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 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 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 universal overhead door system includes a pair of horizontal track members, a pair of vertical track members and a pair of track radius members interconnecting the horizontal and vertical track members. A pair of short radius members extend from the track radius members to guide uppermost rollers of an overhead sectional door. The short radius members terminate close to the top of the door opening and thereby eliminate the need to guide the uppermost rollers below the level at which the curved portion of the track radius members begin. The ability to install the short radius members when needed for smaller door opening sizes and low head room environments provides a universal track system for most overhead door installations.

Abstract: A connection system for interconnecting various components, such as components of an overhead garage door system, is provided which includes, in one aspect, a first component having a pair of spaced apart hook members, an intermediate guide member and a detent extending from a planar body of the first component. A second component includes a pair of spaced apart apertures which are shaped and aligned to receive the hook members, and an intermediate aperture which is shaped and aligned to receive the guide member upon registration of the first and second components in face-abutting relationship. As the first and second components are translated relative to each other, the detent of the first component engages the intermediate aperture of the second component to thereby establish a connection between the first and second components. Connection of a roller bracket to a door stile of an overhead garage door system is provided by the novel connection system, as well as connection of a door stile to a door panel.

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: A motor vehicle accessory floor mat having an open top basin-like casing for receiving and retaining a removable water and dirt pervious grill therein, is provided with an additional exchangeable textile faced insert. The insert has the same engagement pattern on its underside as the grill so that it readily mates with holding means in the casing. The textile material may cover substantially all of the top surface of the insert or may be provided with a border to accommodate registration and locking engagement of the insert within the casing.

Abstract: An accessory floor mat designed to overlie and protect a portion of the original carpeted floor of an automobile is preformed into a tray-like configuration which also conforms to the contours of the floor portion. The mat snugly fits into the carpeted floor well on a side of the vehicle and thereby resists mat sliding. The stiffness of the mat is such that it maintains its original position in the vehicle under foot exerted lateral forces and also retains its shape while being removed for cleaning. Mat stiffness is defined in terms of forced-to-bend values at specified deflection angles in both a machine direction and a cross direction, as measured in accordance with ASTM D747 on a Tinius Olsen stiffness tester.

Abstract: An accessory floor mat designed to overlie and protect a portion of the original carpeted floor of an automobile is preformed into a tray-like configuration which also conforms to the contours of the floor portion. The mat snugly fits into the carpeted floor well on a side of the vehicle and thereby resists mat sliding. The rigidity of the mat is such that it maintains its original position in the vehicle and also retains its shape when removed for cleaning. Raised borders of the mat terminate in rolled edges which eliminate the need for surging or otherwise finishing these edges. Optionally the mat can be provided with a recessed heel pad. The composite carpet structure from which the mat is molded preferably includes a layer of carpet fibers tufted into a primary backing material which is bonded to a sheet of open-celled foam by an extruded thermoformable copolymer of polyethylene and ethylene vinyl acetate.

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.