GB2314769A - Matting system - Google Patents

Abstract

A roll-up matting system is formed from a series of channel sections(1). Adjacent sections (1) are interlocked by a spline (3). Each spline (3) carries an upstanding scraper strip (7) which tapers to define a scraper edge (8) which acts to scrape dirt and other material from the feet of people walking over the matting system. The channel sections can carry a matting or abrasive section (2) or can be serrated.

Description

MATTING SYSTEM FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to matting systems and particularly to modular roll-up entrance matting systems for protecting buildings against shoe borne dirt and grime.

BACKGROUND ART An entrance matting system is known and sold by the present applicants under the trade mark PEDILUEX and PEDIMAT E) comprising a series of inverted channel sections, each supporting a matted insert made of carpet, vinyl or abrasive material. For certain purposes the surface of the base of the channel sections is merely serrated.

The individual channel sections are connected together by interlocking splines which allows the matting system to be rolled up from its normal location within a matting well for cleaning and other purposes.

The matted inserts in certain applications, such as heavy duty use, require to be more efficient in removing dirt and other material from the feet of people walking over the matting system.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is, therefore, an object of the present invention to improve the cleaning efficiency of matting systems made in accordance with the prior art.

According to the present invention there is provided a matting system comprising a series of inverted channel sections, a matting insert carried by each of the channel sections, an interlocking spline between the channel sections, and a scraper element to form part of the matting surface arranged between the separate channel sections and joined to the interlocking spline.

Preferably the scraper element is formed of a rigid plastics material.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein; Fig 1 is a side view through a portion of a matting system incorporating a scraper element according to an embodiment of the invention; and Fig 2 is an end view of the interlocking spline for a roll-up matting system incorporating the scraper element in accordance with the invention as an integral part thereof.

PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION The matting system shown in Fig 1 comprises a series of inverted elongate channel sections 1, preferably made of aluminium. Each channel section carries a matted insert 2 on its top surface.

The matted insert 2 may be of carpet, vinyl or abrasive. In an alternative form, the top of the channel sections may merely be serrated.

The channel sections 1 are joined together by an interlocking spline 3. The spline 3 is made preferably of a plastics material and may be of varying colours to suit customer preference.

The interlocking spline 3, see more particularly in Fig 2, has a base 4 and a central leg 5. The leg 5 has part circular bulbous formations 6 formed on its respective sides. The bulbous formations 6 engage correspondingly shaped sockets 7 in the sides of the channel sections 1 as shown to form a hinged joint.

The base 4 of the spline 3 lies beneath the ends of the walls of adjacent channel sections 1 to provide stabilising feet for the structure.

With the matting system in its installed position that portion of the central leg 5 above the bulbous formations 6, part way along its length, is in engagement with the sides of the adjacent channel sections and for the final portion forms a scraper strip 7 which tapers to a scraper edge 8 as shown.

The scraper strip 7 is positionally unconstrained so that it has a certain degree of movement when walked on.

Thereby the integrity of the matting system in terms of comfort, efficiency and durability is not impaired.

The scraper element 7 may be in the form of a continuous strip as shown in the drawings. Alternatively, vertical holes may be punched through the spline from top to bottom to allow the scraped off dirt to fall through the holes so provided for removal at a later date.

Claims (5)

1. A roll-up matting system comprising a series of inverted channel sections, a matting insert carried by each of the channel sections, an interlocking spline between the channel sections, and a scraper element to form part of the matting surface arranged between the separate channel sections and joined to the interlocking spline.

2. A roll-up matting system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the spline is formed of a base member having a cetnrally mounted upright rail, bulbous formations provided along each side of the rail which engage correspondingly shaped sockets in the sides of adjacent channel sections in assembly to form a hinged joint, a section of the rail extending above the bulbous formations to form said scraper element between the matted inserts.

3. A roll-up matting system as claimed in claims 1 or 2 wherein the spline is provided with passageways for transferring scraped dirt to beneath the channel sections for later collection and disposal.

4. A roll-up matting system as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the spline, together with the scraper element, is made of a plastics material.

5. A roll-up matting system substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.