Connector Pin

Abstract

The connector pin includes a stem extending between a head and an opposing leg. The stem includes a neck with multiple sections, which may be planar and form edges. A retaining member including a collar and arms extending therefrom is retained around the pin, with the inner surface of the collar configured to correspond to the sections and edges of the neck for a friction fit. The pin is insertable and retained within a receiver of the overlapping mat. Pockets in the receiver retain the retaining member arms and prevent rotational movement of the retaining member. The pin is selectively movable relative to the retaining member by rotational movement by applying sufficient force to the pin to overcome a threshold level of friction holding the sections of the neck with the collar. Locking of the pin is achieved when the extension members of the pin legs are misaligned with the arms of the retaining member.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] (Priority Claim) This international application, filed under the Patent Cooperation Treaty, claims priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16 / 582,077, filed September 25, 2019, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0002] (Technical field) The present invention relates to fasteners, and more particularly to fasteners used to connect modular floor mats for temporary roads and floors. [Background technology]

[0003] Modular floor mats and systems are commonly used in industrial, construction and event applications to provide temporary roadways or floors in outdoor or indoor environments. These temporary floors are assembled from a plurality of modular floor mats connected together in an adjacent and / or overlapping manner. A wide variety of methods are known for connecting such floor mats when assembling a temporary floor, including fasteners such as cam locks and pins that rotate between locked and unlocked positions. For example, U.S. Patent No. 7,303,800 discloses a locking mechanism that includes an offset cam lock and receiver, where the offset cam lock rotatably engages the receiver and rotates a protrusion extending from the pin to engage a laterally oriented ledge in the mat. In this manner, the protrusion of the rotatable pin restrains or holds the lock in place. U.S. Patent No. 8,388,291 discloses a mat locking pin for releasably holding mats together. The locking pin includes a rotor with legs that, when rotated, abut the legs against the outer surface of the mat, creating an axial force that holds the mats together. In US Pat. No. 8,414,217, a cam lock and complementary receiver are attached to the floor mats such that they mate to provide a compressive force that interlocks adjacent mats.

[0004] U.S. Patent No. 6,722,831 discloses a fastening device for connecting two overlapping mats having a pin insertable into aligned holes in the mats. The pin has a longitudinal bore extending therethrough through which a rod extends. The rod shaft terminates in a keeper and is rotated relative to the surrounding pin with an Allen wrench to move the keeper from aligned with the pin to perpendicular to the pin for a locked position. The pin includes recesses that correspond to raised ridges in the shaft of the rod. The raised ridges seat within the recesses in the pin and prevent the rod from freely rotating within the pin body. However, these recesses and corresponding raised ridges are geometric shapes that require a large force to overcome to move between locked and unlocked positions. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] U.S. Patent No. 7,303,800 [Patent Document 2] U.S. Pat. No. 8,388,291 [Patent Document 3] U.S. Pat. No. 8,414,217 [Patent Document 4] U.S. Patent No. 6,722,831 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] With these and most other known fasteners for modular floor mats, the process of assembling the temporary flooring is time-consuming and labor-intensive. This assembly process typically requires two people working together to position and lay the mats relative to one another and place the fasteners, both of whom must generally turn large specialized tools similar to Allen wrenches to provide enough force to rotate the cam locks and lock each fastener. This provides a secure attachment between the mats so that they do not come apart during use, such as by vibration or rattling as cars and people repeatedly move across the mats. However, this also means that it may take hours or days to install a complete modular floor system. It would be advantageous to have modular mats and / or connectors that are easier and faster to install without sacrificing a secure connection. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A pin for connecting adjacent floor mats is disclosed that reduces the time and energy required to assemble and install modular floor mats. The pin of the present invention is easily rotatable between locked and unlocked positions so that one person can lock or unlock the pin. Despite its ease of use, the geometry of the pin is such that it provides sufficient friction to hold the pin in the locked position and prevent it from unintentionally rotating out of the locked position, such as from vibrations caused by foot traffic along the modular floor system.

[0008] The pin of the present invention includes a head at a first end and a leg at an opposite second end with a stem extending therebetween. The head includes a recess configured to receive an Allen wrench or similar tool to facilitate rotation of the pin to change between unlocked and locked positions. The leg includes an extension member extending outwardly therefrom that cooperates with the surrounding mat to retain the mat when the pin is locked. A portion of the pin stem defines a neck including a plurality of sections that generally form a pattern or relief, such as, but not limited to, planar sections arranged in succession with one another to form a mating edge. In at least one embodiment, there can be 16 planar sections providing a hexagonal configuration of the neck.

[0009] The pin also includes a retaining member that engages at least a portion of the pin with a friction fit to hold the pin in a particular position. The retaining member includes a collar configured to correspond to the neck of the pin stem. In at least one embodiment, the retaining member is molded around the pin such that the collar and stem are complementary in shape to one another. Thus, in at least one embodiment, the collar of the retaining member also has a multi-sided nature, such as a hexagonal configuration or cross section, similar to the neck of the pin. The corresponding geometries of the collar and neck are such that a friction fit is formed therebetween, with the collar being adapted to restrict rotational movement of the pin neck relative thereto until sufficient force is provided. When sufficient force is applied that exceeds a threshold level, the collar or neck can be configured to temporarily flex to allow selective movement from one side to the other, such as by rotation, until the geometries again hook together to form a friction fit. In at least one embodiment, the retaining member is made of a more elastic material than the pin, and the collar is adapted to temporarily deform to allow movement of the neck relative thereto.

[0010] The retaining member also includes at least one arm extending from the collar, the arm being configured to be retained within a corresponding pocket of a channel formed in the mat to receive the pin and the surrounding retaining member. The arm prevents the retaining member from moving within the channel, such as a rotational movement, even when a rotational force is applied to the pin. Thus, the arm helps the retaining member to remain stationary within the flow path as the pin moves. However, the retaining member is not required to retain or maintain the pin within a channel connecting adjacent or overlapping mats. Rather, the retaining member simply holds the pin in a particular rotational position, such as locked or unlocked, regardless of the surrounding mats.

[0011] The locked and unlocked positions can be defined by the angular relationship of the pin leg extension member to the arm of the retaining member. In at least one embodiment, the extension member extends along a leg axis and the arm extends along an arm axis, where the leg axis and the arm axis are spaced apart and parallel to one another. The unlocked position can be defined when the extension member is aligned with the arm. The locked position can be defined when the extension member is misaligned from the arm. In at least one embodiment, the locked position can be defined when the leg extension member is positioned perpendicular to the arm of the retaining member.

[0012] Each mat of the modular floor system includes at least one, and preferably a plurality of, channels formed therein and extending through the mat from one side to the opposite side. Each channel is configured to receive and retain a pin therein. The channel can be at or below the level of the mat surface and includes an opening dimensioned to receive the pin therein in the unlocked position. The channel extends from the opening into the mat. The channel includes at least one pocket configured to receive and restrain an arm of a retaining member of the pin. The channel also includes at least one ramp configured to engage an extension member of the leg of the pin, such as during rotation, to achieve and maintain the locked position. Thus, the channel is dimensioned to allow the pin to selectively rotate therein when moving between the unlocked and locked positions while limiting rotational movement of the retaining member. In at least one embodiment, the receiver can be selectively inserted into a bore formed in the mat. In such an embodiment, the receiver includes a channel. Each mat can include a self-receiver such that when the mats are overlapped, the channels are aligned in register with one another and thus the receivers are also aligned in registry and abut one another. In certain embodiments, the bores of the mats align in coincidence when the mats overlap, and a single receiver extends through the aligned bores of both overlapping mats. In at least one embodiment, the ramp of one mat is configured to receive and hold the legs of a pin inserted through the opposing mat, thus securing the overlapping mats together. This ramp can be at the aligned receiver if there are two receivers or channels, or can be at the ramp furthest from the opening when a single receiver or channel extends through both overlapping mats.

[0013] The connector pin of the present invention, together with its particular features and advantages, will become more apparent from the following detailed description and by reference to the accompanying drawings. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is an isometric view of a connector pin of the present invention in a first unlocked position. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is an isometric view of the pin of FIG. 1 in a second, locked position. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is an isometric view of the pin of FIG. 1 without the retaining member and revealing the neck. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 3 taken along line 4-4. [Diagram 5] FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 13 is a top view of overlapping mats showing multiple receivers for connecting adjacent mats. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a top isometric view of the connector pin of FIG. 1 aligned with a corresponding receiver in one of the mating floor mats. [Figure 8A] 8 is a partial cross-sectional view of the receiver and floor mat of FIG. 7 showing details of one embodiment of the receiver and channel. [Figure 8B] 8 is a partial cross-sectional view of the receiver and floor mat of FIG. 7 showing details of a second embodiment of a single receiver and channel. [Figure 9] FIG. 13 is a partial isometric cross-sectional view of a pin positioned within a corresponding receiver in an unlocked position. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a partial isometric cross-sectional view of the pin and receiver of FIG. 9 in a locked position. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0015] Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views of the drawings.

[0016] As shown in the accompanying drawings, the present invention is directed to a connector pin 100 that can be inserted into a channel 310 to join adjacent and / or overlapping floor mats 50 together to form a modular or temporary floor system. As best shown in FIGS. 1-3, the pin 100 includes a first end 104 that forms a top or head of the pin 100 and an opposite second end 106 that forms a bottom or foot of the pin 100. At the first end 104, the pin 100 includes a head 110 having a face 112 and a recess 114 formed therein. The head 110 can have any suitable shape and size. In at least one embodiment, the head 110 is circular and sized to fit within an opening 302 of a channel 310, which will be discussed in more detail below. The recess 114 extends from the face 112 of the head 110 to a portion of the depth of the head 110. In some embodiments, the recess 114 is not limited by the depth of the head 110, but rather extends through the pin 110 from the first end 104 to the second end 106. The recess 114 may be any shape, but in at least one embodiment, it is hexagonal shaped sized to accommodate an Allen wrench of the type and size used to install modular floor tiles, such as inserting the Allen wrench into the recess 114 and turning it to rotate the pin 100 between the locked and unlocked positions. The head 110 may include markings or indicia, such as, but not limited to, arrows, geometric shapes, pictures, drawings, logos, and words, to indicate the position of the pin 100 within the channel 310 or receiver 300. In a preferred embodiment, the surface 112 of the head 110 includes indicia to indicate the locked and unlocked positions, such as arrows and / or images of a locking portion being locked or unlocked.

[0017] The pin 100 further includes a stem 120 extending from a head 110 at the first end 104 to the second end 106. In at least one embodiment, the stem 120 can have a smaller diameter than the head 110, while in other embodiments, the stem 120 and the head 110 can have similar diameters. The stem 120 terminates in a leg 130 located at the second end 106 of the pin 100. The leg 130 can include at least one extension member extending radially outward from the stem 120. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the leg 130 includes a first extension member 132 and a second extension member 134 that each extend away from the stem 120 along a leg axis 136, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. Each extension member 132, 134 has a length that is less than the radius of the head 110 such that when the pin 100 is viewed along the longitudinal axis 103, neither extension member 132, 134 extends beyond the periphery of the head 110. The extension members 132, 134 each include at least one engagement surface 133, 135, respectively, that are dimensioned to interact with a portion of the channel 310 of the mat 50 to retain the pin 100 in a locked position, as described in more detail below.

[0018] The stem 120 also includes a neck 122 defined along a portion of the stem 120 between the head 110 and the leg 130. The neck 122 may be located anywhere along the length of the stem 120, close to the head 110 as shown in FIG. 3, or close to the leg 130 in other embodiments, or equidistant therebetween. The neck 122 is comprised of a number of sections 124 disposed adjacently about the neck 122, as best shown in FIG. 3. There can be any number of sections 124 included in the neck 122. For example, there can be at least 6, 10, 16, 20, or 24 sections 124, as some non-limiting examples. In a preferred embodiment, there can be 16 sections 124 forming a hexagonal neck 122 as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. The sections 124 collectively define a circumference of the neck 122. The sections 124 may be arranged in any pattern around the neck 122, including, but not limited to, planar sections, straight sections, overlapping or intersecting patterns such as a lattice structure, and angled. In at least one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, the sections 124 are planar and are arranged along the longitudinal axis 103 of the pin 100 such that the edges 126 formed between adjacent planar sections 124 also extend longitudinally along the length of the neck 122.

[0019] In at least one embodiment, each section 124 joins adjacent sections to form an angled edge 126. The included angle α of the edge 126 formed by the sections 124 depends on the number of sections 124 present. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, the included angle α can be about 90° when there are four sections 124 forming four edges 126. In other embodiments, there can be 16 sections 124 and 16 edges 126 forming a hexagon with each edge 126 having an included angle α of about 157.5°. In other embodiments, there can be 20 sections 124 forming 20 edges 126 each having an included angle α of about 162°. In yet other embodiments, there can be 30 sections 124 forming 30 edges 126 each having an included angle α of about 168°. Although the embodiment shown in Figures 3 and 4 has sections 124 and edges 126 with equal sized included angle α, in other embodiments, sections 124 may be sized differently from one another such that the included edge angle α need not be uniform across neck 122.

[0020] The head 110, stem 120, neck 122, section 124, leg 130 and extension members 132, 134 may preferably all be made of the same material. In at least one embodiment, these components may be forged or cast as a monolithic or single element. The above-mentioned components of the pin 100 may be formed of any suitable material, such as metals and metal alloys, including, but not limited to, stainless steel and aluminum.

[0021] The pin 100 also includes a retaining member 200 that is sized to fit snugly around the neck 122. Indeed, in at least one embodiment, the retaining member 200 may be formed around the pin 100, such as by injection molding in a mold in which the pin 100 is placed. As best shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the retaining member 200 includes a collar 210 having an inner surface 213 or circumference that is shaped and sized to correspond to the outer surface of the neck 122. Specifically, the inner surface 213 of the collar 210 may have a similar, but slightly larger, diameter as the neck 122 of the pin 100 and is formed to correspond to the neck 122 of the pin 100. Also, for example, the inner surface of the collar 210 may include multiple sections that correspond to the nodes 124 of the neck 122 of the pin. For example, when the retaining member 200 is formed around the pin 100, the sections 124 of the neck 122 represent the inner surface 213 of the collar 210 of the retaining member 200. The inner surface 213 of the collar 210 may include any pattern or configuration that would correspond to the pattern, shape and / or dimensions of the neck 122 of the pin 100. Accordingly, the inner surface of the collar 210 may also have a plurality of included angles α having substantially similar sizes, positions and angles as the included angles α of the corresponding edges 126 of the neck 122 described above.

[0022] The retaining member 200 further includes at least one arm extending outwardly from the collar 210. In at least one embodiment, the at least one arm extends away from the collar 210 in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis 103 of the pin 100. In at least one embodiment, the retaining member 200 includes multiple arms extending from the collar 210. The arms can extend radially outwardly from the collar 210 a length that is less than a radius of the head 110 of the pin 100. The arms 214, 216 can be positioned at any angle relative to one another along the circumference of the collar 210. For example, as shown in Figures 1, 2 and 5, the first arm 214 and the second arm 216 extend outwardly in opposite directions from the collar 210 along an arm axis 218 defined by a path between the two arms 214, 216. Although two arms 214, 216 are shown, there can be any number of arms and they can extend any length from the collar 210, and they can be the same length or different lengths from each other. In other embodiments, the arms 214, 216 can be positioned at other angles relative to each other, such as, but not limited to, 45°, 60°, 72°, 90°, 120°, etc. The arms 214, 216 can have any shape, such as the flat linear shape shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, and can be circular, curved, curvilinear, angular, or other shapes. In at least one embodiment, the arms 214, 216 of the retaining member 200 can have a similar shape and size as compared to the first and second extension members 132, 134 of the leg 130 of the pin 100, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. This is not required and in other embodiments, the arms 214, 216 can have a different shape and / or size as compared to the first and second extension members 132, 134 of the leg 130. The arms 214, 216 also each have at least one engagement surface 215, 217, respectively, that are dimensioned to interact with a portion of the channel 310 of the mat 50 to retain the pin 100 in the locked position, as described in more detail below. As shown in FIG. 5, each side of the arms 214, 216 can have an engagement surface 215, 217 for bidirectional engagement.

[0023] In at least one embodiment, the arms 214, 216 and collar 210 of the retention member 200 are preferably of unitary construction and integrally formed from the same material. However, it is contemplated that in certain embodiments, the arms 214, 216 and collar 210 may be made from different materials from one another. It is also contemplated that in some embodiments, the arms 214, 216 may be rigidly attached or secured to the collar 210 to form the retention member 200. The retention member 200 may be made from a different material than the pin 100. For example, as discussed above, the retention member 200 is formed, such as by molding, around the neck 122 of the pin. Thus, the retention member 200 may be made from a plastic or polymeric material as compared to the metal or metal alloy of the pin 100. Preferably, the elasticity or "give" of the materials comprising the pin 100 and the retention member 200 are different. For example, the pin 100 can be made of a sturdy material that is unlikely to flex or deform temporarily, and the retaining member 200 can be made of a more elastic material that bends, flexes, or deforms temporarily at a lower pressure than the material of the pin 100. This difference in elasticity can be slight. Additionally, the elasticity of a material can be described in terms of the hardness of the material as measured by a Rockwell Durometer. For example, the pin 100, in at least one non-limiting embodiment, can have a hardness of preferably about 60 on the Rockwell B scale. The retaining member 200, in at least one non-limiting embodiment, can have a hardness of preferably about 65 on the Rockwell R scale, although other hardnesses are contemplated and are within the scope of the present invention.

[0024] The collar 210 of the retaining member 200 is sized to correspond to the neck 122 of the stem 120 so that it fits tightly against the neck 122 with a friction fit. Also, the pattern of the neck 122 can be mirrored on the collar 210 of the retaining member 200 so that a friction grip is formed therebetween. Due to this friction fit and the shape or configuration of the patterns on the neck 122 and the collar 210, the retaining member 200 and the stem 120 are held in place relative to each other. However, at least a threshold amount of sufficient force can be applied to overcome this friction fit and move the stem 120 relative to the retaining member 200, or vice versa. Thus, the stem 120 and the retaining member 200 are selectively movable relative to each other by application of sufficient energy to overcome a static positioning such as from the friction fit therebetween. Application of energy less than a threshold level will not result in movement of the components of the pin 100 relative to each other. In certain embodiments, this threshold level of energy is in the range of 3-8 foot-pounds. In at least one embodiment, the threshold level is approximately 5 foot-pounds. In other embodiments, the threshold may be defined in other units of force, such as, but not limited to, Newtons (N). In yet other embodiments, the threshold may be defined in units of applied torque, such as at least 6.779 Newton-meters (NM) or 5 foot-pounds. Regardless of how the force is defined, the threshold level is higher than the levels typically experienced by a floor mat during use, such as may be caused by a vehicle or person moving over the floor mat, even when carrying a heavy load. Thus, the rocking or vibration of typical use of the floor mat is insufficient to cause the stem 120 and the retaining member 200 to vibrate or rock sufficiently to rotate them relative to one another.

[0025] 6-10, each floor mat 50 includes at least one, and preferably a plurality of channels 310 that extend through the mat 50 from one surface to the opposite surface. The channels 310 are positioned along each mat 50 to provide connection points between the mats 50. Thus, the channels 310 may be positioned at the corners of the mat 50 and may also be positioned along the edges of the mat 50. Any number of channels 310 may be positioned on each mat 50 and may be positioned anywhere along the mat 50, but in at least one embodiment, the channels 310 are positioned proximate to the corners and / or edges of the mat 50. Preferably, each mat 50 has a similar number and positioning of channels 310. The channels 310 may be integrally formed within the mat 50 or may be formed in a receiver 300 that is inserted into a corresponding bore 320 in the mat 50, as shown in FIG. 7. In some embodiments, the receiver 300 may also be secured to the mat 50 upon insertion by, but not limited to, welding, gluing, or fastening with screws, bolts, pins, or other fasteners. The receiver 300 may be made of the same materials as the surrounding mat 50, such as, but not limited to, plastic and polymeric materials such as high density polyethylene (HDPE) that exhibit high levels of strength. In other embodiments, the receiver 300 may be made of a metal or metal alloy, such as, but not limited to, aluminum or stainless steel.

[0026] In at least one embodiment, when adjacent mats 50a, 50b are aligned for attachment to one another, the channels 310a, 310b of each mat 50a, 50b align with one another, as shown in Figure 8A. In other embodiments, a single channel 310 extends through both mats 50a, 50b, as shown in Figure 8B. The pin 100 described above may be inserted into the channel 310 to lock the mats 50a, 50b together.

[0027] Each channel 310 is positioned at or near the surface of the mat 50 and has an opening 302 through which the leg 130 of the pin 100 is inserted. For example, the openings 302 can be flush with the surface of the mat 50 in some embodiments. In other embodiments, such as those shown in Figures 7-10, the openings 302 can be slightly lower than the surface of the mat 50, such as being recessed into the mat 50 an amount sufficient to receive the head 110 of the pin 100 such that the face 112 of the pin 100 is flush with the surface of the mat 50 when fully installed.

[0028] Regardless of the depth of the opening 302, the opening 302 is shaped and dimensioned to receive the pin 100 therein, such as the leg 130. In at least one embodiment, the opening 302 is shaped and dimensioned similarly to the leg 130 and stem 120 of the pin 100. Thus, in at least one embodiment as shown in FIG. 7, the opening 302 can include at least one elongated portion 304 that corresponds to the configuration of the leg 130 of the pin 100, such as the length defined by the first and second extension members 132, 134 of the leg 130. Thus, the opening 302 can have an opening axis 308 that corresponds to the leg axis 136 of the pin 100. In embodiments in which the leg 130 is not linear, but rather the extension members 132, 134 extend at an angle relative to one another, there can be multiple elongated portions 304 of the opening 302 to correspond to the geometry of the leg 130 and its extension. In certain embodiments, the opening 302 may also include a rounded portion 306 to accommodate the diameter of the stem 120 of the pin 100, such as when the diameter of the stem 120 exceeds the thickness of the extension members 132,134.

[0029] The channel 310 is in fluid communication with the opening 302 and extends into the mat 50 away from the opening 302, such as toward an opposite side of the mat 50. At least a portion of the channel 310 corresponds to the elongated portion 304 and the rounded portion 306 of the opening 302 and extends therefrom further into the mat 50. For example, the channel 310 may extend from one side of the elongated portion 304 and form a first pocket 312 dimensioned to receive and limit the rotational movement of the first arm 214 of the retention member 200 by contacting its engagement surface 215. Similarly, a second pocket 314 may be formed in the channel 310 and may extend from another portion of the elongated portion 304 and be dimensioned to receive and limit the rotational movement of the second arm 216 of the retention member 200 by contacting its engagement surface 217. The channel 310 may have any number of pockets 312 , 314 to accommodate the various arms 214 , 216 of the retention member 200 .

[0030] Thus, as the pin 100 is inserted into the channel 310, the legs 130 may pass through the opening 302 and align with the elongated portion 304 and rounded portion 306, if present. With further insertion, as the pin 100 advances further into the channel 310, the first and second arms 214, 216 are received and retained in the first and second pockets 312, 314, respectively. The channel 310 may have any depth, limited only by the depth of the mats 50a, 50b. For example, in at least one embodiment, the channel 310a extends from the opening 302 through the opposite face of the mat 50a where it aligns with a similar channel 310b extending through an adjacent mat 50b, as in FIG. 8A. In other embodiments, where the channel 310 extends through both mats 50a, 50b as with a single receiver 300, the channel 310 may also extend through both mats 50a, 50b, such as from an opening 302 in one mat 50a to an opening 302 in an adjacent mat 50b. The channel 310 may preferably be at least as deep as the length of the stem 120 and leg 130 of the pin 100. For example, the pin 100 may be inserted through the channel 310 until the head 110 of the pin 100 is restricted from further movement by an opening 302 that is smaller in at least one dimension than the head 110. For example, the opening 302 may include a recess that forms a seat for the head 110 of the pin 100, as shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B. In the maximum insertion position, where further insertion is limited by the head 110, the legs 130 of the pin 100 preferably remain within the channels 310 and do not extend beyond the opposite face of the assembly mats 50a, 50b.

[0031] The channel 310 may also include at least one end 319 sized to receive and retain an extension member 132, 134 thereon to hold the leg 130 of the pin 100 in a desired position. There may be as many ends 319 as there are extension members 132, 134, such that each end 319 receives and retains a different extension member 132, 134. The end 319 may be substantially planar or parallel with the surface of the opening 302 and / or mat 50a, 50b, although any suitable configuration is contemplated, including, but not limited to, a recess, a depression, a detent, and the like. As can be seen in Figures 8A and 8B, the engagement surfaces 133, 135 of the extension members 132, 134 engage and / or press against the end 319 when the pin 100 is fully inserted and rotated to the locked position. This interaction can contribute to maintaining the position of the pins 100 within the receiver 300 and adjacent mats 50a, 50b in relation to each other.

[0032] The receiver 300 may also include at least one ramp positioned or formed within the channel 310, as best shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B. In a preferred embodiment, the channel 310 may include a first ramp 316 and a second ramp 318 spaced apart from one another along the periphery of the channel 310. For example, the ramps 316, 318 may extend along at least a portion of the channel 310 in a longitudinal depth direction of the channel 310, a circumferential width direction of the channel 310, and / or a combination thereof. For example, the ramps 316, 318 may extend in a curved or arcuate direction around a portion of the channel 310 in a combination of longitudinal and lateral directions. The ramps 316, 318 may extend toward one another, away from one another, or parallel to one another to be disposed about the interior of the channel 310. Each ramp 316, 318 is configured and dimensioned to receive and movably engage an extension member 132, 134 of the leg 130 of the pin 100 thereon. There can be any number of ramps, corresponding to the number and configuration of extension members 132 , 134 on legs 130 of pin 100 .

[0033] Each ramp 316, 318 may begin and end anywhere within the channel 310 and, in certain embodiments, may extend the entire length of the channel 310. In at least one embodiment, each ramp 316, 318 may begin adjacent or proximate to the opening 302 and terminate at an end 319 as described above. As used herein, "near" the opening 302 means spaced apart from but still proximate to the opening 302 and "adjacent" means at or flush with the opening 302. The end 319, in at least one embodiment, may be substantially planar or parallel to the opening 302 and / or the surface of the mat 50a, 50b, but they may have any configuration that stops further movement of the extension members 132, 134, such as by interaction with their engagement surfaces 133, 135.

[0034] Each lamp 316, 318 may have an inclination angle relative to the opening 302 of the channel 310 such that the surface of the lamp 316, 318 begins adjacent or proximate to the opening 302 and angles toward the cross-sectional center of the receiver 300. In embodiments where a single channel 310 traverses both mats 50a, 50b, such as in the single receiver 300 of FIG. 8B, the lamps 316, 318 may angle from each opening 302 toward the center of the receiver 300. In other embodiments having coincidentally aligned channels 310a and / or receivers 300a, such as in FIG. 8A, the lamps 316a, 318a may extend from at or near the opening 302a of the first mat 50a toward the oppositely aligned channel 310b and / or receiver 300b of the second overlapping mat 50b. Similarly, the ramps 316b, 318b of the channel 310b of the second mat 50b extend from or near the opening 302b toward the channel 310a of the first mat 50a. In either case, the ramps 316, 318 may include a curved portion along their length to follow the inner circumference of the channel 310. In at least one embodiment, the ramps 316, 318 may be mirror images of each other located on either side of the channel 310. Each ramp 316a, 316b, 318a, 318b may include a terminal portion 319a, 319b to interact with the engagement surfaces 133, 135 of the extension members 132, 134, respectively, to prevent further axial movement, such as along the length of the channel 310a, 310b and / or the longitudinal axis 103 of the pin 100.

[0035] The angle of inclination of the ramps 316, 318 can be any angle between 0° and 90°, such as, but not limited to, 45°. As the legs 130 of the pin 100 move along the ramps 316, 318, the angle of inclination is preferably sufficient to provide a compressive force against the mats 50a, 50b as the pin 100 is rotated toward the end 319 to a locked position. When the legs 130 reach the end 319 of the channel 310, such as the end of the ramps 316, 318, the pressure of the legs 130 against the end 319 holds the mats 50a, 50b together.

[0036] To join adjacent mats 50a, 50b, the mats 50a, 50b are positioned adjacent to and / or partially overlapping each other, as shown in Figures 6 and 8A-10. The channels 310a, 310b of each mat 50a, 50b are aligned with each other, or a single receiver 300 with a single channel 310 is positioned through both mats 50a, 50b. The pin 100 is then inserted into the channel 310 by first inserting the leg 130 through the opening 302, as depicted in Figures 7-8B. For insertion, the pin 100 is in the unlocked position shown in Figures 1 and 8A-9. In this unlocked position, the leg axis 136 of the pin 100 is parallel to the arm axis 218 of the retaining member 200 and the elongated portion 304 of the opening 302 of the channel 310a. Insertion proceeds by inserting the legs 130, then the stem 120 and the retaining member 200 into the channel 310a and then into the opposing channel 310b. The pin 100 can be inserted until further movement into the channel 310a is no longer possible, such as when the head 110 is stopped by the narrower opening 302. In this position, the legs 130, and specifically the extension members 132, 134, are received by or at least aligned with the ramps 316, 318 in the opposing channel 310b. The arms 214, 216 of the retaining member 200 are retained in the pockets 312, 314 of the channel 310a. This unlocked position is shown in Figures 8A and 9.

[0037] To lock the pin 100, a force sufficient to overcome a threshold level and selectively move at least one of the pin 100 and the stem 120 of the retaining member 200 relative to one another is applied to the pin 100. In at least one embodiment, this force is applied by inserting an Allen wrench or other suitable tool into the recess 114 in the head 110 of the pin 100 and applying a rotational force or torque to the tool. When a force sufficient to overcome the threshold level is applied, the frictional grip of the collar 210 against the neck 122 is released and the stem 120 rotates relative to the retaining member 200. In this embodiment, the stem 120 rotates because it is connected to the pin 100 which is subject to a rotational force. The retaining member 200 is stationary with the first and second arms 214, 216 in their respective engagement surfaces 215, 217 pressing against the first and second pockets 312, 314 of the channel 310, configured to hold the arms 214, 216 in place and resist rotational movement. The collar 210, made of a more elastic material than the pin 100, temporarily bends or flexes, allowing the neck 122 to rotate relative to the collar 210 out of frictional engagement. As the neck 122 slides out of frictional engagement with the collar 210, the collar 210 resumes its original shape. Rotation of the stem 120 relative to the collar 210 continues until the pattern at the interface between the outer surface of the neck 122 and the inner diameter of the collar 210 again hooks together in a new frictional fit or grip, such as when the next edge 126 of the neck 122 hooks onto the collar 210. Continued application of a force above the threshold level can drive further rotation of the stem 120 within the retention member 200 until the force is reduced below the threshold level.

[0038] In the embodiment described above, the applied force may be a rotational force. It is also contemplated that in other embodiments, a non-rotational force may be used, such as, but not limited to, a linear force in at least one direction. Additionally, while the force has been described as being applied to the head 110 or stem 120, it is also contemplated that in other embodiments, the force may be applied to the retaining member 200 in addition to or instead of the head 110 of the pin 100. In such an embodiment, the retaining member 200 may rotate relative to the stationary pin 100. The pin 100 may be made of a slightly elastic material and the retaining member 200 may be more rigid, in which case the neck 122 of the pin 100 may be momentarily deflected or bent to pass the collar 210 of the retaining member 200, and may return to its original shape upon passage. In further embodiments, both the pin 100 and the retaining member 200 may move relative to one another, and either may be made of an elastic material to accommodate selective movement of the other when sufficient force is applied above a threshold level.

[0039] During rotation, extension members 132, 134 travel along ramps 316, 318, respectively, until each reaches an end 319. As extension members 132, 134 advance, the inclination angle of ramps 316, 318 pulls extension members 132, 134 along the same angle, providing a compressive force against mats 50a, 50b.

[0040] The pin 100 can be rotated until a locked position is achieved. There can be any number of locking positions, such as one for each discrete formation in the pattern at the interface between the outer surface of the neck 122 and the inner surface 213 of the collar 210. For example, there can be a locking position for each of the sections 124 or edges 126 of the neck 120. For a hexagonal neck 120, there can be up to 16 possible locking positions. Of course, there can be fewer locking positions than the discrete positions possible based on the pattern in the neck 120. For example, a pin 100 with a hexagonal neck 120 can still only have 1, 2, 3, 4 or other number of locking positions. The locking position can be dictated by the number of turns of an Allen wrench or other tool used to apply force to the pin 100. For example, in at least one embodiment, the locking position can be determined by the number of turns or fractions of an Allen wrench or similar tool, such as a quarter turn, a half turn, a full turn, or multiple turns. In at least one embodiment, approximately a quarter turn of an Allen wrench or similar tool is required to navigate from the unlocked position to the locked position.

[0041] Regardless of how it is achieved, the locked position can be defined when at least one extension member 132, 134 of the pin 100 and at least one arm 214, 216 of the retaining member 200 deviate from each other, such as when they are misaligned or no longer parallel. They may be disposed at any angle relative to each other in the locked position, which can be signaled or represented by the pattern or section 124 and / or edge 126 of the neck 122. In at least one embodiment, the locked position can be defined by the extension members 132, 134 and arms 214, 216 being perpendicular to each other, as shown in Figures 2 and 10. This can provide an optimal and secure fit of two adjacent floor mats 50a, 50b. The locked position can also occur when the extension members 132, 134 reach the end 319 of the ramps 316, 318 where maximum compressive force is applied to the mats 50a, 50b.

[0042] In the locked position, the arms 214, 216 of the retaining member 200 are retained within the pockets 312, 314 of the channel 310 in the receiver 300. The collar 210 then holds the neck 122 of the pin 100 in place due to the frictional engagement therebetween. It is noteworthy that the frictional engagement that holds the pin 100 in the locked position is between the components of the pin 100 themselves, and not with the mats 50a, 50b as is the case with existing connector pins. Due to this internal friction fit, vibrations imparted to the pin 100 will not cause the pin 100 to rock or rattle out of the locked position when a vehicle or pedestrian rocks or rattles the mats that are joined and locked with these pins 100. Rather, the frictional fit with the retaining member 200 secures the pin 100 in the locked position. The amount, intensity or frequency of vibration due to movement of the mat or other use does not rise to a threshold level of friction required to overcome the friction fit between neck 122 and collar 210, thus holding neck 122 in place. The pattern or configuration of neck 122 and collar 210 provides this friction fit that limits short threshold levels of movement.

[0043] When it is desired to separate the mats 50a, 50b, an Allen wrench or other tool can again be inserted into the recess 114 at the head 110 of the pin 100 and a rotational force can be applied. The force can be applied in the same or opposite rotational or angular direction as that applied to move to the locked position, depending on the embodiment. In at least one embodiment, the force is applied in the opposite direction to lock. When a force sufficient to overcome the frictional force between the neck 122 and the collar 210 is applied, the collar 210 momentarily flexes, allowing the neck 122 to move or rotate relative to it until a pattern such as the section 124 and / or its edge pauses or stops the movement. The overall movement of the pin 100 relative to the retention member 200 stops when the applied force falls below a threshold level of frictional force between the neck 122 and the collar 210. This force can be applied repeatedly or continuously until the pin 100 is again in the unlocked position shown in FIG. 9, at which point it can be removed from the channel 310. The mats 50a, 50b are no longer connected and can be separated for transport, storage or reuse.

[0044] The pin 100 of the present invention offers several advantages over existing known mat connectors or fasteners. For example, the pin 100 can be rotated to a locked position with less force than other fasteners, such as those disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,722,831. The particular configuration of the neck 122 of the stem 120 and the collar 210 of the retention member 200 creates enough friction to avoid unintended rotational movement of one relative to the other, such as may be caused by the mat from vibration during vehicular or pedestrian traffic thereon, yet the threshold level of force required to defeat this friction fit is not as great as other fasteners require to rotate. In embodiments of the present invention in which the sections 124 of the neck 122 are planar, for example, the edge 126 formed where adjacent sections 124 meet is not a ridge or extension from the neck 122. Similarly, the inner diameter of the corresponding shape of the collar 210 does not include a recess as in the U.S. Pat. No. 6,722,831 patent. The ridges of the lock cylinder of the '831 patent and the corresponding recesses in the surrounding pin body provide more than a simple tight fit with one another. Because the ridges extend into and are retained within the recesses, significantly more force is required to overcome this configuration and move the ridges out of the recesses than is required by the pin 100 of the present invention, which does not have a recess or corresponding member extending therein. Rather, the section 124 of the neck 122 is frictionally retained by the correspondingly shaped inner diameter of the collar 210.

[0045] This geometric shape, particularly in the embodiment where section 124 of neck 122 is planar, unexpectedly provides this resistance to unintended rotational movement. A recess holding a similarly shaped extension could prevent the two pieces from moving relative to one another, as in the '831 patent. However, it is far from obvious that an angled section would provide sufficient friction to prevent the two elements from moving relative to one another due to foot traffic on the temporary floor mat. It is a common problem for these mats to drift apart over time as they are rocked and vibrated by vehicular and pedestrian traffic. To provide a tight fastener that resists this swinging out of one another, a large force is required to turn and therefore set in a locked position. This increases the time required to install the modular floor structure. However, making the fastener easier to turn also makes it more susceptible to loosening due to vibration as mentioned above. The pin 100 of the present invention solves this problem without resorting to a one-piece configuration where one component is inserted into the other. This allows the pin 100 of the present invention to be easily turned by one person, which also increases the speed of modular floor installation overall.

[0046] Since many modifications, variations and changes of detail may be made to the preferred embodiment described, it is intended that all matters shown in the above description and accompanying drawings be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense, and the scope of the invention should therefore be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents. [Explanation of symbols]

[0047] 130 Legs 132 Extension member 133 Engagement surface 134 Extension member 136 Leg axis 200 Retaining member 214 Arm 216 Arm 218 Arm axis

Claims

1. A pin for connecting a modular floor mat, comprising: a stem extending along a longitudinal axis having a first end, an opposing second end, and interconnected between the first end and the second end; a head having a radius at the first end; a leg having at least one extension member at the second end extending along a leg axis transverse to the longitudinal axis, the at least one extension member having a length less than the radius of the head and an engagement surface configured to contact a portion of at least one mat of the modular floor mat; Equipped with the stem having a neck defined along at least a portion thereof; the pin includes a retaining member disposed along a portion of the stem between the head and the foot; The holding member is (i) a collar circumferentially disposed about the neck, selectively rotatable relative to the neck and forming a friction fit with the neck to limit accidental rotation of the stem relative to the retaining member; (ii) at least one arm extending generally from the collar along an arm axis transverse to the longitudinal axis a distance less than the radius of the head and having an engagement surface configured to contact a pocket extending from a bore in at least one of the modular floor mats; having the pocket being correspondingly sized to surround and receive the arm of the pin to frictionally restrain rotational movement about the longitudinal axis.

2. 2. The pin of claim 1, wherein the neck includes a plurality of sections arranged successively therearound, adjacent sections in the plurality of sections sharing a common edge along at least a portion of their length, each edge configured to provide the friction fit with the collar and to limit rotational movement.

3. The pin of claim 2 , wherein each of the plurality of sections has a length substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the pin.

4. The pin of claim 3 , wherein said sections are planar.

5. The pin of claim 3 , wherein each edge has an included angle in the range of 90° to 170°.

6. The pin of claim 5, wherein the included angle is in the range of 155° to 165°.

7. The pin of claim 2 , wherein said neck and said collar are correspondingly shaped.

8. The pin of claim 7 , wherein said neck and said collar each include sixteen sections.

9. 2. The pin of claim 1, wherein the at least one arm extends radially outward from the collar, the at least one extension member extends radially outward from the leg, and the at least one arm is positionable between aligned and misaligned positions relative to the at least one extension member by selective rotation of the retaining member.

10. 1. A system for assembling a plurality of modular floor mats, comprising: a first floor mat and a second floor mat each having at least one channel extending therethrough, the first floor mat and the second floor mat configured to at least partially overlap one another such that the at least one channel of the first floor mat overlaps and aligns with the at least one channel of the second floor mat; At least one pin; Equipped with Each of the at least one pin comprises: (i) a head; (ii) a stem extending along a longitudinal axis from the head; (iii) an extension member extending from the stem transversely to the longitudinal axis; (iv) a retaining member disposed about a portion of the stem to form a friction fit therewith, the retaining member being disposed generally between the extension member and the head and having arms extending radially outward from the stem transverse to the longitudinal axis between the head and the extension member; having Each of the at least one channel comprises: (v) a pin sized to receive one of the at least one pin; (vi) a pocket extending from the channel correspondingly sized to surround and receive the arm of the pin to frictionally restrain rotational movement about the longitudinal axis; (vii) having a distal end dimensioned to receive the extension member of the pin to restrain axial movement along the longitudinal axis; A system characterized in that

11. 11. The system of claim 10, wherein the stem is selectively rotatable relative to the retaining member by applying at least a threshold level of rotational force to the pin, the threshold level being sufficient to overcome the friction fit between the retaining member and the stem.

12. The system of claim 11 , wherein the head includes a recess dimensioned to receive at least a portion of a tool for application of the rotational force to the pin.

13. 11. The system of claim 10, wherein the pin is selectively positionable within the channel between an unlocked position defined by alignment of the extension member with the arm and a locked position defined by misalignment of the extension member with the arm.

14. The system of claim 13 , wherein the extension member and the arm are parallel and aligned in the unlocked position and perpendicular and misaligned in the locked position.

15. 11. The system of claim 10, wherein the end portion of the at least one channel of the second floor mat is configured to receive and restrain the extension member of the pin extending from a surface of the first floor mat through the at least one channel of the first floor mat.

16. The system of claim 10 , further comprising a ramp formed in the channel and configured to receive the extension member of the pin therealong.

17. The system of claim 16 , wherein the lamp extends along at least a portion of a circumference of the channel.

18. 17. The system of claim 16, wherein each of the first and second floor mats has a respective surface, the at least one channel extends from each of the surfaces of the first and second floor mats, and the ramp has an inclination angle relative to the surfaces.

19. 20. The system of claim 18, wherein the tilt angle is between 0° and 90°.

20. 20. The system of claim 19, wherein the tilt angle is approximately 45 degrees.

21. 17. The system of claim 16, wherein the ramp of the at least one channel in the second floor mat is configured to receive and restrain the extension member of the pin extending from a surface of the first floor mat through the at least one channel of the first floor mat.

22. 22. The system of claim 21, wherein the end portion is disposed along the ramp.

23. 11. The system of claim 10, wherein each of the first and second floor mats has at least one bore extending therethrough, and each of the at least one channel is formed in a receiver extending through the at least one bore.

24. 24. The system of claim 23, wherein the receiver extends through a corresponding bore in at least one of the first and second floor mats.

25. 24. The system of claim 23, wherein (i) the channel is integrally formed in the first and second floor mats, or (ii) the receiver is selectively insertable into the first and second floor mats.

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