Carpet Fasteners Patents (Class 16/4)
  • Patent number: 11642996
    Abstract: A vehicle floor mat system comprising a vehicle floor tray molded from an extrusion polymer sheet, a vehicle floor mat affixation device containing a circular shaped body with axial extending tines, and a removable carpet attachment is disclosed. The vehicle floor mat system resists affixation device pull-out and shear forces applied to the mat with respect to the original equipment manufacturer's floor covering on which the mat is placed but allows for easy removal and replacement of the vehicle floor mat and of the affixation devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2023
    Assignee: Tarboy LLC
    Inventor: Salvatore Gruttadauro
  • Patent number: 11618943
    Abstract: Embodiments of target assemblies for use in substrate processing chambers are provided herein. In some embodiments, a target assembly includes a plate comprising a first side including a central portion and a support portion, a target disposed on the central portion, a plurality of recesses formed in the support portion; and a plurality of self-retained low-friction pads partially disposed in the plurality of recesses, wherein each of the plurality of low-friction pads includes a solid body portion, and a self-retaining stem that extends outward from a bottom of the solid body portion, wherein the self-retaining stem includes a first stem portion disposed in the first through-hole portion, and a second stem portion disposed within the second through-hole portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2023
    Assignee: APPLIED MATERIALS, INC.
    Inventors: Ilya Lavitsky, Keith A. Miller
  • Patent number: 11110830
    Abstract: A rear seat includes a support plate and a planar carpet laid between a lower part of a back lining of a seatback and a deck board located behind the seatback. The support plate is configured to support the carpet from underneath when the seatback is collapsed forward. The support plate includes a fixing plate part and a movable plate part. The fixing plate part is fixed on a back lining surface of the seatback and abuts the rear side of the carpet when the seatback is collapsed forward. The movable plate part is aligned with the fixing plate part, in the seat width direction, and is joined to the rear surface of the carpet. The movable plate part covers the seat side shield. The movable plate part abuts the seat side shield from behind, and shifts away from the fixing plate part when the seatback is reclined reward.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2021
    Assignee: TOYOTA BOSHOKU KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Shutaro Kondo, Masaya Inukai
  • Patent number: 10827866
    Abstract: A rug mounting system and method includes an elongate fastening driven into a flooring surface. The elongate fastener is coupled with a fastening area and a complementary fastener. The underside of the rug is fitted with a complementary fastening area and fastener. A flat item that includes the fastening area is affixed to the flooring surface, and the elongate fastener is applied to the flooring surface therethrough, thus exposing the lower end fasteners. The rug is then placed over both fastening types and mounted on the ground. One, or more, mounting systems may be used to secure a rug to the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2020
    Assignee: PREST-O-FIT MANUFACTURING, INC.
    Inventor: J. David Prest
  • Patent number: 10723252
    Abstract: A floor mat with integral grommet is provided for a vehicle having a floor with at least one upstanding post. The mat includes a core, an upper surface and an opposite lower surface, a grommet is integrally formed with the mat and contained between the upper surface and the lower surface. The grommet includes a grommet body having a first, upper edge and a second, lower edge, a post-engagement throughbore defined by the body. A flange extends radially outwardly from the body between the upper edge and the lower edge for engaging the mat core.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2020
    Assignee: THERMOFLEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Robert Price, David Reband, Thomas Harter, Robert M. Miller
  • Patent number: 10653462
    Abstract: A pin made of cortical bone may be inserted into adjoining bones of a toe to align and secure the bones. The pin may have barbs to prevent migration of the pin. The pin may include a shoulder to further prevent migration of the pin from the bones, to increase the strength of the pin, and to increase the surface area between the bone pin and the host bone. The pin may further include flattened portions on its circumference to aide in rotating the pin during insertion. The pin may be treated to reduce brittleness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2020
    Assignee: LifeNet Health
    Inventors: Jingsong Chen, Thomas Sander, Dennis Phelps, Andy Pritchard, Roberto Bracone
  • Patent number: 10638853
    Abstract: A mattress-retention assembly is provided that prevents a mattress from moving on an adjustable bed during articulation. The assembly includes a receiver plate coupled to adjustable mattress, where the receiver plate has a first coupling mechanism associated with an interior passage. The assembly further includes a grommet, having a hollow interior, disposed within the decking on the bed. The assembly further includes a male connector, having a second coupling mechanism that attaches to the first coupling mechanism of the receiver plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2020
    Assignee: L&P Property Management Company
    Inventors: Kevin Nolte, Cody McCormick
  • Patent number: 10328832
    Abstract: A vehicle floor liner has a top surface and a bottom surface. The bottom surface includes a recess extending toward the top surface and a ridge extending away from the bottom surface and positioned around a periphery of the recess.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2019
    Assignee: Husky Liners, Inc.
    Inventor: Kenneth Douglas Johnson
  • Patent number: 10328870
    Abstract: An upholstery mounting system includes a support structure and a covering member. The system also includes a bracket that is fixed to the support structure. The bracket is flexible to move between a first position and a second position relative to the support structure. Also, the upholstery mounting system includes a boss that is fixed to the covering member. The boss, in a detached position is outside an opening of the bracket. The boss, in an attached position, is received in the opening and is removably attached to the bracket to attach the covering member to the support structure with the covering member extending over and covering at least part of the support structure. The boss is configured to flex the bracket between the first position and the second position as the boss moves from the detached position to the attached position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2019
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventor: Dean A. Boyce
  • Patent number: 10247222
    Abstract: A fastener includes a shank having a first attachment device for attachment to a first workpiece and a head having a second attachment device for attachment to a second workpiece. The fastener can be a screw and the first attachment device includes a thread formation on the shank. The head includes a drive formation at a central portion thereof, in the form of a Phillips head screwdriver recess. The second attachment device in the head includes attachment members integrally formed in the head, being three prongs which extend in a generally opposite direction to the shank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2019
    Assignee: INTER-JOIN PTY LTD.
    Inventor: Tomo Zvonko Bertovic
  • Patent number: 9919630
    Abstract: Provided is a floor mat fastening structure capable of preventing a circumferential edge portion of a mat main body from rising. This structure is to fasten a mat main body laid on a vehicle floor. A fastening member(s) are provided on a rear circumferential edge of the mat main body. The front end region of this fastening member is provided with an insertion portion having a cutout opening section. The fastening member is sandwiched between the vehicle floor and a foot bracket fixed on the vehicle floor such that the rising of the mat main body due to a long period of use can be restricted, thereby ensuring the quality of the product. Each fastening member is formed into the shape of a sheet, and has a flat upper and lower surfaces. Thus, the fastening member can be easily inserted in between the vehicle floor and the foot bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: HONDA ACCESS CORP.
    Inventors: Shinpei Takenaka, Shinnosuke Takeda
  • Patent number: 9873363
    Abstract: A seat trim cover includes a flexible web and a plurality of molded clips spaced-apart at predetermined intervals along a distal edge of the web. Each of the clips includes a base attached to the web and an opposing pair of latch elements extending from the clip base. Each clip also defines a tool retention feature, such as an elongated slot. The clips are designed to be forced into engagement with a retainer of a seat cushion by engaging the tool retention feature of the clip with a tool, and applying force to the engaged tool to force the clip into engagement with the retainer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2018
    Assignee: Velcro BVBA
    Inventors: Victor Horst Kheil, Paul Joseph Voigt, Michael Cina, Daniel Lee Janzen
  • Patent number: 9682350
    Abstract: A horizontal mixer (50) is disclosed. Multiple blades (92) are affixed to and rotate with a tumbler (80) of the mixer (50). These blades (92) extend within an interior mixing chamber (90) and are center-angled so as to promote a desirable mixing action within this chamber (90) (e.g. so as to fold a slurry within the chamber (90) onto itself). One characterization is that the blades (92) are oriented so as to direct a flow toward a common outlet region (78) within the tumbler (80) throughout at least a certain rotational angle. The mixer (50) is particularly suited for realizing a desirable homogeneity of particles within a slurry from which radioisotopes may be produced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2017
    Assignee: Mallinckrodt Nuclear Medicine LLC
    Inventors: Mark D. Worley, Michael R. Mahoney
  • Patent number: 9631376
    Abstract: The invention relates to a transition for use between vinyl tile and carpet tile when they are installed on a floor and includes a vertical post having a tail extending from a tile-facing side, an upper cap having a lip overhanging the tail, and a carpet-facing side devoid of a tail and a lip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2017
    Assignee: Tarkett USA Inc.
    Inventors: Terrance Arthur Mowers, Curt Johnston
  • Patent number: 9573450
    Abstract: A vehicle enclosure (14) and method and system of installation using an adhesive-backed attachment device (1) having a base (4) with an adhesive backing (10) and a stud (12) or a socket (2) that engages a conventional a conventional snap (8). The adhesive-backed attachment device is preferably flexible so that it may be attached to uneven surfaces of a vehicle, such as a golf cart (15). The adhesive-backed attachment device eliminates unsightly brackets, drilling or screwing into the golf cart and cuts down on installation time of golf cart enclosures. The studs and sockets may also be integrated into a new roof (14) for retrofitting an existing golf cart.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: Nivel Parts & Manufacturing Co., LLC
    Inventor: Eric R. Schneider
  • Patent number: 9447628
    Abstract: Elongated, flexible polymer gasket include a tubular flexible polymer material body, a hollow chamber within the body extending uniformly the length of the body, and a plurality of individual openings through the sidewall forming the body and spaced apart from one another along its length. Each further includes a plurality of individual spring clip fasteners, each a length of metal wire bent to form an elongated, generally planar base portion with opposing major sides and an elongated, engagement portion extending transversely away from one of the opposing major sides. The maximum width dimensions of the base and engagement portions being greater than a maximum nominal dimension of the opening whereby the each individual spring clip member is captured in a separate one of the openings with the base portion within the hollow chamber and the engagement portion projecting traversely away from the base portion and the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignees: Changzhou Sanyou Dior Insulation Materials Manufacturing Co., Ltd, Davlyn International Group, Ltd, Allied Century Limited
    Inventors: Mi Qiang, Gary L. Flasher
  • Patent number: 9199567
    Abstract: A device for fastening a vehicle floor cover to carpeting in a vehicle foot well. The device includes a body with a first and second face. Projections or spikes extend from the first face and, in one embodiment, each have vertical faces in alignment with mold ejector bars or sleeves. A fastener, sized to be received into a grommet, extends from the second face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2015
    Assignee: MacNeil IP LLC
    Inventors: Judd C. Kaufman, Allan R. Thom, Frederick W. Masanek, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9016756
    Abstract: Provided is a vehicle floor mat reducing a load on a mat main body. The vehicle floor mat includes at least one fastening device for fastening the mat main body to a vehicle. The fastening device includes a first fastening member fixed to the vehicle and a second fastening member fixed to the mat main body. The first fastening member includes a vertical rotating knob, and the second fastening member includes: an insertion receiving section for the rotating knob to be inserted thereinto and engaged therewith; and upper and lower half bodies sandwiching the mat main body and being connected to each other through a half body connecting portion for the rotating knob to be inserted thereinto and at least one outer connecting portion disposed outside the half body connecting portion provided around the insertion receiving section, thus improving a connecting strength between the upper and lower half bodies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignees: Honda Access Corp., Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takashi Goto, Kana Harata, Tohru Ohba, Tatsuya Shiono, Hirobumi Kikuchi, Mitsuyoshi Nakamura
  • Patent number: 8991006
    Abstract: In a grommet for a vehicle floor cover, receptacles formed in a generally cylindrical inner surface of a female tubular body making up part of one grommet portion receive protrusions formed on a generally cylindrical outer surface of a male tubular body making up part of a second grommet portion. The bottom grommet portion may have chamfered gussets formed adjacent a bottom retention flange in order to accommodate vehicle floor mats or trays of different thicknesses. Stud holes created in respective ones of the grommets receive studs of intentionally different shape or orientation, thereby militating against installation of the floor cover upside down.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: MacNeil IP LLC
    Inventor: Frederick W. Masanek, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8931162
    Abstract: A three piece fastener is provided for attaching two layers, e.g. a floor mat for a vehicle to a floor carpet which may then stabilize the mat relative to the carpeting. The three components may connect together through a combination of mechanical connections to provide a relatively simple and cost effective solution to floor mat retention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignees: International Automotive Components Group North America, Inc., Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Orlando A. Gonzalez, Greg Conley, Loretta T. Clemons, Bryn Davies, Michelle L. Schneider, Colleen M. Maraffino
  • Patent number: 8882171
    Abstract: Provided is a vehicle floor mat that can reliably maintain a fixed state and includes a mat main body and at least one fastening device for fastening the mat main body to a vehicle. The fastening device includes a first fastening member fixed to the vehicle and a second fastening member fixed to the mat main body. The first fastening member includes a rotating knob rotating about a vertical axis and a lever pivotally provided on an upper section of the knob. The second fastening member includes an insertion receiving section for the knob to be inserted thereinto, and engaged therewith by rotating the knob inserted into the insertion receiving section. A rotation of the knob in an engaged state is restricted by laying the lever. The knob and lever allow the mat main body to be fixed to the vehicle through a two-step fixation mechanism, thus enabling strong fixation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignees: Honda Access Corp., Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takashi Goto, Kana Harata, Tohru Ohba, Tatsuya Shiono, Hirobumi Kikuchi, Mitsuyoshi Nakamura
  • Patent number: 8851551
    Abstract: Closed sockets are formed in the lower surface of a vehicle floor cover, such as a mat or tray. Each socket is adapted to receive a vehicle floor cover retention device which stands up from the floor of the vehicle foot well in which the floor cover is being installed. The sidewall of the body of each device acts as a physical stop to the sidewall of a respective socket, preventing or mitigating movement of the floor cover within the foot well. The top surface of the device may have a first fastener which is adapted to engage a second fastener on the ceiling of the socket. The device may be an adapter which is fastened to preexisting OEM mat retention structure. Embodiments of the adapter include one assembled from two pieces around an OEM retention post with an enlarged head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: MacNeil IP LLC
    Inventors: Judd C. Kaufman, David S. Iverson, Frederick W. Masanek, Jr., Ryan Granger, Allan R. Thom
  • Patent number: 8832903
    Abstract: A rug accessory provides an adornment for rugs and carpet. At least one downwardly directed receiver at least assists in connecting the accessory to a rug or the like. A connector may assist in retaining the receiver to the rug. The connector preferably has a portion located below a lower surface of the rug when connected. The accessory may also provide sides when extend along edges of the rug, and in some cases even down to below the bottom surface of the rug. Corners may be provided for some embodiments. Still other embodiments have cutouts in the accessory to allow portions of the upper surface of the rug to be viewed therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Inventor: Steve Couch
  • Patent number: 8756758
    Abstract: A fastening assembly for securing a floor mat to a carpet in a vehicle includes a first fastener that is attached to the carpet, a knob that is attached to the first fastener, and a second fastener that is attached to a floor mat. A knob base is integrally provided in a first carpet grommet of the first fastener. The knob comprises a knob shank that is coupled to be able to turn about its axis inside the knob base between an unlocked position and a locked position. The knob base includes projections which fit into and mate with channels in knob coupling latching pawls of the knob base; thus, the knob holding force is enhanced, and a clicking sensation confirms completion of the attachment operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Newfrey LLC
    Inventor: Masashi Dendo
  • Publication number: 20140047670
    Abstract: The invention relates to method(s) and device(s) for accurately positioning and fastening a surface cover to the surface. A surface cover can be provided with a cover snap member that has a drill guide through which a hole can be drilled into the surface. The hole can be used to fasten a surface snap member, which snaps together with the cover snap member. The surface snap member can be attached to the surface through a separate screw. Alternatively, the surface snap member can comprise an integral screw that provides for self-attachment. The surface snap member can have a bore which aligns with the drill guide when the surface snap member and the cover snap member are snapped together. The user can snap the cover snap member and surface snap member and drill a hole into the surface through the channel formed by the aligned drill guide and bore.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2013
    Publication date: February 20, 2014
    Inventors: Geoffrey Albert Dellapenna, Michael Steven Gelb
  • Patent number: 8495791
    Abstract: Provided is a clip for fixing a mat on a carpet of a vehicle, the clip including: a lower plate disposed on a bottom surface of the carpet, and includes an insert groove on a front portion; an upper plate disposed on a top surface of the carpet, includes a hook coupled to the inserted groove in the front portion, and includes a projection at a top to which the mat is inserted; a pillar penetrating through a hole of the carpet, and connects a rear portion of the lower plate and a rear portion of the upper plate in upward and downward; a first hook formed on a bottom surface of the rear portion of the upper plate corresponding to an inner side of a front portion of the pillar; and a second hook formed on a top surface of the rear portion of the lower plate corresponding to the inner side of the front portion of the pillar, and hooked to the first hook through the hole, when the lower plate moves upward toward the upper plate based on the pillar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Assignee: A-Jin Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ok Hee Yoon
  • Publication number: 20130125341
    Abstract: A fastening assembly for securing a floor mat to a carpet in a vehicle includes a first fastener that is attached to the carpet, a knob that is attached to the first fastener, and a second fastener that is attached to a floor mat. A knob base is integrally provided in a first carpet grommet of the first fastener. The knob comprises a knob shank that is coupled to be able to turn about its axis inside the knob base between an unlocked position and a locked position. The knob base includes projections which fit into and mate with channels in knob coupling latching pawls of the knob base; thus, the knob holding force is enhanced, and a clicking sensation confirms completion of the attachment operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2013
    Publication date: May 23, 2013
    Applicant: NEWFREY LLC
    Inventor: NEWFREY LLC
  • Patent number: 8418426
    Abstract: A door threshold may include upper and lower members for sandwiching carpet and/or carpet padding therebetween. The threshold may, in certain example embodiments, grip the carpet in order to prevent it from being pulled out from between the upper and lower threshold members. Thus, in certain example instances, the need for tacks (or carpet tack strip(s)) proximate the threshold can be reduced and/or eliminated. In certain example embodiments of this invention, the threshold structure may include a locating bracket that is provided proximate the door frame for frame alignment and security purposes, and/or one or more pans located under the threshold for locating and/or securing purposes. Levelers, shims and/or the like may be used in certain example embodiments in order to compensate for non-level flooring proximate the door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Inventor: Robert Rissone
  • Patent number: 8402605
    Abstract: A fastener for fixing a mat to a carpet includes a female element having a cap and a female eyelet to sandwich a mat therebetween. A base element is engageable with the female element and includes a carpet holding arrangement for holding a carpet. The base element includes an enlarged head provided with an annular groove. The female eyelet includes at least two studs projecting inward, and deformable arms each of which extends between two adjacent studs transversely to a direction of pushing the head of the base element into the female eyelet. Each arm has a central portion disposed in the annular groove when the female element is engaged with the base element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Christian Courtin, Laurent Huet, Jesse Jensen
  • Publication number: 20130047372
    Abstract: Provided is a vehicle floor mat reducing a load on a mat main body. The vehicle floor mat includes at least one fastening device for fastening the mat main body to a vehicle. The fastening device includes a first fastening member fixed to the vehicle and a second fastening member fixed to the mat main body. The first fastening member includes a vertical rotating knob, and the second fastening member includes: an insertion receiving section for the rotating knob to be inserted thereinto and engaged therewith; and upper and lower half bodies sandwiching the mat main body and being connected to each other through a half body connecting portion for the rotating knob to be inserted thereinto and at least one outer connecting portion disposed outside the half body connecting portion provided around the insertion receiving section, thus improving a connecting strength between the upper and lower half bodies.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2012
    Publication date: February 28, 2013
    Applicants: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD., HONDA ACCESS CORP.
    Inventors: Takashi Goto, Kana Harata, Tohru Ohba, Tatsuya Shiono, Hirobumi Kikuchi, Mitsuyoshi Nakamura
  • Patent number: 8375514
    Abstract: A fastening assembly for securing a floor mat to a carpet in a vehicle includes a first fastener that is attached to the carpet, a knob that is attached to the first fastener, and a second fastener that is attached to a floor mat. A knob base is integrally provided in a first carpet grommet of the first fastener. The knob comprises a knob shank that is coupled to be able to turn about its axis inside the knob base between an unlocked position and a locked position. The knob base includes projections which fit into and mate with channels in knob coupling latching pawls of the knob base; thus, the knob holding force is enhanced, and a clicking sensation confirms completion of the attachment operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Newfrey LLC
    Inventor: Masashi Dendo
  • Patent number: 8353078
    Abstract: An anchor for a carpet tile includes a cross-shaped base having four arms extending from a vertex. The arms form a planar top surface and a planar bottom surface. A vertical blade centered on the base rises to engage the backing of a carpet tile when a corner of the carpet tile is placed near the vertex. The blade is preferably made of bendable and resilient material. Preferably, the anchor is used with a pedestal head of a raised-flooring system and has a nub extending from the bottom surface of each of the arms of the base to fit within holes in the pedestal head and thereby secure the anchor to the pedestal head. An alternative anchor includes a plate for the base and the blade in the shape of a cross rises from the plate. The plate may have a hole in each quadrant defined by the blade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2013
    Assignee: CarptetLOK, LLC
    Inventor: Wilson Edward Bailey, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8245368
    Abstract: A fastener includes first and second fastener units that releasably attach to one another. The first fastener unit includes a ring defining an inclined inner surface that narrows downward. The second fastener unit includes an upper plate defining a notched cylinder configured to abut the inclined inner surface of the ring; a lower plate having a seesaw-type push rod; and a push plate, which is operable by a user to press the push rod such that the push rod presses the ring upward. The push plate has a protrusion configured to press the notched cylinder against the inner surface of the ring when the fastener units are attached to one another, and to release the notched cylinder when the push plate is operated by the user. The first fastener unit may be in a vehicle floor mat, and the second fastener unit may be attached to a vehicle floor carpet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Mun Gyu Park
  • Patent number: 8146202
    Abstract: A Rug Anti-slip Device. The device includes a pin-shaped element that has a sharpened tip end for poking through a mat and into the underlying carpet. The device further has a handle tab made from plastic or other suitably durable and aesthetically pleasing material. The handle tab is designed to stay above the surface of the mat or rug when the pin-shaped element is holding the mat or rug in place. The upper face of the handle tab may have indicia inscribed upon it, or embossed/raised above it in order to provide a decorative aspect to the device beyond the utilitarian purpose of holding the mat or rug in place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Inventor: Doug Curtis
  • Patent number: 8122567
    Abstract: A floor mat clip assembly adapted to attach a floor mat to the interior carpet of a vehicle is disclosed. The clip assembly includes a floor clip attached to the carpet and a mat clip attached to the floor mat. The floor clip includes a base member and a top member having a locking member rotatably attached thereto. The base and top member of the floor clip are adapted to cut through the carpet and interlock to sandwich the carpet therebetween. The mat clip includes a top member and a base member, each having an aperture and adapted to interlock to sandwich the mat therebetween. The mat can then be positioned to insert the locking member of the floor clip through the aperture of the mat clip. A subsequent rotation of the locking member locks together the respective clips to secure the floor mat to the interior carpet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Inventor: Mark A. Connor, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8101024
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method for removing minerals from a cellulosic biomass. For example, the biomass may be prewashed with an acid solution and rinsed with water to remove minerals prior to acid saccharification. The removal of minerals may reduce overall acid requirements, and decrease pretreatment costs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: The Trustees of Dartmouth College
    Inventors: Charles E. Wyman, Todd A. Lloyd
  • Publication number: 20110185537
    Abstract: A floor mat mounting system using a pair of brackets for securing floor mats directly to the mounting ear of the seat tracks. The brackets are form fitted to the size of the car and securely hold the floor mats to prevent shifting for maximum coverage of the car floor from dirt and grime.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2011
    Publication date: August 4, 2011
    Inventor: Jess R. WINTERS
  • Patent number: 7945992
    Abstract: A system for securing a floor mat with respect to a carpet within a vehicle that may include a carpet grommet configured to secure to the carpet, a mat grommet configured to secure to the floor mat, and a locking ring secured to or within one of the carpet grommet or the mat grommet. The locking ring includes first ramped shelves configured to securely abut reciprocal ramped surfaces formed on the other of the carpet grommet or the mat grommet. The first ramped shelves are angled in a non-perpendicular and non-parallel manner with respect to a central longitudinal axis of the system, wherein the locking ring secures the carpet grommet to the mat grommet. The carpet grommet may also include an auger configured to pierce and secure into the carpet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2011
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Brian M. Parisi, Michael B. Grimm
  • Patent number: 7908708
    Abstract: The invention relates to method(s) and device(s) for accurately positioning and fastening a surface cover to the surface. A surface cover can be provided with a cover snap member that has a drill guide through which a hole can be drilled into the surface. The hole can be used to fasten a surface snap member, which snaps together with the cover snap member. The surface snap member can be attached to the surface through a separate screw. Alternatively, the surface snap member can comprise an integral screw that provides for self-attachment. The surface snap member can have a bore which aligns with the drill guide when the surface snap member and the cover snap member are snapped together. The user can snap the cover snap member and surface snap member and drill a hole into the surface through the channel formed by the aligned drill guide and bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Inventors: Michael Steven Gelb, Geoffrey Albert Dellapenna
  • Publication number: 20110005031
    Abstract: An anchor for a carpet tile includes a cross-shaped base having four arms extending from a vertex. The arms form a planar top surface and a planar bottom surface. A vertical blade centered on the base rises to engage the backing of a carpet tile when a corner of the carpet tile is placed near the vertex. The blade is preferably made of bendable and resilient material. Preferably, the anchor is used with a pedestal head of a raised-flooring system and has a nub extending from the bottom surface of each of the arms of the base to fit within holes in the pedestal head and thereby secure the anchor to the pedestal head. An alternative anchor includes a plate for the base and the blade in the shape of a cross rises from the plate. The plate may have a hole in each quadrant defined by the blade.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2010
    Publication date: January 13, 2011
    Inventor: Wilson Edward Bailey, JR.
  • Publication number: 20100122429
    Abstract: A three piece fastener is provided for attaching two layers, e.g. a floor mat for a vehicle to a floor carpet which may then stabilize the mat relative to the carpeting. The three components may connect together through a combination of mechanical connections to provide a relatively simple and cost effective solution to floor mat retention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2008
    Publication date: May 20, 2010
    Applicant: International Automotive Components Group North America, Inc
    Inventors: Orlando A. GONZALEZ, Greg CONLEY
  • Patent number: 7681372
    Abstract: A door threshold may include upper and lower members for sandwiching carpet and/or carpet padding therebetween. The threshold may, in certain example embodiments, grip the carpet in order to prevent it from being pulled out from between the upper and lower threshold members. Thus, in certain example instances, the need for tacks (or carpet tack strip(s)) proximate the threshold can be reduced and/or eliminated. In certain example embodiments of this invention, the threshold structure may include a locating bracket that is provided proximate the door frame for frame alignment and security purposes, and/or one or more pans located under the threshold for locating and/or securing purposes. Levelers, shims and/or the like may be used in certain example embodiments in order to compensate for non-level flooring proximate the door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2010
    Inventor: Robert Rissone
  • Publication number: 20090269546
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention may take the form of a positive retention floor mat system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2008
    Publication date: October 29, 2009
    Applicant: International Automotive Components Group North America, Inc.
    Inventor: William G. Alford
  • Publication number: 20090235485
    Abstract: A floor mat clip assembly adapted to attach a floor mat to the interior carpet of a vehicle is disclosed. The clip assembly includes a floor clip attached to the carpet and a mat clip attached to the floor mat. The floor clip includes a base member and a top member having a locking member rotatably attached thereto. The base and top member of the floor clip are adapted to cut through the carpet and interlock to sandwich the carpet therebetween. The mat clip includes a top member and a base member, each having an aperture and adapted to interlock to sandwich the mat therebetween. The mat can then be positioned to insert the locking member of the floor clip through the aperture of the mat clip. A subsequent rotation of the locking member locks together the respective clips to secure the floor mat to the interior carpet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2009
    Publication date: September 24, 2009
    Inventor: Mark A. Connor, JR.
  • Patent number: 7546661
    Abstract: A floor mat clip assembly adapted to attach a floor mat to the interior carpet of a vehicle is disclosed. The clip assembly includes a floor clip attached to the carpet and a mat clip attached to the floor mat. The floor clip includes a base member and a top member having a locking member rotatably attached thereto. The base and top member of the floor clip are adapted to cut through the carpet and interlock to sandwich the carpet therebetween. The mat clip includes a top member and a base member, each having an aperture and adapted to interlock to sandwich the mat therebetween. The mat can then be positioned to insert the locking member of the floor clip through the aperture of the mat clip. A subsequent rotation of the locking member locks together the respective clips to secure the floor mat to the interior carpet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2009
    Inventor: Mark A. Connor, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7540066
    Abstract: A fastener for securing an automobile floor mat to a carpet laid on a floor within an automobile includes a lower clamping member, an upper clamping member, a hinge portion connecting the upper clamping member and the lower clamping member in a pivotable manner, a supporting portion forwardly protruded from a tip end portion of the lower clamping member, and a guide protrusion forwardly protruded from a tip end portion of the supporting portion and configured to so as to facilitate an insertion of the supporting portion and the lower clamping member to a backside of the carpet via a slit formed in the carpet. The upper clamping member has an engaging projection formed at an outer surface of a tip end portion thereof and configured to be inserted in an attaching hole formed in the floor mat and a locking portion formed at an inner surface of the tip end portion. The supporting portion has an engaging portion for engaging the engaging portion of the upper clamping member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2009
    Assignee: Piolax Inc.
    Inventors: Ryou Aoki, Kazunori Kanda, Kouji Ogata
  • Patent number: 7487571
    Abstract: A method is used for configuring an electronic device to reduce a skew of a parameter. The method includes a step of incorporating a plurality of controllable built-in parameter variation adjusting circuits for effecting a small step-change in the parameter at different points of the electronic device for reducing said skew of the parameter. A specific example of the method is to incorporate one or a plurality of field programmable gate arrays for reducing the skew of time delays. Another method is using the capability of programmable data path and loading of FPGA to create programmable delay line and controllable delays.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2009
    Inventor: Fong Luk
  • Publication number: 20090007371
    Abstract: A floor mat clip assembly adapted to attach a floor mat to the interior carpet of a vehicle is disclosed. The clip assembly includes a floor clip attached to the carpet and a mat clip attached to the floor mat. The floor clip includes a base member and a top member having a locking member rotatably attached thereto. The base and top member of the floor clip are adapted to cut through the carpet and interlock to sandwich the carpet therebetween. The mat clip includes a top member and a base member, each having an aperture and adapted to interlock to sandwich the mat therebetween. The mat can then be positioned to insert the locking member of the floor clip through the aperture of the mat clip. A subsequent rotation of the locking member locks together the respective clips to secure the floor mat to the interior carpet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2008
    Publication date: January 8, 2009
    Inventor: Mark A. Connor, JR.
  • Publication number: 20090004429
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention may take the form of a positive retention floor mat system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2008
    Publication date: January 1, 2009
    Applicant: International Automotive Components Group North America, Inc.
    Inventor: William G. Alford
  • Patent number: 7140070
    Abstract: A fastener attaches a wire harness and an end of a floor carpet to a rocker panel of a vehicle and provides support for a rocker molding independently of the rocker panel. The wire harness includes a pair of arcuate arms pivotally mounted on a base of the fastener and having free ends that connect to one another to form a cylindrical wire harness holder that surrounds a wire harness. One of the arcuate arms is latched to the base and assists in retaining an end of the carpet on the base. Spaced rocker molding engagement portions on the base and on the one arcuate arm receive and retain respective legs of the rocker molding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2006
    Assignee: Newfrey LLC
    Inventors: Kiyoteru Yuta, Yoshimichi Matsudaira, Masashi Dendo, Motoya Kimura, Shinji Hosoi, Masanori Sato