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Title:
A MAT
Document Type and Number:
WIPO Patent Application WO/2017/181238
Kind Code:
A1
Abstract:
A mat and method of assembling a mat. The mat has a plurality of bracket strips, a plurality of support strips, a plurality of tread strips and a plurality of connecting means. Each support strip has two parallel flanges connected by a central webbing and is interposed between and releasably engageable with two bracket strips. The tread strips are made of a substantially resilient and flexible material interposed between the bracket strips. Each successive pair of bracket strips is spaced apart by at least one rubber strip. Each connecting means connects at least two bracket strips and passes through an aperture in the tread strip and an aperture in the bracket strip.

Inventors:
MCALPIN GARTH (AU)
Application Number:
PCT/AU2017/050359
Publication Date:
October 26, 2017
Filing Date:
April 20, 2017
Export Citation:
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Assignee:
CLASSIC GROUP GLOBAL PTY LTD (AU)
International Classes:
A47G27/00; A47D13/06; A47L23/26; A63C19/04; B25H5/00; B60N3/04
Foreign References:
US5486392A1996-01-23
EP0696667A11996-02-14
GB2284151A1995-05-31
DE102009048193A12011-04-21
Attorney, Agent or Firm:
FISHER ADAMS KELLY CALLINANS (AU)
Download PDF:
Claims:
CLAIMS

1 . A mat comprising:

a plurality of bracket strips;

a plurality of support strips, each support strip having two parallel flanges connected by a central webbing, interposed between and releasably engageable with two bracket strips;

a plurality of tread strips of a substantially resilient and flexible material interposed between the bracket strips, wherein each successive pair of bracket strips is spaced apart by at least one rubber strip; and

a plurality of connecting means, each connecting means connecting at least two bracket strips, wherein each connecting means passes through an aperture in the tread strip and an aperture in the bracket strip.

2. The mat as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the rubber strips include a fibre embedded in an upper surface and a lower surface to provide a wiping surface.

3. The mat as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the rubber strips include a fibre vulcanised into an upper surface and a lower surface to provide a wiping surface.

4. The mat as claimed in any one of claims 1 -3, wherein the support strips and the rubber strips are substantially the same height.

5. The mat as claimed in any one of claims 1 -4, wherein the connecting means includes a rivet.

6. The mat as claimed in any one of claims 1 -5, wherein the connecting means includes a locking pin.

7. The mat as claimed in any one of claims 1 -6, wherein each bracket strip includes two flanges.

8. The mat as claimed in any one of claims 1 -7, wherein each support strip includes protrusions on an inner surface of the support strip for engaging with the two flanges of the bracket strip.

9. The mat as claimed in any one of claims 1 -8, wherein the mat further includes an end strip releasably engageable with a bracket strip, the end strip having two parallel flanges projecting from a webbing.

10. The mat as claimed in any one of claims 1 -9, wherein the tread strips are composed of a rubber material.

1 1 . The mat as claimed in any one of claims 1 -10, wherein the bracket strips and the support strips are composed of aluminium.

12. A method for assembling a mat as claimed in any one of claims 1 - 1 1 , the method comprising the steps of: a. interposing at least one tread strip between first and second bracket strips and aligning respective apertures of the at least one tread strip and first and second bracket strips;

b. connecting the first and second bracket strips with at least one connecting means inserted through at least one of the aligned apertures;

c. sliding or mechanically pressing a support strip onto the first bracket strip to form a first panel;

d. adding additional tread strips, bracket strips and support strips in accordance with steps a-c to form additional panels until a mat of a desired size is achieved; and

e. sliding or mechanically pressing a first and second end strip onto a respective bracket strip, each end strip having two parallel flanges projecting from a webbing.

Description:
TITLE

A MAT

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001 ] The present invention relates to a mat. In particular, although not exclusively, the invention relates to an entryway mat received in a recessed portion of a floor. However, it will be appreciated that the mat can be used in other areas.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

[0002] Reference to background art herein is not to be construed as an admission that such art constitutes common general knowledge.

[0003] Entryway mats comprising a plurality of strips of a rigid or non-rigid or semi-rigid material and a plurality of strips of flexible material interposed alternately between the first strips, have been known for a considerable period of time.

[0004] Traditionally, entryway mats are assembled through the threading of wires, typically steel wires, through each individual component at proximately 40mm intervals. The ends of the wires are then bent to hold the mat together. This is a very labour intensive task and if ever the matting panel needs to be shaped or repaired, it requires each individual component to be dismantled and then rewired back together. The use of wires to assemble and hold together the strips of the mat also leads to the inconvenience of not being able to assemble the mats on-site. Thus, the mats must be pre- assembled at a factory or workshop and transported in the assembled state to where they are to be installed.

[0005] The mats described above typically comprise an intermediate section comprised of aluminium which sits lower than the surface of the rubber. This makes the mat more difficult to clean and can create discomforting vibrations for persons operating wheelchairs, trolleys and the like as they are moved across the surface of the mat.

[0006] Further, the mats can present a danger to persons wearing stiletto heels as they walk across the surface of the mat.

[0007] Furthermore, entryway mays of the prior art tend to utilise rubber that is inconsistent in dimension and include rubber fibres that are random in their distribution and dyed to achieve colour.

[0008] Accordingly, based on the above, there is a clear need for an improved entryway mat and improved method of assembling an entryway mat.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

[0009] It is a preferred object of the present invention to provide an improved mat that addresses, or at least ameliorates one or more of the aforementioned problems of the prior art and/or provides a useful or commercial alternative. [0010] Other preferred embodiments of the present invention will become apparent from the following description.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[001 1 ] In one form, although not necessarily the only or broadest form, the invention resides in a mat comprising: a plurality of bracket strips; a plurality of support strips, each support strip having two parallel flanges connected by a central webbing, interposed between and releasably engageable with two bracket strips; a plurality of tread strips of a substantially resilient and flexible material interposed between the bracket strips, wherein each successive pair of bracket strips is spaced apart by at least one rubber strip; and a plurality of connecting means, each connecting means connecting at least two bracket strips, wherein each connecting means passes through an aperture in the tread strip and an aperture in the bracket strip.

[0012] Preferably, the rubber strips include a fibre embedded in an upper surface and a lower surface to provide a wiping surface.

[0013] Preferably, the rubber strips include a fibre vulcanised into an upper surface and a lower surface to provide a wiping surface. [0014] Preferably, the support strips and the rubber strips are substantially the same height.

[0015] Preferably, the connecting means includes a rivet.

[0016] Preferably, the connecting means includes a locking pin.

[0017] Preferably, each bracket strip includes two flanges. Preferably, each support strip includes protrusions on an inner surface of the support strip for engaging with the two flanges of the bracket strip.

[0018] Preferably, the mat further includes an end strip releasably engageable with a bracket strip, the end strip having two parallel flanges projecting from a webbing.

[0019] Preferably, the tread strips are composed of a rubber material.

[0020] Preferably, the bracket strips and the support strips are composed of aluminium.

[0021 ] A method for assembling a mat as defined above, the method comprising the steps of: a. interposing at least one tread strip between first and second bracket strips and aligning respective apertures of the at least one tread strip and first and second bracket strips; b. connecting the first and second bracket strips with at least one connecting means inserted through at least one of the aligned apertures; c. sliding or mechanically pressing a support strip onto the first bracket strip to form a first panel; d. adding additional tread strips, bracket strips and support strips in accordance with steps a-c to form additional panels until a mat of a desired size is achieved; and e. sliding or mechanically pressing a first and second end strip onto a respective bracket strip, each end strip having two parallel flanges projecting from a webbing.

[0022] Further features of the invention will become apparent from the detailed description below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] To assist in understanding the invention and to enable a person skilled in the art to put the invention into practical effect, preferred embodiments of the invention will be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0024] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a mat according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 2 is a cross sectional view of the mat shown in Figure 1 ;

[0026] Figure 3 is a perspective view of a mat according to a second embodiment of the present invention; and [0027] Figure 4 is a cross section view of the mat shown in Figure 3.

[0028] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that minor deviations from the symmetrical layout of components as illustrated in the drawings will not detract from the proper functioning of the disclosed embodiments of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] Figure 1 illustrates an assembled mat 10. Mat 10 comprises a plurality of tread strips in the form of rubber strips 100. Each rubber strip 100 is disposed between spacer strips 200. The assembled mat 10 includes a plurality of alternating rubber strips 100 and spacer strips 200. It will be appreciated that the tread strips may comprise any suitably resilient and flexible material.

[0030] Figure 2 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the mat 10 shown in Figure 1 . As shown, the rubber strips 100 are interposed between two spacer strips 200.

[0031 ] Each spacer strip 200 includes a support strip 210 having a central webbing 21 1 disposed between two flanges to form a substantially H shaped cross-section and two identical bracket strips 220. The support strip 210 is releasably engaged and interposed between the bracket strips 220 such that the bracket strips 220 are diametrically opposed in relation to the support strip 210.

[0032] Each support strip 210 includes a centrally disposed webbing 21 1 forming a triangular conformation 212 extending from an upper surface 213 and lower surface 214 of the support strip 210. The centrally disposed webbing 21 1 forms the substantially H shaped cross section of the support strip 210. The support strip 210 further includes four inwardly facing protrusions 215 for engaging a lip 221 of the respective bracket strip 220.

[0033] Each of the bracket strips 220 includes a plurality of apertures 216 for receiving a connecting means in the form of a rivet 300. It will be appreciated that any suitable connecting means, such as a bent over pin, locking pin, wire or screw, can be used.

[0034] Within each rubber strip 100 is a plurality of passageways 1 10 spaced along the length of the rubber strip 100. For example, the passageways 1 10 may be spaced at every 40mm along the length of the rubber strip 100.

[0035] As shown, the rivet 300 is received within the aperture 216 of the bracket strip 220 which is aligned with the passageway 1 10 of the rubber strip 100. The rivet 300 passes through the passageway 1 10 until the flanged head 310 of the rivet is flush with the lip 221 of the bracket strip 220.

[0036] The rivet 300 is then mechanically pressed to form the flared end 320 to prevent the rivet 300 from being removed through the aperture 216.

[0037] As shown, the mat 10 includes an end strip in the form of an aluminium strip 400. The aluminium strip 400 is similar to support strip 210 however aluminium strip 400 is of a substantially C cross section with a flat edge 410 for abutting an edge of a recess in a floor of an entryway (not shown) or another mat 10. A single bracket strip 220 is engaged with the aluminium strip 400 and abuts the head 310 of a rivet 300. A person skilled in the art will appreciate that a support strip 210 or bracket strip 220 can also be used to abut an edge of a recess in a floor of an entryway.

[0038] Typically, the height of the rubber strip 100 and the support strip 210 are substantially the same. Advantageously, the mat is easier to clean, creates fewer vibrations when traversed by wheelchairs, trolleys and the like, and is safer for people wearing stiletto heels.

[0039] The support strips 210, bracket strips 220 and end aluminium strip 400 are typically composed of aluminium. However, a person skilled in the art will appreciate that these elements may be composed of any suitably rigid material such as steel.

[0040] Typically, the rubber strips 100 include a vulcanised surface that forms a wiping surface similar to a carpet. In some alternative embodiments, the rubber strips 100 may have a fibre, such as felt or nylon, embedded into the surface to provide a wiping surface. As a further alternative, the rubber strips 100 can be constructed from an extruded profile and include no fibre at all. A person skilled in the art will appreciate that the rubber strips 100 can be buffed to create a low-pile or unbuffed.

[0041 ] Figure 3 illustrates an assembled mat 20. Similar to mat 10 illustrated in Figure 1 and 2, mat 20 comprises a plurality of rubber strips 100. However, in the embodiment shown, mat 20 includes a pair of adjacent rubber strips 100 disposed between a spacer strip 200. [0042] Figure 4 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the mat 20 shown in Figure 3. As mentioned above, mat 20 is substantially similar to mat 10 illustrated in Figure 1 and 2. However, mat 20 includes a pair of adjacent rubber strips 100 wherein an end of each of the rubber strips 100 abuts a spacer strip 200 while the opposing ends of the rubber strips 100 abut one another.

[0043] As shown, the pair of rubber strips 100 is connected to two spacer strips 200 by a connecting element comprising a rivet 500 that passes through an aperture 1 10 in rubber strip 100. Each support strip 210 is of an H-cross section as described above.

[0044] The rivet 500 is passed through apertures 1 10 of the two abutting rubber strips 100. The rivet 500 passes through the aperture 216 and passageway 1 10 until the flanged head 51 0 of the rivet is flush with the lip 221 of the bracket strip 220.

[0045] Similar to rivet 300, rivet 500 is then mechanically pressed to form the flared end 520 to prevent the rivet 500 from being removed through the aperture 216.

[0046] As described for mat 10, the mat 20 includes an end aluminium strip 400 for abutting an edge of a recessed floor portion of an entryway (not shown).

[0047] Each end of the mat 10 is fitted with an end aluminium strip 400 and can then be placed in a recess in a floor of an entryway. [0048] In assembling a mat as described above, at least one of the rubber strips is interposed between two bracket strips such that a passageway of the at least one rubber strip is aligned with at least one of the apertures provided in the respective bracket strips.

[0049] A rivet is then fitted through the aligned apertures and passageway until the rivet head abuts a surface of the bracket strip. The rivet is then mechanically pressed to provide a flared end preventing the rivet from being removed through the aperture.

[0050] A support trip is then either slidingly engaged or mechanically pressed onto one of the bracket strips forming a first panel.

[0051 ] Further tread strips, bracket strips and support strips are then added onto the first panel in a modular manner until a mat of a desired size is assembled.

[0052] Finally, a first and second end strip are slidingly engaged or mechanically pressed onto a respective bracket strip to form a completed mat.

[0053] Advantageously, the H cross section of the support strip in combination with the bracket strips forms a robust section that can withstand heavier compressive loads than the typical C cross section aluminium strips.

[0054] Further advantageously, the modular design of the mats described allows for the assembly of mats in various designs, incorporating varied colours and width combinations of rubbers and aluminium to provide a unique and improved aesthetic appeal. [0055] In a further advantage, the modular design of the mats allows for a mat to be cut to a desired shape with reduced wastage and without having to require an entire panel or the need for specialised equipment or personnel. The modular design also allows the mats to be assembled and delivered to a customer in shorter time frame.

[0056] Advantageously, the rubber in the tread strips is consistent in dimension so the panels can be made to consistent measurements.

[0057] Further advantageously, the rubber fibres are consistent in placement providing a more pleasing aesthetic and allowing the incorporation of various colours of fibres and patterns into the same block.

[0058] Advantageously, the rubber fibres are made from virgin coloured fibre so that the fibres do not lose colour over time due to wear and exposure to sunlight.

[0059] Further advantageously, as the fibres on the exposed surface of the rubber strips degrade due to wear, the rubber strips or the entire mat can be reversed to extend the useable life of the rubber strips and mat.

[0060] Advantageously, the height of the rubber strips and the support strips are substantially the same making the mat easier to clean. This also results in fewer vibrations when traversed by wheelchairs, trolleys and the like, and is safer for people wearing stiletto heels.

[0061 ] Advantageously, the rubber strips can be buffed and unbuffed in appearance. Further advantageously, the buffing creates a low-pile and thereby an absorbent surface which cleans and dries the shoes of persons traversing the mat. Additionally, the low-pile dries quickly due to the shortness of the pile and heat generated by friction between the mat and the shoes.

[0062] In this specification, adjectives such as first and second, left and right, top, bottom and side, and the like may be used solely to distinguish one element or action from another element or action without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order. Where the context permits, reference to an integer or a component or step (or the like) is not to be interpreted as being limited to only one of that integer, component, or step, but rather could be one or more of that integer, component, or step etc.

[0063] In this specification, the terms 'comprises', 'comprising', 'includes', 'including', or similar terms are intended to mean a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a method, system or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include those elements solely, but may well include other elements not listed.

[0064] The above description of various embodiments of the present invention is provided for purposes of description to one of ordinary skill in the related art. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to a single disclosed embodiment.

[0065] As mentioned above, numerous alternatives and variations to the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art of the above teaching. Accordingly, while some alternative embodiments have been discussed specifically, other embodiments will be apparent or relatively easily developed by those of ordinary skill in the art. The invention is intended to embrace all alternatives, modifications, and variations of the present invention that have been discussed herein, and other embodiments that fall within the spirit and scope of the above described invention.




 
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