Floor mat system

Abstract

A floor mat system for delivering a liquid to an object includes a base defining a first chamber and a pad positioned in the first chamber. The pad includes a first layer configured to suspend the liquid and a second layer configured to dispense a liquid.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/692,294, entitled “Floor Mat System,” filed on Jun. 20, 2005 by Michael T. Dean. This application is also a continuation-in-part of and claims priority to co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/087,887, entitled “Anti-Microbial Floor Mat,” filed Mar. 23, 2005 by Michael T. Dean, which is a divisional application of U.S. Pat. No. 6,886,215, entitled “Anti-Microbial Floor Mat,” issued May 3, 2005 to Michael T. Dean, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/311,011, entitled “Anti-Microbial Floor Mat,” filed Aug. 8, 2001 by Michael T. Dean.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Floor mats have long been used to clean the soles of a person's feet or shoes before entering a building or room. Typically these mats are placed on the ground in front of doors and entryways. These mats are often made of abrasive materials to promote the removal of debris when someone wipes his or her feet across the surface of the mat.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one embodiment, the invention provides a floor mat system for delivering a liquid to an object. The system includes a base defining a first chamber and a pad positioned in the first chamber. The pad includes a first layer configured to suspend the liquid and a second layer configured to dispense a liquid.

In another embodiment, the invention provides a floor mat system for cleaning or detecting a substance on an object. The system includes a base defining a first chamber and a second chamber. A first pad is positioned in the first chamber, the first pad including a liquid absorption layer and a liquid delivery layer. A second pad is positioned in the second chamber, the second pad including a liquid drying material. The first pad delivers a liquid to the object when the object compresses the first pad and the liquid drying material dries the object when the object contacts the second pad.

One embodiment of the present invention provides a floor mat system for placement near an entryway, security checkpoint, or embarkation/debarkation point to permit the detection and mitigation of specific compounds disposed on shoe soles and other surfaces contacting the mat. In particular, one embodiment of the floor mat system is directed toward detecting a specific chemical and/or biological compounds and hazards, and another embodiment of the floor mat system is directed toward disinfecting and cleaning of shoe soles and other surfaces directly contacting the floor mat.

Another embodiment of the floor mat system includes a frame having a top portion being of an absorbent fiber construction, a hollow center portion, a floor portion, and sidewalls. The hollow center portion contains either a detection component or a cleaning component such that the component may be communicated to the top portion of the mat for translation to objects contacting the floor mat pieces.

In one embodiment the hollow center portion of the floor mat system is completely enclosed and a detection component (e.g., audio, visual, etc.) or a cleaning component is introduced to the top portion of the mat by capillary action. Alternatively, a separate enclosed package containing the component is used such that the liquid is introduced to the top portion in a pressure action that may be activated by weight on the top layer. The floor mat system may also be integrated into other flooring or carpet. The top portion of the mat is comprised of a fiber portion or other material that provides wicking action and is semi-absorbent or not absorbent depending on the application.

In one embodiment a plurality of support bars are positioned in the chamber to provide additional strength to the floor mat and structurally stiffen a base of the mat. In another embodiment, a fluid absorbent pad or pads are is positioned within the hollow center portion of the floor mat such that the detection or cleaning component is introduced to the top portion in a pressure action activated by weight on the top of the floor mat. In still another embodiment, an aperture is formed in the floor mat frame for allowing the component to be introduced into the hollow center portion. Further, an intake plug selectively closes the aperture to maintain a substantially fluid-tight seal.

In other embodiments, the floor mat system includes a moisture absorbing component, a cushioning component, customized graphics, anti-microbial composition (such as anti-fungal, anti-viral, anti-bacterial, or the like), or a fragrance. Further, anti-slip features associated with the top surface of the floor mat prevent a person or animal from slipping on the floor mat. Anti-slip features may also be associated with the bottom and side surfaces of the floor mat to prevent the floor mat itself from slipping along the floor or ground. In yet another embodiment, a sensor is integrated with the floor mat to indicate the floor mat system requires refill of the component. In still another embodiment, the floor mat is integrated in a multi-piece system wherein each mat performs a separate function, the same function, or steps of a function, such as cleaning large particulate material, detecting a specific compound, cleaning a specific compound, providing an alarm or sensor response, washing, or drying.

Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon review of the following detailed description, claims, and drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a first embodiment of the floor mat system of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of another embodiment of the floor mat system of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a partially exploded view of the floor mat system shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is an assembled view of the floor mat system shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 5 is a sectional view of another embodiment of the floor mat system of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a sectional view of another embodiment of the floor mat system of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a sectional view of another embodiment of the floor mat system of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is an exploded view of another embodiment of the floor mat system of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a partially exploded view of the floor mat system shown in FIG. 8.

FIG. 10 is a sectional view of another embodiment of the floor mat system of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a sectional view of another embodiment of the floor mat system of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a sectional view of another embodiment of the floor mat system of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a sectional view of another embodiment of the floor mat system of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is an illustration of a multiple piece floor mat system utilizing a floor mat of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the floor mat system of the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a top view of a base of the floor mat system shown in FIG. 15.

FIG. 17 is a section view of the base of the floor mat system taken along line 17-17 of FIG. 16.

FIG. 18A is a top view of a drying pad of the floor mat system shown in FIG. 15.

FIG. 18B is a side view of a drying pad of the floor mat system shown in FIG. 15.

FIG. 19A is a top view of a dispensing and metering pad of the floor mat system shown in FIG. 15.

FIG. 19B is a side view of a dispensing and metering pad of the floor mat system shown in FIG. 15.

Before any embodiments of the invention are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the following drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

FIG. 1 illustrates a floor mat 10 of the present invention. The floor mat 10 includes a frame 12, a membrane 14 configured to contain detection or cleaning component, a fluid permeable backing 18, and an absorbent top portion 22. In a preferred embodiment, the detection or cleaning component is a liquid solution, although as discussed below in further embodiments other components may be used. Although the absorbent top portion 22 shown in FIG. 1 is comprised of a carpet fiber, in other embodiments, the top portion 22 may be comprised of other fibrous materials, or other material that provides wicking action and is semi-absorbent or not absorbent depending on the application.

The frame 12 is configured to support the membrane 14 such that the membrane 14 generally conforms to the shape of the frame 12. The frame 12 may be of any suitable construction that will rigidly support the membrane 14 and other components of the floor mat 10. The membrane 14 includes an upper surface 26 having a plurality of sprayheads 30 defined therein. The sprayheads 30 are characterized by a plurality of holes 34 in the upper surface 26 of the membrane 14. The sprayheads 30 may be arranged into rows and columns extending between the edges of the upper surface 26 or may be randomly spaced along the upper surface 26. The backing 18 is coupled to the upper surface 26 of the membrane 14 and provides a fluid permeable layer between the sprayheads 30 and the fiber portion 22. The fiber portion 22 includes a plurality of individual fibers 24 coupled to the mesh backing 18. Both the backing 18 and the fiber portion 22 extend across substantially the entire length and width of the frame 12 to cover the membrane 14 and form a single, continuous floor mat 10.

When an object (e.g., the foot of a person or animal) is placed onto an upper surface 31 of the floor mat 10 defined by the fiber portion 22, including the membrane 14 filled with a detection or cleaning component, the weight of the object on the floor mat 10 causes the internal pressure in the membrane 14 to increase. The increase in pressure causes the component to be expelled from the membrane 14 and through the sprayheads 30 in the upper surface 26. The component flows through the backing 18 and is absorbed by the fiber portion 22. The component is absorbed by the fibers 24 of the fiber portion 22 and the upper surface 31 of the fiber portion 22 becomes moist with component. As the object moves across the floor mat 10, the component is transferred from the fibers 24 of the fiber portion 22 to surfaces of the object that contact the floor mat 10.

Referring now also to FIGS. 2-4, another embodiment of a floor mat 38 of the present invention is shown. The floor mat 38 includes a substantially rigid frame 42, a sprayhead layer 46, and a carpet fiber portion 50 including an integral fluid permeable backing 54. The base 42 includes a recessed area 58 configured to receive a disposable component-containing cartridge 62 (not shown in FIG. 2). In the illustrated embodiment, the base 42 includes a cartridge opening 60 defined in a side of the base 42 to facilitate the insertion and removal of the cartridge 62. The sprayhead layer 46 includes a plurality of sprayheads (not shown, but similar to sprayheads 30) configured to puncture the cartridge 62 and provide fluid communication between the cartridge 62 and the fiber portion 50. The fiber portion 50 and fluid permeable backing 54 are of similar construction as the fiber portion 22 and the backing 18.

When an object (e.g., the foot of a person or animal) is placed onto an upper surface 64 of the floor mat 38, the weight of the object forces the sprayhead layer 46 against the cartridge 62, thereby puncturing the cartridge. The weight of the object also increases the internal pressure in the cartridge 62 such that the detection or cleaning component is expelled from the cartridge 62. The component flows through the sprayhead layer 46 and fluid permeable backing 54 and is absorbed by the fiber portion 50. The component is absorbed by the fibers of the fiber portion 50 and the upper surface 64 of the fiber portion 50 becomes moist with the component. As the object moves across the floor mat 38, the component is transferred from the fibers to surfaces of the object that contact the floor mat 38. When all of the component has been expelled from the cartridge 62, the spent cartridge 62 is removed from the base 42 and discarded. A new cartridge 62 is then inserted into the recessed area 58 of the base. In another embodiment, the cartridge 62 may take on the form of a detection or cleaning component-containing tray. In this form, the sprayhead layer 46 construction may be simplified because it is no longer necessary to puncture the cartridge 62.

The cartridge 62 contains either a detection component or a cleaning component, which in the preferred embodiment is a solution. The detection component is configured to detect a specific compound that may be located on the object placed onto the floor mat 38. The cleaning component is configured to clean a specific compound that may be located on the object placed onto the floor mat 38. It should be readily apparent that a variety of components may be configured or used to detect or clean a multitude of specific chemical or biological hazards, including, but not limited to, compounds, class of compounds, elements, class of elements, material, organisms, antibodies, or the like.

FIG. 5 illustrates another embodiment of the present invention wherein a floor mat 66 takes on a “one-piece” construction. The floor mat 66 includes a substantially rigid base 70 that defines a detection or cleaning component-containing chamber 74. The base 70 includes an upper wall 78, sidewalls 80, and a lower wall 82. One sidewall 80 includes an aperture 86 defined therein communicating with the chamber 74. The aperture 86 is configured to allow the solution to be injected or otherwise introduced into the chamber 74 as required while maintaining a substantially fluid tight seal when the component is not being introduced into the chamber 74. As described below with respect to FIG. 10, in one embodiment, an intake knob seals the aperture 86 to provide a fluid tight seal when the aperture 86 is not in use. A fiber portion 90 including an integral fluid permeable backing 94 are placed in a recess 98 defined in the upper wall 78. In the illustrated embodiment, the lower wall 82 includes a plurality of ribs 100 to structurally stiffen the base 70.

The fiber portion 90 includes a plurality of fibers 102, for example, the type generally used in carpet or walk-on mats. As discussed below, the fibers provide wicking action and are semi-absorbent or not absorbent depending on the application. The fibers 102 are arranged in a U-shape and include a fixed end 106 and a free end 110. The fixed end 106 is generally fixed to the fluid permeable backing 94. The upper wall 78 includes a fluid-conducting layer 112 that allows the solution to pass from the chamber 74 to the recess 98 where it may be absorbed by the fiber portion 90 and conveyed to the free ends 110 of the fibers 102 by capillary action. The recess 98 and the upper wall 78 are configured such that the fixed ends 106 of the fibers 102 are submerged in the component when the chamber 74 is filled. As such, the free ends 110 of the fiber portion 90 are substantially continuously moist with the detection or cleaning component.

FIG. 6 illustrates another embodiment of the present invention similar to the embodiment shown and described in FIG. 5. A floor mat 114 shown in FIG. 6 eliminates the fluid permeable backing 94 and the fluid-conducting layer 112. The floor mat 114 includes a base 118 having an upper wall 122, a lower wall 126, and sidewalls 130 defining a chamber 132. Fibers 134 of the floor mat 114 are coupled directly to the upper wall 122 such that fixed ends 138 of the fibers 134 extend below the upper wall 122 and free ends 142 of the fibers 134 extend above the upper wall 122. Similar to the floor mat 66 of FIG. 5, the fixed ends 138 are submerged in solution when the chamber 132 is filled such that the free ends 142 are continually moist due to capillary action within the fibers 134. The floor mat 114 also includes an aperture 146 defined in one of the sidewalls 130, for introducing a detection or cleaning component into the chamber 132.

FIG. 7 illustrates another embodiment of a floor mat 150 embodying the present invention. The floor mat shown in FIG. 7 is similar to the floor mat 114 described above with respect to FIG. 6. The floor mat 150 includes a base 154 having an upper wall 158, sidewalls 162, and a lower wall 166. The substantially rigid base 154 defines a detection component or a cleaning component-containing chamber 170. In another embodiment, one sidewall includes an aperture defined therein and communicating with the chamber 170 to allow the component to be injected or otherwise introduced into the chamber 170. A fiber portion 174 is positioned in a recess 182 defined in the upper wall 158. In the illustrated embodiment, a plurality of bridge supports 186 are positioned within the chamber 170 to provide additional strength to the floor mat 150 and structurally stiffen the base. Each support 186 extends between the upper wall 158 and the lower wall 166 of the base 154, and includes a plurality of apertures 190 therein for allowing solution within the chamber 170 to flow therethrough.

The fiber portion 174 includes a plurality of fibers 194, for example the type generally used in carpet or walk-on mats. The fibers 194 are arranged in a U-shape and include a fixed end 198 and a free end 202. The fixed end 198 is generally coupled to the upper wall 158. The upper wall 158 includes a fluid-conducting layer that allows the component to pass from the chamber 170 to the recess 182 where it may be absorbed by the fiber portion 174 and conveyed to the free ends 202 of the fibers 194 by capillary action. The recess 182 in the upper wall 158 is configured such that the fixed ends 198 of the fibers 194 are submerged in the component when the chamber 170 is filled. As such, the free ends 202 of the fiber portion 174 are substantially continuously moist with the detection component or cleaning component.

It should be readily apparent that the bridge supports 186 illustrated in FIG. 7 may be adapted for use in other embodiments of the floor mat system to provide additional support to the floor mat and structurally stiffen the base.

Referring now to FIGS. 8 and 9, another embodiment of a floor mat 210 of the present invention is shown. The floor mat 210 includes a substantially rigid frame 214, a semi-absorbent fluid permeable backing 218, and a fiber portion 222. The frame 214 includes a reservoir area 226, or chamber configured to receive a semi-absorbent pad 230 (shown in FIG. 9) for receiving a detection component or a cleaning component. In the illustrated embodiment, the frame 214 includes a pad opening 234 defined in a side of the frame 214 to facilitate insertion and removal of the pad 230. The pad 230 is inserted into the opening 234 of the frame 214 and positioned in the reservoir area 226 as shown in FIG. 9. In use, the fiber portion 222 and fluid permeable backing 218 are connected and positioned on top of the frame 214.

When an object (e.g., the foot of a person or animal) is placed onto an upper surface 238 of the floor mat 210, the weight of the object forces the fiber portion 222, and in particular the fluid permeable backing 218, against the absorbent pad 230. The weight of the object also increases the internal pressure of the pad 230 such that the detection or cleaning component absorbed into the pad 230 is discharged from the pad 230 and is fluidly transferred to the backing 218 of the floor mat 210. The component flows through the pad 230 and the backing 218 and is absorbed by the fiber portion 222 such that the upper surface 238 of the floor mat 210 becomes moist with the component. As the object moves across the floor mat 210, the component is transferred from the fiber portion 222 to surfaces of the object that contact the floor mat 210. When the entire component has been expelled from the pad 230, the pad 230 is removed from the frame 214 and discarded. A new pad is then inserted into the reservoir area 226 of the frame 214. In another embodiment, additional detection or cleaning component is introduced into the reservoir area 226 of the frame 214 to remoisten the pad 230 positioned within the reservoir 226. It should be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that the pad may be replaced or remoistened without the entire component being expelled from the pad.

FIG. 10 illustrates another embodiment of a floor mat 242 of the present invention, in particular an embodiment that includes an absorbent pad 246. The floor mat 242 includes a substantially rigid base 250 that defines a detection or cleaning component-containing chamber 254. The base 250 includes an upper wall 258, sidewalls 262 (although only one sidewall is shown in FIG. 10), and a lower wall 266. At least one sidewall 262 includes an aperture 270 defined therein and communicating with the chamber 254. The aperture 270 is configured to allow the component to be injected or otherwise introduced into the chamber 254. In addition, an intake plug 274 selectively closes the aperture 270 to maintain a substantially fluid-tight seal when the component is not being introduced into the chamber 254.

A plurality of support bars 278 extend horizontally through the chamber 254 of the floor mat 242 and are positioned on the lower wall 266 of the base 250. The absorbent pad 246 is supported by the support bars 278 and positioned between the support bars 278 and the upper wall 258 of the base 250. When the detection or cleaning component is introduced into the chamber 254, the component is absorbed by the pad 246. A fluid permeable backing 282 is positioned between the pad 246 and the upper wall 258 of the base 250. Fibers 286 of the floor mat 242 are coupled directly to the upper wall 258 such that fixed ends 290 of the fibers 286 extend below the upper wall 258 and free ends 294 of the fibers 286 extend above the upper wall 258. The fixed ends 290 are submerged in the component when the chamber 254 is filled and the pad 246 and the backing 282 have absorbed a sufficient amount of the component. The free ends 294 of the fibers 286 are continually moist due to capillary action within the fibers 286.

When an object is placed onto an upper surface of the floor mat 242, the weight of the object forces the fluid permeable backing 282 against the absorbent pad 246. The weight of the object also increases internal pressure within the pad 246 such that the component is discharged from the pad 246 and flows through the pad 246 and the fluid permeable backing 282 to be absorbed by the fiber 286. The component absorbed by the fibers 286 and the upper surface 242 of the floor mat 242 becomes moist with the component. As the object moves across the floor mat 242, the component is transferred from the fibers 242 to surfaces of the object that contact the floor mat 242.

FIG. 11 is another embodiment of a floor mat 300 of the present invention, including an absorbent pad 304. The floor mat 300 includes a substantially rigid base 308 that defines a detection component or a cleaning component-containing chamber 312. The base 308 includes an upper wall 316, sidewalls 320, and a lower wall 324. One sidewall includes an aperture 328 defined therein and communicating with the chamber 312 to allow the component to be injected or otherwise introduced into the chamber 312. A fiber portion 332 including an integral fluid permeable backing 336 is placed in a recess 340 defined by the upper wall 316. The lower wall 324 includes a plurality of ribs 344 to structurally stiffen the base 308. In addition, at least one support bar 348 is positioned within the chamber 312 and adjacent to the plurality of ribs 344 to further structurally stiffen the base 308 and provide additional support for the floor mat 300. The absorbent pad 304 is supported by the support bar 348 and positioned in the chamber 312 for absorbing and discharging the detection component or cleaning component deposited into the chamber 312.

The fiber portion 332 includes a plurality of fibers 352 arranged into an S-shape to include fixed ends 356 and free ends 360. The fixed ends 256 are generally fixed to the fluid permeable backing 336. The upper wall 316 includes a fluid-conducting layer that allows the component to pass from the chamber 312 to the recess 340. The component is absorbed by the fiber portion 332 and conveyed to the free ends 360 of the fibers 352 by capillary action.

In operation, when an object is placed onto an upper surface 364 of the floor mat 300, the weight of the object forces the fluid-conducting layer 316, or upper wall, against the absorbent pad 304 within the chamber 312, which increases internal pressure in the absorbent pad 304 and causes to discharge detection or cleaning component from the pad 304. The component flows through the fluid-conducting layer 316 and the fluid permeable backing 336 to be absorbed by the fiber portion 332. The component is absorbed by the fibers 352 of the fiber portion 332 and the upper surface 364 of the fiber portion 332 is moistened by the component. As the object moves across the floor mat 300, the component is transferred from the fibers 352 to surfaces of the object that contact the floor mat 300. When a portion of the component is discharged from the chamber 312 and the absorbent pad 304, the absorbent pad 304 may be removed from the base 308 and discarded. Alternatively, additional detection or cleaning component is deposited into the chamber 312 of the base 308 through the aperture 328 to refill the chamber 312 and remoisten the pad 304.

FIG. 12 illustrates another embodiment of a floor mat 370 of the present invention, including an absorbent pad 374 and similar to the embodiment shown and described in FIG. 6. The floor mat 370 includes a substantially rigid base 378 having an upper wall 382, a lower wall 386, and sidewalls 390 (only one sidewall is shown in FIG. 12) that defined a detection component and cleaning component containing chamber 394. The floor mat 370 includes a plurality of fibers 398 coupled directly to the upper wall 382 of the base 378 such that fixed ends 402 of the fibers 398 extend below the upper wall 382 and free ends 406 of the fibers 398 extend above the upper wall 382. The fluid absorbent pad 374 is positioned within the chamber 394 for absorbing the component deposited within the chamber 394. Fixed ends 402 of the fibers 398 are submerged in the component when the chamber 394 is filled such that the free ends 406 are continually moist due to capillary action within the fibers 398.

When an object is placed onto an upper surface of the floor mat 370, the weight of the object forces the fixed ends 402 of the fibers 398 into contact with the absorbent pad 374 discharged. The weight of the object increases internal pressure in the pad 374 such that the component is discharged from the pad 374 and absorbed by the fibers 378, which are moistened by the component. As the object moves across the floor mat 370, the component is transferred from the fibers 398 to surfaces of the object that contact the floor mat 370.

One sidewall 390 includes an aperture 414 defined therein for communicating with the chamber 394. The aperture 414 is configured to allow the component to be injected or otherwise introduced into the chamber 394. In another embodiment, an intake knob is selectively positioned within the aperture 414 to provide a fluid-tight seal when the aperture 414 is not in use. When a portion of the component has been discharged from the absorbent pad 374, additional detection or cleaning component is deposited into the chamber 374 through the aperture 414 to remoisten the pad 374.

FIG. 13 is another embodiment of a floor mat 420 of the present invention. The floor mat 420 includes a substantially rigid base 424 that defines a detection or cleaning component containing chamber 428. The base 424 includes an upper wall 432, sidewalls 436 (although only one sidewall is shown in FIG. 13), and a lower wall 440, wherein one sidewall 436 includes an aperture 444 defined therein for communicating with the chamber 428. The aperture 444 is configured to allow the component to be injected or otherwise introduced into the chamber 428. In another embodiment, an intake knob selectively seals the aperture 444 to provide a fluid-tight seal when the aperture 444 is not in use.

A support bar 448 is positioned within the chamber 428 to structurally stiffen the floor mat 420. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 13, the support bar 448 includes plurality of cups 452 formed therein. Each cup 452 includes an upper surface 456 having a plurality of sprayheads (not shown) defined therein. Sprayheads are characterized by a plurality of holes in the upper surface 456 of the support bar 448.

A plurality of fibers 460 are coupled directly to the upper wall 432 of the floor mat 420 and the fibers 460 are arranged into an S-shape. Fixed ends 464 of the fibers 460 extend below the upper wall 432 and free ends 468 of the fibers 460 extend above the upper wall 432. In the illustrated embodiment, the upper wall 432 includes a fluid-conducting layer that allows the component to pass from the chamber 428 to a recess 472 defined by the upper wall 432 where the component is absorbed by the fibers 460 and conveyed to the free ends 468 of the fibers 460 by capillary action.

In the illustrated embodiment, when an object is placed onto an upper surface 476 of the floor mat 420, the weight of the object forces the upper wall 432, i.e., the fluid-conducting layer, against the cups 452, thereby compressing the cups 452. The weight of the object increases internal pressure of the cups 452 such that that the component is discharged from the cups 452. The component flows through the sprayheads of the cups 452 and the fluid-conducting upper wall 432 to be absorbed by the fibers 460. The component is absorbed by the fibers 460 and the upper surface 476 of the floor mat 420 is moistened by the component. When a portion of the component has been expelled from the cups 452, additional detection or cleaning component is deposited into the chamber 428 through the aperture 444 to refill the cups 452. In another embodiment, the support bar 448 is removable from the base 424. Thus, once all the component is discharged from the cups 452, the support bar 448 is removed from the base 428 and a new support bar with cups is inserted into the chamber 428.

FIG. 14 illustrates a multi-piece floor mat system 500 for placement near an entryway or other location within a facility. The system 500 illustrated in FIG. 14 includes three separate mats positioned in series. A first floor mat 504 is used for removing large particulate material from an object as it passes over the floor mat 504. The object can include the foot of a person or an animal, or other device that must travel over the mat prior to entry to a building or other location. After passing over the first mat 504, the object passes over a second floor mat 508. The second mat 508 embodies the present invention floor mat for detecting or cleaning specific hazards from an object. As discussed above, the floor mat 508 transfers a detection component or a cleaning component from a chamber within the mat to an object that passes over the mat to either detect or clean a chemical and/or biological hazard from the object. After the object passes over the second mat 508, the object is typically wet from the component that is transferred from the mat to the object. The object then passes over a walk-off floor mat 512 to dry the object prior to the object proceeding to another location.

In one embodiment, at least the second floor mat can be sized to ensure that a person passing through an entryway must step on the floor mat. The length of the floor mat is sufficient such that a person cannot step over any section of the floor mat. In addition, the floor mat may be wide enough such that a person cannot step around the floor mat.

In another embodiment of the multi-piece floor mat system 500, the three floor mats 504, 508 and 512 are connected together to form one continuous floor mat with three distinct sections, each section directed to a different purpose. The floor mats may be integrally constructed with other portions of flooring or carpet surfaces. In yet another embodiment of the multi-piece floor mat system 500, the system is comprised of two floor mats, either separated or connected together. In the two piece system, one floor mat embodies a floor mat of the present invention for detecting or cleaning specific compounds from an object. The other floor mat in a two piece system is a walk-off mat for drying the object after it passes across the first mat. Alternatively, the second floor mat is used for removing large particulate material from an object as it passes over the floor mat.

Other embodiments of the multi-piece floor mat system 500 include additional sections of floor mats enabling detection and/or cleaning of multiple chemical and/or biological hazards from the object. The sections may be separate, connected, or a combination of both. In addition, other embodiments of a floor mat system are incorporated directly in a floor. For example, a floor mat system for detecting a chemical hazard is incorporated in a floor across a hallway leading to a security checkpoint at an airport.

FIG. 15 illustrates and embodiment of a two-piece floor mat system 600, similar to the system described above with respect to FIG. 14. The two-piece floor mat system 600 includes a base 605, a dispensing and metering pad 610, and a drying pad 615. FIGS. 16 and 17 illustrate a top view and a cut-away view of the base 605.

The base 605 includes a containment shell 617, a drying pad receiver 620, and an angled edge 625. The containment shell 617 section of the base 605 is surrounded by a lipped edge 630. The lipped edge 630 is configured to receive the dispensing and metering pad 610 and to hold the dispensing and metering pad 610 in position within the containment shell 617.

The drying pad receiver 620 is configured to receive the drying pad 615. In some embodiments, the drying pad 615 is secured to the base 605 by an adhesive. In other embodiments, the drying pad 615 is removable for replacement or cleaning, whereby the drying pad 615 may be held in place by its weight or a temporary fastener (e.g., Velcro®).

To assemble the floor mat system 600, the dispensing and metering pad 610 is inserted in the containment shell 617 and the edges of the dispensing and metering pad 610 are tucked under the lipped edges 630 of the containment shell 617. The cleaning or detecting solution is added to the containment shell 617 before the dispensing and metering pad 610 is inserted into the containment shell 617, or is poured on top of the dispensing and metering pad 610 after the dispensing and metering pad 610 is inserted into the containment shell 617.

FIGS. 18A and 18B illustrate an embodiment of the drying pad 615. The drying pad 615 dries or removes solution from the soles of shoes that have passed over the dispensing and metering pad 610 and have been wetted by the solution. Drying the soles of the shoes reduces a risk of a person slipping and falling due to their shoes being wet. In the illustrated embodiment, the drying pad 615 includes a backing material 640 and a carpet fiber layer 645. The carpet fiber layer 645 can be constructed of polypropylene or nylon, or the like. In one embodiment, the carpet fiber layer 645 is needle punched into the backing material 640 and the resulting carpet fiber layer 645 is about 0.5 inches thick. Other embodiments of the drying pad 615 include sewn materials, woven materials, or other materials suitable for drying or removing the solution from the soles of shoes that have passed over the dispensing and metering pad 610 and have been wetted by the solution.

FIGS. 19A and 19B illustrate an embodiment of the dispensing and metering pad 610. The dispensing and metering pad 610 includes a fluid conducting layer 650 and a fluid suspension layer 655. The fluid suspension layer 655 is constructed of an absorbent material that is impervious to the solution (e.g., an open cell urethane), and in one embodiment is about 0.375 inches thick. The material of the pad 610 is selected based on a viscosity of the selected detecting or cleaning solution. In use, the fluid suspension layer 655 absorbs the solution and becomes saturated. When pressure is applied to the fluid suspension layer 655, the fluid suspension layer 655 is unable to retain all of the solution and releases a portion of the retained solution. The quantity of solution released is dependent upon the level of saturation of the fluid suspension layer 655. Some of the released solution is available to the fluid conducting layer 650 for delivery to an object as is described below.

The fluid conducting layer 650 is constructed of a water impermeable material that is impervious to the solution (e.g., styrene butadiene “SBR” rubber), and in one embodiment is about 0.0625 inches thick. In the illustrated embodiment, the fluid conducting layer 650 includes a plurality of holes 660. The holes 660 are sized and spaced on the fluid conducting layer 650 to meter, based on the viscosity of the detecting or cleaning solution, a controlled quantity of the solution released from the fluid suspension layer 655 when pressure is applied to an upper surface 665 of the fluid conducting layer 650. In one embodiment, the fluid suspension layer 655 and the fluid conducting layer 650 are bonded together using heat and a no glue bond.

When an object (e.g., a foot of a person) is placed onto the upper surface 665 of the fluid conducting layer 650, the weight of the object compresses the fluid suspension layer 655, thereby releasing some of the solution suspended in the fluid suspension layer 655 into the holes 660 approximate the area where the weight is applied. A portion of the released solution flows through the holes 660 and onto the upper surface 665 of the fluid conducting layer 650. The solution on the upper surface 665 of the fluid conducting layer 650 is then transferred to a portion of an object that comes in contact with the solution (e.g., the sole a shoe).

In the illustrated embodiment, the angled edge 625 extends around an outer periphery of the base 605. The base 605 may be constructed out of material (e.g., recycled rubber) that is impervious to the cleaning or detecting solution. The material is also capable of containing the solution and not allowing the solution to escape the containment shell 617.

In each of the above described embodiments, the solution in a floor mat diminishes over time due to use and evaporation. The rate that the solution diminishes can be determined to establish when the solution should be replaced (e.g., after 5000 steps or 2 months). In some embodiments of a floor mat of the present invention, a sensor is integrated with the floor mat. The sensor is adapted for indicating when a level of the solution has diminished and more solution should be added, when a cartridge containing the solution is empty and should be replaced, or when a pad containing the solution should be replaced or remoistened. Types of sensors include a change of color indication (e.g., a logo that changes color when solution needs to added to the floor mat), an audible alarm, and an electronic transmission (e.g., a Bluetooth compatible signal to indicate that solution needs to be added to the floor mat).

In some embodiments, a floor mat includes an alert system interconnected with the floor mat. The alert system provides a visual, audio, color change or other alert when an object passing over the floor mat includes a specific chemical and/or biological hazard the component is configured to detect. It should be readily apparent that the sensor or alert system may be part of the multi-piece floor mat system described above with respect to FIGS. 14 and 15, either as part of one of the floor mats or in addition to the floor mat system. For example, the object is contacted with a sensor as one step of the floor mat system.

Although several specific embodiments of the invention are described above and illustrated in the figures, the invention is capable of being practiced in a variety of ways. Generally, the floor mat includes a detection component or cleaning component that is contained within a chamber and is fluidly communicated with an absorbent upper surface. The component is then transferred to the soles of a person's feet, shoes, or to other objects that come into contact with the floor mat. The floor mat is reusable and refillable, either directly or indirectly by the component containing cartridge, container, or absorbent pad. In the embodiments discussed above, the floor mat utilizes a detection component or cleaning component configured to detect or clean a specific chemical or biological hazard, including, but not limited to, a compound, class of compounds, an element, class of elements, material, organism, antibody, or the like. Examples of the detection or cleaning component include, but are not limited to, a solution, compound, or mixture in a liquid, semi-solid (such as a gel, paste, or the like), solid, or vaporous form. In a preferred embodiment, the detection or cleaning component is a liquid solution.

In some of the illustrated embodiments, the absorbent top portion of the floor mat is shown and described as comprised of carpet fiber. In further embodiments, the top portion may be comprised of other fibrous materials, or other material that provides wicking action and is semi-absorbent or not absorbent depending on the application. Examples of the fibrous material include, but are not limited to, nylon, olefin, natural fibers, or the like.

Each above described embodiments may also include anti-skid construction on the side walls and lower walls to prevent excessive movement of the floor mat on the floor as well as anti-skid construction on the carpet portions to prevent a person from slipping on the floor mat. In another embodiment, the floor mat is integrally constructed with other portions of flooring or carpet surfaces. Cushioning material may also be utilized in each embodiment to provide a more comfortable surface upon which a person or animal steps. In one embodiment, the floor mat includes an anti-microbial component (including, but not limited to, an anti-fungal, anti-viral, or anti-bacterial component) in replacement of or in combination with a detection or cleaning component. Customized graphics may be applied to the mat to improve aesthetic appearance and various fragrances may also be used in conjunction with the solutions. Additionally, various aspects of each embodiment may be combined or interchanged with aspects found in other embodiments of the invention.

The embodiments described above and illustrated in the figures are presented by way of example only and are not intended as a limitation upon the concepts and principles of the present invention. As such, it will be appreciated by one having ordinary skill in the art that various changes in the elements and their configuration and arrangement are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Various features and advantages of the invention are set forth in the following claims.

Claims

1. A floor mat system for delivering a liquid to an object, the system comprising:

a base defining a first chamber;

a pad positioned in the first chamber, the pad including a first layer configured to suspend the liquid and a second layer configured to dispense a liquid.

2. The floor mat system of claim 1 wherein when the object applies a pressure to the pad the pad delivers the liquid to the object.

3. The floor mat system of claim 1, and further comprising a detection liquid for depositing in the first chamber, the detection liquid configured for detecting a compound on the object.

4. The floor mat system of claim 1, and further comprising a cleaning liquid for depositing in the first chamber, the cleaning liquid configured for cleaning a compound from the object.

5. The floor mat system of claim 1 wherein the base defines a lip along an outer periphery of the first chamber, the lip configured for retaining the pad within the first chamber.

6. The floor mat system of claim 1, and further comprising a second floor mat including a second base having a drying pad.

7. The floor mat system of claim 1 wherein the base further defines a second chamber and a drying pad is positioned within the second chamber.

8. The floor mat system of claim 1 wherein the second layer is constructed of a material impermeable by the liquid.

9. The floor mat system of claim 8 wherein the second layer includes a plurality of holes to dispense and meter the liquid from the first layer to the object.

10. The floor mat system of claim 1, and further comprising an alert system.

11. The floor mat system of claim 9 wherein the alert system detects whether liquid is present in the first layer, the alert system including an element in contact with the first layer such that the element is a first color when the liquid is present and a second color when the liquid is not present.

12. The floor mat system of claim 9 wherein the alert system provides a signal communicated to an external device.

13. The floor mat system of claim 9 wherein the alert system provides an audible alarm.

14. The floor mat system of claim 1 wherein the second layer dispenses a controlled amount of the liquid to the object.

15. A floor mat system for cleaning or detecting a substance on an object, the system comprising:

a base defining a first chamber and a second chamber;

a first pad positioned in the first chamber, the first pad including a liquid absorption layer and a liquid delivery layer; and

a second pad positioned in the second chamber, the second pad including a liquid drying material.

wherein the first pad delivers a liquid to the object when the object compresses the first pad and the liquid drying material dries the object when the object contacts the second pad.

16. The floor mat system of claim 15 wherein the base defines at least one third chamber.

17. The floor mat system of claim 16 wherein a pad for removing large particulate matter is positioned in the at least one third chamber.

18. The floor mat system of claim 16 wherein at least one third pad is positioned in the at least one third chamber, the at least one third pad including a liquid absorption layer and a liquid delivery layer.

19. The floor mat system of claim 15 wherein when the object applies a pressure to the pad the first pad delivers the liquid to the object.

20. The floor mat system of claim 15 wherein the base defines a lip along an outer periphery of the first chamber, the lip configured for retaining the first pad within the first chamber.