Antimicrobial Article

I. RELATED APPLICATIONS

There are no previously filed, nor currently any co-pending applications, anywhere in the world.

II. FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This application discloses claims and embodiments generally related to protective covers, and more particularly, to an antimicrobial article in the form of a lightweight and portable mat.

III. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

According to the Jul. 8, 2008 issue of the Archives of Internal Medicine, a national analysis of U.S. physician office and emergency department records shows that the types of skin infections caused by community-acquired Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) doubled in the eight-year study period, with the highest rates seen among children and in urban emergency rooms. Typically, the source of the contracted bacteria is found in fitness facilities and gym locker rooms. However, the contraction and transmission of viruses and bacteria are not limited to gyms and fitness centers. A person may contract a virus and/or bacteria at any location at which an infected person visited. For example, a chair in a restaurant or a bleacher seat. An infected person can leave microbes on many devices and surfaces such as including, but certainly not limited to chairs, tables, bleacher seats, fitness equipment, pens, paper, magazines, cups, door handles, keys, and bottles. The microbes left are then available to infect a later user coming into contact with the contaminated surface or component.

The present invention is adapted and configured to prevent the transmission and contraction of microbes which include, but are not limited to, bacteria, viruses, fungi, mold, mildew, and algae. Microbes may be spread or transmitted through skin-to-skin contact or skin-contaminated object contact. Some microbes may also be transmitted through the air via the presence of a pathogen. These pathogens may include both viruses and bacteria spread by coughing, sneezing, and laughing.

For purposes of this disclosure, the term, “antimicrobial” is intended to encompass both microbicidal and microbistatic properties. More particularly, the term comprehends microbe killing, leading to a reduction in number of microbes, as well as a retarding effect of microbial growth, wherein numbers may remain more or less constant, but nevertheless allowing for slight increase/decrease. The term “antimicrobial” is further intended to include biostatic activity, i.e., where the proliferation of microbiological species is reduced or eliminated, and true biocidal activity where microbiological species are killed.

A comprehension of the vast benefits achieved via the practice of the present invention requires an understanding of the various microbes, particularly bacteria, against which the applicants' invention is effective. Bacteria found on human skin may be divided into two groups, namely, resident and transient bacteria. Resident bacteria are Gram-positive bacteria that establish as permanent microcolonies on the surface and outermost layers of the skin. Such bacteria play a fundamental role in preventing the colonization of other, more harmful bacteria and fungi. Transient bacteria are bacteria that are not part of the normal resident of the flora of the skin. Rather, transient bacteria are deposited when airborne contaminated material lands on the skin or when contaminated material is brought into physical contact with such bacteria. Transient bacteria are typically divided into two subgroups: Gram-positive and Gram-negative. Gram-positive bacteria include pathogens such as Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Streptococcus pyogenes and Clostridium botulinum. Gram-negative bacteria include pathogens such as Salmonella, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella, Haemophilus, Pseudomonas aeuginosa, Proteus and Shigella dysenteriae. Gram-negative bacteria are generally distinguished from Gram-positive bacteria via the existence of an additional protective cell membrane in the former, which often results in Gram-negative bacteria being less susceptible to conventional, topical antibacterial actives.

Accordingly, a need exists for an antimicrobial article imparted with microbicidal, microbistatic, biostatic, and biocidal properties and characteristics. The development of the antimicrobial article of the present application fulfills this need.

A search of the prior art did not disclose any patents that read directly on the claims of the instant invention; however, the following references were considered related:

U.S. Pat. No. 4,125,656, issued in the name of Creamer;

U.S. Pat. No. 4,285,075, issued in the name of Nelson;

U.S. Pat. No. 8,172,734 B2, issued in the name of Anderson;

U.S. Pat. No. D630,877 S, issued in the name of Howie;

U.S. Patent Application no. 2003/0096545 A1, issued in the name of Payne;

U.S. Pat. No. D389,357, issued in the name of Nelson;

U.S. Pat. No. D493,999 S, issued in the name of Ruhl et al.;

U.S. Patent Application no. 2004/0266546 A1, published in the name of Huang;

U.S. Patent Application no. 2005/0154030 A1, published in the name of Payne;

U.S. Pat. No. 5,868,933, issued in the name of Patrick et al.;

U.S. Pat. No. 5,993,839, issued in the name of Mixon;

U.S. Patent Application no. 2007/0072753 A1, published in the name of Ong; and

U.S. Pat. No. D552,910 S, issued in the name of Connor.

This application presents claims and embodiments that fulfill a need or needs not yet satisfied by the products, inventions and methods previously or presently available. In particular, the claims and embodiments disclosed herein describe an antimicrobial article, the article is constructed in the form of a portable hygienic mat comprising a lightweight, flexible body, the body having a planar configuration and incorporated with an antimicrobial agent, the body is constructed of neoprene and is readily configurable to a compact size, the body is detachably secured in the compact size via a fastener, the article of the present invention providing unanticipated and nonobvious combination of features distinguished from the products, devices, apparatuses, inventions and methods preexisting in the art. The applicant is unaware of any product, device, method, disclosure or reference that discloses the features of the claims and embodiments disclosed herein, and as more fully described below.

IV. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An antimicrobial article in the form of a portable hygiene mat is disclosed. The article is incorporated with an antimicrobial agent imparting the article with antimicrobial characteristics. Antimicrobial characteristics and properties include microbicidal, microbistatic, biostatic, and biocidal properties and characteristics. The antimicrobial agent is therefore adapted and configured to be effective for not only inhibiting and eliminating the growth of microbes, but also killing microbiological species. Microbes include, but are not limited to, bacteria, viruses, fungi, mold, mildew, and algae.

According to one embodiment, the antimicrobial article comprises a lightweight, flexible body having a planar configuration. The body is adapted to be readily configured to a smaller, compact size facilitating quick, easy, and efficient transport thereof. The body is envisioned to be commercially-available in a plurality of sizes. A fastener is provided for detachably securing the body in a size-reduced, compact configuration.

The body of the article is constructed of a polymerized organic compound, such as polychloroprene or neoprene, which affords the body, and thus mat, with a high degree of flexibility. The highly-flexible characteristics imparted by the construction material of the mat facilitate folding of the mat to a compact configuration allowing quick, easy, and efficient transport and storage thereof.

The body is constructed in the form of a unitary molded cushioned mat or pad, the mat being incorporated with an antimicrobial agent, wherein the antimicrobial agent imparts the mat with microbicidal, microbistatic, biostatic, and biocidal properties and characteristics.

The mat is uniquely shaped and configured to provide a body contact surface which shapely accommodates the “peripheral tissue spreading” contours imparted by the user when sitting atop the body contact surface of the mat. For purposes of the present application, the term, “peripheral tissue spreading”, is a resultant condition intended to mean the outward and wide distribution of the tissue along the periphery of the buttocks and upper thigh regions of a person which occurs after the person having moved from a standing position to a sitting position.

The highly-flexible characteristics imparted by the construction material of the mat facilitate folding of the mat to a compact configuration. The fastener detachably secures the mat in such compact configuration, thereby facilitating quick, easy, and efficient transport and storage of the mat. In accordance to one embodiment, the fastener includes an elongated strap comprising a hook-and-loop fastener system.

In a size-reduced, compact configuration, the mat may be placed inside a garment pocket of user, a bag, or other personal accessories carrier, such as a portable, lightweight accessories carrier or mesh bag.

In accordance to one embodiment, the front surface or body contact surface of the mat is disposed with at least one of indicia and an ornamental pattern or design. Indicia and ornamental pattern may include alphanumeric text, images, logos, and symbols, envisioned particularly in the form of corporate logos, trademarks, sports teams, advertising logos, slogans, and the like.

In accordance to still another embodiment, the body of the article may be constructed of at least one of a textile material, a combination of textile materials, and a polymer foam. The textile material or materials is integrated with an antimicrobial agent(s) and/or additives.

It is envisioned the article may be constructed so as to be commercially-available in a variety of products and devices particularly suited for both the consumer market and the commercial industry. These products and devices include, but are not limited to, mats, rugs, sports and exercise equipment components, garments, garment liners, gloves, appliance sealants and adhesives, and building components, e.g., walls, wallboard, floors, siding, roofing, ceilings, carpet underlay, and sealants and adhesives therefor.

V. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING(S)

The advantages and features of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following more detailed description and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like elements are identified with like symbols, and in which:

FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of an antimicrobial article, in accordance to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a top plan view of an antimicrobial article, in accordance to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a bottom plan view of the antimicrobial article of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a top plan view of an antimicrobial article, in accordance to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a top plan view of an antimicrobial article, illustrating a fold line thereof, in accordance to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5A illustrates the article of FIG. 5 shown folded in half;

FIG. 6 is a top plan view of an antimicrobial article disposed with indicia and ornamentation, in accordance to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6A is a bottom plan view of the article of FIG. 6;

FIGS. 6B-6D illustrate a method of rolling or folding an antimicrobial article to a compact configuration, in accordance to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a top plan view of a person's right hand;

FIG. 8 is a front perspective view of a bag for storing and transporting an antimicrobial article, in accordance to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8A is a partial perspective view of the bag of FIG. 8 illustrating the opening at the top thereof shown in an open condition, in accordance to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8B illustrates an antimicrobial article in a folded, compact configuration being inserted through an opening at the top of the bag, in accordance to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8C shows the opening at the top of the bag in a closed condition, in accordance to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8D is a perspective view illustrating the bag of FIGS. 8, 8B, and 8C detachably secured to a backpack;

FIG. 9 illustrates a person sitting on the seat portion of a conventional chair shown from a front position;

FIG. 9A illustrates the person in FIG. 9 shown sitting from a rear position;

FIG. 9B is a top plan view of an antimicrobial article showing the peripheral tissue spreading contours imparted by the user when sitting atop the body contact surface of the article, in accordance to one embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an antimicrobial article utilized as a bleacher seat cover, in accordance to another embodiment of the present invention.

VI. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENT(S)

It will be readily understood that the components of the present invention, as generally described and illustrated in the figures herein, may be arranged and designed in a wide variety of different configurations. Thus, the following detailed description of the embodiments of an antimicrobial article, as represented in the attached figures, is not intended to limit the scope of the invention as claimed, but is merely representative of selected embodiments of the invention.

The features, structures, or characteristics of the invention described throughout this specification may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. For example, the usage of the phrases “example embodiments”, “some embodiments”, or other similar language, throughout this specification refers to the fact that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment may be included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases “example embodiments”, “in some embodiments”, “in other embodiments”, or other similar language, throughout this specification do not necessarily all refer to the same group of embodiments, and the described features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.

Referring now to FIGS. 1-6A, an antimicrobial article, generally designated at 10 is disclosed, in accordance to one embodiment of the present invention. The antimicrobial article 10, hereinafter “article 10”, comprises a lightweight, flexible body 20 having a planar configuration. The body 20 is adapted to be readily configured to a smaller, compact size facilitating quick, easy, and efficient transport thereof. The body 20 is envisioned to be commercially-available in a plurality of sizes. A fastener 50 is provided for detachably securing the body 20 in a size-reduced, compact configuration. The fastener 50 to be described later in greater detail.

In accordance to one embodiment, the body 20 is constructed of a polymerized organic compound, wherein the polymerized organic compound is polychloroprene or neoprene. It is envisioned the flexible body 20 may be constructed of other materials, polymers, and particularly elastomeric polymers which include, but are not limited to, ethylene-vinyl acetate, foam thermoplastic urethane, styrene-butadiene rubber, polyurethane foam, flexible polyvinyl chloride, acrylic/acrylate. Other envisioned materials from which the flexible body 20 may be constructed may be selected from the group which includes, but is not limited to, polyisocyanurate, polyolefins, alkenyl aromatic polymers, cellulosic polymers, polycarbonates, polyetherimides, polyamides, polyesters, polyvinylidene chloride, polymethylmethacrylate, polyurethanes, polyisocyanurates, phenolics, copolymers and terpolymers of the foregoing, polymer blends, rubber modified polymers, and the like. Suitable polyolefins include polyethylene and polypropylene.

In accordance to another embodiment, the body 20 may be constructed of a textile material selected from the group which includes, but is not limited to, spandex, elastane, cotton, microfiber, nylon, polyester, viscose, wool, cashmere, mohair, rayon, silk, satin, acrylic, linen, flax, hemp, cellulose, wood pulp, cellulose acetate or triacetate, nylon 6, nylon 66, and any combination thereof, and a textile material or combination of textile materials and a polymer foam material. The selected textile, combination of textiles and/or polymer foam is integrated with an antimicrobial agent(s) and/or additives. In accordance to one method for antimicrobial agent integration, the antimicrobial agent(s) and/or additives is grafted on the selected textile material and/or combination of textile materials. As used herein, the term “grafted” means that the antimicrobial agent(s) is bound to the textile material substrate via either ionic (electrostatic) or covalent bonding. In accordance to another method, the antimicrobial agent(s) may be impregnated into the textile material. Still other methods include coating, dispersion, and other conventional techniques and processes well known to those versed in the art concerning the manufacture and production of textile materials containing antimicrobial agents.

Referring now more particularly to FIGS. 1-5A, the body 20 is constructed in the form of a unitary molded mat 21 or pad, and more particularly, a cushioned mat 21 incorporated with an antimicrobial agent. The term “incorporate” as used herein in relation to antimicrobial agent(s) and/or additives, where the construction material of the body 20 is a polymer or polymeric material, is defined to mean residing in the interstitial spaces of the polymeric matrix of the polymeric material. The selected antimicrobial agent imparts the mat 21 with microbicidal, microbistatic, biostatic, and biocidal properties and characteristics.

Suitable antimicrobial agents include, but are not limited to, organic compounds, and inorganic compounds, wherein the inorganic compounds include inorganic metallic compounds. Antimicrobial agents may be selected from the group which includes, but is not limited to: triclosan and other chlorinated phenols; ortho-phenyl phenol; 2,4,4′-trichloro-2′-hydroxy diphenyl ether; diiodomethyl-p-tolylsulfone; 3-iodo-2-propynyl N-butylcarbamate; azoles such as propiconazole, tebuconazole or thiabendazole; 3-benzo[b]thien-2yl-5,6-dihydro-1,4,2-oxathiazine 4-oxide; alkyl dimethylbenzyl ammonium saccharinate; N-butyl-1,2-benzisothiazolin-3-one; 4,5-dichloro-2-octyl-3(2H)-isothiazolone; 2-n-octyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one; cyclopropyl-N′-(1,1-dimethylethyl)-6-(methylthio)-1,3,5-triazine-2,4-diamine; 1,3-dicyano-2,4,5,6-tetrachlorobenzene; metals (e.g., silver, zinc, copper) including metal compounds such as silicates, zeolites, amorphous glass compositions, sol-gel compositions, and the like; zinc and copper compounds such as pyrithione; and titanium dioxide in various forms.

In accordance to one embodiment, the antimicrobial agent is incorporated into the neoprene by a technique of master batching that is well known to those versed in the art of plastic molding and formulations, such as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,238,575 incorporated herein by reference. The technique of master batching is but one exemplary method for incorporating an antimicrobial agent within the polymeric matrix of the selected polymeric material, such as neoprene, and such method and methods disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,238,575 is and are therefore not intended to be limiting.

Referring now more particularly to FIGS. 1-5A, the body 20 comprises an anterior region 22, a posterior region 24, and a central region 23 oriented therebetween. The body 20 further comprises a front surface 26 opposing a rear surface 28, and a continuous peripheral edge 29 integrally joining the front surface 26 and rear surface 28, the continuous peripheral edge 29 is oriented perpendicular to the front and rear surfaces 26 and 28. The body 20 further includes a front section 30 and a rear section 32.

In accordance to one embodiment, the body 20 is uniquely shaped and configured to provide a hygienic barrier or shield which imparts the user with protection against the transmission and contraction of microbes. More particularly, the body 20, shown herein as a mat 21, is adapted and configured to protect the user from contracting bacteria, viruses, fungi, mold, mildew, and algae via contact by user with a skin-contaminated object. In the event the user of the present invention is a carrier of a virus or bacterium (such as MRSA), the body 20 further functions to prevent the transmission of the bacteria to other persons who may come in contact with the object (e.g., floor, chair, bleacher seat) after having been used by an infected user of the present invention.

The body 20 further comprises a first enlarged bulbous curvature 40 at the front section 30 of the anterior region 22, and a second enlarged bulbous curvature 44 at the front section 30 of the posterior region 24, the first enlarged bulbous curvature 40 integrally joined to the second enlarged bulbous curvature 44 via an elongated tapering conical section 46. The conical section 46 tapers or narrows in a direction from the front section 30 towards the rear section 32. As best illustrated in FIG. 4, the body 20 tapers inward from a greater transverse width GW1 at the front section 30 to a smaller transverse width SW at central region 23 forming first and second concave portions 23a and 23b, and terminating to a greater transverse width GW2 defining a first arcuate section 47 in the rear section 32 and a second arcuate section 48 in the rear section 32. The first arcuate section 47 terminating in an elongated concave section 49, the elongated concave section defines a nadir 49a. The elongated concave section 49 extends from the nadir 49a into the second arcuate section 48, the second arcuate section 48 terminating at the second concave portion 23b, and wherein the second concave portion 23b extending integrally into the second enlarged bulbous curvature 44. The elongated tapering conical section 46 and elongated concave section 49 impart additional functional features and advantages as described hereinbelow.

The highly-flexible characteristics imparted by the construction material of the mat 21 facilitate folding of the mat 21 to a compact configuration allowing quick, easy, and efficient transport and storage thereof. As previously described, a fastener 50 is provided for detachably securing the mat 21 in a size-reduced, compact configuration. In reference to FIGS. 1-6A, and in accordance to one embodiment, the fastener 50 comprises an elongated strap 51 or tether, constructed of a lightweight, flexible material, and includes a first free end 52 and a second free end 54. Suitable construction materials for constructing the strap 51 include, but are not limited to, nylon, high quality polyester, polypropylene, cotton, leather, and/or a combination thereof. The first free end 52 of strap 51 is suitably attached to the rear surface 28 of the body 20 adjacent the continuous peripheral edge 29. The first free end 52 of strap 51 may be attached via stitching 55 using a conventional sewing method. In reference to FIGS. 6-6A, and in accordance to one embodiment, the first free end 52 of strap 51 is attached to the rear surface 28 adjacent the continuous peripheral edge 29 of the second enlarged bulbous curvature 44 of the body 20. The fastener 50 further comprises a hook-and-loop fastener system 56, namely, the Velcro® brand hook-and-loop fastener. In accordance to one embodiment, a section of the upper surface of the strap 51 includes a hook portion 57 of the hook-and-loop fastener 56 suitably attached thereto. The loop portion 58 of the hook-and-loop fastener 56 is suitably attached to a section of the lower surface of the strap 51.

It is envisioned and therefore within the scope of the present invention that the hook and loop portions of the hook-and-loop fastener 56 may be arranged in vice-versa fashion; e.g., the hook portion 57 of the hook-and-loop fastener 56 may be suitably attached the lower surface of the strap 51, and the loop portion 58 of the hook-and-loop fastener 56 may be suitably attached the upper surface of the strap 51. It is further envisioned that the hook and loop fastener portions may be provided about various sections along each strap surface 51 or along the entire upper and lower surfaces of the strap 51. The fastener 50 may comprise other complementary type or matching connector devices and systems which include, but are not limited to, snap-fit mechanisms, mechanical interference or frictional fit connection systems, magnetic devices, adhesive strips with releasable liners, or other similar devices, and combinations thereof, or a plurality of each, or a plurality of each in combination with one or more alternatives.

The construction material of the body 20 of the mat 21 imparts the front surface 26 with a tacky or semi-tacky texture, thereby facilitating grip thereto by fingers of a user. Thus, in order to facilitate compact storage and transport of the mat 21, the conical section 46 and the concave section 49 facilitate folding of the anterior region 22 and posterior region 24 downward about a fold line FL (FIG. 5). The rear surface 28 of the anterior and posterior regions 22 and 24 are folded toward each other, about horizontal axis X (formed by fold line FL), and engaged intimately against one another, forming a compact, half mat configuration 21a, as illustrated in FIG. 5A. More specifically, user engages his/her thumb 2 against the rear section 32 atop the front surface 26 proximate position A in the anterior region 22, and simultaneously engages one or more other fingers, such as the index finger 3, middle finger 4, ring finger 5, or little finger 6, (e.g., the middle finger 4) against the rear section 32 atop the front surface 26 proximate position B in the posterior region 24 and squeezes the thumb 2 and middle finger 4 in a pinching manner. The folding method, as previously described, allows the user to grasp and neatly fold the mat 21 without contacting the potentially contaminated side or surface 28 of the mat 21. Next, while holding the mat 21 in the half mat configuration 21a, the user winds the lower end of the half mat 21a upwardly (FIG. 6B) into a wound or rolled configuration 21b, as illustrated in FIG. 6C. While holding the rolled mat 21b in one hand and using the fingers of user's free hand, user grasps the second free end 54 of strap 51 and wraps strap 51 around the rolled mat 21b in an overlapping manner, generally about the middle of rolled mat 21b, and engages the hook portion 57 of the hook-and-loop fastener 56 with the loop portion 58 thereof, thereby detachably securing the mat 21 in a compact, wound configuration 21c, as illustrated in FIG. 6D. Thus, the fastener 50 secures the mat 21 in an organized, hygienic and safe manner. Significantly, in accordance to the embodiment previously described, both the mat 21 and fastener 50 are constructed entirely of nonmetallic materials, thereby preventing activation of metal detection security systems and devices, particularly such as metal detection systems employed in airports.

In view of the mat's 21 substantial sized-reduced condition, portability and transport of the mat 21, 21c is further enhanced. For example, the mat 21, 21c may be placed inside a garment pocket of user, a bag, or other personal accessories carrier, such as a portable, lightweight accessories carrier or bag 60 illustrated in FIGS. 8-8D.

The bag 60 comprises a pair of panels 62, namely a top panel 63 and a bottom panel 64, the panels 63 and 64 each comprise a body 66 constructed of mesh material 66a, the body 66 is bound by a bottom edge 67, and a pair of opposing side edges 68, 69. The panels 63 and 64 are attached using a conventional sewing method about respective bottom edges 67 and opposing side edges 68 and 69 forming an interior cavity 70 and a closeable opening 72 at a top of the bag 60. The opening 72 provides direct, open passage into the interior cavity 70 being sized to fittingly accommodate the mat 21c. The opening 72 may be closed via a draw string 74 or tether disposed (or otherwise laced) within a pocket 75 formed, such as via conventional sewing method, about a lip 76 of each panel 63 and 64. The mesh material 66a may be selected from the group which includes nylon, cotton, cotton-polyester blend, linen, or other suitable natural or synthetic textile material. The bottom edge 67 and opposing side edges 68 and 69 may be constructed of a material selected from the group which includes, but is not limited to, polyester, nylon, polypropylene, leather, rayon, or other suitable natural or synthetic textile material and/or a combination thereof.

The bag 60 further comprises a connector 80 in the form of a carabiner 82 coupled to the top of the bag 60 via a loop 84 sewn along an inner surface of the lip of panel 64 or panel 63 (loop 84 is shown in FIG. 8A as attached to panel 64). The carabiner 82 allows the bag 60 to be detachably secured to another device, apparatus, or carrying device, such as a backpack BP, shown in FIG. 8D. The bag 60 is envisioned to be commercially-available in various sizes and shapes.

Referring now more particularly to FIG. 6, the front surface 26 of the mat 21 is disposed with at least one of indicia 90 and an ornamental pattern 94 or design. Indicia 90 and ornamental pattern 94 may include alphanumeric text, images, logos, and symbols, envisioned particularly in the form of corporate logos, trademarks, sports teams, advertising logos, slogans, and the like. Indicia and/or an ornamental pattern may further comprise one or more colors and color combinations and patterns, and decorative images. Decorative images may comprise colorful digital images, photos, pictures, and patterns, symbols, and/or indicia which reflect or are associated with a particular theme. For purposes of this disclosure, “theme” is broadly construed to comprise the following: a variety of holidays and symbols therefor, such as Christmas, Thanksgiving, Fourth of July, Easter, New Years, Halloween, and the like; corporate/company advertising; political campaigns; charitable fund raising campaigns; geographical locations, formations, and objects, such as plant and tree life, a lighthouse, a tropical scene, a snowy-winter scene, or a rain forest; nautical or aquatic scenes which include aquatic life such as fish, whales, sharks, and dolphins; wild and exotic animals; domestic animals, such as an image of one's pet(s); secular or religious holidays indicia and symbols therefor; humorous indicia and images; sports, including motor sports and sports symbols and logos therefor; sports equipment, sports venues, symbols, and teams; prehistoric reptiles; cartoon characters; outer space and objects representative thereof, such as celestial images, stars, moon, planets and the like; cultural images and symbols representative thereof, such as Southwestern and tribal cultures; family photos; and any other images selectively desired by user. Indicia 90 may further include the user's name 92. In addition, as illustrated in FIG. 8, the bag 60 may also be ornamented with at least one of indicia 90 and an ornamental pattern 94, as previously described. Thus, the bag 60 may be made commercially available to be purchased together with the mat 21, or independently. The bag 60 may be purchased as comprising a size and color scheme complementary to, or otherwise coordinated with, the size and color scheme displayed on the mat 21. For example, user may purchase a mat 21 ornamented with a red, white, and blue striped color scheme. User may choose to purchase a bag 60 color-coordinated with the purchased mat 21. Thus, user may purchase a bag 60 which ornamentally matches the purchased mat 21. In the instant example, user may purchase a bag 60 ornamented with a red, white, and blue striped color scheme of the same hue and style as ornamented on the purchased mat 21.

The body 20 may be shaped and configured in one of other numerous geometric shapes and sizes, such as including, but not limited to square, circular, elliptical, or polygonal, e.g., triangular, square, pentagonal, hexagonal, heptagonal, octagonal, and the like. Likewise, to shapely conform to and sizably accommodate the geometric shape which defines the selected body 20, the bag 60 may be shaped and configured in one of other numerous geometric shapes and sizes, such as including, but not limited to square, circular, elliptical, or polygonal, e.g., triangular, square, pentagonal, hexagonal, heptagonal, octagonal, and the like.

Referring now more particularly to FIGS. 9 and 9A, when a person sits on a chair C, the external circumferential tissue of a person's buttocks B and upper thigh regions spreads, or more particularly, is widely distributed omnidirectionally. The spreading of the tissue along the periphery of a person's buttocks B and upper thigh regions is a widely known and common characteristic associated with human anatomy. For purposes of this disclosure, the term, “peripheral tissue spreading”, is a resultant condition intended to mean the outward and wide distribution of the tissue along the periphery of the buttocks and upper thigh regions of a person which occurs after the person having moved from a standing position to a sitting position. The mat 21 is uniquely shaped and configured to provide a body contact surface 26 which shapely accommodates the “peripheral tissue spreading” contours imparted by the user when sitting atop the body contact surface 26 of the mat 21. More specifically, the first enlarged bulbous curvature 40 and the second enlarged bulbous curvature 44 of the body 20 of the mat 21 provide a body contact surface being uniquely shaped and configured to conform to the peripheral tissue spreading of the user's left and right upper thigh regions LTR and RTR, respectively, and the first arcuate section 47 and the second arcuate section 48 provide a body contact surface 26 being uniquely shaped and configured to conform to the peripheral tissue spreading of the user's buttocks B. FIG. 9 illustrates a person is sitting on the seat portion of a conventional chair shown from a front position, and FIG. 9A illustrates the person in FIG. 9 shown sitting from a rear position. The dashed lines in FIGS. 9 and 9A represent the periphery of the tissue of the upper thigh regions LTR and RTR and buttocks B, respectively, prior to user being seated.

As previously described, the mat 21 is uniquely shaped and configured to provide a body contact surface 26 which shapely accommodates the “peripheral tissue spreading” contours imparted by the user when sitting atop the body contact surface 26 of the mat 21. In reference to FIG. 9B, the dashed lines PS represent the periphery of the tissue of the upper thigh regions LTR and RTR and buttocks B prior to user being seated atop the body contact surface 26 of the mat 21, and the solid curved lines AS represent the periphery of the tissue of the upper thigh regions LTR and RTR and buttocks B after user is seated atop the body contact surface 26. As exemplified in FIG. 9B, the shape and configuration of the first enlarged bulbous curvature 40, the second enlarged bulbous curvature 44, the first arcuate section 47, and the second arcuate section 48 accommodate and shapely conform to the shape and configuration defining the peripheral tissue spreading by the user. Being uniquely shaped and configured, the mat 21 is particularly advantageous when performing exercise programs, such as including, but certainly not limited to, yoga, Pilates, body toning, and stretching routines.

The neoprene material used to construct the mat 21 imparts additional characteristics, features, and advantages. The mat 21 may be utilized by user as a cushioned seat cover which provides user with a barrier against the elements such as including, but not limited to, extreme temperatures, debris, dirt, sand, dust, pollen, and moisture. For example, in FIG. 10, the mat 21 may be used a bleacher cover which effectively shields the user against an elemental characteristic of the bleacher, such as extreme heat. In addition, the highly-flexible characteristics imparted by the construction material of the mat 21, not only shields the buttocks against the elements, but in a natural resting position, also allows the front section 30 and rear section 32 thereof to bend downward and effectively cover the front and rear vertical side edges 102 and 104 of the bleacher 100 or seat, thereby shielding the lower surface of the user's upper thigh regions in addition to the buttocks. The front and rear sections 30 and 32 of the mat 21 naturally bend downward due to gravitational pull without any effort by the user to bend the mat 21. The central region 23 and portions of the anterior and posterior regions 22 and 24 of the mat 21 remain in a generally horizontal orientation, consistent with the horizontal upper surface of the bleacher 100.

The mat 21 may be constructed in the form of a cushioned automobile seat cover to protect user's auto upholstery from moisture, such as where the user is wet from swimming. Such auto seat cover may also be used to shield the user's skin against extreme auto upholstery temperatures, such as during the summer months and winter months.

In accordance to another embodiment, the antimicrobial article may be constructed in the form of enlarged, lightweight, flexible liner or panel for positioning atop the floor of a conventional tent in an overlapping manner, and oriented subjacent to the user.

In accordance to another embodiment, the antimicrobial article may be constructed in the form of a mat or rug.

In accordance to another embodiment, the antimicrobial article may be constructed in the form of a seat cover or covering for sports and exercise equipment.

In accordance to another embodiment, the antimicrobial article may be constructed in the form of a handle or grip covering for sports and exercise equipment.

It is envisioned the antimicrobial article may be further constructed for integration into garments, as garment liners, gloves, appliance sealants and adhesives, and building components (such as walls, wallboard, floors, siding, roofing, ceilings, carpet underlay, and sealants and adhesives therefor).

It is envisioned that the various embodiments, as separately disclosed, are interchangeable in various aspects, so that elements of one embodiment may be incorporated into one or more of the other embodiments, and that specific positioning of individual elements may necessitate other arrangements not specifically disclosed to accommodate performance requirements or spatial considerations.

It is to be understood that the embodiments and claims are not limited in its application to the details of construction and arrangement of the components set forth in the description and illustrated in the drawings. Rather, the description and the drawings provide examples of the embodiments envisioned, but the claims are limited to the specific embodiments. The embodiments and claims disclosed herein are further capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purposes of description and should not be regarded as limiting the claims.

Accordingly, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception upon which the application and claims are based may be readily utilized as a basis for the design of other structures, methods, and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the embodiments and claims presented in this application. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructions.

Furthermore, the purpose of the foregoing Abstract is to enable the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally, and especially including the practitioners in the art who are not familiar with patent and legal terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and essence of the technical disclosure of the application. The Abstract is neither intended to define the claims of the application, nor is it intended to be limiting to the scope of the claims in any way. It is intended that the application is defined by the claims appended hereto.

Antimicrobial Article

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