EP0125618B1 - Grill for the construction of foot mats or boot scrapers - Google Patents

Abstract

A grid designed for use as a runner or a doormat comprises a multiplicity of parallel profiled bars, preferably of plastic, having a generally U-shaped cross-section with two upstanding flanges interconnected at their lower ends by a horizontal web. In certain embodiments each flange has an inverted-Y profile with one arm joined to the web and the other arm diverging therefrom, the two arms defining between them an undercut, downwardly open longitudinal groove which in the case of at least one flange has a cross-section in the shape of an upwardly pointed arrowhead facilitating the introduction, from below, of a substantially complementarily shaped upstanding rib of a connecting member of much shallower U-profile linking a pair of adjoining bars to each other. The underside of the connecting member is either flush with that of the bars or at a slightly lower level. A channel bounded by the two flanges of the bar is also undercut, at approximately the level of the groove undercuts of the inverted-Y profiles, for positive engagement with a complementarily profiled stiffly elastic rail holding a strip of yieldable tread-supporting material projecting upwardly from the rail and the bar to form a part of the upper mat surface.

Description

The invention relates to a grate for the formation of running mats or wipers, consisting of a plurality of profiled bars, strips or the like, which are oriented parallel to one another with their longitudinal axes and provided with undercut grooves in the longitudinal direction thereof, and the profiled bars, strips or the like Spacing connecting elements, as well as flexible insert strips, for example Felt, brush material, rubber or textile covering, which by thin-walled rails made of spring-hard material, each with two flanges and a bridge connecting them, e.g. Hard plastic, held and can be locked in the profile bars, strips or the like, on the one hand the holding elements with undercut shaped head parts can each be inserted into an undercut groove on the underside of the profile bars, strips or the like, and on the other hand the rails made of spring-hard material into an undercut Engage the groove on the top of the profile bars, strips or the like.

A grate of this type is already known from DE-B 2 719 857.

Just like a similar grate that is known from DE-C 2 412 151, the grate according to DE-B 2 719 857 also has the advantage that it can be assembled relatively easily and almost in any size from prefabricated individual parts. It is therefore possible to have grids of the type known from DE-B 2 719 857 and DE-C 2 412 151, which are used to form running mats or wipers, also produced to a large extent in workshops for the disabled.

The grates of the known type mentioned above, however, still have certain shortcomings. They require - due to the system - a relatively large minimum height, which is due to the fact that the undercut grooves for the engagement of the holding elements and for the accommodation of the flexible insert strips in the profile bars, strips or the like lie on top of each other, but also results from the fact that the holding elements connecting the profiled bars, strips or the like at a distance from one another must be passed under the profiled bars, strips or the like, since they form the actual support supports for the grate.

In addition to the fact that the area of use of these gratings as running mats or wipers is limited by their relatively large overall height if they cannot be installed in adapted floor depressions, the use of the holding elements as support supports for the gratings results in an impairment of the dimensional stability when walking on a comparatively large distance is provided between adjacent holding elements. The profile bars, strips or the like can then bend elastically in their length region lying between two adjacent holding elements to a degree which is equal to the thickness of the regions of the holding elements which support the profile bars, strips or the like.

In the case of a design of the grate corresponding to DE-C 2 412 151, the last-mentioned disadvantage can be eliminated, because additional holding elements for reducing the support spacing can also be connected to the profiled bars, strips or the like - even subsequently at the construction site. As a result, however, the construction effort for the gratings may be increased considerably.

Although the work steps to be carried out when assembling the grates according to DE-B 2 719 857 and DE-C 2 412 151 can be carried out systematically and relatively easily, it has been shown that - in particular in workshops for the disabled - certain assembly problems can still arise which arise from the different Connection technology result, which is to be used on the one hand when coupling the profile bars, strips or the like with the holding elements and on the other hand when inserting the flexible insert strips into the profile bars, strips or the like.

Finally, there is also an inadequacy in the known grates in that the holding elements connecting the profiled bars, strips or the like at a distance from one another can only be produced relatively costly, namely as an injection molded part, because of their peculiar design.

DE-A 3 124 529 has also already proposed a grate for the formation of running mats or wipers in which the undercut grooves for engaging the holding elements on the long sides of the profiled bars, strips or the like are formed in order to achieve a relatively low minimum height are.

Apart from the fact that in this case the profiled bars, strips or the like, due to the laterally lying longitudinal grooves for the engagement of the holding elements, have a small overall height, but a relatively large overall width, there are also here - in particular when manufacturing in workshops for the disabled - Still certain assembly problems, to the extent that all components can only be properly and functionally coupled with one another by pushing them in the longitudinal direction.

According to the invention, all of the shortcomings peculiar to the known rust are eliminated. Therefore, the invention has for its object to provide a grate for the formation of mats or wipers of the type explained in more detail above, which can be created with a minimal overall height, ensures a large-area and thus dimensionally stable support in use, and a simple assembly of all individual parts, as it were the push button system - allows. In addition, the individual elements of the grate should receive training that ensures their simple and inexpensive manufacture.

The solution of the main task underlying the invention is essentially achieved according to the characterizing features of claim 1, that the undercuts arranged in the top and bottom of the profile bars, strips or the like and on the one hand as receptacles for the rails holding the flexible insert strips serving and on the other hand the engagement for the grooves forming grooves are provided side by side and approximately at the same height.

The main advantage of this configuration is that all of the individual elements of the grate to be coupled together can be coupled to one another on simple assembly tables by placing them on top of one another in a specific order and locking them together by pressure from above.

An embodiment has proven itself in which, according to claim 2, three undercut grooves across the width of the profiled bars, strips or the like have an arrangement symmetrical to the longitudinal center plane.

Although using these features according to the invention there is the possibility of designing profiled bars, strips or the like in such a way that on their underside there is only one undercut longitudinal groove for the engagement of the holding elements, while on the upper side there are two undercut longitudinal grooves for holding the flexible insert strips supporting rail are provided, it proves to be particularly advantageous according to claim 3 in an inventive embodiment of a grate if in the underside of the profile bars, strips or the like two undercut longitudinal grooves are arranged on the edge as interventions for the holding elements, while in the top thereof one undercut longitudinal groove for receiving a rail forming the holder of the flexible insert strips is provided symmetrically to the longitudinal axis.

According to claim 4, it also proves to be important that the undercut, undercut longitudinal grooves are relatively narrow slots of shallow depth, which have upward, arrowhead-like undercuts. In contrast, the top-side, undercut longitudinal groove is relatively wide and deep and its undercuts are formed by an at least trapezoidal cross-sectional widening lying below a trapezoidal cross-sectional constriction.

According to the invention, it proves particularly useful if, according to the feature of claim 6, the profile bars, strips or the like and also the holding elements each consist of an extruded plastic profile which has at least approximately the same wall thicknesses in all wall areas - that is, also adjacent to the undercuts. In this way, the essential components for a grate according to the invention can be easily and inexpensively manufactured.

According to the further inventive feature of claim 7, it is provided that the profile bars, strips or the like have a substantially U-shaped cross section, which is provided on the outside on the flanges and in the vicinity of the web, each with a downwardly and outwardly molded hook profile , whose inward-facing hook approach lies with its underside at the same height as the top of the profile web.

According to claim 8, the holding elements also have an essentially U-shaped cross-section and each of their flanges is formed by two mutually mirror-image hook webs projecting from the profile web, the mutually facing back surfaces of which are spaced apart from one another and which together limit an upwardly arrow-shaped cross-section.

Although it is possible to form a grate according to the invention by coupling a larger number of profile bars, strips or the like by means of holding profiles which have a length corresponding to the profile bars, strips or the like, it proves to be particularly advantageous according to claim 9 to form the holding elements by sections cut off from the extruded plastic profile, the length of which corresponds to only a fraction of the length of the profile bars, strips or the like.

In any case, however, the features indicated in claims 7 and 8 make it possible in a particularly simple manner to effect the assembly of grates in a kind of push-button-like assembly technique. Namely, according to claim 10, the profile bars, strips or the like and the holding elements are each held in coupling engagement with one another by their arrow-shaped undercut elements in such a way that their webs form the bearing surfaces of the grate lying approximately on a common plane.

A particularly advantageous further development for a grate according to the invention results if the holding elements consist of a non-slip, soft material, preferably rubber free of plasticizer, and slightly with the underside of their web, e.g. project by 0.5 to 1 mm over the underside of the profile bars, strips or the like. It has been shown that this not only achieves a secure position for the gratings on smooth floor surfaces, in particular polished stone floors, but also counteracts scratching or other damage to the same.

A particularly advantageous design for a grate forming the subject of the invention is obtained according to claim 12 in that the profile bars, strips or the like each contain on their underside an undercut longitudinal groove lying close to one long side and a cantilever projecting sideways over the other long side, have a holding element provided with an upwardly directed head part. In this case, an assembly simplification for the grate is achieved, because when assembling each profile bar or profile strip only needs to be connected to one holding element. It is therefore important in this case if, according to claim 13, each holding element is molded directly onto the profile bars, strips or the like. It has proven particularly useful if, according to claim 14, the profiled bars, strips or the like are made of hard plastic together with the holding element made of soft rubber by an extrusion process.

Even in the case of a grate structure with the features of claims 12 to 14, it is important that the holding element according to claim 15 is made of non-slip, soft material, preferably soft material cher-free rubber, and that according to claim 16 the laterally projecting section of the holding element - namely its web - projects slightly with its underside, for example by 0.5 to 1 mm, over the underside of the profiled bars, strips or the like. The main rust support is also brought about by the holding elements, while their inherent elasticity prevents the supporting floor surface from being scratched or otherwise damaged by the profiled bars, strips or the like.

Another essential feature of the invention is seen in claim 17 in that the holding rails for the resilient insert strips consist of plastic injection molded parts, the web of which is designed as a hollow body with a double trapezoidal cross-section, while their flanges are integrally formed and protruding groups of pins at predetermined intervals from one another or carry pens. According to claim 18, the web of the holding rails can be designed as a closed hollow body, while their flanges carry the pins or pins near their free longitudinal edges. According to claim 19, however, it is also possible for the web of the holding rails to be provided with openings at predetermined intervals from one another in the side walls containing the constrictions, while their flanges carry the pegs or pins approximately halfway up and below them to the wall of the web descending breakthroughs included.

The holding rails are manufactured within the predetermined and thus fixed amount and are coupled in different numbers with the resilient insert strips to be locked, depending on the length of the profile bars, strips or the like of the grate used to hold the resilient insert strips. Due to the double trapezoidal cross-section of the hollow body forming the web of the holding rails, the holding rails with the flexible insert strips carrying them can also be latched easily and without play by means of a push-button-like connection technology in the profiled bars, strips or the like of the gratings. The double trapezoidal cross-section of the web of the holding rails interacts automatically with the correspondingly adapted, profiled cross-sectional design of the longitudinal groove assigned to the upper side in the profiled bars, strips or the like.

A further development feature according to claim 20 also consists in the fact that the web of the holding rails designed as a hollow body has at least one stiffening transverse wall. This ensures stable but still elastic support of the resilient insert strips on the web of the holding rails.

It has also proven useful according to the invention if, according to claim 21, the free longitudinal edges of the flanges on the holding rails have tooth-like projections projecting upwards at predetermined intervals. According to claim 22, it is possible for the group of pins or pins to be located on the inner sides of the projections projecting upwards. In many cases, however, it can also be useful if the groups of pins or pins and the perforations are each in the area of the protrusions projecting upwards.

According to claim 24, the resilient insert strips are fixed in position in the holding rails by the pins or pins, and they are not only secured against lifting out, but also against longitudinal displacement.

Another feature of the invention according to claim 25 is that the profile height of the support rails corresponds approximately to the clear height of the groove of the profile bars, strips or the like used to accommodate them, while the projections carrying the pins or pins on their flanges over the upper flange edges of the profile rails , strips or the like protrude.

According to claim 26, a particularly important design feature of the invention also lies in the fact that the insert strips consist of three layers, namely a rot-resistant base or support layer, e.g. Made of polyurethane (PU) - or polyethylene (PE) plastic, a middle connection and impregnation layer as well as an upper needle fleece layer. Such a construction of the insert strips not only results in a good repetition capacity of the latter, because the elasticity of the material accelerates the regression of the pressure points. Rather, there is also excellent cutting edge strength and good dimensional stability. Since the base or support layer is particularly soft and elastic, the insert strips have a high level of stability. The base or support layer also has a positive moisture behavior, so that excessive moisture, even the complete wetting of the insert strips, does not cause any signs of rotting.

Finally, it has proven particularly useful according to the invention if, according to claim 27, the middle impregnation layer of the insert strips lies within the holding rails at the engagement height of the pins or pins. The penetration of the pins or pins into the impregnation layer ensures that the insert strips are held in a particularly robust manner, without impairing their good repetitive capacity.

Further features and advantages of the subject matter of the invention are subsequently explained in more detail using the exemplary embodiments illustrated in the drawing.

• Fig. 1 in räumlicher Darstellung sowie in teilweise montiertem und teilweise demontiertem Zustand ein Teilstück eines erfindungsgemässen Rostes,
• Fig. 2 in grösserem Massstab einen Querschnitt durch zwei über ein Halteelement miteinander gekuppelten Profilstäbe, -leisten oder dergleichen eines Rostes, wobei ein Profilstab, bzw. eine Profilleiste bereits mit einem nachgiebigen Einsatzstreifen und einer diesen aufnehmenden Halteschiene bestückt ist,
• Fig. 3 einen Querschnitt durch eine abgewandelte Ausführungsform eines Rostes im Bereich eines Profilstabes bzw. einer Profilleiste,
• Fig. 4 eine der Fig. 1 entsprechende räumliche Darstellung einer abgewandelten Bauart für einen erfindungsgemässen Rost, und
• Fig. 5 in grösserem Massstab einen der Fig. 2 entsprechenden Querschnitt durch die Anordnung nach Fig. 4.

Show

• 1 in a spatial representation and in a partially assembled and partially disassembled state, a section of a grate according to the invention,
• 2 on a larger scale, a cross section through two profile bars, strips or the like of a grate which are coupled to one another via a holding element, a profile bar or a profile bar already being equipped with a resilient insert strip and a holding rail receiving it,
• 3 shows a cross section through a modified embodiment of a grate in the region of a profile bar or a profile strip,
• Fig. 4 is a spatial Dar corresponding to FIG. 1 position of a modified type for a grate according to the invention, and
• 5 on a larger scale a cross section corresponding to FIG. 2 through the arrangement according to FIG. 4.

In Fig. 1 of the drawing, only a portion of a grate 1 is shown, as it can be used to form running mats or wipers.

The grate 1 is formed from a multiplicity of profiled bars or strips 2 which are connected to one another at a distance from one another and with their longitudinal axes lying parallel to one another by holding elements 3 directed transversely to them and at the same time are kept at a distance from one another.

The profile bars or strips 2 are produced by extrusion or extrusion and can consist of metal or plastic. They are preferably made of rigid plastic.

The holding elements 3 can also be separated from a rail profile of suitable width produced by extrusion or extrusion, wherein this rail profile used to produce the holding elements 3 can also be made of metal or plastic, preferably of rigid plastic.

The profile bars or strips 2 have a substantially U-shaped cross section, i.e. they have two flanges 4 'and 4 "which are integrally connected to one another by a web 5.

Between the two flanges 4 'and 4 "and the web 5, the profile bars or strips 2 delimit an upwardly open groove 6, which is spaced above the web 5 in the region of two symmetrically opposed and downwardly inclined surfaces 7' and 7" Tapered trapezoidal and then trapezoidally widened in the area of downward and outward inclined surfaces 8 'and 8 "immediately above the web 5. Immediately above the web 5, undercuts 9' and 9 which are symmetrical to the longitudinal center plane 10 of the profiled bars or strips 2 are therefore mutually symmetrical " educated.

The longitudinal groove 6 which is open towards the top of the profiled bars or strips 2 thus goes down first into a trapezoidal cross-sectional constriction 7 ', 7' 'and then again into an at least trapezoidal cross-sectional widening 8', 8 '', as is particularly evident in FIG. 2 can be removed. The groove 6 of the profile bars or strips 2, which is open towards the top, therefore has an upper, essentially rectangular cross-sectional area and a lower, approximately double-trapezoidal cross-sectional area.

From the underside, two relatively narrow, ie slot-like grooves 11 'and 11 "are formed in the profile bars or strips 2 in such a way that they are each arranged symmetrically and on the edge side with respect to the longitudinal center plane 10-10. Each of the two slot-like grooves Grooves 11 'and 11 "merge into an upward, arrowhead-like extension 12' and 12" in such a way that two undercuts 13 'and 13 "are limited in each groove 11' and 11".

It can be seen that the three grooves 6, 11 ', 11 "across the width of the profile bars or strips 2 have an arrangement symmetrical to the longitudinal center plane 10-10 and their undercuts 9', 9" and 13 ', 13 "within the profile bars or strips 2 are provided side by side and approximately at the same height.

The grooves 11 'and 11 "are delimited on the outside in each case by a hook profile 14' and 14" integrally molded on the flanges 4 'and 4 "downward and outward, the inward-facing hook shoulder with its underside at the same height as the top of the profile web 5 lies.

It is advantageous for the shape and the weight of the profile bars or strips 2 that they are in all wall areas - ie also adjacent to the undercuts 9 ', 9 "and 13', 13" of the grooves 6 and 11 ', 11 "" - Have at least approximately the same wall thickness.

While the underside longitudinal grooves 11 'and 11 "of the profiled bars or strips 2 with their arrow-tip-like extension areas 12' and 12" have a relatively small depth with a relatively small width, the groove on the top side, which has undercuts 9 'and 9 ", is relatively wide and Their total depth is essentially determined by the respective length of the sections of the two flanges 4 'and 4 "which run parallel to one another.

The holding elements 3, by means of which the profile bars or strips 2 are connected to form a grate 1, have an essentially U-shaped cross section. Each of its two flanges 15 'and 15 "is formed by two mutually mirror-image hook webs 16' and 16" which protrude from the profile web 17. A spacing gap 18 'and 18 "is formed between the mutually facing back surfaces of the two hook webs 16' and 16" of each flange 15 'and 15 ".

The free ends of the two hook webs 16 'and 16 ", each belonging to one of the flanges 15' and 15", define an upward, approximately arrowhead-shaped cross section, which corresponds to the cross section of the arrowhead-shaped extensions 12 'and 12 "on the profile bars or - afford 2 is adjusted.

It should also be mentioned that the profile web 17 of the holding elements 3 has a thickness which corresponds to the thickness of the web 5 on the profile bars or strips 2.

When assembling the grate 1, the holding elements 3 are simply pushed into the grooves 11 'and 11 "" on the underside of the profiled bars or strips by means of their flanges 15' or 15 "formed by the hook webs 16 'or 16" 2 pressed in such a way that they each snap into the undercut areas 13 'or 13 "of the arrow-shaped extensions 12' or 12". The profile webs 17 of the holding elements 3 then come to lie on the same level with the webs 5 of the profile bars or strips 2, such that the finished bars 1 have the profile bars or strips 2 and the holding elements 3 coupling them together, a common, large-area receiving plane to have.

For the purpose of enlarging the entire support plane of the grate 1, it is also possible, if necessary, to hold the holding elements 3 in one Use length that corresponds to the length of the profile bars or strips 2. If necessary, the holding elements can be provided with punched slots or holes in a certain spacing grid.

It should also be mentioned that in some cases it can also be expedient to give the hook profiles 14 'and 14 "on the outside of the profile bars or strips 2 such that their outer boundary surfaces have the same contour as the inner surfaces 7', 7 ″ or 8 ′, 8 ″. In cooperation with a holding element that couples two adjacent profile bars or strips 2 to one another, the free cross section that is narrow between the two adjacent profile bars or strips 2 of a grate 1 can then have exactly the same contour, like the longitudinal grooves 6 of the individual profiled bars or strips 2, which are open towards the top of the grate. The advantage resulting from this is explained in more detail below.

The open to the top of the grate 1 grooves 6 of the profile bars or strips 2 serve to receive flexible insert strips 19, e.g. made of felt, brush material, rubber or textile covering. These insert strips 19 are each received by a holding rail 20 which is approximately U-shaped in cross section and which consists of thin-walled, spring-hard material, for example hard plastic. This holding rail 20 has two parallel flanges 21 ′ and 21 ″ and a web 22 which connects them in one piece.

The holding rail 20 is made as a plastic injection molded part in a predetermined length, in such a way that its web 22 is designed as a closed hollow body with a double trapezoidal cross section. This closed hollow body is delimited by the two parallel walls 23 'and 23 "and by the two walls 24' and 24" which are mirror images of each other and provided with a constriction. In addition, the two walls 23 'and 23 "are still braced against one another by a central transverse wall 25.

The two side walls 24 'and 24 "each provided with the constriction are profiled in such a way that they match the course of the wall surfaces 7', 8 'and 7", 8 "in the longitudinal groove 6 of the profile bars or strips 2. This makes it then it is possible to press the holding rails 20 with the insert strips 19 carried by them into the grooves 6 of the profiled rails or strips 2 from above, so that they thereby enter into a play-free, positive holding connection, as can be clearly seen in FIGS. 1 and 2 .

When the flexible insert strips 19 are walked on, the wall 23 'of the web 22 of the holding rail 20 can elastically deform to the extent permitted by the transverse wall 25 which supports the wall 23' against the wall 23 "of the web 22. The suspension behavior the resilient insert strip 19 can thereby be favored. To secure the position of the resilient insert strip 19 in the holding rail 20, pins or pins 26 ′, 26 ″ are used, each of which sits on the inner sides of the flanges 21 ′ and 21 of the holding rails 20. The pins or pins 26 ', 26 "are each arranged in groups of several next to one another, several such groups being spaced apart over the entire length of the holding rail 20. It is advantageous to insert the pins or pins 26', 26" into one another on the flanges 21 ′ and 21 ″ to be arranged in mutually opposite groups, in such a way that a pin or pin on one side lies between two pins or pins on the other side.

It has proven particularly useful to provide the holding rails 20 on the free longitudinal edges of their flanges 21 ′ and 21 ″ at predetermined intervals with tooth-like projections 27 ′ and 27 ″, the pins or pins 26 arranged in groups preferably being located on the inside thereof ', 26 "are located.

It can be seen clearly from FIG. 1 in particular that the pins or pins 26 ′, 26 ″, which are arranged in groups on the inner sides of the flanges 21 ′, 21 ″ of the holding rails 20, are located on the projections 27 ′, 27 ″ projecting upward in the manner of teeth. The pins or pins 26 ', 26 "are provided in such a way that they can engage in the material of the flexible insert strips 19 and thus secure them both against being lifted out of the holding rails 20 and against longitudinal displacement therein.

It can also be seen from FIG. 1 that the profile height of the holding rails 20 corresponds approximately to the clear height of the groove 6 of the profile bars or strips 2 serving to receive them, while the projections 27 ', 27 carrying the pins or pins 26', 26 " "on the flanges 21 ', 21" protrude beyond the upper flange edges of the profile rails or strips 2.

It has already been explained above that the hook profiles formed on the outside of the flanges 4 'and 4 "of the profiled bars or strips 2 and in the vicinity of the web 5 can have outer boundary surfaces whose contours are mirror images of the boundary surfaces 7', 8 'or 7 ", 8". Since, in this case, together with the holding elements 3 between two adjacent profile bars or strips 2, a free space profile is delimited, which is identical to the cross-sectional profile of the groove 6 in a profile bar or in a profile strip 2, there is no problem the possibility of equipping these free spaces additionally or instead of the grooves 6 in the profiled bars or strips 2 using the holding rails 20 with flexible insert strips 19.

In the context of the invention, it is also conceivable to equip adjacent areas of one and the same grate 1 differently with the holding rails 20 on the insert strips 19. For example, it would be possible to accommodate the holding rails 20 and the flexible insert strips 19 in one half of a grate width in the grooves 6 of the profile bars or strips 2, while on the other half of the grate width in each case in the spaces between two adjacent profile bars or strips 2 are used.

In FIG. 3 it is also shown that it is also possible to create gratings 1 with the features of the invention using components that have a configuration that differs from FIGS. 1 and 2.

3 shows a profile bar or a profile strip 102 which, in its web 105 carrying the two flanges 104 'and 104 ", has two undercut grooves 109' and 109" which open into the groove 106, which is open to the top, and one to the underside has open, undercut groove 111. The undercut groove 111, which is open at the bottom, is symmetrical to the longitudinal center plane 110-110, and the undercut grooves 109 'and 109 ", which are open at the top, are provided alongside it and also symmetrically to the longitudinal center plane 110-110. The holding element 103 engages with a dovetail-like undercut profile approach 115 into the undercut profile groove 111. On the other hand, the holding rail 120 provided for receiving the flexible insert strip 119 carries on the underside on each side of its web 122 connecting the two flanges 121 'and 121 "an undercut profiled latching tongue 124' and 124", which with the undercut profile grooves 109 'and 109 "can be brought into positive locking engagement.

3, the undercuts of the grooves 109 ', 109 "and 111 arranged in the top and bottom of the profile bars or strips 102 are provided next to one another and at approximately the same height. In addition, these three undercut grooves are provided 109 ', 109 "and 111 are arranged symmetrically over the width of the profile bars or strips 102 to the longitudinal center plane 110-110.

Also in Fig. 4 of the drawing, only a portion of a grate 1 is shown, which can be used to form running mats or wipers.

A large number of profiled bars or strips 2 are connected to one another at a distance from one another and with their longitudinal axes lying parallel to one another by the holding elements 3 directed transversely to them and at the same time kept at a distance from one another.

The profile bars or strips 2 are made in this case together with the holding elements 3 by extrusion from plastic and / or rubber.

The extrusion of the profile bars or strips 2 and the holding elements 3 takes place at the same time, in such a way that the profile bars or strips 2 consist of rigid plastic, while the holding elements 3 are formed from a material of a soft shape, in particular plasticizer-free rubber.

The cross-sectional shape of the profile bars or strips 2 according to FIGS. 4 and 5 essentially corresponds to the cross-sectional shape of the profile bars 2 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. The only difference is that the profile bars and strips 2 according to FIGS 4 and 5, only a slot-like longitudinal groove 11 'and arrowhead-like extension 12' is formed.

Where there is the slot-like longitudinal groove 11 "with the arrow-head-like extension 12" in the case of the profile bars or strips 2 according to FIGS. 1 and 2, the material of a holding element is in the case of the profile bars or strips 2 according to FIGS. 4 and 5 3 molded in, from where the profile web 17 of the holding element 3 protrudes sideways, namely parallel to the plane of the web 5 of the profile bars or strips 2. The profile web 17 of the holding element 3 has at its longitudinal edge pointing away from the profile bar or the profile strip 2 a flange 15 'which projects at right angles and is formed by two mutually mirror-image hook webs 16' or 16 ". Between the mutually facing back surfaces of the two hook webs 16 'and 6 "a spacing gap 18' is formed.

The free ends of the two hook webs 16 'and 16 "each belonging to the flange 15' delimit an upward, approximately arrowhead-shaped cross section, which is adapted to the cross section of the arrowhead-shaped extension 12 'on the profile bars or strips 2.

The profile web 17 of the holding elements in the embodiment of a grate according to FIGS. 4 and 5 has a greater thickness than the web 5 on the profile bars or strips 2, the holding element 3 being molded onto the profile bars or strips 2 such that the Web 17 projects downwards by a small amount, for example by 0.5 to 1.0 mm, over the underside of web 5 of profile bars or strips 2.

When assembling the grate 1 according to FIGS. 4 and 5, the holding element 3 molded onto a profiled bar or a profiled strip 2 is simply pushed into the groove 11 'with the aid of its flange 15' formed by the hook webs 16 'or 16 " the underside of an adjacent profile bar or an adjacent profile strip 2 is pressed in such that the hook webs 16 ', 16 "snap into the undercut areas 13', 13" of the arrow-shaped extension 12 '. The underside of the profile web 17 then jumps onto the holding element 3 also in front of the underside of the web 5 on the adjacent profile bar or on the adjacent profile bar 2.

The profile webs 17 of all the holding elements 3 of the grate 1 thus form the actual bearing surface thereof, which ensures high slip resistance due to the given inherent elasticity and at the same time counteracts scratching of the smooth floor surfaces by the profile rods or strips 2 made of hard plastic.

If the holding elements 3 are extruded from plasticizer-free rubber, there is at the same time the advantage that when the grate 1 rests on polished stone floors, no undesirable discolouration thereof can occur, because then no plasticizer can penetrate the stone material.

It should also be pointed out that the connection formed by the extrusion process between the profiled bars or strips 2 made of hard plastic and the holding elements 3 made of soft plastic need not necessarily have the design shown in FIGS. 4 and 5. Rather, it is also conceivable to directly and exclusively form the holding elements 3 with their profile web 17 onto the profile bars or strips, so that there the transverse engagement of the material of the holding elements 3 into the material of the profile rods or strips, as can be seen in FIGS. 4 and 5 2 is missing. However, the stability of this connection between the holding elements 3 and the profile bars or strips 2 is often obviously less than that shown in FIGS. 4 and 5.

The design of the grate 1 according to FIGS. 4 and 5 differs from the grate according to FIGS. 1 and 2 but not only by the design of the profile bars or strips 2 and the holding elements 3 that produce the connection between them. Rather, the in the open to the top of the grate 1 grooves 6 of the profile bars or strips 2 to be used holding rails 20 and the insert strips 19 to be attached to them, a configuration which is modified compared to FIGS. 1 and 2. The insert strips 19 according to FIGS. 4 and 5, in contrast to the insert strips according to FIGS. 1 and 2, have a three-layer design. They each consist of a rot-proof base or support layer 19 ', for example made of PU or PE plastic, a middle impregnation layer 19 "and an upper needle fleece layer 19"'. This structure of the insert strips ensures good repetition capacity because the elasticity of the material accelerates the regression of the pressure points and at the same time guarantees good dimensional stability with excellent cutting edge strength. In addition to the high tread elasticity, a positive moisture behavior is also achieved, i.e. the insert strips can absorb excessive moisture without damage and tolerate complete soaking. Gratings with these insert strips are therefore suitable for wet rooms.

The holding rails 20 according to FIGS. 4 and 5, which are used to hold the insert strips 19 and in turn can be used in the grooves of the profiled bars or strips 2 open towards the top of the grate 1, differ from the holding rails 20 according to FIGS. 1 and 2 by different ones Variations. Thus the web 22 having the double trapezoidal cross section is not designed as a closed hollow body. Rather, it has perforations 28 in the mutually mirror-image walls 24 'and 24 ", each provided with a constriction, which are located one after the other at predetermined intervals and are each above the height of the walls 24' and 23" delimited by the walls 23 'and 23 " 24 ". This design improves the elasticity behavior of the holding rails 20 and contributes to a further increase in the elasticity of the tread strips 19 held therein.

It can also be seen from FIGS. 4 and 5 that, in the holding rails 20 there, the pins or pins 26 ′, 26 ″ used to secure the flexible insert strips 19 in the area of the tooth-like upward projections 27 ′, 27 ″ in each case immediately above one Opening 29 'and 29 "are located in the flanges 2T and 21". These openings 29 'and 29 "are necessary because the holding rails 20 are manufactured as injection molded parts and the pins or pins 26' and 26" can only be formed if two molding trains which can be displaced at right angles to one another are used in their attachment area in the injection mold. In each case one of the mold trains effective at right angles to one another is effective in the area of the openings 29 ', 29 ".

It is also particularly important to provide the pins or pins 26 ', 26 "on the inside of the flanges 21' and 21" in such a way that they can engage in the middle impregnation layer 19 "of the flexible insert strips 19, as clearly shown in FIG. 5. The distance of the pins or pins 26 ', 26 "from the wall 23 of the web 22 of the holding rails 20 should therefore be at most equal to half the height of the flanges 21', 21".

Just for the sake of completeness, it should finally be mentioned that it is of course also possible to manufacture the holding elements 3 for the grate 1 according to FIGS. 1 and 2 from elastic material, preferably rubber free of plasticizer, and to give their web 17 such a thickness that this protrudes slightly after its connection to the profile bars or strips 2 over the underside of the web 5 of the profile bars or strips 2, in order to thereby obtain a non-slip support for the grate 1.

Claims (27)

1. Grating for the formation of door mats or boot scrapers, consisting of a plurality of profiled rails, profiled bars (2) or the like, which are arranged with their longitudinal axes directed parallel to one another and are provided lengthwise with undercut grooves (6, 1 1', 1 1 "), of holding elements extending transversely thereof and connecting the said rails, bars (2) or the like at a spacing from one another, and also of yieldable inset strips (19), for example of felt, brush material, rubber or textile covering, which are held by thin-walled rails (20) of springy hard material e.g. a hard synthetic plastic, each comprising two flanges (21', 21") and a web interconnecting these latter and are capable of being locked in the profiled rails, profiled bars (2) orthe like, with which, firstly the holding elements (3) with head portions or undercut form are each engageable in an undercut groove (11', 11") on the underside of the profiled rails, bars (2) or the like and, secondly, the rails (20) of springy hard material engage in an undercut groove (6) on the upper side of the profiled rails, bars (2) or the like characterised in that the undercuts (9', 9" and 13', 13") of the grooves (6 and 11', 11") arranged in the top and bottom of the profiled bars, rails (2) or the like and also, firstly, serving as receivers for the rails (20) holding the yieldable inset strips (19) and, secondly, forming the engaging means for the holding elements (3), are provided side-by-side and approximately at equal height.

2. Grating according to claim 1, characterised in that three undercut grooves (6, 11', 11") over the width of the profiled rails, profiled bars (2) or the like are arranged symmetrically of the mean longitudinal plane (10-10) (Fig. 2).

3. Grating according to one of the claims 1 or 2, characterised in that, in the underside of the profiled rails, bars (2) or the like, two longitudinal grooves (11', 11") undercut at (13', 13") are respectively marginally arranged as means for engagement of the holding elements (3), while in the top side of the profiled rail, a longitudinal groove (6) undercut at (9', 9") is provided symmetrically of the mean longitudinal plane (10-10) as means for accommodating a rail (20) forming the holding means of the yieldable inset strips (19), (Fig. 2).

4. Grating according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterised in that the undercut longitudinal grooves (11', 11", or 11') on the underside are relatively narrow slots of small depth, which have upwardly directed arrowhead-like undercuts (12', 13', 13" and 12",13', 13" and respectively 12', 13', 13") (Fig. 2 and Fig. 5 respectively).

5. Grating according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterised in that the undercut longitudinal groove (6) on the uppper side is made relatively broad and deep and the undercuts (9', 9") thereof are formed by an at least trapezoidal englargement of cross-section (8', 8") lying beneath a trapezoidal reduction in cross-section (7', 7") (Fig. 2 or Fig. 5).

6. Grating according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterised in that the profiled rails, profiled bars (2) or the like, and also the holding elements (3), respectively consist of a section member of extruded synthetic plastics material, which has at least approximately equal wall thickness in all wall regions - i.e. also adjoining undercuts (9', 9" or 13', 13") (Fig. 2 or Fig. 5).

7. Grating according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterised in that the section rails, section bars (2) or the like have a substantially U-shaped cross-section, which is provided externally, on at least one of the flanges (4' or 4',4") and in the vicinity of the bar (5), with an integral hook section ( 14' or 14', 14") which slopes downwardly and outwardly, of which the inwardly directed hook portion on its underside, is at the same height as the upper side of the profiled bar (5) (Fig. 2 or 5).

8. Grating according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterised in that the holding elements (3) have a substantially U-shaped cross-section and each of their flanges (15', 15") is formed by two hook members (16',16") which project upwardly in mirror-image formation to one another from the profiled member (17) and of which the rear surfaces facing one another have a clearance gap (18', 18") from one another and which, with one another, define in the upward direction a cross-section which is approximately of arrow-head form (Fig. 2).

9. Grating according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterised in that the holding elements (3) are formed by parts which are cut off from the extruded synthetic plastic section and of which the length only corresponds to a fraction of the length of the profiled rails, bars (2) or the like (Fig. 1).

10. Grating according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterised in that the profiled bars, rails (2) or the like and the holding elements (3) are respectively held in coupling engagement with one another by their arrowhead-shaped undercutting elements (12', 16', 12", 16") and thus their webs or bases (5 and 17) from the bearing surfaces lying approximately on a common plane (Figs. 1 and 2).

11. Grating according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterised in that the holding elements (3) consist of non-slip, soft material, advantageously plasticiser-free rubber, and project slightly, e.g. by 0.5 to 1 mm, with the underside of their web (17) beyond the underside of the web (5) of the profiled rails, bars (2) or the like.

12. Grating according to one of claims 1 and 4 to 7 and also 10, characterised in that the profiled rails, bars (2) or the like each contain on their underside an undercut longitudinal groove (11') situated near their one longitudinal side and also a holding element (3) projecting laterally over the other longitudinal side and provided with upwardly directed hook shanks (16', 16") (Figs. 4 and 5).

13. Grating according to claim 12, characterised in that the holding element (3) is formed directly on the profiled bars, rails (2) or the like (Figs. 4 and 5).

14. Grating according to one of claims 12 and 13, characterised in that the profiled bars, rails (2) or the like of hard synthetic plastics material are formed jointly with the holding element (3) of soft rubber by an extruding operation (Figs. 4 and 5).

15. Grating according to one of claims 12 to 14, characterised in that the holding element (3) consists of non-slip, soft material, advantageously plasticiser-free rubber.

16. Grating according to one of claims 12 to 15, characterised in that the laterally jutting profiled member (17) of the holding element (3) projects with its underside slightly, for example, by 0.6 to 1 mm, beyond the underside of the web (5) of the profiled bars, rails (2) or the like (Figs. 4 and 5).

17. Grating according to one of claims 1 to 16, characterised in that the holding rails (20) for the yieldable inset strips (19) consist of injection- moulded synthetic plastic parts, of which the support (22) is formed as a hollow member of double trapezoidal cross-section, while the flanges (21', 21") thereof are formed in one piece at predetermined distances from one another and also carry inwardly projecting groups of lugs or pins (26', 26") (Figs. 1 and 2 and also 4 and 5).

18. Grating according to claim 17, characterised in that the support (22) of the holding rails (20) is formed as a closed hollow member, while the flanges (21', 21 ") thereof carry the lugs or pins (26', 26") close to their free longitudinal edges (Figs. 1 and 2).

19. Grating according to claim 17, characterised in that the support (22) of the holding rails (20) is provided with openings (28) in the side walls (24', 24") containing the constrictions and always a predetermined distances from one another, while the flanges (21', 21") thereof carry the lugs or pins (26', 26") approximately at mid-height and, directly below the same, have openings (29', 29") extending uptothe wall (23') of the support (22) (Figs. 4and 5).

20. Grating according to one of claims 1 to 19, characterised in that the support (22) of the holding rails (20) is formed as a hollow member and comprises at least one reinforcing transverse wall (25) (Figs. 1 and 2).

21. Grating according to one of claims 1 to 20, characterised in that the free longitudinal egdes of the flanges (21', 21 ") on the holding rails (20) have, at predetermined intervals, projections (27', 27") which project upwardly in tooth-like manner.

22. Grating according to one of the claims 17, 18 and 21, characterised in that the groups of studs or pins (26', 26") are provided on the inwardly facing sides of the projections (27', 27") (Fig. 1).

23. Grating according to one of the claims 17, 19 and 21, characterised in that the groups of studs or pins (26', 26") and the openings (29', 29") are in each case located in the region of the projections (27', 27") (Fig. 1).

24. Grating according to one of claims 1 to 23, characterised in that the yieldable inset strips (19) are fixed in position in the holding rails (20) by the lugs or pins (26', 26").

25. Grating according to one of claims 1 to 24, characterised in that the profile height of the holding rails (20) corresponds approximately to the inside height of the groove (6) of the profiled bars, profiled rails (2) or the like serving to accommodate them, while those projections (27', 27") on the flanges (2T, 21") thereof which carry the studs or pins (26', 26") project beyond the upper flange edges of the profiled bars, profiled rails (2) or the like (Figs. 1 and 2 and also 4 and 5).

26. Grating according to one of claims 1 to 25, characterised in that the inset strips (19) consist of three layers (19', 19", 19"'), namely, a rot-proof base or support layer (19'), for example, of polyurethane or polyethylene synthetic plastics material, a middle impregnating layer (19") and a top porcupine fleece layer (19"') (Figs. 4 and 5).

27. Grating according to one of claims 1 to 26, characterised in that the middle impregnating layer (19") is disposed inside the holding rails (20) at the height of engagement of the studs or pins (26', 26") (Fig. 5).

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