Step mat

Abstract

Step mat (1) with two opposite long sides (2) and two opposite short sides (3), - wherein the step mat (1) comprises a top mat (4) and a bottom mat (5), - wherein the top mat (4) and the bottom mat (5) are connected to each other at each short side (3), and - wherein the upper mat (4) and the lower mat (5) form a casing for receiving a step (11) of a vehicle.

Description

Technical area

[0001] The present invention relates to a device for improving safety and cleanliness when entering vehicles. More precisely, the present invention relates to a step mat that is attached to the outer surface of a vehicle step to improve slip resistance, protect the step surface, and reduce the ingress of dirt into the vehicle. State of the art

[0002] Step mats are an important safety and functional element, especially for vehicles with raised entry points, such as motorhomes and caravans. Their main function is to provide a safe, non-slip surface that facilitates safe entry and exit for passengers and drivers, while also helping to keep the vehicle interior clean.

[0003] For vehicles with higher ground clearance, access to the steps can be particularly difficult for children, the elderly, or people with mobility issues. Step mats provide a stable platform that reduces the risk of slipping, especially in adverse weather conditions such as rain, snow, or mud.

[0004] Step mats not only improve safety, but also help to keep the cabin clean by trapping dirt, debris, leaves and moisture at the entry point, thus protecting the interior floors and reducing maintenance.

[0005] Traditional stair treads, like doormats, are typically made from durable, weather-resistant materials such as rubber or heavy-duty plastic. These materials offer excellent traction and durability. Some products feature enhancements such as textured surfaces or raised edges for added grip.

[0006] Conventional step mats are often inadequate for vehicles in terms of adhesion to the steps, ease of attachment, and removal. Furthermore, these mats do not cover the entire outer surface of the steps, resulting in frequent cleaning of the steps.

[0007] Another problem with the stair tread mats currently on the market is that the width of the mats cannot be adjusted to the size of the stair step.

[0008] Therefore, there is a need for a stair mat that can cover as much of the tread surface as possible and whose width can be adjusted to accommodate different stair widths, allowing the user to use one stair mat for various stair widths. Furthermore, there is a need for stair mats that are easy to attach to and remove from the stair treads. Description of the invention

[0009] In view of the problems associated with stair tread mats in the prior art, the object of the present invention is to provide a stair tread mat that overcomes the aforementioned problems of the prior art and offers sufficient safety protection and cleanliness for stair treads. Furthermore, the stair tread mat according to the invention can be easily attached to and removed from the stair treads. The aforementioned object is achieved by the stair tread mat (1) according to the invention.

[0010] The present invention provides a substantially rectangular or polygonal step mat (1) with two opposite longitudinal sides (2) and two opposite short sides (3), wherein the step mat (1) comprises a top mat (4) and a bottom mat (5), and wherein the top mat (4) and the bottom mat (5) are connected to each other at each short side (3), and wherein the top mat (4) and bottom mat (5) form a casing for receiving a step (1) of a vehicle.

[0011] Preferably, the top mat (4) and the bottom mat (5) are connected to each other on each short side (3) by one or more connecting elements (6, 7, 8, 13), for example, by at least one connecting seam (6, 7, 8), so that a shell or a kind of cavity open on both sides is formed between the top and bottom mats, which can enclose the step (11) in the operating position. The type of connecting element is not particularly restricted. For example, the connecting element can be a connecting seam in the form of a continuous seam or spot seam, adhesive strips, rivets, or hook and loop fastener. The at least two connecting elements (6, 7, 8, 13) on each short side (3) provide improved and more secure fixation between the two mat parts (4, 5) and improve the overall stability and durability of the step mat (1).

[0012] The step mat can be made of an elastic material such as ethylene-vinyl acetate, rubber, polyurethane, or PVC, so that the cover between the top (4) and bottom mat (5) can fit snugly against the step (11). Alternatively, the top mat (4) and the bottom mat (5) can be made of a single piece of material that is folded to form the cover, with the two short sides (3) being joined by connecting elements (6, 7), such as seams.

[0013] In the context of the present invention, the term "elastic" refers to the ability of the upper (4) and lower mats (5) to stretch sufficiently to be pushed onto the steps (11) and to firmly enclose the step (11). Likewise, "elastic" can refer to the ability of a retaining element between the upper and lower mats to exert a tensile force in order to at least counteract sagging of the lower mat.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment of the stair tread mat (1) according to the invention, one of the two connecting elements (7, 13) is designed as a hook-and-loop fastener (13), which allows adjustment, in particular of the width of the cover for accommodating the stair tread (11). The hook-and-loop fastener design makes it possible to adjust the width of the cover enclosing the stair tread by partially or completely connecting or disconnecting the hooks and loops. This allows the stair tread mat to be easily installed and adjusted to the optimal size using the hook-and-loop fastener.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment, the step mat (1) according to the invention further comprises at least one retaining element (9) which preferably connects the upper mat (4) and lower mat (5) to each other in the center of one of the two longitudinal sides (2).

[0016] Preferably, the at least one retaining element (9) is in the form of a strip of fabric, preferably an elastic strip of fabric. The retaining element (9) prevents the underlay (5) from sagging due to its own weight. Preferably, the retaining element (9) is attached to the butt band (10) of the two mat parts (4, 5) by means of seams. The material for the retaining element (9) is not particularly limited and can consist of any conventional natural or synthetic fabric material, which is preferably elastic or rubber-like.

[0017] In a preferred embodiment of the step mat (1) according to the invention, the upper mat (4) and / or lower mat (5) are designed as anti-slip mats. Preferably, both mat parts (4; 5) are provided with anti-slip materials. Conventional anti-slip materials for use according to the invention include structured surfaces, materials such as roughened surfaces, and rubberized or silicone-coated coatings. These anti-slip properties significantly increase the safety of people stepping onto the mat.

[0018] In a preferred embodiment, at least one of the upper mat (4) and / or lower mat (5) is designed with stiffening elements or as stiffened materials. Preferably, a stiffening element can be a metal insert, for example aluminum or steel, a plastic plate, reinforced edges, or integrated frames. In this embodiment, the step mat according to the invention can be slipped off the step when the step is pulled into the vehicle, for example a motorhome or caravan, which facilitates the removal of the mat.

[0019] In a further preferred embodiment of the stair tread mat (1) according to the invention, the inner surfaces of the stair tread mat, which come into direct contact with the treads, also have at least one anti-slip property. These anti-slip features can be anti-slip bands or strips, as well as the measures mentioned above. Brief description of the characters.

[0020] They show: Fig. 1 Schematic representation of the step mat with the opening for insertion around the vehicle step Fig. 2 Schematic representation of the step mat with a retaining element on one long side of the step mat Fig. 3 Top view of the step mat Fig. 4 Schematic representation of the step mat with one step (11) Fig. 5 Side view of the step mat Fig. 6 Schematic representation of a section of the stair tread mat with double seams on one short side Fig. 7 Schematic representation of a part of the step mat with a Velcro fastener and a seam on one short side Fig. 8 Schematic representation of the part of the step mat of Fig. Figure 7, which shows the Velcro fastener in the attached state

[0021] The present invention will now be described with reference to the Fig. 1-8 explained in detail.

[0022] Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic view of an embodiment of the step mat (1) according to the invention, with the opening for insertion around the vehicle step. The step mat (1) has two longitudinal sides (2) and two short sides (3), wherein the step mat (1) comprises an upper mat (4) and a lower mat (5), wherein the upper mat (4) and the lower mat (5) are connected to each other at each short side (3) by the connecting seams (6, 7, 8), and wherein the upper mat (4) and the lower mat (5) form a casing for receiving a step (11) of a vehicle.

[0023] Fig. Figure 2 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of the step mat (1) according to the invention. In this embodiment, the upper mat (4) and the lower mat (5) are connected to each other by a retaining element (9) in addition to the connecting elements (6, 7, 8). The retaining element (9) preferably connects the upper mat (4) and lower mat (5) centrally on one of the two longitudinal sides (2) and can be in the form of a strip of fabric, preferably an elastic strip of fabric. The retaining element (9) is preferably attached to the buttresses (10) of the longitudinal side (2) of the upper (4) and lower mat (5) and prevents the lower mat (5) from sagging due to gravity.

[0024] Fig. Figure 3 shows a top view of the step mat (1) according to the invention. As shown in the figure, the step mat (1) has a rectangular shape with rounded corners. The outer surfaces of the upper (4) and lower mat (5) are provided with an anti-slip coating. Furthermore, the upper mat (4) and the lower mat (5) are connected to each other on one short side (3) by two adjacent connecting seams (6, 7). On the other short side (3), the upper mat (4) and the lower mat (5) are connected to each other at the edge by a connecting seam (8). A hook-and-loop fastener (13), not shown in the drawing, can be provided between the upper mat (4) and the lower mat (5), which is located in Fig. 7 and Fig. 8 is shown in more detail.

[0025] Fig. Figure 4 shows a schematic representation of the step mat (1) according to the invention, which is inserted around a step (11) and faces the outer wall (12) of a vehicle. As shown, the upper mat (4) and the lower mat (5) can be connected on the left side of the illustration by two adjacent connecting seams (6, 7). On the right side of the illustration, the upper mat (4) and the lower mat (5) can be connected by two connecting elements, i.e., the first connecting element is a connecting seam (8) along the edge, and the second connecting element, which is attached next to the connecting seam (8), comprises a hook and loop fastener (13). As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 4, the hooks and loops of the hook-and-loop fastener (13) interlock in such a way that the step mat (1) can fit snugly and securely around the step (11), thus providing greater stability and slip resistance. Additionally, one of the long sides (2) of both the upper (4) and lower mat (5) is connected to a retaining element (9), such as a fabric strip. The retaining element (9) can be attached to the butt straps (10) of the upper mat (4) and the lower mat (5) by means of a connecting seam. The retaining element (9), such as a fabric strip, exerts a tensile force that at least partially counteracts the gravitational pull of the lower mat (5).

[0026] Fig. Figure 5 shows a schematic side view of a preferred embodiment of the step mat (1) according to the invention, in which the upper (4) and lower mats (5) are designed to be "rotatable" by interchanging them. In other words, if the outer surface of the upper mat (4) becomes soiled, the step mat (1) can be removed from the tread (11), turned over, and then slid back onto the tread (11) for further use. This design reduces the frequency of cleaning, as the user can switch between the two outer surfaces.

[0027] Fig. Figure 6 shows a partial representation of an embodiment of the stair mat (1) according to the invention, with two longitudinal sides (2) and two short sides (3). The short sides (3) of the upper (4) and lower mat (5) are connected by two connecting seams (6, 7). The outer surfaces of the upper (4) and lower mat (5) have a rough texture, so that dirt can be easily removed from the soles by friction. In a preferred embodiment, the upper mat (4) comprises an elastic material and the lower mat comprises a relatively stiff material. This design is advantageous because, on the one hand, the stair mat (1) can be easily inserted around or removed from the step (11), while on the other hand, sagging due to the weight of the lower mat (5) is prevented. When the step (11) is enclosed by the stair mat (1), a cavity is formed between the upper (4) and lower mat (5), which encompasses the step (11).Alternatively, both the top mat (4) and the bottom mat (5) can comprise elastic materials. Once the step mat (1) is slid onto the steps (1), the step mat according to the invention ensures a snug fit.

[0028] Fig. Figure 7 shows one side of an embodiment of the step mat (1) according to the invention. In this embodiment, in addition to the connecting seam (8), a hook-and-loop fastener (13) is provided along the edge of the shorter side. The hook-and-loop fastener (13) can be attached to the left side of the connecting seam (8) in the illustration of the figure. This design makes it possible to adjust the cover located between the top mat (4) and the bottom mat (5) to a certain extent, so that different step widths can be accommodated precisely.

[0029] Fig. Figure 8 shows the embodiment of the step mat according to the invention. Fig.7, in which the hook and loop fastener (13) are connected. When connected, the step is snugly and securely encased by the step mat (1), resulting in an almost tailor-made fit. Reference sign 1 stair mat 2 Long side 3 Short page 4 Top mat 5 Underlay 6 Connecting element 7 Connecting element 8 Connecting element 9 retaining element 10 Shock band 11 Step 12 Exterior wall of the motorhome 13 Connecting element in the form of a hook and loop fastener

Claims

[1] Step mat (1) with two opposite long sides (2) and two opposite short sides (3), - wherein the step mat (1) comprises a top mat (4) and a bottom mat (5), - wherein the top mat (4) and the bottom mat (5) are connected to each other at each short side (3), and - wherein the upper mat (4) and the lower mat (5) form a casing for receiving a step (11) of a vehicle. [2] Step mat (1) according to claim 1, wherein the upper mat (4) and the lower mat (5) are connected to each other at each short side (3) by one or more connecting elements (6, 7, 8, 13) which are designed as a connecting seam in the form of a continuous seam or spot seam, adhesive strips, rivets or hook and loop fastener. [3] Step mat (1) according to one of claims 1 to 2, wherein one of the two connecting elements (7, 13) is designed as a hook and loop fastener (13) which allows the adjustment of the width of the cover to accommodate the step (11). [4] Step mat (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the step mat (1) further comprises at least one retaining element (9) which preferably connects the upper mat (4) and the lower mat (5) to each other centrally on one of the two longitudinal sides (2). [5] Step mat (1) according to claim 4, wherein the at least one retaining element (9) is in the form of a fabric strip, preferably in the form of an elastic fabric strip. [6] Step mat (1) according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the top mat (4) and / or bottom mat (5) is designed as an anti-slip mat. [7] Step mat (1) according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein at least one of the upper mat (4) and / or lower mat (5) is provided with stiffening elements.

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