CLAIMS

1. A sterilization mat comprising a mesh-like backing having opposite faces and composed intersecting stringers defining relatively large openings in the backing, said stringers having rounded or inclined surfaces at one face of the backing and a multi-plicity of resilient pins or fingers projecting from said inclined surfaces at said one face of the backing.

2. The mat defined in claim 1 wherein said mat is molded silicone.

3. The mat defined in claim 1 wherein said stringers also have rounded or inclined surfaces at the opposite face of the backing.

4. The mat defined in claim 3 wherein the stringers have substantially cylindrical or diamond-shaped cross sections.

5. The mat defined in claim 1 wherein the stringers have flat surfaces at the oppo-site face of the backing and further including a multiplicity of spaced-apart bosses pro-jecting from the flat surfaces of the stringers.

6. The mat defined in claim 5 wherein the stringers have substantially semi-cylindrical or triangular cross sections.

7. The mat defined in claim 1 wherein the stringers are arranged in columns and rows so that said openings are substantially rectangular.

8. The mat defined in claim 1 wherein said fingers are tapered.

9. The mat defined in claim 1 wherein a plurality of said stringers define the pe-rimeter of the backing.