WO2023049462A1

WO2023049462A1 - Anti-contaminant protection mat

Info

Publication number: WO2023049462A1
Application number: PCT/US2022/044749
Authority: WO
Inventors: Robert A. MCMILLIAN
Original assignee: Mcdazzle Enterprises Worldwide Llc
Priority date: 2021-09-24
Filing date: 2022-09-26
Publication date: 2023-03-30
Also published as: US20230107464A1

Abstract

Devices, systems, and methods for a foldable protection mat include a foldable composite mat configured to fold in a folded closed configuration for storage and an unfolded open configuration to create a barrier that protects personal items from potentially dirty, unsanitary, and/or otherwise contaminated surfaces and preventing the dirty, unsanitary, and/or otherwise contaminated surface from contacting the personal item.

Description

ANTI-CONTAMINANT PROTECTION MAT

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to devices, systems, and methods for a foldable protection mat, which may be used on airplanes and in other transit vehicles, or other public spaces that may be prone to viral, bacterial, microbial, or other contaminants, that may provide storage spaces. In particular, some implementations may relate to a foldable protection mat that has an open configuration for protecting personal items from potentially dirty, unsanitary, and/or otherwise contaminated surfaces, and a closed configuration for preventing the potentially dirty, unsanitary, and/or otherwise contaminated surface to contact the personal item.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Public transit vehicles such as airplanes, buses, and trains generally provide storage spaces for personal items to be kept during travel. While using such public transit vehicles, passengers may desire, or be required, to store personal items at certain times during travel. Storage spaces, however, are often dirty, unsanitary, and/or otherwise contaminated with harmful microorganisms (e.g, bacteria, fungi, and viruses), alongside toxic or otherwise harmful chemicals. Similarly, general public locations sometimes provide public storage spaces, such as lockers, cubbies, shelves, or other storage areas, that may also be prone to contaminants. In some instances, individuals may transfer contaminants attached to their hands, the bottom of their shoes, or elsewhere to the storage spaces. For example, air traveling passengers who use airplane restrooms may track urine and fecal matter back to their seat from the restroom. Additionally, passengers with pets (e.g., dogs, cats, etc.) may track in animal feces or urine, or the animal may urinate or defecate directly onto the vehicles’ carpet. Consequently, individuals may be forced to use storage spaces during travel, or when using other public storage spaces, that are dirty, unsanitary, and/or otherwise contaminated. Exposing their personal items to such storage spaces is often unavoidable, thereby presenting unnecessary health risks to travelers, transit personnel, and others.

[0003] In some instances, individuals have resorted to placing makeshift barriers between their belongings and dirty surfaces. For example, individuals may place articles of clothing or magazines under their belongings. However, such makeshift barriers become contaminated themselves and must either be sanitized, sequestered, or discarded to mitigate the risk of contaminating belongings stored therein. This is problematic for at least three reasons. First, makeshift barriers can be non-uniform sizes or, more generally, the wrong size for personal belongings that a traveler is trying to protect. A negative result of this is having one’s personal belongings only partially separated from the dirty, unsanitary, and/or contaminated surface. Second, many makeshift barriers, for example magazines, have low friction coefficients, which may allow personal items to shift or slide off of the makeshift barrier when the public transit vehicles move, further exposing ones’ personal items to other sections of the surface when the vehicle, for example, turns. And third, makeshift barriers require the person protecting their personal belongings to handle the now dirty, unsanitary, and/or contaminated surface of the makeshift barrier when discarding the makeshift barrier, exposing their hands to the contamination they were attempting to protect themselves from. Better systems are needed.

SUMMARY

[0004] Devices, systems, and methods are described herein for a foldable protection mat equipped with configurations allowing for both protecting personal items from potentially dirty, unsanitary, and/or otherwise contaminated surfaces and preventing the dirty, unsanitary, and/or otherwise contaminated surface to contact the personal item. Contaminants may include bacteria, virus, biofluids, chemicals, fecal matter, dirt, dust, or other foreign particles and/or particles or liquids. In various embodiments, the foldable protection mat may include aa bottom layer affixed to a top layer to form a composite mat. The top layer may further includes loops that allow a traveler to both carry the foldable protection mat and lift the foldable protection mat from its open configuration on a contaminated surface to its closed configuration for transport. The composite mat may be bisected by a first crease to define a first section and a second section on opposite sides of the first crease. The composite mat may transition from an open configuration to a first closed configuration in which the first section and second section collapse together around a pivot point defined by the first crease such that first section abuts the second section.

[0005] In further embodiments, the foldable protection mat may include a second crease that crosses the first crease to form a third section and a fourth section on opposite sides of the second crease. The foldable protection mat may be transitioned into a second closed configuration when the third section and fourth section collapse together around a pivot point defined by the second crease such that the third section abuts the fourth section.

[0006] In further embodiments, the foldable protection mat may include a third crease that runs parallel to the first crease and forms a firth section and a sixth section on opposite sides of the third crease and is disposed within the first section. The foldable protection mat may also include a fourth crease that runs parallel to the first crease and forms a seventh section and an eighth section on opposite sides of the fourth crease and is disposed within the second section. The third crease and fourth crease may allow the foldable protection mat to transition to a third closed configuration wherein the fifth section and sixth section collapse together around a pivot point defined by the third crease such that the fifth section abuts the sixth section, and the seventh section and eighth section may collapse together around a pivot point defined by the fourth crease such the seventh section abuts the eighth section. [0007] When the foldable protection mat is in its closed configuration, certain embodiments conceal the bottom layer of the foldable protection mat such that contaminants are not spread. The foldable protection mat may be secured in the closed configuration by a plurality of magnets disposed between the top layer and the bottom layer. In embodiments, the foldable protection mat may be constructed from an impermeable material that may further be coated with an antimicrobial agent to further prevent transmission of contaminants. Additionally, the foldable protection mat may be stored or transported in a carrying case. Various embodiments of the foldable protection mat provide for single use or discardable foldable protection mats as well as reusable foldable protection mats.

[0008] Other features and aspects of the disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying figures, which illustrate, by way of example, the features in accordance with various embodiments. The summary is not intended to limit the scope of the invention, which is defined solely by the claims attached hereto.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0009] The technology disclosed herein, in accordance with one or more various embodiments, is described in detail with reference to the following figures. The figures are provided for purposes of illustration only and merely depict typical or example embodiments of the disclosed technology. These figures are provided to facilitate the reader’s understanding of the disclosed technology and shall not be considered limiting of the breadth, scope, or applicability thereof. It should be noted that for clarity and ease of illustration, these figures are not necessarily made to scale.

[0010] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an example foldable protection mat with loops, according to embodiments of the present disclosure. [0011] FIGS. 2A & 2B show top and botom views of an example foldable protection mat, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0012] FIG. 3 is a top view of an example foldable protection mat in a closed configuration, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0013] FIG. 4 is a top view of an example foldable protection mat in the open configuration with a laptop sleeve on top of the mat, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0014] FIG. 5 is a top view of an example carrying case with an example foldable protection mat stored inside, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0015] FIG. 6 is a top view of an example foldable protection mat with elastic bands, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0016] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an example disposable foldable protection mat, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0017] FIG. 8 is front view of an example disposable foldable protection mat configuration with a handbag on top of the mat, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0018] The figures are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. It should be understood that the disclosed embodiments can be practiced with modification and alteration, and that the disclosed technology be limited only by the claims and the equivalents thereof.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] The present disclosure relates to devices, systems, and methods for a foldable protection mat, which may be used on airplanes, other transit vehicles, and/or other public spaces that may provide storage spaces for personal items. Devices, systems, and methods disclosed herein may provide for improved cleanliness of personal items when traveling via public or private transit vehicles, or otherwise storing personal items in public storage spaces such as lockers, cubbies, or shelves. The foldable protection mat may be used to provide a barrier between such personal items, such as purses, bags, or similar, and the public storage environment when traveling or using public spaces, such that the personal items do not come in direct contact with the potentially dirty, unsanitary, and/or otherwise contaminated surfaces.

[0020] Conventional or makeshift barriers, such as using paper towels, magazines, newspapers, or other paper or cloth barriers, are generally ineffective at eliminating exposure to contaminated surfaces. Conventional or makeshift barriers may also allow for personal items to overhang from the barrier and/or slide off of the barrier, which can expose the personal item to the very surface one attempts to protect them from. Further, conventional or makeshift barriers require the individual to discard of the barrier using direct hand-to-barrier contact, increasing the risk of personal contamination from the barrier, which decreases the hygienic protection the individual aimed to achieve.

[0021] Embodiments of the present disclosure solve these problems by providing a foldable protection mat equipped with configurations allowing for an open configuration for protecting personal items from dirty, unsanitary, and/or otherwise contaminated surfaces, and a closed configuration for preventing the dirty, unsanitary, and/or otherwise contaminated surface from contacting the personal item at an exposed underside (bottom layer of the mat), thereby containing any harmful microorganisms (e.g., bacteria, fungi, and viruses) and/or toxic or otherwise harmful chemicals transferred from dirty surfaces to the mat. Furthermore, the closed configuration of the foldable protection mat may be easily stored in a sealable pouch or carrying case, without the need for the user to worry about cross-contamination. Further still, other embodiments of the foldable protection mat may be discarded after one or several uses.

[0022] In various embodiments, the foldable protection mat may enable efficient and practical protection for personal items across a variety of storage spaces. In certain embodiments, the foldable protection mat may be made of a disposable or semi-disposable material that may be discarded after one or several uses. While in further embodiments, the foldable protection mat may be made from a reusable or recycled material that may be cleaned after one or multiple uses and reused by the traveler on their next journey. The foldable protection mat may be constructed of fabric, plastic, or any other suitable material, with an elastic ring secured to the perimeter of the fabric, such that the fabric may be secured to a personal item such as a purse, computer bag, backpack, duffel bag, or briefcase with the elastic ring. The foldable protection mat may further be constructed with an anti-microbial layer that is disposed on the bottom layer or top layer of the mat to help reduce the microbials that reside on the mat during transport. The perimeter of the fabric may further constrict such that the side of the foldable protection mat that was touching the contaminated surface may be enclosed to an interior portion of the closed configuration of the foldable protection mat.

[0023] In embodiments, the foldable protection mat may have a smooth, slidable bottom layer and may have a configuration where the smooth, slidable bottom layer engages a dirty, unsanitary, and/or otherwise contaminated surface in a storage space. This configuration may be effective for situations where the foldable protection mat needs to be slid across a rigid or tacky surface such as carpet, plastic, or rubber. The foldable protection mat may also be foldable such that the bottom layer of the mat is concealed. This configuration may be effective for preventing cross-contamination of the dirty, unsanitary, and/or otherwise contaminated surface-exposed bottom of the mat. In various embodiments, the mat may be folded two or more times to contain the bottom layer of the mat from touching other things such as travelers or further personal items.

[0024] The foldable protection mat may be equipped with one or more loops and/or bands to assist with pulling the mat out of a storage space and with transitioning the mat from an open configuration to a closed configuration or vice versa. In some embodiments, the one or more loops may be placed on the edges or comers of the top layer of the foldable protection mat. In further embodiments, the one or more bands may be placed on the edges of the top layer of the foldable protection mat. In some embodiments, the mat may incorporate bands that extend substantially across the top layer of the foldable protection mat and may be used as handles to pull the mat from its resting configuration and cause the mat to fold into a folded configuration. In some embodiments, there may be two bands placed on opposing longitudinal edges of the mat spanning the width of the mat. In some examples, the bands may be fabricated from elastomers including natural rubbers, styrene-butadiene block copolymers, polyisoprene, polybutadiene, ethylene propylene rubber, ethylene propylene diene rubber, silicone elastomers, fluoroeslastomers, polyurethane elastomers, and nitrile rubbers.

[0025] The foldable protection mat may be equipped with one or more loops to assist with folding the mat. In some embodiments, the one or more loops may be placed in the center or folding points of the top layer. This configuration may be effective for self-folding of the mat by force of gravity when the mat is lifted vertically. The foldable protection mat may also be equipped with magnets to assist with folding of the mat or securing the mat once in the closed configuration. In other embodiments, the mat may be equipped with Velcro® or other re-sealable materials such that the mat remains folded when not in use.

[0026] The foldable protection mat may be equipped with a carrying case to contain the mat between uses. The carrying case may be a container having a face at least partially surrounding an interior of the container, an access structure for accessing the interior of the container, and a mateable portion of a re-sealable connection. In various embodiments, the mateable portion may be a zipper, Velcro®, or similar re-sealable mechanism.

[0027] In various embodiments, the foldable protection mat may be made from a disposable or semi-disposable material that can be discarded after one or several uses so that a traveler does not need to store the dirty, unsanitary, and/or otherwise contaminated surface- exposed underside in their personal items or other bags. [0028] In various embodiments, the foldable protection mat may be made from a reusable or recycled material that can be reused after each use such that the traveler can store the mat after use.

[0029] In various embodiments, the foldable protection mat may include an antimicrobial or anti-septic layer disposed on the underside of the mat, which may reduce the microbial presence on surfaces the mat touches and reduce the amount of microbial or contaminant presence on the mat during transport. In further embodiments, the foldable protection mat may be constructed from impermeable materials, such that spills or liquids are not absorbed by the mat.

[0030] In various embodiments, the foldable protection mat may be constructed with an elastic ring secured to the perimeter of the mat, such that the mat may be secured to a personal item such as a purse, computer bag, backpack, duffel bag, or briefcase with the elastic ring. The foldable protection mat may be discarded after one or several uses, or it may be stored in a pouch for future use. The elastic ring secured to the perimeter of the mat may also constrict such that the underside of the made is enclosed preventing cross-contamination from the mat’s contact with the transit surface.

[0031] Now turning to the figures. FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an example foldable protection mat with loops, according to embodiments of the present disclosure. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the foldable protection mat may be configured to engage a dirty, unsanitary, and/or otherwise contaminated surface such as under seat storage on a plane.

[0032] FIG. 1 shows a foldable protection mat 100 which may include a bottom layer 101, a top layer 102 affixed to the bottom layer 101, which may form a composite mat, a plurality of folding creases 106, 108, and 110, a plurality of magnets (not shown) inserted between the bottom layer 101 and the top layer 102, a plurality of rigid inserts (not shown) inserted between the bottom layer 101 and the top layer 102, and one or more loops 130 and 132 attached to the top layer 102, for example, on either side of the plurality of folding creases 106, 108, and 110. The bottom layer 101 may be plastic (e.g, polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene terephthalate, high- density polyethylene, low-density polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, or polyurethane), fabric (e.g., cotton, chiffon, crepe, denim, lace, leather, linen, satin, silk, velvet, wool, nylon, polyester, and spandex), and/or rubber (e.g., natural rubber, styrene-butadiene rubber, butyl rubber, nitrile, hydrogenated nitrile, Neoprene®, ethylene propylene diene monomer, silicone, Viton®, and polyurethane). The top layer 102 may be coarse such that personal items disposed thereon do not slide or move when resting on the top layer (i.e., has a high friction coefficient).

[0033] The bottom layer 101 may be smooth to enable the foldable protection mat 100 to slide easily across various surfaces (e.g, carpet, plastic, and rubber). The bottom layer 101 of the foldable protection mat 100 may comprise one or more antimicrobial agents such as an antibacterial agent, an antiviral agent, an antifungal agent, or any combinations thereof. The bottom layer 101 of the foldable protection mat 100 may be impermeable and easily cleanable and/or sanitizable. The top layer 102 may be plastic (e.g., polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene terephthalate, high-density polyethylene, low-density polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, or polyurethane), fabric (e.g., cotton, chiffon, crepe, denim, lace, leather, linen, satin, silk, velvet, wool, nylon, polyester, and spandex), and/or rubber (e.g., natural rubber, styrene-butadiene rubber, butyl rubber, nitrile, hydrogenated nitrile, Neoprene®, ethylene propylene diene monomer, silicone, Viton®, and polyurethane). The top layer 102 of the foldable protection mat 100 may be impermeable and easily cleanable and/or sanitizable. The bottom layer and top layer may be joined (e.g, by sewing, heat sealing, or similar connection). The plurality of folding creases 106, 108, and 110 may enable the mat to fold in pre-determined configurations. For example, the foldable protection mat 100 may fold across a the X-linear plane, Y-linear plane, and/or both (as described in detail in relation to FIG. 2). The plurality of magnets may enable the mat to secure folded sections together in various closed configurations. The plurality of magnets may be placed in a uniform or nonuniform spacing between the bottom layer 101 and the top layer 102, such that when the mat 100 is folded and/or rotated around a pivot point, a positive magnetic force attracts to an opposing negative magnetic force. The plurality of inserts may enable the foldable protection mat 100 to maintain rigidity or portions of rigidity. The inserts may be plastic, paper-based (e.g., cardstock and cardboard), and/or similar rigid material. Together, the plurality of folding creases 106, 108, and 110, the plurality of magnets, and the plurality of inserts may define the closed configuration of the foldable protection mat 100.

[0034] FIGS. 2A & 2B show top and bottom views of an example foldable protection mat, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0035] The foldable protection mat 100 (100A and 100B show the same or similar mat, but one from a bottom layer 101 perspective and one from a top layer 102 perspective. Heretofore, A indicates a bottom layer 101 perspective and B indicates a top layer 102 perspective) may have two or more configurations to allow both protection of personal items and hygienic storage of the mat between uses. In some embodiments, the foldable protection mat 100 may have an open configuration to allow protection of personal items from a dirty, unsanitary, and/or otherwise contaminated surface of a storage space. Such personal items that the foldable protection mat 100 aims to protect may include a purse, computer bag, backpack, duffel bag, briefcase, or similar personal items. Embodiments where the foldable protection mat is configured to protect personal items are shown in FIG. 2B where the foldable protection mat 100B is in the open configuration. Here, the bottom layer 101 of the foldable protection mat 100 lies flat along a potentially dirty, unsanitary, and/or otherwise contaminated surface, while the top layer 102 remains free from contaminants. The one or more loops 128, 130, and 132 may be attached to the top layer 102 on either side of a plurality of folding creases 104, 106, 108,

110 [0036] In various embodiments, the foldable protection mat or composite mat may be bisected by a first crease 106 at or about the center of the foldable protection mat, approximately perpendicular to the longitudinal edge of the mat. The first crease 106 may form a first section (sub-sections 111-114 combined) and a second section (sub-sections 115-118). The foldable protection mat may be in an open configuration when the first section 111-114 is relatively horizontal to the second section 115-118, and the first crease 106 is unfolded. The foldable protection mat 100 may be transitioned to a first closed configuration when the first section and second section collapse together around a pivot point defined by the first crease 106 such that the first section abuts the second section.

[0037] In other embodiments, the foldable protection mat may have a second crease 110 that bisects the center of the foldable protection mat, approximately parallel to the longitudinal edge of the mat and crossing the first crease 106. The second crease 110 may form a third section (sub-sections 111, 113, 115, 117) and a fourth section (sub-sections 112, 114, 116, 118). The foldable protection mat may be in an open configuration when the third section is relatively horizontal to the fourth section, the second crease 110 is unfolded, and the first crease 106 is unfolded. The foldable protection mat may be transitioned to a second closed configuration when the third section and fourth section collapse together around a pivot point defined by the second crease 110 such that the third section abuts the fourth section.

[0038] In further embodiments, the foldable protection mat may have a third crease 104 that bisects the first section and is approximately parallel to the first crease 106, and forms a fifth section (sub-sections 111, 112) and a sixth section (sub-sections 113, 114). In further embodiments, the foldable protection mat may have a fourth crease 108 that bisects the second section and is approximately parallel to the first crease 106, and forms a seventh section (subsections 117, 118) and an eighth section (sub-sections 115, 116). The foldable protection mat may be in an open configuration when the fifth section and sixth section are relatively horizontal to each other and the seventh section and eighth section are relatively horizontal to each other. The foldable protection mat may be transitioned to a third closed configuration when the fifth section and sixth section collapse together around a pivot point defined by the third crease 104 such that the fifth section abuts the sixth section. The foldable protection mat may further be transitioned to the third closed configuration when the seventh section and eighth section collapse around a pivot point defined by the fourth crease 108 such that the seventh section abuts the eighth section.

[0039] In various embodiments, the foldable protection mat may be transitioned from the open configuration to the first closed configuration when the first section is folded onto the second section. The foldable protection mat may be transitioned from the open configuration to the second closed configuration when the third section is folded onto the fourth section. The foldable protection mat may be transitioned from the open configuration to the third closed configuration when the fifth section is folded onto the sixth section and when the seventh section is folded onto the eighth section. One skilled in the art would understand that various sections can be folded and that the foldable protection mat may embody more than one closed configuration at a time and/or any combination thereof. For example, the first section may be folded to abut the second section and then the third section may be folded to abut the fourth section, as seen, for example, in FIG. 3.

[0040] FIG. 3 is a top view of an example foldable protection mat twice folded in a closed configuration, according to embodiments of the present disclosure. In such embodiments, the foldable protection mat 100 is configured for hygienic storage between uses. Here, the foldable protection mat 100 is serially folded along the first crease 106 and along the second crease 110. In this configuration, the bottom layer of the foldable protection mat 100 is concealed and only a portion of the top layer 102 of the foldable protection mat 100 is exposed. In such an embodiment, the plurality of magnets may be configured to secure the foldable protection mat 100 in the closed configuration for hygienic storage.

[0041] FIG. 4 is a top view of an example protection mat in the open configuration with a laptop sleeve on top of the mat, according to embodiments of the present disclosure. The laptop sleeve 140 may be placed on the top layer 102 of the foldable protection mat 100. In such embodiments, the foldable protection mat 100 may prevent the laptop sleeve 140 from coming into direct contact with the floor or surface of the a transit vehicle, decreasing the amount of contamination transferred from the transit vehicle floor to the laptop sleeve 140. In other embodiments, the laptop sleeve 140 may connect to a loop of the foldable protection mat 100.

[0042] FIG. 5 is a top view of a carrying case with a protection mat stored inside, according to embodiments of the present disclosure. The carrying case 150 may be used for hygienic storage of the foldable protection mat 100 between uses. The carrying case 150 may have an interior compartment and a face at least partially surrounding the interior compartment. The carrying case 150 may have an access structure or opening for accessing the interior compartment of the carrying case 150. The access structure of the carrying case 150 may have a mateable re-sealable connection 152. The mateable re-sealable connection 152 may be a zipper or any other re-sealable mechanism, for example, Velcro®.

[0043] FIG. 6 is a top view of an example protection mat with elastic bands, according to embodiments of the present disclosure. The foldable protection mat 100 may be equipped with one or more elastic bands 160 and 162 to assist with pulling the mat out of a storage space. The foldable protection mat may have elastic bands 160 and 162 placed on opposing longitudinal edges of the top layer 102 of the foldable protection mat 100 spanning the width of the foldable protection mat 100. The top layer 102 may include an identification tag, which may indicate features about the mat or similar. The top layer 102 may include an identification tag pocket, comprising a clear and transparent plastic layer secured to the top layer 102 on three sides, thereby allowing insertion-removal of a removable identification, business card, or list of features.

[0044] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an example disposable or semi-disposable foldable protection mat, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0045] In various embodiments, the foldable protection mat 200 may be disposable or semi-disposable. The disposable or semi-disposable foldable protection mat 200 may have a concave body made from a bottom layer affixed to a top layer forming a composite mat. The composite mat may be constructed from fabric, paper (e.g, cardstock and cardboard), plastic, rubber, a composite such as coated cardstock, or similar discardable material. The disposable or semi-disposable foldable protection mat 200 may include an elastic band 205 around the perimeter or rim of the disposable or semi-disposable foldable protection mat such that it may stretch over the bottom of personal items (in a manner similar to a shower cap), as in for example, FIG. 8

[0046] FIG. 8 is a front view of an example disposable protection mat configuration with a handbag on top of the mat, according to embodiments of the present disclosure. A handbag 300 may have the disposable or semi-disposable foldable protection mat 200 placed or secured around a lower portion of the handbag 300. In such an example, a traveler would stretch the elastic 205 of the disposable or semi-disposable foldable protection mat 200 to a circumference greater than the circumference of a base portion of the handbag 300. The traveler would then pull the disposable or semi-disposable foldable protection mat 200 around the base portion of the handbag 300 or place the handbag 300 into the disposable or semi-disposable foldable protection mat 200. The traveler can then place the handbag 300 with its base portion encircled by the disposable or semi-disposable foldable protection mat 200 on the floor or other surface of a transit vehicle without the handbag 300 getting dirty, unsanitary, and/or other contaminated from the floor or other surface of the transit vehicle. After the traveler exits the transit vehicle, they can remove the disposable or semi-disposable foldable protection mat 200 from the handbag 300, invert the disposable or semi-disposable foldable protection mat 200 such that the bottom layer is concealed within the inverted disposable or semi-disposable foldable protection mat 200, and discard of the disposable or semi-disposable foldable protection mat 200, thereby discarding the contaminants with it.

[0047] The disposable or semi-disposable foldable protection mat 200 may be impermeable. The disposable or semi-disposable foldable protection mat 200 may also comprise one or more antimicrobial agents disposed on a bottom layer 201 and/or top layer 202 of the disposable or semi-disposable foldable protection mat 200. The disposable or semi-disposable foldable protection mat 200 may include a disposable or semi-disposable storage bag, which may function as part of the packaging. The disposable or semi-disposable foldable protection mat 200 and disposable or semi-disposable storage bag may be single use or multiple use. For example, the disposable or semi-disposable foldable protection mat 200 and disposable or semidisposable storage bag may be discarded after a single use or after two or more uses. The disposable or semi-disposable foldable protection mat 200 and disposable or semi-disposable storage bag may be packaged in single or multi-packs. For example, the disposable or semidisposable foldable protection mat 200 and disposable or semi-disposable storage bag may be packaged in packs of two or more.

[0048] In some embodiments, the mat may have an elastic ring affixed to the perimeter. The mat affixed with the elastic ring may be attached to a personal item, such as a purse, computer bag, backpack, duffel bag, or briefcase. The mat with an elastic ring may be disposed after one or more uses, or the mat may be contained within a pouch for future use.

[0049] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the present disclosure may be used in a variety of different contexts. The foregoing examples described herein are offered by way of example only and are not intended to be limiting. [0050] It should be understood that the various features, aspects, and functionality described in one or more of the individual embodiments are not limited in their applicability to the particular embodiment with which they are described. Instead, they can be applied, alone or in various combinations, to one or more other embodiments, whether or not such embodiments are described and whether or not such features are presented as being a part of a described embodiment. Thus, the breadth and scope of the present application should not be limited by any of the above-described example embodiments.

[0051] Terms and phrases used in this document, and variations thereof, unless otherwise expressly stated, should be construed as open ended as opposed to limiting. As examples of the foregoing, the term “including” should be read as meaning “including, without limitation” or the like. The term “example” is used to provide exemplary instances of the item in discussion, not an exhaustive or limiting list thereof. The terms “a” or “an” should be read as meaning “at least one,” “one or more” or the like; and adjectives such as “conventional,” “traditional,” “normal,” “standard,” “known.” Terms of similar meaning should not be construed as limiting the item described to a given time period or to an item available as of a given time. Instead, they should be read to encompass conventional, traditional, normal, or standard technologies that may be available or known now or at any time in the future. Where this document refers to technologies that would be apparent or known to one of ordinary skill in the art, such technologies encompass those apparent or known to the skilled artisan now or at any time in the future.

[0052] It should be noted that the term “optimal” and the like as used herein can be used to mean making or achieving performance as effective or perfect as possible. However, as one of ordinary skill in the art reading this document will recognize, perfection cannot always be achieved. Accordingly, these terms can also encompass making or achieving performance as good or effective as possible or practical under the given circumstances, or making or achieving performance better than that which can be achieved with other settings or parameters. [0053] The presence of broadening words and phrases such as “one or more,” “at least,” “but not limited to” or other like phrases in some instances shall not be read to mean that the narrower case is intended or required in instances where such broadening phrases may be absent. The use of the term “component” does not imply that the aspects or functionality described or claimed as part of the component are all configured in a common package. Indeed, any or all of the various aspects of a component can be combined in a single package or separately maintained and can further be distributed in multiple groupings or packages or across multiple locations.

While the present disclosure has been illustrated by the description of one or more embodiments thereof, and while the embodiments have been described in considerable detail, they are not intended to restrict or in any way limit the scope of the appended claims to such detail. The various features shown and described herein may be used alone or in any combination. Additional advantages and modifications will readily appear to those skilled in the art. The disclosed embodiments are not limited to the specific details, representative apparatus and method and illustrative examples shown and described. Accordingly, departures may be made from such details without departing from the general disclosed concept.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. A foldable mat comprising: a bottom layer affixed to a top layer to form a composite mat; and a plurality of loops affixed to the top layer; wherein the composite mat is bisected by a first crease to define a first section and a second section on opposite sides of the first crease to enable the composite mat to transition from an open configuration to a first closed configuration in which the first section and second section collapse together around a pivot point defined by the first crease such that the first section abuts the second section.

2. The foldable mat of claim 1, wherein the composite mat further includes a second crease that crosses the first crease to form a third section and a fourth section on opposite sides of the second crease.

3. The foldable mat of claim 2, wherein the second crease enables the composite mat to transition to a second closed configuration in which the third section and the fourth section collapse together around a pivot point defined by the second crease such that the third section abuts the fourth section.

4. The foldable mat of claim 1, wherein the first section is bisected by a third crease that runs parallel to the first crease and forms a fifth section and a sixth section on opposite sides of the third crease and is disposed within the first section; and the second section is bisected by a fourth crease that runs parallel to the first crease and forms a seventh section and an eighth section on opposite sides of the fourth crease and is disposed within the second section.

5. The foldable mat of claim 4, wherein the third crease and the fourth crease enable the composite mat to transition to a third closed configuration in which the fifth section and sixth section collapse together around a pivot point defined by the third crease such that the fifth section abuts the sixth section, and the seventh section and eighth section collapse together around a pivot point defined by the fourth crease such that the seventh section abuts the eighth section.

6. The foldable mat of claim 1, wherein the bottom layer is concealed when the composite mat is in the first closed configuration.

7. The foldable mat of claim 4, further comprising a plurality of magnets disposed between the bottom layer and the top layer and positioned to attract each other and secure the fifth section to the sixth section and secure the seventh section to the eight section when the composite mat is in the third closed configuration.

8. The foldable mat of claim 1, wherein each section comprises a rigid insert.

9. The foldable mat of claim 1, further comprising an elastic band disposed along a longitudinal edge of the foldable mat.

10. The foldable mat of claim 1, further comprising a carrying case, wherein the foldable mat, in the closed configuration, is stored inside the carrying case between uses.

11. The foldable mat of claim 1, wherein the foldable mat is made from an impermeable material coated with an anti-microbial agent.

12. A method of protecting a personal item from contaminants, the method comprising: placing a composite mat, formed from a bottom layer affixed to a top layer, on a contaminated surface; lifting the composite mat, via a plurality of loops affixed to the top layer, from the contaminated surface; transitioning the composite mat from an open configuration to a first closed configuration by collapsing the composite mat about a first crease that bisects the composite mat and defines a first section and a second section on opposite sides of the first crease to conceal the bottom layer of the composite mat.

13. The method of claim 12, further comprising transitioning to a second closed configuration by collapsing the composite mat about a second crease that crosses the first create to form a third section and a fourth section defined by the second crease and thereby concealing the bottom layer of the composite mat.

14. The method of claim 12, further comprising transitioning to a third closed configuration by collapsing the composite mat about a third crease disposed in the first section to form a fifth section and a sixth section, each defined by the third crease that runs parallel to the first crease; and collapsing the composite mat about a fourth crease disposed in the second section to form a seventh section and an eighth section, each defined by the fourth crease that runs parallel to the first crease.

15. The method of claim 12, further comprising securing the composite mat in a first closed configuration, second closed configuration, or third closed configuration using a plurality of magnets disposed between the bottom layer and the top layer and positioned to attract each other and secure: the first section to the second section; the third section to the fourth section; or the fifth section to the sixth section and the seventh section to the eighth section.

16. A disposable foldable mat comprising: a bottom layer affixed to a top layer to form a composite mat; and an elastic band encircling a perimeter of the composite mat, wherein the elastic band is configured to stretch to secure to a personal item, with a base portion of the personal item disposed on the top layer of the composite mat and the bottom layer disposed on a contaminated surface; wherein the composite mat is configured to transition from an open configuration, in which the bottom layer is configured to be placed on a contaminated surface, to a closed configuration in which the bottom layer is concealed within the composite mat.

17. The disposable foldable mat of claim 16, wherein the closed configuration is defined by the composite mat being inverted from the open configuration, wherein the bottom layer is exterior-facing, to the closed configuration, wherein the top layer is exterior-facing and the bottom layer is concealed.

18. The disposable foldable mat of claim 16, wherein the elastic band is configured to be elongated to a circumference greater than the circumference of a personal item, such that said personal item can be placed on the top layer and the elastic band can be secured around the bottom portion of the personal item.

19. The disposable foldable mat of claim 15, further comprising a carrying case, wherein the foldable mat, in the closed configuration, is stored inside the carrying case between uses.

20. The disposable foldable mat of claim 12, wherein the disposable mat is made from an impermeable material coated with an anti-microbial agent.

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