced amount of waste by-products, such as cleaning and/or drying chemicals that may be needed to maintain mat 1000.
Turning to FIG. 6A, mat 1000 may be configured so that a user can grasp cover portion 100 and exert a lifting force F_Lon cover portion 100 to separate cover portion 100 from base portion 200. The interengagement of cover portion 100 and base portion 200 due to the interaction between the engagement surface 122 of the lower surface 120 of cover portion 100 and surface treatment 212 (FIG. 2A) of base portion 200 is such that the lifting force F_Lis less than a weight F_Wexerted by the mass of the base portion 200. In this manner, the cover portion 100 and base portion 200 are interengaged in a manner so that the mat 1000 resists lateral forcing, but is configured so that the cover portion 100 may be easily removed or repositioned on the base portion 200. In embodiments, a user may separate the cover portion 100 from base portion 200 in this manner using one hand.
Turning to FIG. 6B, a user may reposition the cover portion 100 of mat 1000 on base portion 200 by lowering, e.g., dropping or placing, cover portion 100 onto the base portion 200. In this manner, cover portion 100 may be moved into engagement with base portion 200 under the influence of gravity. Cover portion 100 may contact base portion 200 in a non-planar engagement, e.g., cover portion 100 may be lowered onto base portion 200 such that a raised portion R of the cover portion 100 is at least partially separated from the base portion 200. Raised portion R may be a portion of the cover portion 100 that is, for example, folded, kinked, and/or bunched, to name a few.
Referring additionally to FIG. 6C, a user may reposition cover portion 100 from a non-planar engagement into a planar engagement with base portion 200. As described above, cover portion 100 may have an at least partially rigid profile. A user may exert a smoothening force F_S, e.g., a downward and/or laterally outward force, onto the raised portion R of the cover portion 100. In embodiments, downward components of smoothening force F_Smay be transferred into laterally outward force components due to the at least partially rigid profile of cover portion 100, so that raised portion R of cover portion 100 is urged or spread into a substantially planar engagement with base portion 200. In this manner, the cover portion 100 has an at least partially rigid profile so that the cover portion 100 may be pushed or pressed to cause the cover portion 100 to spread out and fall toward a closer engagement with the base portion 200. In contrast, materials that are devoid of an at least partially rigid profile may not transfer pressing or pushing forces across their respective surfaces so that such materials may only be pulled, and not pushed. Such a material may require more time and effort by a user to reposition on, e.g., a flocked surface, as compared to a material having an at least partially rigid profile.
Turning to FIGS. 6D and 6E, cover portion 100 of mat 1000 may also be configured so that cover portion 100 may have a curvate cross-sectional profile, such as concave or convex. Portions of the cover portion 100 may be, tensioned, mechanically deformed, incorporated with one or more biasing members, to name a few, to have a curvate cross-sectional profile so that the sides of the cover portion 100 surround the sides of the base portion 200. In embodiments, binding 114 may be tensioned along an outer periphery of the layers that comprise upper surface 110 and lower surface 120 of cover portion 100 so that compressive forces are maintained along outer edge portions of the cover portion 100. In embodiments, corners C1 of the cover portion 100 may be regions of increased tension, e.g., due to the construction of cover portion 100 and/or tensioning of the binding member 114. In this manner, corners C1 of the cover portion 100 may be biased toward a contoured engagement, e.g., with corners C2 of the base portion 200. In embodiments, corners C1 of the cover portion 100 may be configured so that corners C1 snap over or otherwise force downward with a force F_Dtoward engagement with corners C2 of base portion 200. In such embodiments, excess material of the cover portion 100 may be inhibited from extending away from base portion 200, e.g., to increase safety for users passing by. In this manner, a cover portion 100 may be at least partially tensioned such that the cover portion 100 tends toward a snug or contoured engagement with the periphery of base portion 200. In such embodiments, peripheral portions of cover portion 100 may be inhibited from extending past base portion 200, e.g., to prevent a hazard to pedestrians passing by.
Turning to FIG. 7A, an alternate embodiment of a base portion of a mat according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is generally designated 200′. Base portion 200′ may include features that are substantially similar to base portion 200 described above, and will only be discussed with respect to the differences therein. Base portion 200′ may include a first layer 210′ that is provided with a surface treatment 212′. Surface treatment 212′ may provide first layer 210′ with a surface that is configured for engagement with a cover portion in the manner described above with respect to base portion 200. Surface treatment 212′ may comprise, e.g., flocking. In embodiments, surface treatment 212′ may have another configuration, e.g., spiked, grooved, ridged, or bristled, to name a few. Surface treatment 212′ may be disposed along a portion of the surface of first layer 210′. As shown, surface treatment 212′ may be disposed in a striped pattern along first layer 210′, e.g., surface treatment 212′ is applied in alternating bands across the surface of first layer 210′ of base portion 200′. Such a pattern of application of surface treatment 212′ may require substantially less surface treatment material and/or processing than entirely covering the surface of the first layer 210′ while still providing substantially the same surface properties.
Turning to FIG. 7B, an alternate embodiment of a base portion of a mat according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is generally designated 200″. Base portion 200″ may include features that are substantially similar to base portion 200 described above, and will only be discussed with respect to the differences therein. Base portion 200″ may include a first layer 210″ that is provided with a surface treatment 212″. Surface treatment 212″ may provide first layer 210″ with a surface that is configured for engagement with a cover portion in the manner described above with respect to base portion 200. Surface treatment 212″ may comprise, e.g., flocking. In embodiments, surface treatment 212″ may have another configuration, e.g., spiked, grooved, ridged, or bristled, to name a few. Surface treatment 212″ may be disposed along a portion of the surface of first layer 210″. As shown, surface treatment 212″ may be disposed along a central portion of the surface of first layer 210″, while an outer periphery of the first layer 210″ may be devoid of surface treatment 212″. Such a pattern of application of surface treatment 212″ may require substantially less surface treatment material and/or processing than entirely covering the surface of the first layer 210″ while still providing substantially the same surface properties.
In embodiments, a base portion may incorporate another pattern of surface treatment, e.g., patches, sections, or zig-zags, to name a few.
Turning to FIG. 8, a kit 300 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Kit 300 may include the components of mat 1000 described above, e.g., kit 300 may include cover portion 100 and base portion 200. Kit 300 may additionally include cover portions 100′ and 100″. Cover portion 100′ may include a flat, e.g. carpeted, upper surface, and cover portion 100″ may include a surface design, e.g., a printed, textured, or raised pattern, and/or a color scheme, to name a few. Cover portion 100″ may include, e.g., a floral patterned surface design. Those skilled in the art will envision other suitable cover portion configurations.
Cover portions 100′ and 100″ may otherwise be substantially similar in structure and operation to the various embodiments of cover portion 100 described above. Kit 300 may be provided such that base portion 200 may be separately and sequentially releasably coupled with any or all of cover portions 100, 100′, 100″ such that a user is given a modular set of mat components such that a particular cover portion may be selected, e.g., for aesthetic considerations, while another cover portion is being cleaned, or due to a specific surface configuration of a cover portion, to name a few. Kit 300 may include a container 302, e.g., a box, packaging, or carrying case, to name a few, in which base portion 200 and cover portions 100, 100′, 100″ may be provided. In embodiments, a kit may include any number of cover portions and/or base portions of various designs.
While this invention has been described in conjunction with the embodiments outlined above, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the exemplary embodiments of the invention, as set forth above, are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A mat, comprising:

a cover portion including a lower surface having an engagement surface; and

a base portion removably coupled with the cover portion and including:

a first layer having a surface treatment configured to interengage the engagement surface of the cover portion so that the cover portion and the base portion resist relative movement due to lateral forcing; and

a second resilient layer at least partially enclosed by the first layer and maintained in substantial fluid separation from a surrounding environment;

whereby the force needed to move the cover portion relative to the base portion laterally is greater than the force needed to separate the cover portion from the base portion due to the surface treatment on the first layer of the base portion.

2. The mat of claim 1, further including one or more intermediate layers between the first layer of the base portion and the second resilient layer, the one or more intermediate layers being substantially fluid-resistant.

3. The mat of claim 1, wherein the first layer is a barrier layer.

4. The mat of claim 1, wherein the first layer comprises a substantially fluid-resistant material.

5. The mat of claim 1, wherein the first layer is comprised of rubber.

6. The mat of claim 1, wherein the second layer is a padded layer.

7. The mat of claim 1, wherein the second layer is comprised of foam.

8. The mat of claim 1, further comprising a third layer adjacent the second layer.

9. The mat of claim 8, wherein the third layer is a slip-resistant layer.

10. The mat of claim 8, wherein the third layer includes a frictionally enhanced lower surface.

11. The mat of claim 1, wherein the first layer includes an upper surface.

12. The mat of claim 11, wherein the upper surface is formed of fabric.

13. The mat of claim 11, wherein the upper surface and the lower surface of the first layer are joined along a binding.

13. The mat of claim 1, wherein the second layer is disposed between the first layer and a third layer.

14. The mat of claim 13, wherein the first layer and the third layer are attached to one another.

15. The mat of claim 1, wherein the surface treatment comprises flocking.

16. The mat of claim 1, wherein the surface treatment covers substantially the entire upper surface of the first layer.

17. The mat of claim 1, wherein the surface treatment covers a portion of the entire upper surface of the first layer.

18. The mat of claim 1, wherein the engagement portion of the lower surface of the cover portion comprises a non-woven fabric.

19. The mat of claim 1, wherein the lower surface of the cover portion comprises at least one protruding feature.

20. A kit, comprising:

one or more cover portions including a lower surface having an engagement surface;

a base portion configured to separately and sequentially receive each cover portion of the one or more cover portions and including:

a first layer having a surface treatment configured to interengage the engagement surface of each cover portion of the one or more cover portions so that each respective cover portion and the base portion resist relative movement due to lateral forcing;

a second layer; and

a third layer.

21. A mat, comprising:

a cover portion including a lower surface comprised of a non-woven fabric and at least one protective surface feature protruding from the lower surface; and

a base portion removably coupled with the cover portion and including:

a first layer having a flocking configured to interengage the non-woven fabric so that the cover portion and the base portion resist relative movement due to lateral forcing; and

a second resilient layer at least partially enclosed by the first layer and maintained in substantial fluid separation from a surrounding environment; and

a third layer having a substantially non-slip lower surface;

whereby the force needed to move the cover portion relative to the base portion laterally is greater than the force needed to separate the cover portion from the base portion due to the interengagement of the lower surface of the cover portion and the surface treatment on the first layer of the base portion.

22. The mat of claim 21, further wherein a lifting force required to separate the cover portion from the base portion is less than a weight of the base portion.