CONVERTIBLE FLOOR MAT APPARATUS AND METHOD

Abstract

A floor mat having a first surface, and a second surface; and a friction-increasing element removably affixed to the second surface.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of the filing date of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/591,219, entitled “Convertible Floor Mat Apparatus and Method,” filed on Jan. 26, 2012, all of which is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present general inventive concept relates to a floor covering apparatus and method, and more particularly to convertible floor mat apparatus for use on various types of floors, a method of manufacture of the apparatus, and a method of use of the apparatus.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Chair mats for protecting flooring material from damage and wear from chair rollers are well known. Generally, chair mats consist of a flat panel made of a material that is suitable to prevent wear and tear on the underlying flooring material. In some instances, the chair mat may include short spikes on the underside of the flat panel to hold the chair mat firmly in place on a textured flooring material such as carpeting. While chair mats with short spikes improve the placement of a chair mat on textured flooring material, they are not always suitable for use with relatively smooth flooring materials like wood or tiled floor. Conversely, chair mats with a flat panel having a generally smooth underside may slip out of place on textured flooring material. Accordingly, there is a need for a convertible floor covering that provides a protective barrier between a chair and an underlying surface regardless of its surface material and texture.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present general inventive concept relates to a convertible floor covering or convertible floor mat that is particularly ideal for use on both smooth and non-smooth or textured surfaces, for instance, as a chair mat to provide a protective barrier between a chair and the surface. In this manner, the mat protects the surface during use of chair on the mat.

The present general inventive concept is convertible between two configurations, which is based on intended application of the present general inventive concept by a user. In a first embodiment, the present general inventive concept includes a body having upper and lower generally smooth, planar surfaces that are parallel to each other and are spaced from each other by an outermost perimeter edge that extends entirely about the body.

In an embodiment, as illustrated the present general inventive concept includes a body having upper and lower generally smooth, planar surfaces that are parallel or substantially parallel to each other and are spaced from each other by an outermost perimeter edge that extends entirely about the body.

In another embodiment a floor mat includes a body having a first surface, and a second surface and a friction-increasing element having a third surface and a fourth surface, the third surface removably affixed to the second surface. In this embodiment the first surface and the second surface are parallel or substantially parallel to each other and spaced from each other by an outermost perimeter edge that extends about the body. Additionally, the third surface and the fourth surface are facing each other and are spaced from each other by an outermost perimeter edge that extends about a body of the friction-increasing element.

In another embodiment the second surface includes at least one receiver region, each of which is configured to receive one friction-increasing element thereon.

In another embodiment, the second surface includes at least one graphic design that is arranged on the second surface.

In another embodiment there is an adhesive pad between the friction-increasing element and the second surface to permanently adhere the friction-increasing element to the body.

In another embodiment, the fourth surface is textured. Further, in this embodiment, the textured surface can include at least one stud. Yet further, the textured surface can include a plurality of studs, where each of the plurality of studs are of the same length, of varying lengths, or both.

Another embodiment includes a method for manufacturing a floor mat that includes the steps of providing a body having a first surface, and a second surface and removably affixing a friction-increasing element having a third surface and a fourth surface to the second surface. In this embodiment, the first surface and the second surface are parallel or substantially parallel to each other and spaced from each other by an outermost perimeter edge that extends about the body, and the third surface and the fourth surface are facing each other and are spaced from each other by an outermost perimeter edge that extends about a body of the friction-increasing element.

In another embodiment, the floor mat includes a body having a first surface, and a second surface and at least one receiver region on the second surface, the receiver region configured to receive a friction-increasing element thereon. In this embodiment, the first surface and the second surface are parallel or substantially parallel to each other and spaced from each other by an outermost perimeter edge that extends about the body. Further, in this embodiment the friction-increasing element comprises a third surface and a fourth surface, and the third surface is removably affixed to the second surface.

Other systems, methods, features, and advantages of the present invention will be or will become apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination of the following figures and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features, and advantages be included within this description, be within the scope of the invention, and be protected by the accompanying claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and/or other aspects and utilities of the present general inventive concept will become apparent and more readily appreciated from the following description of the embodiments, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings of which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective underside view of a first embodiment of the present general inventive concept illustrating a friction-increasing element attached to a body;

FIG. 2 is a bottom plan view of the present general inventive concept illustrated in FIG. 1, illustrating an ideal minimum amount of friction-increasing elements attached to the body;

FIG. 3 is a bottom plan view of the present general inventive concept illustrated in FIG. 1, illustrating an ideal medium amount of friction-increasing elements attached to the body;

FIG. 4 is a bottom plan view of the present general inventive concept illustrated in FIG. 1, illustrating an ideal maximum amount of friction-increasing elements attached to the body;

FIG. 5 is an elevated side view of the present general inventive concept illustrated in FIG. 1, illustrating a friction-increasing element and an adhesive pad exploded from the body and above a non-smooth surface;

FIG. 6 is an elevated side view of the present general inventive concept illustrated in FIG. 1, illustrating a friction-increasing element and an adhesive pad attached to the body and resting on the non-smooth surface;

FIG. 7 is a perspective underside view of a second embodiment of the present general inventive concept illustrating a friction-increasing element attached to a body;

FIG. 8 is a bottom plan view of the present general inventive concept illustrated in FIG. 7, illustrating an ideal medium amount of friction-increasing elements attached to the body;

FIG. 9 is a bottom plan view of the present general inventive concept illustrated in FIG. 7, illustrating an ideal medium amount of friction increasing elements attached to the body;

FIG. 10 is a bottom plan view of the present general inventive concept illustrated in FIG. 7, illustrating an ideal maximum amount of friction-increasing elements attached to the body;

FIG. 11 is an elevated side view of the present general inventive concept illustrated in FIG. 7, illustrating a friction-increasing element and an adhesive pad exploded from the body and above a non-smooth surface; and

FIG. 12 is an elevated side view of the present general inventive concept illustrated in FIG. 7, illustrating a friction-increasing element and an adhesive pad attached to the body and resting on the non-smooth surface.

FIG. 13 is an elevated side view of a third embodiment of the present general inventive concept illustrates a friction-increasing element attached to the body via an adhesive.

FIG. 14 is a perspective underside view of a fourth embodiment of the present general inventive concept illustrating a friction-increasing element exploded from the body underneath where a design is located.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present general inventive concept relates to a convertible floor covering or convertible floor mat that is particularly ideal for use on both smooth and non-smooth or textured surfaces, for instance, as a chair mat to provide a protective barrier between a chair and the surface. In this manner, the mat protects the surface during use of chair on the mat.

The present general inventive concept is convertible between at least two configurations, which is based on intended application of the present general inventive concept by a user. In a first embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 1-6, the present general inventive concept includes a body 10 having upper and lower planar surfaces 12, 14, that are parallel or substantially parallel to each other and are spaced from each other by an outermost perimeter edge 16 that extends entirely about the body 10. The planar surfaces can be smooth, relatively smooth or include various textures well known to those of ordinary skill in the art such as multiple planar surfaces, grooves, ribbing or dimples.

The body 10 is of a generally uniform thickness and may be made of a material such as, but not limited to rubber, plastic, and/or the like, that is sufficiently durable to withstand wear and/or tear depending on and during use of the present general inventive concept, e.g., to support a chair on the upper surface 12 or lower surface 14 of the body 10. The body 10 may be made of a material that is transparent, translucent, opaque, and/or a combination thereof. The body 10 may have a pattern, for instance, on the upper surface 12 of the body, to form a design thereon. The body 10 may be made of a material that is transparent, translucent, opaque, and/or a combination thereof.

The lower surface 14 of the body 10 includes a plurality of receiver regions 20 on and about an area of the lower surface 14 of the body 10, as illustrated in FIGS. 2-4. The receiver regions 20 are sized and shaped to selectively receive one or a plurality of friction-increasing elements 22 thereon so that each of the friction-increasing elements 22 are securely affixed to the lower surface 14 of the body 10. It is foreseen that each of the friction-increasing elements 22 may be removably affixed to the lower surface 14 of the body 10 to permit selective removal and affixing of each of the friction-increasing elements 22 by the user, permanently affixed so that removal of each of the friction-increasing elements 22 by the user after affixing is prevented, and/or a combination thereof, without deviating from the scope of the present general inventive concept.

Each of the friction-increasing elements 22 include upper and lower generally planar surfaces 24, 26 that are parallel or substantially parallel to each other and are spaced from each other by an outermost perimeter edge 28 that extends entirely about a body 30 of each of the friction-increasing elements 22. The upper surface 24 is generally smooth and, in the first embodiment, the lower surface 26 may be textured to increase friction between the surface 26 and an object contacting the surface 26, e.g., a carpet 32. The textured surface 26 may be formed via a hook and loop fastener material such as Velcro™ or the like.

Each of the friction-increasing elements 22 may be of like or dissimilar shapes and sizes. It is foreseen that each of the friction-increasing elements 22 may be circular, square, rectangular, or a combination thereof without deviating from the scope of the present general inventive concept.

In the first embodiment, an adhesive pad 40 is provided between each of the friction-increasing elements 22 and the body 10 to permanently or removably adhere each of the friction-increasing elements 22 to the body 10. Particularly, each of the adhesive pads 40 are secured to the lower surface 14 of the body 10 and the upper surface 24 of each of the friction-increasing elements 22 via an adhesive such as glue or the like. For instance, the friction-increasing elements 22 may be provided with peel-off elements that, when peeled off, expose a sticky or adhesive surface on opposing sides of the friction-increasing elements 22. In this manner, the friction-increasing elements 22 may be affixed to the body 10 of the present general inventive concept via the user, e.g., an end user, post manufacture and purchaser depending on a desired application of the present general inventive concept.

When the user desires to utilize the present general inventive concept on a generally smooth surface, e.g., hardwood, tile, slate, linoleum, concrete, and/or the like, the user need not attach any of the friction-increasing elements 22 to the body 10. In this manner, the user can avoid damaging the smooth surface and/or premature wearing of the body 10.

When the user desired to utilize the present general inventive concept on a generally non-smooth surface, e.g., the carpet 32 or the like. The user attaches at least one and preferably a plurality of the friction-increasing elements 22 to the lower surface 14 of the body 10 with each of the friction-increasing elements 22 being affixed to the body 10 within one of the receiver regions 20. Not all of the receiver regions 20 need be used, with such used dependent on a desired application of the present general inventive concept by the user. For instance, if the body 10 is particularly large and/or is to be used with a particularly heavy load, e.g., a heavy-weight chair, it is desirable to utilize more friction-increasing elements 22, as illustrated in FIG. 4. Alternatively, if the body 10 is particularly small and/or is to be used with a particularly light load, e.g., a light-weight chair, it is desirable to utilize less friction-increasing elements 22, as illustrated in FIG. 2. For example, the weight of the chair, the user or both may be inversely proportionate to the number of friction-increasing elements 22. Alternatively, if the body 10 is between particularly large and small and/or is to be used with a load that is between particularly light and heavy, e.g., a medium-weight chair, it is desirable to utilize a medium amount of friction-increasing elements 22, as illustrated in FIG. 3. In this manner, the user can heighten friction between the body 10 and the carpet 32.

In a second embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 7-12, the present general inventive concept includes a body 110 having upper and lower generally smooth, planar surfaces 112, 114, that are facing each other and are spaced from each other by an outermost perimeter edge 116 that extends entirely about the body 110. The planar surfaces 112 and 114 can also be parallel to each other or substantially parallel to each other.

The body 110 is of a generally uniform thickness and may be made of a material such as, but not limited to rubber, plastic, and/or the like, that is sufficiently durable to withstand wear and/or tear depending on and during use of the present general inventive concept, e.g., to support a chair on the upper surface 112 of the body 110. The body 110 may be made of a material that is transparent, translucent, opaque, and/or a combination thereof. The body 110 may have a pattern, for instance, on the upper surface 112 or the lower surface 114 of the body, to form a design thereon. The body 110 may be made of a material that is transparent, translucent, opaque, and/or a combination thereof.

The lower surface 114 of the body 110 includes a plurality of receiver regions 120 on and about an area of the lower surface 114 of the body 110, as illustrated in FIGS. 8-10. The receiver regions 120 are sized and shaped to selectively receive one or a plurality of friction-increasing elements 122 thereon so that each of the friction-increasing elements 122 are securely affixed to the lower surface 114 of the body 110. It is foreseen that each of the friction-increasing elements 122 may be removably affixed to the lower surface 114 of the body 110 to permit selective removal and affixing of each of the friction-increasing elements 122 by the user, permanently affixed so that removal of each of the friction-increasing elements 122 by the user after affixing is prevented, and/or a combination thereof without deviating from the scope of the present general inventive concept.

Each of the friction-increasing elements 122 include upper and lower generally planar surfaces 124, 126 that are parallel or substantially parallel to each other and are spaced from each other by an outermost perimeter edge 128 that extends entirely about a body 130 of each of the friction-increasing elements 122. The upper surface 124 is generally smooth and, in the second embodiment, the lower surface 126 may be textured to increase friction between the surface 126 and an object contacting the surface 126, e.g., a carpet 132. The textured surface 126 may be formed via at least one and preferably a plurality of studs 133 on each of the friction-increasing elements 122. In the second embodiment, each of plurality of studs 133 are of the same length, i.e., extending perpendicular to the upper and lower surfaces 124, 126. It is foreseen, however, that each of plurality of studs 133 may be of varying lengths, angles or both relative to each other without deviating from the scope of the present general inventive concept.

Each of the friction-increasing elements 122 may be of like or dissimilar shapes and sizes. It is foreseen that each of the friction-increasing elements 122 may be circular, square, rectangular, or a combination thereof, without deviating from the scope of the present general inventive concept.

In the second embodiment, an adhesive pad 140 is provided between each of the friction-increasing elements 122 and the body 110 to permanently or removably adhere each of the friction-increasing elements 122 to the body 110. Particularly, each of the adhesive pads 140 are secured to the lower surface 114 of the body 110 and the upper surface 124 of each of the friction-increasing elements 122 via an adhesive such as glue or the like. For instance, the friction-increasing elements 122 may be provided with peel-off elements that, when peeled off, expose a sticky or adhesive surface on opposing sides of the friction-increasing elements 122. In this manner, the friction-increasing elements 122 may be affixed to the body 110 of the present general inventive concept via the user, e.g., an end user, post manufacture and purchase depending on a desired application of the present general inventive concept.

When the user desires to utilize the present general inventive concept on a generally smooth surface, e.g., hardwood, tile, slate, linoleum, concrete, and/or the like, the user need not attach any of the friction-increasing elements 122 to the body 110. In this manner, the user can avoid damaging the smooth surface and/or premature wearing of the body 110.

When the user desired to utilize the present general inventive concept on a generally non-smooth surface, e.g., the carpet 132 or the like. The user attaches at least one and preferably a plurality of the friction-increasing elements 122 to the lower surface 114 of the body 110 with each of the friction-increasing elements 122 being affixed to the body 110 within one of the receiver regions 120. Not all of the receiver regions 120 need be used, with such used dependent on a desired application of the present general inventive concept by the user. For instance, if the body 110 is particularly large and/or is to be used with a particularly heavy load, e.g., a heavy-weight chair, it is desirable to utilize more friction-increasing elements 122, as illustrated in FIG. 10. For example, the weight of the chair, the user or both may be inversely proportionate to the number of friction-increasing elements 122. Alternatively, if the body 110 is particularly small and/or is to be used with a particularly light load, e.g., a light-weight chair, it is desirable to utilize less friction-increasing elements 122, as illustrated in FIG. 8.

Alternatively, if the body 110 is between particularly large and small and/or is to be used with a load that is between particularly light and heavy, e.g., a medium-weight chair, it is desirable to utilize a medium amount of friction-increasing elements 122, as illustrated in FIG. 9. In this manner, the user can heighten friction between the body 110 and the carpet 132.

In the third embodiment, the body 210 is of a generally uniform thickness and may be made of a material such as, but not limited to rubber, plastic, and/or the like, that is sufficiently durable to withstand wear and/or tear depending on and during use of the present general inventive concept, e.g., to support a chair on the upper surface 212 of the body 210. The body 210 may be made of a material that is transparent, translucent, opaque, and/or a combination thereof. The body 210 may have a pattern, for instance, on the lower r surface 214 of the body, to form a design thereon.

In the third embodiment, shown in FIG. 13 one or a plurality of friction-increasing elements 222 can be permanently or removably affixed to the lower surface 214 of the body 210 via an adhesive coating such as glue or the like. For instance, the lower surface 212 may be provided with peel-off elements that, when peeled off, expose a sticky or adhesive surface. Further, the adhesive coating can be applied to all or a portion of the lower surface 214. In this manner, the friction-increasing elements 222 may be affixed to the body 210 where the adhesive coating is present. Alternatively, the adhesive coating can be applied to the upper surface 224 of each of the friction-increasing elements 222 via an adhesive such as glue or the like and then attached to the lower surface 214 of the body.

It is foreseen that each of the friction-increasing elements 222 may be removably affixed to the lower surface 214 of the body 210 to permit selective removal and affixing of each of the friction-increasing elements 222 by the user, permanently affixed so that removal of each of the friction-increasing elements 222 by the user after affixing is prevented, and/or a combination thereof, without deviating from the scope of the present general inventive concept.

Each of the friction-increasing elements 222 include upper and lower generally planar surfaces 224, 226 that are parallel or substantially parallel to each other and are spaced from each other by an outermost perimeter edge 228 that extends entirely about a body 230 of each of the friction-increasing elements 222. The upper surface 224 is generally smooth and, in the third embodiment, the lower surface 226 is textured to increase friction between the surface 226 and an object contacting the surface 226, e.g., a carpet 232.

Each of the friction-increasing elements 222 may be of like or dissimilar shapes and sizes. It is foreseen that each of the friction-increasing elements 222 may be circular, square, rectangular, or a combination thereof without deviating from the scope of the present general inventive concept.

As in the other embodiments of the present invention, when the user desires to utilize the present general inventive concept on a generally smooth surface, e.g., hardwood, tile, slate, linoleum, concrete, and/or the like, the user may, but does not need to attach any of the friction-increasing elements 222 to the body 210. In this manner, the user can avoid damaging the smooth surface and/or premature wearing of the body 210.

When the user desires to utilize the present general inventive concept on a generally non-smooth surface, e.g., the carpet 232 or the like. The user attaches at least one and preferably a plurality of the friction-increasing elements 222 to the lower surface 214 of the body 210 with each of the friction-increasing elements 222 being affixed to the body 210 via an adhesive coating. Since the friction-increasing elements 222 are affixed to the body 210 via an adhesive coating, the location of the friction-increasing elements can vary. Further, the location of the friction-increasing elements is not necessarily pre-determined by the placement of a receiver region 20. It is also contemplated that the friction-increasing elements 222 may be affixed to the body 210 via an adhesive where the body 210 includes one or more receiver regions described above in embodiments 1 and 2 of the present invention. In this case, the friction-increasing elements 222 can be affixed to the body 210 via an adhesive coating, a receiver region or both.

This third embodiment permits the number and location of the friction-increasing elements 222 to vary based on the size of the body 210 and the weight of the load e.g., a light-weight chair, it is desirable to utilize less friction-increasing elements 222, as illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4.

In the fourth embodiment, shown in FIG. 14, the lower surface 314 of the body 310 can include an image, design, graphic design 400 or the like printed on, laminated to or applied to the lower surface 314. The graphic design 400 can be printed with an ink printer or another method known to those of ordinary skill in the art. An additional coating or coatings can cover the graphic design so serve as a protective or sealant. The graphic design 400 could also be printed or laminated on the top surface 312 of the body 310. The graphic design 400 can be a decorative image that covers all or a portion of the surface it is provided on. The friction-increasing elements can applied to the mat in this embodiment in the same manner as any of the above described embodiments.

As in the other embodiments of the present invention, when the user desires to utilize the present general inventive concept on a generally smooth surface, e.g., hardwood, tile, slate, linoleum, concrete, and/or the like, the user need not attach any of the friction-increasing elements 322 to the body 310. In this manner, the user can avoid damaging the smooth surface and/or premature wearing of the body 310. Further the shape, size, and texture of the upper and lower generally planar surfaces of the friction-increasing element 322 can vary.

In a fifth embodiment of the invention, the floor mat is a kit that includes a floor mat with at least one receiver unit on the lower surface of the floor mat body and at least one friction-increasing element. In the kit, the friction-increasing elements can be secured to a corresponding receiver unit and left in place by the user or removed to adapt the floor mat body for a particular floor surface. Alternatively, the friction-increasing elements can be included in the kit, but not secured to a corresponding receiver unit, allowing a user to add each of one or more friction-increasing elements to a corresponding receiver unit. Alternatively, the kit could include a floor mat with one or more graphic designs on the lower surface as described in the fourth embodiment. Ultimately, the floor mat kit could comprise any of the elements of the above described embodiments.

While various embodiments of the present invention have been described, it will be apparent to those of skill in the art that many more embodiments and implementations are possible that are within the scope of this invention. Accordingly, the present invention is not to be restricted except in light of the attached claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A floor mat comprising:

a body having a first surface, and a second surface; and

a friction-increasing element having a third surface and a fourth surface, the third surface removably affixed to the second surface,

wherein, the first surface and the second surface are substantially parallel or parallel to each other and spaced from each other by an outermost perimeter edge that extends about the body, and the third surface and the fourth surface facing to each other and are spaced from each other by an outermost perimeter edge that extends about a body of the friction-increasing element.

2. The floor mat according to claim 1, wherein the second surface includes at least one receiver region, each receiver region configured to receive one friction-increasing element thereon.

3. The floor mat according to claim 1, wherein the second surface includes at least one graphic design printed or applied thereon.

4. The floor mat according to claim 3, wherein the third surface of the friction-increasing element is affixed to the second surface of the body via an adhesive coating.

5. The floor mat according to claim 1, wherein an adhesive pad is between the friction-increasing element and the second surface to permanently adhere the friction-increasing element to the body.

6. The floor mat according to claim 1, wherein the fourth surface is textured.

7. The floor mat according to claim 4, wherein the textured surface comprises at least one stud.

8. The floor mat according to claim 4 wherein the textured surface comprises a plurality of studs, each of the plurality of studs are of the same length, of varying lengths, or both.

9. The floor mat according to claim 8 wherein the studs are at varying angles to each other.

10. A method for manufacturing a floor mat comprising the steps of:

providing a body having a first surface, and a second surface; and

removably affixing a friction-increasing element having a third surface and a fourth surface to the second surface,

wherein, the first surface and the second surface are substantially parallel or parallel to each other and spaced from each other by an outermost perimeter edge that extends about the body, and the third surface and the fourth surface are facing each other and are spaced from each other by an outermost perimeter edge that extends about a body of the friction-increasing element.

11. A floor mat comprising:

a body having a first surface, and a second surface; and

at least one receiver region on the second surface, the receiver region configured to receive a friction-increasing element thereon. wherein, the first surface and the second surface are substantially parallel or parallel to each other and spaced from each other by an outermost perimeter edge that extends about the body.

11. The floor mat according to claim 10 wherein:

the friction-increasing element comprises a third surface and a fourth surface, the third surface removably affixed to the second surface, and

the third surface and the fourth surface are facing each other and are spaced from each other by an outermost perimeter edge that extends about a body of the friction-increasing element.