EP3708060B1 - Floor covering apparatus - Google Patents
Floor covering apparatus Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP3708060B1 EP3708060B1 EP19199324.5A EP19199324A EP3708060B1 EP 3708060 B1 EP3708060 B1 EP 3708060B1 EP 19199324 A EP19199324 A EP 19199324A EP 3708060 B1 EP3708060 B1 EP 3708060B1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- floor covering
- base
- covering apparatus
- mat
- edge portion
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Active
Links
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- 239000004411 aluminium Substances 0.000 claims description 16
- XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N aluminium Chemical compound [Al] XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 16
- 229910052782 aluminium Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 16
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Images
Classifications
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E04—BUILDING
- E04F—FINISHING WORK ON BUILDINGS, e.g. STAIRS, FLOORS
- E04F15/00—Flooring
- E04F15/02—Flooring or floor layers composed of a number of similar elements
- E04F15/10—Flooring or floor layers composed of a number of similar elements of other materials, e.g. fibrous or chipped materials, organic plastics, magnesite tiles, hardboard, or with a top layer of other materials
- E04F15/107—Flooring or floor layers composed of a number of similar elements of other materials, e.g. fibrous or chipped materials, organic plastics, magnesite tiles, hardboard, or with a top layer of other materials composed of several layers, e.g. sandwich panels
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47G—HOUSEHOLD OR TABLE EQUIPMENT
- A47G27/00—Floor fabrics; Fastenings therefor
- A47G27/02—Carpets; Stair runners; Bedside rugs; Foot mats
- A47G27/0293—Mat modules for interlocking engagement
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L23/00—Cleaning footwear
- A47L23/22—Devices or implements resting on the floor for removing mud, dirt, or dust from footwear
- A47L23/26—Mats or gratings combined with brushes ; Mats
- A47L23/266—Mats
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47G—HOUSEHOLD OR TABLE EQUIPMENT
- A47G27/00—Floor fabrics; Fastenings therefor
- A47G27/02—Carpets; Stair runners; Bedside rugs; Foot mats
- A47G27/0243—Features of decorative rugs or carpets
- A47G27/025—Modular rugs
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47G—HOUSEHOLD OR TABLE EQUIPMENT
- A47G27/00—Floor fabrics; Fastenings therefor
- A47G27/04—Carpet fasteners; Carpet-expanding devices ; Laying carpeting; Tools therefor
- A47G27/0406—Laying rugs or mats
- A47G27/0431—Reinforcement or stiffening devices, e.g. edge binders, anticurl devices for corners
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E04—BUILDING
- E04F—FINISHING WORK ON BUILDINGS, e.g. STAIRS, FLOORS
- E04F15/00—Flooring
- E04F15/02—Flooring or floor layers composed of a number of similar elements
- E04F15/06—Flooring or floor layers composed of a number of similar elements of metal, whether or not in combination with other material
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E04—BUILDING
- E04F—FINISHING WORK ON BUILDINGS, e.g. STAIRS, FLOORS
- E04F15/00—Flooring
- E04F15/02—Flooring or floor layers composed of a number of similar elements
- E04F15/10—Flooring or floor layers composed of a number of similar elements of other materials, e.g. fibrous or chipped materials, organic plastics, magnesite tiles, hardboard, or with a top layer of other materials
- E04F15/105—Flooring or floor layers composed of a number of similar elements of other materials, e.g. fibrous or chipped materials, organic plastics, magnesite tiles, hardboard, or with a top layer of other materials of organic plastics with or without reinforcements or filling materials
Definitions
- the present invention relates to modular solutions for covering floors, and in particular to modular entrance matting.
- Entrance matting is known and has been used for a number of years. Such entrance matting is commonly made from a woven, wear-resistant, coarse plant fibre material, such as for example, coconut fibre.
- a woven structure typically provides a base upon which an array of bristles pointing upwards may be located.
- Such bristles typically can perform the task of removing dirt and excess moisture from the underside of shoe soles. Dirt and moisture removed in this way typically falls between the bristles, where it remains until it is beaten out of the entrance matting.
- Large matting invariably also contains one or more locations which see more frequent use than other areas of said matting. In such circumstances, the effect of age and said additional use can become apparent on these areas much more quickly than other, less frequently used areas. This non-uniform rate of use across the whole matting can therefore greatly impact the visual appeal of said matting, requiring a complete replacement of the matting including areas which have not been affected by frequent use.
- Some currently available solutions have been provided which use a plurality of smaller matting sections as part of a larger, modular matting product.
- Some example solutions include sections of a mat, forming individual matting tiles which clip together to form a continuous larger mat.
- the tiles often clip together using a connecting or interlocking means.
- the means for connecting or interlocking the tiles are often separate from the tiles themselves, and wear at a different rate to the tiles. As such, these connecting or interlocking means are often a point of weakness for said tiles. Said means can also make it difficult to remove, replace and rearrange individual tiles and as such additional effort is required for maintaining and/or repairing the matting.
- WO 2017/066535 A1 discloses a flooring system comprised of a plurality of washable, multicomponent floor mats.
- the floor mats contain a textile component and a base component.
- an entrance matting solution be provided which overcomes the disadvantages of currently available solutions, and preferably provides a simpler, more creative and elegant solution which is easier to maintain and more robust to wear and tear.
- the present invention provides a rigid floor covering apparatus that can be used alongside other such apparatuses in a modular fashion, such that the floor covering apparatuses tesselate, preferably give multiple possible design permutations, and are preferably robust to suit multi-directional traffic, rather than being restricted to a simple linear pattern of currently available solutions.
- the present invention preferably opens up a huge potential for creativity in design for entrances, while critically comprising a rigid raised edging around each base for durability and quality.
- the edge portion is located about the perimeter, defining a well having a well depth equal to said depth.
- the edge portion is continuous about the perimeter of the base.
- the edge portion preferably extends perpendicular to the base. More preferably, the edge portion cooperates with the base to form a well.
- the well is arranged to accommodate a mat.
- the floor covering apparatus further comprises a mat adjacent the upper face of the base and the edge portion, the mat comprising a cleaning material.
- the mat is preferably arranged to clean the underside of shoe soles as said soles interact with the mat during the course of normal walking.
- the cleaning material comprises one selected from the group: a fibrous material; a woven material; bristled material; rubber; nylon. In embodiments comprising rubber, the rubber preferably comprises a textured surface.
- the mat comprises an absorptive material.
- the mat comprises a compressive material.
- the apparatus of the present invention comprises a mat arranged to provide a compressive feel underfoot.
- cleaning material will be understood by the skilled addressee in the context of matting used for cleaning the underside of soles of shoes and/or for absorbing moisture from the underside of soles of shoes.
- the mat is affixed to the base and/or the edge portion.
- the mat is fixed in place.
- the mat may be fixed in place using a temporary fixing means, such as a hook and loop mechanism, or optionally a permanent fixing means, such as, for example, a glue.
- a temporary fixing means such as a hook and loop mechanism
- a permanent fixing means such as, for example, a glue.
- the mat material provides a loop to be hooked.
- suitable temporary and permanent fixing means will be apparent to the skilled reader.
- the mat is detachable from the base.
- the mat may be detachable from the base and as such may be replaceable. Replacement of the mat may, for example, be desirable for redecoration or for replacement due to wear and tear,
- the mat comprises a height, and preferably wherein the height is substantially the same as the depth. In accordance with most preferable embodiments, the height is greater than the depth. In such embodiments, the height is greater than the depth by a distance selected from the range: 1 mm to 10 mm. Most preferably the the height is greater than the depth by a distance selected from the range: 1 mm to 2.5 mm.
- the height of the mat slightly exceeds the distance between the upper face of the base and the uppermost surface of the edge portion.
- the mat is preferably proud of the uppermost surface of the edge portion, which preferably accounts for any compression of said mat, and therefore preferably provides a smooth surface suitable for walking upon.
- the mat is preferably located within said well.
- the mat comprises a plurality of layers.
- the mat may comprise layers, each arranged to perform a specific function.
- the uppermost of said layers is arranged to perform the function of cleaning the underside of soles of shoes during normal walking.
- the lowermost of said layers is arranged to be affixed to the base.
- the floor covering apparatus further comprises a support member, the support member positioned adjacent the lower face of the base.
- the apparatus comprises a support member on the underside of the base, which is preferably arranged to minimise the impact of said apparatus on a floor.
- the support member is preferably therefore arranged to minimise any resulting sound of the apparatus underfoot.
- the support member preferably comprises a sound-absorbing material; and or a shock-absorbing material.
- Some embodiments of the present invention are preferably arranged to minimise impact of a floor covering apparatus on a setting and may be part of a temporary floor covering solution. As such, damage to any existing floor is preferably minimised through the inclusion of a compressive support member located on the underside of the base.
- the support member comprises a compressive material.
- the support member preferably comprises a different compressive material to that comprised within the mat.
- the compressive material comprises one selected from the group: foam; rubber; a fibrous material.
- the foam is EPDM neofoam.
- the support member may comprise one or more feet positioned about the underside of the base to distribute weight imparted upon said base evenly across an underlying floor.
- the support member comprises a single layer of compressive material extending continuously across the base, such that the underside of the base is covered with said support member.
- the base and the edge portion each comprise a metal.
- the base comprises a metal composite.
- the metal is aluminium.
- any suitable metal is used for the base and/or the edge portion. Aluminium may be used in preferable embodiments since it is lightweight and durable, thereby preferably requiring minimal effort in removing, replacing or rearranging said apparatus, while also minimising the effect of wear and tear on said apparatus.
- the base is an aluminium composite
- the edge portion is pure aluminium.
- the edge portion comprises a rigid material, which preferably maximises durability against repeated use.
- “Use” in the context of the present invention will be understood by the skilled addressee to mean fitting, removing, replacing and rearranging said floor covering apparatus, and will also be understood to include walking on said apparatus.
- “repeated use” includes repeated interaction with said apparatus, which might otherwise, in currently available solutions, be subject to accelerated wear and tear when compared with the present invention.
- the edge portion is affixed to the base.
- the edge portion is continuous with the base, and both may be formed from a single sheet of material.
- the base and the edge portion are manufactured from separate items, and affixed to one another during manufacturing. In such embodiments, the base and the edge portion are each comprised of different materials.
- the two-dimensional shape is a regular polygon selected from the group: rectangle; triangle; hexagon; rhombus; kite; diamond; parallelogram; trapezoid.
- the two-dimensional shape is an irregular polygon.
- the two-dimensional shape is any shape desired or required for a particular application. Said application may, for example, involve fitting said apparatus into an irregular floor space.
- the shape is not a rectangle.
- "Rectangle”, in the context of the present invention will be understood by the skilled reader to include a quadrilateral shape comprising four right-angles (90°), and includes a square.
- "Rectangle”, in the context of the present invention will be understood to exclude any quadrilateral not comprising four right-angles, such as, but not limited to, a kite; a parallelogram; a trapezoid; a rhombus; a diamond.
- One function of entrance matting is to guide traffic to a required location.
- Present solutions primarily comprise linear arrays composed exclusively of rectangular, including square, tiles which are incapable of effectively directing multi-directional traffic (as opposed to unidirectional or bidirectional traffic).
- the present invention preferably provides an alternate solution to those currently provided by offering any suitable shape arranged to create arrays of floor covering apparatuses according to the first aspect, said arrays being more equipped to direct multi-directional traffic.
- the present invention therefore preferably provides architects and engineers with the creative freedom to produce entrance matting arrangements capable of handling multi-directional traffic - something that present linear array solutions are preferably incapable of doing.
- Such embodiments of the present invention will be conceivable which are arranged to tesselate with rectangular tiles.
- the present invention preferably provides for floor covering apparatuses of any number of possible tessellating shapes, and said apparatuses can preferably be fitted together in an almost infinite number of design permutations.
- the present invention therefore preferably provides a heavy-duty, robust entrance mat solution, which may comprise aluminium and fibre, and preferably allows real creativity of design and easily replaceable component parts.
- the at least one other such floor covering apparatus comprises a base having a perimeter defining a different two-dimensional shape.
- the floor covering apparatus may be used in combination with other of such floor covering apparatuses which may comprise a different two-dimensional shape.
- the two-dimensional shape of the apparatuses used may, for example be according to a desired effect or desired, or due to a limitation imposed by a particular application, which may be, for example, an irregular floor space.
- the well preferably defines a two-dimensional shape.
- the two-dimensional shape of the well is equivalent to the two-dimensional shape defined by the perimeter of the base.
- the shape of the well may be different to the shape defined by the perimeter of the base.
- a modular floor covering kit comprising a plurality of floor covering apparatuses according to the first aspect of the present invention.
- the modular floor covering kit may comprise a floor covering apparatus having any one or a combination of the features described herein.
- the modular floor covering kit comprises a floor covering apparatus with a base having a perimeter defining a two-dimensional shape, wherein the two-dimensional shape is not a rectangle.
- the modular floor covering kit may also comprise a floor covering apparatus with a base having a perimeter defining a two-dimensional shape, wherein the two-dimensional shape is a rectangle.
- the modular floor covering kit does not exclusively comprise floor covering apparatuses each with a base having a perimeter defining a two-dimensional shape, wherein the two-dimensional shape is a rectangle.
- the kit is arranged to form a two-dimensional array of floor covering apparatuses.
- the floor covering apparatus 10 comprises a planar aluminium-composite base 12 having an upper face 14, a lower face 16, and a first edge 18 and a second edge 20.
- the floor covering apparatus 10 further comprises a planar, first aluminium edge portion 22 affixed to the first edge 18 of the base 12, and a second aluminium edge portion 24 affixed to the second edge 20 of the base 12.
- Each of the first edge portion 22 and the second edge portion 24 extends perpendicular to the base 12, and defines a well 26 having a depth D.
- a fibrous mat 28 Shown elevated above the well 26, but arranged to be positioned in the well 26, and adjacent to the upper face 14 of the base 12, and the first and second edge portions 22, 24 is a fibrous mat 28, comprising a woven fibrous material 28 affixed to a fabric mat bed 29, the mat 28, 29 having a height H which is 2 mm greater than the depth D.
- a EPDM neofoam support member 30 Affixed to the lower face 16 of the base 12, and extending across the width W of the base 12, is a EPDM neofoam support member 30.
- FIG. 1 The embodiment 10 of FIG. 1 is shown in the isometric view of FIG. 2 , wherein a third aluminium edge portion 32 and a fourth aluminium edge portion 34 are shown, conjoining the first and second edge portions 22, 24.
- the base 12 is diamond-shaped.
- first, second, third and fourth edge portions 22, 24, 32, 34 are each arranged to abut an edge portion of an additional such floor covering apparatus such that said floor covering apparatuses tessellate to form a tessellating array of floor covering apparatuses.
- the floor covering apparatus 10 of the first aspect of the present invention does not require any considerable preparation of an underlying floor prior to laying the apparatus onto said floor, and can also be removed from said floor, replaced and rearranged on said floor without considerable effort.
- the rigid raised edge portions provide a durable, continuous, and gap-free interface between individual floor covering apparatuses when arranged in a modular fashion.
- Some current solutions require connective elements permanently affixed to the floor covering apparatus.
- Other solutions provide a separate connecting piece, arranged to connect two modular apparatuses together. These solutions invariably suffer from wear and tear following extended use.
- the rigid edge portions of the present invention provide a relatively frictionless interface which does not suffer from wear and tear from repeated detachment and reattachment, and also allows for minimal effort in removing, replacing and rearranging individual apparatuses.
- the rigid nature of the edge portions also allows the edge portions to withstand continued use without causing the material of the mat, which in the embodiments shown is a woven material, to fray at the edges.
- the bed 29 of the mat 28 is permanently affixed to the base 12 of the apparatus 10 using an adhesive, but embodiments will be appreciated wherein the mat 28, 29 is temporarily affixed to the base, and may instead be detached and replaced.
- a suitable temporary or detachable fixing means would be required to affix the mat to the base.
- An example of such a fixing means would include a hook and loop system. A hook and loop system would be particularly useful in embodiments wherein the mat is a fibrous material.
- any suitable fixing means is provided and is tailored to the material used for the mat.
- the mat for use with the present invention preferably comprises a compressive cleaning material.
- Certain such compressive cleaning materials may have a finite lifespan due to prolonged cyclic compression and therefore it may be advantageous for the mat to be temporarily fixable to the base.
- a temporary fixing means is preferably also useful for quick and easy redecoration, if for instance a different coloured mat material is required.
- a modular floor covering kit 36 is shown according to the second aspect of the present invention, comprising a plurality of floor covering apparatuses 10 according to the first aspect of the present invention, and as shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 .
- the plurality of floor covering apparatuses 10 of the kit 36 have been arranged to form a larger floor covering apparatus arranged in a pattern.
- the edge portions of the floor covering apparatuses 10 are arranged to abut an edge portion of one other floor covering apparatus 10 such that a continuous, robust interface is created between the floor covering apparatuses. This robust interface permits robustness against continued use.
- the aluminium edge portions 22, 24, 32, 34 are bonded to the aluminium composite base 12, and the fibre matting insert 28 and EPDM neofoam backing 30 are adhered to the base 12 to form the completed apparatus.
- the apparatuses When installed as shown in FIG. 3 , the apparatuses tesselate together, and in the embodiment shown, are fitted to a floor using a tackifier adhesive.
- Alternative methods of manufacturing the present invention could include the step of folding an aluminium plate, or cast aluminium tiles, into the various tessellating shapes, including the required edge portions.
- Alternative methods may include a step of cutting a single piece of a rigid material to a desired shape, and preceded or followed by a step of routing said well out of said single piece of desired rigid material. Such routing of the well would therefore leave the required base and the required edge portions in-tact.
- Said single piece of desired rigid material may for example comprise metal; stone; porcelain; ceramic; wood; rubber; linoleum; any combination thereof, or any other suitable rigid material. material.
- Said apparatuses could further be affixed together using jointing strips, clips, and/or adhesive.
- an alternate floor covering kit 38 is shown according to the second aspect of the present invention, comprising a plurality of floor covering apparatuses 40 according to the first aspect of the present invention.
- the plurality of floor covering apparatuses 40 comprise a base having a perimeter defining a hexagonal shape.
- a further alternate floor covering kit 42 is shown according to the second aspect of the present invention, comprising a plurality of floor covering apparatuses 10 as shown in FIG. 2 and floor covering apparatuses 40 as shown in FIG. 4 , tessellating to form a larger, continuous floor covering apparatus.
- the base is a regular polygon.
- the base takes the form of any suitable regular polygon capable of tessellating with another regular polygon, or an irregular polygon.
- the shape is an irregular polygon arranged to tessellate with another irregular polygon or a regular polygon.
- aluminium is used for the edge portions, and an aluminium composite is used for the base, each for rigidity and strength.
- any suitable rigid material is used, for example metal; stone; porcelain; ceramic; wood; rubber; linoleum; any combination thereof, or any other suitable rigid material.
- the apparatus forms a diamond-shape having dimensions 115 mm x 690 mm (2 x 45° angle; and 2 x 135° angle).
- Other examples of possible shapes/dimensions suitable for the present invention are:
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Description
- The present invention relates to modular solutions for covering floors, and in particular to modular entrance matting.
- Entrance matting is known and has been used for a number of years. Such entrance matting is commonly made from a woven, wear-resistant, coarse plant fibre material, such as for example, coconut fibre.
- A woven structure typically provides a base upon which an array of bristles pointing upwards may be located. Such bristles typically can perform the task of removing dirt and excess moisture from the underside of shoe soles. Dirt and moisture removed in this way typically falls between the bristles, where it remains until it is beaten out of the entrance matting.
- There are a number of disadvantages to this type of entrance matting, particularly in those covering a large surface area of a floor. Entrance matting of this large size presents a difficulty when the time comes for cleaning said matting. Specialised equipment and/or a great deal of time and effort are often required for cleaning large entrance matting, which is exacerbated for frequently-used matting requiring more regular cleaning.
- Large matting invariably also contains one or more locations which see more frequent use than other areas of said matting. In such circumstances, the effect of age and said additional use can become apparent on these areas much more quickly than other, less frequently used areas. This non-uniform rate of use across the whole matting can therefore greatly impact the visual appeal of said matting, requiring a complete replacement of the matting including areas which have not been affected by frequent use.
- Some currently available solutions have been provided which use a plurality of smaller matting sections as part of a larger, modular matting product. Some example solutions include sections of a mat, forming individual matting tiles which clip together to form a continuous larger mat. The tiles often clip together using a connecting or interlocking means. The means for connecting or interlocking the tiles are often separate from the tiles themselves, and wear at a different rate to the tiles. As such, these connecting or interlocking means are often a point of weakness for said tiles. Said means can also make it difficult to remove, replace and rearrange individual tiles and as such additional effort is required for maintaining and/or repairing the matting.
- One function of entrance matting is to direct traffic to a required location. Present solutions provide linear arrays of rectangular, or square, matting tiles in straight lines and are therefore ineffective at/incapable of handling multidirectional traffic.
-
WO 2017/066535 A1 discloses a flooring system comprised of a plurality of washable, multicomponent floor mats. The floor mats contain a textile component and a base component. - It is therefore desirable that an entrance matting solution be provided which overcomes the disadvantages of currently available solutions, and preferably provides a simpler, more creative and elegant solution which is easier to maintain and more robust to wear and tear.
- In accordance with the invention, there is provided a floor covering apparatus according to independent claim 1, further preferred embodiments are given in the dependent claims.
- The present invention provides a rigid floor covering apparatus that can be used alongside other such apparatuses in a modular fashion, such that the floor covering apparatuses tesselate, preferably give multiple possible design permutations, and are preferably robust to suit multi-directional traffic, rather than being restricted to a simple linear pattern of currently available solutions. The present invention preferably opens up a huge potential for creativity in design for entrances, while critically comprising a rigid raised edging around each base for durability and quality.
- Most current rigid entrance matting is linear in construction and is not provided in multiple shapes and tessellating patterns, and therefore cannot effectively handle or direct multidirectional traffic while remaining robust to wear and tear. Some current manufacturers cut their existing linear product into a standard tile size that can be clipped together and arranged by 90 degrees only, suiting unidirectional or bidirectional traffic only.
- Preferably the edge portion is located about the perimeter, defining a well having a well depth equal to said depth. In preferable embodiments the edge portion is continuous about the perimeter of the base. The edge portion preferably extends perpendicular to the base. More preferably, the edge portion cooperates with the base to form a well. Preferably the well is arranged to accommodate a mat.
- Preferably the floor covering apparatus further comprises a mat adjacent the upper face of the base and the edge portion, the mat comprising a cleaning material. The mat is preferably arranged to clean the underside of shoe soles as said soles interact with the mat during the course of normal walking. Preferably the cleaning material comprises one selected from the group: a fibrous material; a woven material; bristled material; rubber; nylon. In embodiments comprising rubber, the rubber preferably comprises a textured surface. Preferably the mat comprises an absorptive material. Preferably the mat comprises a compressive material. Preferably, the apparatus of the present invention comprises a mat arranged to provide a compressive feel underfoot.
- In the context of the present invention, the term "cleaning material" will be understood by the skilled addressee in the context of matting used for cleaning the underside of soles of shoes and/or for absorbing moisture from the underside of soles of shoes.
- Preferably the mat is affixed to the base and/or the edge portion. In preferable embodiments, the mat is fixed in place. The mat may be fixed in place using a temporary fixing means, such as a hook and loop mechanism, or optionally a permanent fixing means, such as, for example, a glue. In embodiments comprising a hook and loop system, preferably the mat material provides a loop to be hooked. Other examples of suitable temporary and permanent fixing means will be apparent to the skilled reader.
- Preferably the mat is detachable from the base. In some embodiments, the mat may be detachable from the base and as such may be replaceable. Replacement of the mat may, for example, be desirable for redecoration or for replacement due to wear and tear,
Preferably the mat comprises a height, and preferably wherein the height is substantially the same as the depth. In accordance with most preferable embodiments, the height is greater than the depth. In such embodiments, the height is greater than the depth by a distance selected from the range: 1 mm to 10 mm. Most preferably the the height is greater than the depth by a distance selected from the range: 1 mm to 2.5 mm. Preferably the height of the mat slightly exceeds the distance between the upper face of the base and the uppermost surface of the edge portion. As such, the mat is preferably proud of the uppermost surface of the edge portion, which preferably accounts for any compression of said mat, and therefore preferably provides a smooth surface suitable for walking upon. - In embodiments wherein the edge portion is located about the perimeter of the base and therefore cooperates with the base to form a well, the mat is preferably located within said well.
- Preferably the mat comprises a plurality of layers. In some embodiments, the mat may comprise layers, each arranged to perform a specific function. In preferable embodiments, the uppermost of said layers is arranged to perform the function of cleaning the underside of soles of shoes during normal walking. In some embodiments, the lowermost of said layers is arranged to be affixed to the base.
- The floor covering apparatus further comprises a support member, the support member positioned adjacent the lower face of the base. In preferable embodiments, the apparatus comprises a support member on the underside of the base, which is preferably arranged to minimise the impact of said apparatus on a floor.
- The support member is preferably therefore arranged to minimise any resulting sound of the apparatus underfoot. The support member preferably comprises a sound-absorbing material; and or a shock-absorbing material. Some embodiments of the present invention are preferably arranged to minimise impact of a floor covering apparatus on a setting and may be part of a temporary floor covering solution. As such, damage to any existing floor is preferably minimised through the inclusion of a compressive support member located on the underside of the base.
- The support member comprises a compressive material. In embodiments comprising both a support member and a mat, the support member preferably comprises a different compressive material to that comprised within the mat. Preferably the compressive material comprises one selected from the group: foam; rubber; a fibrous material. Preferably the foam is EPDM neofoam. In some embodiments, the support member may comprise one or more feet positioned about the underside of the base to distribute weight imparted upon said base evenly across an underlying floor.
- Preferably the support member comprises a single layer of compressive material extending continuously across the base, such that the underside of the base is covered with said support member.
- Preferably the base and the edge portion each comprise a metal. Preferably the base comprises a metal composite. Preferably the metal is aluminium. Embodiments will be appreciated wherein any suitable metal is used for the base and/or the edge portion. Aluminium may be used in preferable embodiments since it is lightweight and durable, thereby preferably requiring minimal effort in removing, replacing or rearranging said apparatus, while also minimising the effect of wear and tear on said apparatus.
- In accordance with preferable embodiments, the base is an aluminium composite, and the edge portion is pure aluminium. The edge portion comprises a rigid material, which preferably maximises durability against repeated use. "Use" in the context of the present invention will be understood by the skilled addressee to mean fitting, removing, replacing and rearranging said floor covering apparatus, and will also be understood to include walking on said apparatus. As such, "repeated use" includes repeated interaction with said apparatus, which might otherwise, in currently available solutions, be subject to accelerated wear and tear when compared with the present invention.
- Preferably the edge portion is affixed to the base. In some embodiments, the edge portion is continuous with the base, and both may be formed from a single sheet of material. In other embodiments, the base and the edge portion are manufactured from separate items, and affixed to one another during manufacturing. In such embodiments, the base and the edge portion are each comprised of different materials.
- Preferably the two-dimensional shape is a regular polygon selected from the group: rectangle; triangle; hexagon; rhombus; kite; diamond; parallelogram; trapezoid. Preferably the two-dimensional shape is an irregular polygon. Embodiments will be appreciated wherein the two-dimensional shape is any shape desired or required for a particular application. Said application may, for example, involve fitting said apparatus into an irregular floor space.
- In some preferable embodiments, the shape is not a rectangle. "Rectangle", in the context of the present invention will be understood by the skilled reader to include a quadrilateral shape comprising four right-angles (90°), and includes a square. "Rectangle", in the context of the present invention will be understood to exclude any quadrilateral not comprising four right-angles, such as, but not limited to, a kite; a parallelogram; a trapezoid; a rhombus; a diamond.
- One function of entrance matting is to guide traffic to a required location. Present solutions primarily comprise linear arrays composed exclusively of rectangular, including square, tiles which are incapable of effectively directing multi-directional traffic (as opposed to unidirectional or bidirectional traffic). The present invention preferably provides an alternate solution to those currently provided by offering any suitable shape arranged to create arrays of floor covering apparatuses according to the first aspect, said arrays being more equipped to direct multi-directional traffic. The present invention therefore preferably provides architects and engineers with the creative freedom to produce entrance matting arrangements capable of handling multi-directional traffic - something that present linear array solutions are preferably incapable of doing. Such embodiments of the present invention will be conceivable which are arranged to tesselate with rectangular tiles.
- The present invention preferably provides for floor covering apparatuses of any number of possible tessellating shapes, and said apparatuses can preferably be fitted together in an almost infinite number of design permutations. The present invention therefore preferably provides a heavy-duty, robust entrance mat solution, which may comprise aluminium and fibre, and preferably allows real creativity of design and easily replaceable component parts. Preferably the at least one other such floor covering apparatus comprises a base having a perimeter defining a different two-dimensional shape. In some embodiments, the floor covering apparatus may be used in combination with other of such floor covering apparatuses which may comprise a different two-dimensional shape. Such differences in the two-dimensional shape of the apparatuses used may, for example be according to a desired effect or desired, or due to a limitation imposed by a particular application, which may be, for example, an irregular floor space. In embodiments comprising a well, preferably the well defines a two-dimensional shape. In preferable embodiments, the two-dimensional shape of the well is equivalent to the two-dimensional shape defined by the perimeter of the base. In some embodiments, the shape of the well may be different to the shape defined by the perimeter of the base.
- In accordance with a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a modular floor covering kit, the kit comprising a plurality of floor covering apparatuses according to the first aspect of the present invention.
- Preferably the modular floor covering kit may comprise a floor covering apparatus having any one or a combination of the features described herein. Preferably the modular floor covering kit comprises a floor covering apparatus with a base having a perimeter defining a two-dimensional shape, wherein the two-dimensional shape is not a rectangle. In such embodiments, the modular floor covering kit may also comprise a floor covering apparatus with a base having a perimeter defining a two-dimensional shape, wherein the two-dimensional shape is a rectangle. Preferably the modular floor covering kit does not exclusively comprise floor covering apparatuses each with a base having a perimeter defining a two-dimensional shape, wherein the two-dimensional shape is a rectangle.
- Preferably the kit is arranged to form a two-dimensional array of floor covering apparatuses.
- Specific embodiments will now be described by way of example only, and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
-
FIG. 1 shows a sectional view of an example embodiment of a floor covering apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention; -
FIG. 2 shows an isometric view of the example embodiment ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 3 shows an example embodiment of a floor covering kit according to the second aspect of the present invention comprising the floor covering apparatus ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 4 shows a second example embodiment of a floor covering kit according to the second aspect of the present invention; and -
FIG. 5 shows a third example embodiment of a floor covering kit according to the second aspect of the present invention comprising floor covering apparatuses from the example embodiment ofFIG. 1 in combination with floor covering apparatuses from the example embodiment ofFIG. 4 . - Referring to
FIG. 1 , anexample embodiment 10 of a floor covering apparatus is shown according to the first aspect of the present invention. Thefloor covering apparatus 10 comprises a planar aluminium-composite base 12 having anupper face 14, alower face 16, and afirst edge 18 and asecond edge 20. Thefloor covering apparatus 10 further comprises a planar, firstaluminium edge portion 22 affixed to thefirst edge 18 of thebase 12, and a secondaluminium edge portion 24 affixed to thesecond edge 20 of thebase 12. Each of thefirst edge portion 22 and thesecond edge portion 24 extends perpendicular to thebase 12, and defines a well 26 having a depth D. Shown elevated above the well 26, but arranged to be positioned in the well 26, and adjacent to theupper face 14 of thebase 12, and the first andsecond edge portions fibrous mat 28, comprising a wovenfibrous material 28 affixed to afabric mat bed 29, themat lower face 16 of thebase 12, and extending across the width W of thebase 12, is a EPDMneofoam support member 30. - The
embodiment 10 ofFIG. 1 is shown in the isometric view ofFIG. 2 , wherein a thirdaluminium edge portion 32 and a fourthaluminium edge portion 34 are shown, conjoining the first andsecond edge portions FIG. 2 , thebase 12 is diamond-shaped. - In use, the first, second, third and
fourth edge portions - The
floor covering apparatus 10 of the first aspect of the present invention does not require any considerable preparation of an underlying floor prior to laying the apparatus onto said floor, and can also be removed from said floor, replaced and rearranged on said floor without considerable effort. - In use, the rigid raised edge portions provide a durable, continuous, and gap-free interface between individual floor covering apparatuses when arranged in a modular fashion. Some current solutions require connective elements permanently affixed to the floor covering apparatus. Other solutions provide a separate connecting piece, arranged to connect two modular apparatuses together. These solutions invariably suffer from wear and tear following extended use. The rigid edge portions of the present invention provide a relatively frictionless interface which does not suffer from wear and tear from repeated detachment and reattachment, and also allows for minimal effort in removing, replacing and rearranging individual apparatuses. The rigid nature of the edge portions also allows the edge portions to withstand continued use without causing the material of the mat, which in the embodiments shown is a woven material, to fray at the edges.
- In the embodiment shown, the
bed 29 of themat 28 is permanently affixed to thebase 12 of theapparatus 10 using an adhesive, but embodiments will be appreciated wherein themat - Referring to
FIG. 3 , a modularfloor covering kit 36 is shown according to the second aspect of the present invention, comprising a plurality offloor covering apparatuses 10 according to the first aspect of the present invention, and as shown inFIG. 1 andFIG. 2 . As can be seen, the plurality offloor covering apparatuses 10 of thekit 36 have been arranged to form a larger floor covering apparatus arranged in a pattern. The edge portions of thefloor covering apparatuses 10 are arranged to abut an edge portion of one otherfloor covering apparatus 10 such that a continuous, robust interface is created between the floor covering apparatuses. This robust interface permits robustness against continued use. - In the embodiment shown, the
aluminium edge portions aluminium composite base 12, and thefibre matting insert 28 andEPDM neofoam backing 30 are adhered to the base 12 to form the completed apparatus. When installed as shown inFIG. 3 , the apparatuses tesselate together, and in the embodiment shown, are fitted to a floor using a tackifier adhesive. - Alternative methods of manufacturing the present invention could include the step of folding an aluminium plate, or cast aluminium tiles, into the various tessellating shapes, including the required edge portions. Alternative methods may include a step of cutting a single piece of a rigid material to a desired shape, and preceded or followed by a step of routing said well out of said single piece of desired rigid material. Such routing of the well would therefore leave the required base and the required edge portions in-tact. Said single piece of desired rigid material may for example comprise metal; stone; porcelain; ceramic; wood; rubber; linoleum; any combination thereof, or any other suitable rigid material. material. Said apparatuses could further be affixed together using jointing strips, clips, and/or adhesive.
- Referring to
FIG. 4 , an alternatefloor covering kit 38 is shown according to the second aspect of the present invention, comprising a plurality offloor covering apparatuses 40 according to the first aspect of the present invention. As can be seen from the embodiment ofFIG. 4 , the plurality offloor covering apparatuses 40 comprise a base having a perimeter defining a hexagonal shape. - Referring to
FIG. 5 , a further alternatefloor covering kit 42 is shown according to the second aspect of the present invention, comprising a plurality offloor covering apparatuses 10 as shown inFIG. 2 andfloor covering apparatuses 40 as shown inFIG. 4 , tessellating to form a larger, continuous floor covering apparatus. - In the embodiments shown, the base is a regular polygon. Embodiments will be appreciated wherein the base takes the form of any suitable regular polygon capable of tessellating with another regular polygon, or an irregular polygon. Embodiments will also be appreciated wherein the shape is an irregular polygon arranged to tessellate with another irregular polygon or a regular polygon. In the embodiment shown, aluminium is used for the edge portions, and an aluminium composite is used for the base, each for rigidity and strength. Embodiments will be appreciated wherein any suitable rigid material is used, for example metal; stone; porcelain; ceramic; wood; rubber; linoleum; any combination thereof, or any other suitable rigid material.
- In the embodiment shown in
FIG. 1 , the apparatus forms a diamond-shape having dimensions 115 mm x 690 mm (2 x 45° angle; and 2 x 135° angle). Other examples of possible shapes/dimensions suitable for the present invention (but not limited to) are: - small square - 230 mm x 230 mm;
- large square - 460 mm x 460 mm;
- small triangle - 230 mm x 230 mm;
- large triangle - 460 mm x 460 mm;
- extra-small rectangle - 115 mm x 345 mm;
- small rectangle - 230 mm x 460 mm;
- medium rectangle - 230 mm x 690 mm;
- medium, slim rectangle - 115 mm x 690 mm;
- large rectangle - 460 mm x 690 mm;
- small diamond - 230 mm x 230 mm;
- medium, slim diamond x 115 mm x 690 mm (2 x 45° angle; and 2 x 135° angle);
- large diamond - 460 mm x 460 mm (2 x 60° angle; and 2 x 120° angle); and
- small hexagon - 230 mm x 230 mm.
- It will be appreciated that the above described embodiments are given by way of example only and that various modifications thereto may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.
Claims (14)
- A floor covering apparatus, (10) the apparatus comprising,a rigid, substantially planar base (12) having an upper face (14), a lower face (16) and a perimeter defining a two-dimensional shape;a rigid edge portion extending from the upper face of the base and defining a depth (D),wherein the depth is a distance between the upper face (14) of the base and an uppermost surface of the edge portion;wherein the floor covering apparatus is arranged to tessellate with at least one other such floor covering apparatus;characterised in thatthe floor covering apparatus further comprises a support member (30) the support member affixed adjacent the lower face of the base; andwherein the support member comprises a compressive material.
- A floor covering apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the edge portion is located about the perimeter, defining a well having a well depth equal to said depth.
- A floor covering apparatus as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the floor covering apparatus further comprises a mat adjacent the upper face of the base and the edge portion, the mat comprising a cleaning material.
- A floor covering apparatus as claimed in claim 3, wherein the cleaning material comprises one selected from the group: a fibrous material; a woven material.
- A floor covering apparatus as claimed in claim 3 or claim 4, wherein the mat is affixed to the base and/or the edge portion.
- A floor covering apparatus as claimed in claim 3, claim 4 or claim 5, wherein the mat is detachable from the base.
- A floor covering apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 3 to 6, wherein the mat comprises a height, wherein the height is substantially the same as the depth.
- A floor covering apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 3 to 7, when dependent from claim 2, wherein the mat is located within said well.
- A floor covering apparatus as claimed in any one of claim 3 to 8, wherein the mat comprises a plurality of layers.
- A floor covering apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the compressive material comprises one selected from the group: foam; rubber; a fibrous material.
- A floor covering apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the base and the edge portion each comprise a metal.
- A floor covering apparatus as claimed in claim 11, wherein the base comprises a metal composite.
- A floor covering apparatus as claimed in claim 11 or claim 12, wherein the metal is aluminium.
- A floor covering apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the two-dimensional shape is a regular polygon selected from the group: rectangle; triangle; hexagon; rhombus; kite; diamond; parallelogram; trapezoid.
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
GB1815624.0A GB2577497A (en) | 2018-09-25 | 2018-09-25 | Floor covering apparatus |
Publications (3)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP3708060A1 EP3708060A1 (en) | 2020-09-16 |
EP3708060B1 true EP3708060B1 (en) | 2024-05-08 |
EP3708060C0 EP3708060C0 (en) | 2024-05-08 |
Family
ID=64024102
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP19199324.5A Active EP3708060B1 (en) | 2018-09-25 | 2019-09-24 | Floor covering apparatus |
Country Status (3)
Country | Link |
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US (1) | US20200123787A1 (en) |
EP (1) | EP3708060B1 (en) |
GB (1) | GB2577497A (en) |
Family Cites Families (7)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
CH461074A (en) * | 1967-09-28 | 1968-08-15 | Kantorowicz Josef | Insert frame for parts of surface cladding |
IT1226345B (en) * | 1988-07-11 | 1991-01-11 | Dell Orto Gianni S | MODULAR MODULAR ELEMENT DOOR |
NZ332003A (en) * | 1998-09-23 | 2001-11-30 | Advance Flooring Company | Door mat, array of panels joined by flexible separators, extending in 2 dimensions |
US20020139070A1 (en) * | 2001-03-28 | 2002-10-03 | Berndt Fred P. | Floor mats using rigid rails |
GB0707268D0 (en) * | 2007-04-16 | 2007-05-23 | 3M Innovative Properties Co | Base for a floor mat |
CN202981479U (en) * | 2012-11-29 | 2013-06-12 | 上海齐燕塑业有限公司 | Ground anti-skidding dustproof mat |
US20170105563A1 (en) * | 2015-10-14 | 2017-04-20 | Milliken & Company | Flooring System |
-
2018
- 2018-09-25 GB GB1815624.0A patent/GB2577497A/en not_active Withdrawn
-
2019
- 2019-09-24 EP EP19199324.5A patent/EP3708060B1/en active Active
- 2019-09-24 US US16/580,610 patent/US20200123787A1/en not_active Abandoned
Also Published As
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US20200123787A1 (en) | 2020-04-23 |
GB201815624D0 (en) | 2018-11-07 |
EP3708060A1 (en) | 2020-09-16 |
EP3708060C0 (en) | 2024-05-08 |
GB2577497A (en) | 2020-04-01 |
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