WO2023112043A1

WO2023112043A1 - Anti-skid clip

Info

Publication number: WO2023112043A1
Application number: PCT/IN2022/050120
Authority: WO
Inventors: Saurabh Kapoor; Gaurav Kapoor
Original assignee: Saurabh Kapoor; Gaurav Kapoor
Priority date: 2021-12-13
Filing date: 2022-02-11
Publication date: 2023-06-22

Abstract

A clip unit (100) to prevent sliding of a first surface with respect to a second surface is disclosed. The clip unit (100) includes a base portion (10) comprising a top surface (10a) and a bottom surface (10b), the top surface (10a) including a protruding structure (11) and the bottom surface (10b) including a plurality of spikes (13). Further, the clip unit (100) includes a cover (20) including a top plate (20a), and at least two legs (20b) and (20c) extending from the top plate (20a), the cover (20) being detachably attached with the top surface (10a) of the base portion (10). The two legs (20b) and (20c) of the cover (20) are inserted inside the protruding structure (11) of the base portion (10) in order to detachably attach a clip unit (100) on a first surface.

Description

ANTI-SKID CLIP

FIELD OF INVENTION

[001] The present invention relates to a clip unit, more specifically relates to a clip unit for anti-skid applications.

BACKGROUND

[002] Skids, slips and trips are a common sight everywhere and are among the most common causes of injuries. In many cases, floor surface is an important factor in the incident: floors may be uneven, wet or dirty; carpeting or mats may be unsuitable, loose or damaged.

[003] Skidding/slipping of the floor mats employed in vehicles also cause accidents. Especially, slipping of a floor mat provided with a drivers' seat can cause interference in proper operation of the brake and/or accelerator pedals in an automobile.

[004] Further, automotive floor mats are subjected to pressure due to movement of an occupant of the vehicle during entering or exiting the automobile. When an occupant attempts to exit and/or enter the vehicle, unexpected movement of a floor mat can lead to serious injury, even when the vehicle is not in motion. Moreover, such unexpected movement of the floor mat may deteriorate the carpet provided in the vehicle due to dust, moisture, etc.

[005] In order to avoid such situations, various anti-skid solutions have been proposed. Such solutions include a car mat with a roughened back side which is in contact with a car surface, anti-skid adhesive tapes, clips or hook, etc. However, such conventional solutions may have several limitations. In case of adhesive tapes, the adhesives are prone to rough exposure and may lose their efficiency due to accumulation of dirt and dust. Likewise, in case of clips, the conventional clips are cost intensive and are prone to lose their efficiency due to accumulation of dirt and dust. Further, the conventional clip units may not be easily detachable from the mat thereby do not provide ease in replacement of the same.

[006] Therefore, there exists a need for an improved anti-skid solution which can overcome aforesaid limitations of conventional ones.

SUMMARY

[007] The present invention relates to a clip unit to prevent sliding of a first surface with respect to a second surface is disclosed. The clip unit includes a base portion comprising a top surface and a bottom surface, the top surface including a protruding structure and the bottom surface including a plurality of spikes. Further, the clip unit includes a cover including a top plate, and at least two legs and extending from the top plate, the cover being detachably attached with the top surface of the base portion. The two legs of the cover are inserted inside the protruding structure of the base portion in order to detachably attach a clip unit on a first surface.

[008] The foregoing features and other features as well as the advantages of the invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description, which proceeds with reference to the accompanying figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION QF DRAWINGS

[009] The summary above, as well as the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments, is better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the present disclosure, exemplary constructions of the disclosure are shown in the drawings. However, the disclosure is not limited to specific methods and instrumentalities disclosed herein. Moreover, those in the art will understand that the drawings are not to scale. Wherever possible, like elements have been indicated by identical numbers.

[010] FIG.l depicts a perspective view of the clip unit 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[Oil] FIG. la depicts a front view of the base portion 10 the 10 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[012] FIG. lb depicts a top view of base portion 10 of the clip unit 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[013] Fig.lc depicts a front cross-sectional view of the cover 20 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[014] Fig.2 depicts the clip unit 100 disposed on a floor mat 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

DEATILED DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[015] Prior to describing the invention in detail, definitions of certain words or phrases used throughout this patent document will be defined: the terms "include" and "comprise", as well as derivatives thereof, mean inclusion without limitation; the term "or" is inclusive, meaning and/or; the phrases "coupled with" and "associated therewith", as well as derivatives thereof, may mean to include, be included within, interconnect with, contain, be contained within, connect to or with, couple to or with, be communicable with, cooperate with, interleave, juxtapose, be proximate to, be bound to or with, have, have a property of, or the like; Definitions of certain words and phrases are provided throughout this patent document, and those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that such definitions apply in many, if not most, instances to prior as well as future uses of such defined words and phrases.

[016] Wherever possible, same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to same or like parts. Moreover, references to various elements described herein are made collectively or individually when there may be more than one element of the same type. However, such references are merely exemplary in nature. It may be noted that any reference to elements in the singular may also be construed to relate to the plural and vice-versa without limiting the scope of the disclosure to the exact number or type of such elements unless set forth explicitly in the appended claims.

[017] Particular embodiments of the present disclosure are described herein below with reference to the accompanying drawings, however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely examples of the disclosure, which may be embodied in various forms. Well-known functions or constructions are not described in detail to avoid obscuring the present disclosure in unnecessary detail. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present disclosure in virtually any appropriately detailed structure.

[018] The present invention relates to a clip unit. The clip unit can be used to secure at least two surfaces, for example, a first surface and a second surface. The clip unit prevents unwanted movement/ sudden skidding of the first surface with respect to the second surface.

[019] The clip unit of the present invention includes a cover and a base portion. The cover may be disposed on the base portion. The cover acts as a gasket providing enhanced attachment of the clip unit on the first surface. Further, the cover protects the base portion from dust, water etc., thereby reducing wear and tear of the clip unit. Further, the base portion includes a plurality of spikes on its surfaces. The plurality of spikes secures the first surface with the second surface by way of penetration through the first surface. [020] Now referring specifically to drawings, Fig. 1 depicts a perspective view of a clip unit 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The clip unit 100 may be coupled to a first surface at a predefined location. An exemplary embodiment of the clip unit 100 coupled to the first surface is described in Fig. 2 below.

[021] The first surface may be any detachable surface placed on a second surface to protect the second surface from dust, water etc. The first surface in the present invention may include, without limitation a vehicle floor mat such as a 2D car mat, 3D car mat or 5D car mat. The second surface may include an automobile carpet.

[022] The clip unit 100 may be made of any durable material such as without limitation plastic, polymer etc. In an embodiment, the clip unit 100 is made of Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) or Polyamide 66 (PA 66).

[023] The clip unit 100 includes at least two components, for example, a base portion 10 and a cover 20 as depicted in Fig.l. The said components may be detachably attached with each other via an adhesion, locking etc. In an embodiment, the base portion 10 and the cover 20 are attached with each other via push fit locking mechanism. The clip unit 100 of the present invention secures the first surface to an underlying second surface to prevent skidding/slipping of the first surface with respect to the second surface. The coupling of the clip unit 100 to the first surface is performed in a pre-defined manner and is described in the following paragraphs of the present invention.

[024] The base portion 10 as depicted in Fig. la includes a top surface 10a and a bottom surface 10b. The distance between the top surface 10a and the bottom surface 10b may define thickness of the base portion 10. The thickness of the base portion 10 may be in a range of 2 mm to 3 mm. In an embodiment, the thickness of the base portion 10 is 2 mm.

[025] The top surface 10a may include at least one upwardly raised protruding structure 11. The protruding structure 11 may be hollow or solid structure. In an embodiment, the protruding structure 11 is a hollow structure. The protruding structure 11 may be utilized to fit the cover 20 as explained in following paragraphs of the description.

[026] The protruding structure 11 may be inclined at a predefined angle or perpendicular with respect to the top surface 10a. In an embodiment, the protruding structure llis perpendicular to the top surface 10a. The protruding structure 11 may have a predefined height ranging from 4 mm to 10 mm. In an embodiment, the height of the protruding structure 11 is 4.25 mm. [027] The bottom surface 10b of the base portion 10 may include a plurality of spikes 13. The plurality of spikes 13 may be in a range of 8 to 100. In an embodiment, the bottom surface 10b has 24 spikes. It should be noted that though the present invention as depicted in Figs 1-2 include spikes, other equivalent structures which help to enhance friction between the first surface and the second surface to prevent sliding of the first surface may also be used, and such structures are within the scope of the present invention.

[028] The plurality of spikes 13 are arranged in a predefined manner, say any random manner or a predefined design. In an embodiment, the plurality of spikes 13 are arranged in a circular design on the bottom surface 10b as depicted in Fig. lb. The spikes 13 may be equidistantly disposed or disposed at irregular distances from each other. In an embodiment, the spikes 13 are equidistantly disposed. The spikes 13 may be present at a predefined distance from each other. The predefined distance may be in a range of 3mm to 10mm. In an embodiment, the predefined distance is 3mm to 5mm

[029] The spikes 13 of the present invention play a vital role in preventing the skidding/slipping of the first surface. In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the spikes 13 penetrate the second surface through the first surface. The spikes 13 physically interact with the second surface thereby, firmly securing the first surface with the underlying second surface. The spikes 13 may include any shape which is sharp enough to penetrate through the first surface.

[030] The spikes 13 may include shapes such as but not limited to star or triangle. In an embodiment, the spikes 13 are shaped as a triangular nail as depicted in Fig. la. The spikes 13 may have predefined height in a range of 4mm to 10mm. In an embodiment, the height of the spikes 13 lOld is 4.25mm.

[031] Further, the spikes 13 may be aligned at a pre-defined angle with respect to the top surface 10a. The angle may be in a range of 1° to 60°. In an embodiment, the spikes 13 are placed at an angle of 30° with respect to the top surface 10a.

[032] The cover 20 may include a top plate 20a and at least two legs extending from the top plate 20a as depicted in Fig. lc. The top plate 20a may have a shape in accordance with the shape of the top surface 10a of base portion 10. The top plate 20a may be of a shape such as but not limited to circular, elliptical etc. In an embodiment, the shape of the top plate 20a is circular. The top plate 20a may have predefined dimensions may be in a range 25mm to 100.

The top plate 20a may have predefined dimensions 50 mm.

[033] In an embodiment, the cover 20 includes two legs 20b and 20c extending from the top plate 20a. The legs 20b and 20c may facilitate attachment of the cover 20 with the base portion 10. The legs 20b and 20c may have a predefined length depending upon the thickness of the base portion 10 and the first surface. The predefined length may be in a range of 6mm to 12mm. In an embodiment, the length is 7mm.

[034] Further, each of the legs 20b and 20c may include an extruded portion 20d at the ends. The extruded portion 20d may be inclined at a predefined angle with respect to the legs 20b and 20c. In an embodiment, the extruded portion 20d is perpendicular to the legs 20b and 20c. The extruded portion 20d may facilitate locking of the cover 20 with the base portion 10.

[035] It should be noted that the legs 20b and 20c are exemplary and similar construction that led to fixation of the cover 20 on the base portion 10 are within the scope of the present invention.

[036] The cover 20 may be attached on the top surface 10a of the base portion 10. The cover 20 may be detachably attached with the base portion 10. In an embodiment, the legs 20b and 20c of the cover 20 may be inserted inside the protruding structure 11 of the base portion 10 in order to detachably attach the clip unit 100 on the first surface. The firm attachment between the base portion 10 and the cover 20 ensures adequate fixing of the clip unit 100 on the first surface. The attachment between the base portion 10 and the cover 20 enable the user to remove the clip unit 100 with ease in order to occasionally change/clean the first surface. Further, the cover 20 may act as a gasket and provides detachable yet firm attachment of the base portion 10 with the cover 20. In addition to above, the cover 20 may also prevent the base portion 10 from dust, water etc. thereby reducing wear and tear of the clip unit 100.

[037] Fig.2 illustrates the use of the clip unit 100 for preventing skidding/slipping of a floor mat 200 (or first surface) in a pre-defined surface of a vehicle (second surface) as an exemplary embodiment. Hence, the clip unit 100 of the present invention may prevent accidents/inconvenience occurring due to unwanted movement of the floor mat 200 while getting on or off a vehicle. Further, the clip unit 100 also facilitates easy removal and reattachment of the floor mat 200 to the underlying surface in order to clean the floor mat 200 with ease as and when needed. [038] The floor mat 200 may be made of polymer such as but not limited to, Thermoplastic (TPE), Thermoplastic olefin (TPO) etc. The material of the floor mat 200 may not affect the coupling or the performance of the clip unit 100.

[039] The floor mat 200 may include an inner surface 201. The clip unit 100 may be attached on the inner surface 201 of the floor mat 200. The inner surface 201 of the floor mat 200 may be equipped with a plurality of clip units 100 in order to achieve optimum resistance against unwanted movement of the floor mat 200 against the underlying surface. The number of clip units 100 to be employed over the floor mat 200 may be dependent upon the dimensions of the first surface.

[040] The floor mat 200 includes one or more slots/cavity (not shown) on the inner surface 201 at predefined positions. In order to fix the clip unit 100 on the floor mat 200, the protruding surface 11 of the base portion 10 may be inserted inside the slot of the floor mat 200 and the cover 20 may be placed inside the protruding structure 11 such that the floor mat 200 is sandwiched between the cover 20 and the base portion 10. Further, the cover 20 may be press fitted inside the base portion 10 of the clip unit 100 to lock the clip unit 100 with the floor mat 200.

[041] The foregoing description of preferred embodiments of the present disclosure provides illustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure to the precise form disclosed. Modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings or may be acquired from practice of the disclosure.

[042] The above-described preferred embodiments of the present invention is not intended to limit the present invention, any modification within the spirit and principles of the present invention, made by the equivalent replacement, improvement, etc., should be included in the protection of the present invention within the range.

[043] The scope of the invention is only limited by the appended patent claims. More generally, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that all parameters, dimensions, materials, and configurations described herein are meant to be exemplary and that the actual parameters, dimensions, materials, and/or configurations will depend upon the specific application or applications for which the teachings of the present invention is/are used.

Claims

WE CLAIM

1. A clip unit (100) to prevent sliding of a first surface with respect to a second surface, the clip unit (100) comprising:

• a base portion (10) including a top surface (10a) and a bottom surface (10b), the top surface (10a) including at least one protruding structure (11) and the bottom surface (10b) including a plurality of spikes (13); and

• a cover (20) including a top plate (20a), and at least two legs (20b) and (20c) extending from the top plate (20a), the cover (20) being detachably attached with the top surface (10a) of the base portion (10); wherein the two legs (20b) and (20c) of the cover (20) are inserted inside the protruding structure (11) of the base portion (10) in order to detachably attach a clip unit (100) on a first surface.

2. The clip unit (100) as claimed in claim 1 wherein the protruding structure (11) is a hollow structure.

3. The clip unit (100) as claimed in claim 1 wherein the protruding structure (11) is perpendicular to the top surface (10a).

4. The clip unit (100) as claimed in claim 1 wherein the plurality of spikes (13) are shaped as triangular nail.

5. The clip unit (100) as claimed in claim 1 wherein the plurality of spikes (13) are arranged in a circular design on the bottom surface (10a).

6. The clip unit (100) as claimed in claim 1 wherein the plurality of spikes (13) includes 8- 100 spikes.

7. The clip unit (100) as claimed in claim 1 wherein the legs (20b) and (20c) have a length in the range of 6mm to 12mm.

8. The clip unit (100) as claimed in claim 1 wherein the legs (20b) and (20c) includes an extruded portion (20d) at the end of the legs (20b) and (20c).

9. The clip unit (100) as claimed in claim 1 wherein the first surface includes a car mat.

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