Abstract: Embodiments described herein are directed to a sound-dampening baffle and lighting apparatus and methods of production therefor. In one embodiment, a sound-dampening baffle and lighting apparatus is provided that includes a structural frame which provides support for a sound-dampening outer layer and a light source. The sound-dampening outer layer is disposed around the structural frame. The sound-dampening baffle and lighting apparatus also includes a light source disposed on the structural frame. The light source is directionally switchable so that light emanating from the light source points upward, downward or both.

Abstract: In described embodiments, a door mat assembly includes a base frame having a top surface. A first mat insert is removably attached to the base frame. The first mat insert has a first inner surface and a first outer surface. A second mat insert is removably attached to the base frame and hingedly connected to the first mat insert. The second mat insert has a second inner surface and a second outer surface. A first frame pivot assembly is rotatably inserted in the base frame and is adapted to allow the first mat insert and the second mat insert to rotate about the first frame pivot assembly.

Abstract: An oral pouch product having a soft edge includes an inner filling material enclosed inwardly of at least one seam between opposed layers of porous pouch wrapper. The at least one seam is separated from the periphery of the porous pouch wrapper by an unbonded area of the opposed layers so as to form a soft edge of the pouch wrapper.

Abstract: A floor mat system comprising a base mat having at least one recess for accommodating at least one machine washable or disposable shoe cleaning pad. A shoe scuff member may be located in the center of at least one recess within the base mat or may be located on at least one of the shoe cleaning pads. The shoe scuff member may have a shape suitable to allow a user to manually clean pair of shoes. Dirt containment flaps may be located on the perimeter edges of at least one of the shoe cleaning pads. The dirt containment flaps encourage containment of the dirt within at least one shoe cleaning pad simplifying routine cleaning of at least one recess of the base mat. The base mat may also contain channels and/or liquid solution reservoirs.

Abstract: An ornamental structure for a vehicle upholstery member provides a plurality of surface patterns by using a single vehicle upholstery member. On the surface of an embossed vehicle upholstery member are arranged a first region formed with a first emboss pattern, a second region spaced from the first region and formed with a second emboss pattern different from the first emboss pattern, and a third region located between the first and second regions and formed with a third emboss pattern which changes progressively from the first emboss pattern to the second emboss pattern as one moves from the first region to the second region.

Abstract: A shoe cleaning doormat device is provided for cleaning and disinfecting the soles of shoes and feet prior to a user's entry into a dwelling or building. The device is a doormat having a cleaning assembly having a disinfecting cleaning material surface and drying portions. Both portions are housed within a mat frame and exposed to a user through cutouts in the mat's upper surface. A disposable roll of moist, disinfecting wipe material provides the cleaning and disinfecting surface. An advancing button is operatively connected to the roll so that a user may obtain an unused portion of the roll by depressing the button. After shoes or feet are cleaned, they can be dried by rubbing on the drying portions of the device, which comprise a removable, moisture-absorbing material.

Abstract: A portable flooring having integral illumination devices. The flooring comprises a panel having channels extending along a front portion of the panel. Light strips in the channels are supported by the back portion of the panel. The light strips have a covering that extends along the length of the light strips. A top surface of the covering and a top surface of the panel are on the same plane. The flooring can support large weighted objects.

Abstract: A floor mat having a base that includes a plurality of alternating fibrous strips and impervious strips and surrounded by a frame. The base is substantially continuous across its entire width and length, having no openings from its upper surface through to its lower surface. The impervious strips include a plurality of spaced apart rows of spaced apart bosses.

Abstract: A spread mat capable of reducing, by suppressing slippage, the risk of getting injured by falling even if a surface layer is wet with oil or water. A crushed particulate material of 15 to 80 meshes is sprayed and adhered onto the front surface of the spread mat formed by stacking a large number of synthetic resin filaments in loop shape through an adhesive agent at a distribution rate of 50 to 150 g/m2.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises a floor mat configured to illuminate at least partial outlines defining feet placement areas to assist a user in getting out of a bed in low light conditions. The floor mat includes left and right illumination paths at least partially outlining left and right foot placement areas, respectively, and at least one light source operable to provide illumination along the left and right illumination paths.

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.

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.

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.

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: 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: 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.

Abstract: A basic chiropody apparatus having a soaping device, a scrubbing device and a brushing device ergonomically shaped and positioned relative to each other in a compact fashion on a triangular base. The apparatus is configured in order to be placed on the floor and in the corner of two walls. As a result, a person operating the apparatus is able to hold itself in a stable position with its arms in perpendicularly pressing against the two walls. The triangular shape of the apparatus provides for a simple repositioning of it in cases where it gets unintentionally replaced during its operation due to wet and soapy floor condition as they may exist in a shower cabin.

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.

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.

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.

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: 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 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: 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: 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: 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 invention relates to a golf equipment storage device for use in an automobile for convenient transport of various golfing equipment. The golf equipment storage device includes a compartment for holding golf shoes, and a removable liner normally disposed therein. The removable liner has an abrasive surface that can be used to clean grass and debris off of golf cleats and the bottoms of golf shoes. The removable liner may also have a non-abrasive surface that the user may stand on when changing shoes. In use, the removable liner is removed and the user wipes the bottoms of the golf shoes and the golf cleats on the abrasive surface for cleaning. The removable liner is then restored to the compartment, and the golf shoes may then be placed on top of the liner for transport and storage.

Abstract: Hygienic mat which can be used standing steadily on it to wipe the feet after a shower or a bath and which at the same time can be folded, as well as being light and portable. Its characteristic is to comprise a first and a second pad (2a, 2b) hinged on adjacent borders (3) in a folding relationship between an open flat position and a closed book-like position. Each pad (2a, 2b) preferably engages with a flat stiff support (4a, 4b) in a recesses (5a, 5b) defined by a boundary rim (6) raised from a stiff bottom (4). Preferably, the pads (2a, 2b) have a permeable spongy towel-like absorbing cloth (9) attached to a resilient base sheet (10) and are hinged by means of either a a flexible strip (7) or a plurality of joints (8). Gripping means (13) fixed to the boundary of said pads or supports are advantageously provided for.

Abstract: An entry mat for placement before an entry door to permit cleaning of shoe soles. The entry mat has a liquid reservoir with an open top, and a plurality of adjacent parallel generally cylindrical brushes mounted such that certain bristles thereof extend outwardly from the open top of the liquid reservoir for engagement of a shoe bottom and certain bristles thereof extend inwardly into the reservoir. At least one of the cylindrical brushes is rotatable. The mat has a liquid absorbing fabric material releasably retained in a taut configuration by a stretcher, a wiping mat, and a frame member having respective compartments within which the liquid reservoir, liquid absorbing fabric material and wiping mat are housed. Use of the entry mat is a three step process wherein shoe soles are first wiped on the wiping mat to remove larger sized debris. Next, the shoe soles are subjected to the brushes whereby the at least one rotating brush introduces liquid from the reservoir to the soles for cleansing.

Abstract: A mat for removing dirts or dusts comprises a cushioning material made of a plurality of curled elastomeric filaments and a collector sheet of electret laying under the cushioning material. The filaments are formed of a compound of synthetic resinous material and a powdered electrical conductive material, and entangled with each other to provide a plurality of through holes or voids extending vertically through the cushioning material.

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. 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 an uncut pile fabric such as terry cloth. A waterproofing layer is preferably attached to the interior surface of the cover.

Abstract: The present invention is an inexpensive and disposable mat constructed from non-flammable material for placement beneath fluid leaking machinery. The mat is manufactured from at least one layer of non-woven fluid absorbing polypropylene that is bonded to at least one fluid impervious backing sheet such a polyester or polyethylene by use of heat sensitive adhesive. The assembled mat forms a high strength bonded mat that resists tearing and will retain fluids. The backing sheet prevents fluids from penetrating so as to confine all fluids to the non-woven portion of the mat where they disperse and, depending on the type of fluid absorbed, may evaporate.

Abstract: An elevated carpet system and method of applying the carpet system to a surface to protect the underlying surface from damaging exposure to water, salt and moisture. The carpet system includes a waterproofing membrane layer applied to the underlying surface and a weather-resistant carpet having a nibbed vinyl backing defined by an array of spaced nipple projections. The projections support the carpet in spaced relation above the waterproofing membrane layer so that an air gap is maintained therebetween to promote ventilation and drying of moisture which seeps through the carpet.

Abstract: A floor covering comprises a plurality of tread strips of substantially resilient material, each tread strip having a wear layer of a material which provides a fibrous tread surface, and a plurality of spacer strips of substantially rigid material arranged interposed between the tread strips whereby each successive pair of tread strips is spaced apart by an assembly of at least two, typically three of said spacer strips arranged to lie side-by-side with connecting means passing through aligned apertures in the strips.

Abstract: An improved surface covering includes a base having a plurality of receiving grooves on one side and a plurality of working grooves on the other side. Each receiving groove includes gripping projections and is constructed to receive and grip a filler material. To assemble the surface material, the base material is flexed so that the size of the receiving grooves is enlarged thereby making insertion of the filler material easy.

Abstract: A show wiping mat assembly having a liquid retention compartment containing a liquid, support means to support the soles of a user a distance above the bottom of the liquid retention compartment and slightly below the surface of the liquid, and cleaning means such as bristles which extend slightly above both the support means and the liquid surface.

Abstract: An improved absorbent mat for absorbing oil and other liquid drippings beneath a motor vehicle, comprising a first bottom impervious flexible layer to be placed upon a support surface beneath the motor vehicle. A second intermediate absorbent flexible layer is disposed upon the first bottom impervious layer. A third top permeable flexible layer is disposed upon the second intermediate absorbent layer.

Abstract: The present invention is an inexpensive and disposable mat constructed from non-flammable material for placement beneath fluid leaking machinery. The mat is manufactured from at least one layer of non-woven fluid absorbing polypropylene that is bonded to at least one fluid impervious backing sheet such a polyester or polyethylene by use of heat sensitive adhesive. The assembled mat forms a high strength bonded mat that resists tearing and will retain fluids. The backing sheet prevents fluids from penetrating so as to confine all fluids to the non-woven portion of the mat where they disperse and, depending on the type of fluid absorbed, may evaporate.

Abstract: A dust control mat having a pile upper surface and a thermosetting rubber or rubber-like backing to which a thin thermoplastic identification strip or label has been vulcanized thereto.

Abstract: The device for disinfecting parts of persons, animals and objects passing over it and coming into contact with it and the ground, especially the soles of shoes, includes a doormat provided with a rectangular aperture; a shallow flat-bottomed rectangular tray having a bottom and vertical sides made from metal and shaped to form a channel having a C-shaped transverse cross-section opening outwards, the flat-bottomed tray being dimensioned so that the tray can fit in the aperture with edge portions of the door mat engaged in the channel; a sheet of rectangular spongy material which fits in the shallow flat-bottomed rectangular tray; a portion of a disinfecting liquid impregnating the sheet of spongy material; and an elastic grating resting freely on the sheet of spongy material and having an elasticity so that, when depressed by the parts of the persons, animals and objects the grating flexes sufficiently to compress the sheet of the spongy material sufficiently to force disinfecting liquid residing in the spong

Abstract: The invention relates to a golf driving mat comprising a plurality of framed panel members assembled in edge-to-edge abutting relationship, the panel members and inner perimeter of the surrounding frame having releasable engagement means formed on the edges thereof for interlocking engagement of adjacent panel members and the inner perimeter of the frame, thereby permitting removal and replacement of panel members demonstrating wear.

Abstract: The invention relates to a mat comprising a plurality of elongated rails arranged parallel to one another and each having a receiving portion adapted to receive a tread member. The rails are coupled by way of first and second connecting elements, preferably consisting of T-shaped members and U-shaped members, by insertion in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the rails.

Abstract: A threshold mat comprising alternating scraper units and wiper units. The improvement is that the wipers, that is strips of carpeting are carried on extrusion carriers and are gripped by their edges via a tightenable clamp incorporated in the scraper unit. The feature of tightening enables different thicknesses of carpet material to be accommodated.

Abstract: An automobile mat includes an upper layer a lower layer as well as a middle layer sandwiched between the upper layer and the lower layer. The upper layer and the middle layer are respectively provided with a plurality of holes. A plurality of spacing members are provided between the middle layer and the lower layer for spacing the middle layer from the lower layer. Therefore, the sand attached to an automobile occupant's shoes can be brushed off so as to pass through the holes of the upper and middle layers and be collected in a cavity formed between the middle layer and the lower layer.

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.