Heated Covering Mat

Abstract

Heated mat for covering private driveways and public walkways for evaporating snow and ice accumulation in pedestrian areas.

Claims

1. A heated mat for private driveways and public walkways for evaporating snow and ice in pedestrian areas comprising: a top surface, a bottom surface, an outer perimeter edge and a heating element contained between the top surface and the bottom surface, and a power cord and plug.

2. The heated mat of claim 1 wherein the heating element is configured as a wire heating element embedded in a serpentine pattern, wherein the wire is sandwiched between the top surface and the bottom surface of the mat.

3. The heated mat of claim 1, wherein the top surface of the heated covering mat is constructed of material suitable for withstanding foot traffic comprising a slip resistant and weather resistant surface including rubber, plastic or silicon material having a textured surface.

4. The heated mat of claim 2, wherein the top surface of the heated covering mat is constructed of material suitable for withstanding foot traffic comprising a slip resistant and weather resistant surface including rubber, plastic or silicon material not having a textured surface.

5. The heated mat of claim 1 wherein the bottom surface of the heated covering mat comprises a multiplicity of suction cups to aid the adhesion of the mat to the surface on which it is placed.

6. The heated mat of claim 2 wherein the bottom surface of the heated covering mat comprises a multiplicity of suction cups to aid the adhesion of the mat to the surface on which it is placed.

7. The heated mat of claim 3 wherein the bottom surface of the heated covering mat comprises a multiplicity of suction cups to aid the adhesion of the mat to the surface on which it is placed.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] FIG. 1 is a top cutaway perspective view illustrating the wire inside the heated covering mat, constructed in accordance with the present invention.

[0011] FIG. 2 is a bottom perspective view illustrating the heated mat, constructed in accordance with the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] The present invention is a Heated Covering Mat providing a heated covering that is specially designed for private driveways and public walkways for evaporating snow and ice accumulation in pedestrian areas. Please refer to the drawings. Basically rectangular in shape to resemble a mat, as the name implies, the Heated Covering Mat is offered in a variety of dimensions to accommodate both household and commercial needs, with a standard covering mat measuring approximately ten to twenty feet (10-20) in length and approximately four to five feet (4-5) in width. The heated covering mat can be produced from slip-resistant, weather- and waterproof rubber, plastic, or comparable synthetic material.

[0013] The Heated Covering Mat 10 of the present invention comprises a top surface, a bottom surface an outer perimeter edge and a heating element 22 contained between the top surface and the bottom surface. The Heated Covering Mat 10 features an internally contained, insulated heating element. To heat the entire surface of the Heated Mat, the heating element is configured as a wire heating element 22 embedded in a serpentine pattern, sandwiched between two layers of the mat.

[0014] The top layer of the heated covering mat is constructed of material suitable for withstanding foot traffic comprising a slip resistant and weather resistant surface including rubber, plastic or silicon material having a textured surface, or not having a textured surface. The top surface of the heated covering mat is configured to ensure steady and stable footing when walking upon the mat.

[0015] In an embodiment, the bottom layer, shown in FIG. 2, the heated covering mat comprises a multiplicity of suction cups 34 to aid the adhesion of the mat to the surface on which it is placed.

[0016] Similar in function to electric blanket, the wire 22 runs in a serpentine configuration which traverses the length and width of the mat, thus heating the entire area of the mat. Once activated, the temperature of the insulated heating element quickly rises, thus warming the surface of the mat to efficiently melt and evaporate any ice or snow. The Heated Covering Mat operates on conventional 110 volts, 60 hertz power to be connected to any outdoor power outlet by means of power cord 24 and plug 26.

[0017] The operation of the Heated Covering Mat is very simple and straightforward. When snow or ice is imminent, a desired area is covered with the appropriate Heated Covering Mat. By way of example, several units can be used to line a driveway. Similarly, an elongated mat can be draped over the exterior stairs leading to and from a doorway. When the Heated Covering Mat is in use, the highly resistive wire material converts electrical energy (current) into thermal energy (heat) which dissipates throughout the Heated Covering Mat, keeping the outer surface area warm and thus able to melt and evaporate away the precipitation. As mentioned above, the Heated Covering Mat is able to quickly evaporate any water residue, leaving behind a dry, clean surface that is safe for walking. After use, the Heated Covering Mat is removed from the designated surface, roiled into a tight coil and conveniently stored away until again needed.

[0018] There are several significant benefits and advantages associated with the Heated Covering Mat. Foremost, the Heated Covering Mat offers users an effective means of eliminating ice and snow from driveways and walkways. Incorporating a handy wire heating element into a practical covering, the Heated Covering Mat eliminates the need to spend precious minutes and hours laboriously scooping away snow. In this manner, the Heated Covering Mat eradicates one of the most difficult and arduous tasks faced by people who live in snow-prone areas. Comprising an upper surface having a textured or ridged, grooved surface ensuring steady footing while easily allowing melted ice and snow to evaporate or run off the surface of the mat, the Heated Covering Mat enables users to traverse their driveway, walkway, or steps quickly and safely. Simple in application, the Heated Covering Mat is particularly ideal on early morning when one may be running late for work. With the Heated Covering Mat covering their entranceway, working men and women are able get out on the road in a quick and expedient manner. Moreover, senior citizens and individuals who suffer from limited physical capabilities and health issues will not have to risk injury trying to shovel away snow. In addition, retail establishments can employ this practical tool to prevent the accumulation of snow, ice, and salt, making the sidewalks in front of their stores safer for their customers and passersby. The universal Heated Covering Mat can also be employed to remove winter residue from the surfaces of vehicles, providing a much needed solution to the challenges faced by those who do not have a garage or similar shelter in which to protect the automobiles from snow and ice. Manufactured of durable, high quality materials and components, the Heated Covering Mat will withstand many winters of continued use.

[0019] The Heated Covering Mat readily alleviates the daunting chore of snow shoveling. A heated driveway and walkway covering, the Heated Covering Mat proves invaluable on fast-paced winter mornings.

[0020] Although this invention has been described with respect to specific embodiments, it is not intended to be limited thereto and various modifications which will become apparent to the person of ordinary skill in the art are intended to fall within the spirit and scope of the invention as described herein taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and the appended claims.