MXPA00001100A - Universal mat with removable strips - Google Patents

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.

Description

UNIVERSAL TAPETE WITH RE OVIBLE STRIPS FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to floor mats.

RELATED TECHNIQUE In the past, floor mats were made for specific purposes. The mats were made for entrances, against fatigue in commercial kitchens, for resistance to oil, for elimination of snow and water. Most of the previous uses required constructions of specific mats to carry out the intended use. Sometimes more than one provider was required to supply all the requirements. If a supplier tried to cover the field, the investment in machinery, manpower and training made it very expensive to satisfy the demand. Simply storage was expensive just for having the product for specific purposes on demand. Known floor mats, for example as shown in the U.S.A. 3,703,059 and 4,796,399 to Kessler et al, include a structure formed of crossed ribs attached to each other at crossing points. The ribs are usually made of plastic and are welded together or are integrally molded in one piece. The ribs cross at right angles, with the lower rib linker resting on the floor. Rugs of the type shown in Kessler USP '399 have included carpet strips held between pairs of adjacent upper ribs. Carpet strips are typically formed with a thermoplastic backing from which bundles of fibers extend. The plastic backing of the strip adheres to the upper sides of the lower ribs where it passes over them, or is fixed by means of staples. These mats have many advantages to be used where people's shoes can have a lot of mud or be wet, and also provide support against fatigue. The areas between the strips of mats allow the water to drain down into the space between the lower linker of the ribs on the floor, keeping the mat relatively dry and preventing puddling on the mat itself. The rugs are inexpensive compared to rugs. It would be an important advantage if a mat could be provided that could be stored in an intermediate condition and then finished when the conditions of the field required it. But this is not possible with the previously known mats in which the carpet strips are substantially fixed permanently, that is, they are not removable at all without destroying the mat or are removable only with considerable difficulty. This means that the carpet strips can not be easily removed for cleaning or replacement, and can not be placed in arbitrary patterns of color or type for particular combination applications, and can not be replaced by other types of strips, for example strips abrasives, strip strips with slit strips, strips of wood floors, decorative vinyl types or other types of floor strips, etc., depending on the customer's requirements or as desired.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, the present invention has an object, among others, to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art such as those indicated above. Therefore, the present invention provides a backing structure for a floor mat that has anti-fatigue properties and that also has grooves in which various types of strips can be fixed, making the strips removable and replaceable. In a first embodiment of the present invention, the edge of the mat strip or other surface strip projects slightly and fits into the lateral grooves that partially define the groove, which is preferably formed between the upper surfaces of the lower ribs and a hanging edge that runs along the upper ribs on each side of the carpet strip. The hanging edge or projection is desirably interrupted or in the form of teeth, that is, there are interruptions of the hanging edge along the direction of the strip, although alternatively it can be continuous. The hanging edge, when seen from above, has a generally denticulate or square-wave shape. Preferably, the cross-sectional shape of the hanging edge taken on a plane perpendicular to the extension of the strips, is rectangular, although alternatively it can be triangular, the preferred shape of a rectangle, optionally having its lower corner beveled on the side that is in front of the strip. Most preferably, it comprises an extension of the upper ribs of the mat which run in the same direction as the strips and the edges. In a second embodiment, the carpet strip and the bottom of the groove are lined with many hook-shaped vertical projections of the type appearing on the hook and loop fastening strips, such as the type sold under the name VELCRO, said projections being those that adhere the bottom of the strips to the slots. The hooks are preferably formed on the upper surface of a plastic strip and the strip adheres (or many strips adhere) to the bottom of each of the slots of the backing structure. The loop material, which can simply be fabric, forms the bottom (or adheres to it) of the carpet strip. In this way, the carpet strips can be simply detached from the grooves when they need to be replaced or cleaned. Since the hook material is covered all the time during use, the hooks are not damaged and in useful for a long time.

The invention contemplates all combinations of features of the above-described embodiments, for example, a combination of the hanging edge or projection with the hook and loop fastener. The strips can be arranged in arbitrary patterns of color, texture or material. Also, various types of inserts with loop material adhered to the bottom thereof can be used in various combinations. For example, instead of the usual plastic carpet strips / fiber bundles, strips of wood can be placed in all or some of the grooves; this will greatly increase the attractive appearance of the mat. The strips can be easily changed to suit various conditions. The lower ribs can optionally be made thinner under the carpet strips. The backing structure is much less rigid through the direction of insertion of the strips and provides good fatigue properties.

BRIEF DESCRICPION OF THE DRAWINGS The objects, nature and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following description of a modality taken together with the drawings, wherein: Figure 1 is a perspective view with its parts separated from a first embodiment of the invention. Figure 2 is a perspective view with its parts separated from a second embodiment of the invention. Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view taken on the MI-MI section of Figure 2. Figure 4 is a fragmented elevation view illustrating a bevel on the underside of the hanging or projecting edge. Figure 5 is a perspective view of a Tinnerman staple.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED MODALITY Figure 1 shows a carpet strip 10 with a rigid or semi-rigid backing strip 12 made of plastic or rubber. The strip 10 has two opposite edges 14 and a central area 16 with embedded carpet fibers 18. The strip 10 slides within the slot 110 of a backing structure 100 as indicated by broken lines. The edges 14 are held within the slots defined by hanging edges or projections 132 that extend into the slot 110 from a pair of adjacent but spaced upper ribs 130.

The back structure 100 has two main structural parts, the parallel upper ribs 130 running in one direction and the lower ribs 150 running in a direction transverse to the upper ribs 130, preferably at 90 ° to one another. The lower surfaces of the lower ribs 150 rest on the floor (not shown) and the upper surfaces of the upper ribs 130 are at the level of the floor surface. The backing structure 100 is preferably molded of semi-rigid plastic or rubber as a unit, but the upper ribs 130 and the lower ribs 150 can also be welded or otherwise fixed together from a discrete elongated supply material (eg, extruded ) to form the back-up structure. The preferred supply parts are plastic, for example, PVC, polyester, nylon, polyolefin, TPR, polyurethane or other plastic, with a rectangular cross-section, and can be hollow (for example, round, partially curved or tube-shaped). square section). In preferred embodiments, the space at the bottom of the slot 110 is reinforced with brackets 137 running between the lower ribs 150, parallel to the upper ribs 130. These preferably have a smaller cross-sectional area than the ribs 130. The brackets 137 they are placed near the projection portions 132 so that the edges 114 of the strip 10 are held firmly, in the vertical direction, between the brackets 137 and the projection portions 132.

Molded blocks 139 may form a bridge between brackets 137. Extending from the level from the floor to the bottom of the slot 110 provide additional support when someone walks on the carpet strip 10 after it is inserted into the slot 110. Similar support can be provided by posts 135 extending at floor level from the sides bottoms of the upper ribs 130 where they extend through a space between two lower ribs 150. The end opening 111 of the slot 110 opens to receive the carpet web 10. At the other end of the mat (not shown in FIG. Figure 1) the lower portion of the end corresponding to the opening 111 is blocked, up to the height of the upper part of the inserted backing strip 12, by a molded slot end stop wall. The stop wall can optionally be extended upwardly to the upper surface of the upper ribs 130. With the slot end stop wall, the inserted end of the strip 10 can not leave the slot 110 beyond the other side (not shown) of the backing structure 100 of the mat. This makes it easier to align the strip during insertion and prevents the strips from coming off in at least one direction. The embodiment of Figure 1 has interruptions in the projection portions 132 so that, viewed from above, they appear to be denticulated on either side of the slot. These interruptions reduce friction when the strips slide in the slots 110.

The projection portions 132 may be of any cross-sectional shape, as viewed along the slot 110. Preferably, they are shown rectangular in shape. Different portions can be of different shapes. One of the preferred embodiments is shown in Figure 4. The projection portions may have a width in the horizontal direction perpendicular to the extension of the strip. Preferably they extend horizontally in the slot 110, not very close to the edge of the adjacent bracket 137. This leaves a small gap between the hanging edge or projection 132 and the bracket 137, through which the floor can be seen when there are no grooves 10. This space provides tolerance for the portions extending downwardly of a staple 30, as described below. Figure 4 shows a portion of the mat 100 as seen along the slot 110. The hanging edge or projection 132 includes a bevel 133, and it lacks the square bottom corner shown in Figure 1 and is indicated in FIG. Figure 4 by dashed lines. Preferably, as shown in Figure 1, the length of each projection portion 132 is approximately equal to the spacing of the lower ribs 150, but the portions 132 may be of fixed length, variable length, random length, lengths in accordance with a mathematical pattern, etc. Preferably also the interruptions, where there is no projection portion 132, coincide with the lower ribs 150.

They may be of any length, but are preferably at least as long as the width of the lower ribs 150. In this manner, the projections are preferably not staggered in the preferred and illustrated embodiment. The present invention contemplates any shapes, spacing or other characteristics of the projection portions 132. The denticulated projection portions 132 allow the carpet strip to be inserted and removed more easily. If the strip 10 and / or its edges 14 are not excessively rigid, then the strip 10 can be inserted from above. If the portions of the projection portion 132 are staggered, insertion may be easier. The present invention also contemplates strips 10 with denticulated edges, whereby strip 10 can be inserted more easily from above and then slide along slot 1 10 to lock in place. Figure 2 shows a second preferred embodiment of the present invention. The mat structure 100 is similar to that of Fig. 1 except that the projection portions 132 are preferably omitted. The upper surface of the mat, which terminates below the strip 10, preferably forms a bridge between the brackets 137 to form a wider surface 138 on which an adhesive A (indicated by dotting) can be smeared. Blocks 139, although not shown in Figure 2, may optionally be retained. The structure may be like that of Figure 1 except that a thin layer (eg, 2 mm) may be present between the various stiffening members. The structure that includes the area 138 is preferably in one piece, for example, molded all at once from plastic. The adhesive layer A is of any type to hold in place a strip of hook material 20 having hooks 23 on each side. The lower side of the strip of hook material 20 can also be covered (or alternatively) with the same adhesive A as on the surface 138 (or a different adhesive) for the purpose of permanently or semi-permanently fixing the strip 20 so less about the central part of the surface 138, along at least part and preferably over the entire length thereof, within the slot 110. In FIG. 2, the strip 20 which is preferably flexible and is formed integrally of plastic, is shown outside of slot 110 for clarity, but the present invention contemplates that it may include strips 20 in each slot 110. Strip 20 is preferably of a width slightly smaller than the width of slot 110 to allow water to drain through the mat. The strip 20 is shown fixed in place in Figure 3. Alternatively, the upper surface of the brackets 137 and blocks 139 may include hooks molded or formed directly in the plastic material preferably from the mat 100, or hooks inserted in the surface of the substrate. the slot in the form of toothbrush bristles. The rug 100 may lack the upper ribs 150. Figure 2 also shows a carpet strip 10 which includes on a lower side, opposite the carpet fibers 18, a strip 13 of loop material, felt or other material that can be fastened by the hooks 23. The fastening strip 13 is preferably fixed to the strip 10 by adhesive A. Preferably, an additional intermediate layer 1 1 of foam rubber or the like is fixed between the fastening strip 13 and the carpet 18. The intermediate layer can provide elasticity, liquid absorption, additional carpet strip height, etc. When lying on the hook strip 20, the carpet strip 10 will immediately be firmly fixed to the carpet structure 100 due to its fastening strip 13. The adhesive A or other attachment means preferably holds one or more strips 20 to the mat. 100 with greater force than the strength of the hook and loop fasteners, so that the flexible carpet strip 10 can be removed by simply detaching one end and pulling it. Figure 3 shows the carpet strip held in the groove 1 10 of the mat 100. Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view taken transversely to the upper ribs 130 and through the length of one of the lower ribs 150 (not shown in FIG. Figure 3). Figure 3 alternatively represents a mat that lacks the cross construction with the lower ribs 150, i.e., Figure 3 could represent a uniform cross section of an alternative embodiment of the mat 100. Figure 2 shows two embodiments of a staple 30 in FIG. fragmented view or partial view, with one mode on the left and one on the right. The optionally present staple 30 prevents unintentional detachment of the ends of the carpet strip 10, using a retaining crosspiece 31 that bridges the carpet strip 10. The best place for the staple 30 is near the end of the carpet. strip. In one embodiment, both ends of the staple 30 include the puncture arrow 33 shown at the left end of the illustrated staple of FIG. 2. A complementary stop or washer 35 is optionally provided to cooperate with the arrow 33. After the Strip 10 is in place, staple 30 is pressed down until arrows 33 penetrate strip 10. Then stops 35 can be forced onto arrows 33 from the underside of mat 100. Arrows 33 can pass through the mat in a small space between the hanging edge or projection 132 and the bracket 137 or some other space. Optionally, the arrows can also penetrate the mat. Figure 5 shows a slightly different mode of stop 35, a "Tinnerman staple" 35 ', which combines with the two stops 35 in a single elongated piece with two holes, is also pressed on the arrows 33. The Tinnerman staple 35 bridging the lower sides of the brackets 137, locking the strip 10 against the brackets 137 and towards the slot 110. The washers 35 have a similar function. Alternatively, the brackets 137 may include holes for the arrows 33. Other means of fixing the clips are within the scope of the invention. The other embodiment of the staple 30 has two lower extensions 37 of the crosspiece 31 and two internal extensions 39 (only one of each is shown in Figure 2, on the fragmented right side of the staple 30, Figure 3 shows a complete staple 30 with two lower extensions 37, one on each side The internal extensions 39 are not visible in figure 3). The internal extensions 39 optionally fit under the surface 138 of the mat 100, with the brackets 137, locking the strip 10 into place. The internal extensions 39 may also be bolted in place or they may be formed by bending the lower extensions 37 inward after inserting beyond the lower surface of the mat 100., and on the lower sides of the brackets 137. The staple 30 can be of any material. Figure 3 shows the staple 30 in its assembled position as described above. The staples 30 can be removed before removing the strip 10. As long as the removable strip 10 is moderately flexible, it will be possible to detach it from a slot 110 for cleaning or for any other reason once the staples 30 have been removed. Therefore, the present invention provides great flexibility in using the mat for different functions in a variety of situations. In addition to the mat, the strips 10 may include any other flexible material (or stiffer materials, especially if they are grooved perpendicular to their length in the embodiment of Figure 1); They can include abrasive strips, and they can alternate strips of different materials. The mat can be provided in lengths of 1.20 to 2.40 meters to adequately brush the bottom of the shoes. Where the appearance is more important, decorative strips can be used, for example strips with slots, decorative vinyl strips, etc .; or any combination of the above strips can be used to achieve a particular objective. The mats can also be assembled into sections. The preferred dimensions of the rugs are 30.48 by 30.48 cm or 60.96 by 60.96 cm or any size between them, which can be assembled in sizes such as .279m2, .372m2, 1.22m by 1.37m, or 1.83m by .915m . In addition to the adhesive or adhesives A described above, the various parts of the present invention can be fixed with fasteners (e.g., rivets or staples), welded together (e.g., by ultrasonic welding), or can be fixed by other media. An alternative construction contemplates reversing the hooks and loops or felt, so that the mat or back 100 includes the loop layer and not the hook layer. Any type of elongated or medium strip retainer for removably attaching the strips 10 to the mat 100 is within the scope of the invention, and not only the preferred embodiments of elongated detents including the projections 132, the hook and loop fastening system. and combinations of these. The present invention differs from the prior mats in that the strips 10 can be inserted into the slots 110 and can also be removed from above the mat 100 by pressing or pulling. In the embodiment in which the hanging edge or projection 132 includes a bevel 133, the strip 10 requires less force to be removed than to be inserted when the bevel 133 is in the inner bottom corner, as illustrated in the drawing. This is useful because less force can be applied to pull (for example, with fingers) than when inserting (for example, leaning on a bar). [If the bevel is alternately on the inner top corner (which is not illustrated), then strip 10 will be relatively more difficult to remove and easier to insert]. Another type of strip modes can be inserted into the slot 110: an additional bond strip molded for example to scrape the bottom of shoes, or a rim cover with grooves, and an abrasive carbide strip with beads adhered (or otherwise fastened) to the upper surface of the strip to secure the feet in wet conditions. Other types of strips are also possible for various purposes, for example, wood strips, decorative vinyl or linoleum strips for decorative purposes, etc. Therefore, the present invention provides great flexibility in providing different functions of using rugs for a variety of situations. All carpet strips can be used for snow and water removal at any entrance or alternating carpet hair strips 30 and links 20 can be provided at said entrance or an entrance from a muddy area. Or, in a place where there is a skid surface, the abrasive strips can be used either alone or alternately with other strips, for example, in ice areas or in grocery stores, fish and meat markets, where they work butchers, factories where the floor gets dirty with oil. The mat of the present invention, in this way, has alternative reception areas where strips of hair and carpet can be slid into place, where necessary. The mat can be provided in lengths from 1.22 to 2.44 m, to adequately brush the bottom of the shoes. Where the appearance is more important, decorative strips can be used, for example strips with grooves, decorative vinyl strips, etc .; or any other combination of the above strips can be used to achieve a particular objective. The above description of the preferred embodiments will fully disclose the general nature of the invention that others, through current application knowledge, can easily modify and / or adapt for various applications such as specific modalities without experimentation and without departing from the general concept and therefore, such adaptations and modifications must be and in fact fall within the meaning and scope of equivalents of the described modalities. It should be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. The means and materials for carrying out various functions described can adapt a variety of alternative forms without departing from the invention.

Therefore, the expression "means for" as can be found in the above description and / or the following claims, followed by a functional statement, is intended to define and cover any structural, physical, chemical or electrical element or may exist in the present or in the future a structure that carries out the mentioned function, whether or not precisely equivalent to the modality or modalities described in the previous description; and it is intended that such expressions occur in their broadest interpretation.

Claims (8)

NOVELTY OF THE INVENTION CLAIMS

1. - A floor mat made of rubber or plastic, comprising a back (100) having a series of upper ribs (130) on a surface of the mat, the upper ribs defining grooves (110) therebetween, the grooves extending in an address characterized in that the grooves contain: a plurality of strips (10); and elongated strip retainers that removably contain each of the strips in a respective one of the slots, wherein a strip is retained by exerting pressure on the strip within a slot and is removed by pulling it out.

2. The floor mat according to claim 1, further characterized in that the elongated strip retainer includes material of hooks and loop material, and because the hook material is attached to one of the slot and the strip, and because the loop material is attached to the other of the slot and the strip.

3. The floor mat according to claim 1, further characterized in that the elongated strip retainer comprises a hanging edge portion (132) of one of the ribs projecting over an adjacent slot.

4. - The floor mat according to claim 3, further characterized in that the hanging edge portion comprises a bevel (133) on the edge portion.

5. The floor mat according to claim 4, further characterized in that the bevel is disposed along a lower inner corner of the edge portion.

6. The floor mat according to claim 3, further characterized in that the hanging edge portion comprises deniculation, whereby the edge portion is interrupted.

7. The floor mat according to any of claims 1-6, further characterized in that the strip retainer extends continuously along substantially a whole slot in which the strip is retained.

8. The floor mat according to any of claims 1-7, further characterized by comprising retaining clips (30) to keep the strip within the slot.