Interlocking mat

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a foldable drying mat configured to support various dishware configurations, comprising a plurality of interconnected rectangular drying panels, wherein each drying panel further comprises two lateral short sides and two longitudinal long sides, and a top surface and an opposing bottom surface with a flat base on each surface; wherein each drying panel is pivotally connected to at least one adjacent panel; wherein the drying panels are selectively adjustable, such that at least two adjacent panels can be positioned at an angle relative to one another, thereby creating various elevations.

We claim: 
     
         1 . A foldable drying mat configured to support various dishware configurations, comprising:
 a plurality of interconnected rectangular drying panels, each drying panel comprising:
 two lateral short sides and two longitudinal long sides, and 
 a top surface and an opposing bottom surface with a flat base on each surface, 
   wherein each drying panel is pivotally connected to at least one adjacent panel,   wherein the drying panels are selectively adjustable, such that at least two adjacent panels can be positioned at an angle relative to one another, thereby creating various elevations.   
     
     
         2 . The foldable drying mat of  claim 1 , wherein connectors facilitate the pivotal connection of at least two drying panels, the connectors comprising strips positioned between and along the longitudinal sides of the drying panels, wherein the connectors may be articulated to allow the panels to rotate relative to one another around a shared axis. 
     
     
         3 . The foldable drying mat of  claim 2 ,
 wherein each of the plurality of drying panels includes an elevated perimeter edge designed to contain water within the respective panels, and   wherein the elevated perimeter edges of the drying panels further comprise a beveled exterior portion that is angled inwardly towards the center of either the top surface or the bottom surface and outwardly from the center of the opposing surface.   
     
     
         4 . The foldable drying mat of  claim 3 , wherein:
 the drying panels are pivotally interconnected in an alternating end-to-end pattern such that each panel's beveled elevated perimeter edge is counterposed in orientation to that of its adjacent drying panel or panels; and   wherein the alternating pattern allows for the panels to be folded in a manner that the elevated perimeter edges of consecutive panels can rest within each other.   
     
     
         5 . The foldable drying mat of  claim 4 , wherein the drying panels are configurable into a fully expanded position, such that the panels are substantially parallel to each other. 
     
     
         6 . The foldable drying mat of  claim 4 , wherein the drying panels are configurable into a fully collapsed position, in which all panels are folded atop one another in a stacked configuration to achieve a compact storage profile. 
     
     
         7 . The foldable drying mat of  claim 4 , wherein the drying panels are configured into a bi-fold position, wherein the mat is folded along a central axis to form two stacks of panels. 
     
     
         8 . The foldable drying mat of  claim 4 , wherein the drying panels are configurable into an angular position, forming a triangular shape with a horizontal base created by one or more panels lying flat. 
     
     
         9 . The foldable drying mat of  claim 4 , wherein the drying panels are configurable into an angular position, forming a triangular shape that stands without a horizontal base. 
     
     
         10 . The foldable drying mat of  claim 1 , wherein each of the plurality of drying panels further comprises a series of protrusions extending vertically from at least one base of each drying panel, the protrusions being configured to separate and support dishware placed on the mat for drying, and to facilitate water drainage away from the dishware. 
     
     
         11 . The foldable drying mat of  claim 10 , wherein the protrusions comprise a plurality of parallel rectangular ridges. 
     
     
         12 . The foldable drying mat of  claim 10 , wherein the protrusions are tapered along their long sides, such that they interlock with the corresponding protrusions when panels are folded into one another. 
     
     
         13 . The foldable drying mat of  claim 1 , wherein the mat further comprises end grips integrally formed with the drying panels at the lateral extremities of the mat for facilitating manual handling and maneuverability of the mat. 
     
     
         14 . The foldable drying mat of  claim 13 , wherein the end grips have a reduced horizontal cross-sectional dimension relative to the horizontal cross-sectional dimension of the elevated perimeter edges of the drying panels. 
     
     
         15 . The foldable drying mat of  claim 14 , wherein the end grips taper from a wider connection point at its junction with the adjacent drying panel to a narrower terminus. 
     
     
         16 . The foldable drying mat of  claim 1 , wherein the drying mat is comprised of one or more elastic materials, thereby allowing the mat to withstand repeated stress of folding and unfolding. 
     
     
         17 . The foldable drying mat of  claim 16 , wherein the material of the drying mat comprises a non-slip texture to prevent movement during use. 
     
     
         18 . The foldable drying mat of  claim 16 , wherein the material of the drying mat further comprises antimicrobial properties.