The invention relates to a floor mat system for a vehicle, particularly a car floor mat system, comprising a floor mat configured to be connected releasably to a vehicle floor, lighting means with a light source configured to illuminate the floor mat, and connecting means configured to connect the floor mat releasably to the vehicle floor, wherein the connecting means are provided with a base element configured to be connected to the vehicle floor.

In the context of the invention the floor mat is particularly an additional floor mat which is mounted on underlying floor covering in the vehicle.

The invention likewise relates to a method for mounting this floor mat system in a vehicle, particularly a car.

Such a floor mat system is generally known. In the known floor mat system the base element is mounted in the floor of a car, wherein a part of the base element extends through a hole in the car floor and through a hole in the floor mat. A height-adjustable attachment which extends partially through the hole in the floor mat is then mounted on the base element. A lighting source is arranged in a cavity of the base element in order to illuminate the floor mat from below.

A drawback of the known floor mat system is that moisture coming for instance from rain, snow or beverages consumed in the vehicle can result in short-circuiting, while a person sitting in the vehicle may damage the light source with their feet or by displacing the floor mat. The known floor mat system moreover has the drawback that it has a greater height at the position of the base element, the light source and the attachment than elsewhere on the floor mat. Not only is this unattractive, it also increases the chance of damage.

The object of the invention is to improve the prior art and to obviate the above stated drawbacks, and for this purpose a floor mat system of the type stated in the preamble according to the invention has the feature that the connecting means further comprise a connecting element to be arranged on the base element and configured to connect the light source optically to the floor mat, wherein the lighting means are provided with a first optical conductor extending over at least a part of the floor mat and with a second optical conductor configured to mutually optically connect the light source and the floor mat at a distance from each other, wherein the first optical conductor and the second optical conductor are connected optically to each other. In other words, arranging the light source externally, i.e. at a distance from the floor mat, particularly under the dashboard or in the centre console of the vehicle, such as a car, realizes a very compact and flat floor mat, wherein a person sitting in the vehicle cannot break the light source by kicking it or damage it by for instance displacing the floor mat. Short-circuiting is further avoided, since the floor mat contains no electronic components. The light source can furthermore be replaced or repaired easily without interfering with the floor mat. Depending on the wishes of the user, the option further remains to mount a non-illuminated floor mat with the same connecting means, i.e. to mount a floor mat without connecting it to the external light source. It can likewise be envisaged that the external light source is implemented in vehicles as standard, which creates the option for personalization of floor mats in vehicles in cost-efficient manner. The first optical conductor extends particularly along at least a part of the periphery of the floor mat.

The connecting element is particularly plate-like, so that the first and the second optical conductors can be connected to each other in simple but efficient manner. The floor mat and the connecting means are preferably configured to be mutually connected close to a longitudinal edge of the floor mat, preferably close to a comer point thereof.

In a preferred embodiment of a floor mat system according to the invention the base element is configured to extend partially through a hole in the floor mat. The base element and the connecting element are here configured such that the floor mat extends therebetween. A reliable and controlled assembly of the base element and the connecting element is hereby realized, while the floor mat is clamped firmly therebetween.

In a subsequent preferred embodiment of a floor mat system according to the invention the second optical conductor is of the type which emits light only at an outer end thereof, and the first optical conductor is of the type which in assembled state emits light along at least a part of its peripheral surface. This makes it possible to transmit light coming from the light source via the first optical conductor to the second optical conductor in efficient manner, i.e. without loss of light or optical aberrations, in order to illuminate the floor mat over (a part of) its surface. Such an optical conductor is further preferably an optical fibre. Other optical conductors known to the skilled person, such as light-conducting thread, light tubes and the like, can also be envisaged.

In a subsequent preferred embodiment of a floor mat system according to the invention the light source is of the LED type, wherein the light source preferably comprises one or more LEDs. A light source of the halogen type, laser type or a similar type known to the skilled person can likewise be envisaged. In a subsequent preferred embodiment of a floor mat system according to the invention the base element and the connecting element can be connected releasably by means of a snap connection.

In a subsequent preferred embodiment of a floor mat system according to the invention the base element is configured to be arranged in a cut in a fixed floor covering of the vehicle and to then be mounted thereon. Mounting of the base element is preferably done by screwing the base element fixedly onto the floor covering.

In a subsequent preferred embodiment of a floor mat system according to the invention the connecting means comprise a cover which can be connected thereto. The cover and the connecting means can be connected releasably by means of a snap connection. The cover is preferably connected to the base element or the connecting element. The cover closes off the mutual connection of the first and the second optical conductors in safe manner, preferably in dirt-resistant and/or moisture-tight manner.

As stated, the invention likewise relates to a method for mounting a floor mat system according to the invention in a vehicle, wherein a base element is first connected to the vehicle floor, wherein a vehicle mat is then arranged on the base element, wherein an upward extending protrusion of the base element protrudes through a hole in the floor mat, wherein a connecting element is then arranged on the base element, wherein a first optical conductor extending over at least a part of the floor mat and a second optical conductor are then mutually optically connected at the position of the connecting element in order to mutually optically connect a light source and the floor mat at a distance from each other.

The invention will be further elucidated with reference to figures shown in a drawing, wherein: figure 1 shows an embodiment of an electric cable loom with a light source and the connection thereof to a floor mat; and

figure 2 shows an embodiment of a base element; and

figure 3 A shows an embodiment of connecting means, likewise comprising the base element of figure 2, and a cover; and

figure 3B shows an exploded view of the embodiment of figure 3 A.

Figure 1 shows a light source 1 which is connected to a cable loom 2 which provides light source 1 with electricity. Other electricity supplies for light source 1 which are known to the skilled person can also be envisaged. Such a cable loom 2 is preferably connected to an existing electricity supply in the dashboard or in a centre console of vehicle, such as a car. Light source 1 is preferably connected directly to an optical conductor 6 in order to illuminate floor mat 9 by means of another optical conductor 5, as described below. The parts to the right of the broken line are preferably placed in or under a dashboard or centre console or the like of a vehicle. A particular advantage of such a cable loom 2 is that it is preferably provided with one or more fuses or similar safety mechanisms, which blow, i.e. are activated, when short-circuiting or overcurrent is determined so as to prevent effects associated therewith, such as heat, fire and/or similar damage. As a result of these safety mechanisms a safe floor mat system is provided, whereby those sitting in the vehicle are protected.

Figure 2 shows a base element 3 to which the above stated optical conductor 6 is connected. Base element 3 is preferably connected to a vehicle floor. For this purpose a cut is for instance made in an existing vehicle floor covering, after which base element 3 is slid with a mounting flange 33 thereof under the floor covering of the vehicle. It is then preferably possible to mount base element 3 on the floor covering by means of fastening means such as screws, which are arranged through at least one hole 32 (see figure 3B) in base element 3 and through the floor covering in order to connect base element 3 to the floor covering. In the embodiment in figure 2 two holes 32 are preferably provided for this purpose, each of which is formed by two coaxial holes, these being a first hole 320 in mounting flange 33 and a second hole 321 in a main flange 34 provided thereabove.

It is further possible to configure a base element 3 such that it is screwed directly onto for instance a floor panel of a vehicle, so that such a base element 3 is likewise made suitable for vehicles which do not comprise carpet, i.e. floor covering.

It is also possible to envisage other applications for a floor mat system according to the invention, wherein it is possible to configure base element 3 in a manner known to the skilled person in order to make base element 3 suitable for the specific application. Several examples hereof are vehicles such as cars, trucks, trains, aeroplanes, helicopters, boats and the like, or applications outside the realm of vehicles, such as in buildings where illuminated floor mat systems may be desired for the purpose of improving the visibility of the floor, or for aesthetic purposes. Some examples hereof are in particular buildings with relatively dark spaces such as cinemas, theatres, nightclubs and the like. Base element 3 preferably comprises a protrusion 31 extending upward from the main flange 34 and preferably comprising a head 310 and a neck 311 extending thereunder. Protrusion 31 is configured such that a connecting element 4 can be mounted thereon, as described below.

Figure 3 A shows connecting means 8, comprising the connecting element 4 and the base element 3 lying thereunder, and a cover 7 which covers connecting means 8, in assembled state. It is likewise possible to place another optical conductor 5 on connecting element 4, as shown in figure 3B, this extending in the present embodiment along at least a part of the periphery of a floor mat 9 in order to at least partially illuminate floor mat 9, and possibly the immediate vicinity thereof.

Figure 3B shows connecting means 8 and cover 7 in disassembled state. Base element 3, which is mounted on or close to the vehicle floor, is configured such that a protrusion 31 thereof forms an option for snapping connection to an opening 41 in connecting element 4. After connecting element 4 has been snap-connected to base element 3, a peripheral edge 410 of opening 41 will preferably rest under head 310 and in connection with neck 311 of protrusion 31. Other connecting options between base element 3 and connecting element 4 can likewise be envisaged by the skilled person.

Connecting means 8 are likewise configured such that when base element 3 and connecting element 4 are mutually connected, optical conductor 5 on floor mat 9 and connecting element 4 (referred to hereafter as first optical conductor) and optical conductor 6 from light source 1 to base element 3 (referred to hereafter as second optical conductor) are optically connected to each other in order to illuminate floor mat 9 at least partially by means of light source 1. For this purpose a first optical connecting part 42 of connecting element 4 connects closely to a second optical connecting part 35 of base element 3.

Base element 3 and connecting element 4, i.e. the connecting means 8, are further preferably configured such that floor mat 9 extends therebetween, and these connecting means 8 are preferably configured such that they are mutually connected close to a longitudinal edge of floor mat 9, as shown in figure 1.

Connecting element 4 likewise preferably comprises mounting parts which are configured to receive mounting studs 70 of cover 7 in order to mount cover 7 on connecting element 4. Cover 7 can preferably be mounted on connecting element 4 in snapping manner. Cover 7 is preferably configured such that it closes off mounting means 8 and substantially the mutual connection of the first and the second optical conductors 5, 6 in safe manner, and preferably in moisture-tight, moisture-proof and/or dirt-resistant manner.

The first optical conductor 5 is preferably of the type which in assembled state emits light along at least a part of its peripheral surface and the second optical conductor 6 is preferably of the type which emits light only at an outer end thereof. By means of second optical conductor 6 the light is transported from light source 1, without appreciable loss of light, to the connecting part 35, 42 so that this light is transmitted efficiently to first optical conductor 5 in order to illuminate floor mat 9 over at least a part thereof.

Referring to figure 2, second optical conductor 6 is embodied as an optical fibre which is provided with a light-transmitting core 60, preferably manufactured from a polymer, and a light-insulating outer sheath 61. Second optical conductor 6 is hereby suitable to emit light only at an outer end thereof.

First optical conductor 5 is preferably attached mechanically to floor mat 9. Conductor 5 can be attached by means of various methods, i.e. by means of double-stitching thereof, forming a border attachment (i.e. piping) therearound, or a flag-type stitched attachment. Double-stitching of the conductor is done by means of stitching a light-transmitting, flexible strip to the upper and underside of floor mat 9, wherein the stitching extends on both sides of conductor 5 in the longitudinal direction thereof. Forming a border attachment is done by means of forming piping all around conductor 5 by means of the above stated strip and subsequently stitching, or attaching in other manner, the outer ends of the strip to floor mat 9 in the longitudinal direction of conductor 5. The flag-type stitched attachment comprises of forming conductor 5 such that it comprises one or more radially extending flanges which are attached directly by means of the stitching, or other manner of attaching thereof, to floor mat 9. It is further likewise possible to glue conductor 5 to floor mat 9, i.e. to form floor mat 9 such that conductor 5 can be placed thereon or inserted therein, or other methods known to the skilled person for attaching such a conductor 5.

It is noted that the invention is not limited to the drawn embodiments, but also extends to other variants falling within the scope of the appended claims.