Abstract: A modular interchangeable floor mat includes a mat frame and a mat insert. The mat frame includes a central portion having a plurality of integrally formed upwardly-extending hooked nibs and a peripheral edge. The mat insert includes a hook-retaining material defining a bottom surface. The hook-retaining material may include a nonwoven material or a reticulated foam. The plurality of upwardly-extending hooked nibs of the mat frame is engageable with the hook-retaining material of the mat insert. The mat frame may also include a plurality of integrally formed downwardly-depending nibs or ridges.

Abstract: A recyclable floor mat includes indicia to aid in the collection and sorting of the recyclable floor mat. For example, a recyclable vehicle floor mat may be provided with a green colored bottom surface for readily identifying to car owners and car dealers that the vehicle floor mat is recyclable. A method and system for collecting and recycling vehicle floor mats may include car dealers, a parts distribution center, a recycle center, and a vehicle floor mat manufacturer.

Abstract: A floor mat is disclosed which is releasably attachable to loop-pile fibers of a carpet of the carpeted floor board of a vehicle. The floor mat includes a generally planar member having a top surface, a carpet material attached and/or bonded to the top surface, a plurality of integrally formed, spaced-apart, downwardly-depending nibs, and a plurality of integrally formed, spaced-apart, downwardly-depending, carpet-engaging members interlockably engageable with the loop-pile fibers of the carpeted floor board. The planar member, and thus, the integrally formed carpet-engaging members are desirably formed from a heat curable, elastomeric or rubber-like material so that the plurality of carpet-engaging members is disengageable from the loop-pile fibers of the carpeted floor board generally without damaging the loop-pile fibers of the carpeted floor board. Also disclosed are a mold and a method for forming such a floor mat.

Abstract: A tool for vibrationally joining a heel pad to a floor mat includes a platen having a first region and a second region. A first plurality of pins may extend from the first region of the platen, and a second plurality of pins may extend from the second region of the platen. The first plurality of pins are arranged non-parallel to the second plurality of pins. The method of joining a heel pad to a floor mat includes applying a glue between the heel pad and the floor mat, and thereafter vibrationally welding the heel pad and floor mat such that a perimeter region of the heel pad is recessed lower than an interior region of the heel pad. In another aspect of the subject invention, a perimeter region of a heel pad may be joined to a floor mat includes ultrasonically welding a portion of the perimeter or rim region of the heel pad to the floor mat, and thereafter ultrasonically welding the remaining portion of the perimeter region of the heel pad to the floor mat.

Abstract: For anchoring a mat to the carpet of an automobile against forward movement, a clip for engaging the mat at its rearward edge is operated by a protector plate which shields the clip from impact while also serving to operate the jaws between an open and a closed position. The clip is linked to a hook so as to permit independent lateral and longitudinal movement by the clip with respect to the hook. The hook has a forward facing pin portion for engaging the automobile carpet and an anchoring stud portion extending substantially perpendicularly to said pin portion also for engaging said carpet and resisting the accidental removal of the pin. The hook is made of a springy material and is so shaped as to cause the carpet to be pinched between the pin portion and another part of the hook, thereby providing additional resistance to the withdrawal of the pin from the carpet.