Abstract: An apparatus for the production of a cushion product from a single or multi-layer continuous paper strip includes a chute-like preforming station for the compression of a paper strip in the transverse direction and a deformation station following the preforming station in the feed direction of the paper strip having two embossing rollers engaging into each other in a deformation area in order to form the paper strip to a cushion product with at least one crumple hollow space extending in the longitudinal direction. The preforming station has a lifting unit and is positioned upstream in the feed direction of the embossing rollers for lifting a central area of the paper strip.

Abstract: The improved mold assembly for cultured marble molding is provided. The mold assembly can comprise a male mold portion and a female mold portion. The assembly can further comprise a molding tool. The molding tool can have a side wall having an upper curved portion and a lower curved portion. The molding tool can have a bowl portion and an apron portion spaced from the bowl portion by a gap. The molding tool can be constructed from a flexible and/or soft material. The molding tool can facilitate molding of a countertop having at least one seamless curved edge and/or an at least partially seamless sink portion.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a columns assembly for an insulating wall of a building structure, said column having a side surfaces adapted to receive and retain insulation panels of the insulating wall, said column assembly comprising an inner spacer element made of mineral wool fibers, a central element made of mineral wool fibers, an outer spacer element made of mineral wool fibers, wherein the spacer elements are assembled with first and second intermediate profiles between the spacer elements, and wherein the density of the mineral wool in the central element is higher than the density in the inner and outer spacer elements. The invention also concerns an insulating wall assembly of a building structure with such a column assembly and a method of constructing such insulating wall.

Abstract: The invention concerns a cold-rolled aluminum killed steel sheet, which includes by weight between 0.003 and 0.130% of carbon, between 0.10 and 1% of manganese, between 0.010 and 0.100% of aluminum, between 0.0015 and 0.0140% nitrogen, the remainder being of iron and impurities resulting from the manufacturing, and which has a content of carbon in solid solution (Css) of at least 50 ppm, as well as a method of manufacturing packaging from said sheet.

Abstract: A device includes at least one built-in flexible portion (1) between two stiffer portions (10) that are made of a stiff composite material, the flexible portion (11) being suitable for forming a flexible hinge and made of a flexible material including a reinforcing armature that includes at least one connecting layer (13) common to the material(s) forming each stiff portion (10). The device has end surfaces (20) that oppose each other when extended, the opposing end surfaces being arranged to be suited to serve as a longitudinal compression abutment while enabling the thus-made hinge to fold back at least in a direction away from the extended state.

Abstract: The invention relates to an elongate reinforcement element for reinforcing an unbonded flexible pipe, a method of producing the elongate reinforcement element and an unbonded flexible pipe comprising the elongate reinforcement element. The reinforcement element comprises a plurality of elongate armor strips and an elongate support element comprising a channel, wherein the plurality of elongate armor strips are arranged in the channel of the elongate support element. Preferably the elongate armor strips are arranged to be superimposed in the channel and the plurality of superimposed elongate armor strips are displaceable in relation to each other upon bending of the elongate reinforcement element.

Abstract: A sandwich structure based on a composite panel made of a thermoplastic core layer connected to at least one fiber-reinforced thermoplastic layer, in particular in-situ manufactured sandwich panels, comprises a thermoplastic core, which is arranged between two cover layers, in which the core is reinforced with fiber-reinforced thermoplastic reinforcing ribs which extend between the cover layers. Preferred methods for the manufacture are also described.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a display device including a window structure having improved durability and reliability, and a method of manufacturing the display device. The window structure includes a first transparent film layer, a second transparent film layer disposed on the first transparent film layer, a third transparent film layer disposed on the second transparent film layer, and a coating layer disposed on an upper surface of the window structure.

Abstract: This invention relates to a magnetic modular coating for floors and walls, even in wet sites and under water, that is composed of a sole fixing element laid between a magnetic adherence decorative plate and a metallic framework structure (3). Such coating also includes a bi-directional magnetic adherence layer (4) of minimum thickness; a decorative surface layer (5), and an upper rigidifying sheet (6) made up of a laminar unit. Adhesives used can be of any kind suitable to join components together. The modules allow for a fast installation, are easily removable and can be re-used.

Abstract: A molding for a vehicle eliminates the need for equipment and reduces assembly time. An end cap has an end cap main unit inserted into the inner space from an opening in a molding main unit end surface, a catch portion (engaging portion) to engage and disengage from a molding main unit curved portion (engaged portion). The base end portion is rotatably installed in the end cap main unit and the rotating end portion side is inserted into the inner space from the opening in the molding main unit end surface. An end cap movable portion on which a second protrusion is formed contacts a first protrusion in the molding main unit to prevent movement in the direction removing the end cap from the opening in the molding main unit by making contact with the first protrusion when the catch portion has engaged the curved portion.

Abstract: A retaining apparatus for retaining a liquid-absorptive sheet includes a lower layer and an upper layer having substantially the same dimensions as the lower layer. Sandwiched between the two layers are first plurality of magnetic members arranged along the perimeter of the lower layer and a second plurality of magnetic members, opposite in polarity to said first plurality of magnetic members, arranged adjacent to the first plurality of magnetic members.

Abstract: A fluid-filled chamber for an article of footwear and a method for manufacturing the chamber are disclosed. The chamber may be incorporated into a sole structure of the footwear and includes a central area and a plurality of lobes extending outward from the central area. The lobes are in fluid communication with the central area and are formed from a first surface, a second surface, and a sidewall. The sidewall joins with the first surface with the second surface to seal the fluid within the chamber, but no internal connections are generally utilized to join interior portions of the first surface with interior portions of the second surface. The fluid within the chamber may be air at a pressure that is approximately equal to an ambient pressure.

Abstract: For accomplishing the subjects, the invention provides a nickel electrode material for use in a nickel electrode, wherein the positive-electrode material constituting the electrode material comprises: positive active material particles which comprise as the main component either a nickel hydroxide or a solid solution in a nickel hydroxide of one or more other elements and in which part of the nickel hydroxide has been oxidized; and a coating layer formed on the surface of the positive active material particles and comprising as the main component a high-order cobalt compound in which the cobalt has an oxidation number larger than 2, the average oxidation number of the nickel in the positive active material particles and the cobalt in the coating layer being from 2.04 to 2.40, and the positive-electrode material having a tap density of 2.0 g/cm3 or higher.

Abstract: The invention relates to a vacuum insulation panel which can be used as an insulator for a refrigerator requiring heat insulation to be provided and also to a refrigerator incorporating such a vacuum insulation panel. The invention particularly relates to an arrangement for preventing convection spaces from being formed where an edge of the vacuum insulation panel is folded back. The vacuum insulation panel includes a core which has an inner film bag in which a flexible inorganic fiber laminate is accommodated, and an outer barrier bag which is made of gas-impermeable film such as metallic foil laminated film and which accommodates the core. The inner film bag includes a welded portion and a ventilation portion. The outer barrier bag has a depressurized interior and has been sealed by welding. An edge of the inner film bag is placed in an edge of the outer barrier bag.

Abstract: A fiber reinforced core panel is formed from strips of plastics foam helically wound with layers of rovings to form webs which may extend in a wave pattern or may intersect transverse webs. Hollow tubes may replace foam strips. Axial rovings cooperate with overlying helically wound rovings to form a beam or a column. Wound roving patterns may vary along strips for structural efficiency. Wound strips may alternate with spaced strips and spacers between the strips enhance web buckling strength. Continuously wound rovings between spaced strips permit folding to form panels with reinforced edges. Continuously wound strips are helically wrapped to form annular structures, and composite panels may combine both thermoset and thermoplastic resins.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a chip package that includes a semiconductor device and at least one micro electromechanical structure (MEMS) such that the semiconductor device and the MEMS form an integrated package. One embodiment of the present invention includes a semiconductor device, a first MEMS device disposed in a conveyance such as a film, and a second MEMS device disposed upon the semiconductor device through a via in the conveyance. The present invention also relates to a process of forming a chip package that includes providing a conveyance such as a tape automated bonding (TAB) structure, that may hold at least one MEMS device. The method is further carried out by disposing the conveyance over the active surface of the device in a manner that causes the at least one MEMS to communicate electrically to the active surface. Where appropriate, a sealing structure such as a solder ring may be used to protect the MEMS.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to thermoplastic elastomer films and bags made from thermoplastic elastomer films and also to methods for making thermoplastic elastomer films and bags. The thermoplastic elastomer films of the present invention are composed of thermoplastic elastomers and non-elastic polyesters. The bags of the present invention are fabricated using blended monolayer thermoplastic films that include a blend of thermoplastic elastomer and a non-elastic polyester, or co-extruded multi-layer films that include at least one layer of thermoplastic elastomer and at least one layer of non-elastic polyester. The blended monolayer thermoplastic films of the present invention are useful in the food handling industry and particularly in the meat packaging industry and for use in cooking bag applications. The co-extruded films of the present invention are also useful in the food handling industry and particularly the meat packaging industry and for use in meat casing applications.

Abstract: A method of forming a magnetic transition pattern in a longitudinal magnetic recording medium, comprising steps of: (a) providing a magnetic recording medium including a layer of a magnetic material having a surface comprised of a plurality of longitudinally extending magnetic domains; (b) contacting the surface of the layer of magnetic material with a topographically patterned imprinting surface of a stamper/imprinter formed of at least one high saturation magnetization, high permeability magnetic material; and (c) applying a unidirectional magnetic field perpendicular to the imprinting surface of the stamper/imprinter, the perpendicular magnetic field creating a longitudinal magnetic field component of sufficient strength to effect selective alignment of the magnetic domains of those portions of the layer of magnetic material which face the depressions of the imprinting surface while retaining the alignment of the magnetic domains of those portions of the layer of magnetic material which face the project

Abstract: The present invention provides a generally planar closed envelope device formed from material having vapor barrier properties, which envelope comprises a base layer (1) and a cover layer (4) applied to the base layer (1) and a continuous or discontinuous seal (4) therebetween, characterized in that: a) each of the base (1) and cover (3) layers carries a fluid composition (2) containing a liquid volatile material upon a selected area of the opposed faces thereof; f) the base (1) and cover (3) layers are formed by folding over a single piece of sheet material so as to bring the selected areas of the base (1) and cover (3) layers into opposing register with one another; and g) there is separable and reformable seal (4) between the base (1) and cover (3) layers to retain them in the folded configuration. The invention also provides a method for making such a device.

Abstract: An airbelt is provided that passes smoothly through an anchor and winds around a retractor. The airbelt includes a non-inflating section and a flat hollow-cylindrical inflating section. A bag is arranged only within the inflating section. An end of the bag as well as an end of the belt is connected to a tongue. The non-inflating section is inserted into a through-anchor and is connected to a retractor so as to enable to be wound up around and pulled out of the retractor. The belt is consecutively and integrally made by knitting or weaving all the parts extending from the non-inflating section toward the inflating section. A weft thread, which is lined up with a fusion thread such as a thread having a core-sheath structure, is inserted into the non-inflating section so as to be processed with heat.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to thermoplastic elastomer films and bags made from thermoplastic elastomer films and also to methods for making thermoplastic elastomer films and bags. The thermoplastic elastomer films of the present invention are composed of thermoplastic elastomers and non-elastic polyesters. The bags of the present invention are fabricated using blended monolayer thermoplastic films that include a blend of thermoplastic elastomer and a non-elastic polyester, or co-extruded multi-layer films that include at least one layer of thermoplastic elastomer and at least one layer of non-elastic polyester. The blended monolayer thermoplastic films of the present invention are useful in the food handling industry and particularly in the meat packaging industry and for use in cooking bag applications. The co-extruded films of the present invention are also useful in the food handling industry and particularly the meat packaging industry and for use in meat casing applications.

Abstract: A printing blanket comprising: a) at least one lithographic or printing layer comprising elastomer; b) a compressible layer, c) a reinforcement layer comprising at least one material selected from the group consisting of threads and fibers, wherein at least one free extremity edge has a thickness which is reduced by at least 25% in relation to the thickness of the remainder of the blanket, wherein the at least one free extremity edge having reduced thickness comprises between 5-15% of the overall surface area of the blanket, and wherein the lithographic or printing layer, the compressible layer and the reinforcement layer are continuous from one edge of the blanket to the other.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for making polymer blends and copolymers by ultrasonic treatment during or after mixing the polymers. In the process of the present invention, an unexpected phenomenon occurs. The process brings about enhancement of the mechanical properties when compared with identical blends not subjected to ultrasonic treatment. The ultrasonic treatment of the blends is believed to enhance intermolecular interaction and improve adhesion between dissimilar polymers and make chemical bonds between polymers that otherwise are incompatible or immiscible with each other.

Abstract: A protective structure for thermal insulation and impact resistance, and especially suited for bonded application to the exterior of aircraft including spacecraft to protect the craft from high temperatures generated by exhaust gases and by atmospheric re-entry. The structure includes either a single ceramic tile component with a cover component comprising a fiber reinforced ceramic matrix composite encasing the tile component, or a plurality of ceramic tile components with a like single cover component encasing the plurality of tile components. Utilizing the structures as an external aircraft surface imparts a super hard exterior that functions to significantly prohibit impact and erosion damage while not compromising the desirable thermal insulation properties inherent to tile.

Abstract: An edge protector for the edges of roll shaped articles, e.g. pallets, reeled steel and paper products is made from an elongated sheet (10) of plastics material, the sheet having an indentation (11) extending longitudinally along a major surface of the sheet and extending only partially into the thickness of the sheet. The indentation (11) divides the sheet into webs (12, 13) which are folded into an L-shape.

Abstract: A heat-retaining boxing and holding method involving placing a recently-cooked pizzeria pizza into a corrugated box having one or more thermal-legs, thereby creating a pizza-loaded thermal-leg-equipped box.

Abstract: Pre-folded stock material for use in a cushioning conversion machine which converts the pre-folded stock material into a three-dimensional cushioning product. The stock material includes at least one ply having a plurality of layers at two of which are joined at a longitudinally extending fold. The stock material is preferably biodegradable, recyclable, and reusable paper and may be supplied in a roll or in a fan-folded stack.

Abstract: A load bearing deck of a modular structural section for use in support structures such as a load bearing deck or highway bridge. The at least one modular structural section includes at least one beam and a load bearing deck preferably formed of a polymer matrix composite material. The deck includes a core having elongate core members having a polygonal shape, preferably a trapezoidal shape. Alternatively, the load bearing deck comprising at least one sandwich panel is suitable for applications such as barge decks, hatchcovers, and other load bearing wall applications. Methods of constructing a support structure utilizing the modular structural section including the polygonal, preferably trapezoidal core deck, and support members are also provided.

Abstract: An insulation assembly includes an elongated batt of fibrous insulation material having two opposed major surfaces, where the batt has a first facing secured on its first major surface. The first facing extends beyond the side edges of the batt to form opposed flanges suitable for attaching the insulation assembly to a building structure. The batt has a second facing secured on its second major surface, with the second facing extending beyond the side edges of the batt to form opposed flanges suitable for attaching the insulation assembly to a building structure. The method of making an insulation assembly includes moving a pack of fibrous insulation material along a path, where the fibrous insulation material has two opposed major surfaces. A continuous encapsulation material is applied to the pack, and a portion of the encapsulation material is continuously gathered to form a two part fold.

Abstract: A non-woven fabric having improved absorbent characteristics. The fabric has three different fiber arrays which are interconnected to produce a unique fiber distribution in the fabric.

Abstract: A slitting and scoring machine includes an upper tooling roller and a lower tooling roller that cooperate to define a tooling nip. Each tooling roller includes an alternating series of coaxially arranged annular knives, annular dies, and annular mandrels. A web of insulation is drawn through the tooling nip to simultaneously (i) cut the web into strips, (ii) score the strips in a manner that promotes the forming of the strips, and (iii) partially form the strips into modified U-shapes. Each strip includes a longitudinally extending middle segment and a pair of longitudinally extending side segments that extend away from the middle segment in a divergent manner to define a longitudinally extending channel. Longitudinally extending grooves are formed by the scoring at the junctures of the middle segment and the side segments. The scoring/grooves promote the divergent shape of the strip.

Abstract: A writable compact disk has a plastic substrate, a recording layer, a reflecting layer, and a protective overcoat, the reflecting layer is comprised of a silver-palladium alloy, a silver-copper alloy, or a silver-palladium-copper alloy. By maintaining the palladium component of the alloy less that 15 at. % and the copper component of the alloy less than 30 at. %, the reflectance of the reflecting layer can be similar to the typical gold reflecting layer while jitter and NORP levels can be reduced for illumination power levels exceeding the power normally used to write on the recording layer.

Abstract: A compact disk protector for an optical data storage disk includes a thin, transparent sheet having an inside diameter being larger than an inner hole of the disk and the sheet extending within and being bounded by a main region for placement against a first side of the disk, and approximately 24 circumferentially spaced support portions extending radially outwardly from the main region to a distance being greater than a thickness of the disk beyond the disk outside diameter. Each support portion has a bridge width being not greater than 2 percent of the disk outside diameter within a bridge region that is concentric with the inside diameter and extends from the disk outside diameter radially outwardly a distance corresponding to the disk thickness.

Abstract: A multi-purpose hook for a message board having an edge along its front surface, the hook including a substantially flat extension member having first and second ends, a retaining grip extending from the first end, and a curved hook extending from the second end. The hook generally curves in a plane oriented substantially perpendicular to a plane defined by the extension member, thereby preferably defining a portion of a cylinder, preferably defining a substantially half-cylindrical cross-sectional shape. The retaining grip includes a substantially flat portion extending between front and rear portions of the retaining grip, and preferably extends substantially perpendicularly from the first end of the extension member. The retaining grip is attachable to an edge of a fixed member, such as a frame of a message board, the retaining grip including a tip extension and a lip on the front and rear portions, respectively, for engaging similarly shaped front and rear channels in the edge of the fixed member.

Abstract: The method is disclosed for producing a tamper respondent enclosure (10). A flexible tamper respondent laminate (32) is folded to define an inner enclosure (26) which is then potted within an outer enclosure in the form of a molding (28).

Abstract: A foldable composite panel (1) comprising an inner layer (2) formed from a first material having a relatively high plasticity at least in compression, bonded to at least one adjacent outer layer (3) formed from a second material having a relatively low plasticity. The composite panel (1) can be permanently folded without failure at ambient temperature through an angle substantially greater than that through which the outer layer (3) alone could be folded without failure under comparable conditions.

Abstract: A magnetic recording medium is described, which comprises a nonmagnetic support having on at least one side thereof a lower layer and an upper layer, in which the upper layer is a magnetic layer mainly comprising ferromagnetic particles and a binder resin, and the lower layer is adjacent to the magnetic layer and is either a magnetic layer mainly comprising ferromagnetic particles and a binder resin or a nonmagnetic layer mainly comprising nonmagnetic particles and a binder resin, wherein the upper layer has a thickness of from 0.05 to less than 1.0 .mu.m the lower layer has a thickness of from 1 to 5 .mu.m and contains unsaturated alkyl carbonate having from 17 to 45 total carbon atoms represented by the following formula in an amount of from 1.8 to 100% by weight based on the amount of the binder resin: ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 are the same or different and each represents a chain hydrocarbon group having from 8 to 22 carbon atoms, provided that at least one of R.sub.1 and R.sub.

Abstract: A padded construction useful for straps or irregularly-shaped articles is provided which includes a pair of opposed outer panels and a core sandwiched between the outer panels with side margins extending between the latter and having the core between the side margins. One of the outer panels and the side margins are formed of a closed cell neoprene synthetic resin foam material, whereas the core includes a length of synthetic resin (e.g., nylon or polyester) webbing. In one embodiment, the outer panels and side margins are integrated to present a tubular section of the neoprene foam material, and the core is disposed within the tubular section; an exterior decorative leather piece may be attached by sewing through the tubular subassembly. In another embodiment, the core includes an internal leather strap to which the webbing is attached, and neoprene is first applied to the core subassembly and is wrapped around the side margins thereof in an overlapping fashion.

Abstract: A method for the preparation of glass sheets with a view to laminating them consists of curving the glass sheets by causing them to pass one after another along a curved trajectory, then cooling them by passage between blowing chests, and of dispatching them by batches to the assembling station, and a laminated pane, the sheets of which have, in the central zone, a core compressive stress of from 1 to 50 MPa.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to foil laminated tabletops and to methods for their manufacture. Tabletops according to the present invention can be laminated over their entire upper and side surfaces with a continuous sheet of thin foil, the foil typically comprising a plastic material. The foil layer ends at an angular lower edge where the side surface intersects the lower surface of the tabletop. By providing an angle preferably greater than about 120.degree. about the lower edge, the lower edge of the tabletop preferably does not feel sharp and the edge of the foil is at least partially hidden from view. The present invention also provides foil laminated tabletops having an upper surface provided with functional retaining recesses for retaining items on the tabletop.

Abstract: A method and system are disclosed for locally introducing fluid, such as a gas, at a predetermined location into molten resin downstream from a resin injection aperture to form a hollow part. The gas is utilized at the localized area to distribute the molten resin, to eliminated molded in stress and to prevent formation of sink marks in the part during resin solidification. An overflow reservoir outside of the mold cavity is filled with the resin during resin injection and then the gas is introduced into the reservoir through a fluid aperture and into the part. The reservoir creates a cocoon of solidified material to act as a seal to prevent gas leakage. One hollow body formed by the method and system includes a substantially endless hollow body portion with a fluid opening for communicating the interior of the hollow body portion with the locally introduced fluid. The hollow body provides an internal gas manifold and means for greater structural integrity.

Abstract: A surface anti-scuff device and system is disclosed wherein an anti-scuff member in the form of a strip of material having a high degree of abrasion resistance and a high degree of scuff resistance such as CORDURA.RTM. PLUS is mounted on each tire of a vehicle whereby the tires can move over the surface without scuffing the surface.

Abstract: A cover sheet for medical tables, beds or gurneys comprises a sheet formed from a high tensile strength, plastic with opposed ends of the sheet folded and seamed to provide pockets. The pockets are inverted for assemblage over the ends of the medical tables, beds or gurneys. Methods of continuously fabricating such cover sheets from a roll of plastic material are also disclosed.

Abstract: A heat-shrinkable envelope is composed of at least one shrinkable planar layer on which a reinforcing component of fiber-shaped or thread-shaped reinforcing elements is arranged. These reinforcing elements are arranged in unregulated configuration, for example in the form of a fleece, felt or in an irregular fill. Advantageously, a cover layer may be applied so as to sandwich and bond the reinforcing component between the cover layer and the planar layer.

Abstract: A cover sheet for medical tables, beds or gurneys comprises a sheet formed from a high tensile strength, plastic with opposed ends of the sheet folded and seamed to provide pockets. The pockets are inverted for assemblage over the ends of the medical tables, beds or gurneys. Methods of continuously fabricating such cover sheets from a roll of plastic material are also disclosed.

Abstract: Method for the sealing of the openings in the end surfaces of a sheet-shaped synthetic material that consists of two or more outer plates which are mainly flat and which are mounted on partitions. The partitions are spaced roughly even distance from one another and run along the total length of the material. Over every end opening a dust-proof, water-vapor permeable and ventilating non-woven first foil, e.g., of polyester fabric, is put, and on top of or under that one or more strips of a second foil, e.g. of aluminum, are put, of which the edges are beaten around and secured to the outer plates. This is done in such a way that every end opening discharges, at least partially, through a part of the first foil which is not covered by the second foil. The invention also comprises the foil material to be used, preferably consisting of two strips of foils as described, fixed against each other, before being put over the openings. An intended use is as a transparent covering for light streets.

Abstract: A heat-shrinkable envelope that is composed of a shrinkable component and a reinforcing component having a metallic matrix. The strength is increased on the basis of the metallic matrix and the ability to tear or, respectively, to continue to tear is considerably reduced. In addition, the metallic matrix forms an electrical and/or magnetic shield for components wrapped in the envelope.

Abstract: A soluble, processible ceramic precursor, comprising A1N and BN in fixed proportion, which on pyrolysis is transformed into pure carbon free A1NBN ceramic, of the formula:R.sub.3 N.X.sub.2 A1n(SiR'.sub.3)B(NH.sub.2)NHSiR'.sub.3wherein R and R' are independently lower alkyl groups or isomers thereof having from one to about five carbon atoms.Also disclosed are methods for making the precursor, and methods for thermally decomposing the precursor to form coatings, thin films, and shaped articles of substantially pure A1NBN ceramic.

Abstract: A resilient pad positionable on the floor of an automobile below and slightly behind the driver's accelerator pedal. When a woman is driving the automobile the heel of her shoe will engage the upper face of the pad while she is applying foot pressure to the accelerator pedal. The rear edge of the heel will sink into the pad surface, such that a large pad area will exert a relatively low unit area reaction force against the shoe heel. The invention minimizes premature wearing away of the shoe heel that can occur, over time, when the rear edge of the shoe heel is repeatedly pressed down against a relatively rigid automobile floor surface.

Abstract: A floor mat comprising a jacket member having a throat opening in a free edge thereof for receiving an insert sheet of absorbent material. The top sheet of the jacket has openings therein for the passage of foreign matter. The insert sheet is disposed under the top sheet and retains foreign matter disposed thereon through the openings in the top sheet. The back surface of the insert is coated with a water resistant coating. After the insert sheet is soiled it can be removed and cleaned or replaced by a new sheet with the soiled sheet discarded.