FOLDING QUIK MAT CATCH-ALL APPARATUS

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[Para 1 ] This application claims the benefit of US Utility Application 1 2 /349, 1 48 filed on January 6, 2009 which claims the benefit of Provisional application 61 /01 0,890 filed January 1 0, 2008 the entire contents of which is hereby expressly incorporated by reference herein.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

[Para 2] Not Applicable

THE NAMES OF THE PARTIES TO A JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT

[Para 3] Not Applicable

INCORPORATION-BY-REFERENCE OF MATERIAL SUBMITTED ON A COMPACT DISC

[Para 4] Not Applicable BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[Para 5] Field of the Invention:

[Para 6] This invention relates to a folding mat. More particularly, the folding mat is a multi-foldable rigid apparatus having handles for holding material within the mat, a raised Mp around the periphery of the mat for collecting liquids, a non-skid under surface for maintaining the mat in position and magnets the maintain the mat in a closed configuration when the mat is not being used.

[Para 7] Description of Related Art including information disclosed under 37 CFR 1 .97 and 1 .98:

[Para 8] Most foldable mats are configured for a specific purpose such as collection of oil dripping, carrying firewood, collecting or transporting debris. Because these products are fabricated for a specific purpose they are not useful for other unrelated purposes or are ineffective in these other uses. Exemplary examples of products that are specifically designed for these distinct uses are disclosed herein.

[Para 9] Patents that are for use with the collection of oil or liquid drippings include U.S. Patent Number 4,826,030 issued on May 2, 1 989 to Charles R. Valley and U.S. Patent Number 4,923,052 issued on May 8, 1 990 to Gary L. Englebert. These two patents use an absorbent pad to collect any dripped oil. The pads do not have a tapered lip around the pad for the collection of solid debris and they further are not foldable for easier transportation and storage.

[Para 1 0] Patents for the collection and transportation of debris include U.S. Patent Number 5,709,477 issued January 20, 1 998 to Piero Schinasi et al, U.S. 6,758,596 issued July 6, 2004 to John McDonough and U.S. D422,855 issued April 1 8, 2000 to Del Rosso all disclose leaf or garden collecting bags. These bags are generally fabricated from flat material that is folded to retain the debris within the folds. There are no provisions for tapered sides to allow the collection of small sized particles and there is no provision for collecting fluid upon the bags. The bags also do not allow for magnetic catches to keep the bag in a collapsed configuration.

[Para 1 1 ] A patent that is equally useful to transport firewood, leaves or other elongated debris is U.S. Design patent D322, 01 4 that issued on December 3, 1 991 to James Weihe. The carrier is configured with a series of elongated slats that are connected to a spine with carrying handles. The material to be transported is placed onto the slats and the carrying handles are used to lift the material. Any liquid material would pass through the slats. The design does not have tapered edges, a recess for holding liquids and while the spine allows the carrier to be flexible the spin does not allow the slats to be folded upon them.

[Para 1 2] What is needed is a foldable collection and transportation mat that can collect small and large items as well as collect fluid material. The ideal device would be foldable, both to allow its use within a confined space and to fit in a smaller space when it is stored and not being used. The proposed QUIK MAT satisfies these needs with a foldable mat surface that has a tapered edge and an internal recess to retain fluid.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[Para 1 3] It is an object of the QUIK MAT to have a hole for a hook or similar hanger to allow the mat to store when it is not being used. The hole also allows the mat to be hung for sale at a store. The hole is a combination of a center hole with an elongated slot for placement on a variety of hanging mechanisms.

[Para 1 4] It is an object of the QUIK MAT to be constructed in multiple rigid sections that allows the mat to be folded into a flat smaller size for use in a confined space and for storage and transportation. The sections can be as few as two to many additional sections depending upon the size and use of the mat.

[Para 1 5] It is an object of the QUIK MAT to be constructed from a semi-rigid material that allows for the mat to lay flat and also have some strength for bending and hinging.

[Para 1 6] It is an object of the QUIK MAT to have multiple living hinges allows the different sections of the mat to be folded in either direction to provide maximum versatility and user convenience.

[Para 1 7] It is an object of the QUIK MAT to have beveled edges that extend around the entire mat to allow the mat to be used as a dustpan or collection device where debris is swept or raked into the mat. The mat further has a raised Mp that extends around the entire mat or extends around each individual panel. A foot can optionally exist under some, all or just around the periphery of the mat to prevent unintended movement of the mat.

[Para 1 8] It is another object of the QUIK MAT to have a handle that is accessible when the mat is folded in either direction. Since the living hinges allow the mat to be folded in either orientation the handle can exist on either side of the mat. The handles are hinged and have a finger opening to allow the handle to be raised for gripping regardless of which side of the mat is sitting on the ground.

[Para 1 9] It is still another object of the QUIK MAT to have magnetic inserts that are attracted to complimentary magnets on adjacent sides of the mat together when the mat is not being used.

[Para 20] Various objects, features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention, along with the accompanying drawings in which like numerals represent like components.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING(S) [Para 21 ] FIG. I shows a top view of the QUIK MAT. [Para 22] FIG. 2 shows a side view of a flattened QUIK MAT. [Para 23] FIG. 3 shows the QUIK MAT in a slightly folded orientation.

[Para 24] FIG. 4 shows the QUIK MAT folded flat with the handles in an inward orientation.

[Para 25] FIG. 5 shows the QUIK MAT folded flat with the handles in an outward orientation.

[Para 26] FIG. 6 shows the QUIK MAT made with smaller inner panels that allows the handles to fold within the QUIK MAT.

[Para 27] FIG. 7 shows the QUIK MAT in an open orientation to allow the QUIK MAT to carry material.

[Para 28] FIG. 8 shows the QUIK MAT folded with the handles in an adjacent orientation.

[Para 29] FIG. 9 shows the QUIK MAT folded as a "V" shaped display board.

[Para 30] FIG. 1 0 shows the QUIK MAT folded as a "W" shaped display board.

[Para 31 ] FIG. 1 1 shows the QUIK MAT folded as a "C" shaped display board.

[Para 32] FIG. 1 2 shows a sectional profile of a corrugated plastic cardboard QUIK MAT.

[Para 33] FIG. I 3 shows a sectional profile of a corrugated QUIK MAT.

[Para 34] FIG. 1 4 shows a sectional profile of a foam or semi-solid core QUIK MAT.

[Para 35] FIG. I 5 shows a detailed view of the peripheral Mp of the QUIK MAT. [Para 36] FIG. I 6 shows an alternate view of the peripheral Mp of the QUIK MAT. [Para 37] FIG. I 7 shows an alternative folding of the QUIK MAT. [Para 38] FIG. I 8 shows a detailed view of the handle of the QUIK MAT.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[Para 39] FIG. I shows a top view of the QUIK MAT 20. In the preferred embodiment the mat 20 is configured in a size of 32 inches by 48 inches with four sections that are each separated with bi-directional folding hinges 60. Each hinge 60 allows each panel section 61 to be folded in either direction. The folding is shown and described in more detail with figures 3, 4, 5, 6, 9, 10 and 1 1 . In the preferred embodiment the mat is made from a semirigid polypropylene material, but other materials are contemplated that would provide similar or superior properties as described herein. The interior area 21 of the mat has a tapered beveled edge 22 that exists around the exterior of the mat. The beveled edge allows the exterior of the mat to lay flat against the ground for the mat to be used as a dust collection pan. A detailed view of the tapered edge is shown and described in more detail with figures 8 and 9. The exterior edge also has a raised lip that forms a 'dam' that enables the mat to retain liquid to allow the mat to be used to collect dripping of oil or water and prevent runoff of any fluid that falls onto the mat. In the preferred embodiment the raised Mp runs around the entire mat, but it is also contemplated that the Mp could run around each panel section 61 . Details of the raised lip are shown and described in more detail with figure 8 and 9.

[Para 40] At two ends of the mat handle hold holes 30 exist. Each handle 30 is hinged and has a finger opening 31 to allow a person to easily grip and lift the mat. A plurality of magnet inserts 40 exist in the field of the mat. It is contemplated that these magnet inserts 40 are made of a rubberized magnet to prevent potential rusting of the magnet. The magnet inserts 40 are located to attract to each other to retain the mat in a closed configuration to prevent the mat from opening while in transport or storage. A series of holes 50 are placed along one side of the mat to allow the QUIK MAT to be hung on a wall. The hole is a combination of a center hole with an elongated slot for placement on a variety of hanging mechanisms.

[Para 41 ] FIG. 2 shows a side view of a flattened QUIK MAT 20. This side view shows the tapered edges 22 of the mat to allow a person to sweep or rake items or debris onto the mat surface. The bottom 25 of the mat is essentially a flat planar surface and the tapered edges 22 exist all around the perimeter of the mat to allow for sweeping onto the mat from any side of the mat. A portion of the handle 32 is visible in this view. The handle 30 is formed or punched from three sides of the mat where it is held to the mat from only one hinged side. From this view the three hinge areas 60 are visible showing that they are slightly thinner than the remainder of the mat. The hinges allow each mat section to be folded in either direction, and the hinge is configured to allow the mat material to fold upon itself as is shown and described in figures 3-5.

[Para 42] FIG. 3 shows the QUIK MAT in a slightly folded orientation. From this figure the mat is being folded in a zigzag manner, as shown with arrows 70, 71 and 72 that allows the mat to be folded into a smaller configuration that is shown in FIG. 4. The living hinges 60 exist between the panels. While the QUIK MAT is shown with four panels and three hinge areas, it is contemplated that the mat can be made from a single panel or from many more than four panels. It is also contemplated that the center panel could be twice as large as the outer panels and the outer panels hinge onto the center panel.

[Para 43] FIG. 4 shows the QUIK MAT folded flat with the handles in an inward orientation while FIG. 5 shows the QUIK MAT folded flat with the handles in an outward orientation. The hinges 60 are shown on the outside of these folded panels. In figure 4 the beveled edge 22 is located on the outside of the panel(s) with the handle portion 30 shown on the inside of the panel. In figure 5 the beveled edge 22 is shown in the inside with the handle portion 30 being shown on the outside of the panel. In Figure 6 the inner panels are shorter than the outer panels 61 . In this configuration, when the handles 30 are folded inward, they occupy the same dimensional space as the inner panels thereby making the folded QUIK MAT easier to grasp.

[Para 44] FIG. 7 shows the QUIK MAT 20 in an open orientation to allow the QUIK MAT to carry material while FIG. 8 shows the QUIK MAT 20 folded with the handles 30 in an adjacent orientation. The configuration shown in FIG. 7 is typical when the mat is being used to transport material that exceeds the volume that can be contained in the mat where the ends of the mat can touch as shown in FIG. 8. In figure 7 the beveled edge 22 exists around the outside of the mat. The two handles are shown on the outsides of the mat with the hanging holes or notches 50 on the upper end of the mat. Some of the magnets 40 are visible in this view. The mat 20 is shown bending along the living hinge portions 60. In FIG. 8 the handles 30 are brought in close proximity. In this configuration a user can place their fingers or hand through both sets of handle holes 30 to carry the mat with just one hand.

[Para 45] FIG. 9 shows the QUIK MAT folded as a "V" shaped display board. FIG. 10 shows the QUIK MAT folded as a "W" shaped display board. The handles 30 are folded flat with the panels. The QUIK MAT is folded along only the center bend thereby creating a display board. The panel shown in this figure uses corrugated plastic cardboard, and a typical cross section of this material is shown in figure 1 2. The beveled or periphery edge 22 is shown bending away on both sides of the panel. In figure 1 0 the QUIK MAT is configured in a "W" with the handles 30 also shown folded flush with the panels. In this figure the inner panels are shown with smaller widths and shown in figure 6. The beveled or periphery edge 22 is tapered inward with this view. In figure 1 1 the QUIK MAT is shown folded as a "C" shaped display board configuration.

[Para 46] FIG. 1 2 shows a sectional profile of a corrugated plastic cardboard QUIK MAT. From this profile the material is constructed with two outer panels having perpendicular member extending between and connecting the outer skins. To create the bend area's the outer skin is slit 51 or a portion of the skin is removed 52. In the case where the handles are formed, an arced area is cut through the material and one skin remains intact on one side of the handle to form the hinge. In another contemplated embodiment a compressed or thinned area 53 is used to form the bi-directional hinge. To create the tapered edge 22 or edges the material is crushed, melted, heat staked, ultrasonically welded or formed with the manufacturing of the material. A raised Mp area 24 is shown along the tapered side to allow for collection of any liquid fluid that is brought into the center field of the QUIK MAT.

[Para 47] FIG. 1 3 shows a sectional profile of a corrugated QUIK MAT. This material is formed from a true corrugated material where the inner core corrugated between the two outer skins. To create the bend area's the outer skin is slit 51 or a portion of the skin is removed 52. The handles and tapered edge is formed in a similar manner as described with figure 1 1 above.

[Para 48] FIG. 14 shows a sectional profile of a foam or semi-solid core QUIK MAT. From this profile the material is a foam or semi solid core with two outer panels bonded, formed or skinned between or onto the central core. To create the bend area's the outer skin is slit or removed 51 or a portion of the skin and or core is removed 52. In the case where the handles are formed, an arced area is cut through the material and one skin remains intact on one side of the handle to form the hinge. In another contemplated embodiment a compressed or thinned area 53 is used to form the bi-directional hinge. To create the tapered edge 22 or edges the material is crushed, melted, heat staked, ultrasonically welded or formed with the manufacturing of the material. A raised lip area 24 is shown along the tapered side to allow for collection of any liquid fluid that is brought into the center field of the QUIK MAT.

[Para 49] FIG. I 5 shows a detailed view of the peripheral Mp of the QUIK MAT. In the preferred embodiment the edge feature has a raised perimeter feature with a height of approximately 0.090 inches in height 24 while the remainder of the mat has a height of approximately 0.060 inches in height 23. The raised lip 24 enables liquid retention; added rigidity provides a dam thus allowing the mat to retain liquid material without absorption or spilling of the liquid outside of the mat. The tapered edge 22 is placed at an angle of approximately 45 degrees to allow debris to be easily swept over the lip 24 and into the depressed mat area.

[Para 50] FIG. I 6 shows an alternate view of the peripheral Mp of the QUIK MAT. In this figure a recess exists around the underside of the mat for a gasket 25 or foot to be placed to reduce movement of the mat. The gasket or foot 25 is made from a rubber or other similar material to increase the friction of the mat against the ground.

[Para 51 ] FIG. I 7 shows an alternative folding of the QUIK MAT 20. This folding is contemplated where the middle sections of the mat 20 are placed on a table or counter and the back of the mat 20 sits against a backsplash while the front of the mat drapes over the front edge of the table or counter. This configuration might be used when cutting items on a kitchen counter and the QUIK MAT 20 is simply lifted away to ease in clean-up. Another use might be as a cover on a bench vehicle seat to catch cargo debris or spills. The handles 30, wall hanger 50 and magnets 40 are visible in this figure. [Para 52] FIG. I 8 shows a detailed view of the handle of the QUIK MAT. The mat handle hold holes 30 consists of two separate hinged 34 parts that exist on the mat 21 . The first part is a band 32 that hinges 34 near the outer edge of the mat 21 . The second part is a tab 33 that is hinged 34 between the band 32. The tab 33 has an ellipse 31 formed on an elongated end to create a finger opening 31 . The combination of a ban 32, tab 33 and finger ellipse allows the mat to be more easily lifted from a flat surface where a user can grasp the band 32 or the tab 33 to raise one panel of the QUIK MAT.

[Para 53] Thus, specific embodiments of a QUIK MAT have been disclosed. It should be apparent, however, to those skilled in the art that many more modifications besides those described are possible without departing from the inventive concepts herein. The inventive subject matter, therefore, is not to be restricted except in the spirit of the appended claims.