A thick flat pad made of material is a mat. It may be made from a piece of fabric or foam, covered in plastic or fabric, or even made from a synthetic material. The earliest mats were interlaced blades of grass placed at a 90-degree angle to form a web-like structure and were probably the first type of floor covering used by man. There are several types of mats available today. Mats have gone from being merely functional to having multi-dimensional uses. Different types of mats available include entrance mats, interior mats, anti-slip mats, logo mats, anti-static mats, anti-fatigue mats and scraper mats. Entrance mats are used to minimize the spread of dirt and water inside the premises and provide a surface that is safe and slip resistant. They store the dirt and dust at the entrance and keep inner premises clean. Mats used indoors protect indoor surfaces from wear and tear, and dust. They can also be ornamental if the user has an aesthetic eye. They are generally used in and around the areas that have heavy usage. Anti-slip mats provide safety to a user in slippery surroundings. These may be used either indoors or outdoors as needed. Scraper mats are outdoor mats on which heavy sand and soil can be wiped. Such mats can be seen near golf courses where the players are expected to clean their shoes and then walk in to the club. Stiff brushes are also provided to brush off whatever the mat cannot scrape. Anti-fatigue mats are used by people who need to stand for long periods. Such mats provide a cushion to the leg muscles, allowing them to expand and contract to ensure proper blood flow and thus reducing fatigue. The use of anti-fatigue mats has been known to increase productivity. Some safety features like non-skid and safety borders to increase visibility are also added to anti-fatigue mats. Anti-static mats are used to eliminate electrical shock damage in computer rooms and electronic assembly areas. In addition to being a safety aid the cushioning in these mats provides a certain level of comfort to the user. A popular type of mat is the logo mat. These mats have a dual role. Their use popularizes a corporate name and protects the area from soiling. Any kind of mat can be converted into a logo mat. This can be done by contacting the mat manufacturer and placing an order for mats with company logos on them. The type of mat would depend on the need for that particular type. |
