Abstract: A truck bed liner is integrally molded of a thermoplastic material. Arrays of spaced-apart, endless cushioning elements downwardly depend from the bottom surface of the liner body. Notches are made in the bottom margins of the cushioning elements to permit fluid ingress to and egress from the cushioning element interiors. In one embodiment, the depth of the elements is uniform, and the top surface of the bed liner emulates the rib pattern of the truck bed. In another embodiment, the depth of the elements varies, such that a rib pattern on the top surface of the liner body can be different from the truck bed rib pattern.

Abstract: Multiple components of a floor mat system may each be formed of a resilient material such as foamed polyurethane. First and second channels are formed in the respective lower surfaces of first and second mat components, so as to inwardly extend from lateral boundaries thereof. The roofs of the channels are spaced above the general lower surfaces of the mat components. A first socket is formed to upwardly extend from the roof of the first channel, and a second socket is formed to upwardly extend from the roof of a second channel. A connector is used to join the mat components. Posts of the connector are received in the sockets, while a strap joining the posts is received within the first and second channels.

Abstract: A multi-part vehicle floor cover has a first part with a lateral edge and a second part with a lateral end that mates with the lateral edge of the first part and has a lap panel that extends from the lateral end to a lateral edge of the second part. A plurality of fastening systems join the first part to the lap panel of the second part. Each fastening system has a button, a first hole made in the first part and a second hole made in the second part. The top surface of the button is sloped, and the lower diameters of the holes are greater than the upper diameters thereof. The lap joint makes the manufacture of large floor covers by injection molding practical, while offering an effective method of assembly by the end user.

Abstract: A hitch step assembly comprises a first shot component injection molded from a first polymer compound with a high flexural modulus and a second shot component injection molded from a second polymer compound having a lower flexural modulus relative to the first shot compound. A post and a step body core are molded from the first polymer compound. A shell of the step body is molded from the second polymer compound and is overmolded onto the step body core. The shell forms a compression zone that attenuates rear impact forces the hitch step encounters, thus offering some protection against rear impacts. The hitch step assembly exhibits satisfactory resistance to deflection and torsional bending about a hitch receiver axis when a force is applied on the top surface of the hitch step near its lateral ends.

Abstract: A top surface of an elevating stand of a pet feeding system defines bowl receptacles into which respective food and water bowls may be removably installed. A first zone of the top surface of the stand includes an upwardly convex ring that laterally surrounds a respective bowl receptacle. A second zone of the top surface of the stand laterally surrounds the first zone, except as interrupted by a finger notch. Each bowl has a peripheral lip with a lower surface formed as a downwardly concave ring that fits over the upwardly convex ring of the stand. An edge of the bowl rests on the second zone at a location below the upper limit of the convex ring. A base of the stand cooperates with upstanding ribs in an elastomeric mat to prevent lateral movement of the stand and to prevent rotation of the stand around the stand center.