Vehicle floor cover retention system and device

Abstract

Closed sockets are formed in the lower surface of a vehicle floor cover, such as a mat or tray. Each socket is adapted to receive a vehicle floor cover retention device which stands up from the floor of the vehicle foot well in which the floor cover is being installed. The sidewall of the body of each device acts as a physical stop to the sidewall of a respective socket, preventing or mitigating movement of the floor cover within the foot well. The top surface of the device may have a first fastener which is adapted to engage a second fastener on the ceiling of the socket. The device may be an adapter which is fastened to preexisting OEM mat retention structure. Embodiments of the adapter include one assembled from two pieces around an OEM retention post with an enlarged head.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0001]In most conventional vehicles, such as cars, trucks and SUV's, the foot wells for the occupants are carpeted. Vehicle floor covers, including floor mats and trays, have been provided to protect the foot wells of these vehicles. However, vehicle drivers and passengers tend to move their feet around, which can bunch up or cause folding of a mat, or possibly shift the position of the mat or tray, causing the gas, brake or clutch pedals, or other vehicle controls or features, to be occluded. Vehicle floor trays, which are fit to the three dimensional walls of the foot well, are sturdier and less prone to deformation and shifting, yet still require placement and securing aids.[0002]To aid in the placement and stability of floor covers and ultimately provide a more solid feel to the occupant's feet, vehicle manufacturers (commonly called original equipment manufacturers or OEMs) now usually place retention posts or other devices or structure in the vehicle...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The system ensures stable and secure placement of floor covers without apertures, reducing redesign needs, enhancing carpet protection, and simplifying user installation, while allowing for universal compatibility with various OEM retention systems.

Problems solved by technology

However, vehicle drivers and passengers tend to move their feet around, which can bunch up or cause folding of a mat, or possibly shift the position of the mat or tray, causing the gas, brake or clutch pedals, or other vehicle controls or features, to be occluded.

Further, intentionally providing a hole through a vehicle floor cover necessarily reduces its ability to protect the carpeting underneath from debris and fluids.

Most OEM floor mat retention devices require a modicum of mental and physical effort on the part of the end user to effectively fasten the mat to the floor and, without the exercise of this level of care and effort, may not be adequately engaged.

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