WO2000016611A2

WO2000016611A2 - Apparatus for joining animal mats and covering slatted floors

Info

Publication number: WO2000016611A2
Application number: PCT/IE1999/000098
Authority: WO
Inventors: Patrick Roy Mooney
Original assignee: Patrick Roy Mooney
Priority date: 1998-09-18
Filing date: 1999-09-20
Publication date: 2000-03-30
Also published as: WO2000016611A3; AU5757399A

Abstract

Connecting device (130) for bridging two juxtaposed animal mats comprises a cover (100) and a base (101). Interengaging formations such as protrusions (108) on the underside of the cover (100) and clamp (106) enable an animal mat to be sandwiched on either side of the connecting device (130). Floor covering apparatus (1101) for use in animal houses comprises a locating and securing plate (1102) which is fixable to a floor structure such as a slat, and a flexible covering mat (1103) which is removably engageable with plate (1102).

Description

APPARATUS FOR JOINING ANIMAL MATS AND COVERING SLATTED FLOORS

The present invention relates to an apparatus for joining animal mats, in particular an apparatus for joining animal cubicle mats, especially mats for bovine cows. The specification will describe the invention in relation to its application to cow mats but it will be appreciated that it may be applied to mats for other animals.

The present invention also relates to a floor covering apparatus and in particular to a floor covering apparatus for use in animal houses. The invention particularly, though not exclusively, relates to a floor covering apparatus for animal houses having a slatted floor.

Currently cow mats are provided in two variations. The first is in the form of a continuous roll of extruded sheet material laid over a series of individual mats laid on a cubicle floor. Although bedding and other material cannot accumulate under the sheet material and it does look a high value product, it is costly, has limited or difficult access for cleaning, is unhygienic, can give poor grip for the animals and can have poor shock absorbency.

The second variation in common usage is a series of individual cow mats each produced individually, mainly by compression moulding. There are two types of cow mats currently marketed namely (1) high density solid rubber mats and (2) low density expanded synthetic material mats. Although the high density solid rubber mats are heavy and durable, they are generally regarded as being too hard for animals and are being superseded by the more comfortable low density mats. While these low density mats are light in weight and more comfortable than the solid rubber mats, dirt and bedding can accumulate under the mats and seriously damage them if the dirt is not removed.

These low density comfort mats and especially those produced by compression moulding have excellent comfort, shock absorbent and anti-slip properties. For the purposes of animal welfare, there is an increasing trend and requirement in some instances to provide more comfort for animals. Also it has been established that there is an economic benefit to the owners of animals, as the animals will put on more weight, produce more milk or be in better overall health as the case may be when they have a more comfortable bedding. The object of the invention is to overcome the difficulties associated with light weight comfort animal mats.

It is known to place a mat comprising a rubber strip onto the concrete slats in slatted houses used for housing cattle. The known mat is secured on the concrete slat by either tying the mat on to the slat using a wrap around band or by directly screwing the mat into the concrete slat. Securing the mat using the band has not proved to be successful primarily because the band can become damaged. Furthermore the mat is not fully secured to the slat and the mat is likely to come loose and become slideable relative to the slat.

The disadvantage of screwing the mat into the concrete slat is that the screws can pose a hazard either when an animal kneels directly onto the screws resulting in injury to the animal or if and when the screw rusts, again posing a danger to the animal.

The present invention also seeks to alleviate the disadvantages associated with the prior art system for covering slatted floors.

The present invention provides a device for bridging two juxtaposed animal mats, the device comprising a locating member and a bridging element, the locating member being centrally connected below the bridging element and when in use is suspended between adjacent side walls of the two juxtaposed mats by the bridging element which spans a gap between the mats, whereby no space is provided between the mats into which dirt and bedding may accumulate.

Preferably, the bridging element rests on the upper faces of the juxtaposed mats and extends outwardly to conceal the edges allowing the mats to expand reducing the need to trim them.

Conveniently, the device contains a cuboidal stem which rests between the two adjacent side walls of the two juxtaposed mats. Preferably, the inside tips of the bridging element are ridged to offer resistance to dirt or bedding and are designed to exert pressure on the mats.

Additionally, the resting faces of the bridging elements are also ridged to provide grip between the mats and the device.

Advantageously, the device is manufactured from a robust waterproof material.

According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a device for bridging two juxtaposed animal mats comprising a cover and a base, the base and cover having interengaging formations located centrally on the base and cover, whereby each animal mat is sandwiched between a portion of the base and a portion of the cover at either side of the interengaging formation.

Beneficially, the base can be fixed to the floor. In this way the connecting device can be securely fixed in position to accommodate heavy use.

Beneficially, ridges are provided on the underside of the cover to improve grip between the cover and the mats and furthermore to prevent dirt passing between the cover and the mats.

Additionally, the interengaging formations are provided by a clamp on the base and a locating member on the cover.

Advantageously, the clamp comprises two sprung members centrally biased towards a self- engagement position and the locating member is formed as an arrowhead protrusion. As the cover is lowered towards the clamp , with the locating means extending downwards, the arrowhead protrusion deforms the snap-fit clamp as it is forced downwards into the clamp until the two sprung members snap closed to securely hold the cover in place.

Alternatively, the clamp comprises two support arms defining an opening and the locating element is formed as a two pronged fork. The prongs of the fork are pressed together to allow the locating member to enter the clamp and become secured. Optionally, a miniature ridge and groove pattern extends longitudinally along the top surface of the cover. This further increases grip and flexibility of the overall device.

Beneficially, ridges are provided on the top surface of the base sheet thereby increasing grip and preventing the ingress of dirt along the bottom of the mat.

Ideally, at least one longitudinally extending groove is provided along a top surface of the cover, thereby, improving the overall flexibility and drainage capabilities of the cover.

The present invention provides a floor covering apparatus for use in animal houses comprising a locating and securing means and a covering means, the locating and securing means being fixable to a floor structure and the covering means being releaseably engageable with the locating and securing means.

Beneficially, the locating and securing means comprises a housing having a base and two upwardly extending walls, the upwardly extending walls being supported on opposite sides of the base member and an engagement means provided on an internal surface of the walls.

Additionally, the covering means comprises a flexible mat. This mat improves the comfort and reduces the risk of injury to the housed animals thereby improving the overall health of the animals.

Advantageously, the covering means includes a rigid carrier.

In a preferred embodiment, the flexible mat comprises a centrally located body, an arcuate bridging element extending from the top of the body and defining two overhangs, a support stand extending laterally from the base of the body and having two shoulders with the mat having a hollow infrastructure. The arcuate bridging element and the hollow infrastructure improve the flexibility and shock absorbent properties of the floor covering apparatus. In a further preferred embodiment the flexible mat comprises a top layer and a bottom layer, the top layer being produced from an EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate) foam and the bottom layer being produced from a rigid EVA sheet. The top layer can be fused to the bottom layer during manufacture or joined by various bonding methods.

Beneficially, the housing provides an attachment means on an exterior surface of the upwardly extending wall, whereby a housing may be releasably attachable to an adjacent housing. This attachment means is required when the floor covering apparatus is used on continuous flooring elements. When the floor covering apparatus is used on slatted concrete floors the housing units are not attached.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the attachment means is provided by a hook formation on one side of the housing and a hook formation on an opposite side.

Beneficially, the flexible mat is extruded as a single piece. The reduction in number of parts reduces the complexity of assembly and cost of manufacture of the floor covering apparatus.

Preferably, the hollow infrastructure may have various forms including triangular or circular support structures.

Preferably, the mat may have a ridge and groove pattern on its upper surface.

Additionally, the covering means may be formed by blow moulding.

Advantageously, the floor covering apparatus may be laid on individual slats or on an area of concrete floor.

The invention will hereinafter be more particularly described with reference to the accompanying drawings, which show by way of example only, a number of embodiments of connecting devices and floor covering apparatus according to the invention. In the drawings: -

Figure la is a partly exploded side view of a first embodiment of a connecting device joining two mats;

Figure lb and lc are perspective views of the connecting device;

Figure 2 is a side view of a second embodiment of connecting device according to the invention;

Figure 3 is a side view of a further embodiment of connecting device in accordance with the invention;

Figure 4 is a side view of a further embodiment of connecting device;

Figure 5 is a side view of a further embodiment of connecting device according to the invention;

Figures 6 and 7 are respective side views of two further embodiments of a connecting device according to the invention;

Figure 8 is a side view of a modified base for use with the connecting devices of Figures 6 and 7; and

Figures 9 and 10 are side views of two flat cover elements of connecting devices of the invention which may be utilised with the base element of Figures 6 and 7 or the base element of Figure 8.

Figure 11 is an exploded end view of a floor covering apparatus in accordance with the invention; Figure 12 is an exploded end view of a second embodiment of the floor covering apparatus of Figure 11;

Figure 13a is an end view of a third embodiment of the floor covering apparatus of Figure 11;

Figure 13b is a perspective view of a mat used in the floor covering apparatus of Figure 13a;

Figure 14a is an end view of an embodiment of a mat in accordance with the invention;

Figure 14b is an end view of a second embodiment of the mat of Figure 14a;

Figure 14c is an end view of a third embodiment of the mat of Figure 14a;

Figure 14d is an end view of a fourth embodiment of a mat in accordance with the invention;

Figure 15a is an end view of a number of housings of Figure 13a connected together using an attachment means;

Figure 15b is an end view of a second embodiment of the attachment means of Figure 15a;

Figure 15c is an end view of a third embodiment of the attachment means of Figure 15a; and

Figure 16 is an end view of a further embodiment of an assembled floor covering apparatus;

Figure 17 is an exploded end view of a further embodiment of a floor covering apparatus in accordance with the invention; and Figure 18 is an end view of an embodiment of an integral floor covering apparatus of the invention.

Referring to the drawings and initially to Figures la-lc, the connecting device 1 comprises a cuboid stem 2 and a bridging element 3. The bridging element 3 has two ridged surfaces

4 which rest on the upper surfaces 5 of the mats 6, which also incorporate female ridges 7.

Figure 2 shows an embodiment of the connecting device 1 similar to that shown in Figures la to lc, additionally including three grooves 81 extending longitudinally along the length of the top surface 82 of the bridging element 3. Both the bridging element 3 and the locating element 2 are formed as shell structures enclosing a supporting core 91. The core can be provided by any absorbent material. In use, the grooves 81 provide further grip for the animals and the core 91 allows for elastic deforming of the connecting device 1 when an animal stands on it.

Referring to Figure 3 there is shown a further embodiment of the connecting device 130 having a cover 100 and a base 101. The base 101 comprises a base sheet of rigid or semirigid material such as UPVC 105 that rests flat on the ground supporting an upwardly extending snap-fit clamp 106, against which two juxtaposed mats (not shown) are laid. The snap-fit clamp 106 has two sprung members 107 centrally biased towards a self- engagement position. The cover 100 engages with the snap-fit clamp 106 by an arrowhead protrusion 108 at the end of the locating element 109. In use, the base 101 is laid on the ground with the clamp 106 extending upwardly. Two mats are then juxtaposed either side of the clamp 106 and the cover 100 is lowered towards the clamp 106, with the locating means 109 extending downwards. The arrowhead protrusion 108 deforms the snap-fit clamp 106 as it is forced downwards into the clamp 106 until the point where the tail of the arrowhead 108 begins. At this point the two sprung members 107 snap closed to securely hold the cover 100 in place. The cover 100 includes a centrally located, longitudinal groove 102 extending along the top surface 103 of the bridging element 104.

Referring to Figure 4 there is shown an embodiment of the connecting device 230 of Figure 3 having a cover 200 and a base 201, the cover 200 additionally including two longitudinally extending grooves 211, equi-spaced about the central groove 202, and extending along the length of the top surface 203 of the bridging element 204. Furthermore, there are provided ridges 213 along the resting face 214 of the bridging element 204 to provide grip between the mats (not shown) and the device 230 and to ensure that no foreign bodies pass between the bridging element 204 and the mats (not shown).

Referring to Figure 5 there is shown a further embodiment of connecting device 330 of Figure 3 having a cover 300 and a base 301. The base 301 comprises a base sheet of UPVC 305 that rests flat on the ground supporting an upwardly extending clamp 322, against which two juxtaposed mats (not shown) are laid. The clamp 322 comprises two support arms 323 defining an opening 324 for receiving an engagement means. The engagement means is provided by a two pronged fork 326 at the end of the locating element 309. In use, the base 301 is laid on the ground with the clamp 322 extending upwardly. Two mats are then juxtaposed either side of the clamp 322 and the cover 300 is lowered towards the clamp 322, with the locating means 309 extending downwards. The prongs of the fork 326 are pressed together until they pass through the opening 324 provided by the clamp 322. The cover 300 includes a centrally located, longitudinal groove 302 extending along the top surface 303 of the bridging element 304. The top surface 303 is formed with a miniature ridge and groove pattern 321 extending longitudinally along the top surface 303 of the bridging element 304. There are also ridges 313 provided along the resting face 314 of the bridging element 304 to provide grip between the mats (not shown) and the connecting device 330

The connecting devices of the invention are used to join animal mats typically cow mats which come in various sizes. Therefore the connecting devices are required to be manufactured in different sizes in order to join the different sized mats to one another and to allow for the different spacings between mats or different vertical heights mats may extend above the ground. A typical sized cow mat would have the dimensions of 180 cm, width 122 cm and thickness of 22 mm. A spacing of 10 cm between mats would be a normal distance between two juxtaposed mats. Although Figures 3 and 4 show an arrowhead protrusion 108 and Figure 12 shows a fork 326, other locking elements of various shapes may be used.

Figure 6 illustrates a further embodiment of connecting device 430 having a cover 400 and a base 401. A clamp 422 which is provided on the base 401 is engaged by a projection 426 carried on the underside of the cover 400. Two sets of ridges 428, 429 are provided on the projection 426. The projection 426 may be engaged between the first ridge 428 and the second ridge 429 or between the second ridge 429 and the underside of the cover 400 to accommodate mats of different thickness. Six flexible legs 415 engage with the mat (not shown) to provide a seal against dirt and the like.

The connecting device 530 shown in Figure 7 is similar to connecting 430 and has a cover 500 engaging with a base 501 by means of a projection 526 engageable with clamp 522. Six short legs 515 extend from the underside of cover 500 to engage with mats (now shown) spaced apart at distances to accommodate different spaces between adjacent mats. The edges 535 are flexible to engage against the mats.

A modified base 601 is shown in Figure 8 and has a thicker edge section 602 and 603.

Straight face covers 700 and 800 are shown in Figures 9 and 10. Each cover 700, 800 carries a projection 726 and 826 respectively so as to be engageable with bases 401, 501 or 601. A number of ridges 715, 815 respectively are carried on the underside of the covers 700, 800 to engage with adjacent mats.

Referring to Figures 11, 12 and 13 a, there is shown a floor covering apparatus 1101, 1201 and 1301 having a locating and securing plate 1102, 1202 and a cover 1103, 1203, and 1303.

Referring to the drawings and more particularly to Figure 11 , the locating and securing plate 1102 is provided by a housing 1104 having a base 1105 and two upwardly extending walls 1106, where the base 1105 supports the walls 1106 on two opposite sides of the base 1105. The upwardly extending walls 1106 provide engagement means 1107 on an internal surface 1108 of the walls 1106. The engagement means 1107 are provided by inwardly facing triangular flanges 1109. The wall 1106 also provides an attachment means 1110 integrally formed on an exterior surface 1111 of the wall 1106. The attachment means 1110 consists of a hook formation 1112 extending out and upwards from the base 1105 on one side of the housing 1104 and a hook formation 1112 extending out and downwards from a point adjacent the top of the wall 1106 on an opposite side of the housing 1104. A portion of a second housing 1122 showing a wall 1106 and a hook formation 1112 is attached to the housing 1104 by inter-engagement of two hook formations 1112.

The cover 1103 has a rigid carrier 1113 and a flexible mat 1114, the flexible mat 1114 being an extruded shell structure 1115. The shell structure 1115 has a central body portion 1116, an arcuate bridging element 1117 extending laterally from the top of the body portion 1116 defining two overhangs 1118, a base 1119 extending laterally from the base of the body portion 1116 defining two shoulders 1120 and has a hollow triangular interior 1121.

In use, the housing 1104 is laid flat on the floor resting on the base 1105, with the walls 1106 facing upwards. The housing 1104 is then permanently fixed to the ground using screws or some similar fixing means. The cover 1103 is then lowered towards the housing 1104 with the rigid carrier 1113 facing groundwards. As the rigid carrier 1113 enters the housing 1104 it comes in contact with the triangular flanges 1109. The pressure exerted on the flanges 1109 by the carrier 1113, as a result of the operator pushing down on the mat 1114 causes the walls 1106 to flex outwards allowing the rigid carrier 1113 and the base 1119 to pass below the triangular flanges 1109. At this point, the walls 1106 snap closed into their normal position securing the rigid carrier 1113 and flexible mat 1114 in position. The two shoulders 1120 are held in place by the flanges 1109 providing a fastening means and preventing the mat 1114 being, accidentally or otherwise, dislodged from the housing 1104. The two overhangs 1118 cover the upwardly extending walls 1106 preventing injury to the animals and dirt falling between the housing 1104 and the mat 1114. The arcuate bridging element 1117 and the triangular infrastructure 1121 improve the flexibility and shock absorbent properties of the floor covering apparatus 1101. Referring now to Figure 12, there is shown a second embodiment of the floor covering apparatus 1201 in accordance with the invention. The cover 1203 is provided by a single shell structure 1225 and the engagement means 1226 is provided by a substantially rectangular flange 1221 extending inwardly from the top of the wall 1227.

Referring now to Figure 13a there is shown a third embodiment of the floor covering apparatus 1301 comprising a locating and securing plate 1302 and a cover 1303. The cover 1303 is provided by a layered mat 1331 having a top layer 1332 and a bottom layer 1333. The top layer 1332 is produced from an EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate) foam and the bottom layer 1333 is produced from a rigid EVA sheet. The top layer 1332 can be fused to the bottom layer 1333 during manufacture or joined by various bonding methods. The locating and securing plate 1302 has a base 1336 supporting an upwardly extending wall 1337 with a hook formation 1338 extending out and up from the base on one side. On the opposite side a hook formation 1338 extends up and out from the base 1336 and supports a second upwardly extending wall 1339.

Figure 13b shows a block of the layered mat 1331 having an EVA foam layer and a rigid EVA sheet.

Referring to the drawings and more particularly to Figure 14a, there is shown a cover 1403 comprising a rigid carrier 1441 and a flexible mat 1442 mounted thereon. The mat 1442 is an extruded shell section 1443 having a plurality of bores 1444 extending along the length of the section 1443. The shell section 1443 has a ridge and groove upper surface 1445 which combines with the bores 1444 to improve the flexibility and shock absorbent properties of the mat 1442 which in turn improves the comfort of and reduces the risk of injury to the housed animals. The shoulders 1446 and overhangs 1447 are formed for engagement with a specific housing.

Referring to Figure 14b the cover 1503 is provided by an integral shell section 1548 and the shoulders 1549 and overhangs 1550 are formed for engagement with a specific housing. Referring now to Figure 14c there is shown a cover 1603 having a flexible PVC shell 1651 and a separate insert 1652. The shell 1651 has a number of integrally formed linked tubes 1653 extending along the length of the shell 1651. The insert 1652 may be rigid PVC or a steel material, providing additional stiffening and support to the cover 1603.

Referring now to Figure 14d there is shown a cover 1703 having a base 1754 and a flexible mat 1755. The mat 1755 is a blow moulded PVC section.

Referring to Figure 15a, three housing units 1861 are shown connected together by an attachment means 1862. The housing units 1861 are of the type comprising a base 1863 supporting an upwardly extending wall 1864 with a hook formation 1865 extending out and up from the base 1863 on one side. On the opposite side a hook formation 1865 extends up and out from the base 1863 and supports a second upwardly extending wall 1866. The wall 1866 is connected to the horizontal member 1867 of the hook formation 1865 on its internal surface 1868 at a point above its base 1869. In use, a housing unit 1861 is fixed to a floor structure using a suitable fixing means. A second housing 861 is then connected to the first housing 1861 by inter-engagement of mating hook formations 1865 and this housing 1861 is then fixed to the ground. A third housing is attached in a similar fashion.

Referring now to Figure 15b a further attachment means 1971 is shown. The housing units 1972 are of the type comprising a base 1973 and upwardly extending walls 1974 having a hook formation 1975 extending out and up from the base 1973 and out and up from a point below the top of the wall 1974 on one side. On the opposite side of the housing 1972 the wall 1974 provides two inter-engaging hook formations 1975. In use, one of the housing units 1972 is fixed to the floor, and a second unit 1972 is attached by raising the lower hook formation 975 so that it can pass into the opening between the two hook formations 1975 on the adjacent housing 1972. The second housing 1972 is then pushed laterally until the hook formations contact the wall 1974 of the fixed housing unit 1972. The second unit 1972 is then lowered onto the ground and fixed thereto. Referring to Figure 15c a still further embodiment of attachment means 2081 is shown. The housing unit 2082 has a base 2083 and upwardly extending walls 2084 on opposite sides of the base 2083. The attachment means 2081 is provided on an external surface 2085 of the walls 2084 by two clamp formations 2086 attached at the base 2083 and top of the wall 2084 on one side. The internal face 2087 of both formations 2086 are angled towards one another forming a vee-clamp. On the opposite side of the housing unit 2082, two clamp formations 2089 are attached at a point above the base 2083 and a point below the top of the wall 2084. The external face 2090 of both formations 2089 are angled away from one another.

In use, a unit 2082 is fixed to the ground and a second unit 2082 is brought to the endpoint of the fixed unit 2082. The outwardly extending formations 2089 are slidably inserted into the vee-clamp and along the length of the fixed unit 2082.

Two further floor covering apparatus 2101 and 2201 respectively are shown in Figures 16 and 17, comprising locating and securing plates 2101, 2202 and engageable covers 2103 and 2203. Each of the covers 2103 and 2203 has a void 2109, 2209 to accommodate the head of a screw (not shown) used to secure the plates 2102, 2202 to a slat.

The apparatus 2201 has ridges 2230 provided on the securing plate 2202 and which are engageable with conesponding channels 2232 to support the cover against lateral movements on the plates 2202.

Figure 18 illustrates a floor covering apparatus 2301 which provides an integral cover 2303 which is embedded into the surface of the slat while the concrete is still wet and retained in position by anchors 2305. Two side elements 2306 grip the slat from the either side. If ever it is desired to remove the apparatus 2301 from the slat it can be lifted at one end along its longitudinal axis and with reasonable force the anchor 2305 can be withdrawn leaving holes in the slat.

It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to specific details described herein which are given by way of example only and that various modifications and alterations are possible without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A device for bridging two juxtaposed animal mats, the device comprising a locating member and a bridging element, the locating member being centrally connected below the bridging element and when in use is suspended between adjacent side walls of the two juxtaposed mats by the bridging element which spans a gap between the mats, whereby no space is provided between the mats into which dirt and bedding may accumulate.

2. A device as claimed in Claim 1, in which the bridging element rests on the upper faces of the juxtaposed mats and extends outwardly to conceal the edges allowing the mats to expand reducing the need to trim them.

3. A device as claimed in Claim 1 or Claim 2, in which the device contains a cuboidal stem which rests between the two adjacent side walls of the two juxtaposed mats.

4. A device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in which the inside tips of the bridging element are ridged to offer resistance to dirt or bedding and are designed to exert pressure on the mats.

5. A device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in which the resting faces of the bridging elements are also ridged to provide grip between the mats and the device.

6. A device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in which the device is manufactured from a robust waterproof material.

7. A device for bridging two juxtaposed animal mats comprising a cover and a base, the base and cover having interengaging formations located centrally on the base and cover, whereby each animal mat is sandwiched between a portion of the base and a portion of the cover at either side of the interengaging formation.

8. A device as claimed in Claim 7, in which the base is adapted to be fixed to the floor, whereby the connecting device can be securely fixed in position to accommodate heavy use.

9. A device as claimed in Claim 7 or 8, in which ridges are provided on the underside of the cover to improve grip between the cover and the mats and furthermore to prevent dirt passing between the cover and the mats.

10. A device as claimed in any one of Claims 7 to 9, in which the interengaging formations are provided by a clamp on the base and a locating member on the cover.

11. A device as claimed in Claim 10, in which the clamp comprises two sprung members centrally biased towards a self-engagement position and the locating member is formed as an arrowhead protrusion, whereby in use as the cover is lowered towards the clamp , with the locating means extending downwards, the arrowhead protrusion deforms the snap-fit clamp as it is forced downwards into the clamp until the two sprung members snap closed to securely hold the cover in place.

12. A device as claimed in Claim 12, in which the clamp comprises two support arms defining an opening and the locating element is formed as a two pronged fork, whereby in use the prongs of the fork are pressed together to allow the locating member to enter the clamp and become secured.

13. A device as claimed in any one of Claims 7 to 12, in which a miniature ridge and groove pattern extends longitudinally along the top surface of the cover.

14. A device as claimed in any one of Claims 7 to 13, in which ridges are provided on the top surface of the base sheet thereby increasing grip and preventing the ingress of dirt along the bottom of the mat.

15. A device as claimed in any one of Claims 7 to 14, in which at least one longitudinally extending groove is provided along a top surface of the cover, thereby, improving the overall flexibility and drainage capabilities of the cover.

16. A floor covering apparatus for use in animal houses comprising a locating and securing means and a covering means, the locating and securing means being fixable to a floor structure and the covering means being releaseably engageable with the locating and securing means.

17. An apparatus as claimed in Claim 16, in which the locating and securing means comprises a housing having a base and two upwardly extending walls, the upwardly extending walls being supported on opposite sides of the base member and an engagement means provided on an internal surface of the walls.

18. An apparatus as claimed in Claim 16 or 17, in which the covering means comprises a flexible mat which improves the comfort and reduces the risk of injury to the housed animals thereby improving the overall health of the animals.

19. An apparatus as claimed in Claim 18, in which the flexible mat comprises a centrally located body, an arcuate bridging element extending from the top of the body and defining two overhangs, a support stand extending laterally from the base of the body and having two shoulders with the mat having a hollow infrastructure, whereby the arcuate bridging element and the hollow infrastructure improve the flexibility and shock absorbent properties of the floor covering apparatus.

20. An apparatus as claimed in Claim 18 or Claim 19, in which the flexible mat comprises a top layer and a bottom layer, the top layer being produced from an EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate) foam and the bottom layer being produced from a rigid EVA sheet with the top layer being fused to the bottom layer during manufacture or joined by bonding.

21. An apparatus as claimed in Claim 17, in which the housing provides an attachment means on an exterior surface of the upwardly extending wall, whereby a housing may be releasably attachable to an adjacent housing.

22. An apparatus as claimed in Claim 21 , in which the attachment means is provided by a hook formation on one side of the housing and a hook formation on an opposite side.

23. An apparatus as claimed in any one of Claims 18 to 20, in which the flexible mat is extruded as a single piece.

24. An apparatus as claimed in Claim 19, in which the hollow infrastructure may be in various forms including triangular or circular support structures.

25. An apparatus as claimed in Claim 18, in which the mat has a ridge and groove pattern on its upper surface.

26. An apparatus as claimed in any one of the Claims 16 to 25, in which the covering means includes a rigid carrier provided on one surface.

27. An apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in which the floor covering apparatus is adapted to be laid on individual concrete slats.

28. An apparatus as claimed in Claim 16, in which the locating and securing means and the covering means are integrally formed, the locating and securing means including at least one anchor element which is retainable on a concrete slat while it is being formed and set.