Patent Publication Number: US-2015064388-A1

Title: Changeable mat

Description:
FIELD 
     The present invention is directed to a mat, and in particular to a mat having a changeable portion. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Mats, e.g., floor coverings, rugs, carpets, and pads, to name a few, may be utilized in a number of applications, for example, floor surfaces, home areas such as kitchens and bathrooms, pet areas, garages, and/or floor surfaces in locations outside the home such as pools, patios, spas, offices, and vehicles, to name a few. 
     In some applications, it may be desirable to provide a mat that may be used to provide comfort to a user standing on a mat, for example, to distribute pressure away from a user&#39;s feet and/or to provide cushioning and/or a luxurious sensation for the user. Accordingly, it may be desirable to provide a mat that incorporates padding for the comfort of a user. Additionally, it may be desirable to provide a mat that incorporates features that are aesthetically pleasing, having a surface design and/or having a color scheme, to name a few. It may be desirable to change a surface design based on a user&#39;s preference, e.g., based on surrounding décor or seasonal changes. 
     In some instances, mats may be used to cover an area under a mat, for example, a floor or carpeted or upholstered surface, such that the mat may provide a barrier or buffer between the area under the mat and solid dirt or liquids. Some mats may be configured in whole or in part to absorb or retain liquids. Accordingly, mats may be in need of maintenance, e.g., cleaning, repair, and/or drying, during the course of regular use. However, challenges are presented in maintaining a mat that includes padding for the comfort of the user because some padded materials may be absorbent, e.g., foraminous and/or dense, such that some padded materials retain fluids such as liquid, moisture, vapors, and/or gases so that such padded materials may become warped, odiferous, and/or prone to mold growth, to name a few. Some mats incorporating padded materials may take comparatively longer periods of time to dry after exposure to fluids, such that maintenance periods may be prolonged, reducing the available time for use of the mat. Prolonged maintenance periods for mats may be associated with, for example, increased energy expenditure and/or increased waste by-products, such as cleaning fluids. 
     Accordingly, it would be desirable to provide a mat that includes padded features for the comfort of a user without providing an increase in time required to maintain the mat because of the added padded features. It would also be desirable to provide a mat that may incorporate a changeable surface portion based on a user&#39;s preference. 
     SUMMARY 
     A mat is disclosed, and comprises a cover portion and a base portion. The cover portion includes a lower surface having an engagement surface. The base portion is removably coupled with the cover portion and includes a first layer and a second resilient layer. The first layer has a surface treatment configured to interengage the engagement surface of the cover portion so that the cover portion and the base portion resist relative movement due to lateral forcing. The second resilient layer is at least partially enclosed by the first layer and maintained in substantial fluid separation from a surrounding environment. The force needed to move the cover portion relative to the base portion laterally is greater than the force needed to separate the cover portion from the base portion due at least in part to the surface treatment on the first layer of the base portion. 
     In embodiments, the first layer is a barrier layer. In embodiments, the first layer comprises a substantially fluid-resistant material. In embodiments, the first layer is comprised of rubber or other fluid impervious material. In embodiments, the second layer is a padded layer. In embodiments, the second layer is comprised of foam. In embodiments, there is a third layer adjacent the second layer. In embodiments, the third layer is a slip-resistant layer or has a slip-resistant surface treatment on the bottom surface, that is, the surface remote from the second layer. In embodiments, the third layer includes a frictionally enhanced lower surface. In embodiments, the first layer includes an upper surface. In embodiments, the upper surface is formed of fabric. In embodiments, the upper surface and the lower surface of the first layer are joined along a seam. In embodiments, the second layer is disposed between the first layer and the third layer. In embodiments, the first layer and the third layer are attached to one another. In embodiments, the surface treatment comprises flocking. In embodiments, the surface treatment covers substantially the entire upper surface of the first layer. In embodiments, the surface treatment covers a portion of the entire upper surface of the first layer. In embodiments, the engagement portion of the lower surface of the cover portion comprises a non-woven material. In embodiments, the lower surface of the cover portion comprises at least one protruding feature. 
     In an exemplary embodiment, a kit comprises one or more cover portions and a base portion. Each of the one or more cover portions includes a lower surface having an engagement portion. The base portion is configured to separately and sequentially receive each of the one or more cover portions. The base portion includes a first layer, a second layer, and a third layer. The first layer has a surface treatment configured to interengage the engagement surface of each of the one or more cover portions so that each respective cover portion and the base portion resist relative movement due to lateral forcing. 
     In an exemplary embodiment, a mat comprises a cover portion and a base portion. The cover portion includes a lower surface comprised of a non-woven material and at least one protective surface feature protruding from the lower surface. The base portion is removably coupled with the cover portion and includes a first layer, a second resilient layer, and a third layer. The first layer has a flocking configured to interengage the non-woven material so that the cover portion and the base portion resist relative movement due to lateral forcing but allows ready separation of the cover portion from the base portion when the cover portion is lifted upwardly. The second resilient layer is at least partially enclosed by the first layer and maintained in substantial fluid separation from a surrounding environment. The third layer has a substantially non-slip lower surface. 
     In exemplary embodiments, a method of repositioning a mat includes providing a mat that comprises a cover portion having an at least partially rigid profile and a base portion. The cover portion includes a lower surface having an engagement surface. The base portion is removably coupled with the cover portion and includes a first layer and a second resilient layer. The first layer has a surface treatment configured to interengage the engagement surface of the cover portion so that the cover portion and the base portion resist relative movement due to lateral forcing. The second resilient layer is at least partially enclosed by the first layer and maintained in substantial fluid separation from a surrounding environment. The force needed to move the cover portion relative to the base portion laterally is greater than the force needed to separate the cover portion from the base portion due at least in part to the surface treatment on the first layer of the base portion. The method also comprises separating the cover portion from the base portion. The method also comprises placing the cover portion into a non-planar engagement with the base portion. The method also comprises exerting an at least partially downward force on the upper surface of the cover portion so that downward force components are translated into laterally outward force components due to the at least partially rigid profile of the cover portion. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The features and advantages of the present invention will be more fully understood with reference to the following, detailed description of illustrative embodiments of the present invention when taken in conjunction with the accompanying figures, wherein: 
         FIG. 1A  is a top perspective view of a mat according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 1B  is a bottom perspective view of the mat shown in  FIG. 1A ; 
         FIG. 2A  is a top perspective exploded view of the mat shown in  FIG. 1A ; 
         FIG. 2B  is a bottom perspective exploded view of the mat shown in  FIG. 1A ; 
         FIG. 3A  is an enlarged view of the area of detail identified in  FIG. 2A ; 
         FIG. 3B  is a view similar to  FIG. 3A  showing the area of detail identified in  FIG. 2A  exposed to an electrostatic charge; 
         FIG. 3C  is an enlarged view of the area of detail identified in  FIG. 2B ; 
         FIG. 4  is a cross-sectional view taken along section line  4 - 4  of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 5A  is a perspective view of the cover portion being placed on the base portion of the mat of  FIG. 1A ; 
         FIG. 5B  is a perspective view of a user standing on the mat of  FIG. 1A ; 
         FIG. 5C  is a perspective view of the mat of  FIG. 1A  subject to a lateral force; 
         FIG. 6A  is a perspective view of the mat of  FIG. 1A , with the cover portion being lifted away from the base portion by one hand of a user; 
         FIG. 6B  is a perspective view of the mat of  FIG. 1A , with the cover portion positioned in a non-planar engagement with the base portion; 
         FIG. 6C  is a perspective view of the mat of  FIG. 1A , with a user pressing on the cover portion; 
         FIG. 6D  is a perspective view of the mat of  FIG. 1A , showing the engagement of a corner of the cover with a corner of the base; 
         FIG. 6E  is a perspective view of the mat of  FIG. 1A , showing the cover portion lying in planar engagement with the base portion; 
         FIG. 7A  is a plan view of a base portion of a mat according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 7B  is a plan view of a base portion of a mat according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view of a kit including a base portion and multiple cover portions according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS 
     Products according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure may include a mat having at least one changeable, e.g., modular or replaceable, portion. For the purposes of the present disclosure, the term “user” may refer to, e.g., a person, animal, or object placed on a mat. For the purposes of the present disclosure, the terms “top,” “bottom,” “upper,” “lower,” “side,” “front,” and “back” have their usual and ordinary meaning from a third person perspective, e.g., a person looking down or substantially horizontally at a mat placed on a floor or other horizontal surface. 
     Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure may be utilized on a variety of surfaces and locations, such as floor surfaces, home areas such as kitchens and bathrooms, pet areas, garages, and/or floor surfaces in locations outside the home such as offices, and vehicles, to name a few. Additionally, mats according to the present disclosure may be used for spas, on patios, near pools or in other outdoor locations where the advantages of the present invention may be enjoyed. Embodiments of the present disclosure may be utilized on surfaces other than floor surfaces and in any suitable location contemplated by one skilled in the art of the present disclosure. 
     Turning to  FIGS. 1A and 2A , a mat according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is designated generally as  1000 . Mat  1000  may include a cover portion  100  and a base portion  200 . Cover portion  100  and base portion  200  may each have a generally rectangular planar profile with rounded corners. In embodiments, cover portion  100  and base portion  200  may each have different planar profiles, e.g., square, ovoid, circular, heptagonal, or triangular, to name a few. Cover portion  100  and base portion  200  may be releasably coupled with one another such that cover portion  100  and base portion may be used as separate components, or together as a unitary mat  1000 . Cover portion  100  may be configured to at least partially overlay base portion  200 , e.g., cover portion  100  may be dimensioned such that when cover portion  100  is superposed over base portion  200 , base portion  200  is positioned substantially within the perimeter of cover portion  100 . In embodiments, cover portion  100  and base portion  200  may have different or similar dimensions. Cover portion  100  and base portion  200  may be configured to lie in a generally planar, abutting relationship. In embodiments, cover portion  100  and base portion  200  may be disposed in an aligned, e.g., centered, or an offset, e.g., skewed, relationship. 
     Turning to  FIGS. 2A and 2B , cover portion  100  and base portion  200  are shown with their respective components in parts-separated view. Cover portion  100  includes an upper surface  110  and a lower surface  120 . Base portion  200  may include a first layer  210 , a second layer  220 , and a third layer  230 . 
     The upper surface  110  of cover portion  100  may be configured for engagement, e.g., to support weight, by a user. Upper surface  110  may be textured, e.g., for the comfort of a user. Upper surface  110  may be formed of a material that is absorbent, e.g., tends to retain fluids and/or is configured to wick fluids, such as microfiber fabric. In embodiments, the upper surface  110  of cover portion  100  may be formed of any suitable material, such as fabric, polymer, or composite, to name a few. The upper surface  110  of cover portion  100  may include shag  112 , e.g., tufts of unorganized and/or loosely organized long fabric fibers. In embodiments, the upper surface  110  of cover portion  100  may have a different texture, e.g., flat, bristled, or ridged, to name a few. In embodiments, upper surface  110  may incorporate a design, e.g., a printed, textured, or raised pattern, a separate decorative member that is coupled with the upper surface  110 , and/or a color scheme, to name a few. The shag  112  of upper surface  110  of cover portion  100  may be affixed to, e.g., adhered, attached with a coupling member, or retained by a substrate, to name a few. In embodiments, upper surface  110  may comprise a single layer or multiple layers. 
     The lower surface  120  of cover portion  100  may be configured for engagement with the base portion  200 , as will be described further below. Upper surface  110  and lower surface  120  may be surfaces of two separate layers of cover portion  110  that are joined along a binding  114 . Binding  114  may be a length of material to which the layers that comprise upper surface  110  and lower surface  120  are joined, e.g., stitched, adhered, coupled with a joining member such as a tack or a staple, or heat welded, to name a few. In embodiments, lower surface  120  of cover portion  100  may be a surface of the cover portion  100  opposite the upper surface  110  or may be a surface on another layer fastened to the bottom of upper surface  110  by adhesive, heat, or other similar means. 
     Lower surface  120  may have an engagement surface  122  that may be formed of, e.g., a non-woven fabric or another material that presents a surface that includes a grainy, irregular, and/or fuzzy texture. In embodiments, lower surface  120  may be formed of a material other than a non-woven material. In embodiments, lower surface  120  may be formed of a composite material formed from two or more different materials. Lower surface  120  of cover portion  100  may include one or more surface features  124  for safety, durability, or ease of use, to name a few. 
     Referring additionally to  FIG. 3C , surface features  124  may protrude from the lower surface  120  of cover portion  200 . In embodiments, surface features  124  may be flush with or embedded within the lower surface  120  of cover portion  200 . Surface features  124  may be formed of a polymeric material, such as latex, silicone, rubber, or other suitable materials. Surface features  124  may provide a protective feature between lower surface  120  of cover portion  100  and base portion  200 . In embodiments, surface features  124  may provide a protective feature between lower surface  120  of cover portion  100  and another surface. In embodiments, surface features  124  may provide sufficient friction such that when the cover portion  100  is be disposed on a surface without base portion  200 , it will be substantially resistant to slipping, sliding, or skidding. In embodiments, surface features  124  may facilitate engagement between the cover portion  100  and the base portion  200 , as described further herein. Surface features  124  may inhibit damage, e.g., provide a sufficient buffer or spacing between, engagement surface  122  and base portion  200  such that damage such as wear or fraying due to repeated friction and/or excessive forcing incurred by engagement surface  122  is substantially inhibited. As shown, surface features  124  may be configured as dots. In embodiments, surface features may be, e.g., stripes, crosses or another configuration, to name a few. Alternatively and additionally, in embodiments, surface features  124  may be arranged in bands, patches, or another pattern, to name a few, or combinations thereof. In embodiments, multiple surface features  124  may be uniformly or non-uniformly spaced across the lower surface  120  of cover portion  100 . 
     In embodiments, cover portion  100  may have an at least partially rigid, e.g., at least partially stiff and/or possessing at least some resistance to planar flexion, profile. The layers that comprise upper surface  110  and/or lower surface  120  may comprise such at least partially rigid properties. In embodiments, binding  114  may be at least partially rigid. 
     Turning to the base portion  200 , first layer  210  of base portion  200  may be a substantially flat, e.g., having a generally planar configuration, member. First layer  210  may have a generally rectangular planar profile with rounded corners. In embodiments, cover portion  100  and base portion  200  may each have different planar profiles, e.g., square, ovoid, circular, heptagonal, or triangular, to name a few. In embodiments, first layer  210  may be contoured, e.g., have a generally curvate cross sectional profile, such as concave or convex, so that the outer edge of first layer  210  has a generally downward orientation to accommodate and overlay second layer  220  and third layer  230 . First layer  210  may be formed of a fluid-resistant, e.g., fluid impermeable or fluid semi-impermeable, to name a few, material, such as SBR rubber, so that first layer  210  may have the properties of a barrier layer. First layer  210  may be comprised of a fluid resistant material such that fluids including liquids, moisture, vapor, and gases, are substantially inhibited from passing through the first layer  210 . First layer  210  may be comprised of a substantially fluid-resistant material to maintain substantial fluid separation between second layer  220  and/or third layer  230  and a surrounding environment. In embodiments, other or additional portions of cover portion  100  and/or base portion  200 , such as an additional layer, may be comprised of a substantially-fluid resistant material so that mat  1000  may have substantially fluid-resistant properties when the first layer  210  is comprised of a material other than a substantially fluid-resistant material. In embodiments, one or more layers may be disposed between the surface treatment  212  and the second layer  220 . In such embodiments, any of such one or more layers may be a substantially fluid-resistant layer. In embodiments, the surface features  124  described herein may be disposed on the first layer  210  of the base portion  200 . 
     First layer  210  preferably has a surface treatment  212  disposed on at least an upper surface thereof. Surface treatment  212  may provide first layer  210  with a textured surface, e.g., flocking. Referring additionally to  FIG. 3A , an enlarged view of surface treatment  212  is shown. Surface treatment  212  may comprise a plurality of fibers  214 , such as flocking, disposed along the surface of first layer  210 . In embodiments, fibers  214  may comprise polyester or another filament material. Fibers  214  may have a generally cylindrical, e.g., hair-like, profile and protrude from the outer surface of first layer  210 . In embodiments, surface treatment  212  may have another configuration such as spiked, grooved, ridged, or bristled, to name a few. Surface treatment  212  may be applied by various methods such as spraying, brushing, or dipping, to name a few. In embodiments, first layer  210  may be at least partially coated with an adhesive and brought into contact with a bed or box which may include fibers  214 . In embodiments, first layer  210  may be brought into contact with fibers formed of 100% polyester short hair disposed in a 2 mm high pile within a bed or box. In embodiments, fibers  214  may have another length or configuration. In embodiments, another source of fibers  214  may be brought into contact with first layer  210 . 
     Fibers  214  of surface treatment  212  may be arranged such that the surface engagement properties of fibers  214  are enhanced. Referring additionally to  FIG. 3B , fibers  214  may be exposed to an electrostatic field E, such that fibers  214  are caused to have a substantially upright configuration under the influence of static electricity. In embodiments, electrostatic field E may be naturally generated, e.g., by a surrounding environment, or by artificial means such as friction or electromagnetic fields. The substantially upright configuration of fibers  214  may present a surface that is enhanced for engagement with another surface when compared to a surface treated with fibers that are not arranged in a generally upright configuration. In embodiments, fibers  214  may be densely packed such that fibers  214  have a generally upright configuration relative to the outer surface of first layer  210 . In embodiments, fibers  214  may be treated with an adhesive or other binding member to cause fibers  214  to retain a generally upright configuration relative to the outer surface of first layer  210  when the binding member hardens. 
     Surface treatment  212  may be disposed along substantially all of the upper surface of first layer  210 . In embodiments, a surface treatment may be disposed along a portion of an upper surface of a first layer, as will be described further below. In embodiments, a surface treatment may be applied to a portion of a cover portion, e.g., a lower surface of a cover portion, and a portion of a base portion, e.g., an upper surface of a first layer, may include an engagement portion configured to interengage the surface treatment. 
     Second layer  220  may have an elongate box-shaped profile. In embodiments, second layer  220  may have a different profile, such as an ovoid, curvate, or tubular profile, to name a few. Second layer  220  may be configured such that first layer  210  conforms to a top surface  222  of second layer  220 . Second layer  220  may provide support to a user standing atop the cover portion  100  and/or base portion  200 . In embodiments, the second layer  220  may be a padded layer. Second layer  220  may be configured to provide dampening and/or force-absorbing properties, to name a few. Second layer  220  may have a dampening coefficient and/or a spring coefficient. Second layer  220  may be configured to distribute forces applied to a portion thereof, for example, second layer  220  may be configured to exert a reduced pressure against an object supported by the second layer  220 . In embodiments, second layer  220  may be formed of such materials as memory foam, open cell foam, closed cell foam, 3-D mesh, EVA foam, or another resilient material. 
     Third layer  230  may have a flat, planar profile. Third layer  230  may include an upper surface  232  to abut the bottom surface of the second layer  220 , and a bottom surface  234  for engagement with a floor or other surface. Bottom surface  234  may be configured to provide a non-slip surface that inhibits sliding and/or skidding and/or bunching upon application of a lateral, e.g., shear, force therealong. In embodiments, bottom surface  234  may be formed of EVA, butyl rubber, or polyvinyl chloride (PVC) coated scrim, to name a few. In embodiments, third layer  230  may be formed of a substantially fluid-resistant material such that the third layer inhibits the passage of fluids including liquids, moisture, vapors, and gases therethrough. Third layer  230  may be configured as a fluid-resistant material to protect and maintain second layer  220  and/or first layer  210  in substantial fluid separation from the surrounding environment. 
     With additional reference to  FIG. 4 , the components of mat  1000  are shown in cross-sectional view. Upper surface  110  of cover portion  100  may be exposed such that a user may stand, sit, kneel, or walk across the upper surface  110  of cover portion  100 . Bottom surface  120  of cover portion  100  may be disposed facing the base portion  200 . 
     Base portion  200  may include first layer  210  covering second layer  220 . Second layer  220  may be disposed between first layer  210  and third layer  230 . First layer  210  and third layer  230  may be attached by various methods such as stitched, adhered, tacked, stapled, heat sealed, or flame sealed, to name a few. First layer  210  and third layer  230  may be attached such that an interface between first layer  210  and third layer  230  is substantially fluid-resistant so that fluids such as liquids, moisture, vapors, and gases, are inhibited from passing therethrough. The periphery around the first and third layers  210 ,  230  may be further finished or sealed by a binding extending substantially around the layers. In embodiments, first and third layers  210 ,  230  may be arranged such that second layer  220  is substantially surrounded by substantially fluid-resistant material. 
     Engagement surface  122  of the lower surface  120  of cover portion  100  may be engaged with the surface treatment  212  of the first layer  210  of base portion  200 . The fibers  214  of the surface treatment  212  may interengage, e.g., interfere, mesh, or tangle, to name a few, with the texture of the engagement surface  122  of lower surface  120  of cover portion  100  such that the cover portion  100  and base portion  200  are releasably coupled with one another so that cover portion  100  and base portion  200  are coupled such that an external force is required to separate cover portion  100  from base portion  200 . Surface features  124  may engage by frictional and/or geometric interference with, and/or become interposed with, fibers  214  of surface treatment  212  such that surface features  124  facilitate releasable coupling of the cover portion  100  and base portion  200 . 
     Turning to  FIGS. 5A ,  5 B, and  5 C, the use of mat  1000  will be described according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Base portion  200  may be placed, e.g., positioned, dropped, or unrolled, on a desired surface. Cover portion  100  may be placed atop the base portion  200 . Cover portion  100  may be, e.g., positioned, dropped, or rolled onto the base portion  200 . Cover portion  100  may be aligned with the base portion  200 , or may be placed atop base portion  200  in a skewed or offset manner. 
     The interengagement of the surface treatment  212  of the first layer  210  of base portion  200  with the engagement surface  122  and/or surface features  124  of the bottom surface  120  of cover portion  100  may provide a coefficient of friction between the cover portion  100  and base portion  200  such that cover portion  100  and base portion  200  resist relative motion in a lateral, e.g., sideways direction. In this manner, a user may exert a pulling force F P  across the cover portion  100  and the cover portion  100  will not move laterally over the surface of base portion  200 . However, the interengagement of the surface treatment  212  of the first layer  210  of base portion  200  with the engagement surface  122  of the bottom surface  120  of cover portion  100  does not provide substantial resistance to the planar separation by lifting, peeling or rolling the cover portion  100  from the base portion  200 . In embodiments, a user may remove the cover portion  100  from the base portion  200  by lifting the cover portion  100  with substantially little more force than needed to overcome the weight of the cover portion  100 , as described further herein. In embodiments, the force necessary to lift the cover portion  100  from the base portion  200  may be less than the force necessary to move the cover portion  100  relative to the base portion  200  in a lateral direction and/or move the base portion  200  across a surface, such as a floor. The interengagement of cover portion  100  and base portion  200  may be such that cover portion  100  may be repositioned atop base portion  200  after an initial placement atop base portion  200  with substantial ease so that a user may reposition cover portion  100  with one hand, a foot, or a grabbing tool. Further, lifting the cover portion from the base portion may be accomplished without the need to restrain the base portion. 
     A user may stand atop mat  1000  such that mat  1000  supports the user&#39;s weight, while providing a comfortable surface to stand on. During routine use of the mat  1000 , lateral forces, e.g., shear forces applied along a plane defined by the upper surface of cover portion  100 , may be exerted across the cover portion  100  and/or base portion  200 . The interengagement of the engagement surface  122  and/or surface features  124  and the surface treatment  212  of the respective cover portion  100  and base portion  200  may provide a sufficient resistance by static friction, dynamic friction, and/or interfering geometry, to name a few, to avoid relative lateral movement such as sliding, slipping, or bunching of the cover portion  100  relative to the base portion  200  when the mat is in use. As described herein, third layer  230  may incorporate a non-slip surface such that the mat  1000  is inhibited from relative movement from with a surface on which it is disposed, e.g., a floor. In embodiments, third layer  230  may have a surface with a coefficient of friction, that is similar, greater, or less than a coefficient of friction defined by one or both of the engagement surface  122  and/or surface features  124  and surface treatment  212 . 
     During the course of use, mat  1000  may be exposed to liquids, such as through spills or through cleaning, to name a few or in the course of usage as a bath mat, kitchen mat, or otherwise. Cover portion  100  may be configured of an absorbable material such that fluids are retained by the cover portion  100 . The configuration of mat  1000  is such that cover portion  100  may be removed from base portion  200  so that cover portion may be dried or cleaned independently of base portion  200 , and replaced thereafter. The fluid-resistant configuration of the first layer  210  and/or third layer  230  of base portion  200  is such that base portion  200  may be exposed to fluids without necessitating the need for drying the base portion  200 , as the second layer  220  may be maintained in substantial fluid-separation from any fluids brought into contact with base  200  by the first layer  210  and/or third layer  230 . In this manner, mat  1000  may be configured such that base portion  200  provides padding, e.g., for the comfort of a user, while cover portion  100  may be removed and independently dried such that mat  1000  provides padding without adding to drying time. Accordingly, mat  1000  may be configured such that less energy, e.g., electricity, is required for maintenance of the mat  1000 . Mat  1000  may be configured such that a reduced amount of waste by-products, such as cleaning and/or drying chemicals that may be needed to maintain mat  1000 . 
     Turning to  FIG. 6A , mat  1000  may be configured so that a user can grasp cover portion  100  and exert a lifting force F L  on cover portion  100  to separate cover portion  100  from base portion  200 . The interengagement of cover portion  100  and base portion  200  due to the interaction between the engagement surface  122  of the lower surface  120  of cover portion  100  and surface treatment  212  ( FIG. 2A ) of base portion  200  is such that the lifting force F L  is less than a weight F W  exerted by the mass of the base portion  200 . In this manner, the cover portion  100  and base portion  200  are interengaged in a manner so that the mat  1000  resists lateral forcing, but is configured so that the cover portion  100  may be easily removed or repositioned on the base portion  200 . In embodiments, a user may separate the cover portion  100  from base portion  200  in this manner using one hand. 
     Turning to  FIG. 6B , a user may reposition the cover portion  100  of mat  1000  on base portion  200  by lowering, e.g., dropping or placing, cover portion  100  onto the base portion  200 . In this manner, cover portion  100  may be moved into engagement with base portion  200  under the influence of gravity. Cover portion  100  may contact base portion  200  in a non-planar engagement, e.g., cover portion  100  may be lowered onto base portion  200  such that a raised portion R of the cover portion  100  is at least partially separated from the base portion  200 . Raised portion R may be a portion of the cover portion  100  that is, for example, folded, kinked, and/or bunched, to name a few. 
     Referring additionally to  FIG. 6C , a user may reposition cover portion  100  from a non-planar engagement into a planar engagement with base portion  200 . As described above, cover portion  100  may have an at least partially rigid profile. A user may exert a smoothening force F S , e.g., a downward and/or laterally outward force, onto the raised portion R of the cover portion  100 . In embodiments, downward components of smoothening force F S  may be transferred into laterally outward force components due to the at least partially rigid profile of cover portion  100 , so that raised portion R of cover portion  100  is urged or spread into a substantially planar engagement with base portion  200 . In this manner, the cover portion  100  has an at least partially rigid profile so that the cover portion  100  may be pushed or pressed to cause the cover portion  100  to spread out and fall toward a closer engagement with the base portion  200 . In contrast, materials that are devoid of an at least partially rigid profile may not transfer pressing or pushing forces across their respective surfaces so that such materials may only be pulled, and not pushed. Such a material may require more time and effort by a user to reposition on, e.g., a flocked surface, as compared to a material having an at least partially rigid profile. 
     Turning to  FIGS. 6D and 6E , cover portion  100  of mat  1000  may also be configured so that cover portion  100  may have a curvate cross-sectional profile, such as concave or convex. Portions of the cover portion  100  may be, tensioned, mechanically deformed, incorporated with one or more biasing members, to name a few, to have a curvate cross-sectional profile so that the sides of the cover portion  100  surround the sides of the base portion  200 . In embodiments, binding  114  may be tensioned along an outer periphery of the layers that comprise upper surface  110  and lower surface  120  of cover portion  100  so that compressive forces are maintained along outer edge portions of the cover portion  100 . In embodiments, corners C1 of the cover portion  100  may be regions of increased tension, e.g., due to the construction of cover portion  100  and/or tensioning of the binding member  114 . In this manner, corners C1 of the cover portion  100  may be biased toward a contoured engagement, e.g., with corners C2 of the base portion  200 . In embodiments, corners C1 of the cover portion  100  may be configured so that corners C1 snap over or otherwise force downward with a force F D  toward engagement with corners C2 of base portion  200 . In such embodiments, excess material of the cover portion  100  may be inhibited from extending away from base portion  200 , e.g., to increase safety for users passing by. In this manner, a cover portion  100  may be at least partially tensioned such that the cover portion  100  tends toward a snug or contoured engagement with the periphery of base portion  200 . In such embodiments, peripheral portions of cover portion  100  may be inhibited from extending past base portion  200 , e.g., to prevent a hazard to pedestrians passing by. 
     Turning to  FIG. 7A , an alternate embodiment of a base portion of a mat according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is generally designated  200 ′. Base portion  200 ′ may include features that are substantially similar to base portion  200  described above, and will only be discussed with respect to the differences therein. Base portion  200 ′ may include a first layer  210 ′ that is provided with a surface treatment  212 ′. Surface treatment  212 ′ may provide first layer  210 ′ with a surface that is configured for engagement with a cover portion in the manner described above with respect to base portion  200 . Surface treatment  212 ′ may comprise, e.g., flocking. In embodiments, surface treatment  212 ′ may have another configuration, e.g., spiked, grooved, ridged, or bristled, to name a few. Surface treatment  212 ′ may be disposed along a portion of the surface of first layer  210 ′. As shown, surface treatment  212 ′ may be disposed in a striped pattern along first layer  210 ′, e.g., surface treatment  212 ′ is applied in alternating bands across the surface of first layer  210 ′ of base portion  200 ′. Such a pattern of application of surface treatment  212 ′ may require substantially less surface treatment material and/or processing than entirely covering the surface of the first layer  210 ′ while still providing substantially the same surface properties. 
     Turning to  FIG. 7B , an alternate embodiment of a base portion of a mat according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is generally designated  200 ″. Base portion  200 ″ may include features that are substantially similar to base portion  200  described above, and will only be discussed with respect to the differences therein. Base portion  200 ″ may include a first layer  210 ″ that is provided with a surface treatment  212 ″. Surface treatment  212 ″ may provide first layer  210 ″ with a surface that is configured for engagement with a cover portion in the manner described above with respect to base portion  200 . Surface treatment  212 ″ may comprise, e.g., flocking. In embodiments, surface treatment  212 ″ may have another configuration, e.g., spiked, grooved, ridged, or bristled, to name a few. Surface treatment  212 ″ may be disposed along a portion of the surface of first layer  210 ″. As shown, surface treatment  212 ″ may be disposed along a central portion of the surface of first layer  210 ″, while an outer periphery of the first layer  210 ″ may be devoid of surface treatment  212 ″. Such a pattern of application of surface treatment  212 ″ may require substantially less surface treatment material and/or processing than entirely covering the surface of the first layer  210 ″ while still providing substantially the same surface properties. 
     In embodiments, a base portion may incorporate another pattern of surface treatment, e.g., patches, sections, or zig-zags, to name a few. 
     Turning to  FIG. 8 , a kit  300  according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Kit  300  may include the components of mat  1000  described above, e.g., kit  300  may include cover portion  100  and base portion  200 . Kit  300  may additionally include cover portions  100 ′ and  100 ″. Cover portion  100 ′ may include a flat, e.g. carpeted, upper surface, and cover portion  100 ″ may include a surface design, e.g., a printed, textured, or raised pattern, and/or a color scheme, to name a few. Cover portion  100 ″ may include, e.g., a floral patterned surface design. Those skilled in the art will envision other suitable cover portion configurations. 
     Cover portions  100 ′ and  100 ″ may otherwise be substantially similar in structure and operation to the various embodiments of cover portion  100  described above. Kit  300  may be provided such that base portion  200  may be separately and sequentially releasably coupled with any or all of cover portions  100 ,  100 ′,  100 ″ such that a user is given a modular set of mat components such that a particular cover portion may be selected, e.g., for aesthetic considerations, while another cover portion is being cleaned, or due to a specific surface configuration of a cover portion, to name a few. Kit  300  may include a container  302 , e.g., a box, packaging, or carrying case, to name a few, in which base portion  200  and cover portions  100 ,  100 ′,  100 ″ may be provided. In embodiments, a kit may include any number of cover portions and/or base portions of various designs. 
     While this invention has been described in conjunction with the embodiments outlined above, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the exemplary embodiments of the invention, as set forth above, are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.