JP2005511183A - Improved removal tab for adhesive mat floor insert - Google Patents

Abstract

An improved removal tab for a sticky insert in a floor mat is disclosed. An improved removal tab for a sticky insert in a flow mat is disclosed. This removal tab has a non-smooth texture and is offset from adjacent tabs by a separator and is sized differently, otherwise allowing easy handling and removal of individual inserts from a large volume of inserts Can be formed.

Description

  This application claims the benefit of US Provisional Application No. 60 / 339,316, filed Dec. 12, 2002, under 35 USC 119 (e). Furthermore, this application is a continuation-in-part of US application 09 / 935,672. US Application No. 09 / 935,672 is a continuation-in-part of International Application No. PCT / US00 / 30206, filed on Nov. 2, 2000, which is filed on Apr. 19, 2000. 09 / 553,234, which was issued on May 22, 2001 as US Pat. No. 6,233,776. Application 09 / 553,234 is a continuation-in-part of US Application No. 09 / 418,752 filed on October 15, 1999, which is filed with US Application No. 09, filed May 4, 1999. This is a continuation-in-part application of / 304,051 and was issued as US Pat. No. 6,219,876 on April 24, 2001. All of the aforementioned applications are hereby fully incorporated by reference.

  The present invention relates to a floor mat. More particularly, the present invention provides a floor mat that includes a cleanable portion. This floor mat also has a water-dissipating component, a water-absorbing component, a cushioning component, a custom-made figure, a transparent cleanable part, a sticky surface on this cleanable part, an antibacterial composition, an antifungal composition And can contain fragrance. This cleanable portion may be erodible and may include multiple cleanable reusable layers. If a sticky surface is included in the floor mat, the anti-slip mechanism can be integrated with the sticky surface of this to help prevent slipping on a possible wet sticky surface. In addition, a sensor system can be included in the floor mat to help the user identify when it is necessary to clean the floor mat.

  Floor mats that clean the bottom of a person's shoe trying to enter a specific area or room are well known. One problem with floor mats is generally enough to allow the floor mat to perform a function to clean a person's shoes if it is intentionally soiled from this very nature when performing this function. To keep it clean.

  Known floor mats can be constructed from a single, single piece material. These single structure flow mats can be kept clean, for example, by washing the flow mat, whereas the entire floor mat is removed from its position for washing, so the The floor mat may be required to be unusable if desired while the entire mat is being cleaned. Alternatively, if the mat is located in a carpeted area, for example, it may not be possible to be cleaned there but the mat is cleaned there. Is inconvenient.

  U.S. Pat. No. 3,785,102 to Amos discloses a disposable pad comprising a plurality of stacked disposable sheets that are removed and discarded when individual sheets are soiled. . The next sheet that is exposed after the dirty sheet is disposed of is clean, so that a clean surface can be used again. However, there are problems associated with providing a disposable floor mat. Disposing of each dirty sheet is not economical because each sheet is discarded after it becomes dirty. In addition, after some limited number of sheets have been disposed, there are no sheets and therefore an effective cleaning surface cannot be used.

  U.S. Pat. No. 3,785,102 to Amos discloses that an adhesive can be applied to the top of each sheet, improving this performance to remove dirt from a person's shoes. ing. However, again, these sheets cannot be cleaned and therefore cannot be reused.

  U.S. Pat. No. 3,717,897 to Amos et al. Discloses a pad for cleaning shoes and wheels. The pad includes a thin, washable adhesive covering the top surface to remove dirt from the shoes and wheels. The '897 patent discloses a pad having a water-washable adhesive top surface, but this pad is not known for use in home or office type applications. As described in the '897 patent, this pad is located at the entrance doorway leading to the clean room.

  Sticky floor mats are used in clean rooms that are completely inside the interior of the building where they are used, for example in indoor environments that are far away from outdoor exterior entrances, such as for hospital rooms, computer chip manufacturing spaces, gymnasiums, etc. Very popular for use. Adhesive floor mats are therefore suitable for use in areas close to entrances that lead from the outdoor environment, for example, to clean the bottom of a person's shoes before entering the interior of a building such as an entrance hall or outdoor porch. Is not known.

  Adhesive floor mats are not known for use in home-type or office-type applications, such as home use or business office use, for several well-known deficiencies. One of these defects is that the sticky surface of the floor mat is not effective when wet. To this end, adhesive surface floor mats can be used in outdoor environments such as the outdoor porch mentioned above, or outdoor such as a home or company entrance hall to clean a person's shoes before entering the home or company. When used in an indoor environment close to the doorway or nearby, the mat can get wet and therefore not effective. This mat is moistened, for example, from moisture in the atmosphere or from the moisture carried on the bottom of the shoe of the person stepping on the mat. In addition, if the sticky surface gets wet, it is prone to slip, thus creating a danger to the person stepping on it.

  For home-type or office-type applications as discussed above, additional deficiencies associated with using well-known adhesive floor mats are the potential for tripping and lack of aesthetic appeal. In this' 897 patent, since the pad is designed for use in a clean room environment, the pad is adhesively bonded to the passage floor in front of the entrance doorway. This is sufficient to hold the mat in place in clean room type applications. However, if an attempt is made to use the pad of the '897 patent on a carpeted floor, this pad does not adhere properly to the carpet and is therefore at risk of tripping. This can result in significant disadvantages. The pad of the '897 patent does not have enough mass for it to stay in place without the use of adhesive. In terms of aesthetics, adhesive floor mats are not aesthetically pleasing because they are well known only for their functional properties and therefore only for use in “clean room” type applications. Thus, for at least the above reasons, adhesive floor mats are not known for use in home type or office type applications.

  There are additional deficiencies associated with well-known floor mats regarding custom production problems for individual buyers and lack of additional cleaning characteristics. The floor mat is the first object that an individual home or business visitor meets. Thus, a home or business owner may use a floor mat to convey a first greeting or message to a visitor using graphics. While floor mats containing greetings to them are well known, it allows individual buyers to customize the displayed graphics, and this message is the specific message desired by the buyer. It is generally not known to be made to order to convey. For example, in Halloween, the purchaser can display the message “Happy Halloween” on the floor mat. In another situation, the purchaser may wish to greet a particular visitor with a message such as “Hello, Joe”. In general, individuals produce custom floor mats and supply floor mats that allow them to display specific messages that they want to convey or change the messages of the floor mats that they want to convey in certain situations It is not known to do.

  As mentioned above, an additional problem with known floor mats is that the ability of the floor mat to clean a person's shoe sole is limited. Known floor mats are able to remove dirt from the bottom of the shoe, but they cannot disinfect this bottom and help to block any unpleasant odor associated with the shoe Can't give a scent to this bottom.

  An additional deficiency with known floor mats is that, even though they can be cleaned, they do not help the user to determine when the floor mats need cleaning. In general, the floor mat owner or administrator does not constantly or regularly monitor the condition of the floor mat for cleanliness. Therefore, this floor mat requires cleaning, and the owner does not constantly monitor the condition of the floor mat, so there is a significant period of time before the owner realizes that the floor mat needs cleaning . Therefore, it is desirable to help the floor mat owner / manager determine when the floor mat needs cleaning.

  Therefore, it is desirable to provide an advanced floor mat that can address the deficiencies that exist with commonly known floor mats. The advanced floor mat of the present invention can include a base portion that contains a cleanable portion configured to eliminate deficiencies in the prior art and be removably received within the floor mat. This floor mat can also be used for water dissipation performance, water absorption performance, cushioning performance, custom-ordered figures, transparent parts, sticky surfaces on cleanable parts, antibacterial finishing compositions, antifungal compositions and fragrances And the like. This cleanable portion can be characterized by being erodible and containing a plurality of cleanable, most usable layers. If an adhesive surface is included in the floor mat, the anti-slip mechanism can be integrated with the adhesive surface to help prevent slipping on a possible wet adhesive surface. In addition, a sensor system can be included in the floor mat to help the user identify when it is necessary to clean the floor mat. Other features will be apparent from the detailed description below.

  The various features of the invention will be best understood by referring to the following description and the accompanying drawings at the same time.

  FIG. 1 illustrates a first embodiment of a floor mat 100 according to the principles of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the floor mat 100 has a base portion 200 and a cleanable insert portion 300. As described later in this specification, in this embodiment, the cleanable portion 300 is received within the base portion 200 and is removable from the base portion 200.

FIG. 2 shows an exploded perspective view of the floor mat of FIG. As shown in FIG. 2, the base portion 200 is formed as a substantially flat, planar member and defines a recess 210 in the upper surface of the base portion 200. Base portion 200 supports a cleanable insert portion 300 and has a weight and mass sufficient to maintain the positioning of the floor mat on the surface on which it is placed. As such, it can have water-dissipating performance, water-absorbing performance, and buffer performance, and can be molded or woven nylon 6 or the like to form materials and porous structures such as polyurethane, polyisoprene, etc. It can be composed of a cross-linked elastomeric material. The recess 210 can be configured in any of various geometric shapes, but in the present embodiment, the recess 210 is configured in a rectangular shape. The recess 210 has a length _{L 1} and width _{W 1.} The depth of the recess 210 is such that the cleanable insert portion 300 can be received therein, so that when the cleanable insert portion 300 is received in the recess 210, the cleanable insert The upper surface of the portion 300 is located in substantially the same plane as the upper surface of the base portion 200.

  The upper surface of the base portion 200 can be colored in any color as desired by individual buyers. However, it is preferred that a single color be utilized that minimizes the visible degree of any dirt accumulated in the base portion 200. For example, it is preferable that a dark color is used for the upper surface of the base portion 200 instead of a light color. However, again, any individual color can be utilized for the base portion 200, particularly for the top surface of the base portion 200, as the individual desires. In addition, the base portion 200 can be either translucent or opaque.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the surface of the base portion 200 that defines the bottom of the recess 210 can include a graphic 220 on this surface. In the illustrated embodiment, the graphic includes a display of a picture of a flower and a text message that writes the word “WELCOME” one by one. The present invention is not limited to any particular graphic within the recess 210, and the present invention may include a variety of different shapes.

  The graphic 220 can be modified by an individual after the floor mat has been purchased by the owner and can therefore be custom made. These owners can custom-made mats in their home or company, so that shapes appropriate for a particular state can be changed by an individual for display in another state. For example, the graphic can display a message “Happy Halloween” for Halloween and can be changed to display “Happy Holidays” during the winter holiday season. In this way, as can be understood, the graphics can be changed by the user and can therefore be custom-made for the particular desire of the individual user.

  As indicated above, the present invention is not limited to any particular shape for graphic 220. The graphic 220 can be custom made by the user and includes any of a variety of different colors, pictures, messages, or other displays that the user wishes to display. In addition, the purity of the visible color or colors can be varied. For example, a color that glows at night can be included in the graphic 220 at special times, such as Halloween.

  Any of a variety of different types of structures or methods may be implemented in the present invention to modify the graphic 220 of the floor mat 100, and the present invention may be any specific method for modifying the graphic 220. Or it is not limited to the structure. Moreover, all of the various embodiments contemplated to provide a changeable graphic display on the floor mat of the present invention can be included in either the base portion, the insert portion, or both. For example, the graphic may be the surface defining the bottom of the recess 210, such as by using an adhesive or fastener assembly, such as a hook and loop assembly, or the insert portion 300 may be within the base portion 200. Composed of a pre-formed message or an art form that can be glued to any of the back side of the insert portion 300 so that its graphic is visible through the transparent insert portion be able to.

  Alternatively, a variety of different shapes can be selectively covered by the user without certain shapes for display, while other available shapes are covered within the floor mat 100. It can be accommodated in the floor mat 100 as it is. This type of selectability is well known in other media where selectability between various different graphics in a typical display panel is desired. For example, an advertising bulletin board at a sporting event selectively selects a first specific message during a first specific time period and a second message during a second time period on the same bulletin board. It is possible to display.

  A third possible alternative is to give the floor mat a changeable display. This display surface can be integrated with either the base portion or the insert portion, eg, attached to either the bottom surface of the recess 210 or the bottom of the insert portion 300. Is possible. The indication is contained on the front surface of the floor mat, on the back of the mat so that it can be seen through the transparent part of the mat, embedded in the mat, attached to the mat, or formed integrally with the mat It is possible. For example, the display can consist of a small and thin box that can be attached to the sticky and / or base portion of the floor mat, or any other component portion. It is integrated with the floor mat. However, users can design and display their custom-made graphics, which can then be modified so that they can be replaced with other graphics. A display surface, such as a writing board, that can be erased can be used for this purpose.

  Furthermore, it is contemplated that a changeable electronic display surface such as, for example, a liquid crystal display may be provided. The display can be connected to a computer and computer-generated images can be displayed on the display. Thus, the image displayed on the display can be changed by generating a different computer image and displaying the computer image on the display. This indication can be integrated with the base portion 200, such as contained within the recess 210, or it can be included on the bottom portion facing the top of the insert portion 300. Alternatively, this indication can be formed integrally with either the base portion or the insert portion. This changeable display can utilize a plurality of different graphics that can be displayed on the display in any of a variety of ways. For example, the graphics can be displayed in a substantially fixed position on the display, or in two exemplary ways of displaying multiple graphics, either individually or in combination: It is possible to scroll the entire display.

  Another method of modifying the graphic 220 of the floor mat 100 includes using a light emitting polymer to generate the graphic 220 and thus modify it. The light emitting polymer can be either applied to the floor mat, attached, or woven. The light-emitting polymer can be utilized in any part of the floor mat 100, for example in either the base part or the insert part, or in any other part of the different embodiments for the floor mat. Luminescent polymers are well known and are described in US Pat. Nos. 5,945,502, 5,869,350 and 5,571,626, which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

  Another option for display is to use electronic ink or electrical paper. Electrical paper is available from Xerox and is described in US Pat. Nos. 5,723,204, 5,604,027, 4,126,854, and 4,143,103. Which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Electronic paper uses thousands of small, charged beads, called Gyricons, each approximately the width of human hair to produce pixels. The two-tone bead is embedded inside a liquid-filled plastic sheet that forms the surface of the paper. Each half black and half white bead turns in response to an electric field. This bead determines the image depending on whether the black side or the white side is on. Because there is no need to refresh this image and the screen is not backlit, the electronic paper uses only a little power used by conventional electronic displays. Devices such as electromagnetic needles and printers can be used to obtain images on this paper.

  Electronic ink is available from E Ink Corp. of 02138, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA, Spinelli PI, 45 (45 Spinelli PI., Cambridge, MA 02138). Electronic ink uses a micromechanical display system in microcapsules. Small microcapsules are trapped between two sheets of plastic to produce pixels. Alternatively, the capsule can be sprayed onto the surface. The result is a flexible display material. Small capsules are transparent and contain a mixture of black ink and white paint chips. Charge is passed through the capsule. Due to the electrostatic charge, the paint tip will float on top or at the bottom of each capsule. When the paint tip floats on top, this surface appears white. When they are at the bottom, and therefore under the ink, the surface appears black. Each of the two states is stable in black or white. A transparent electromagnetic grating placed over the entire surface of the sheet controls the shape of the image. This display can be connected wirelessly, for example to a computer and thus to the World Wide Web using, for example, Motorola's paging system. The text for all displays can be changed immediately by a single editor via a web page if multiple displays are used.

  Again, a display that can utilize any of the methods discussed above for changing this display is any of the floor mats, such as the bottom surface facing the base portion 200 or the insert portion 300 in the recess 210. It can be integrated with the part. Alternatively, the display can be formed integrally with either the base portion or the insert portion. This display includes an adhesive surface and a non-adhesive floor mat and can be utilized in any of the embodiments disclosed herein for the floor mat of the present invention.

  As discussed above, in further describing the base portion 200, the base portion 200 may further include both a water dissipation component and a buffer component. The water-dissipating component is provided to transfer moisture from the bottom of a person's shoe that rests on the floor mat 100 to reduce the amount of moisture transferred to the cleanable insert portion 300, and the cushioning component is provided to the floor mat 100. To match the shape of the person's sole, so that a large amount of debris in the person's sole can be removed by the floor mat 100. The present invention is not limited to any particular structure or material for the water-dissipating component and the buffer component. For example, the water-dissipating component can be constructed from any of a variety of well-known materials such as polyamide, vinyl-based and polyisoprene. Although not necessarily required, it is desirable that the water-dissipating component disperses or moves water and does not retain water. Therefore, a porous material is desired instead of a hydrophilic material. The cushioning component can be composed of any of a variety of cushioning components including, for example, foam rubber.

FIG. 2 further shows a cleanable insert portion 300. As shown, the cleanable insert portion 300 has a geometric shape that is complementary in size and forms a recess 210 formed in the base portion 200. As such, the cleanable insert portion 300 can be securely received within the recess 210. Therefore, the cleanable insert portion 300 has a length L ₂ that is only slightly shorter than the length L ₁ of the recess 210. Similarly, the cleanable insert portion 300 has a width W ₂ that is only slightly shorter than the width W _{1 of the} recess 210.

  A cleanable insert portion 300 is removably attached to the base portion 200 within the recess 210 on the bottom side 310 of the cleanable insert portion 300, ie, the surface that contacts the surface defining the bottom of the recess 210. An attachment mechanism can be provided so that Any of a variety of different attachment mechanisms can be provided on the bottom surface of the cleanable insert portion 300, including, for example, a hook-and-loop fastener assembly or adhesive. Regardless of the particular locking mechanism used to removably attach the cleanable insert portion 300 to the base portion 200, in this embodiment, the clean surface can be cleaned by the user after cleaning. The cleanable insert portion 300 can be removed from the base portion 200 so that it can be reinserted into the recess 210 to be newly applied to the floor mat 100.

  As mentioned above, the cleanable insert portion 300 can be formed from transparent materials such as hydrophilic aliphatic acrylic polymers, copolymers, including acrylic acid, hydroxyethylmethacrylic acid and glyceryl monomethacrylic acid. . Forming the transparent material cleanable insert portion 300 allows an individual to see a custom-made graphic that can be provided within the floor mat 100 as previously discussed. Alternatively, the insert portion 300 may be opaque.

  Moreover, the top side of the cleanable insert portion 300 can include an adhesive surface. This sticky surface helps remove debris from the sole of a person's shoe that rests on the cleanable insert portion 300. In this embodiment, if the sticky surface at the top of the cleanable insert portion 300 is soiled to such an extent that the user desires to clean the insert portion 300, the user can remove the insert portion 300 from the base portion 200. And clean the insert portion 300 to remove accumulated debris. The insert portion 300 is then reinserted into the base portion 200.

  The tacky surface imparted to the top side of the cleanable insert portion 300 is composed of any of a variety of materials such as suitable plasticizers, plasticized neoprene, polysulfides and polyvinyl chloride combined with polyurethane. It is possible. In addition, acrylics such as butylacrylic acid and numerous homologues thereof can be utilized. Again, the present invention is not limited to any particular material. The tacky surface can generally be formed from any adhesive material. In this embodiment, the only thing to consider is that the surface maintains its sticky properties even after repeated cleaning cycles.

  The present invention is not limited to any particular method of cleaning the insert portion 300. The insert portion 300 can be cleaned by any of a variety of methods, depending on the particular material composition for the insert portion 300. For example, the insert portion 300 can be cleaned by placing the insert portion in a washing machine and washing the insert portion 300, or the insert portion 300 can be cleaned with a coarse cleaning brush, soap, water, or “Spic”. The insert portion 300 can be scrubbed and washed away with a cleaning agent such as 'N Span'.

  Further, the insert portion 300 can be cleaned by utilizing a roller that also includes an adhesive surface around the periphery of the roller. When the roller's sticky surface is rolled over the entire sticky surface of the insert part, the dirt and debris on the sticky insert part is removed from the sticky insert part and adhered to the roller. The adhesive surface is composed of an adhesive that is stronger than the adhesive in the adhesive insert portion. Thus, a roller having an adhesive surface can be utilized to clean the adhesive insert portion.

  Again, the present invention is not limited to any particular method or cleaning agent for cleaning the insert portion 300, and any cleaning method or cleaning that does not affect the effect of the composition of the insert portion 300. The agent is considered.

  The floor mat 100 can further include additional features that are useful for cleaning the soles of people standing on the floor mat 100. For example, the base portion 200 and / or the insert portion 300 can include an antimicrobial composition and an antifungal composition. Antibacterial compositions such as polyethylene glycol monomethacrylic acid and anthraquinosine derivatives of dimethacrylic acid can be utilized. Therefore, the floor mat 100 is antibacterial. The antibacterial feature is particularly desirable because the floor mat cleans structural debris from the sole of a person's shoe and, in addition, allows both potentially harmful bacteria from the sole of the person to be removed.

  In addition, the floor mat 100 can be further fragranced to provide a desired bottom surface before entering a particular area. Tricyclic molecules with aromatic substitution or organic ethers, for example flavones such as liminolic acid, can be used. The fragrance is transferred from the floor mat 100 to the bottom of a person's shoe so that any undesirable odor is conveniently blocked by the fragrance.

  The present invention is not limited to utilizing an antibacterial composition, antifungal composition and / or fragrance for floor mat 100. Rather, the floor mat 100 may further contain a variety of other materials that help clean the bottom of a person's shoes.

  Any of a variety of structures or methods can be utilized to integrate the antibacterial composition, antifungal composition, fragrance, or any other composition with the floor mat 100. These materials can be applied to the floor mat 100 as a peelable or dissipative coating, or can be releasably embedded as pellets within the structure of the floor mat 100, for example. For this reason, when pressure is applied to the floor mat 100, these materials are distributed to the bottom of a person's shoe.

  FIG. 3 shows another embodiment for the floor mat 100. In FIG. 3, it is shown that the base portion 200 can include separate layers for the water dissipation component 230 and the buffer component 240. In this embodiment, the water-dissipating component 230 is disposed on the upper surface side of the buffer component 240. However, the present invention is not limited to this particular embodiment for water dissipation component 230 and buffer component 240. For example, a single hybrid structure can be utilized for base portion 200 that includes material properties to provide both water dissipation and conforming structures.

  Alternatively, FIG. 4 illustrates that both a water-dissipating component or water drainage layer and a water absorption layer can be included. In FIG. 4, the floor mat 400 has a water discharge layer 410 and a water absorption layer 420. The water discharge layer 410 has a characteristic of moving polypropylene or olefin or water from the surface of the floor mat 400. It can be composed of any other suitable material. The water absorption layer 420 is disposed directly below the water discharge layer 410 and absorbs any water that passes through the water discharge layer 410. The water absorbing layer 420 can be periodically removed and dried by, for example, a dryer.

  Of course, the water drain layer 410 is used either with or without a water absorbing layer 420 and a buffer layer, as previously described in other embodiments. The water absorbing layer 420 can be used with or without the water draining layer 410 and the buffer layer. Moreover, either the water draining layer and / or the absorbing layer and / or the buffer layer can be used with or without an adhesive portion.

  Returning to FIG. 3, FIG. 3 also illustrates another embodiment for the insert portion 300. While previously disclosed embodiments for the insert portion 300 were discussed as a single structural member that can include an adhesive surface on the top side thereof, a view for the insert portion 300 is shown. The third embodiment is composed of a plurality of layers. As shown in the figure, the layers 301 to 305 constitute an insert portion 300. Each of these layers can include an adhesive surface on the top side thereof as previously described for the insert portion 300. In use, the top layer, eg, layer 301, can be removed from its adjacent lower layer, eg, layer 302, and can be independently cleaned. After cleaning, this layer can be reinstalled in the recess 210 on the top surface of the exposed layer of the insert portion 300. Thus, the insert portion 300 can be cleaned by removing the top layer, cleaning this layer, and re-installing this layer in the recess 210. Although each layer is described as being independently cleanable, it is not required that each individual layer be cleanable. Each layer can be formed of a material as previously described when discussing the embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2 for the insert portion.

  Other alternative embodiments for the insert portion 300 are contemplated. For example, while previously disclosed embodiments have discussed the insert portion 300 as being composed of one or more layers having an adhesive surface on one or more top sides, The insert portion 300 is not required to be formed only with an adhesive surface on the upper surface side thereof. More specifically, another embodiment for insert portion 300 includes forming insert portion 300 as a single structural member from a material that is cohesive throughout the cross-section of the material. Materials such as mixtures of non-crosslinked hydrophilic plastics, preferably a mixture of polyethylene glycol diacrylate with n not exceeding 15 and a hydrophobic material such as vinyl chloride neoprene are utilized in the insert portion of this embodiment Can be done. By forming the insert portion 300 from a homogeneous adhesive material, the insert portion 300 does not necessarily have to be removed from the recess 210 of the base portion 200 in order to be cleaned. In this alternative embodiment, the insert portion 300 can be cleaned by eroding the top surface of the insert portion as a result of the use of the insert portion. Thus, by providing an erodible insert portion, the insert portion can be cleaned by erosion of its upper surface when the insert portion is used in the floor mat 100.

  As the insert portion 300 erodes, the exposed surface of the insert portion 300 continues to be sticky in composition because of its homogeneous cross-section. This exposed sticky surface dissipates as a result of erosion, and therefore erosion of the insert part itself results in the cleanable insert part.

  Alternatively, even if the insert portion 300 has a homogeneous cross-section of adhesive material, the user can remove the insert portion 300 from the recess 210 and independently clean the insert portion 300. Can do. Thus, the user need not rely on the erosive characteristics of the insert portion 300 to clean the insert portion 300; rather, the user can remove the insert portion from the base portion and independently The erosive cleaning feature of the insert portion may be utilized in combination with an independent cleaning step to clean the insert portion.

  As discussed above, the insert portion 300 can be constructed from a variety of materials including adhesive plastics, paper, or other materials that can be cleaned, and can be erodible and reusable. Or it may not be erodible and not reusable. If paper is utilized, the insert portion can be formed as a single structural member, or as multiple layers, as previously discussed. In addition, the paper can include an adhesive surface on the top side thereof. The paper may be translucent, opaque, or colored and may include a graphic display thereon.

  As discussed above, although not required, it is desirable for the floor mat to have water dissipation and / or water absorption capabilities. With this performance, it is desirable to help prevent the sticky surface of the insert portion from becoming excessively wet and therefore slipping. In order to help the user prevent slipping on the sticky surface of the insert part, water-dissipating performance and / or water-absorbing performance can be included in the floor mat and the sticky surface Although it has been discussed to reduce the degree of moisture, this is not just a structure that is contemplated to prevent the sticky insert portion from slipping easily. Alternatively, the adhesive insert portion itself can be formed to help prevent slipping. 5-7 illustrate another embodiment for an adhesive insert portion 300. FIG. 5 shows an adhesive insert portion 300 having a grid pattern 320 of channels 322 that can be constructed from a non-stick material. This channel can either be raised from the surface of the insert portion 300 or can be coplanar with the top surface of the insert portion. By forming a non-tacky material channel, even if the sticky material of the insert portion 300 is moistened, the user can easily slip the insert portion due to the presence of a non-tacky surface that does not slip when wet. Useful for not slipping on sticky surfaces.

  FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate another alternative embodiment for an adhesive insert portion 300 that includes anti-slip particles 324, e.g., silicon or sand particles, that spread over the upper surface 330 of the adhesive insert portion. Although it is desirable that the anti-slip particles are composed of materials that do not slip when wet and that they are exposed from the tacky surface, it is not required. Even when the anti-slip particles are embedded within the sticky surface, their spread over the top surface 330 of the sticky insert portion reduces the physical frictional restraint against slip on the bottom of the shoe of a person standing on the floor mat. Bring.

  FIG. 5 shows an adhesive insert portion 300 that includes a grid pattern 320 of channels 322 that can be constructed from a non-adhesive material, and FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate the top surface 330 of the adhesive insert portion. Although another alternative embodiment is shown for an adhesive insert portion 300 that includes anti-slip particles 324 extending into the two, it is necessary that these two alternative embodiments contain mechanisms that are incompatible with each other. Not. For example, it is contemplated that the sticky insert portion 300 includes both a non-stick channel lattice pattern and anti-slip particles, which are not particularly shown in the figure but are readily understood. It is possible.

  Another alternative for providing an anti-slip adhesive portion is to include a plurality of anti-slip members, or treads, or nipples that extend slightly up through the surface of the adhesive portion. As shown in FIG. 8, in this embodiment, the adhesive portion 300 is inserted into the base portion, which may be a water absorbent border 500 having a plurality of openings 342 therein. Each of a plurality of treads 344 that can extend upward from a base disposed directly below the adhesive portion 300 extends through one of the plurality of openings 342. The top end of each tread extends above the top surface 340 of the adhesive portion 300. When a person steps on the sticky portion 300, the amount and positioning of the tread 344 is such that the sticky portion can remove debris from the person's shoes, at least one of which is stepped on by the person. The tread 344 prevents a person on the adhesive portion 300 from slipping when the adhesive portion 300 slips when wet. The tread 344 can be compressed when stepped on so that the top end of the tread is flush with the top surface 340 of the adhesive portion 300. In this way, the tread contacts the person's shoes to prevent slipping, but nevertheless does not interfere with the contact between the person's shoes and the matte adhesive surface, thereby Enhance shoe cleaning. As a result, there is a relationship between the spacing at which the tread extends over the top surface of the tacky portion and the compressibility of the tread; there is a relationship that provides the functionality discussed above.

  The tread can be configured in any shape and size. Moreover, the tread can be composed of any material that is anti-slip when wet, such as rubber, plastic, and the like. The treads can include grooves in them and further help prevent a person from slipping on the sticky portion.

  In the discussion that follows, it is to be understood that the “base portion” of the floor mat, previously designated primarily by reference numeral 200, comprises at least a base portion base layer and a non-adhesive layer. At least a portion of the non-adhesive layer can be separated from its base partial base layer. It should be understood that the base portion can be single layer or multiple layers as long as it properly cooperates with the adhesive insert.

  In view of the above, FIG. 9B is an exploded view of a floor mat according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. The floor mat includes a base partial substrate 300 formed as a substantially planar sheet material of a predetermined thickness and having a raised border 2303 that delimits around the planar sheet. . This sheet of material includes a generally planar surface 2302. This material may be, for example, a flexible and durable water resistant material such as vinyl, plastic, rubber, etc., formed into the desired shape by compression molding, injection molding, thermoforming, or other processes.

  The base portion base layer includes an area 2301 formed to receive the adhesive insert 2306. This area 2301 can be bordered by a rim 2308 of a material that is higher than the surface 2302. When placed in this area, the adhesive insert abuts a portion of the raised border 2303 so that the rim and border cooperate to hold the adhesive insert in the base portion base layer. The base partial base layer includes an anti-slip component 2309 within area 2301. The anti-slip component extends through the opening 2307 in the adhesive insert and further serves to secure it in place on the base partial substrate.

  Further shown in FIG. 9B is a non-adhesive layer 2304 of a predetermined thickness that is formed to be received by the base partial substrate 2300 within the raised border 2303. The portion of the non-tacky layer can be permanently bonded to the base partial base layer. The raised border 2303 can be formed as “cove forming”, starting at the outer edge 2303.1, as shown in the cross-sectional view of FIG. Tilt to. The difference in height between the inner edge 2303.2, ie, the planar surface 2302 and the raised border portion, is approximately equal to the thickness of the non-stick layer 2304. The non-stick layer has a cut-out area 2305 that matches the shape of the sticky insert, so that when the non-stick layer and the base portion base layer are mated together, the edge of the cut-out area is the rim 2308. The top surface of the non-adhesive layer is higher than the surface of the area 2301 that receives the adhesive insert. Thus, the base portion base layer together with the non-stick layer forms a base portion having a recess configured to receive the sticky insert.

  The non-adhesive layer 2304 can have the component characteristics of the base portion 200 as described above. For example, the non-adhesive layer 2304 may have a water absorption characteristic, a water dissipation characteristic, a water discharge characteristic, a buffer characteristic, an antibacterial characteristic, an antifungal characteristic, an aroma, a graphic, etc., as described above in connection with the base portion 200. You can have any combination of The non-adhesive layer may be a carpet, for example. The area of the upper surface of the non-adhesive layer may be at least as large as the area of the upper surface of the adhesive insert. The area of the top surface of the non-adhesive layer and the adhesive insert may each be sized such that the entire adult-sized shoe sole is receptive thereon.

  As discussed above, the adhesive insert 2306 can comprise a plurality of separable layers. This layer can comprise a flexible, flexible material such as polyethylene, biaxially oriented polypropylene, or polyester film coated with a pressure sensitive adhesive to provide tackiness. The user of the floor mat can discard the insert layer that is too fouled to effectively clean the shoe, exposing the underside of the new layer. To facilitate removal of the soiled layer, at least a portion of the non-adhesive layer 2304 can be separated from the base portion, exposing the adhesive insert layer removal tab 2400, as shown in FIG. 10A. The removal tab 2400 facilitates easy removal of the layer of adhesive insert by allowing the user to grip the removal tab, thereby applying a separating force to this layer. The removal tab 2400 can be formed of the same material as the tacky insert during the die-cutting process discussed in more detail below, but allows easy handling without adhesive. The removal tab can alternatively be formed from a different material and secured to the adhesive insert. The recess 2401 can be formed in the base partial base layer to accommodate one tab or multiple tabs.

  For example, a fabric loop-shaped pull tab 2402 may be provided at the edge of the non-stick layer to allow the user to separate a portion of the non-stick layer from the base portion base layer. The separable portion of the non-adhesive layer can be secured to the base portion base layer during normal use by, for example, an easily separable fastener such as a snap fastener as shown in FIG. 10A. In FIG. 10A, the pull tab 2402 has a snap fastener receptacle component 2403, while the base portion base layer has a mating male component 2404. During normal use of the floor mat, the non-adhesive layer lies flat on the base part base layer 2300, bringing the two snap fastener components into locking engagement and securing the separable part of the non-adhesive layer to the base part base layer. One or more removal tabs 2400 are concealed and the floor mat provides an aesthetically pleasing appearance.

  In another embodiment as shown in FIG. 10B, the fastener is a hook and loop fastener such as VELCRO®. In FIG. 10B, a VELCRO® strip 2405 is shown attached to the underside of the non-adhesive layer 2304 and an intermeshing VELCRO® strip 2406 is attached to the planar surface 2302 of the base partial substrate 2300. It is shown. During normal use of the floor mat, the non-adhesive layer lies flat on the base partial base layer 2300, contacting the two VELCRO® strips, and separating the non-adhesive layer from the base partial base layer And hides one removal tab or a plurality of tabs 2400.

  As an alternative to the removal tab 2400 extending toward the area of the base portion base layer covered by the non-adhesive layer so that the removal tab is concealed, the removal tab is adhesive as shown in FIG. 10C. It is possible to extend towards the area 2301 of the insert. This tab is labeled, for example, to indicate to the user how many adhesive insert layers have been used.

  10D and 10E show side views of the removal tab 2400 corresponding to the case when the adhesive insert comprises multiple layers. As shown in FIG. 10D, the removal tab can be layered in stages so that the edge of the upper tab extends beyond the edge of the tab below it. ing. Such a configuration can facilitate the operation of the removal tab. Alternatively, the tab can be coextensive as shown in FIG. 10E.

  As indicated above, the adhesive insert can comprise a plurality of separable layers. FIG. 11A is a side view showing one possible sequence of layers in an adhesive insert. In the example of FIG. 11A, this adhesive insert has 12 layers, but adhesive inserts with more or fewer layers are not easily considered. It is obvious. In FIG. 11A, each of the layers 1 to 12 includes at least an adhesive layer and a film layer. This adhesive layer, when exposed for use, provides a sticky surface for the sticky insert to clean the shoe as described above. This film is a medium for the adhesive layer.

  In addition to the adhesive layer and the film layer, each of the upper layer 1 and the base layer 12 includes a release layer. This release layer has a non-tacky outer surface (ie, the surface opposite the surface in contact with the adhesive layer), and a group of layers is easily packaged, opened and processed by the user. Make it possible. This release layer is easily separated from the adhesive layer when the user needs to install the adhesive insert to the base portion of the floor mat.

  To install a multi-layer adhesive insert as shown in FIG. 11A, the user peels the base release layer from layer 12, exposes the base layer adhesive, and then sticks to the base portion of the floor mat. Install the sex insert. This base layer adhesive secures the sticky insert in the base portion.

  The user then removes the top release layer and exposes the adhesive surface of the first layer for use. After the first layer has been used and soiled, the user removes the first layer, exposes the adhesive surface of the second layer, and begins using the second layer. Ensure that the adhesion between the adhesive surface of one layer and the film of the upper layer is not easily removed from one lower layer or multiple lower layers when used to clean a shoe The upper layer is not so strong that it is difficult to remove by deliberate manipulation and the force applied for this purpose. When all of the layers of the insert are used up, the user removes the base layer and installs a new insert.

  FIG. 11B shows another embodiment of one layer of an adhesive insert. As shown in FIG. 11B, the layer of tacky insert comprises an adhesive 2700 interspersed with an integral anti-slip material 2701 laid over the film layer. The anti-slip material can extend in strips across the layers, as shown in FIG. 11C. This integral anti-slip material can be used to perform an anti-slip function instead of an anti-slip component of the base mat base layer received by an opening in the adhesive insert. Alternatively, both the anti-slip material and the anti-slip component received within the opening of the adhesive insert can be used to provide an anti-slip function.

  A method and apparatus for producing a multi-layer adhesive insert will now be described. The basic material forming these layers may be low density polyethylene, biaxially oriented polypropylene, or polyester film that is manufactured and distributed in large quantities on a continuous roll basis. This basic material can also be supplied in the form of individual sheets. Generally, a film is a series of mechanized, automation that includes the application of an adhesive to provide a tacky surface, the application of a release layer to facilitate packaging and processing, and the cutting of the layer into the desired shape. It is fed from the roll and sent out through the layered formation process.

  Referring now to FIG. 12, the process of forming a sticky insert includes forming an upper adhesive layer over the film, as shown at block 2800. This upper adhesive layer can be formed by known processes, for example using a reverse roll coater machine in a roll-to-roll process or a gravure coater machine. The film with the upper adhesive layer constitutes the reference layer material for the layer of adhesive insert, which is included in all layers that are subsequently formed. Next, using a laminator, a portion of the reference layer material is laminated to the top release film to form the top layer material that forms the top layer of the insert, as shown in block 2801. This upper layer corresponds to layer 1 as shown in FIG. 11A.

  The base layer material that forms the base layer of the insert is a reverse roll as shown in block 2802, for example, to add the base adhesive layer to the side of the film opposite the side having the upper adhesive. To laminate the base adhesive layer to the base layer release film using a coater or gravure coater, a laminator is used to form the reference layer material portion. This base layer corresponds to the layer 12 as shown in FIG. 11A.

  The reference layer, top layer, and base layer materials that are components of the adhesive insert are then shown in FIGS. 13A, 13B, and 13C, respectively, to produce the adhesive insert as discussed in detail below. In addition, it is subjected to further processing by another method according to the invention.

  By a well-known method called “multiple lay-up” (not shown), all layers can be first combined into a multilayer laminate that is subsequently cut into a sticky insert shape. However, this process has the disadvantage that undesired bond adhesion of the cut layer occurs at its edges.

  Thus, to avoid edge bond adhesion problems, the sticky insert can be formed in a process that includes a rotary die cutter according to at least three alternative embodiments of the present invention. Rotary die cutters are well known in the manufacturing art. However, it is not known to use a rotary die cutter in the process to form a multilayer structure as shown in FIG. 11A.

  FIG. 13A shows an apparatus configured to cut an adhesive insert using a rotary die cutter according to the present invention. Individual roller 2900 numbers (eg, 12) are shown for feeding the top layer, reference layer, and base layer materials, respectively, to a laminator 2901 and then to a rotary die cutter 2903. These layers are fed in a continuous form known as a “web”. A laminator is a well-known machine that can be configured to apply a predetermined amount of pressure and tension to a plurality of webs via rollers to bond the webs together with a desired bond bond strength. For example, the laminator, when complete, applies sufficient pressure so that the sticky insert does not easily separate into its component layers in its processing, but the layers are effectively fused together and the intended operation Therefore, the pressure is not so great that it is difficult to separate by applying a force for this purpose.

  These layers are processed by a rotary die cutter 2903 after being combined by a laminator to form a 12 layer web 2902. The rotary die cutter 2903 cuts a 12-layer adhesive insert 2905 of desired shape from the web 2902.

  A more detailed illustration of a rotary die cutter is shown in FIG. The rotary die cutter generally comprises at least two generally cylindrical drums 3000 that are arranged close to each other and rotate in opposite directions. These drums are rotated by a shaft 3002 driven by a gear 3003. An engraving knife 3001 is provided on the outer surface of the drum to delineate a desired shape to be cut from the web 3004. One shape of the drum surface is a mirror image of the shape of the opposing drum surface. In the case of an adhesive insert, the contoured shape is, for example, a keystone shape as described above. These drums are aligned and the speed of rotation is set so that the corresponding knife of each drum contacts during rotation to cut the desired shape from the web material. Alternatively, the engraving knife is on only one drum, while the opposing drum has a smooth surface. Generally, a stripping device (not shown) is used to separate the cut web material from the drum.

  FIG. 13B shows another configuration using a rotary die cutter. In FIG. 13B, the sticky insert shape is first cut from the base material of each layer and then combined by a laminator to produce a sticky insert. The upper layer material is fed into an upper layer rotary die cutter, ie rotary die cutter # 1, which is used to cut the insert shape for the upper layer. The reference layer material is fed into a second single reference layer rotary die cutter, ie, rotary die cutter # 2, which is used to cut the insert shape for the reference layer. In this illustration, 10 reference layer insert shapes are successively cut by rotary die cutter # 2 and stacked on an intermediate stacker (not shown) before being laminated with the upper layer insert shape and the base layer insert shape. It is done. The base layer material is fed into the base layer rotary die cutter, ie, rotary die cutter # 3, which is used to cut the insert shape for the base layer. Next, the upper layer insert shape, the reference layer insert shape, and the base layer insert shape are laminated together by a laminator 2901 to produce an adhesive insert 2905.

  FIG. 13C shows a configuration where the insert shapes are cut from their respective materials before they are laminated together, but each layer of adhesive insert is cut into shapes by individual rotary die cutters.

  FIGS. 15A-15D show top views of additional embodiments of any adhesive insert 3106 that can be formed by the process described above. FIGS. 15A-15D illustrate different types of openings in an adhesive insert for receiving an anti-slip component of a base portion base layer. In the embodiment of the drawings discussed above, the opening is relatively elongated to receive an elongated “rib-like” anti-slip component, whereas in FIGS. 15A-15D, the opening 3107 is knurled. It has a generally circular shape to accept a “bump-like” anti-slip component. The openings 3107 have various arbitrary distributions as shown in the drawing. Further, the shape of the opening is not limited to a circular shape, but may have any shape such as an oval, a square, a rectangle, or a triangle.

  Returning to FIGS. 15A-15D, a removal tab 3100 is provided at the edge of the adhesive insert. Similar to the removal tab 2400 described above, the removal tab 3100 can be formed from the same material as the adhesive insert during the die cutting process as described above, but without an adhesive. Makes it easy to handle. The removal tab can alternatively be formed from a different material and secured to the adhesive insert. The position of the removal tab is arbitrary. The base portion base layer can have a recess for receiving the removal tab.

  In the previous discussion, the term “insert” is used to refer to a member that is designed to be inserted or received in a recess in the base portion. As discussed, the insert may be a single layer of material having an upper adhesive surface (or a non-adhesive release film on the lower surface thereof) or a plurality of separable layers. Each having an upper adhesive surface (or a non-adhesive release film on the upper layer and on the lower surface of the base layer). In the discussion that follows, the term “insert” is used to refer to a single layer shape. Thus, what was referred to above as “an insert with multiple separable layers” (eg, as shown in FIGS. 10D and 10E) is referred to in the discussion below as “multiple stacked, separable. It should be understood to correspond to “a good insert”.

  When inserts are stacked, it may be difficult to separate one insert from another when their respective removal tabs (hereinafter simply “tabs”) have a smooth surface. . This is because when the tab surfaces are smooth, they often stick together due to the sticky attractive force. When the tabs stick together, it can be difficult to grasp the topmost insert tab of the bulk insert, for example, to separate it from the stack. Further, when handling the insert in an attempt to separate it from the stack, the tabs that stick together often cause one or more inserts to be inadvertently separated from the stack, which wastes material. There is a need for an approach to address these issues.

  Thus, embodiments of the present invention provide inserts so that one tab can be more easily separated from another tab, and thus individual inserts can be more easily separated from overlapping inserts. It is related to supplying a non-smooth texture to the tab of the sheet or adding thickness to the tab part. “Non-smooth texture” means that at least a portion of the surface of the tab is raised compared to an area of a different height, ie, the entire surface of the tab, or provided with a recess. It means to include an area, so this part is not substantially planar. For example, this portion can be characterized as “concave” or “bumpy” compared to the rest of the surface of the tab.

  In one embodiment, the non-smooth texture can be applied to the tab material using a textured hot roller. More particularly, as described above, the tab material can be formed from the same material as the insert during the die-cutting process, but without adhesive, it applies to the material used for the tab. It is done. The tab material can be rolled between textured hot rollers to use a non-smooth texture for the tab material (a process called thermoforming). “Textured” rollers mean rollers that have protrusions on their outside, so that when pressure and heat from the rollers are applied to the tab material, the protrusions on the rollers are tabs. Pressed against the material. The shape of this protrusion is arbitrary. In such operation, the roller temperature is generally required to be at or near the glass transition temperature (Tg) of the material. Due to the speed at which the tab material is fed into the roller, the amount of pressure that can be reasonably applied to the tab material, and heat loss, the roller needs to be heated to a temperature above the Tg of the tab material. Thermoforming can process almost any thermoplastic material, but the process is generally easier with low Tg materials such as polyethylene or polypropylene. However, any suitable material is within the scope of the invention and the invention is not limited to the use of polyethylene or polypropylene.

  As described above, the tab material can be formed from the same material as the inserts that are manufactured and distributed in large quantities in units of continuous rolls, ie low density polyethylene, biaxially oriented polypropylene, or polyester film. It is. Forming a non-smooth texture in the tab material can be done prior to the laminating process where an adhesive is applied to the film to create a reference material for each tacky insert. Thus, for example, forming a non-smooth texture can be done by pre-treating the entire roll of film in the thermoforming process before the lamination process, or the line before applying the adhesive. At some point in time, this can be done by setting a thermoforming roller as part of the lamination line. The approach of applying a non-smooth texture to the tab material prior to laminating the adhesive has the most cost-effective potential. Applying a non-smooth texture after the adhesive has been applied can cause this roller to be sticky if this adhesive is not well controlled (the tab area is not kept perfectly clean).

  After the roll material has been processed as described above, individual inserts can be cut from the roll and stacked in a die cutting process, including tabs having a non-smooth texture. Is possible. Alternatively, multiple webs can be stacked and then a stack of inserts can be die cut from the stacked webs.

  As an alternative to using a thermoforming roller to apply a non-smooth texture, a compression tool can be used to introduce a non-smooth texture into the tab material. Compression can be done more easily when the compression tool is heated, or when the tab material is heated near the Tg of the material. However, if an appropriate force is applied to the compression tool, heating is not necessarily required.

  According to another alternative method, the non-smooth texture is applied by placing the tab material in a heated press either before or after die cutting individual inserts from a roll of material. It is possible.

  As yet another alternative, the non-smooth texture can be applied to the tab material by bond bonding particles such as sand or sand grains to the surface of the tab material.

  Introducing folds in the tabs to promote tab spreading is an advantage at some point in the insert manufacturing process, which further separates the individual tabs without hassle.

  In view of the foregoing description, the floor mat insert according to the embodiment of the present invention eventually includes an adhesive area and a non-adhesive area, and a part of the non-adhesive area is formed as a tab for handling the insert. And the surface of this tab contains a non-tacky texture.

  The non-smooth texture can be applied to one side or both sides of the tab material as described above. Obviously, while applying a non-smooth texture to the tab material as described above, it creates a raised area or protrusion against one tab surface or against the opposite side of the tab surface; This raised area or protrusion creates a recess or indentation.

  On a given side, the non-smooth texture of the tab can comprise, for example, small bumps, grids, or random surface irregularities. Some examples of possible non-smooth textures are shown in FIGS. 16A-16C. FIG. 16A shows a plan view of a pattern of substantially square bumps or square protrusions or rectangular bumps or rectangular protrusions (ie, a view from above). The bump height relative to the rest of the tab surface is determined by the thickness of the tab material and the desired texture irregularities. The bump height measured from the area of the tab surface that is not subjected to non-smooth texture is, for example, about 5% to about 50% of the thickness of the tab material before thermoforming. More particularly, this height may be about 10% to about 30% of the thickness of the tab material. The bump area shown in the plan view corresponds, for example, to a length of about 0.1 mm to about 2.0 mm on one side. More particularly, this area corresponds to a length of about 0.5 mm to about 1.0 mm on one side.

  FIG. 16B shows a plan view of a substantially circular bump or protrusion pattern. The bump height relative to the rest of the tab surface is determined by the thickness of the tab material and the desired texture irregularities. The bump height measured from the area of the tab surface that is not subjected to non-smooth texture is, for example, about 5% to about 50% of the thickness of the tab material before thermoforming. More particularly, this height may be about 10% to about 30% of the thickness of the tab material. The area of the bump shown in the plan view corresponds to a diameter of about 0.1 mm to about 2.0 mm, for example. More particularly, this area corresponds to a diameter of about 0.5 mm to about 1.0 mm on one side.

  FIG. 16C shows a random arrangement of non-smooth textures. This dark line indicates the area of the tab surface that is either raised or recessed. The height (or depth) of the texture relative to the rest of the tab surface is determined by the thickness of the tab material and the irregularities in the desired texture. The height (or depth) of the texture measured from the area of the tab surface that is not subjected to the non-smooth texture is, for example, from about 5% to about 50% of the thickness of the tab material before thermoforming. More particularly, this height (or depth) may be about 10% to about 30% of the thickness of the tab material. The raised area shown in the plan view or the width of the recess may be, for example, about 0.1 mm to about 2.0 mm. More particularly, this width may be about 0.5 mm to about 1.0 mm.

  As discussed above, the non-smooth texture can be applied to one side or both sides of the tab material. According to an embodiment of the present invention, if the non-smooth texture is applied only to one side of the tab, the non-smooth texture is arranged such that the first tab is placed over the second tab, When approximately aligned with the tabs (eg, in a bulk insert), the non-smooth texture of each tab is formed to be offset from one another. This is done so that the raised areas of the lower tab do not nest over the corresponding recesses in the upper tab, which makes it difficult to separate the tabs.

  An example of such an arrangement is shown in FIG. FIG. 17 shows a number of insert tabs 1700. A bump 1710 is formed on the top surface of the top tab 1720, and thus a recess corresponding to the bump 1710 is formed on the opposite surface. The bumps 1730 formed on the tabs 1740 under the tabs 1720 are offset from the bumps 1710 to avoid nesting in the recesses. Similarly, the bump 1750 of the tab 1760 under the tab 1740 is offset from the bump 1730. An illustration of three tabs is shown in FIG. 17, but the offset non-smooth texture pattern can be repeated from end to end for any number of high volume inserts.

  Forming an offset, non-smooth texture as described above can be easily achieved by orienting the top and bottom rollers in the thermoforming process so that nested overlap does not occur when the tabs are stacked. Is possible. Another possibility is to use different non-smooth texture patterns for adjacent tabs, so that no nested overlap occurs. For example, in a large number of inserts, a tab having a regular pattern of non-smooth texture, as in FIGS. 16A and 16B, has randomly arranged non-smooth texture, as in FIG. 16C. It can be alternated with tabs. Alternatively, or in addition, the adjacent tabs are arranged so that both of their facing surfaces have only raised areas with each other, or have only recesses with each other. For this reason, no nested overlap occurs.

  18A-18C illustrate another embodiment of the present invention that facilitates easily separating the tabs in the bulk insert from each other. 18A-18C are side views of insert tabs extending from the sticky portion of the insert. 18A-18C, each tab 1810 has a first portion and a second portion, the first portion being thicker than the second portion. According to embodiments, the first thick portion can be formed by separator material 1820 applied to the surface of the tab material. This separator material separates the second thin portion of the tab (ie, the portion without added separator material) from the second thin portion of the adjacent tab. Thereby, in a large volume of inserts in which the tabs are substantially aligned with each other, the first thick portion creates a space between the second thin portions of adjacent tabs, allowing easy separation of the tabs. In other words, according to the present invention, the first portion of the tab is thicker than the second portion of the tab, so that the first tab is disposed over the second tab, The second portion of the first tab is separated from the second portion of the second tab.

  The place where the separator material is disposed is arbitrary. For example, FIG. 18A shows separator material 1820 that is flush with the outer edge of tab 1810, and FIG. FIG. 18C shows the separator material located proximate to the area bounded by the line 1840 where the surface of the insert becomes tacky.

  According to embodiments, the separator material can be formed from the same material as the tab. For example, the separator material may be an additional film layer that is bonded to the tab. Alternatively, the separator material can be formed from a material different from the tab and bonded to the tab. In either case, bond bonding can be done with an adhesive, with heat, or chemically, or with a fastener, such as a single staple or multiple staples. As another alternative, the separator material can be staples, grommets, rivets, or means for forming bumps or protrusions on the tabs. Other means for forming such staples, grommets, rivets, or bumps may be, for example, plastic, rubber, or metal.

  According to embodiments, separator material can be added to stagger the tabs in the bulk insert. The separator material may be provided with several types of visible indicators, such as color, on the selected tab, for example, from the next tab to the last tab in the bulk insert, or the last tab. Is possible. Alternatively, the separator material can be arranged to differentiate each tab from another tab through several types of structural indicators or visible indicators. For example, the tabs in a large number of inserts can have alternating colors, or each can have a different color. Each tab in a large number of inserts may be encoded in a recognized sequence such as (1,2,3 ...) or (A, B, C ...) or a character Can be entered.

  In another embodiment, each tab may have an extension that projects beyond the outer edge of the tab, as shown in FIG. 19A. FIG. 19A shows tabs 1900 to 1905, each having respective extensions 19001E, 1901E, and the like. The extensions are arranged such that when the first tab is disposed over the second tab and substantially aligned with the second tab, the extensions of the respective tabs are offset from each other. Is possible. FIG. 19B shows the above. FIG. 19B shows tabs 1900-1905 that are arranged to be substantially aligned with one another, as occurs, for example, in high volume inserts. On the contrary, each extension 1900E-1905E of each tab is offset from the other extensions. A tab extension as shown in FIGS. 19A and 19B can be formed, for example, by die cutting or by adding this extension to the tab in a separate process. The tab extension can be formed from the same material as the tab or from a different material than the tab.

  According to another embodiment, heat can be applied to the tabs such that the tabs shrink or expand relative to each other. Thus, the difference between the tabs allows easy separation of the tabs. In one embodiment, heat can be applied to tabs of similar material and thickness, but the degree and duration of the heat applied can vary between the tabs. That is, the first tab has a first degree and duration of heat applied thereto, while the second tab has a second degree different from the first one applied thereto and It is possible to have a period. Depending on the degree and duration of heat applied to the first tab and the second tab, they will either expand or contract relative to each other. Thus, if the first tab and the second tab are placed in close proximity to each other in the bulk insert, they are easily separated from each other because they have different sizes.

  Alternatively, the tabs can be formed of similar materials but different thicknesses and the same amount and duration of heat can be applied to the tabs. That is, the first tab can have a first thickness. The second tab can have a second thickness that is different than the first, and the same amount and duration of heat is applied to the first tab and the second tab. It is possible. Because of the difference in thickness between the first tab and the second tab, they either expand or contract with respect to each other. Thus, when the first tab and the second tab are placed in close proximity to each other in the bulk insert, they are easily separated from each other because they have different sizes.

  According to another alternative, “film stretch”, where the tabs are formed of similar materials but have different film stretch properties, refers to the properties of the film at the molecular level; Thus, the film can be, for example, “bidirectionally attached” or “double actuated”. As is well known to those skilled in the art, films having different stretch properties respond differently to heat. For example, a film having a first stretchability expands in a different direction from a film having a second stretchability different from the first when heat is applied thereto, or This property of film stretching, which has a tendency to shrink, is effective in introducing differences between tabs. Thus, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the first tab has a first film stretchability and the second tab has a second film stretchability different from the first one. The same amount and duration of heat can be applied to the first tab and the second tab. Because of the difference in film stretching between the first tab and the second tab, they either expand or contract with respect to each other. Thus, when the first tab and the second tab are placed on top of each other in the bulk insert, they have different sizes and therefore easily separate from each other.

  In yet another method, the tab can be made of a completely different material. For example, the first tab was made of polypropylene while the second tab was made of nylon. The same amount and duration of heat can be applied to the first tab and the second tab. Because of the difference in material, the first tab and the second tab shrink relative to each other. Thus, when the first tab and the second tab are placed in close proximity to each other in a large number of inserts, they are easily separated from each other because they have different sizes. Further, the tabs are made of different materials but have approximately the same thickness, and the degree and duration of heat applied can be varied between the tabs as described above. This further results in tabs that are different in size.

  It should be understood that any of the method steps described above can be performed in any combination to achieve the differences between the tabs. For example, the tabs are similar materials but are of different thicknesses, and different degrees and periods of heat can be applied to each tab. Alternatively, the tabs can be made of similar materials having different film stretch properties, and different degrees and periods of heat can be applied to each tab. Moreover, the tabs can be made of different materials and different thicknesses, and different degrees and periods of heat can be applied to each tab.

  All of the disclosed embodiments are illustrative of various ways in which the invention may be implemented. Moreover, any of the disclosed embodiments can be combined with any embodiment of the invention, and the invention is not limited to the specific combined embodiments disclosed. Other embodiments can be practiced by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

1 is a perspective view of a floor mat according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a disassembled perspective view of the floor mat of FIG. It is an exploded side view of another embodiment of the floor mat of the present invention. It is an exploded side view of another embodiment of the floor mat of the present invention. Figure 7 shows a third alternative embodiment for an adhesive insert portion having an anti-slip mechanism for the floor mat of the present invention. Figure 7 shows a fourth alternative embodiment for an adhesive insert portion having an anti-slip mechanism for the floor mat of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a side view of an embodiment of an adhesive insert portion having the anti-slip mechanism of FIG. 6. It is a perspective view of 5th Embodiment of the adhesive insert part which has the slip prevention mechanism for the floor mats of this invention. It is sectional drawing of the part of the floor mat by embodiment of this invention. 1 is an exploded view of a floor mat according to an embodiment of the present invention. It shows a separable part of the non-adhesive layer of the floor mat and has a snap fastener for attaching this separable part to the base part base layer of the floor mat. A separable part of the non-adhesive layer of the floor mat is shown, and a hook-and-loop fastener for attaching the separable part to the base part base layer of the floor mat is provided. Fig. 6 illustrates one possible configuration for a removal tab of a floor mat adhesive insert. FIG. 5 is a side view of multiple removal tabs according to two different possible configurations. FIG. 5 is a side view of multiple removal tabs according to two different possible configurations. Fig. 4 shows details of the layers in one possible embodiment of a multi-layer adhesive insert. FIG. 3 illustrates an anti-slip material interspersed with an adhesive in a layer of tacky insert, according to one possible embodiment. FIG. 3 illustrates an anti-slip material interspersed with an adhesive in a layer of tacky insert, according to one possible embodiment. Fig. 3 shows three alternative processes for producing a sticky insert according to the invention. FIG. 29 shows another configuration of an apparatus for producing an adhesive insert by the process shown in FIG. FIG. 29 shows another configuration of an apparatus for producing an adhesive insert by the process shown in FIG. FIG. 29 shows another configuration of an apparatus for producing an adhesive insert by the process shown in FIG. 14 shows details of a rotary die cutter that can be used in the process described in FIGS. 12 and 13A-13C. FIG. Fig. 4 illustrates another embodiment of an adhesive insert, the adhesive insert having an opening configured to receive a knurled anti-slip component. Fig. 4 illustrates another embodiment of an adhesive insert, the adhesive insert having an opening configured to receive a knurled anti-slip component. Fig. 4 illustrates another embodiment of an adhesive insert, the adhesive insert having an opening configured to receive a knurled anti-slip component. Fig. 4 illustrates another embodiment of an adhesive insert, the adhesive insert having an opening configured to receive a knurled anti-slip component. Fig. 4 illustrates various possible embodiments of non-smooth textures for insert tabs. Fig. 4 illustrates various possible embodiments of non-smooth textures for insert tabs. Fig. 4 illustrates various possible embodiments of non-smooth textures for insert tabs. Shows offsetting non-smooth textures for adjacent tabs. Fig. 6 illustrates another embodiment of an insert tab. Fig. 6 illustrates another embodiment of an insert tab. Fig. 6 illustrates another embodiment of an insert tab. Fig. 6 illustrates yet another embodiment of an insert tab. Fig. 6 illustrates yet another embodiment of an insert tab.

Claims (30)

  A floor mat insert comprising an adhesive area and a non-adhesive area, wherein a portion of the non-adhesive area is formed as a tab that handles the insert, the surface of the tab including a non-smooth texture Matt insert.   The floor mat insert according to claim 1, wherein the non-smooth texture is formed by a plurality of protrusions having an arbitrary shape.   The floor mat insert according to claim 1, wherein the non-smooth texture is formed by particles adhered to a surface of the tab.   The non-smooth texture is such that when the first tab is positioned over the second tab so that it is substantially aligned with the second tab, the non-smooth texture of the tabs are offset from each other. The floor mat insert according to claim 1, which is formed.   An insert configured to be received in a recess of a floor mat, the surface of the insert including an adhesive area and a non-adhesive area, wherein a portion of the non-adhesive area includes the insert. An insert formed as a handling tab, wherein the surface of the tab includes a raised area.   The insert according to claim 5, wherein the raised areas are bumps arranged in a regular pattern.   The insert according to claim 6, wherein the bump is rectangular.   The insert according to claim 6, wherein the bump is circular.   The insert according to claim 5, wherein the raised areas are randomly arranged.   The raised areas are offset from each other when the raised areas of the respective tabs are offset from each other when the raised areas are arranged on the second tab so that the first tab is substantially aligned with the second tab. The insert according to claim 5.   An insert configured to be received within a recess in a floor mat, the surface of the insert including an adhesive area and a non-adhesive area, wherein a portion of the non-adhesive area includes the insert. When the first tab is disposed on the second tab so as to be substantially aligned with the second tab, the second portion of the first tab is An insert in which the first portion of the tab is thicker than the second portion of the tab so as to be separated from the second portion of the second tab.   The insert of claim 11, wherein the first thick portion of the tab is formed from a tab material and a separator material added to the tab material.   The insert of claim 12, wherein the separator material is one of staples, grommets, or rivets.   12. The insert of claim 11, wherein the separator material includes a visible indicator that makes the tab different from another tab. (A) forming an insert for a floor mat comprising an adhesive area and a non-adhesive area;
(B) forming a tab for handling the insert from a part of the non-adhesive area;
(C) forming a non-smooth texture on the surface of the tab;
A method comprising:   16. The method of claim 15, wherein (c) comprises applying a textured hot roller to the tub material.   16. The method of claim 15, wherein (c) comprises compressing the material of the tab.   The non-smooth texture is offset from each other when the first tab is positioned over the second tab such that the first tab is substantially aligned with the second tab. 16. The method of claim 15, wherein the method is formed as follows. (A) forming an insert for a floor mat comprising an adhesive area and a non-adhesive area;
(B) forming a tab for handling the insert from a portion of the non-adhesive area, the first tab overlying the second tab such that the first tab is substantially aligned with the second tab. The first portion of the tab is separated from the second portion of the second tab such that the second portion of the first tab is separated from the second portion of the second tab. The way that is thicker than the part.   The method of claim 19, wherein the first thick portion of the tab is formed from a tab material and a separator material added to the tab material.   An insert configured to be received in a recess of a floor mat, wherein the surface of the insert includes an adhesive area and a non-adhesive area, and a portion of the non-adhesive area includes the insert. An insert formed as a handling tab, the tab having an extension that projects beyond the outer edge of the tab.   The extensions are disposed on the second tab such that the first tab is substantially aligned with the second tab, and the extensions of the respective tabs are offset from each other. The insert according to claim 21. (A) forming a first insert and a second insert for a floor mat each having an adhesive area and a non-adhesive area;
(B) forming a first tab and a second tab for the first insert and the second insert, respectively, from a part of the respective non-adhesive area, The tab and the second tab are formed of similar materials and have approximately the same thickness;
(C) applying a first degree and duration of heat to the first tab and applying a second degree and duration of heat different from the first to the second tab;
Forming a variable sized tab for a floor mat insert. (A) forming a first insert and a second insert for a floor mat each having an adhesive area and a non-adhesive area;
(B) forming a first tab and a second tab for the first insert and the second insert, respectively, from a part of the respective non-adhesive area, The tab and the second tab are formed of similar materials, the first tab has a first thickness, and the second tab has a second thickness different from the first. Having
(C) applying the same amount and duration of heat to the first tab and the second tab;
Forming a variable sized tab for a floor mat insert. (A) forming a first insert and a second insert for a floor mat each having an adhesive area and a non-adhesive area;
(B) forming a first tab and a second tab for the first insert and the second insert, respectively, from a part of the respective non-adhesive area, A tab and a second tab are formed from a similar material, the first tab has a first film stretchability, and the second tab is a second film different from the first. Having stretchability;
(C) applying the same amount and duration of heat to the first tab and the second tab;
Forming a variable sized tab for a floor mat insert. (A) forming a first insert and a second insert for a floor mat each having an adhesive area and a non-adhesive area;
(B) forming a first tab and a second tab for the first insert and the second insert, respectively, wherein the first tab is formed from a first material; The second tab is formed from a second material different from the first;
(C) applying the same amount and duration of heat to the first tab and the second tab;
Forming a variable sized tab for a floor mat insert. (A) forming a first insert and a second insert for a floor mat each having an adhesive area and a non-adhesive area;
(B) forming a first tab and a second tab for the first insert and the second insert, respectively, wherein the first tab and the second tab are made of different materials; Formed, but having approximately the same thickness,
(C) applying a first degree and duration of heat to the first tab and a second degree and engine heat different from the first to the second tab;
Forming a variable sized tab for a floor mat insert. (A) forming a first insert and a second insert for a floor mat each having an adhesive area and a non-adhesive area;
(B) forming a first tab and a second tab for the first insert and the second insert, respectively, from a part of the respective non-adhesive area, The tab and the second tab are formed of similar materials, the first tab has a first thickness, and the second tab has a second thickness different from the first. Having
(C) applying a first degree and duration of heat to the first tab and applying a second degree and duration of heat different from the first to the second tab;
Forming a variable sized tab for a floor mat insert. A method of forming a variable size tab for a floor mat insert,
(A) forming a first insert and a second insert for a floor mat each having an adhesive area and a non-adhesive area;
(B) forming a first tab and a second tab for the first insert and the second insert, respectively, from a part of the respective non-adhesive area, A tab and a second tab are formed from a similar material, the first tab has a first film stretchability, and the second tab is a second film different from the first. Having stretchability;
(C) applying a first degree and duration of heat to the first tab and applying a second degree and duration of heat different from the first to the second tab;
Forming a variable sized tab for a floor mat insert. A method of forming a variable size tab for a floor mat insert,
(A) forming a first insert and a second insert for a floor mat each having an adhesive area and a non-adhesive area;
(B) forming a first tab and a second tab for the first insert and the second insert, respectively, wherein the first tab and the second tab are made of different materials; Formed, the first tab has a first thickness, and the second tab has a second thickness different from the first one;
(C) applying a first degree and duration of heat to the first tab and applying a second degree and duration of heat different from the first to the second tab;
Forming a variable sized tab for a floor mat insert.

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