GB2586879A

GB2586879A - Silicone Fingers

Info

Publication number: GB2586879A
Application number: GB1912965.9A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Day Robert; Hadfield Kevin
Original assignee: Mattii Labs Ltd
Current assignee: Mattii Labs Ltd
Priority date: 2019-09-09
Filing date: 2019-09-09
Publication date: 2021-03-10
Anticipated expiration: 2039-09-09
Also published as: GB2589707B; GB201912965D0; GB202014024D0; GB2586879B; GB2589707A

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a mat 1 comprising a base 3 and a plurality of flexible fingers 2 extending from one surface of the base. Each finger comprises: a base first diameter section 10 being adjacent to the base, a second diameter section 11 at the distal end of the finger and an intermediate section 12 located between the first section and the second section, the intermediate section comprising a diameter which varies from the first diameter to the second diameter. Preferably the first diameter is larger than the second and the intermediate section is tapered. Optionally the distal end of the fingers is hemi-spherical. The mat can be either a one piece construction or made from different materials with a shore hardness in the range of Shore A 30 – 60. The fingers or base could be made from silicone or polyurethane elastomer and comprise silver powder. Preferably the first diameter section is 2 – 5 mm long, 6 – 12 mm in diameter, the second section is 24 – 33 mm long and 4 – 10 mm in diameter and the intermediate section 5 – 20 mm long.

Description

MAT WITH FLEXIBLE FINGERS

The present disclosure relates to a mat comprising a plurality of flexible fingers on one or more sides thereof. The specific design of said mat allows for multiple uses depending upon the final configuration thereof.

It is well-known that people tend to play with items with their hands, either whilst concentrating on difficult tasks to provide a calming sensory feedback, during conversations to assist focusing the mind or indeed in times of calm simply as a method of providing pleasant sensory feedback. Such feedback can also be of benefit in cases where nerve damage has occurred; continued gentle stimulation of the nerves at the extremities, typically the hands, can assist in improving the signalling and regaining some sense of touch with time. Such products, either for casual use or medical use, are based on the tactile interaction between the user and said product. The present disclosure provides a convenient design for such uses, having a pleasing and reinforcing tactile effect on the user.

In the field of animal care, problems can exist with animals eating too quickly and suffering from essentially the same problems effecting humans who overeat or eat too quickly. Slowing down the eating habits of animals is non-trivial, and it is not always easy to train animals to either eat more slowly, or to enjoy smaller portions more often. Furthermore, such feeding plans are often difficult in today's society.

Mats of the disclosure herein can also be used as products for encouraging more natural and slower eating in animals, thus reducing the health problems associated with overeating or fast eating in pets.

Problems with regard to bedridden patients are, sadly, well-known. Lying for long periods of time in bed can lead to significant reduction in the airflow underneath the patients, and in cases where it is not readily possible to turn patients, this can lead to bedsores and the like. Appropriately shaped mats of the present disclosure can be used as mattresses, or at least as mattress tops, for improving airflow underneath patients. Additionally, designs which benefit bedridden patients are also of benefit for people and animals on hot days, providing a comfortable mat/blanket substitute for lying upon.

The mats of the present disclosure are beneficial in each of the three disparate fields described above. They provide a simple and yet effective product in addressing one or more of the above issues, wherein the size of mat and nature of the finger array is tailored for each end use.

The present disclosure thus provides a mat comprising a base and a plurality of flexible fingers extending from one surface of the base, wherein each of the fingers comprises: a first diameter section at the proximal end of the finger, that being adjacent the base, a second diameter section at the distal end of the finger and an intermediate section located between the first diameter section and the second diameter section, the intermediate section comprising a diameter which varies from the first diameter to the second diameter when progressing from the first diameter section to the second diameter section.

Embodiments of the invention define different sizes to the fingers and base as well as specific aspects of the construction, material choice and finger array.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Fig. 1: Four views of a mat according to the present disclosure Fig. 2: Another four views of a different mat of the present disclosure showing a different pitch and size of fingers Fig. 3: A close-up of a finger according to the present disclosure Fig. 4: The finger according to Fig. 3 showing different zones and sizes on the finger Fig. 5: Table 1 showing range of possible sizes for fingers and mat Fig. 6: Table 2 showing a preferred combination of values for fingers and mats

of the disclosure

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Figs. 1 and 2 show aspects of the present disclosure and relate to a mat 1 comprising an array of fingers 2 extending from one side of the mat 1. The plurality of fingers 2 are, as can be seen in the figures, preferably arranged in a regular array on one surface of the mat 1. As will be seen in each of Figs. 1 and 2, the mat 1 comprises the array of fingers 2 and a base 3. In combination, the fingers 2 and base 3 make up the mat 1 of this disclosure. It is also possible to generate a mat 1, wherein the fingers 2 extend from both sides of the base 3.

The fingers 2 are made from a flexible material, preferably some form of rubber -natural or synthetic. The material of the fingers 2 is not particularly limited, however a silicone material is particularly advantageous as this material is both flexible and chemically inert with good hygienic properties. Polyurethane elastomers may also be used. The mat 1 will often come into contact with humans and animals using the mat 1, thus meaning that the use of silicone or polyurethane elastomer fingers 2 is advantageous in reducing undesirable reactions. Furthermore, the use of an inert flexible material, such as the silicone rubber or polyurethane elastomer, also means that the mat 1 can be used in patient and animal care: many silicone rubber materials are also medically approved, for example in the US under FDA approval. Further advantages of using such silicone rubber or polyurethane elastomer materials, is that the fingers 2 and base 3 can be formed to include silver powder -thus giving the mat 1 antibacterial and antimicrobial properties, a further advantage when the mat 1 is used by individuals and animals.

The particular silicone rubber or polyurethane elastomer which is chosen can vary the end properties of the matrix of fingers 2, and thus tailor the mat 1 for appropriate end usage. In particular, the silicone material can be to give different flexibilities and hardness, hardness being defined by means of the known "shore hardness scale". By tuning the choice of silicone or polyurethane elastomer material, the fingers 2 and base 3 can be provided with different flexibilities: either the same material can be used for the fingers 2 and base 3, giving uniform flexibility across the whole mat; alternatively, the fingers 2 could be formed from a different silicone or polyurethane elastomer material from the base 3, thus giving a different flexibility to the fingers 2 with respect to the base 3. For example, the end usage of the mat 1 may require a more rigid base 3, however the fingers 2 may be desired to be more flexible than the base 3. In this manner, the fingers 2 can be selected from a material, for example silicone rubber or polyurethane elastomer, with a lower shore hardness rating than the base 3. It is expected that the fingers 2 and base 3 will be best served from silicone materials with a Shore A hardness of between 30 and 60. It is expected that the choice of this particular compound and flexibility/hardness will allow the mat 1 to fulfil a wide range of end roles.

As can be seen from the mat 1 in Figs. 1 and 2, the fingers 2 may be arranged in a square matrix or array. That is, a finger 2 is positioned at the apex of a square to form a repeat array across the surface of the base 3. The choice of a square array is by example only, and it will be apparent that other arrays of fingers 2 on the base 3 are conceivable. Any tessellating regular geometric figure would allow for a full array of fingers 2 to be located on the base 3 of the mat 1. By way of example, instead of the square array shown in the figures, a triangular array would lead to an appropriate repeat pattern of fingers 2, and would also provide a mat 1 of the present disclosure. Other array shapes are conceivable, these include, but are not limited to, rectangular IS arrays, hexagonal arrays or a mix of two different types of geometric shape, for example octagons and squares, to lead to a slightly irregular density of fingers 2 on the surface of the base 3.

Forming the mat 1 according to the present disclosure can be achieved in a number of different ways. One preferred method of manufacture is that of injection moulding the entire combination of fingers 2 and base 3, to produce a single element of fingers 2 and base 3 in the form of a mat 1. Evidently, the single injection moulding step will lead to a uniform end mat 1, and can be completed in a single injection moulding step. Additionally, it is possible to have a dual material injection moulding process, such that the material being injected into the fingers 2 is a different material from that of the base 3. Such dual-injection moulding techniques are well-known in the art, and the skilled person will appreciate the final structure which would result therefrom.

Another technique for manufacturing the mat 1 is a combination technique wherein the base 3 is manufactured separately from individual fingers 2. The base 3 may be formed from the desired end material, wherein this material may be a flexible material as described above, but may be a solid material such as metal, wood, solid plastics and the like. End uses of the mat 1 may benefit from having a rigid base 3 with flexible fingers 2 on one surface of the base 3. The use of a rigid base 3 allows for the mat 1 to have a defined footprint and can consequently occupy a desired topography, wherein this need not be limited to a flat sheet. By producing the base 3 with the desired shape and topography and from the desired end material, the resultant mat 1 can take on a variety of different forms. Once the base 3 has been manufactured, the fingers 2 can be fit into a plurality of appropriately shaped holes through the base 3. It will also be appreciated that the base 3 may be quite thick, such that only a portion of the fingers 2 are fitted within blind holes in one of the surfaces of the base 3. The base 3 may either be formed with an appropriate array of holes in the surface thereof, or blind holes in the chosen surface or surfaces for finger 2 insertion, or the holes may be formed after the base 3 has been manufactured. Such hole formation can proceed by a simple drilling step, or the like.

Once the holes in the base 3 have been manufactured, the fingers 2 are then forced into the holes and held therein to produce the final mat 1. The fingers 2 may be friction fit and held within the holes base 3, or they can be held in the base 3 by means of an adhesive or melting and fusing the base and fingers 2 together, to form a mat 1.

It is generally conceived that the original structure of the mat 1 will be of a planar base 3 structure, such that the base 3 is as shown in Figs. 1 and 2. With such a flat base 3, it is preferable for the fingers 2 to be provided in the array such that the fingers 2 extend substantially perpendicular from the plane of the base 3.

Additionally, it is desirable for the fingers 2 to extend substantially parallel with respect to each other, as shown in the figures 1 and 2, thus leading to a generally upstanding array of figures 2. Of course, if the base is flat and the fingers are formed to be perpendicular to the surface, the fingers 2 will extend parallel with each other. Alternatively, if the base is not flat but has a 3D curved structure, the fingers 2 may not extend perpendicularly from the surface of the base 3, but can still be structured to extend parallel with respect to each other. Alternatively, the fingers 2 of such a non-planar base 3, may extend perpendicularly from the base 3 and would thus not extend parallel with each other. The specific positioning of the fingers 2 in the base 3 depends upon the end usage of the mat 1.

Each of the fingers 2 of the mat 1 has a particular physical form, and desirably each of the fingers 2 in the mat 1 has the same general shape. Fig. 3 shows a single finger and explains each of the different elements which are preferably seen in the finger 2. As mentioned, it is preferable for the mat 1 to comprise a plurality of fingers 2, wherein each of the fingers is of the same size and structure. Of course, a mat 1 can be manufactured in which different shaped/sized fingers 2 are positioned in an array, thus leading to a different final end product. It is to be generally expected, however, that the end mat 1 will comprise predominantly one form of finger 2, and that this will be repeated throughout the whole mat 1.

Considering Fig. 3, this shows the finger 2 to have four distinct sections therein. The finger 2 is shown in a vertical orientation, and such fingers 2 can also be seen in Figs. 1 and 2. At the first end of the finger 2, that which is intended to be closest to the base 3 of the mat 1, the finger 2 possess a so-called first diameter section 10. As will be noted from the fingers 2 in the figures, the fingers 2 are expected to be approximately cylindrical in form, with varying diameters along the length of the finger 2. Of course, this is one preferred example, and it is conceivable that the fingers would have a different shaped cross-section, for example any of the regular geometric figures -triangle, square, pentagonal, hexagonal and so forth, as well as none regular cross-sections, such as rectangles and ovals and the like. When the discussion of diameter is presented below, this diameter is taken to be the largest cross-sectional measurement through the shape making up the cross-section of the finger 2. For example, in circular cross-section fingers 2, the diameter of a circle is well-defined. In the case of a square, for example, the diameter would be the largest diameter from opposing corners thereof. In each case, the term "diameter" is intended to be the largest cross-sectional measurement of the section making up the finger 2.

Adjacent to the first diameter section 10 moving from the proximal lower end of the finger 2, this being the end intended to be next to the base 3, the finger 2 comprises an intermediate section 12. The intermediate section 12 is provided with a variable diameter, wherein the proximal diameter is the same as the diameter of the first diameter section 10 of the finger 2. Moving along the intermediate section 12, the diameter thereof changes, such that at the distal end of the intermediate section 12, the diameter matches that of the second diameter section 11 of the finger 2. The second diameter section 11 extends from the distal end of the intermediate section 12 to the distal end of the finger 2. In the figures, the distal end of the second diameter section 11 ends at a tip 13 (at the distal end) of the finger 2. As is shown in the figures, one preferred form of the tip 13 of the finger 2 is that of a hemispherical, rounded tip 13. The shape of the tip 13 of the fingers 2 is not limited to a rounded, hemispherical tip 13, however this forms a preferred end to the fingers 2. The reason for using the rounded tip 13 is one of user interaction, wherein the rounded tip 13 is particularly tactile and provides a nicer sensation to the user of the mat 1.

The whole finger 2 is, as seen in Fig. 3, made up of the first diameter section 10, intermediate section 12 and second diameter section 11, wherein the bp 13 is optionally positioned at the distal end of the second diameter section 11. The intermediate section 12 of the finger 2 is shown to have a linearly variable diameter, such that the intermediate section 12 linearly tapers from the first diameter section to the second diameter section 11. This linear tapering is a preferred option, as it provides a gradual change in the flexibility of the fingers 2 from the first diameter section 10 through to the second diameter section 11, however it is also possible for the intermediate section 12 to have different forms. For example, the diameter of the intermediate section 12 could vary in a curved manner, such as an S-curve from the diameter of the first diameter section 10 to the diameter of the second diameter section 11. An abrupt change in diameter is also possible, however this may not lead to such a strong overall finger 2 design, as the discontinuity in the change of diameter may lead to a stress point in the finger 2 and a weakness therein. As will be appreciated from Figs. 1 and 2, the mat 1 is made up of an array of fingers 2 showing the three distinct sections along the length of said fingers 2, to thus provide the resultant mat 1.

It is preferred for stability of the mat 1, and in particular of the fingers 2, that the first diameter section 10 has a larger diameter than the second diameter section 11.

The strength of interaction between the finger 2 and the mat 3 is increased by having the first diameter section 10, wherein this of course leads to a stronger fixing of the finger 2 to the mat 3. It will be appreciated that providing the fingers 2 with a single diameter, or just a tapered section like the intermediate section 12 leading to a straight second diameter section 11, would not lead to such a stable interaction and fixation of the fingers 2 to the base 3. Indeed, the first diameter section 10 provides a rigid fixing to the base 3, whilst also providing the starting point of the flexible nature of each of the fingers 2 but then allowing a gradual change in the flexibility along the length of the finger 2. The first diameter section 10 therefore greatly improves the stability of the mat 1, by ensuring that the fingers 2 are each well integrated with the base 3; this structure also allows the fingers 2 to exhibit similar flexibility behaviour, as the flexibility generally increases in a regular manner along each of the fingers 2 from the first diameter section 10 through the intermediate section 12 to the second diameter section 11.

It will be understood that an almost infinite possibility of finger 2 sizes and base 3 thicknesses can be conceived of. The size of the finger 2 is generally chosen

S

dependent upon the end use of the mat 1. If the end usage requires a mat 1 with a soft feel thereto, the fingers 2 are desirably of a narrower and longer structure, more densely packed on the base 3 and are made of a material with a lower Shore A hardness rating. Alternatively, if the use of the mat 1 requires a more rigid or firm upper surface, for example the massage type properties described below or for providing support for heavier individuals or animals to lie on, the fingers 2 can be made with larger first and second diameters for the first diameter section and second diameter section 11, respectively, and indeed the overall length of the fingers 2 can be tailored to ensure the desired flexibility. Furthermore, the pitch of the array of fingers 2 can be appropriately chosen to provide greater or lesser support to the end user.

As can be seen in Fig. 4, each of the sections of the finger 2 is provided with specific lengths and diameters. For the range of intended uses of the mat 1, appropriate selection of the particular sizes of each of the sections of the finger 2 (in combination with the flexibility of the end material and the thickness of the base 3) will lead to a number of varied structures with end properties desirable for particular functions. The measurements of the different sections for a number of different fingers 2 can be seen in tables 1 and 2 of Figures 5 and 6. Table 1 gives a general range of values for each of the individual sections of the finger as shown in Fig. 4, whereas table 2 provides a particularly desirable selection of finger sizes and individual sections of the fingers 2. Additionally seen in tables 1 and 2, are values for the spacing between the fingers 2, as well as possible thicknesses for the base layer 3. It is of particular note that the thickness of the base layer is generally not decisive in determining the end feel and tactile properties of the mat 1. The base 3 generally provides an appropriate structure for the array of fingers 2, but has less or even no actual input on the final tactile nature of the mat 1. To this end, the thickness of the base 3 is very much by way of example and is not to be considered as a limiting feature of the overall design of the mat 1. The base thickness is indicated in the tables, as this leads to a particular combination of finger array 2 and mat base 3 which leads to a mat 1 which is both completely flexible, thus meaning that the base 3 should be chosen from a flexible material similar to that of the fingers 2 in the manner described above, whilst also providing appropriate support for the particular fingers 2. As will thus be noted, the larger fingers 2 shown as fingers C and D in tables 1 and 2, tend to be provided with a base 3 with greater thickness, as this will more rigidly and stably hold the fingers 2 in the mat 1.

As will also be apparent from Figures 3 and 4, the lower portion of the first diameter section 10 preferably does not transition to the base 3 abruptly, but, as is shown, it has a curved section; in Figures 4, this has a radius of curvature, r. In general, the radius of curvature for each finger 2 will be between 0.5mm and 2mm, ideally around lmm. This radius of curvature not only improves the strength of the connection of the finger 2 with the base 3, but also improves manufacturing of the mat 1, especially when the mat 1 is a single piece construction. The measurements for the diameter, d, of the first diameter section 10 throughout this disclosure does not take account of the curved section, and relates to the diameter of the straight-walled section. The height, X, of the first diameter section 10, by contrast, generally relates to the height from the bottom of the radius of curvature to the distal end of the first diameter section 10 as it transitions to the intermediate section 12.

Particular selections of the overall size of the finger 2 as well as the material making up the finger and the overall mat 1 are as follows: Firstly, the relative diameters of the first diameter section and second diameter section 11, as well as the overall length of the finger 2 and the choice of material is ideally selected, such that the finger 2 remains substantially straight in all orientations of the mat 1. That is, the size and shape of the finger 2, as well as the material thereof, is chosen to ensure that the finger 2 does not droop in any orientation of the mat 1. This sets a minimum boundary for the combination of finger geometry and material hardness.

Secondly, the array of fingers 2 can be selected, such that it is possible to bend one of the fingers 2 over into the structure of the finger array, and pass the bent finger 2 through adjacent fingers 2 making up columns or rows of the finger array, without substantially moving any of the other fingers 2. This means that the movement of any individual finger does not have to influence the position and orientation of any other fingers in the mat 1, thus ensuring that the fingers 2 generally have complete freedom to move when under physical stress and adopt any orientation generally unhindered. That is, the movement of some of the fingers 2, perhaps by a user putting their hand on the mat 1, will tend to mean that the majority of fingers 2 under the hand of the user are free to move over the surface of the mat 1 and do not interlock and block the full movement of each other, to bring the fingers 2 into near contact with the upper surface of the base 3. This means that the flexibility and range of movement of the fingers 2 is primarily unhindered, which greatly improves the tactile feel of the mat 1 to a user.

Thirdly: one aspect which improves the interaction of the array of fingers 2 with the user, is the ratio of the length of the second diameter section 11 and the total length of the finger 2. It has been observed that the flexibility of the finger 2 is generally a result of the second diameter section, and in particular the length thereof. The second diameter section 11 will tend to bend most freely and lead to the intermediate section 12 also bending to a degree and allowing the finger to exhibit desirable flexibility properties. Ensuring that the length of the second diameter section 11 is between around 50% to 70% of the total length of the finger 2, preferably around 55% to 68% of the total length of the finger 2, means that the fingers 2 will have repeatable and desirable flexibility properties, whilst also ensuring that the first diameter section 10 firmly and rigidly holds the finger 2 in combination with the base 3.

Fourthly, if the base 3 is to be chosen from a flexible material, thus allowing for the mat 1 to be flexible in use, the thickness of the base 3 can be between around 50% to 62% of the diameter of the first diameter section of the finger 2, and/or this means that the overall flexibility of the mat 1 can also benefit from an appropriately stable base 3 which provides rigid connection to the fingers 2, whilst also allowing for appropriate flexibility of the base 3 to cover any desired topography of the mat 1.

Fifthly, the preferred finger structure is that the diameter of first diameter section 10 is larger than that of the second diameter section 11. In particular, the second diameter is between around 65% to 85% the diameter of the first diameter section 10. Preferably, the diameter of the second diameter section 11 is between 69% and 80%, further preferably one of 69%, 75% or 80% of the first diameter section 10.

This ratio between the two diameters leads to desirable and appropriate flexibilities of the fingers 2 when integrated with the mat 1.

As can be seen from above as well as the values given in tables 1 and 2 for the fingers 2, the mat 1 is intended to have a number of selected combinations of fingers and spacings on the base 3. The combination of finger design, that being one of A, B, C, or D as shown in tables 1 and 2, with appropriate spacings between the fingers 2, leads to different tactile properties of the mat 1 and consequently different uses thereof. The values for the fingers A-D and spacings given in tables 1 and 2, are particularly interesting for a range of different uses of the mat 1; it will be appreciated, however, the spacing between the fingers 2 is not limiting in the overall mat 1. Should different uses or different desired tactile properties of the mat 1 be desired, a different combination of fingers 2 and spacings there-between, is to be fully contemplated. The combinations of finger sizes and array spacings in tables 1 and 2, leads to a number of particular properties and end uses of the mat 1.

As has been mentioned, the mat 1 provides a very specific and particular tactile feel to the user. It has been noted by the Applicants that certain combinations of finger choice, A-D, with different finger spacings, leads to different end uses of the mat 1.

For example, the combination of the fingers A or B in a relatively tight packed array, perhaps with spacings between the fingers 2 of between 6 and 16 mm, wherein the spacings here and throughout this text refer to the central longitudinal axis of one finger 2 to the central longitudinal axis of an adjacent finger 2 spacing, leads to a particular sensation when the user interacts with the mat 1. In particular, the sensory feedback and tactile nature of such mats 1 is particularly stimulating to the nerves in the hand, for example, which is interacting with the mat 1. Such sensory feedback is useful in a range of particular situations, and can be highly beneficial in situations for reducing stress of the user, or simply providing a relaxing sensation to the user interacting with the mat 1. Furthermore, medical based uses are also contemplated for patients who have suffered nerve damage, perhaps from diabetes or the use of drugs which effect the nerves, for example chemotherapy drugs, wherein interacting with the mat 1 generates a number of sensory signals which can help improve nerve sensations in the extremities, in particular fingers of the patient. It has been noted that users of the mat 1 find a combination of fingers A or B at the spacings given in table 1, to be particularly calming and provide positive reinforcement and comfort to the user. For medical uses, the extent of nerve damage is of relevance, and it is also been seen that for severe nerve damage the combination of finger C at a spacing of between 10 and 20 mm (again centre-centre spacing of adjacent fingers 2) is particularly advantageous for providing more stimulation to the user, in particular the fingers, and can potentially improve the signalling and lead to improved sensation in the extremities. It is expected that a user may begin with a mat 1 comprising fingers C, and then progress through to a different mat 1 with fingers B or A, as nerve sensation improves with time.

Further uses for the mat 1 are as a mattress or bed for patients, general users or animals. Patients who are bed prone, typically suffer from decreased airflow underneath the patient when lying on a mattress. It will be appreciated that a larger mat 1 comprising appropriate fingers would provide a comfortable over-surface for lying upon, or at least for use with one or more limbs for resting upon, and would therefore also provide significantly increased airflow underneath the patient, user or limb resting on the mat 1. The fingers 2 are not so dense as to form a solid mat underneath the user, thus allowing for some airflow to exist and to improve the comfort for the user. The same can obviously apply to a casual mat 1 for use in hot weather or by pets for lying upon when hot. The choice of finger, A-D, and spacing there-between for appropriate mattress-type use of the mat 1, depends very much on the weight of the user or animal. Generally, however, fingers A-C with the spacing ranges given in table 1 are noted as being particularly appropriate for use as mattresses; in the case of children or smaller adults and pets, fingers A and B are ideal; larger to full sized adults may appreciate more the use of fingers B and C. The combination of fingers 2 and in the mat 1 can also be used as a sort of massage product. For example, a small mat 1 comprising fingers, ideally C or D, in the base 3 provide a solid but tactile surface for a footstool. The combination of fingers C and D, as shown in table 1, and with the spacing between said fingers 2 of between 12mm and 25mm, provides a solid upper surface to the mat 1 for interacting with feet of a user, thus bringing comfort to a user sitting for a long time. In the same manner as described above for the tactile mats, such footstool could lead to improved blood flow to the feet. The footstool also tends to lead to the person moving their feet more to gain sensory feedback, which obviously reduces the risk of poor blood flow leading to medical conditions.

One final usage for the mats 1 is as animal feeding mats. There is condition in animals called bloating, which is not unknown to humans when they over eat, which results from animals eating their food too quickly. Most animals developed as animals foraging for food, and consequently tended to eat smaller portions spread out throughout the day. If an animal, for example a cat or dog, is provided with a bowl of food, it is not uncommon for the animal to eat too quickly, thus leading to essentially indigestion or bloating, which is uncomfortable for the animal. In the same manner as for humans, forcing an animal to eat more slowly will reduce the effects of overeating and bloating, and will be more comfortable for the animal. The mat 1 can be used as a feeding mat for pets, wherein animal food can be essentially strewn across mat 1 leading to the animal needing to forage for said food. Essentially, any of the finger combinations A-D as given in table 1 will allow for animals to interact with the mat 1 in a more natural way in order to try and obtain food which is within the mat 1. Small dry food pellets for cats or dogs will tend to fall through the fingers 2 of the mat 1 and cannot be instantly accessed by the pet, thus meaning that the pet must essentially forage for each bit of food. This drastically increases the time taken by the animal to obtain the food, which reduces the effects of overeating and bloating. For smaller animals, such as cats and small dogs, the combination of finger B (or even finger A) in the mat 1 with small dried food is appropriate. Larger animals, for example larger dogs, would more likely benefit from fingers C or D in the mat, with larger food pellets or even wet food positioned within the finger 2 array.

As should be clear from the above, the possibilities for the mat 1 and end uses thereof are numerous. The combination of fingers and spacings given in tables 1 and 2 are particularly interesting combinations, but are no way exhaustive. It is the particular structure and shape of the fingers and spacings there-between, which provide the interesting tactile nature to the mat 1, and the combinations in tables 1 and 2 are not intended to be limiting. The current invention is thus appropriately defined in the attached claims and the above disclosure is intended to provide a combination of features and aspects which can be appropriately combined to lead to the invention.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A mat comprising a base and a plurality of flexible fingers extending from one surface of the base, wherein each of the fingers comprises: a first diameter section at the proximal end of the finger, that being adjacent the base, a second diameter section at the distal end of the finger and an intermediate section located between the first diameter section and the second diameter section, the intermediate section comprising a diameter which varies from the first diameter to the second diameter when progressing from the first diameter section to the second diameter section. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.
The mat of claim 1, wherein the first diameter is larger than the second diameter.
The mat of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the intermediate section is tapered and has a linearly varying diameter from the first diameter to the second diameter.
The mat of any of the previous claims, wherein the distal end of the fingers is rounded, preferably hemi-spherical.
The mat of any of the previous claims, wherein the mat and fingers are a one-piece construction, preferably from a polymer extrusion of the same polymer material.
The mat of any of claims 1 to 4, wherein the mat comprises a plurality of holes and the proximal end of each of the plurality of fingers are located within one of the holes, respectively, wherein preferably the mat and the fingers are made from different materials exhibiting different shear hardness.
7. The mat of any of the previous claims, wherein the base and fingers have a shore hardness in the range of Shore A 30 to 60.
8. The mat of any of the previous claims, wherein the fingers extend substantially perpendicularly to the surface of the base and/or the fingers extend substantially parallel to each other.
9. The mat of any of the previous claims, wherein the fingers are located on the base in a tessellating array, wherein preferably the tessellating array is one of triangular, square, rectangular or hexagonal.
10. The mat of any of the previous claims, wherein the first and second diameter of the fingers, the shear hardness of the finger material and the overall length of the fingers are selected to ensure that the fingers remain substantially straight and substantially perpendicular to the base irrespective of the orientation of the base.
11. The mat of any of the previous claims, wherein the second diameter of the fingers and the spacing between the fingers are chosen to ensure that any of the fingers can be bent over such that the distal end of the second diameter section is brought into contact with the base surface and the finger lies between adjacent fingers without substantially moving the adjacent fingers.
12. The mat of any of the previous claims, wherein the length of the second diameter section ranges from around 50% to 70% of the total length of the finger, preferably the length of the second diameter section is around 55% or 68% of the total length of the finger.
13. The mat of any of the previous claims, wherein the thickness of the base ranges from around 50% to 62% of the diameter of the first diameter section of the finger and/or from around 1200/0 to 150°/0 the length of the first diameter section.
14. The mat of any of the previous claims, wherein the second diameter is between 65% and 85%, preferably between 69% and 80%, further preferably 69%, 75% or 80% of the first diameter.
15. The mat of any of the previous claims, wherein the base has a thickness of between 3mm and 8mm, preferably between 4mm and 6mm.
16. The mat of any of the previous claims, wherein the second diameter section has a length of between 24mm and 30mm, preferably 27mm, and a diameter of between 4mm and 5mm, preferably 4.5mm, and wherein the spacing between the fingers is between 7mm and 13mm, preferably 10mm.
17. The mat of claim 16, wherein the finger comprises one or more of the following: a) the first diameter section has a length of between 2mm and 4mm, preferably 3mm; b) the first diameter section has a diameter of between 6mm and 7mm, preferably 6.5mm; c) the intermediate section has a length of between 5mm and 9mm, preferably 7mm; and/or the base has a thickness of between 3mm and 5mm, preferably 4mm.
18. The mat of any of claims 1 to 15, wherein the second diameter section has a length of between 24mm and 30mm, preferably 27mm, and a diameter of between 5mm and 6mm, preferably 5.5mm, and wherein the spacing between the fingers is between 9mm and 16mm, preferably 12mm.
19. The mat of claim 18, wherein the finger comprises one or more of the following: a) the first diameter section has a length of between 2mm and 4mm, preferably 3mm; b) the first diameter section has a diameter of between 7mm and 9mm, preferably 8mm; c) the intermediate section has a length of between 12mm and 20mm, preferably 16mm; and/or the base has a thickness of between 3mm and 5mm, preferably 4mm.
20. The mat of any of claims 1 to 15, wherein the second diameter section has a length of between 26mm and 33mm, preferably 29mm, and a diameter of between 6mm and lOmm, preferably 8mm, and wherein the spacing between the fingers is between 12mm and 18mm, preferably 15mm.
21. The mat of claim 20, wherein the finger comprises one or more of the following: a) the first diameter section has a length of between 3mm and 5mm, preferably 4mm; b) the first diameter section has a diameter of between 8mm and 12mm, preferably 10mm; c) the intermediate section has a length of between 12mm and 19mm, preferably 15mm; and/or the base has a thickness of between 5mm and 7mm, preferably 6mm.
22. The mat of any of claims 1 to 15, wherein the second diameter section has a length of between 24mm and 30mm, preferably 27mm, and a diameter of between 7mm and 11mm, preferably 9mm, and wherein the spacing between the fingers is between 17mm and 23mm, preferably 20mm.
23. The mat of claim 22, wherein the finger comprises one or more of the following: 24. 25. 26.a) the first diameter section has a length of between 4mm and 6mm, preferably 5mm; b) the first diameter section has a diameter of between lOmm and 14mm, preferably 12mm; c) the intermediate section has a length of between 9mm and 15mm, preferably 12mm; and/or the base has a thickness of between 5mm and 7mm, preferably 6mm.The mat of any of the previous claims, wherein the fingers and/or base are made from a silicone material or polyurethane elastomer.The mat of any of the previous claims, wherein the fingers and/or base are made from a material comprising silver powder.The mat of any of the previous claims, wherein the proximal end of the first diameter section of each finger has a radius of curvature of between 0.5mm and 2mm, preferably lmm, forming the transition between the first diameter section and the base.