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.

Abstract: A substantially rectangular mat comprises an upper layer of fabric (31) bonded to a lower backing layer of natural or synthetic rubber (32). The lower backing layer (32) extends beyond the upper fabric layer to form a border strip (33) at first and second opposite edges (43,44) of the mat. The lower backing layer (32) ends flush with the upper fabric layer at third and fourth opposite edges (41,42) of the mat. Each of the third and fourth edges is provided with a moulded strip (15) of synthetic or natural rubber attached to the lower backing layer (32) to form a border strip.

Abstract: A slip resistant floor mat composed of one or more layers of material the bottom layer of which incorporates a plurality of recessions with inset suction cups in the bottom surface of the bottom layer that comes into contact with the intended surface, such as a floor.

Abstract: A simple, fast, and effective sole cleaning and drying device mainly for removing the dark residue that clings to shoe and boot soles after walking and playing on some types of asphalt paving. This box apparatus can be used for various types and sizes of shoes, allowing people to clean and dry both soles in just a few minutes without having to remove their shoes. The device contains high pile, thick tufted carpet pieces on contiguous sturdy bases that serve as the cleaner and dryer elements, working well on a variety of sole indentations. Used with liquid cleaner and a little water, this arrangement allows fast and easy procedures for effectively cleaning shoe and boot soles. A simple attachment to the box holds the lid up while the soles are being cleaned, then closes for better appearance and security.

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.

Abstract: There is provided a separable mat comprising a mat component and a base component having a flat surface for supporting the mat component. The mat component has a backing substrate, in which mat piles are implanted, and may include a magnetic composition applied to the backing substrate, in which magnetic particles are incorporated. Alternately, the mat component may include a base pile fabric to which a magnetic sheet is secured. In another embodiment, more than one mat component is secured to a single base component. The base component of the mat includes a flat surface for supporting the mat component(s). In one embodiment, a magnetic material, such as a magnetic sheet, is positioned on this flat surface. In an alternate embodiment, magnetic particles may be incorporated into the base component. The mat component may be dyed or printed to meet user specifications, and the base component may also be colored if so desired.

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.

Abstract: Improved remove tabs for tacky inserts of a floor mat are disclosed. The remove tabs may have a non-smooth texture, be offset from adjacent tabs by separators, be differently sized, or otherwise be configured to enable easier handling and removal of an individual insert from a stack of inserts.

Abstract: A flashless floor mat or product and method are provided. At least one embodiment of this invention relates to a flashless cushioned dust control mat article wherein the mat comprises at least two distinct layers of rubber, one comprising foam rubber, the other comprising solid rubber. The solid rubber layer is present over the foam rubber layer on the side of the mat in which at least one integrated rubber protrusion is present to provide cushioning characteristics. The solid rubber layer acts as a cap or barrier for the foam rubber layer, particularly over the integrated protrusion or protrusions, in order to provide a mat which is resilient, will not easily degrade in its modulus strength after appreciable use and/or washing within industrial cleaning processes, and will not exhibit appreciable cracking or breaking, particularly within the integrated protrusion(s), after standard use for pedestrian traffic. A method of producing such an inventive cushioned floor mat article is also provided.

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.

Abstract: There is developed a label which enables purchasers or ordinary consumers to identify suitable commodity products at a glance, thereby providing facilities for consumers when they purchase commodity products. A target user information label section corresponding to a target user of paper diapers packed in a package is printed at a position conspicuous for ordinary consumers on the surface of the package, along with a tradename of the paper diapers. All target user designs corresponding to all target users of paper diapers to be handled as commodities are displayed as a single set in the information label section. A specific target user design corresponding to a target user of the paper diapers packed in the package is displayed greater in size than the other target user designs belonging to the set.

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.

Abstract: An apparatus for hiding a door key including a door mat formed of either a plastic material or braided material such as hemp is disclosed. The door mat is rectangularly shaped with raised portions formed on the top surface. Different embodiments are shown with these raised portions forming a decorative border, an esthetically pleasing pattern or a greeting, such as “WELCOME”, as is commonly seen. A hidden compartment sized to receive a typical house key is formed in these raised portions that is accessible through a hook and loop type closure. When the hook and loop type closure is closed, the compartment and its contents remain hidden from view.

Abstract: An anti-slip floor unit includes a board formed thereon with a plurality of spherical swells, each of the spherical swells having a protuberance a center thereof, the spherical swells being equidistantly arranged on a top of the board, whereby the dirt can be prevented from accumulating in blind spots thereby making it easier to clean the anti-slip floor unit and prolonging its service life.

Abstract: The present perforated floor mat holder is for securing perforated rubber floor mats on a wet and slippery floor. It is comprised of an elongated strip with studs arranged at regular intervals that match the spacing of the holes on the floor mat. The strip is fastened to a floor with screws inserted through mounting holes arranged along the strip. The floor mat is positioned on the strip with the hole around the studs. The stress applied to the rims of the holes by the studs are spread among a relatively large number of holes, so that the rims resist being torn by the studs. Transverse grooves arranged several studs apart on the strip enable the strip to be broken into shorter sections of a predetermined minimum length. In a first embodiment, one mounting hole is arranged between each pair of adjacent studs.

Abstract: A dual purpose floor mat for providing a better floor mat for vehicles that will better protect the floor of the vehicle. The dual purpose floor mat includes a mat member having a bottom wall and also having side and end walls securely attached to and extending along a perimeter of the bottom wall with the bottom wall having a first and second portion; and also includes a floor member being attached to the mat member and having a wall and a first and second side; and further includes a plurality of scraping members being spaced apart and being securely attached to the first end portion of the bottom wall and to the first side of the floor member; and also includes fabric covering securely disposed upon the second portion of the bottom wall and upon the second side of the floor member.

Abstract: A floor mat system having a plurality of individual floor mats disposed in a frame assembly includes floor mats sized in a manner so that a transport vehicle having wheels can be rolled over the floor mat system in any direction without two wheels of the transport vehicle contacting a single floor mat at any given time. This floor mat arrangement prevents two wheels of the transport vehicle from working together to dislodge the floor mats. As such, each individual floor mat of the system has a width and a length sized to be less than the wheel base distance and the tract distance of the transport vehicle. The width and length of each floor mat is also designed such that two wheels cannot reside on a single floor mat diagonally. The floor mats may also have a plurality of support knobs extending down from the ribs to provide additional support to the floor mat. The support knobs are configured and located so as not to clog the fluid flow channels under the floor mat.

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.

Abstract: A cleaning mat system according to the present invention includes a base designed to rest on the floor. The base has an upper surface and a lower surface interconnected by a perimeter edge, with the perimeter edge including a leading edge and an opposed trailing edge. The base further comprises a plurality of gripping members defined on the lower surface. At least one of the gripping members is adjacent each of the leading and trailing edges. The lower surface of the base is designed to rest on the floor. A removable and disposable cleaning sheet with an upper face for cleaning and an opposed lower face has a pair of spaced-apart side edges. The cleaning sheets include an upper fabric layer having an upper face defining the upper face of the cleaning sheet. The upper layer is operative to clean an object that contacts the upper face. A lower reinforcement layer has an upper face adjacent the upper layer and an opposed lower face defining the lower face of the cleaning sheet.

Abstract: Thermoplastic products such as vehicle cargo area liners, floor mats, recreational and playground equipment, cargo pallets, and wet area walking surfaces are provided with an antislip surface treatment. The antislip surface is made up of individual non-interconnected asperities of an antislip polymer material, which do not form a continuous film over the surface of the thermoplastic product. The thermoplastic product is especially made of high density polyethylene. The antislip polymer is preferably a thermoset polymer, and most particularly is a polyurea/isocyanate polymer. The antislip polymer is preferably applied by spraying, and then the product is heat treated at a temperature in the range from 100 to 200° F., or is thermoformed at a temperature in the range from 250 to 550° F. The antislip asperities are durably bonded onto the thermoplastic base material, and provide a significantly increased coefficient of friction.

Abstract: A free standing modular mat system for creating various selectable combinations of mat configurations at the site of installation, first and second mats having parallel ribs on the bottom and parallel spaced ribs on the top at right angles to the bottom ribs, a top connector having a body attached to the first mat and an elongated downwardly facing groove running parallel to the first mat, a bottom connector attached to the second mat and extending outwardly along the second mat toward the first mat, the connectors having inter-engaging mating grooves formed with interfering interlocking enlarged tips extending into the grooves, the end of the mat system may terminate in a transition piece having an angled surface supported by downwardly projecting spaced flexible flanges and the transition piece terminating in a solid tapered tip.

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.

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 be comprised of a material that has an inherent anti-slip capability 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. A support and drainage structure for the floor mat is also described.

Abstract: An improved, washable track control mat made of varied denier fibers and method of making the same. The mat is made by first making yarn made of fine and coarse denier fibers. The fibers are twisted together. More than one yarn may be twisted together. The yarn or yarns may be heat treated. The yarn or yarns are then fed into a tufting machine where tufts of varied denier fibers are held within a substrate. The tufts are bonded to the substrate by a backing, preferably rubber.

Abstract: A cleaning mat according to the present invention is designed to be placed on a floor and to clean the undersides of shoes, feet, and other objects. The cleaning pad includes a base sheet, which is designed to rest on the floor. The base sheet has an upper surface and lower surface with the lower surface designed to contact the floor. Multiple removable and disposable cleaning sheets are supported in a stacked configuration on the upper surface of the base sheet. Each of the cleaning sheets includes an upper bibulous layer having an upper face. The bibulous layer is designed to absorb liquid from an object that contacts the upper face. Each cleaning sheet also includes a lower moisture barrier layer that has an upper face adjacent the bibulous layer. The barrier layer is operative to prevent transport of liquid from the bibulous layer to other cleaning sheets below the barrier layer.

Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, the present invention comprises a layer having carpeted upper surface and/or other rubber-like padding material covered by a translucent, elastomeric sheet. The upper elastomeric layer may have downwardly depending projections that engage the carpeted upper surface of the inner padding layer, thereby reducing the likelihood of the upper elastomeric layer from slipping relative to the inner padding layer. The upper elastomeric layer is sewn or otherwise affixed to the carpeted surface to prevent slipping and creasing of the upper elastomeric layer relative to the padding during use. In addition, in a preferred embodiment for use on carpeted surfaces, the lower elastomeric layer may have downwardly depending projections that engage in the underlying carpet surface to reduce slipping of the device relative to the underlying surface. An overcovering material may be provided to further protect the upper elastomeric layer from excessive soiling.

Abstract: There is provided a mat having multiple sets of pins, each set of pins being located within surrounding, characterized in that the pins do not extend significantly beyond the highest point of the surrounding. Thus the pins are protected by the surrounding and are less likely to break after extended use. The mat may be provided with areas adapted for the receipt of strips of textile materials, eg carpeting which advantageously has a hard-backing and is able to snap into the areas provided. The inclusion of the textile material combines a scraping function together with the visual appearance of a carpet. The strips of textile material will be separated by sets of pins as described above. A set of such mats is also described.

Abstract: There is provided a mat having multiple sets of pins, each set of pins being located within a surrounding, characterized in that the pins do not extend significantly beyond the highest point of the surrounding. Thus the pins are protected by the surrounding and are less likely to break after extended use. The mat may be provided with areas adapted for the receipt (of strips of textile materials, e.g. carpeting which advantageously has a hard-backing and is able to snap into the areas provided. The inclusion of the textile material combines a scraping function together with the visual appearance of a carpet. The strips of textile material will be separated by sets of pins as described above. A set of such mats is also described.

Abstract: A floor mat system having a plurality of individual floor mats disposed in a frame assembly includes floor mats sized in a manner so that a transport vehicle having wheels can be rolled over the floor mat system in any direction without two wheels of the transport vehicle contacting a single floor mat at any given time. This floor mat arrangement prevents two wheels of the transport vehicle from working together to dislodge the floor mats. As such, each individual floor mat of the system has a width and a length sized to be less than the wheel base distance and the tract distance of the transport vehicle. The width and length of each floor mat is also designed such that two wheels cannot reside on a single floor mat diagonally. The floor mats may also have a plurality of support knobs extending down from the ribs to provide additional support to the floor mat. The support knobs are configured and located so as not to clog the fluid flow channels under the floor mat.

Abstract: The present invention is a mat system, having two embodiments, each of which are capable of removing the dirt from the soles of mat users' shoes. The mats are comprised of a plurality of individual tiles that interlock along complementary edge portions. One embodiment of the mat system is a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) mat that has a plurality of projections that remove dirt. The second embodiment, also having a TPE structure and a lesser number of projections, features several carpet strips that provide additional dirt removal means. Once the individual tiles are connected, the outermost complementary edges may be covered by a plurality of border strips that provide an aesthetically pleasing and functionally necessary finished edge to the mat. The border strips are secured to one another by a mechanical clip that is also described.

Abstract: A foot mat has a plurality of elongated rail members (20) arranged closely adjacent each other with a gap between each adjacent pair of rail members. Each rail member is of uniform cross section along its length and includes a body portion (22) and a pair of spaced-apart dependent leg portions (27). An elongated tread member (100, 104, 106, 108 or 110) is received on the upper surface of each rail member. Each adjacent pair of rail members is joined by an extruded plastic connector member (30) that has a connecting web portion (32) and a pair of generally U-shaped socket portions (38). Each leg portion of each rail and each socket portion of each connecting member are configured to snap-fit together and have interengaging shoulders (27s and 38s) that are configured to retain the leg portion in the socket portion.

Abstract: Dual fiber carpet and matting fabrics are made of tufted ends of yarn with one end being made from standard carpet denier yarns ranging from about 10 to 30 denier per filament and total denier ranging from about 600 to 5000 denier and the second end being made from heavy monofilament fibers with a denier per filament ranging from about 100 to 500 denier and a total denier ranging from about 300 to 5000 denier per yarn bundle. Both fibers can be made from a variety of synthetic and/or natural materials. Also, a combination of at least three floor or ground covering articles, A, B, and C, for placement in and around the entryway of a building is disclosed which provides more effective cleaning ability for pedestrians' footwear, thus better ensuring the inside of the building itself remains clean.

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 be comprised of a material that has an inherent anti-slip capability 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. A support and drainage structure for the floor mat is also described.

Abstract: A mat assembly is provided for absorbing liquid, such as oil, that may be spilled near a machine or automotive vehicle. The mat assembly includes a mat with at least an upper layer formed from a woven or non-woven array of fibers. The mat assembly further includes a frame formed from strips that can be cut to match the periphery of the mat. Each strip has a bottom surface with an attachment tape that can be engaged releasably with the woven or non-woven fibers of the mat. The restraining strip may include an array of resilient hooked filaments that can engage the fibers of the mat. The strips hold the mat in a planar orientation. However, the strips can be separated from the mat easily when the mat has become saturated. The mat then can be discarded and replaced with a new mat, and the same strips can be fixed to the upper surface of the new mat.

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.

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 volume in the areas formed by adjacent cross pieces of the mat. Longitudinal connectors are configured so that the matting connected to half the connector comes away relatively easily while the matting connected to the other half of the connector is held tightly to the connector. Ramp structures are arranged on all outside edges of the mat system. Different connection arrangements between the mat and the ramps are provided.

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.

Abstract: A non-slip, water resistant, oil resistant surface structure for use where water and/or oil are likely to create a slippery surface, including a rubber-bottom mat upon which a thrice coated, non-slip surfaced substrate is fastened, the coating on the substrate including crushed walnuts, or the equivalent, to provide for a non-slip surface and the coating comprising a thermosetting epoxy resin material with an amine hardener.

Abstract: Herein is disclosed a disposable, slip-resistant, leak-proof mat for use with infant high chairs and the like. The preferred embodiment of the present invention comprises a three-ply sheet which is perforated to fit easily and quickly beneath an infant's high chair. The sheet comprises a top absorbent layer, a middle absorbent layer, and a bottom slip-resistant, waterproof layer, all of which are joined together by bonding or some other conventional joining process.

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.

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.

Abstract: A floor mat system having a plurality of individual floor mats disposed in a frame assembly includes floor mats sized in a manner so that a transport vehicle having wheels can be rolled over the floor mat system in any direction without two wheels of the transport vehicle contacting a single floor mat at any given time. This floor mat arrangement prevents two wheels of the transport vehicle from working together to dislodge the floor mats. As such, each individual floor mat of the system has a width and a length sized to be less than the wheel base distance and the tract distance of the transport vehicle. The width and length of each floor mat is also designed such that two wheels cannot reside on a single floor mat diagonally. The floor mats may also have a plurality of support knobs extending down from the ribs to provide additional support to the floor mat. The support knobs are configured and located so as not to clog the fluid flow channels under the floor mat.

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.

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 comers.

Abstract: A throw-in mat for a vehicle floor includes a primary backing layer having first and second sides with a carpet pile tufted into the first side of the primary backing layer. A thermoplastic back is secured to the second side of the primary backing layer. The thermoplastic back has a base thickness and a contiguous diamond-shaped pattern of grooves formed therein such that the thermoplastic back has a residual thickness adjacent each groove which is less than approximately 50% of the base thickness, thereby preventing curling and bowing problems at extreme temperatures.

Abstract: A metal slatted grid comprises independent and identical elongate rectangular slats out of each of which is cut a series of tongues that are bent on the same side as one face of the slat. The free ends of the tongues are conformed so that they can be fixed to an adjacent slat. The tongues terminate in lugs for fixing them permanently into corresponding holes in an adjacent slat.

Abstract: A cleaning brush which can be readily fitted to vehicle running boards, decks and the like can be used for the removal of debris from footwear, tools and other equipment. The brush combines a rigid substrate and a flexible matting material and the substrate provides both a means for mounting a mat and protecting it from impact.

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.

Abstract: A protective cover for a motor vehicle conventional floor mat comprising a removable fabric protectively enclosing the top side of the mat. An elastic strip integral with the inner rim of the cover removably engages the cover to the underside of the floor mat. The conventional floor mat has a mat irregular peripheral edge and the cover edge is custom fitted to the mat irregular peripheral edge. A cover shape-retaining element integral with the cover side edge keeps the conforming relationship of the cover side edge with the irregular peripheral edge of the floor mat. An elastic strip unitary with the cover inner rim allows the cover to be disengaged from the floor mat by stretching the elastic strip to a biased mode. The cover is preferably made of a polyester pile fabric that generally matches the fabric used in motor vehicles. A waterproof layer is preferably attached to the interior surface of the cover.

Abstract: The present invention provides apparatuses and methods for producing molded products such as floor mats, including automotive floor mats. In one embodiment, a molding process is provided for producing a molded product using a mold having a lower plate and an upper plate. The molding process includes steps of filling a first cavity of the lower plate with a liquid molding material of a first color, placing the upper plate on top of the lower plate such that a convex portion of the upper plate extends into the first cavity of the lower plate and contacts the molding material in the lower plate, and curing the liquid molding material.