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Convertible floor mat apparatus and method

a technology of floor mats and chairs, applied in the direction of carpet fasteners, paper/cardboard containers, transportation and packaging, etc., can solve the problems of chair mats with a generally smooth underside and not always suitable for use with relatively smooth flooring materials, and may slip out of place on textured flooring materials

Inactive Publication Date: 2013-08-01
DEFLECTO
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  • Summary
  • Abstract
  • Description
  • Claims
  • Application Information

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The invention is a flexible floor covering that can be used on smooth or textured surfaces. It serves as a protective barrier for chairs and other furniture, providing a safe surface for use.

Problems solved by technology

While chair mats with short spikes improve the placement of a chair mat on textured flooring material, they are not always suitable for use with relatively smooth flooring materials like wood or tiled floor.
Conversely, chair mats with a flat panel having a generally smooth underside may slip out of place on textured flooring material.

Method used

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  • Convertible floor mat apparatus and method
  • Convertible floor mat apparatus and method
  • Convertible floor mat apparatus and method

Examples

Experimental program
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first embodiment

[0031]The present general inventive concept is convertible between at least two configurations, which is based on intended application of the present general inventive concept by a user. In a first embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 1-6, the present general inventive concept includes a body 10 having upper and lower planar surfaces 12, 14, that are parallel or substantially parallel to each other and are spaced from each other by an outermost perimeter edge 16 that extends entirely about the body 10. The planar surfaces can be smooth, relatively smooth or include various textures well known to those of ordinary skill in the art such as multiple planar surfaces, grooves, ribbing or dimples.

[0032]The body 10 is of a generally uniform thickness and may be made of a material such as, but not limited to rubber, plastic, and / or the like, that is sufficiently durable to withstand wear and / or tear depending on and during use of the present general inventive concept, e.g., to support a chai...

second embodiment

[0039]In a second embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 7-12, the present general inventive concept includes a body 110 having upper and lower generally smooth, planar surfaces 112, 114, that are facing each other and are spaced from each other by an outermost perimeter edge 116 that extends entirely about the body 110. The planar surfaces 112 and 114 can also be parallel to each other or substantially parallel to each other.

[0040]The body 110 is of a generally uniform thickness and may be made of a material such as, but not limited to rubber, plastic, and / or the like, that is sufficiently durable to withstand wear and / or tear depending on and during use of the present general inventive concept, e.g., to support a chair on the upper surface 112 of the body 110. The body 110 may be made of a material that is transparent, translucent, opaque, and / or a combination thereof. The body 110 may have a pattern, for instance, on the upper surface 112 or the lower surface 114 of the body, to for...

third embodiment

[0048]In the third embodiment, the body 210 is of a generally uniform thickness and may be made of a material such as, but not limited to rubber, plastic, and / or the like, that is sufficiently durable to withstand wear and / or tear depending on and during use of the present general inventive concept, e.g., to support a chair on the upper surface 212 of the body 210. The body 210 may be made of a material that is transparent, translucent, opaque, and / or a combination thereof. The body 210 may have a pattern, for instance, on the lower r surface 214 of the body, to form a design thereon.

[0049]In the third embodiment, shown in FIG. 13 one or a plurality of friction-increasing elements 222 can be permanently or removably affixed to the lower surface 214 of the body 210 via an adhesive coating such as glue or the like. For instance, the lower surface 212 may be provided with peel-off elements that, when peeled off, expose a sticky or adhesive surface. Further, the adhesive coating can be ...

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Abstract

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

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims the benefit of the filing date of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61 / 591,219, entitled “Convertible Floor Mat Apparatus and Method,” filed on Jan. 26, 2012, all of which is incorporated herein by reference.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present general inventive concept relates to a floor covering apparatus and method, and more particularly to convertible floor mat apparatus for use on various types of floors, a method of manufacture of the apparatus, and a method of use of the apparatus.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]Chair mats for protecting flooring material from damage and wear from chair rollers are well known. Generally, chair mats consist of a flat panel made of a material that is suitable to prevent wear and tear on the underlying flooring material. In some instances, the chair mat may include short spikes on the underside of the flat panel to hold the chair mat firmly in place on a textured flooring ma...

Claims

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Application Information

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Patent Type & Authority Applications(United States)
IPC IPC(8): E04F15/02
CPCE04F15/02E04F15/02044Y10T156/10A47G27/04A47G27/0206
Inventor FOLEY, PATRICK JONRAFTER, ROBERTMALMLOFF, CRAIGREGULA, JOSEPH C
Owner DEFLECTO
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