Patent ID: 8790764

Claim:
A surface covering for melting ice or snow, comprising: at least one elongate element bent along an arc to define at least one turn and thereby form a generally flexible mat structure; said flexible mat structure convertible between at least a first, generally planar condition for melting ice or snow, and a second, compact condition suitable for storage of said mat structure when not in use; and a melting composition integrated with said elongate element; wherein said elongate element comprises at least one tube defining a cavity therein and wherein said melting composition is disposed within said cavity; and wherein said elongate element is formed from material that allows said melting composition to permeate therethrough; and wherein said at least one tube is bent in a spiral arrangement that defines the mat structure; said second, compact condition of said flexible mat structure being one of a rolled condition or a folded condition; wherein said melting composition is retained in said cavity in said second condition.