Mats Patents (Class 15/215)
  • Patent number: 7784848
    Abstract: A vehicle floor tray is molded from a thermoplastic polymer sheet such that it has high shear and tensile strength, an acceptable degree of stiffness and a high coefficient of friction on its upper surface. The floor tray has first, second, third, and fourth sidewalls integrally formed with the floor, which has a reservoir. The reservoir has a plurality of longitudinally and transversely oriented baffles standing up from the general surface of the reservoir portion to impede lateral movement of water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: MacNeil IP LLC
    Inventor: David F. MacNeil
  • Patent number: 7748177
    Abstract: A modular tile configured to interlock with multiple tiles to form a modular floor covering over a floor. The tile includes a top surface having a periphery defining side walls extending downward from the top surface, the side walls having a coupling portion configured to couple with other tiles adjacent thereto to form the modular floor covering. The tile also includes a bottom side, opposite the top surface, having a support grid including an array of downward extending polymeric post structures, at least some of the post structures including at least one resilient end portion with a radial end surface configured to be positioned against the floor to facilitate controlled deflection of the post structures. The post structures may comprise primary and secondary post structures, with the secondary post structures limiting the deflection of the primary post structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Connor Sport Court International, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark L. Jenkins, Jeremiah Shapiro, Cheryl Forster, Vaughn W. North, David L. Stott
  • Patent number: 7727612
    Abstract: An automotive vehicle floor mat M to be laid on a foot space of a driver's seat, characterized in that retainer holes to be retained at retainer pins implanted on a vehicle floor side, are provided at two positions at a predetermined interval near a rear edge portion of the mat, a first retainer hole of the two position retainer holes is provided on a right rear side of the mat and in the vicinity of a rear extension portion of an accelerator pedal, a second retainer hole is provided on a rear extension portion of a brake pedal and rather on a center side of the mat than the first retainer hole, a retainer member having a rigidity is provided on an inner edge of each retainer hole, and a thickness of the retainer member is smaller than a height of the retainer pins.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Honda Access Corp.
    Inventors: Hirotaka Haraguchi, Hinako Tamagawa, Toshihide Matsuoka, Masashi Takahashi
  • Patent number: 7686371
    Abstract: A vehicle floor tray is molded from a thermoplastic polymer sheet such that it has high shear and tensile strength, an acceptable degree of stiffness and a high coefficient of friction on its upper surface. The floor tray has first, second, third, and fourth sidewalls integrally formed with the floor, which has a reservoir. The reservoir has a plurality of longitudinally and transversely oriented baffles standing up from the general surface of the reservoir portion to impede lateral movement of water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Inventor: David F. MacNeil
  • Patent number: 7686370
    Abstract: A three-dimensional digital model of a vehicle foot well is used to mold a vehicle floor tray such that large areas of at least two upstanding walls of the tray depart from respective surfaces of the foot well by no more than an eighth of an inch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Inventor: David F. MacNeil
  • Patent number: 7607713
    Abstract: A vehicle floor tray is molded from a thermoplastic polymer sheet such that it has high shear and tensile strength, an acceptable degree of stiffness and a high coefficient of friction on its upper surface. The floor tray design is digitally fitted to a foot well of a particular model of vehicle such that a lower surface of the tray is no more than one-half of an inch from a digitally acquired model of the foot well surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2009
    Inventor: David F. Macneil
  • Patent number: 7498072
    Abstract: A long life scent dispersing mat apparatus uses an outer housing with apertures appointed to disperse a scent or fragrance. The fragrance is provided in a fragrant body which is a springy spongy rubber or polymeric sponge soaked with essential oils that have high vapor pressure at ambient temperatures. The fragrant body is inserted into an inner pouch which has small apertures and the stagnant air within the inner pouch attains saturation of fragrance vapor, thereby stopping further evaporation of the essential oils. When the scent-dispersing mat is stepped on, the inner pouch releases the saturated fragrant vapor into the interior of the outer housing and it is released to room air through apertures provided in the outer housing. When force on the mat is released, the fragrant body recovers its original shape and the inner pouch draws fresh make up air and essential oils volatilize until saturation is reached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2009
    Inventor: Marni Markell Hurwitz
  • Patent number: 7449228
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a floor mat which can prevent scuffs on the heels of a user's footwear. The floor mat includes at least a first layer of material; a scuff-resistant portion provided on the first layer; and a glide mechanism which moves the scuff-resistant portion on the first layer when a force is applied to the scuff-resistant portion. The glide mechanism may include an elastic portion connected to the scuff-resistant portion and to the first layer, a backing layer connected to the elastic portion; and a base portion connected to the backing layer. The base portion may be disposed on a second layer, the second layer which is disposed beneath the first layer. Further, the first layer may have an opening such that the base portion which is connected to the second layer, is accessible through the first layer. The scuff-resistant portion is made of plush felt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2008
    Inventor: Shirley Mason
  • Patent number: 7445833
    Abstract: An ergonomic floormat has particular utility as a surgical mat to decrease musculoskeletal fatigue in humans during prolonged static postural stress, as occurs during standing. The floormat is constructed in a laminated fashion utilizing bubble shaped closed cellular materials, closed cellular polyethylene foam materials and/or closed cellular polypropylene foam materials. The design provides an ergonomically, non-compressible mat, which offers high support and high Indent Force Deflection. In a preferred embodiment, the mat is designed for single use only and is completely disposable. Additional features of the mat include being water repellant, anti-static and an anti-skid bottom surface of a low-tack, adhesive material to allow for greater securement to the surgical floor and to prevent slippage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2008
    Assignee: Ergotech Solutions, Inc.
    Inventor: John W Polley
  • Publication number: 20080263923
    Abstract: A letter-luminescent footboard is disclosed. The footboard absorbs impact and emits light by coupling luminous bodies forming a letter or graphic by a coupling means. The footboard is configured to include: a footboard base having coupling holes displaying a letter, graphic, or number; luminous bodies coupled to the coupling holes by insertion to be separated therefrom; and a luminous body support plate which supports the luminous bodies, is integral with the luminous bodies, and is separated therefrom and coupled thereto from below the footboard base. Thus, the footboard base can be easily washed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2007
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Inventor: Joo-Hyun KIM
  • Patent number: 7416771
    Abstract: A modular interchangeable floor mat includes a mat frame and a mat insert. The mat frame includes a central portion having a plurality of integrally formed upwardly-extending hooked nibs and a peripheral edge. The mat insert includes a hook-retaining material defining a bottom surface. The hook-retaining material may include a nonwoven material or a reticulated foam. The plurality of upwardly-extending hooked nibs of the mat frame is engageable with the hook-retaining material of the mat insert. The mat frame may also include a plurality of integrally formed downwardly-depending nibs or ridges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2008
    Assignee: Racemark International, Inc.
    Inventors: Bob Bailey, Patrick E. Hudkins
  • Patent number: 7404995
    Abstract: A new and improved contamination-control mat assembly which has a plurality of adhesive-coated sheets disposed upon the upper surface portion of the contamination-control mat assembly, and a new and improved polystyrene frame member, having an acrylic-rubber anti-slip backing member applied thereto, disposed upon the undersurface portion of the contamination-control mat assembly, wherein the polystyrene frame member and the acrylic-rubber anti-slip backing member are integrally affixed together by means of a coextrusion process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy J. Fleming, Richard R. Schulze
  • Patent number: 7401837
    Abstract: A vehicle floor tray is molded from a sheet of thermoplastic polymeric material of uniform thickness. The tray has a deep three-dimensional shape formed by a floor and at least first and second upstanding sidewalls. A reservoir portion of the floor has a general surface depressed below a general portion of the floor. Channels formed in the general portion of the floor run into the reservoir, in which is formed a plurality of baffles provided for retarding lateral movement of collected runoff and also acting as treads for the occupant's feet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2008
    Inventor: David F. MacNeil
  • Publication number: 20080092318
    Abstract: An adjustable footwear cleaning apparatus includes a rectangular base, a plurality of spikes protruding from a surface of the base, a carpet that is sized to fit on the base and is perforated to allow the free ends of the spikes to protrude when the carpet is installed, and a mechanism for attaching the apparatus to a running board. The mechanism may include a plurality of straps or horizontally or vertically adjustable clamps adapted to adjustably secure the base to a vehicle step or running board.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2006
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Inventor: David L. Sharpe
  • Patent number: 7303801
    Abstract: A rubber or plastic floor mat has a series of parallel upper ribs on its upper surface which define slots in which respective strips or carpeting or the like are removably held. The strips are retained along their lengths by retaining means which run continually or continuously along the slots. The strip retainers include hook-and-loop fasteners (e.g., VELCRO), and/or overhanging edges above the strip edges, preferably formed in one-piece fashion along the side of the upper ribs adjacent the slots. The overhangs may be interrupted, e.g., crenelated as seen from above, and may include bevels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2007
    Assignee: R & L Marketing & Sales, Inc.
    Inventor: Ronald N. Kessler
  • Patent number: 7108902
    Abstract: A commercial floor mat has a plurality of aluminum rails arranged in closely spaced side-by-side relationship and connected together by hinged connectors beneath the rails. Each rail has a pair of downwardly facing grooves on its underside extending along respective edges of the rail. Each connector has a flexible central web and a pair of spaced upstanding tabs disposed in the downwardly facing grooves of adjacent rails. The tabs have flexible barb-shaped ribs extending along their opposed faces to anchor the tabs in the grooves with a friction fit. The flexible central webs of the connectors facilitate hinged movement of connected rails to permit the mat to be rolled onto itself into a compact configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2006
    Assignee: Reese Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert T. Ellingson
  • Patent number: 7051393
    Abstract: This invention teaches both the means and the method for removing dirt and germs from a person's shoes before they enter a home or business. The invention uses four systems. The first system provides the method for initiating and replenishing fluids that contains a disinfectant. The second system presents the method of providing a new dampened wiping surface each time the device is ready for use. The third system provides a means of removing solid particulants from the wiping surface after it has been used. The fourth system provides the method of collecting the previously removed solids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Inventor: Alvin Emison Cox
  • Patent number: 7043792
    Abstract: A floor mat system having a plurality of floor mats and a frame assembly which prevents the floor mats from lifting and causing a tripping hazard to persons walking thereover. The floor mats may include carpeted sections over a plurality of orthagonally disposed spaced ribs. The frame assembly includes inner and outer frame members which extend between and around the floor mats, respectively. The inner fame members are T-shaped having a pair of horizontally disposed wings and the outer frame members are ramped and include a horizontally disposed upper flange. The wings and upper flanges which extend over peripheral edge portions of the floor mats to vertically retain them, the inner and outer frame which may be secured to the floor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2006
    Assignee: R&L Marketing & Sales, Inc.
    Inventor: Ronald N. Kessler
  • Patent number: 7024721
    Abstract: A cleaning mat system is designed for placement on a floor and for cleaning the undersides of shoes, feet, and other objects. The cleaning mat system includes a base with an upper surface and a lower surface interconnected by a perimeter edge. The perimeter edge includes a leading edge and an opposed trailing edge. The upper surface of the base includes upwardly extending teeth covering the majority of the upper surface, and the lower surface includes downwardly extending teeth on at least a portion of the lower surface adjacent the leading and trailing edges. A removable and disposable cleaning sheet has an upper face for cleaning and an opposed lower face. The cleaning sheet has a pair of spaced-apart side edge portions and a central portion. In use, the cleaning sheet is positioned on the base such that the central portion is adjacent the upper surface of the base and the side edge portions wrap around the leading and trailing edges to be trapped between the teeth and the floor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2006
    Assignee: Rapid Brands Corporation
    Inventor: William D. McKay
  • Patent number: 6991842
    Abstract: A scent dispersing apparatus, such as a mat, capable of enclosing a scent-containing element inside an air-filled cavity. A housing contains a means for air ventilation, such as small air holes, for dispersion of scent. When the housing receives a force, such as a user exerting pressure upon on the housing, air is pushed from the air cavity outward through the air holes, thereby, dispersing scent contained in the scented insert. Additional air enters the air cavity once the pressure is released through an elastic rebound effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Inventor: Marni Hurwitz
  • Patent number: 6940418
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to an electronic display associated with a floor. The electronic display is provided with a sturdy protective cover to prevent damage to the display due to foot traffic or other factors. The protective cover in turn is provided with a device for at least one of preventing damage to the protective cover and for removing dirt from over the electronic display that may obscure the display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Assignee: Intellimats, LLC
    Inventors: Ronald D. Blum, Joseph Thibodeau, William Kokonaski
  • Patent number: 6933036
    Abstract: A non-skid floor mat for use in a golf car is provided to enable traction with one of a hard spike and a soft spike of a golf shoe. The non-skid floor mat includes a sheet of elastomeric material and nibs in the wall area of the mat. The nibs are sufficiently spaced from one another to enable one of direct contact of the hard spike with the sheet and contact of the soft spike with both the nibs and the sheet. Preferably, the nibs have a height between 0.12 and 0.19 inches, and are offset from one another by a center to center distance of between 0.5 and 0.8 inches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2005
    Assignee: Textron Inc.
    Inventor: Jessie G. Whitaker
  • Patent number: 6925896
    Abstract: A method for recovering evidence from the footwear of a crime scene investigator is provided, comprising placing an adhesive evidence recovery sheet at an entryway to a crime scene, causing the crime scene investigator to step thereon upon exiting the crime scene, and covering the evidence recovery sheet with a protective cover. In this manner, evidence inadvertently adhering to the footwear of the investigator is removed and preserved for further analysis. In accordance with the method of this invention, a device for recovering evidence from the footwear of an investigator is provided, comprising an adhesive evidence recovery sheet and a protective cover. Adhesive strips on an obverse surface of the evidence recovery sheet prevent inadvertent dislodgement of the sheet from the floor surface on which it is placed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2005
    Inventor: Garrett D. Morton
  • Patent number: 6887555
    Abstract: Disclosed is a floor covering, in which a surface material such as wood, Korean paper, textile fabric, and thermosetting resin sheet is attached to a surface of a perforated high density PVC sheet. Shrinkage or expansion differences between the surface material and the PVC sheet are removed because multiple holes of the perforated high density PVC sheet offset shrinkage or expansion of the PVC sheet, thereby cracks or curling of the floor covering are prevented and the floor covering can have a smooth appearance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2005
    Assignees: Woojin Corporation
    Inventors: Je-Suk Woo, Hyeong-Keor Yoo
  • Patent number: 6886209
    Abstract: An advanced floor mat is disclosed. In an embodiment of the present invention, the floor mat includes a cleanable portion. The floor mat may also include a water dissipation component, a water absorbing component, a cushioning component, customized graphics, a transparent cleanable portion, a tacky surface on the cleanable portion, an antibacterial composition, an antifungal composition, and a fragrance. The cleanable portion may be erodible and may include a plurality of cleanable reusable layers. If a tacky surface is included in the floor mat, an anti-slip feature may be associated with the tacky surface to help prevent slipping on a possibly wet tacky surface. Additionally, a sensor system may be included in the floor mat to assist a user in identifying when the floor mat may require cleaning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2005
    Assignee: Tech Mats, LLC
    Inventors: Ronald D. Blum, Joseph A. Thibodeau, William Kokonaski, Robert Jordan, Andrew Gentiluomo
  • Patent number: 6886210
    Abstract: A floor mat system for placement directly near an entryway to permit the disinfecting and cleaning of shoe soles and all other surfaces contacting directly with the fibers of the mat. The floor mat system consists of a frame structure either mechanical or rubberized in construction. The top portion being of a carpet type fiber construction, with a hollow center portion and rubberized non-skid backing against the floor and sides. The hollow center portion of the system may be enclosed and a microbicidal component introduced to the carpet fiber portion in a capillary action. Alternatively, the microbicidal component may be contained in a separate enclosed package which is introduced to the carpet fiber portion through spray heads located on the enclosed package in a pressure action activated by weight on the top carpet layer. The floor mat system may also be integrated into other floor or carpet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2005
    Assignee: Saratoga Hotel Group, LLC
    Inventor: Michael T. Dean
  • Patent number: 6878430
    Abstract: A floor covering (1) made of an elastically moldable material, in particular from a synthetic rubber, which is provided with a regular arrangement consisting of first projections (3) on the upper side (1a) and with a regular arrangement of second projections (5) on the underside (1b), the projections of the first projections and of the second projections not exhibiting any overlapping area on the plane of the covering and that, on the underside within the projections of the first projections, third projections (7) are provided in each case which have a smaller height vis-à-vis the second projections such that the floor covering only touches a floor with the second projections when it is in an unloaded state, however, when a preset load is exceeded locally, the third projections come in contact with the floor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Inventors: Wolfgang Milewski, Simon Hafenecker
  • Patent number: 6873266
    Abstract: An advanced floor mat is disclosed. In an embodiment of the present invention, the floor mat includes a cleanable portion. The floor mat may also include a water dissipation component, a water absorbing component, a cushioning component, customized graphics, a transparent cleanable portion, a tacky surface on the cleanable portion, an antibacterial composition, an antifungal composition, and a fragrance. Additionally, the cleanable portion may be erodible and may include a plurality of cleanable reusable layers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2005
    Assignee: Intellimats, LLC
    Inventors: Ronald D. Blum, Dwight P. Duston
  • Patent number: 6844058
    Abstract: An advanced floor mat is disclosed. In an embodiment of the present invention, the floor mat includes a cleanable portion. The floor mat may also include a water dissipation component, a water absorbing component, a cushioning component, customized graphics, a transparent cleanable portion, a tacky surface on the cleanable portion, an antibacterial composition, an antifungal composition, and a fragrance. The cleanable portion may be erodible and may include a plurality of cleanable reusable layers. If a tacky surface is included in the floor mat, an anti-slip feature may be associated with the tacky surface to help prevent slipping on a possibly wet tacky surface. The tacky surface may comprise a material with a dual chemistry such that the tacky surface is tacky both when dry and when wet. Additionally, a sensor system may be included in the floor mat to assist a user in identifying when the floor mat may require cleaning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2005
    Assignee: Tech Mats, LLC
    Inventors: Ronald D. Blum, Bradley J. Blum, Dwight P. Duston, William Kokonaski, Peter W. Kopf
  • Publication number: 20040261208
    Abstract: The cleaning mat is designed for placement on the floor and includes a base layer formed of a non-slip polymer material and a non-woven absorbent cleaning layer co-extensive with the base layer and attached thereto. A texture layer is attached to the cleaning layer. The texture layer includes a plurality of non-woven material sections, each having portions interconnected with the cleaning layer and a portion not connected with the cleaning layer and separable therefrom.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2004
    Publication date: December 30, 2004
    Inventor: William D. McKay
  • Publication number: 20040261209
    Abstract: The cleaning mat is designed for placement on the floor and for cleaning the undersides of shoes, feet and other objects. The mat includes a base layer formed of a non-slip polymer material and a non-woven absorbent cleaning layer generally co-extensive with the base layer and attached thereto. The cleaning layer has an upper surface for cleaning and a lower surface joined to the base layer. The cleaning layer has a plurality of openings defined therethrough.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2004
    Publication date: December 30, 2004
    Inventor: William D. McKay
  • Publication number: 20040221411
    Abstract: An advanced floor mat is disclosed. In an embodiment of the present invention, the floor mat includes a cleanable portion. The floor mat may also include a water dissipation component, a water absorbing component, a cushioning component, customized graphics, a transparent cleanable portion, a tacky surface on the cleanable portion, an antibacterial composition, an antifungal composition, and a fragrance. The cleanable portion may be erodible and may include a plurality of cleanable reusable layers. If a tacky surface is included in the floor mat, an anti-slip feature may be associated with the tacky surface to help prevent slipping on a possibly wet tacky surface. Additionally, a sensor system may be included in the floor mat to assist a user in identifying when the floor mat may require cleaning.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2004
    Publication date: November 11, 2004
    Applicant: Tech Mats, LCC
    Inventors: Ronald D. Blum, Robert S. Jordan, Peter Kopf, Paul Drennan, Graham Stevens, Dwight P. Duston, Bradley J. Blum, Sunder Malkani
  • Publication number: 20040185221
    Abstract: A rotary-molded, three-dimensional, multi-polymer article, e.g. a multi-color door mat, where sections of projecting elements comprise different polymers. Such multi-polymer articles are produced on a rotating cylindrical mold in continuous lengths wherein said apparatus comprises a rotatable, cylindrical mold having a plurality of circumferential, rows of cavities and a plurality of parallel grooves separating the rows of cavities. Two sources of polymer are fed to the rotating mold from a stationary polymer injection block in arcuate proximity to the mold and having a plurality of cavity injection ports for supplying at least two different polymers to corresponding rows of cavities to form projecting elements, and a plurality of base-forming injection ports for supplying polymer to corresponding parallel grooves to form a base.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2004
    Publication date: September 23, 2004
    Inventors: Roy L. Hood, Gary L. Noedel
  • Patent number: 6794013
    Abstract: The invention is a molded flexible heavy-duty floor mat with attached metal wear plates designed to fit in the floor compartment area of a car, van, pick-up truck, sport utility or work vehicle. The floor mat surface is texturized with raised protrusions and ridges to provide non-slip shoe traction and shoe scraping surfaces. The floor mat has recessed areas, indentations, and channels to collect scraped or loosened debris and moisture. A peripheral double lip or wall contains the debris and moisture on the floor mat. The attached wear plates are texturized for additional scraping and traction purposes and are attached in areas of the floor mat which are most susceptible to wear, such as near the vehicle pedals and in the stepping area of the floor mat. The floor mat has back gripping area to secure and maintain the mat against the vehicle floor. The mat may be readily cleaned by removing the entire mat out from the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2004
    Assignee: Rally Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Marc Iacovelli, Saied Hussaini
  • Patent number: 6787215
    Abstract: The present invention relates to specific methods of producing cleated rubber-backed floor mats (such as dust control or rubber mats) through the utilization of the combination of a perforated coated woven fabric article and a cushioned platen liner between the article and the metal platen of an in-line dust control mat manufacturing machine. Such a procedure permits a more efficient manner of producing cleated anti-creep dust control mats than previously followed. In particular, the fabric article is in the form of a conveyor belt and is preferably constructed from Teflon®-coated woven fiberglass which will not adhere to the tacky rubber component of the target mat and can withstand the extremely high vulcanization temperatures and pressures required during the production of a dust control mat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignee: Milliken & Company
    Inventors: William O. Burke, III, Robert C. Kerr, Aage Lang
  • Patent number: 6783829
    Abstract: An advertising mat including a floor mat having a bottom surface for engaging a floor and an upper surface over which pedestrian traffic will pass. The mat upper surface includes a traffic section adapted for placement in a pedestrian path, and at least one side section having a plurality of hold down tabs. The side section is adjacent the traffic section. A panel including a top surface bearing advertising indicia is configured for placement in the side section. The plurality of hold down tabs releasably secures the panel in the side section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2004
    Inventor: Richard J. Arena
  • Publication number: 20040161988
    Abstract: A disfigure-resistant plastic-string mat includes a scraping layer and a lattice-shaped layer fused under the scraping layer. The scraping layer is made of plastic elastic strings formed randomly and irregularly into piled up countless rings interlocking an intercrossing with one another to define countless gaps. The lattice-shaped net layer is woven of fiber of high strength and fused with the scraping layer by means of immersion in plastic solution homogeneous with the scraping layer under high temperature, and firmly combined with the scraping layer after cooled so that the scraping layer may not easily shrink or lengthen, constricted by the lattice-shaped net layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2004
    Publication date: August 19, 2004
    Applicant: Union Looper Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Larry Yaw
  • Publication number: 20040148725
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to an automotive vehicle floor mat having an insert area to receive a removable dirt-trapping insert material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2003
    Publication date: August 5, 2004
    Inventors: Ronald D. Blum, Bradley J. Blum, Dwight P. Duston, William Kokonaski, Andrew Gentiluomo
  • Publication number: 20040139570
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to a floor mat comprising a base portion and a tacky insert. The tacky insert may comprise a plurality of tacky sheets, each having a non-smooth texture on a top surface thereof to reduce glare or shine from light that is incident on the surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2003
    Publication date: July 22, 2004
    Inventors: Ronald D. Blum, William Kokonaski, Dwight P. Duston
  • Publication number: 20040126536
    Abstract: A rubber or plastic floor mat has a series of parallel upper ribs (130) on its upper surface which define slots (110) in which respective strips (10) or carpeting or the like are removably held. The strips are retained along their lengths by retaining means which run continually or continuously along the slots. The strip retainers include hook-and-loop fastening (e.g., VELCRO), and/or overhanging edges above the strip edges, preferably formed in one-piece fashion along the side of the upper ribs adjacent the slots. The overhangs may be interrupted, e.g., crenelated as seen from above, and may include bevels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2003
    Publication date: July 1, 2004
    Inventors: Myron E. Ullman, M. Robert Burman, Ronald N. Kessler
  • Patent number: 6749918
    Abstract: A mat provides for cleaning and disinfection of the soles of boots or shoes worn by humans, hooves of animals, and/or tires of automobiles or farm equipment. The mat includes a core which can retain a liquid, a permeable material surrounding the core, and a waterproof sleeve covering a bottom, sides, and part of a top of the core. When pressure is put on the mat, a depression is formed which bathes the depressing element in the liquid, while the waterproof sleeve prevents the liquid from overflowing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Inventor: Johan Staal
  • Publication number: 20040078909
    Abstract: A disinfecting mat that enables better cleaning of shoes of a person through multi-functional capabilities. The mat has three discrete sections, with each section carrying out a different function in cleaning the shoes. A first section has a laterally extending bristle brush for cleaning material from the shoes while the second section includes a reservoir containing a liquid disinfectant that is transferred to the shoe of the user by an endless belt that dips into the reservoir and carries the disinfectant to the upper surface of the belt to be transferred to the shoes. Finally, in a third section there is a stationary wiping mat to enable the user to brush the shoes across the mat to rid the shoe of remaining material as well as dry the shoe from the liquid disinfectant. All of the sections are convenient to the user and housed within a unitary molded base.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2002
    Publication date: April 29, 2004
    Inventor: Paul J. Coppa
  • Publication number: 20040055101
    Abstract: An improved mat is formed with a biodegradable plastic body constituted by a combination of a particular natural rubber latex formation and a particular synthetic rubber formulation, a combination of the two formations having a short shelf life but its individual components having a satisfactorily long shelf life, the mat thus produced having physical characteristics equal or superior to known mats with non-biodegradable plastic bodies.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2002
    Publication date: March 25, 2004
    Inventor: Joseph Mathew
  • Patent number: 6709728
    Abstract: The present invention relates to specific methods of producing cleated rubber-backed floor mats (such as dust control or rubber mats) through the utilization of the combination of a perforated coated woven fabric article and a cushioned platen liner between the article and the metal platen of an in-line dust control mat manufacturing machine. Such a procedure permits a more efficient manner of producing cleated anti-creep dust control mats than previously followed. The produced mat as well as the woven fabric article/cushioned platen liner combination are also encompassed within this invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2004
    Assignee: Milliken & Company
    Inventors: Robert C. Kerr, Amy B. Streeton
  • Publication number: 20040053002
    Abstract: A multi-component floor mat that, in one embodiment, is comprised of a first base or frame portion, intended to be positioned on the floor, that is dimensioned to accommodate a second flexible textile mat or rug portion that is releasably held in place on or in said base or frame portion by a plurality of magnets associated with one or both portions, thereby allowing for the easy removal or replacement of the textile portion of the mat and the economical laundering of same. The pile surface of the mat component features one of a plurality of messages, printed in reactive dyes, intended to convey information to users of the mat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2003
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Inventors: Seiin Kobayashi, Mamiko Yamada, Takuya Honda
  • Publication number: 20040019994
    Abstract: A thin flexible floor mat system is configured to resist penetration by high heeled shoes and be capable of being easily rolled up in long segments. The floor mat is constituted by a series of small square sections and are connected together with connectors that permit easy deployment and removal of the mat system by detaching segments of the mat from each other. The mat is flexible but resists penetration from high heels and other forms of traffic by virtue maintaining of a predetermined amount of flexibility through the use of auxiliary supports. Further stability is provided by one-piece ramp corners.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2003
    Publication date: February 5, 2004
    Inventors: Ronald Kessler, Myron Ullman, Kim D. Kendall
  • Publication number: 20040019993
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to forming an area in a floor mat configured to receive a dirt-trapping material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2003
    Publication date: February 5, 2004
    Inventors: Ronald D. Blum, William Kokonaski, Andrew Gentiluomo, Arthur Wildstein
  • Patent number: 6677027
    Abstract: A vehicle mat has a main plate and a treading plate disposed on the main plate. The main plate has a recessed chamber to receive the treading plate, a plurality of protrusions, a plurality of crossed channels, and a plurality of fastening posts. The treading plate has a plurality of crossed lattices, a plurality of holes defined by the crossed lattices, a plurality of dirt scrape blocks disposed on the crossed lattices, and a plurality of fastening blocks matching the fastening posts. Each fastening post is inserted in the corresponding hole of the treading plate. Each fastening block engages with an annular groove of the corresponding fastening post.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2004
    Assignee: Packy Poda Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Lu
  • Patent number: 6673417
    Abstract: Anti-slip floor tiles are provided which are textured with a pattern of spikes. The spikes are preferably pyramidal or conical in shape. The height, angle, and base width of the spikes are important to slip resistance coefficients. Preferred spike dimensions range from about 0.2 to about 3.0 mm in height and from about 0.8 to about 3.0 mm in base width (or diameter). Further, a process for manufacturing an anti-slip floor tile which is textured with a pattern of spikes is provided. The tile is manufactured by pressing a powder on a mold, drying the resulting tile, and then firing the pressed tile at a high temperature. The surface texture is formed by the punch of the mold press which includes spike shaped indentations being the negative of the surface of the tile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Crossville Ceramics Company
    Inventor: Christian Pierre Gudet
  • Patent number: RE38422
    Abstract: This invention relates to a cushioned floor covering article wherein the mat includes a tufted carpet placed on the top side of a foam rubber sheet and at least one foam rubber protrusion integrated within at least a portion of the bottom side of the foam rubber sheet. Such an article provides effective removal of moisture, dirt, and debris from the footwear of pedestrians through the utilization of a carpet pile component. Furthermore, the utilization of a foam rubber backing also allows for either periodic heavy duty industrial-scale laundering in such standard washing machines or periodic washing and drying in standard in-home machines, both without appreciably damaging the inventive floor covering article, such as a floor mat. Additionally, the presence of integrated foam rubber protrusions within the mat structure provides an effective cushioning effect for pedestrian comfort as well as a means to prevent slippage of the article from its contacted surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2004
    Assignee: Milliken & Co.
    Inventors: James N. Rockwell, Jr., Robert C. Kerr, William O. Burke, III