GB2386833A

GB2386833A - Electronic display floor mat

Info

Publication number: GB2386833A
Application number: GB0308897A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Ronald D Blum; Dwight P Duston; Bradley J Blum
Original assignee: Tech Mats LLC; Intellimat Inc
Current assignee: Intellimat Inc
Priority date: 1999-05-04
Filing date: 2000-05-02
Publication date: 2003-10-01
Anticipated expiration: 2020-05-02
Also published as: GB2386833B; GB2386834A; GB2386834B; GB0308899D0; GB2384703B; GB2384703A; GB0308897D0; GB0308898D0

Abstract

A floor covering 100 is associated with an electronic display 720. The floor covering is typically a mat 100 comprising a transparent portion 300 which can be stepped on. The transparent portion 300 may be removably disposed over the display in a recessed base 200 of the mat 100. It is preferably cleanable and may have an anti-slip or tacky portion. The display 720 may comprise light emitting polymers, liquid crystal, electric paper, electronic ink or an LED, and may display dynamic images or scrolling text. It may be computer controlled and may be wirelessly connected via a network such as the worldwide web to a paging system. The display 720 and a sensor 710 may form part of a sensor system 700 which responds to the presence of a pedestrian on or above the mat 100.

Description

i' i A FLOOR COVERING

Background and Discussion of the Invention

The present invention relates to a floor mat. More specifically, the invention provides a floor mat that includes a cleanable portion. The floor mat may also include 10 a water dissipation component, a water absorbing component, a cushioning component, customized graphics, a transparent cleanable portion, a tacky surface on the cleanable portion, an antibacterial composition. an antifungal composition. and a fragrance. The cleanable portion may be erodible and may include a plurality of cleanable reusable layers. If a tacky surface is included in the floor mat, an anti-slip feature may be 15 associated with the taclcy surface to help prevent slipping on a possibly wet tacky surface. Additionally, a sensor system nay be included in the floor mat to assist a user in identifying when the floor mat may require cleaning Floor mats are lnown for cleaning the soles of a person's shoes who is about to ? enter a particular area or room. One problem with floor mats in general is how to keep 20 the floor mat sufficiently clean such that it may perform its function of cleaning the person's shoes when, by its very nature, it is purposefully dirtied when performing its

function. Known floor mats may be comprised of a single, unitary piece of material.

Whereas these single structure floor mats may be kept clean by, for en ample, washing the floor mat, it may be required that the entire floor mat be removed from its location 5 for washing and thus, the floor mat is not available where desired while the entire mat is being cleaned. Alternatively, even if the mat can be cleaned in-place, which may not be a possibility if it is located in, for example, a carpeted area, it may be inconvenient to clean the mat in-place UPS. PatentNumber3,785,102 to Amos discloses athrow-awaypad comprising 10 a plurality of stacked disposable sheets where, when a particular sheet is dirtied, the dirty sheet is removed and disposed of. The next sheet that is exposed after the dirty sheet is discarded is clean and thus, a clean surface is again available. However, there may beproblems with comprising the floormatof disposable sheets Disposing of each dirty sheet may be uneconomical since each sheet is discarded after it becomes dirty.

1: Additionally, after some finite number of sheets are disposed of, no sheets will remain and thus no effective cleaning surface is available.

U.S. Patent Number 3,78S,102 to Amos also discloses that an adhesive can be provided on each sheet's top surface to improve its ability to remove dirt from a person's shoes. However, again, these sheets are not cleanable and therefore are not 20 reusable.

U.S. PatentNumber 3,717,897 to Amos et al. discloses aped for clearing shoes and wheels. The pad includes a thin water-washable adhesive covering its upper surface for removing dirt from shoes and wheels. Whereas the '897 patent discloses a pad with a water-washable adhesive upper surface, the pad is not known for use in 25 domestic or of fice- type applications. As stated in the '897 patent, the pad is placed at an entrance doorway leading into a clean room.

Tacky floor mats are by far more popular for utilization in indoor environments that are far removed from exterior outside entrances, such as for clean rooms that are well-within the interior of the building in which they are used, e.g., hospital rooms,.-

30 computer chip manufacturing spaces, and gymnasiums. Thus, tacky floor mats are not known for use in areas that are adjacent to entrances that lead from the outdoor

environment for cleaning the soles of a person's shoes prior to entry into the interior of a buildings, such as for example in an entry foyer or on an outdoor porch.

Tacky floor mats are not known for use in domestic or of fice-type applications, e.o., home or business office use, because of several known deficiencies. One of these À 5 deficiencies is that their tacky surface will not be as effective if it becomes wet.

Therefore, if the tacky surface floor mat was utilized in an outdoor environment, such as the outdoor porch mentioned above, or in an indoor environment that is adjacent to or near an outdoor entrance, such as an entry foyer of a home or business, for cleaning a person's shoes prior to further entering the home or business, the mat is likely to 10 become wet and therefore not effective. The mat could become wet from, for example, the moisture in the atmosphere or from moisture carried on the soles of the person's shoes who steps on the mat. Additionally, if the tacky surface becomes wet it may become slippery and thus cause a hazard for the person who steps on it.

Additional deficiencies with using known tacky floor mats for home or of fice 15 type applications as discussed above is their likelihood of becoming trip hazards and theirlack of aesthetic appeal Inthe'897 patent, because the pad is designed foruse in clean room environments, it is adhesively adhered to the passageway floor in front of the entrance doorway. This may be satisfactory for retaining the mat in-place in clean room-type of applications, however if it was attempted to use the '897 pad on a 20 carpeted floor, the pad would not properly adhere to the carpet and thus a trip hazard would be present. This could result in significant liability issues. The '897 pad does not have sufficient mass for it to remain in-place without utilizing an adhesive.

Regarding aesthetics, because tacky floor mats are known only for their functional characteristics, and thus for use only in "clean room"-type applications, they are not 95 aestheticallypleasing Therefore, for at leastthe abovereasons, taclylloor mats are not known for use in home or office-type applications.

Additional drawbacks with known floor mats exist that are directed to issues of customization for a particular purchaser and a lack of additional cleaning properties.

A floor mat may be the first object that a visitor to a particular home or business 30 encounters. As such, the owner of the home or business may want to utilize the floor mat to graphically convey an initial greeting or message to the visitor. Whereas floor

mats are known that may include a greeting on there, it is not currently known to allow for a particular purchaser to customize the displayed graphic so that the message is tailored to convey a particular message desired by the purchaser. I:or example; on Hal]oNveen the purchaser may want the floor mat to display a "Happy Halloween" 5 message. In another situation, the purchaser may want to greet a particular visitor with a message such as "Hello, Joe". Currently, it is not known to provide a floor mat where an indi vidual can customize the floor mat to display a particular message that they want to convey and in certain circumstances even change the floor mat's message they want to convey.

10 An additional problem with known floor mats, as mentioned above, is that they are limited in their ability to clean the soles of a person's shoes. Whereas known floor mats may be capable of removing dirt particles from the shoe's soles, they are not able to disinfect the soles nor provide a scent to the soles to assist in masking any unpleasant odors that may be associated with the shoes.

15 An additional drawback with known floor mats. even if they are cleanable, is that they do not assist a user in determining when the floor mat may require cleaning.

Generally, the owner or custodian of the floor mat does not continuously or regularly monitor the condition of the floor mat with respect to cleanliness. Therefore, the floor mat could require cleaning, and because the owner is not consciously monitoring the 20 condition of the floor mat, there could be a significant period of time before the owner realizes that the floor mat requires cleaning. Therefore, it would be desirable to assist the owner/custodian of the floor mat in determining when the floor mat requires cleaning. Therefore, it would be desirable to provide an advanced floor mat that could 25 address deficiencies that existwith currently known floor mats. The advanced floor mat of the present invention overcomes d efficiencies in the prior art and may include a base

portion which incorporates a cleanable portion that is adapted tobe removably received within the floor mat. The floor mat may also include features such as a water dissipation capability, awater absorb ing capab i lity, a cushioning capability, customized 3 0 graphics, a transparent portion, a tacky surface on the cl eanab le portion, an antibacterial composition, an antifungal composition, and a fragrance. The cleanable portion may

include the features of being erodib]e and containing a plurality of cleanable reusable layers. If a tacky surface is included in the floor mat, an anti-slip feature may be associated with the tacky surface to help prevent slipping on a possibly wet taclcy surface. Additionally, a sensor system may be included in the floor mat to assist a user À 5 ire identifying when the floor mat may require cleaning. Other features will be apparent from the detailed description which follows.

Brief Description of the Drawings

The various features of the invention will best be appreciated by simultaneous 10 reference to the description which follows and the accompanying drawings, in which

Fig. I is a perspective view of a floor mat in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the floor mat of Fig. I, Fig. 3 is an exploded side view of an alternative embodiment of the floor mat ] 5 of the present invention; Fig. 4 is an exploded side view of an alternative embodiment of the floor mat of the present invention; Fig. 5 illustrates a third alternative embodiment for a tacky insert portion with an anti-slip feature for the floor mat of the present invention; 20 Fig. 6 illustrates a fourth alternative embodiment for a tacky insert portion with an anti-slip feature for the floor mat of the present invention; Fig. 7 is a s ide view of the embodiment for the tacky insert portion with an anti slip feature of Fig. 6; Fig. 8 is a perspective view of a fifth embodiment for a tacky insert portion with 25 an anti-slip feature for the floor mat of the present invention; Fig. 9 illustrates a sixth alternative embodiment for a tacky insert portion with an anti-slip feature for the floor mat of the present invention; Fig. 10 illustrates the tacky insert portion with an anti-slip feature of Fig. 9 in conjunction with an alternative embodiment for the base portion; 30 Fig. 11 illustrates a seventh alternative embodiment for a tacky insert portion with an anti-slip feature and a water dissipating capability for the floor mat of the

present invention, Fig 12 illustrates an alternative embodiment for a tacky insert portion and base portion with a water dissipating capability for the floor mat of the present invention; Fig 13 illustrates a sensor system thatmay tee utilized in an embodiment ofthe present invention; Fig. 14 is an embodiment for a floor mat where the tacky portion and the non-

tacky portion are separable; Fig. 15 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the floor mat of the present invention as being used in one step of a process for utilizing the floor mat; 10 Fig. 16 is a perspective view of the floor mat of Fig 15 as being used in a second step of a process for utilizing the floor mat; Fig 17 illustrates an alternative embodiment for a floor mat in accordance with the present invention that includes interchangeable base portions; Fig. 18 illustrates an alternative embodiment for a floor mat in accordance with 15 the present invention that includes single sheets for the cleanable portion, Fig 19 illustrates a roll of sheets that may be utilized with the embodiment of Fig. 18; Fig. 20 illustrates a storage container that m ay be utilized with the roll of sheets of Fig. 19; 20 Fig. 21 illustrates an alternative embodiment for a floor mat in accordance with the present invention that includes a scraper movable on tracks; and Fig. 22 illustrates an alternative embodiment for a floor mat in accordance with the present invention that includes a scraper movable on tracks.

25 Detailed Descriplion Figure I illustrates a first embodiment for a floor mat 100 in accordance with the principles of the present invention. As can be seen in Figure 1, floor mat 100 includes a base portion 200 and a cleanable insert portion 300. As will be further described later in this specification. in this embodiment, cleanable portion 300 is

30 received within base portion 200 and is removable from base portion 200.

Figure 2 illustrates an exploded, perspective view of the floor mat of Figure 1.

As can be seen in Figure 2, base portion 200 is formed as a generally flat, planar member and defines a recess 210 within the top surface of base portion 200. Base portion 200 provides sufficien teight and mass forsupporting cleanable insert portion 300 and maintaining the floor mat's positioning on the surface on which it is placed.

5:Base portion 200 may include, as will be discussed below, a water dissipation capability, a water absorption capability, and a cushioning capability and may be comprised of materials such as polyurethane, polvisoprene and other cross-linked elastomeric materials, such as nylon6, molded or woven to form a porous structure.

Recess 2] O can be configured in any of a variety of geometric configurations, however, I O in the present embodiment, recess 210 is configured in a rectangular shape. Recess 210 has a length L, and a width Wl. The depth of recess 210 is such that it is able to receive within it cleanable insert portion 300 such that when cleanable insert portion 300 is received within recess 2 l 0, the top surface of cleanable insert portion 3 00 lies generally in the same plane as the top surface of base portion 200 I The top surface of base portion 200 may be colored with any color depending; upon the desires of a particular purchaser, however, it is preferable that a color be utilized that will minimize the visibility of any dirt that is accumulated by base portion 900. For example, it may be desirable that darker colors be utilized for the top surface of baseportion200ratherthan lightercolors. However, again, anyparticularcolormay 20 be utilized for base portion 200, and particularly the top surface of base portion COO, depending upon the particular desires of an individual. Additionally, the base portion 200 may be either translucent or opaque.

As can be seen in Figure 2, the surface of base portion 200 which defines the bottom of recess 210 may include graphics 220 on that surface. In the illustrated 25 embodiment, the graphics include pictorial representations of flowers and a text message which spells out the word "WELCOME". The present invention is not limited to any particular graphic within recess 210 and the present invention may include any of a variety of different forms of graphics.

Graphics 220 may be modified, and thus customized, by an individual afterthe 3 0 floor mat has been purchased by the owner. The owner may customize the mat at their home or office and, thus, a graphic that may be appropriate for a particular situation

may be modified by the individual for display in another situation. For example, the graphic may display a message stating "Happy Halloween" for Halloween and may be modified to display "Happy Holidays" during the winter holiday season. Thus, as can be understood, the graphics are modifiable by a user and thus, may be customized for 5 the particular desires of a particular user.

As stated above, the present invention is not limited to any particular form for graphics 220. The graphics 290 can be customized by a user to include any of a variety of different colors, pictures, messages, or other representations that the user may want to display. In addition, the visible intensity of a color(s) can be modified. For example, 10 a color that glows at night could be included in graphics 220 for an occasion such as Halloween. Any of a variety of different types of structures or methods may be practiced in the present invention for modifying graphics 220 of floor mat lOO and the present invention is not limited to any particular methodology or structure for modifying 1 5 graphics 220. Additionally, all of the various embodiments contemplated for providing a modifiable graphic display in the floor mat of the present invention can be incorporated in either, or both, of the base portion or the insert portion. For example, the graphics may consist of pre-formed messages or art forms which may be adhered to either the surface which defines the bottom of recess 210, such as by using an 20 adhesive or fastener assembly, e.g. a hook and loop assembly, or to the underside of insert portion 300 such that, when insert portion 300 is placed within base portion 200, the graphics would be visible through a transparent insert portion Alternatively, avariety of different graphics may be stored within floor m at 100 such that a user is able to selectively uncover a particular graphic for display while the 25 other available graphics remain covered within floor mat 100. This type of selectability is known in other mediurrs where selectivity between a variety of different graphics within a common display panel is desired. For example, advertising bulletin boards at sporting events are able to selectively display a first particular message during a first particular period of time and display a second message during a second period of time 30 on the same bulletin board third possible alternative is to provide a modifiable display on the floor mat.

The display surface can be associated with either the base portion or the insert portion, e.g., on either the bottom surface of recess 210 or attached to the bottom of insert portion 300. A display could be included on the front of the floor mat, on the back of the mat such that it is viewable through a transparent portion of the mat, embedded in 5 the mat, attached to the mat, or integrally formed in the mat. For example, the display could be comprised of a small, thin box of graphics that could attach to a tacky portion and/or a base portion or any other component part of the floor mat. However it is associated with the floor mat, a user may design and display their customized graphic and may subsequently modify that graphic such that it is replaced with another graphic.

10 A display surface such as an erasable writing board could be utilized for this purpose.

It is also contemplated that a modifiable electronic display surface could be provided, such as, for example, a liquid crystal display. The display could be connected to a computer end a computer generated image could be displayed on the display. Thus, the image displayed on the display could be modified by generating a different 15 computer image and displaying that computer image on the display. The display could be associated with base portion 200. such as included within recess 210, or could be included on a bottom surface, facing upward, of insert portion 300. Alternatively, the display could be integrally formed with either of the base portion or the ins ert portion.

The modifiable display could utilize a plurality of different graphics that can be 20 displayed in any of a variety of manners on the display. For example, the graphics could bedisplayedin agenerallyfixed position on thedisplayorcould scroll across the display, with both exemplary methodologies displaying multiple graphics either individually or in combination.

Other alternatives formodifx ing the graphics 220 of floor mat 100 include using 25 light emitting polymers to create, and thus change, graphics 220. The light emitting polymers can be either applied to, attached to, or woven into the floor mat. The light emitting polymers may be utilized on any portion of floor mat 100, for example, on either the base portion or the insert portion, or on any other portion of the different embodiments for the floor mat. Light emitting polymers are known and described in 30 IJ.S Patents 5,945,502, 5,869,350 and 5,571,626, which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

Other options for a display are to use electronic ink or electric paper. Electric paper is available from Xerox and is described in U.S. Patents 5, 72:,204,,604,027, 4, 26,8:4, and 47143,103, which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

Electric paper employs thousands of tiny, electrically charged beads, called Gyricon, 5 each about the width of a human hair, to create pixels. The two-tone beads are embedded inside a liquid-ftlled plastic sheeting that forms the surface of the paper.

Each bead, half-black, half-white, gyrates in response to an electric field. Whether the

beads are black- or white-side up determines the image. Because there's no need to refresh the image, and because the screen isn't backlit, electric paper uses only a 10 fraction of the power used by conventional electronic displays. Electromagnetic styluses and printer-like devices can be used for getting images onto the paper.

Electronic ink is available from E Ink Corp., at 45 Spinelli Pi., Cambridge, MA 0213 8. Electronic ink uses a microencapsulated micrornechanical display system. Tiny microcapsules are capturedbetweentwo sheets of plasticto createpixels. Alternatively, l 5 the capsules may be sprayed on a surface. The result is a flexible display material. The tiny capsules are transparent and contain a mixture of dark ink and white paint chips.

An electric charge is passed through the capsules. Depending on the electrostatic charge, the paint chips float at the top or rest on the bottom of each capsule. When the paint chips float at the top, the surface appears white. When they rest at the bottom, and 20 thus under the ink, the surface appears black. Each of the two states is stable: black or white. A transparent electromagnetic grid laid over the sheet's surface controls the shape of the image. The display may be wirelessly connected to, for example, a computer and thus, the World Wide Web by utilizing, for example, a Motorola paging system. Text on all displays, if multiple displays are used, can be changed at once by 25 a single editor, through a Web page.

Again, a display, which could utilize any of the methods discussed above for modifying the display, could be associated with any portion of the floor mat. such as base portion 200 within recess 210 or on a bottom surface, facing upward, of insert portion 300. AIternatively, the display could be integrally formed with either of the 30 base portion or the insert portion. The display could be utilized in any of the embodiments disclosed herein for the floor mat of the present invention, including a

floor mat that includes a tacky surface and a non-tacky floor mat embodiment.

In further describing base portion 900, as mentioned above' base portion 200 m ay also include both a water dissipation component and a cushioning component. The water dissipation component provides for transferring moisture from the soles of a person's shoes that is standing on floor mat 100 to reduce the degree of moisture transferred to cleanable insert portion 300 and the cushioning component provides for conforming the floor mat] 00 to the shape of the person's soles such that a greater amount of the debris on the person's soles may be removed by floor mat 100. The present invention is not limited to any particular structure or material for the water 10 dissipation component and the cushioning component. For example, the water dissipation component may be comprised of any of a wide variety of known materials, such as polyami des, vinylics, and polyisoprene It is desirable, but not required, that the water dissipation component dissipate ormove the water and not retain the water Thus, porous materials, and not hydrophilic materials, are desired. The cushioning component 15 may be comprised of any of a variety of cushioning components to include, for example, foam rubber.

Figure 2 also further illustrates cleanable insert portion 300. As can be seen, cleanable insert portion 300 has ageometric shapewhich is complementary in size end form to the recess 2 l 0 that is formed within base portion 200. As such, cleanable insert 20 portion 300 is able to be received securely within recess 2]0. Thus, cleanable insert portion 300 has a length Lo which is just slightly smaller than the length L, of recess 210 Likewise, cleanable insert portion 300 has a width W2 which is also just slightly smaller than width W. of recess 210.

On the bottom side 3 l 0 of cleanable insert portion 3 00, i. e, that surface which 25 contacts the surface which defines the bottom of recess 210, an attachment mechanism may be provided such that cleanable insert portion 300 may be removably attached to base portion 200 within recess 210. Any of a variety of different attachment mechanisms may be provided on the bottom surface of cleanable insert portion 300 to include, for example, a hook and loop fastener assembly or an adhesive. Regardless of 3 0 the particular securement mechanism used to removably attach cleanable insert portion - 300 to base portion 200, in this embodiment, cleanable insert portion 300 may be

removed from base portion 200 such that it may be cleaned b>' a user and, after cleaning, be reinserted within recess 210 such that a clean surface is now provided for floor mat 100.

As stated above, cleanable insert portion 300 may be formed from a transparent material such as hydrophilic aliphatic acrylic polymers and copolymers incorporating acrylic acid, hydroxy ethyl methacrvlate, and glycerin monomethacrylate Forming cleanable insertportion300cfatransparentmaterialwould allow an individual to view the customized graphics that may be provided within floor mat 100, as discussed previously. Alternatively, the insert portion 300 could be opaque.

I O Additionally, the top side of cleanable insert portion 300 may include a talky surface. The tacky surface would provide for assisting in removing debris from the soles of a person's shoes that is standing on cleanable insert portion 300. Vi7hen the top tacky surface of cleanable insert portion 300 is dirtied to such an extent that the user desires to clean insert portion 300, in this embodiment, the user removes insert portion 1.S 300 from base portion 200 and cleans insert portion 300 to remove the accumulated debris. The insert portion 300 is then reinserted into base portion 200.

The tacky surface that is provided on the top side of cleanable insert portion 300 could be comprised of any of a variety of materials. such as polyvinyl chlorides combined with a suitable plasticizer, plasticized neoprene, polvsulfides, and 90 polyurethanes. Additionally, acrylics, such as butyl acrylate and many of its homologues, may be utilized. Again, the present invention is not limited to any particular material. The tacky surface may be formed, generally, from any adhesive material. The only consideration. in this embodiment, is that the surface should maintain its tacky characteristic even after repeated cleaning cycles.

25 The present invention is not limited to any particular methodology for cleaning insert portion 300. Insert portion 300 may be cleaned by any of a variety of methods depending upon a particular material composition for insert portion 3 00. For example, insert portion 300 may be cleaned by placing insert portion within a washing machine and washing insert portion 3 00 or insert portion 3 00 may be cleaned by scrubbing ins ert :0 portion 300 with a scrub brush and soap and water or with a cleaning agent such as "Spic'N Span".

Additional]y'the insert portion 300 could be cleaned by utilizing a roller that also includes a tacky surface around the circumference of the roller. The tacky surface of the roller is comprised of a stronger adhesive than that of the tacky inset. portior such that, as the tacky surface of the roller is rolled over the tacky surface of the insert 5 portion, any dirt and debris on the tacky insert portion will be drawn off of the tackyinsert portion and will adhere to the roller. In this manner, a roller with a tacky surface could be utilized to clean the tacky insert portion.

Again, however, the present invention is not limited to any particular methodology or cleaning agent for cleaning insert portion 300 and any cleaning 10 methodology or agent compatible with the composition of insert portion 300 is contemplated. Floor mat 100 may also include additional features for assisting in the cleaning of the soles of a person standing on floor mat l 00. For example, base portion 200 and/or insert portion:00 may include an antibacterial composition and an antifungal 15 composition Antibacterial compositions such as anthraquinone derivatives of polyethylene glycol mono- and di- methacrylate could be utilized. Thus, floor mat 100 would be bacteriacidal. The antibacterial feature would be particularly desirable becausethefloormatwouldbe able to both clean structural debris from the sores ofthe person's shoes and remove any potentially harmful bacteria from the person's soles as 20 well.

Additionally, in order to further provide for a desirable sole surface prior to entering a particular area, floor mat 100 could also be provided with a fragrance.

Flavones such as tricyclic molecules with aromatic substitution or organic ethers, e.g., lin1inolic acid, could be utilized. The fragrance is transferred from floor mat 100 to the 25 soles of the person's shoes such that any undesirable odors are favorab ly masked by the fragrance. The present invention is not only limited to utilizing an antibacterial composition, an antifungal composition, and/or a fragrance in floor mat 100. Rather, floor mat 100 could also incorporate a variety of other substances that would assist in 30 cleaning the soles of a person's shoes.

Any variety of structures or methods could be utilized for associating an

antibacterial composition, an antifungal composition, a fragrance, or any other composition, with floor mat 100. The substances could be applied as releasable, or dissipatable, coatings to floor mat 100 or could be releasably embedded as, for example, pellets within the structure of Doormat 100 such that as pressure is applied to floor mat 100 the substances are dispensed to the soles of the person's shoes.

Figure 3 illustrates an alternative embodiment for floor mat] 00. In Figure 3, it is illustrated that base portion 200 m ay include separate layers for a water dissipation component 230 and a cushioning component 240. Water dissipation component 230, in this embodiment, is disposed on a top side of the cushioning component 240.

10 However, the present invention is not limited to this particular embodiment for water dissipation component 230 and cushioning component 240. For example, a single hybrid structure could be utilized for base portion 200 that would include the material properties to provide for both water dissipation and conforming structure.

Alternatively, Figure 4 illustrates that the floor mat may include both a water 15 dissipation component, or wicking layer, and a water absorption layer. In Figure 4, floor mat 400 includes wicL;:ing layer 410 and water absorption layer 420. The wicking layer 410 could be comprised of polypropeline or olefins, or any other suitable material that has the properties of moving the water from the surface of floor mat 400. The water absorption layer 420 is disposed underneath the wicking layer 410 and absorbs 20 any water that passes through the wicking layer 4 l 0. The water absorption layer 420 could beperiodically removed and dried such as by example only, in adryingmachine.

Of course, a wicking layer 410 may be used either with or without a water absorption layer 420 and a cushioning layer, as described previously in other ernbodirnents, and the water absorption layer 420 could be used with or without a 25 wicking layer 410 and a cushioning layer. Additionally, both the wicking layer and/or the absorption layer and/or the cushioning layer could be used with or without a tacky portion. Returning to Figure 3, Figure 3 also illustrates an alternative embodiment for insert portion 300. Whereas the previously disclosed embodiment for insert portion 3 00 30 was discussed as a single structural member that could include a tacky surface on a top side thereof, the embodiment of Figure 3 for insert portion 300 is comprised of a i4

plurality of layers. As can be seen, ladlers 301-305, comprise insert portion 300.:Each of the layers may include a tacky surface on a top side thereof, as was described previously for insert portion 300. In use, a top-rost layer, e.g., layer SKI, may be removed from its adjacent lower layer, e.g., layer 302, and may be independently cleaned. After cleaning, the layer may be reinstalled within recess 210 on top of the exposed layer of insert portion 300. In this manner, insert portion 300 may be cleaned by removing a top-most layer, cleaning that layer, and reinstalling that layer within recess 210. Whereas each layer is described as being independently cleanable, it is not required that each individual layer be cleanable. Each layer may be formed of materials 10 as described previously when discussing the embodiment of Figures 1 and for the insert portion.

Other alternative embodiments for insert portion 300 are contemplated. For example, whereas the previously disclosed embodiments discussed insert portion 300 as being comprised of one or more layers with a tacky surface on a top side of the 15 layer(s), it is not required that insert portion 300 be formed with only a tacky surface on a top side thereof. More specifically, an alternative embodiment for insert portion 3 00 could include forming insert portion 3 00 as a single structural member from a material which is tacky in composition throughout the entire crosssection of the material. A material such as a blend of a noncross-linked hydrophilic thermoplastic, preferably a 20 polyethylene glycol diacrylate with n not exceeding 15, and a hydrophobic material, such as a polyvinyl neoprene chloride, could be utilized for the insert portion of this embodiment. By forming ins ert portion 3 00 from a uniform, tacky material, the insert portion 30V does not necessarily have to be removed from recess 210 of base portion 200 to be cleaned. Insert portion 300 could be cleaned in this alternative embodiment 25 by eroding the top surface of the insert portion as a result of use of the insert portion.

Thus, by providing an erodible insert portion, the insert portion may be cleaned by the erosion of its top surface as the insert portion is used within floor mat 100.

As insert portion 300 erodes, the exposed surface of insertportion 300 continues to be tacky in composition because of its uniform cross-section. As the exposed tacky 30 surface erodes, the dirt captured by the exposed tacky surface will dissipate as a result . Of the erosion and thus, the erosion of the insert portion itself provides for a cleanable

insert portion Alternatively, even with a uniform cross-section of a tacky substance for insert portion 300, the user may remove insert portion 300 from recess 210 and separately clean insert portion 300. Thus, the user is not required to rely solely on the credible 5 characteristic of insert portion 300 for cleaning of insert portion 300; rather, the user may utilize the erodible cleaning feature of the insert portion in combination with a separate; cleaning step of removing the insert portion from the base portion and independently cleaning the insert portion.

As discussed above, insert portion 300 may be comprised of a variety of 10 materials, including materials such as tacky plastics, paper, or adhesives that can be cleanable and may or may not be erodible and reusable. If paper is utilized, the insert portion may be formed as a single structural member or as a plurality of layers, as discussed previously. Additionally, the paper may include a tacky surface on atop- side thereof The paper may be translucent, opaque, or colored, and may include a graphic 15 display thereon.

As discussed earlier, it is desirable. but not required, that the floor mat contain a water dissipation and/or absorption capability. This capability is desired to help preventthetacky surface ofthe insertportion from becoming excessively wet and, thus, slippery. Whereas it has been discussed that, in order to help prevent a user from 20 slipping on the tacky surface of the insert portion, a water dissipation and/or absorbing capability could be included in the floor mat to reduce the degree of moisture on the tacky surface, this is not the only structure contemplated for preventing the tacky insert portion from becoming slippery. Alternatively. the tacky insert portion itself could be formed to help prevent slipping. Figures 5-12 illustrate alternative embodiments for 25 tacky insert portion 3 00. Figure illustrates tacky insert portion 3 00 as including a grid pattern 320 of channels 322 that could be comprised of a non-tacky material. The channels could be either raised from the surface of insert portion 300 or could lie co planarwith the top surface ofthe insert portion By forming the channels of a non-tacky material, even if the tacky material of insert portion 3 00 becaroe wet, a user would be 30 assisted in not slipping on the slippery, wet tacky surface of the insert portion by the presence of the non-tacky surfaces which do not become slippery when wet.

( Figures 6 and 7 illustrate another alters ative embodiment for tacky insert portion 300 which includes anti-slip particles 394, e g, silicon or sand particles, which extend above the top surface 30 of the tacky insert portion. It is desirable that the anti-slip particles be comprised of a material that does not become slippery when wet and that they be exposed from the tacky surface, however, it is not required Even if the anti-slip particles are embedded within the tacky surface. their extension above the top surface - 330 of the tacky insert portion will provide a physical frictional restraint against slipping for the soles of a person's shoes who is standing on the floor mat Whereas Figure illustrates tacky insert portion 300 as including a grid pattern 10 320 of channels 322 that could be comprised of a non-tacky material and Figures 6 and 7 illustrate another alternative embodiment for tacky insert portion 300 which includes anti-slip particles 324 which extend above the top surface 330 of the tacky insert portion, it is not required that these Two alternative embodiments contain features that are mutually exclusive For example, it is contemplated that tacky insert portion 300 15 could include both a grid pattern of non-tacky channels and anti-slip particles, which is not illustrated specifically in the Figures but which can be easily understood Another alternative for providing a slip- resistant tacky portion is to include a plurality of anti-slip members, or treads or nipples, that extend up through and slightly above the surface ofthe tacky portion. As can be seen in Figure 8, in this embodiment, 20 tacky portion 300 is inserted within a base portion, which may be a water absorbent border 500, and includes a plurality of apertures 342 within it. Each of a plurality of treads 344, which may extend upward from a base disposed underneath tacky portion 300, extend up through one of the plurality of apertures 342 A top-most end of each tread extends above atop-most surface 340 oftacky portion 300. As a person steps onto 25 tacky portion 300, the quantity and positioning of the treads 344 is such that the tacky portion is able to remove debris from the person's shoes and the treads 344, at least one of which is stepped upon by the person, prevents slipping of the person on the tacky portion 300 should the tacky portion 300 become slippery when wet The treads 344 may compress when stepped upon such that the top-most end of the tread is co-planar 30 with the top-most surface 340 of the tacky portion 300 In this manner, the tread will contact the person's shoes to prevent slipping but yet not hinder contact between the

person's shoes and the tacky surface of the mat, which enhances the cleaning of ibe person's shoes Therefore, there is a relationship between the distance that the tread extends above the top-most surface of the tacky portion and the compressibility of the tread; a relationship which provides the functionality discussed above.

5 The treads may be configured in any shape and size. Additionally, the treads may be comprised of any material which is slip-resistant when wet, such as, for example, rubber or plastics. The treads may include grooves within them to further assist in preventing a person from slipping on the tacky portion.

Figures 9 and 10 illustrate additional alternative embodiments for both the tacky 10 insert portion 3 00 and the base portion 200 that help to prevent slipping on a potentially wet tacky portion. As can be seen in Figure 9, and as discussed previously, tacky insert portion 3 00 is comprised of a plurality of layers 3 01, 3 02, and 303. Whereas only three layers are illustrated, it can be understood that any number of layers can be utilized in the present invention. As can be seen, tacky layers 301-303 each contain a plurality of 15 integrally formed raised portions 300A. These raised portions can help to prevent a person from slipping on the tacky portion by providing increased friction between the top surface of the tacky layer, due to the raised portions, and the person's shoes Thus, these raised portions can substantially reduce the potential for slipping on the talky portion if it becomes wet.

20 The raised portion 3 O0A can be formed in each layer in a variety of ways and the present invention is not limited to any particular method. One method for forming the raised portions is to assemblethe layers into a pad of layers and then insertthe entire pad into a machine press. One face of the press is flat and the other face, i.e., that face that is facing the non-tacky, or underside, of the layers, contains an array of bosses or 25 bumps. When the pad is pressed in the machine press, all of the tacky layers become embossed with the pattern on the press face, causing the raised portions, or embossed portions, in each tacky layer of the pad. Thus, each embossed portion is integrally formed in each layer and is comprised of an indentation on the underside, or non-tacky side, of each layer and a raised portion on the upperside or tacky side, of each layer.

30 As can be understood, in the method as described above for forming the raised portions, the raised portions of each layer are aligned with the raised portions of each

other layer. It is desirable, but not required, that the raised portions of each layer are aligned so that their shape may be easily maintained when the layers are stacked one upon another.

As can be seen in Figure 10, base portion 900 may also be formed to be complementary to the embossed layers. The surface 200A that defines a bottom of the recess of base portion 200, which receives within it the tacky layers 300, can be formed with raised portions 200B. These raised portions are positioned so that they are aligned with the raised portions in the tacky layers. Thus, the raised portions 200B on surface 200A are positioned within the indentations in the lower-most tacky layer when the 10 layers are inserted into the recess in the base portion. As can be understood, these raised portions help to retain and maintain the raised portions in the tacky layer(s), particularly when only the lower-most layer(s) remain in the floor mat. However, it is not required that the base portion be formed with raised portions in practicing the present invention. The layers may be formed with raised portions whether or not the 15 base portion includes complementary raised portions.

In another alternative embodiment for a tacky portion, the tacky portion could also include a water dissipating capability. The tacky portion could be comprised of a hydrophobic porous structure which would assist in dissipating water from the surface of the tacky portion.

20 Figures] 1 and 12 illustrate alternative embodiments for the floor mat of the present invention that provide a water dissipating capability for the tacky portion As will be discussed, the embodiment of Figure 11 also helps to prevent a person from slipping on a potentially wet tacky portion.

Figure I I illustrates an embodiment for tacky portion 300where the tacky layers 25 301 and 302 of the tacky portion define a plurality of apertures 300C therein. The apertures of each layer are aligned with the apertures of each other layer. Thus, because of the aligned apertures in the layers, the tacky portion is able to drain surface water front thetopmostsurfaceofthetacky portion, orfrom the soles of a person's shoes that is standing on the tacky portion, through the apertures and to the base portion, within 30 which the layers may be positioned. The base portion, as discussed previously, may include a water dissipation component and/or a water absorbing component which

would move and/orabsorb thesurfacewaterdrained from thetacly portion throughthe apertures. The apertures would also provide for helping to prevent slipping on a wet surface of the layers, not only by draining surface water from the surface, but by also 5 providing for enhanced frictional contact between the shoes of the person stepping on the layer and the layer itself. The apertures provide for discontinuities in the surface of thelaye,rwhichwould enhancethefrictional contact between the person's shoes and the layer. The edges of the surface of the layer which define the apertures would provide for this enhanced contact. The person's shoes would engage with the edges, thus 10 enhancing frictional contact for the shoes Additionally, the apertures would act as a suction on the bottoms of the person's shoes, e.g., like suction cups. This suction caused by the apertures on the person's shoes would also help to prevent slippage on the surface of the layer.

Figure 19 illustrates another embodiment for the floor mat of the present 15 invention that also provides a water dissipating capability for the tacky portion. As can be seen, tacky portion 300 includes layers 301 and 302. Base portion 200 defines a recess where layers 301 and 3 02 are disposed within the recess. A surface of the base portion that defmes a bottom of the recess includes a raised portion 200C at or near a center position within the recess. Thus, the raised portion 200C of the base portion 20 forms a raised portion in each of the layers. As can be understood, the raised portion formed in the layers acts to dissipate surface water on the layers from the layers. The surface water will drain off of the layers under the force of gravity due to the raised portion. Again, any number of layers may be included in tacky portion 300 in the 25 embodiments of Figures I I and 12.

It is also contemplated that a water absorbing powder, such as a talcum powder, could be provided in the present invention. The powder could either be integrated into the floor mat or be separately associated with the floor mat. The talcum powder would remove moisture from the soles of a person's shoes when the person stepped into the 30 powder and the tacky insert portion could then remove the powder from the person's soles, in addition to any dirt on the soles, when the person next steps on the tacky insert

portion. The present invention also provides an apparatus and method for determining when the tacky portion, or a layer in the tacky portion, should be removed for cleaning.

Since the tacky portion assists in removing dirt from the soles of the person's shoes that 5 steps on the tacky portion, the tacky portion, or a layer thereof, will become dirty after some number of persons step on the it' assuming that any particular person's shoes are not exceptionally dirty. Therefore, it would be desirable to assist a person in deciding when to remove a dirty tacky portion for cleaning. Main, as discussed above, this determination can be made after a certain number of persons step on the mat. Thus, an 10 embodiment ofthe present invention as illustrated in Figure 13 includes a sensor system 700 that detects the presence of a person on the floor mat 100. The sensor system 700 may detect the presence of a person on base portion 200 and/or tacky portion 300.

Since it is assumed that a person who steps on base portion 200 will also step on tacky portion 300, sensing the person's presence on either portion is sufficient for practicing 15 the present invention Sensorsystem 700 includesasensor710 and a display device720, e.g., an LED, coupled to sensor 710 and disposed on mat 100 such that it can be viewed. A power source, such as a battery, may be included on an underside of the floor mat. As mentioned above, sensor 710 senses the presence of a person on mat 100, e g, in this 20 embodiment on tacky portion 300 The sensor can detect the person's presence by utilizing any of a variety of apparatuses and methods and can include sensing the pressure applied to the mat by the weight of the person standing on the mat or by sensing themotion across the surface ofthe mat by themovements ofthe person. Thus, pressure sensors and motion detectors may be utilized in the present invention. Sensor 25 system 700 also determines the number of persons that have stepped on the mat 100 by counting the number of sensed presences. After the number of presences equals a defined number of presences, a signal is provided to display device 72O, eg, illuminating the LED, which indicates that the tacky portion should be removed for cleaning The present invention is not limited to removing the tacky portion at any 30 particular number of sensed presences and the number may be adjusted based on the particular environmental conditions in which the mat is utilized. Of course, as can be

understood, after the dirty tacky portion or layer is removed and/or cleaned the sensor system can be reset to begin counting the total number of presences on the newly cleaned or exposed layer.

Alarm device 720 can provide either a visual, audible, or vibratory signal and 5 the present invention is not limited to providing any particular type of signal For example, a visual signal could consist of a light that is illuminated when the floor mat should, be cleaned and that is not illuminated when the floor mat does not require cleaning. Alternatively, the light could be continuously illuminated in one of a plurality of different colors, with each color signifying a different state of cleanliness forthefloor 10 mat For example, a green light could signify that the mat does not need cleaning. A yellow light could indicate the mat is reaching a state of dirtiness that will soon require cleaning. A red light, which could blink on and off, could signify that it is time to clean the floor mat The sensor system of the present invention may be utilized with any of the l embodiments disclosed for the cleanable portion, which may or may not be an insert and may or may not include layers and a tacky surface(s), and the base portion.

Whereas cleanable portion 300 has been discussed as an insert portion, it is not required that cleanable portion 300 be inserted into floor mat lOO There exists many alternative possibilities for associating cleanable portion 300 with floor mat 100. For 20 example, cleanable portion 3 00 could be placed on top of base portion 200 or could be positioned adjacent to base portion 200. The present invention is not limited to inserting any of the embodiments for cleanable portion 300 within base portion 200.

For example, Figure 14 illustrates a tacky portion 300 and a non-tacky pollution 200, which may include a water dissipation component, a water absorbing component, 95 and a cushioning component, as discussed previously, that are separable. As can be seen in Figure 14, tacky portion 300 may be bordered within a border SOO, which may be water absorbent, water dissipative, and include a cushioning component, and may include a plurality of apertures 349 and treads:44 within it. Taclcy portion 300 can include any of the embodimerits previously discussed. An attachment layer 600 is 30 positioned on an underside of both border 00 of tacky portion 300 and non-tacky portion 200. The border 500 and/or non- tacky portion 200 may be releasably attached

to attachm ent layer 600. Thus, through attachm ent layer 600, border S 00, and therefore tacky portion 300, and non-tacky portion 200 are releasably attachable to each other In this manner, it is possible to, for example, position non-tacky portion 200 outside of a person's home on the front porch and tacky portion 300 within the person's home.

5 Attachm ent layer 600 can be any of a variety of materials All that is required is that the attachment layer be able to releasable join one portion of the floor mat to a second,portion of the floor mat For example, a hook and loop fastener assembly, e g., Velcro), can be used with one portion of the assembly on the attachment layer and the otherportion on theundersideofthefirstportionofthefloormat and the second portion I O of the floor mat Alternatively, an adhesive can be utilized to releasably join the two portions of the floor mat to the attachment layer Additionally, snaps, including any type of male/female connector, may be used to join the two portions to the attachment layer Figure 15 illustrates a first process step in utilizing an embodiment of the floor 15 mat 100 of the present invention As was described previously, an embodiment of floor mat 100 includes a base portion 200 and an insert portion 3 00. As can be seen in Figure 15, and as was also discussed previously. a different graphic display 220 is present in the embodiment of Figure 15 than was illustrated in the embodiment of Figures 1 and ? Thus, Figure 15 displays a "Hello't message with "smiley face'' representations in the 20 graphic 220.

As can be seen in Figure 15, in utilizing an embodiment of the present invention, a user would first step upon base portion 200. As discussed earlier, base portion 200 1-nay include a water dissipating and/or absorbing component and is thus able to assist in removing any moisture from the soles of the person's shoes. As was also discussed 25 earlier, because base portion 200, in one embodiment, also includes a cushioning component, base portion 200 conforms to the person's sol es when the person steps upon base portion 200. Whereas not illustrated in Figure 1 S. as discussed previously, an antibacterial composition, an antifungal composition, a fragrance, or any other cleaning substance may also be associated with floor mat 100 and applied to the soles of the 30 person's shoes when the person applies pressure to floor mat 100.

As can be seen in Figure 16, the second process step in utilizing the present

invention includes the person stepping onto insert portion 300 of floor mat 100. As discussed previously, insert portion 300 may include a tacky surface on a top side thereof for assisting, in removing debris from the soles of the person's shoes Additionally, antibacterial compos itions, antifungal compositions, fragrances, or other 5 cleaning compositions may also be included within insert portion 300 for dispensing to the soles of the person's shoes.

Afterthe person steps onto insert portion 00, theuserthen steps offoffloormat I 00. As described previously, floor mat 100 may be cleaned after an accumulation of dirt on insert portion 300 by any of the methods described previously. Insert portion 10 300 may be removed from base portion 200 and cleaned, a layer may be removed from insert portion 300 to be cleaned or discarded, or insert portion 300 may be cleaned through erosion of insert portion 300 The present invention is not limited to any particular methodology for cleaning insert portion 300 of floor mat 100 Figures 1 7-22 illustrate further alternative embodiments for the floor mat of the I 5 present invention. As can be seen in Figure 17, in this embodiment for the floor mat floor mat 1700 includes a cleanable portion 1710 and a plurality of base portions 1 720-D As can be seen, cleanableportion 1710 is positioned within one of base portions 1720A-D. In this manner, the floor mat 1700 can be customized for a particularuserby interchanging the cleanable portion 1710 with oneof avariety of base 20 portions 1 720A-D The base portions 1 720A-D can be formed in any of a variety of physical configurations and can include any of a variety of themes, graphics, or colors Thus, a common cleanable portion 1 710 m ay be utilized with a variety of base portions 1 720A-D.

Figures 18-20 illustrate another alternative embodiment for a floor mat 1800 in 25 accordance with the principles of the present invention As can be seen in Figure 18, floor mat 1800 also includes a cleanable portion 1810 and a base portion 1890 As discussed previously, cleanable portion 1810 is received within base portion 1820. In this embodiment, cleanable portion 1810 is comprised of a single sheet 181 OA The single sheet 1810A may be tacky on a top-side thereof and may include apertures 30 therein to receive anti-slip nipples though it, as was also discussed previously The single sheet 1810A, in this embodiment, may be removed and replaced with another

sheet when dirty.

Figure 1 g illustrates that a plurality of sheets 1 81 OB-D, may be attached to each other and rolled into a roll 1 S3 0 of sheets. The sheets can be joined to each other at a perforated joint to provide for ease in separating asheet from the roll of sheets. As can 5 be understood, a sheet may be separated from the roll of remaining sheets and may be then inserted into base portion 1820.

Figure 20 illustrates that the roll of sheets 1830 may be stored in a storage device 1 84O7 such as, for example, by mounting the roll of sheets 1830 on a cabinet door, which may be located in proximity to the floor mat. In this manner, replacements 10 sheets are easily organized and stored for use.

Alternatively, instead of organizing the sheets in a roll and storing the roll in a cabinet, the sheets could be folder one upon another such that they form a flat package.

The package of sheets could then be stored underneath of the floor mat l 800 where individual sheets could be removed from the package and from under the floor mat, 15 when needed, similar to the way a Kleenex tissue is dispensed.

Figure 21 illustrates another alternative embodiment for a floor mat in accordance with the present invention. Floor mat 2100 also includes a cleanable/scrapable portion 2110 and a base portion 2120. In this embodiment' cleanable portion 21 10 is formed as discussed previously in this application, as a single 20 structural member from a material which is tacky in composition throughout the entire cross-section of the material As was also discussed previously, by forming portion 2110 from a uniform, tacky material, the portion 2110 does not necessarily have to be removed from the base portion 2120 to be cleaned. However, in the embodiment previously discussed, the cleanable portion 2110 could be cleaned by eroding the top 25 surface of the insert portion as a result of use of the insert portion. In the embodiment of Figure 21, the cleanable portion is cleaned by scraping off a top surface of approximately 2-3 microns from the cleanable portion 21 10 by utilizing a scraper 213 O. Scraper 2130 can include any of a variety of structures, however, all that is required is that the scraper be capable of removing a top surface from cleanable portion 30 21] O. For example, any type of scraping surface can be utilized in scraper 2130, such as, for example, a dull knife, a razor, or a plane.

Scraper 2130 is movable on trellis 2]4O, 2145. Tracks 2140. 214:' are adjacent to cleanable portion 2]] 0 and base portion 2120. Scraper 2130 may include wheels or other structures, e.g. pins, which are received within complementary structures, e.g., grooves, in tracks 2] 40, 2145. Thus, scraper 9130 is movable across cleanable portion 2110 on tracks 140, 2145. The scraper 2130 may only include a scraping surface on the portion of scraper 213 0 that is movable across cleanable portion 21 1 0. Additionally, it is not required that two tracks be utilized. The scraper could be movable within a single traclc.

Scraper 213 0 may be moved by any of a variety of m ethods, including using the 10 foot of a user to engage with the scraper to move the scraper on the tracks Floor mat 2100 also includes a catch basin 2150 that may be included at one or both ends of tracks 2140, 2145. Catch basin(s) 2150 includes a recess into which is deposited the shavings from cleanable portion 2110 after scraper 2130 scrapes the cleanable portion. Scraper 2130 moves the shavings of of the cleanable portion and 1 into the catch basin 2150. The shavings from the cleanable portion deposited into the catch basin may b e removed from the catch basin in any of a variety of ways, including, for example, by vacuuming the shavings from the catch basin or removing a detachable catch basin, throwing away the contents from the catch basin, and reinstalling the catch basin. 20 As can be understood, as the cleanable portion is shaved, the scraper is commensurately lowered on tracks 2140, 2145 such that the surface of the scraper that engages with the cleanable portion remains engaged with the cleanable portion. As such, for example, the scraper may be mounted on a ratchet mechanism such that, as the scraper is moved across a complete width of the floor mat, the scraper actuates the 25 ratchet such that the ratchet lowers the scraper. Alternatively, the scraper could remain in the same relative position with respect to the tracks and the tracks could be ratcheted lower with respect to the base portion and cleanable portion. Additionally, the blade surface of the scraper could be lowered with respect to the scraper's structure such that the blade is moved relative to the cleanable portion and the base portion but the scraper 30 remains inthe saline relative position with respect to the tracks and the cleanable portion and the base portion.

Additionally, it is not required that a base portion be utilized in the embodiment for floor mat 2] 00. The cleanable portion alone can be utilized with the tracks adjacent the cleanable portion and the scraper movable on the tracks. A catch basin(s) could still be utilized. As such, Figure 92 illustrates an embodiment for floor mat 2200 that - 5 includes a cleanableportion 2210 withoutuseofa base portion. Cleanable portion 2210 is adjacent to tracks 2940, 2245. Scraper 2930 is movable on tracks 2240, 2245. A catch basin 2950 may be included at one or both ends of tracks 2240, 2245.

All of the disclosed embodiments are illustrative of the various ways in which the present invention may be practiced. Additionally, any of the disclos ed embodiments 10 for the base portion and the cleanable portion, and thus all of the features associated with these components, may be combined in any embodiment of the present invention and the present invention is not limited to only the particular combined embodiments disclosed. Other embodiments can be implemented by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A floor covering having an electronic display associated with it.

5 2 The floor covering of claim 1, wherein the electronic display is modifiable and is capable of displaying dynamic images.

3. The floor covering of claim 1, further comprising a transparent portion covering the electronic display.

4. The floor covering of claim 3, wherein the transparent portion covering the electronic display is configured for being stepped on.

5. The floor covering of claim l, wherein the electronic display is modifiable in a verbal message thereof.

6 The floor covering of claim 1, wherein the electronic display is scrollable.

7. The floor covering of any of claims 1-6, wherein the electronic display is a 20 liquid crystal display.

8. The floor covering of any of claims 1-7, wherein the electronic display is modifiable in an intensity of color thereof or in a pictorial representation thereof 9. The floor covering of any of claims 1-8, wherein the floor covering defines a recess therein, and wherein the electronic display is disposed within the recess.

10. The floor covering of claim 1, further comprising: 30 a base portion defining the recess therein; a transparent insert portion removably disposed within the recess, wherein the electronic display is disposed within the recess between the base portion and the transparent insert portion.

ll. The floor covering of claim 10, wherein the transparent insert portion is cleanable. 12. The floor covering of claim 11, wherein the transparent insert portion is 5 disposable or reusable.

13. The floor covering of any of claims 10-12, further comprising an anti- slip component associated with the transparent insert portion for contacting soles of a person's shoes to prevent slipping of the person on the transparent insert l o portion when the transparent insert portion is wet.

14. The floor covering of any of claims 10-13, wherein the transparent insert portion has a tacky surface thereon.

5 15. The floor covering of claim 14, wherein the tacky surface is a tacky top exposed surface of the transparent insert portion for contacting soles of a person's shoes.

16. The floor covering of any of claims 10-15, wherein the transparent insert portion is adapted to be stepped on.

17. The floor covering of claims 1-6, wherein the electronic display includes one of liquid crystal, electric paper, light-emitting polymers, an organic light emitting diode, or electronic ink.

2s 18. The floor covering of claim 17, wherein the light emitting polymers are a woven part or an attached part of the floor covering.

19. The floor covering of claim 1, wherein the floor covering is portable.

20. The floor covering of any of the preceding claims, wherein the electronic display is configured for being directly or indirectly connected to a computer or a network, and modifiable by the computer or via the network.

21. The floor covering of any of the preceding claims, wherein the electronic display is further configured for being wirelessly connected to a computer or a network, and modifiable by the computer or via the network.

s 22. Tile floor covering of claim 20, wherein the electronic display is further configured for being wirelessly connected to a network by a paging system 23. The floor covering of any of claims 20-22, wherein the network is the World Wide Web.

24. The floor covering of any of the preceding claims, wherein the floor covering is a floor mat.

25. The floor covering of any of the preceding claims, wherein the electronic 5 display is modifiable independently of a person stepping on the floor covering.

26. The floor covering of claim 1, wherein the modifiable electronic display is contained within a protective covered recess capable of being directly or indirectly stepped on.

27. The floor covering of claim 1, wherein the display is capable of displaying a plurality of different graphics.

28. The floor covering of claim 1, wherein the display is capable of scrolling a 25 plurality of different graphics, either individually or in combination.

29. modifiable electronic display associated with one of a floor and a floor covering, and capable of displaying dynamic images.

30 30. The modifiable electronic display of claim 29, wherein the display is scrollable. 31. The modifiable electronic display of claim 29, wherein the display is configured to be directly or indirectly connected to a computer.

32. The modifiable electronic display of claim 29, wherein the display is configured to be wirelessly connected to a computer.

33. The modifiable electronic display of claim 29, wherein the display is 5 configured to be directly or indirectly connected to a network.

34. The modifiable electronic display of claim 29, wherein the display includes liquid crystal.

lo 35. The modifiable electronic display of claim 29, wherein the display includes liquid-emitting polymers.

36. The modifiable electronic display of claim 29, wherein the display includes electric paper.

37. The modifiable electronic display of claim 29, wherein the display includes electronic ink.

38. The modifiable electronic display of claim 29, wherein the display includes an 20 organic light-emitting diode.

39. The modifiable electronic display of claim 29, wherein the display is modifiable by a computer.

25 40. The modifiable electronic display of claim 29, wherein the display is modifiable in a verbal message thereof.

41. The modifiable electronic display of claim 29, wherein the display is modifiable in an intensity of color thereof.

JO 42. The modifiable eleckonic display of claim 29, wherein the display is modifiable in a pictorial representation thereof.

43. The modifiable electronic display of claim 29, wherein the display is capable of displaying a plurality of different graphics.

44. The modifiable electronic display of claim 29, wherein the display is capable 5 of scrolling a plurality of different graphics, either individually or in combination.

45. The modifiable electronic display of claim 29, wherein the display is capable of being walked over.

lo 46. The modifiable electronic display of claim 29, wherein the display is at least partly disposed within a recess.

47. The modifiable electronic display of claim 46, wherein the recess is formed within a protective housing configured to be walked over and to minimize slippage of 5 a person thereon.

48. The modifiable electronic display of claim 47, wherein at least a portion of the protective housing is formed by a transparent member that is at least one of reprovable, cleanable, reusable, disposable and tacky.

49. The modifiable electronic display of claim 48, wherein the transparent member comprises a plurality of separable layers.

50. The modifiable electronic display of claim 48, wherein the transparent 25 member is associated with an anti-slip component.

51. The modifiable electronic display of claim 50, wherein the anti-slip component is at least one of a tread, particles embedded in the transparent member, a plurality of channels in the transparent member, apertures in the transparent member, JO and a raised portion of the transparent member.

52. The modifiable electronic display of claim 29, wherein the electronic display is associated with a top exposed surface configured to effect removal of at least one of dirt and moisture from the soles of a person's shoes upon engagement therewith.

53. The modifiable electronic display of claim 52, wherein the top exposed surface comprises separated members.

54. The modifiable electronic display of claim 29, wherein the display is at least s partly covered by a transparent member.

S5. The modifiable electronic display of claim 54, wherein the transparent member is removable.

lo 56. The modifiable electronic display of claim 54, wherein the transparent member is cleanable.

57. The modifiable electronic display of claim 54 wherein the transparent member is disposable.

58. The modifiable electronic display of claim 54, wherein the transparent member is reusable.

59. The modifiable electronic display of claim 54, wherein the transparent 20 member comprises a plurality of separable layers.

60. The modifiable electronic display of claim 54, wherein the transparent member has a tacky surface.

2s 61. The modifiable electronic display of claim 54, wherein the transparent member is associated with an anti-slip component.

-me Amendments to the claims have been filed as follows A floor mat ha; ing modifiable electronic display associated therewith, wherein said electronic display is capable of displaying dynamic images.

2. The floor mat of claim 1, further comprising a transparent portion covering the electronic display.

3. The floor mat of claim 2, wherein the transparent portion covering the lo electronic display is configured for being stepped on.

4. The floor mat of claim l, wherein the electronic display is modifiable in a verbal message thereof.

:' 5. The floor mat of claim l, wherein the electronic display is scrollable.

6. The floor mat of any of claims 1-5, wherein the electronic display is a liquid crystal display.

20 7. The floor mat of claim 6, wherein the electronic display contrains an electronically modifiable verbal message.

8. The floor mat of any of claims 1-7, wherein the electronic display is modifiable in an intensity of color thereof or in a pictorial representation 25 thereof. 9. The floor mat of any of claims 1-8, wherein the floor Nat defines a recess therein, and wherein the electronic display is disposed within the recess.

0 10. The floor mat of claim 1, further comprising: a base portion defining a recess therein; a transparent insert portion removably disposed within the recess, wherein the electronic display is disposed within the recess between the base portion and the transparent insert portion.

-- 3S The floor mat of claim 10, wherein the transparent insert portion is cleanable.

12. The floor mat of claim 11, wherein the transparent insert portion is disposable 5 or reusable.

13. The floor mat of any of claims 10-12, further comprising an anti-slip component associated with the transparent insert portion for contacting soles of a person's shoes to prevent slipping of the person on the transparent insert lo portion when the transparent insert portion is wet.

14. The floor mat of any of claims 10-13; wherein the transparent insert portion has a tacky surface thereon.

5 15. The floor mat of claim 14, wherein the tacky surface is a tacky top exposed surface of the transparent insert portion for contacting soles of a person's shoes. 16. The floor mat of any of claims 10-15, wherein the transparent insert portion is 20 adapted to be stepped on.

17. The floor mat of claims 1-6, wherein the electronic display includes one of liquid crystal, electric paper, light-emitting polymers, an organic light-emitting diode, or electronic ink.

18. The floor mat of claim 17, wherein the light emitting polymers are a woven part or an attached part of the floor covering.

19. The floor mat of claim 1, wherein the floor mat is portable.

so 20. The floor mat of any of the preceding claims, wherein the electronic display is configured for being directly or indirectly connected to a computer or a network, and modifiable by the computer or via the network.

3k 21. The floor mat of any of the preceding claims, wherein the electronic display is further configured for being wirelessly connected to a computer Of a network, and modifiable bv the computer or via the network 5 22 The floor mat of claim 20, wherein the electronic display is further configured for being wirelessly comected to a network by a paging system.

23. The floor mat of any of claims 20-22, wherein the network is the World Wide Web. 24. The floor mat of any of the preceding claims, wherein the electronic display is modifiable independently of a person stepping on the floor mat.

2. The floor mat of claim 1, wherein the modifiable electronic display is 5 contained within a protective covered recess capable of being directly or indirectly stepped on.

26. The floor mat of claim 1, herein the display is capable of displaying a plurality of different graphics 27. The floor mat of claim 1, wherein the display is capable of scrolling a plurality of different graphics, either individually or in combination 28 A modifiable electronic display associated with a floor mat, and capable of displaying dynamic images.

29. The modifiable electronic display of claim 28, wherein the display is scrollable. 30 30. The modifiable electronic display of claim 28, wherein the display is configured to be directly or indirectly connected to a computer 31. The modifiable electronic display of claim 28 wherein the display is configured to be wirelessly connected to a computer.

32. The modifiable electronic display of claim 28, wherein the display is configured to be directly or indirectly connected to a network.

33. The modifiable electronic display of claim 28, wherein the display includes liquid crystal.

34. The modifiable electronic display of claim 28, wherein the display includes liquid-emitting polymers.

35. The modifiable electronic display of claim 28, wherein the display includes electric paper.

36. The modifiable electronic display of claim 28, wherein the display includes 5 electronic ink.

37. The modifiable electronic display of claim 28, wherein the display includes an organic light-emitting diode.

20 3 S. The modifiable electronic display of claim 28, wherein the display is modifiable by a computer.

3 9. The modifiable electronic display of claim 28, wherein the display is modif able in a verbal message thereof.

40. The modifiable -electronic display of claim 28, wherein the display is modifiable in an intensity of color thereof.

41. The modifiable electronic display of claim 28, wherein the display is so modifiable in a pictorial representation thereof.

42. The modifiable electronic display of claim 28, wherein the display is capable of displaying a plurality of different graphics.

43 The modifiable electronic display of claim 28, wherein the display is capable of scrolling a plurality of different graphics, either individually or in combination. 5 44. The modifiable electronic display of claim 28, wherein the display is capable of being walked over 4. The modifiable electronic display of claim 28, wherein the display is at least partly disposed within a recess.

46. The modifiable electronic display of claim 45, wherein the recess is Conned within a protective housing configured to be walked over and to minimize slippage of a person thereon.

l: 47. The modifiable electronic display of claim 46, wherein at least a portion of the protective housing is formed by a transparent member that is at least one of removable, cleanable, reusable, disposable and taclcy.

48 The modifiable electronic display of claim 47, wherein the transparent 20 melnber comprises a plurality of separable layers.

49. The modifiable electronic display of claim 47, wherein the transparent member is associated with an anti-slip component.

25 50. The modifiable electronic display of claim 49, wherein the antislip component is at least one of a tread, particles embedded in the transparent member, a plurality of channels in the transparent member, apertures in the transparent member, and a raised portion of the transparent member.

30 51. The modifiable electronic display of claim 2g, wherein the electronic display is associated with a top exposed surface configured to effect removal of at least one of dirt and moisture from the soles of a person's shoes upon engagement therewith

r 52. The modifiable electronic display of claim 51, wherein the top exposed surface comprises separated members.

53. The modifiable electronic display of claim 2S, wherein the display is at least s partly covered by a transparent member.

54. The modifiable electronic display of claim 53, wherein the transparent member is removable.

lo 55. The modifiable electronic display of claim 53, wherein the transparent member is cleanable.

56. The modifiable electronic display of claim 53 wherein the transparent member is disposable.

57. The modifiable electronic display of claim 53, wherein the transparent member is reusable.

58. The modifiable electronic display of claim 53, wherein the transparent 20 member comprises a plurality of separable layers.

59. The modifiable electronic display of claim 53, wherein the transparent member has a taclcy surface.

25 60. The modifiable electronic display of claim 53, wherein the transparent member is associated with an anti-slip component.