JP2004527283A - Floor mat with voice response display - Google Patents

Abstract

A new floor mat is disclosed. In one embodiment of the present invention (FIG. 40), the floor mat includes a washable portion. The floor mats also include water-dissipating, water-absorbing, shock-absorbing components, customized graphics, clear washable parts, sticky surfaces on the washable parts, antibacterial structures, antifungal structures, and aromas. The washable portion may be corrosive and includes multiple washable and reusable layers. If a sticky surface is included in the floor mat, anti-slip properties are probably associated with the sticky surface to facilitate prevention of slippage on wet sticky surfaces. The tacky surface consists of a material that has an inherent anti-slip ability when wet. Additionally, a sensor system is included with the floor mat that facilitates a user to identify when the floor mat needs cleaning.
[Selection diagram] FIG.

Description

【Technical field】
[0001]
The present invention relates to floor mats, and in particular, provides floor mats that include washable portions.
[Background Art]
[0002]
This application is based on the provisions of 35 USC Section 119 (e) of US Provisional Application No. 60 / 268,409, filed February 14, 2001. Further, the present application is filed with U.S. Patent Application No. 09 / 553,234, filed April 19, 2000 (patent as U.S. Patent No. 6,233,776 on May 22, 2001), U.S. Patent Application No. 09 / 553,234, and 1999. It is a continuation-in-part of US Patent Application No. 09 / 418,752 filed October 15, 1999 and US Patent Application No. 09 / 304,051 filed May 4, 1999. (Patented on April 24, 2001 as U.S. Patent No. 6,219,876).
[0003]
Floor mats can include water-dissipating components, water-absorbing components, shock-absorbing (cushion) components, customized graphics, clear washable parts, adhesive surfaces on washable parts, antibacterial structures, antifungal structures, and fragrances Good. The washable portion may be corrosive and includes multiple washable and reusable layers. If a sticky surface is included in the floor mat, anti-slip properties may be associated with the sticky surface, possibly to prevent slippage on wet sticky surfaces. Additionally, a sensor system may be included on the floor mat that facilitates a user identifying when the floor mat needs cleaning.
[0004]
Floor mats are known to clean the shoe soles of people trying to enter a particular area or room. One problem with regular floor mats is how to clean the floor mat in a condition sufficient to perform the function of cleaning a person's shoes, as it is intentionally soiled when performing its original function. Or to maintain.
[0005]
Known floor mats are constructed from a single piece of material. These single-structured floor mats are kept clean, for example, by cleaning the floor mats, but the entire floor mat needs to be moved from its place for cleaning, so the floor mat is While it is being cleaned, it cannot be used where desired. Alternatively, even if the mat can be cleaned in place, it is not possible, for example if it is located in the carpet area, and cleaning the mat in place is inconvenient.
[0006]
Amos U.S. Pat. No. 3,785,102 discloses a disposable pad having a plurality of stacked disposable sheets, wherein when certain sheets become soiled, the sheets are removed and discarded. The next sheet exposed after the dirty sheets have been discarded is clean, so the clean surface is again usable. However, there is a problem with discarded sheet floor mats. Discarding each soiled sheet is uneconomic because it is discarded after each sheet becomes dirty. In addition, after some finite number of sheets have been discarded, no sheets are left and therefore no effective clean surface is obtained.
[0007]
Amos U.S. Pat. No. 3,785,102 also discloses a technique in which an adhesive material is provided on the top surface of each sheet to improve the ability to remove dirt from a person's shoe. However, these sheets are not washable and not reusable.
Amos U.S. Pat. No. 3,717,897 discloses a pad for cleaning shoes and wheels. The pad includes a thin water-washable adhesive cover that covers its upper surface to remove dirt from the shoes and wheels. U.S. Pat. No. 3,717,897 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 U.S. Pat. No. 3,717,897, the pad is located at the entrance of a clean room.
[0008]
Adhesive floor mats are suitable for use in indoor environments separated from the outside of the entrance, such as clean rooms inside the building where they are used, such as hospital rooms, computer chip manufacturing space, gymnasiums, etc. Normal. Thus, sticky floor mats may be used in areas adjacent to entrances leading from an outdoor environment to clean people's soles prior to entering the interior of the building, such as a lobby at the entrance of a building or an outdoor porch. Not known to use.
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
[0009]
Adhesive floor mats are known for some drawbacks and are therefore not known for home or office type applications, such as home or business office use. One of these disadvantages is that it is ineffective when the sticky surface gets wet. Therefore, in order to clean a person's shoes before entering a home or business area, a floor mat with a sticky surface may be used in an outdoor environment such as the aforementioned outdoor porch or in an outdoor environment such as the lobby of a home or business entrance. If used in an indoor environment adjacent to or near the entrance, the mat can get wet and is therefore ineffective. The mat is wetted, for example, from the moisture of the environment or by the moisture present in the sole of the person who steps into the mat. Furthermore, if the sticky surface gets wet, it becomes slippery, which is dangerous for those who step into it.
[0010]
In particular, over the past few decades, adhesives typically used for the tacky surfaces of floor mats have evolved and commercialized to a point where they are optimized for a tacky threshold. Nevertheless, even at this optimal threshold, sticky surfaces have the disadvantages described above, and sticky surfaces become slippery when wet.
[0011]
Efforts to solve this problem by improving the properties of the adhesive used for the tacky surface have not been successful. If the above-mentioned optimal threshold value of tackiness is exceeded (ie, if the tacky surface is made more tacky), there is a risk that the surface will trip when drying. On the other hand, below the threshold (ie, if the tackiness of the tacky surface is reduced), there is a risk of slippage when the tacky surface is wet.
[0012]
In view of the foregoing, it is not known the single nature of an adhesive that provides a tacky adhesive surface both when wet and when dry. Accordingly, there is a need for a floor mat having an adhesive surface that can be used in both wet and dry environments.
[0013]
Yet another disadvantage of using known adhesive floor mats in home or office type applications as described above is the potential risk of tripping and lack of appearance. In U.S. Pat. No. 3,717,897, the pad is designed for use in a clean room environment and is therefore glued to the floor of the passage in front of the entrance. This is adequate to keep the mat in place in a clean room type application, but if the pad of US Pat. No. 3,717,897 is to be used on a carpet floor, the pad will adhere properly to the carpet. Without doing so, there is a danger of tripping. This creates a significant disadvantage. The pad of U.S. Pat. No. 3,717,897 does not have sufficient mass to maintain its position without the use of an adhesive. In terms of appearance, sticky floor mats are not attractive because they are known only for their functional properties and are therefore only known for use in "clean room" type applications. Therefore, for at least the aforementioned reasons, no sticky floor mats are known for use in home or office type applications.
[0014]
An additional drawback of the known floor mats is that there are no particular purchaser customization issues and no additional cleaning properties. Floor mats are the first objects encountered by visitors to a particular home or business area. Thus, home or business area owners want to use floor mats to graphically convey initial greetings or messages to visitors. Floor mats that include a greeting on the top surface are known, but this changes the displayed graphic to a particular purchase so that the message is adjusted by the particular purchaser to convey the particular message desired. It is not currently known to allow those to customize it. For example, on Halloween, the buyer wants to display a "Happy Halloween" message on the floor mat. In another situation, the buyer wants to greet a particular visitor with a message such as "Hello Joe". Currently, it is not known to provide a floor mat that allows an individual to customize a floor mat to display a particular message that the individual wants to communicate, and in some situations to change the message on the floor mat that he or she wants to communicate.
[0015]
An additional problem with known floor mats is that they are limited in their ability to clean the sole of a person, as described above. Known floor mats have the ability to remove dirt particles from the sole, but they cannot sterilize the sole and do not provide the sole with fragrance to facilitate the blocking of unpleasant odors associated with the shoe.
[0016]
An additional drawback with known floor mats is that they do not make it easy for the user to determine when the floor mat needs cleaning, even if they can be cleaned. Usually, the owner or manager of the floor mat does not continuously or regularly monitor the condition of the floor mat for cleanliness. Therefore, floor mats require cleaning and the owner does not consciously monitor the condition of the floor mats, so it takes a long time for the owner to recognize that the floor mats need cleaning. is there. Therefore, it is desirable to facilitate the floor mat owner / administrator when it is necessary to clean the floor mat.
[0017]
In addition, it is a common experience that many shoppers are puzzled by the inability to find the desired item at the shop where they shop. Often, after an ineffective search, shoppers are forced to find a clerk to get to the location in the store where the desired item is located. It is even more confusing if the clerk is scarce or otherwise full or difficult to identify. As will be described below, embodiments of the floor mat according to the present invention include a voice response display for requesting, for example, information about the location of an item in a store to a person.
[Means for Solving the Problems]
[0018]
Therefore, it is desirable to provide an advanced floor mat that overcomes the shortcomings that exist in currently known floor mats. The improved floor mat of the present invention overcomes the deficiencies of the prior art and may include a base portion having a washable portion configured to be removably received within the floor mat. Floor mats also include such properties as water dissipation, water absorption, shock absorption, customized graphics, transparent parts, sticky surfaces on washable parts, antibacterial composition structure, antifungal composition structure, fragrance Can be made. The washable portion may include features that are eroded and include a plurality of washable reusable layers. If a sticky surface is included in the floor mat, it is probably associated with a sticky surface to help prevent slippage on a wet sticky surface to help prevent slippage. Additionally, a sensor system may be included on the floor mat to help the user identify when the floor mat needs cleaning. Other characteristics will be apparent from the detailed description below.
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
[0019]
The various features of the present invention will be best understood by referring to the following description and accompanying drawings.
FIG. 1 shows a first embodiment of a floor mat 100 according to the principles of the present invention. As seen in FIG. 1, the floor mat 100 includes a base portion 200, a washable insert portion 300. In this embodiment, the washable portion 300 is received within the base portion 200 and is removable from the base portion 200, as described further herein.
[0020]
FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the floor mat of FIG. As can be seen in FIG. 2, the base portion 200 is formed as a substantially planar flat member and defines a recess 210 in the upper surface of the base portion 200. Base portion 200 supports washable insert 300 and provides sufficient weight and size to maintain its position when placed on the surface of the floor mat. The base portion 200 includes a water-dissipating, water-absorbing, cushioning capability and a material such as polyurethane, polyisoprene, or a mold or woven such as nylon-6 to form a porous structure, as described below. It consists of other crosslinked elastomeric materials. Although recess 210 may be configured in any of a variety of geometric configurations, in embodiments of the present invention recess 210 is configured in a rectangular shape. The recess 210 has a length L ₁ , Width W ₁ Having. The depth of the recess 210 is such that the washable insert 300 can be received therein, so that when the washable insert 300 is received in the recess 210, the upper surface of the washable insert 300 is , Located substantially flush with the upper surface of base portion 200.
[0021]
The top surface of the base portion 200 may be colored with any color according to the needs of the particular purchaser, but it is preferred that the colors used minimize the visibility of dirt accumulated by the base portion 200. . For example, dark colors are preferred over light colors for use on the upper surface of base portion 200. However, any color may be used on the base portion 200, and in particular on the upper surface of the base portion 200, depending on the particular needs of the individual. Further, base portion 200 is translucent or opaque.
[0022]
As can be seen in FIG. 2, the surface of the base portion 200 that defines the bottom of the recess 210 may include a graphic 220 on its surface. In the illustrated embodiment, the graphic includes a pictorial representation of the flower and a text message spelled out with the term "WELCOME". The invention is not limited to any particular graphic in recess 210, and the invention may include any of a variety of different forms of graphics.
[0023]
The graphic 220 may be modified by the individual after the floor mat has been purchased by the owner and may therefore be customized. The owner customizes the mat at home or office, so the graphics appropriate for a particular situation may be changed by the individual to display in another situation. For example, the graphic may be changed to display a message "Happy Halloween" for Halloween and display "Happy Holidays" during the winter holiday season. Thus, as will be appreciated, the graphics are modifiable by the user and may therefore be customized to the specific needs of a particular user.
[0024]
As noted above, the present invention is not limited in any way to the particular form of graphic 220. Graphics 220 can be customized by the user to include any of a variety of different colors, pictures, messages or other displays that the user desires to display. Further, the visible intensity of the color can be changed. For example, colors that shine at night are included in the graphic 220 for Halloween and the like.
[0025]
Any of a variety of different types of structures or methods may be implemented with the present invention to modify the graphic 220 of the floor mat 100, and the present invention is not limited in any way to the particular method or structure for modifying the graphic 220. Furthermore, all the various embodiments considered to provide the floor mat of the present invention with a changeable graphic display can be implemented in one or both of the base part or the insert part. For example, the graphic may consist of a pre-formed message or art shape glued to the surface defining the bottom of the recess 210 or to the underside of the insert 300 by glue or a fastener assembly such as a hook and loop assembly. Allows the graphic to be visible through the transparent insert when the insert 300 is positioned within the base 200.
[0026]
Alternatively, a variety of different graphics may be stored in floor mat 100 and the user may selectively retrieve a particular graphic for display with other available graphics covered within floor mat 100. it can. This type of selectability is known in other media where selectivity between various different graphics within a common display panel is desired. For example, a bulletin board advertising a sporting event may select and display a first specific message during a first specific time period, and display a second message during a second time period on the same bulletin board.
[0027]
A third possible alternative is to provide a changeable display on the floor mat. The display surface is associated with the base portion or the insert portion, and can be mounted, for example, on the bottom surface of the recess 210 or at the bottom of the insert portion 300. The display is included on the front of the floor mat, behind the mat, embedded in, attached to, or integral with the mat so that it can be viewed through transparent portions of the mat. For example, the display may consist of a small thin box of graphics that can be attached to an adhesive portion and / or a base portion or any other component portion of the floor mat. However, this is associated with floor mats, and the user may design and display those customized graphics, and then modify that graphic to replace it with another graphic. A display surface such as an erasable writing board is used for this purpose.
[0028]
It is also conceivable to provide a changeable electronic display surface, for example a liquid crystal display. The display is connected to a computer, and an image generated by the computer is displayed on the display. Thus, the image displayed on the display is modified by creating a different computer image and displaying that computer image on the display. The display may be associated with the base portion 200 as contained in the recess 210 or may be included on an upwardly facing bottom surface of the insert portion 300. Instead, the display is formed integrally with either the base portion or the insert portion. A changeable display allows for the use of multiple different graphics that can be displayed on the display in any of a variety of ways. For example, the graphics may be displayed in a regular fixed position on the display or scrolled across the display, both exemplary methods displaying multiple graphics individually or in combination.
[0029]
Other configurations for modifying the graphic 220 of the floor mat 100 include using a light emitting polymer to create and modify the graphic 220. The luminescent polymer can be provided on a floor mat, attached or woven. The luminescent polymer may be used on any portion of the floor mat 100, such as a base portion or an insert portion, or on any other portion of different embodiments of the floor mat. Luminescent polymers are already known and are described in U.S. Patent Nos. 5,945,502, 5,869,350 and 5,571,626, which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.
[0030]
Another option for the display is to use electronic ink or electronic paper. Electronic papers are available from Xerox and are described in U.S. Patent Nos. I have. Electronic paper uses thousands of small electronically charged beads called Gyricon to create pixels, each approximately the width of a human hair. Two tone beads are embedded in a plastic sheet filled with a liquid forming the surface of the paper. Each half-black and half-white bead rotates in response to an electric field. Whether the bead is on the black or white side determines the image. Because there is no need to refresh the image and the screen is not illuminated by the backlight, electronic paper uses only a fraction of the power used by conventional electronic displays. Devices such as magnetic needles and printers can be used to transfer images to paper.
[0031]
Electronic Ink 45 Available from E Ink, Inc., Spinelli P1., Cambridge, MA 02138. Electronic ink uses a microencapsulated micromechanical display system. Small microcapsules are trapped between two sheets of plastic to create pixels. Instead, the capsules are sprayed on the surface. The result is a flexible display material. The small capsules are clear and contain a mixture of dark ink and white paint chips. Charge is passed through the capsule. Depending on the electrostatic charge, the paint tip floats on top of each capsule or is located at the bottom. When the paint chips float on top, the surfaces appear white; when they are located at the bottom, and thus below the ink, the surfaces appear black. Each of the two states, black or white, is stable. A transparent electromagnetic grid placed on the surface of the sheet controls the shape of the image. The display may be wirelessly connected to the World Wide Web, for example, by using a computer, and thus, for example, a Motorola paging system. If multiple displays are used, the text on all displays can be changed immediately by a single editor through a web page.
[0032]
The display using any of the foregoing methods for modifying the display may be associated with any portion of the floor mat, such as the base portion 200 on the bottom surface facing in the recess 210 or above the insert portion 300. be able to. Instead, the display is formed integral with either the base portion or the insert portion. The display may be used in any of the embodiments described herein for the floor mat of the present invention, including floor mats that include an adhesive surface and embodiments of non-stick floor mats.
[0033]
Further, in the description of base portion 200 above, base portion 200 may include both a water-dissipating component and a shock-absorbing component. The water-dissipating component is provided to transfer moisture from the sole of a person standing on the floor mat 100 to transfer moisture to the washable insert 300 and reduce its moisture, and the impact series component is Provision is made to adapt the floor mat 100 to the shape of the sole of the person so that a greater amount of debris on the sole of the person is removed by the floor mat 100. The present invention is not limited in any way to the particular structure or material of the water dissipating and shock absorbing components. For example, the water dissipation component can be composed of any of a wide variety of known materials, such as polyamide, vinyl, polyisoprene. It is desirable, but not necessary, for the water-dissipating component to dissipate or move the water and not retain the water. Therefore, a porous material rather than a water-absorbing material is desirable. The shock absorbing component can be comprised of any of a variety of shock absorbing components, including, for example, foam rubber.
[0034]
FIG. 2 also shows a washable insert 300. As can be seen, the washable insert 300 is formed with a geometry that is complementary in size to the recess 210 formed in the base 200. The washable insert 300 can thus be fixedly received in the recess 210. Therefore, the insertable portion 300 that can be cleaned has the length L of the concave portion 210. ₁ Length L slightly smaller than _Two Having. Similarly, the insert part 300 which can be washed has a width W of the concave part 210. ₁ Width W slightly smaller than _Two Having.
[0035]
On the lower side 310 of the washable insert 300, i.e. the surface that contacts the surface defining the bottom of the recess 210, a mounting mechanism is provided, so that the washable insert 300 can be removed from the base 200 in the recess 210. Attached to Any of a variety of different attachment mechanisms may be provided on the lower surface of the insert 300 that can be cleaned to include, for example, a hook and loop fastener assembly or adhesive. Regardless of the particular securing mechanism used to removably attach the washable insert 300 to the base 200, the washable insert 300 may be removed from the base 200 in this embodiment. Therefore, it is cleaned by the user, and after cleaning, it is reinserted into the recess 210 so that a clean surface is provided on the floor mat 100.
[0036]
As described above, the washable insert 300 may be formed from transparent materials such as hydroxyethyl methacrylate acrylate, hydrophilic aliphatic acrylic polymers and copolymers including glycerin monomethacrylate. The formation of the washable insert 300 of transparent material allows an individual to observe the customized graphics provided within the floor mat 100, as described above. Alternatively, insert 300 may be opaque.
[0037]
Further, the top surface of the insert 300 that may be cleaned may include an adhesive surface. The adhesive surface is provided to facilitate removal of debris from the sole of a person standing on the washable insert 300. When the adhesive surface on the top of the washable insert 300 is contaminated in this embodiment to the extent that the user desires to clean the washable insert 300, the user removes the insert 300 from the base 200 and inserts it. The part 300 is washed to remove accumulated debris. Insert 300 is then reinserted into base 200.
[0038]
The adhesive surface provided on the upper surface of the washable insert 300 is made of various materials such as a suitable plasticizer, plasticized neoprene, polysulfide, polyvinyl chloride combined with polyurethane, and the like. In addition, acrylics such as butyl acrylate and many of its congeners may be used. The invention is not limited to any particular material. The tacky surface is usually formed from an adhesive material. The only consideration in this embodiment is that the surface retains its tacky properties even after repeated washing cycles.
[0039]
The present invention is not limited in any way to the particular method of cleaning insert 300. Insert 300 may be cleaned by any of a variety of methods based on its particular material composition. For example, the insert 300 may be cleaned by placing the insert in a washing machine, and the insert 300 or the insert 300 to be cleaned may be cleaned by rubbing with a scrub brush, soap, water or a detergent such as "Spic'N Span". Is done.
[0040]
In addition, the insert 300 is cleaned by using a roller that includes a sticky surface around it. The sticky surface of the roller is made of a stronger adhesive than the sticky insert, and when the sticky surface of the roller rolls on the sticky surface of the insert, the dirt and debris on the sticky insert will be removed by the sticky insert. Peeled off and adheres to the rollers. In this way, a roller with a sticky surface can be used to clean the sticky insert.
[0041]
However, the present invention is not limited to any particular method or detergent for cleaning insert 300, and any cleaning method or detergent compatible with the composition of insert 300 is contemplated.
Floor mat 100 may include additional features to clean the soles of those standing thereon. For example, base portion 200 and / or insert portion 300 include an antimicrobial composition and an antifungal composition. Antimicrobial compositions such as polyethylene glycol mono-di and anthraquinone derivatives of methacrylate are used. Therefore, the floor mat 100 is sterilizable. Antimicrobial properties are particularly desirable because floor mats can clean structural debris from a person's sole and remove any potentially harmful bacteria from the person's sole as well.
[0042]
Additionally, the floor mat 100 may also be provided with a fragrance to provide a desired sole surface before entering a more specific area. Flavones such as xanthene molecules with aromatic substitutes or orange ethers such as limonene acid are used. The fragrance is transferred from the floor mat 100 to the sole of the person so that any unwanted odors are properly blocked by the fragrance.
[0043]
The present invention is not limited to the use of antimicrobial compositions, antifungal compositions, and / or fragrances in floor mats 100. Rather, floor mat 100 also includes various other materials that facilitate cleaning a person's sole.
Various structures or methods may be used to associate an antimicrobial composition, an antifungal composition, a fragrance or any other composition to the floor mat 100. The material may be provided as a removable or dissipative coating on the floor mat 100, or may be removably embedded as pellets in the structure of the floor mat 100, such that when pressure is applied to the floor mat 100, the material may Distributed to the soles of people.
[0044]
FIG. 3 shows another embodiment of the floor mat 100. In FIG. 3, the base portion 200 is shown to include separate layers of a water dissipation component 230 and a shock absorbing component 240. The water dissipation component 230 is located above the shock absorbing component 240 in this embodiment. However, the invention is not limited to this particular embodiment of the water dissipation component 230 and the shock absorbing component 240. For example, a single hybrid structure can be used with base portion 200 that includes material properties that provide both water dissipation and a conformable structure.
[0045]
Alternatively, FIG. 4 shows a floor mat that may include both a water-dissipating component or a drainage layer and a water-absorbing layer. In FIG. 4, floor mat 400 includes a drainage layer 410 and a water absorption layer 420. The drainage layer 410 is made of polypropylene or olefin or any other suitable material that has the property of transferring water from the surface of the floor mat 400. The water absorption layer 420 is disposed below the drainage layer 410 and absorbs water passing through the drainage layer 410. The water-absorbing layer 420 is periodically removed and dried, for example, by a dryer in the example. Of course, the drainage layer 410 may be used with or without the water-absorbing layer 420 and the shock-absorbing layer, and in other embodiments, as described above, the water-absorbing layer 420 has the drainage layer 410 and the shock-absorbing layer. Used with or without them. Furthermore, the drainage layer and / or the water-absorbing layer and / or the shock-absorbing layer are used with or without a sticky part.
[0046]
Referring to FIG. 3, FIG. 3 shows another embodiment of the insertion portion 300. While the previously described embodiment of the insert 300 has been described as a unitary structure including an adhesive surface thereon, the FIG. 3 embodiment of the insert 300 is comprised of multiple layers. As can be seen, the layers 301-305 constitute the insert 300. Each layer may include an adhesive surface on top of it as previously described for insert 300. In use, the top layer, eg, layer 301, may be removed from an adjacent lower layer, eg, layer 302, and may be independently cleaned. After cleaning, the layer is placed back into the recess 210 above the exposed layer of the insert 300. In this manner, the insert 300 is cleaned by removing the top layer, cleaning the layer, and re-installing the layer in the recess 210. Although each layer is described as being independently washable, this does not require that each individual layer be washable. Each layer may be formed from materials as described above in the embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2 for the insert.
[0047]
Other alternative embodiments of the insert 300 are contemplated. For example, while the foregoing embodiments have described that the insert 300 comprises one or more layers having an adhesive surface on top of the layer, the insert 300 is formed with only an adhesive surface on its top. You don't need to. In particular, another embodiment of the insert 300 includes forming the insert 300 as a single structural member from a material whose composition is tacky throughout the cross-section of the material. A crosslinked hydrophilic thermoplastic, preferably a material such as a mixture of polyethylene glycol diacrylate with n not exceeding 15 and a hydrophobic material such as polyvinyl neoprene chloride, is used in the insert of this embodiment. You. By forming the insert 300 from a uniform, tacky material, the insert 300 need not necessarily be removed from the recess 210 in the base 200 to be cleaned. The insert 300 is cleaned in this alternative embodiment by corroding the upper surface of the insert as a result of use of the insert. Thus, by providing an erodible insert, the insert may be cleaned by corrosion of its upper surface when the insert is used in floor mat 100.
[0048]
When the insert 300 is eroded, the exposed surface of the insert 300 remains structurally sticky due to its uniform cross section. When the exposed sticky surface erodes, the dirt trapped by the exposed sticky surface dissipates as a result of the erosion, and the erosion of the insert itself provides an insert that can be cleaned.
[0049]
Alternatively, even with a uniform cross-section of the adhesive material of the insert 300, the user removes the insert 300 from the recess 210 and cleans the insert 300 separately. Thus, the user need not rely solely on the corrosive properties of the insert 300 to clean the insert 300, but rather the user removes the insert from the base and independently cleans the insert. Use the corrosive cleaning properties of the insert in combination with a separate cleaning step.
[0050]
As described above, the insert 300 can be constructed from a variety of materials, including materials such as sticky plastics, paper or adhesives that are washable or erodable and reusable or not. . If paper is used, the insert may be formed as a unitary member or multiple layers as described above. Further, the paper may include an adhesive surface on its upper surface. The paper may be translucent, opaque or colored, and may include a graphic display thereon.
[0051]
As mentioned above, it is desirable, but not necessary, for the floor mat to include water dissipation and / or absorption capabilities. This ability is desirable to prevent the adhesive surface of the insert from becoming too wet and slippery. Although it has been described that a water-dissipating and absorbing capacity can be included to reduce the wetness of the sticky surface to prevent the user from slipping on the sticky surface of the insert, this is not the case with the sticky insert. It is not a structure designed only to prevent slippage. Alternatively, the adhesive insert itself can be formed to help prevent slippage. 5 to 12 and FIGS. 23 to 27 show another embodiment of the adhesive insert 300. FIG. 5 shows an adhesive insert 300 including a grid pattern 320 of channels 322 of a non-adhesive material. The channel may be raised from the surface of the insert 300 or may be flush with the upper surface of the insert. By forming the channel with a non-sticky material, the sticky material of the insert 300 is wet, but the user is not slippery when wet. Avoid slipping on wet sticky surfaces.
[0052]
6 and 7 show another embodiment of an adhesive insert 300 that includes anti-slip particles 324, such as, for example, silicon or sand particles, that extend above the upper surface 330 of the adhesive insert. The anti-slip particles are made of a material that does not become slippery when wet and are preferably, but not necessarily, exposed from the tacky surface. Even if anti-slip particles are embedded in the adhesive surface, their protrusion on the upper surface 330 of the adhesive insert provides a physical friction constraint on the slip of the sole of a person standing on the floor mat .
[0053]
FIG. 5 shows the sticky insert 300 as including a grid pattern 320 of channels 322 of a non-sticky material, and FIGS. 6 and 7 show anti-slip particles 324 projecting over the upper surface 330 of the sticky insert. Although another alternative embodiment of a sticky insert 300 that includes is shown, these two alternative embodiments need not include mutually exclusive features. For example, the sticky insert 300 may include both a grid pattern of non-sticky channels and anti-slip particles, which are not specifically shown in the drawing but can be easily understood. .
[0054]
Another arrangement for providing a slip resistant adhesive portion includes a plurality of anti-slip members, or treads or nipples, which project through and slightly beyond the surface of the adhesive portion. As can be seen in FIG. 8, in this embodiment, the adhesive portion 300 is inserted into the base portion, which is a water absorbing border 500 and includes a plurality of openings 342 therein. Each of the plurality of treads 344 extending upwardly from a base disposed below the adhesive portion 300 extends through one of the plurality of openings 342. The top end of each tread protrudes beyond the top surface 340 of the adhesive portion 300. When a person steps on the adhesive portion 300, the quality and positioning of the tread 344 is such that the adhesive portion is capable of removing debris from the person's shoes and tread 344, at least one of which is Stepping on the adhesive portion 300 prevents slippage of a person on the adhesive portion 300 when the adhesive portion 300 becomes slippery when wet. The tread 344 compresses when stepped on so that its top is flush with the top surface 340 of the adhesive portion 300. In this way, the tread 344 prevents slippage, but contacts the human shoe so as not to prevent contact between the human shoe and the sticky surface of the mat, which enhances the cleaning of the human shoe. Therefore, there is a relationship between the distance that the tread protrudes above the top surface of the adhesive portion and the compressibility of the tread, which is the relationship that provides the aforementioned function.
[0055]
The tread can be configured in any shape and size. In addition, the tread is made of any material that is not slippery when wet, for example rubber or plastic. The tread includes a groove therein to further facilitate a person from slipping on the sticky part.
9 and 10 show yet another embodiment of both the adhesive insert 300 and the base 200 to help prevent slippage on potentially wet adhesives. As seen in FIG. 9 and described above, the adhesive insert 300 is comprised of a plurality of layers 301,302,303. Although only three layers are shown, it will be understood that any number of layers can be used in the present invention. As shown, the adhesive layers 301-303 each include a plurality of integrally formed raised portions 300A. These raised portions can prevent a person from slipping on the adhesive portion by increasing the friction between the upper layer of the adhesive layer and the person's shoe due to the raised portions. Thus, these raised portions can substantially reduce the potential for slippage thereon when the sticky portion becomes wet.
[0056]
The raised portions 300A can be formed in each layer in various ways, and the invention is not limited to any particular method. One way to form the raised portions is to assemble the layers into the pads of the layer, and then insert the entire pad into the press of the machine. One surface of the press is planar and the other surface, ie, the surface that is not tacky or faces the underside of the layer, contains an array of protrusions or bumps. When the pad is pressed with a mechanical press, all the tacky layers are embossed with a pattern on the pressed surface, producing raised or embossed portions on each tacky surface of the pad. Thus, each embossed portion is integrally formed in each layer and is composed of a depression on the underside or non-sticky surface of each layer and a raised portion on each layer above or on the sticky surface.
[0057]
As will be appreciated, in the foregoing method for forming raised portions, the raised portions of each layer are aligned with the raised portions of each other layer. The raised portions of each layer are desirably, but not absolutely necessary, aligned so that their shape is easily maintained as the layers are stacked on top of each other.
[0058]
As seen in FIG. 10, base portion 200 may also be formed complementary to the embossed layer. Surface 200A, which defines the bottom of the recess in base portion 200 and receives adhesive layer 300 therein, can be formed with raised portion 200B. These raised portions are arranged such that they are aligned with the raised portions of the adhesive layer. Thus, the raised portion 200B on the surface 200A is located within the depression of the bottom adhesive layer when the layer is inserted into the recess of the base portion. As will be appreciated, these raised portions facilitate retention and maintenance of the raised portions of the adhesive layer, especially when only the bottom layer is maintained in the floor mat. However, the base portion need not be configured with raised portions to practice the invention. The layer may be formed with or without the base portion having complementary raised portions.
[0059]
In yet another embodiment of the adhesive portion, the adhesive portion may include a water-dissipating ability. The sticky part has a hydrophobic porous structure that promotes water dissipation from the surface of the sticky part.
Figures 11 and 12 show another embodiment of the floor mat of the present invention that provides the ability of the adhesive portion to dissipate water. As described above, the embodiment of FIG. 11 also prevents slippage of a person on a potentially wet sticky part.
[0060]
FIG. 11 shows one embodiment of an adhesive portion 300 in which the adhesive layers 301 and 302 of the adhesive portion define a plurality of openings 300C. The openings in each layer are aligned with the openings in each other. Thus, due to the aligned openings of the layers, the sticky part is from the top surface of the sticky part or the sole of the person standing on the sticky part, the base part where the layer is located through the opening Can be drained to The base portion may include a water-dissipating component and / or a water-absorbing component that moves and / or absorbs surface water drained from the sticky portion through the opening, as described above.
[0061]
The openings not only drain the surface water from the surface, but also help prevent slippage on the wet surface of the layer by enhancing the contact friction between the shoe of the person who stepped on the layer and the layer itself It is provided for. The openings provide a discontinuity on the surface of the layer that enhances the frictional contact between the layer and the person's shoe. The edges of the surface of the layer that define the openings provide this enhanced contact. A person's shoe meshes with the edge, thus enhancing the frictional contact of the shoe. Further, the opening acts to adsorb to the bottom of a person's shoe, for example, as a suction cup. This suction created by the opening on the person's shoe also facilitates anti-slip on the surface of the layer.
[0062]
FIG. 12 shows another embodiment of the floor mat of the present invention that provides the ability of the adhesive portion to dissipate water. As shown, the adhesive portion 300 includes layers 301 and 302. Base portion 200 defines a recess in which layers 301 and 302 are located within the recess. The surface of the base portion defining the bottom of the recess includes a raised portion 200C at or near a central location within the recess. Thus, the raised portion 200C of the base portion forms a raised portion in each layer. As will be appreciated, the raised portions formed in the layer serve to dissipate surface water on the layer from the layer. Surface water is drained from the formation by gravity due to the raised portions.
[0063]
Any number of layers may be included in the adhesive portion 300 of the embodiments of FIGS.
It is also contemplated that a water-absorbing powder such as talc powder is provided in the present invention. The powder may be integrated into the floor mat or separately associated with the floor mat. The talc powder removes moisture from the sole of the person when the person steps on the powder, the sticky insert then removes the powder from the sole of the person, and when the person next steps on the sticky insert Also remove any dirt on the soles.
[0064]
The present invention also provides an apparatus and method for determining when a sticky portion or a layer of a sticky portion is removed for cleaning. The sticky part helps remove dirt from the sole of the person who stepped into it, so the sticky part or its layer gets dirty after some people stepped on it and any particular person's shoe Assume that it is not exceptionally dirty. Therefore, it is desirable to facilitate one's ability to determine when to remove soiled sticky parts for cleaning. As mentioned above, this determination can be made after a number of people have stepped on the mat. Accordingly, embodiments of the present invention include a sensor system 700 for detecting the presence of a person on floor mat 100, as shown in FIG. Sensor system 700 detects the presence of a person on base portion 200 and / or sticky portion 300. Since it is assumed that a person stepping into the base portion 200 will also step into the sticky portion 300, sensing the presence of a person in any portion is sufficient to practice the present invention.
[0065]
The sensor system 700 includes a sensor 710 and a display device 720, such as an LED, that is coupled to the sensor 710 for observation and disposed on the mat 100. A power source such as a battery may be included below the floor mat. As described above, the sensor 710 senses, for example, the presence of a person on the mat 100 on the adhesive portion 300 in this embodiment. The sensor can detect the presence of a person by using any of a variety of devices and methods and sense the pressure exerted on the mat by sensing the weight of a person standing on the mat or the movement of the person across the surface of the mat. Can be included. Thus, pressure sensors and motion detectors may be used in the present invention. Sensor system 700 also determines the number of people stepping on mat 100 by counting the number of sensed presences. After the number of occurrences equals the defined number of occurrences, a signal is provided to display device 720, for example, causing an LED to emit light, indicating that the sticky portion should be removed for cleaning. The present invention is not limited to removing the adhesive portion with the sensing of any particular number of presence, which number may be adjusted based on the particular environmental conditions in which the mat is being used. Of course, as will be appreciated, after the dirty sticky portion or layer has been removed and / or cleaned, the sensor system is freshly cleaned and begins counting the total number of people present on the exposed layer. Can be reset as follows.
[0066]
The alarm device 720 can provide a visual, audible or vibration signal, and the invention is not limited to providing any particular type of signal. For example, a visible signal may be emitted when the floor mat is to be cleaned and may consist of light that does not emit when the floor mat does not require cleaning. Instead, the light is illuminated sequentially in one of a plurality of different colors, each color indicating a different clean state of the floor mat. For example, green light indicates that the mat does not require cleaning. The yellow light indicates that the mat has soon reached a dirty state that requires cleaning. The red light flashes on and off, indicating that it is time to clean the floor mat.
[0067]
The sensor system of the present invention may be used in any embodiment that describes a washable part, which may or may not be an insert, and may include a layer and an adhesive surface and a base. It may or may not be included.
Although the washable portion 300 has been described as an insert, this does not require the washable portion 300 to be inserted into the floor mat 100. There are a number of other possibilities for associating the washable portion 300 with the floor mat 100. For example, the washable portion 300 may be located on top of the base portion 200, or may be located adjacent to the base portion 200. The present invention is not limited to inserting any embodiment of the washable portion 300 within the base portion 200.
[0068]
For example, FIG. 14 illustrates a sticky portion 300 and a non-sticky portion 200, which may include separable water-dissipating, water-absorbing, and shock-absorbing components, as described above. As seen in FIG. 14, the adhesive portion 300 is demarcated within a border 500, which is water-absorbing, water-dissipating, includes a shock-absorbing component, and has a plurality of openings 342 and treads therein. 344 may be included. The adhesive portion 300 can include any of the embodiments described above. The mounting layer 600 is located below both borders 500 of the sticky portion 300 and the non-sticky portion 200. Border 500 and / or non-sticky portion 200 is removably attached to attachment layer 600. Thus, through the mounting layer 600, the border 500, and thus the sticky portion 300 and the non-sticky portion 200, are removably attached to each other. In this way, it is possible, for example, to place the non-sticky part 200 outside the person's house on the front porch and to place the sticky part 300 inside the person's house.
[0069]
Attachment layer 600 can be comprised of any of a variety of materials. All that is needed is that the mounting layer be able to removably join one portion of the floor mat to a second portion of the floor mat. For example, a hook and loop fastener assembly, such as Velco®, may be used with a portion of the assembly on the mounting layer, and a first portion of the floor mat and another portion under the second portion of the floor mat. Can be. Alternatively, an adhesive can be used to removably join the two parts of the floor mat to the mounting layer. In addition, a snap containing any type of male / female connector can be used to join the two parts to the mounting layer.
[0070]
FIG. 15 illustrates a first process step using one embodiment of the floor mat 100 of the present invention. As mentioned above, one embodiment of the floor mat 100 includes a base portion 200 and an insert portion 300. As shown in FIG. 15, as described above, a graphic display 220 different from that shown in the embodiments of FIGS. 1 and 2 is shown in the embodiment of FIG. That is, FIG. 15 displays the "Hello" message together with the "smiley face" in the graphic 220.
[0071]
As shown in FIG. 15, using one embodiment of the present invention, a user first steps into base portion 200. As described above, the base portion 200 includes a water-dissipating and / or water-absorbing component, and thus can facilitate removing moisture from a person's sole. Also, as described above, the base portion 200 also includes a shock absorbing component in one embodiment, so that the base portion 200 fits the sole of a person when the person steps on the base portion 200. Although not shown in FIG. 15, as described above, an antimicrobial composition structure, an antifungal composition structure, a fragrance or any other cleaning substance may also be associated with the floor mat 100, wherein When pressure is applied to the mat 100, it is given to a person's sole.
[0072]
As shown in FIG. 16, the second process step using the present invention is with the person stepping into the insert 300 of the floor mat 100. As described above, the insert 300 includes a top adhesive surface to facilitate the action of removing debris from the sole of a person. In addition, an antimicrobial composition structure, an antifungal composition structure, a fragrance or any other cleaning structure may also be included in the insert 300 to be provided to a person's sole.
[0073]
After the person steps into the insert 300, the user leaves the floor mat 100. As mentioned above, the floor mat 100 can be cleaned after accumulation of dirt on the insert 300 by any of the methods described above. The insert 300 is removed from the base 200 and cleaned, and the layer is removed from the insert 300 to be washed or discarded, or the insert 300 is cleaned by corrosion of the insert 300. The present invention is not limited to any particular method for cleaning the insert 300 of the floor mat 100.
[0074]
Figures 17-22 show yet another embodiment of the floor mat of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 17, in this embodiment of the floor mat, the floor mat 1700 includes a washable portion 1710 and a plurality of base portions 1720A-D. As shown, the washable portion 1710 is located within one of the base portions 1720A-D. In this manner, floor mat 1700 can be customized for a particular user by replacing washable portion 1710 with one of various base portions 1720A-D. Base portions 1720A-D can be formed of any of a variety of physical structures and can include any of a variety of themes, graphics, or colors. Thus, the common washable portion 1710 can be used with various base portions 1720A-D.
[0075]
18-20 illustrate yet another embodiment of a floor mat 1800 according to the principles of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 18, floor mat 1800 also includes a washable portion 1810 and a base portion 1820. As described above, the washable portion 1810 is received within the base portion 1820. In this embodiment, the washable portion 1810 comprises a single sheet 1810A. The single sheet 1810A is tacky on its top surface and may include openings for receiving anti-slip nipples as described above. In this embodiment, a single sheet 1810A may be removed when soiled and replaced with another sheet.
[0076]
FIG. 19 shows that a plurality of sheets 1810B-D are attached to each other and wound on a roll 1830 of sheets. The sheets can be joined together at a perforated joint to facilitate separation of one sheet from a roll of sheets. As will be appreciated, one sheet is separated from the rest of the roll and then inserted into the base portion 1820.
[0077]
FIG. 20 shows, for example, that a roll of sheet 1830 is stored in storage device 1840 by attaching roll 1830 of sheet to a cabinet door located near a floor mat. In this way, the replacement sheet is easily organized and stored for use.
[0078]
Alternatively, instead of organizing the sheets into rolls and storing the rolls in a cabinet, the sheets may be folders that overlap one another so that they form a flat package. The package of sheets is then stored under the floor mat 1800, where the individual sheets are removed from under the package and floor mat and distributed when necessary in a manner similar to the Kleenex ™ tissue. You.
[0079]
FIG. 21 shows another embodiment of a floor mat according to the present invention. The floor mat 2100 also includes a washable / scrapable portion 2110 and a base portion 2120. In this embodiment, the washable portion 2110 is formed as a single structural member from a material that is tacky in structure across the cross-section of the material, as described above in this application. As described above, by forming portion 2110 from a uniform, tacky material, portion 2110 need not be removed from base portion 2120 to be cleaned. However, in this embodiment described above, the washable portion 2110 is cleaned by eroding the upper surface of the insert as a result of use of the insert. In the embodiment of FIG. 21, the washable portion is cleaned by scraping a top surface of about 2-3 microns from the washable portion 2110 by use of a scraper 2130.
[0080]
The scraper 2130 can include any of a variety of structures, but what is essential is a scraper that can remove the top surface from the washable portion 2110. For example, any type of scraping surface, such as a blunt knife, laser, or flat, can be used as scraper 2130.
[0081]
The scraper 2130 is movable on the tracks 2140 and 2145. Tracks 2140, 2145 are adjacent to washable portion 2110 and base portion 2120. Scraper 2130 may include a pin that is received in a wheel or other structure, such as a complementary structure such as a groove in tracks 2140, 2145. Thus, the scraper 2130 is movable across the washable portion 2110 on the trucks 2140, 2145. Scraper 2130 includes only a scraping surface on scraper portion 2130 that is movable across washable portion 2110. Further, it is not necessary that two tracks be used. The scraper can also move within a single truck.
[0082]
The scraper 2130 may be moved in any of a variety of ways, including utilizing a user's foot to engage the scraper to move the scraper on a truck.
Floor mat 2100 also includes dirt 2150 that may be included at one or both ends of trucks 2140, 2145. The refuse 2150 includes a recess in which shavings from the washable portion 2110 are disposed after the scraper 2130 scrapes the washable portion. The scraper 2130 moves to 2150 to remove the shavings in the washable portion. Shavings from the washable part moved to the garbage, for example, suck up the shavings from the garbage, or remove the garbage that can be removed, discard the contents from the garbage, and install the garbage again. Is removed from the litter in any of a variety of ways, including:
[0083]
As will be appreciated, when the washable portion is scraped, the scraper is lowered on the tracks 2140, 2145 on the same basis, so that the surface of the scraper mating with the washable portion is in mesh with the washable portion. It is. In this way, for example, when the scraper is attached to the ratchet mechanism, and thus is moved across the width of the floor mat, the scraper biases the ratchet so that the ratchet lowers the scraper. Instead, the scraper is at the same relative position with respect to the truck, and the truck is ratcheted low with respect to the base portion and the washable portion. Furthermore, the blade surface of the scraper is lowered with respect to the scraper structure, whereby the blade is moved with respect to the washable part and the base part, while the scraper is in the same relative position with respect to the track, the washable part and the base part.
[0084]
Further, it does not require that the base portion be used in embodiments of the floor mat 2100. The washable portion can be used with a truck adjacent to the separately washable portion and a truck enabled scraper. Waste is still used. Thus, FIG. 22 illustrates one embodiment of a floor mat 2200 that includes a washable portion 2210 that does not use a base portion. The washable portion 2210 is adjacent to the tracks 2240, 2245. The scraper 2230 is movable on the tracks 2240 and 2245. The litter 2250 may be included at one or both ends of the trucks 2240, 2245.
[0085]
As mentioned above, no single chemical is known that provides a sticky surface that is both wet and dry, and under these conditions is not very sticky. Thus, in yet another embodiment of the present invention, a dual chemical is used for the sticky surface. The dual chemistry binds two different types of adhesive compositions. One type of adhesive composition is optimally adhesive when dry. Other types of adhesive compositions have optimal tack when wet. In combination, the two types of adhesive compositions can be used to provide an upper exposed surface that is optimally tacky, both when wet and when dry. Thus, when a person's shoes come into contact with the upper exposed surface, the surface provides good adhesion, whether dry or wet, and helps to prevent human slippage when the surface is wet .
[0086]
As used in the description above, "optimal tack" means that two types of tack compositions retain some tack when dry or wet, while one type is best when dry Or it has a serviceable level of stickiness, while the other type has the best or serviceable level of stickiness when wet.
[0087]
Various embodiments can be envisioned for materials that include two types of adhesive compositions and that provide an upper, exposed adhesive surface in contact with the shoe. The surface of an adhesive "insert" or "portion" such as an insert 300 where the exposed adhesive on the top of the dual chemical is designed to cooperate with the non-adhesive base portion described above. It is.
[0088]
On the other hand, the exposed sticky surface on top of the dual chemical is not the surface of such sticky "inserts" or "portions". Rather, the exposed adhesive surface on top of the dual chemistry may be substantially the entire usable surface of a separate floor mat.
Separate structural members of the anti-slip component can be tacky, even if the sticky surface of the dual chemical is used in combination with non-sticky parts or the entire usable surface of a substantially independent floor mat. The adhesive surface need not be used with an adhesive surface to prevent slippage of the adhesive surface when wet. On the other hand, if desired, a separate structural member of the anti-slip component can be used with an adhesive surface.
[0089]
Typically, the material that provides the tacky surface comprises a combination of components that each have a chemistry that is optimally sticky when dry or wet when wet, so that the combination as a whole is wet when wet. Or gives a top exposed tacky surface that retains a serviceable level of tackiness when dry. Loss of adhesion is due to the component having a chemical that is optimally tacky when wet, especially when the component's viscosity is reduced by the presence of moisture, especially when the component has a chemical that is optimally tacky when dry. Is compensated by On the other hand, when the tackiness of a component with a chemical that is optimally tacky when wet is reduced by the lack of moisture, the loss of tack is compensated by the component with a chemical that is optimally tacky when dry. Is done.
[0090]
The components are each joined in a pattern of interlaced regions having a sticky property when dry and a sticky property when wet. The components are bonded such that the composite material is segmented into regions having different properties, whereby the material has a substantially non-uniform structure. On the other hand, the components are finely granular and the material has a substantially uniform structure.
[0091]
FIG. 23 illustrates one possible embodiment of a multi-layer assembly 10 that includes a material that provides a top, exposed tacky surface that is tacky when wet and dry. The layer includes a top layer 11, which comprises a material that provides an upper, exposed, tacky surface that is tacky when wet and dry. The material contains at least three types of different "domains". A "domain" with respect to the composition of the top layer 11 refers to discrete, distinct component segments of the top layer that have different chemical properties than other discrete component segments.
[0092]
The domains of the upper layer 11 include adhesive domains having pressure sensitive adhesive properties and high surface energy. The adhesive domain is, for example, a copolymer of acrylic methacrylate and a bifunctional monomer of, for example, acrylamide, epoxy acrylate, or urethane terminated acrylate and a pressure sensitive polysiloxane derivative.
[0093]
The second domain of the top layer 11 is a low surface energy non-sticky hydrophobic domain. The non-sticky hydrophobic domains may be, for example, polyacrylfluoroacrylate, acrylic-terminated fluoroacrylamide or fluorosulfonamide, polysiloxanes derived from one or two acrylate groups, cellulose derived from acrylate, styrene. Contains butadiene copolymer or acrylic acrylate or methacrylate. Methacrylates include, for example, cyclohexane, methacrylate, norbornane methacrylate, or isobornyl methacrylate.
[0094]
The third domain of the upper layer 11 is a hydrophilic domain. Hydrophilic domains include, for example, hydroxyethyl methacrylate, polyacrylic and methacrylic acids, their salts, polyvinyl alcohol, polyoxymethylene, polyamides, polyesters, polyimides of unsaturated dicarboxylic acids.
[0095]
In the top layer 11, the sticky domains are crosslinked and the hydrophilic domains are crosslinked, with crosslink densities ranging from 5 to 20 mole percent each. The material of the top layer is in an elastomeric or leathery state over the temperature range in which the floor mat is in service. The desired range of the glass transition temperature is 5-25C.
[0096]
In the upper layer 11, a plurality of adhesive domains are interspersed with a plurality of hydrophilic domains. The hydrophilic domains control the overall tackiness of the upper layer 11 by making the tackiness of the dry top layer 11 substantially equal to the tackiness of the wet top layer 11.
The function of the low surface energy hydrophobic domain is to prevent the formation of a continuous film of water over the top layer, thus increasing drainage. The hydrophobic domain also enhances the pressure dependence of the tackiness of the top layer, thereby reducing tackiness in the absence of pressure. This helps to prevent excessive stickiness when pressure is applied when the floor mat is actually used and to prevent the sticky surface from collecting an excessive amount of suspended particulates.
[0097]
The overall form of the polymer layer 11 is a miceller, having a hydrophobic domain substantially at or near the surface of the layer and a tacky domain substantially below the surface of the layer. The hydrophilic and sticky domains migrate to the surface under wet conditions, both to attract dirt and bacteria from footwear or other surfaces to be cleaned and to facilitate the prevention of slippage of the sticky surface when wet Gives the required tack.
[0098]
In the manufacture of the top layer 11, the formation of domains can be enhanced by using solvent-induced crystallization. Based on the selected method of manufacturing or assembling the adhesive part, it is possible to further strengthen by extrusion or lamination of the top layer 11 or selective orientation of the domains during the application process.
[0099]
In addition to the above-described upper layer 11, the multilayer assembly 10 includes at least one hydrophobic layer 12. On one side, the hydrophobic layer 12 is adjacent to the upper layer 11. The hydrophobic layer 12 is made from a hydrophobic copolymer. Examples of such hydrophobic copolymers include methyl methacrylate copolymer, styrene butadiene copolymer, polyalkyl or polyarylate siloxane. The hydrophobic layer 12 is bonded to the upper layer 11 by, for example, an acrylic adhesive. The glass transition temperature of the hydrophobic layer is in the range of 5-150C.
[0100]
The hydrophobic layer 12 is designed to efficiently transfer water from the upper layer 11. The composition of the hydrophobic layer 12 is selected to minimize water solubility therein and maximize diffusivity. Polysiloxane as a component of the hydrophobic layer 12 is particularly desirable from this viewpoint. Since the desired function of this layer is to facilitate drainage and maintain relative drying, it is also important to minimize the swelling properties of the hydrophobic layer 12 when water is present.
[0101]
On the surface opposite the surface adjacent to the upper layer 11, the hydrophobic layer 12 is adjacent to a hydrophilic layer 13 made of polyvinyl alcohol, polyoxymethylene, polyhydroxyester or amide. The crosslink density of the hydrophilic layer 13 is in the range of 10-30 mole percent, and its glass transition temperature is in the range of -30C to 10C.
[0102]
The hydrophilic layer 13 can absorb the water transferred thereto by the hydrophobic layer 12. The hydrophilic layer 13 is adhesively bonded to an adjacent layer. The absorption of water by the hydrophilic layer increases its thickness. The composition and crosslink density of the hydrophilic layer are chosen such that the layer is kept up to twice the weight of water (expansion ratio 200%). The function of the hydrophilic layer is to act as a reservoir when the removal of water by evaporation is slow. At the same time, the crosslink density and functionality of the hydrophilic layer is carefully controlled so that it does not retain too much moisture.
[0103]
The multilayer assembly 10 further includes a bottom layer 14 for contacting the floor. Bottom layer 14 can be made from an abrasion resistant anti-slip polymer such as polyurethane, styrene butadiene copolymer or polycarbonate. Other materials suitable for forming bottom layer 14 include acrylic terminated aromatic polyurethanes and epoxies. The bottom layer 14 is typically highly crosslinked (eg, 10-50 mole percent) and its glass transition temperature is below 5 ° C. when measurable, and in any case below 10 ° C. The bottom layer 14 is formed to have a high surface energy, so that the presence of a film of water on the floor surface does not lose any affinity of the floor surface.
[0104]
The bottom layer 14 is particularly useful if the multilayer assembly 10 is used as a separate floor mat. On the other hand, if the multilayer assembly 10 is used as an insert in combination with a non-sticky part, the bottom layer 14 may not be present. Alternatively, an adhesive may be used on the surface of the hydrophilic layer 13 to contact the non-sticky portion and ensure contact between the multilayer assembly 10 and the non-sticky portion.
[0105]
Top layer 11 is approximately 50-500 microns thick. The hydrophobic layer 12 is about 100-1000 microns thick and the hydrophilic layer 13 is about 250-1500 microns thick. Bottom layer 14 is about 250-1500 microns thick.
The multilayer assembly 10 can be embossed with a pattern to provide a drainage channel and perforated with a pattern of holes to drain (2-10 mm in diameter).
[0106]
The multi-layer assembly 10 is assembled by manufacturing each of the foregoing layers separately and then bonding them together using conventional processes. Instead, for example, the top layer 11 is first produced, and the other layers are applied and bonded successively to the top layer 11 and to one another.
According to another alternative embodiment, the upper layer 11 comprises a material having a uniform composition. A uniform composition means that the material is not divided into domains, but instead is more finely divided and the material has chemical properties that are substantially constant throughout the material. Chemical properties are properties that allow the material to absorb water while maintaining tackiness.
[0107]
For example, the material of uniform composition of the upper layer 11 is made from a polymer such as a block copolymer or a graft copolymer. The polymer is coated with a pressure-sensitive adhesive or grafted with a hydrophilic monomer and then further grafted with fluorofluoroacrylate. Instead, the homogeneous composition of the material comprises a mixture of a pressure-sensitive adhesive and a hydrophilic filler such as fibers or microspheres for binding water.
[0108]
As mentioned above, the multilayer assembly is perforated to improve drainage. FIG. 24 illustrates one embodiment of a perforation pattern formed by a multi-layer assembly 15 having four layers as described above. A circular hole 16 is punched, cut or drilled through all four layers. Although a circular hole is shown by way of example, the hole may be of any shape.
[0109]
Additional embodiments of the present invention use two fundamentally different adhesive compositions that are aligned in some arbitrary pattern. The first adhesive composition is pressure sensitive and is tacky when dry. The second adhesive composition is hydrophilic and sticky when wet. The pattern is a pattern of regions of the first adhesive composition that intersect with the second adhesive composition. Examples of adhesives that are tacky when dry include poly (ethylene-co-vinyl acetate) and polyvinyl butyral. Examples of adhesives that are sticky when wet are mixtures comprising natural and synthetic rubbers when plasticizers are mixed with hydrocolloid gums, and the following classes of chemicals: two aminoethyl ethacrylates and n-butyl Contains methacrylate copolymer.
[0110]
FIG. 25 shows a perspective view of a cross section of a multi-layer assembly 17 using two fundamentally different adhesive compositions as described above. The upper layer 18 has a checkerboard pattern 19 of a wet tacky adhesive that intersects with the tacky adhesive when dry. The checkerboard pattern is shown for illustrative purposes only, and other interlacing patterns can be considered in the present invention. The lower layer 20 is a wear-resistant anti-slip layer because it contacts the floor. The lower layer 20 is particularly useful if the multilayer assembly 17 is used as a separate floor mat. On the other hand, if the multilayer assembly 17 is used as an insert in combination with a non-sticky part, the lower layer 20 may not be present. Instead, an adhesive is used on the surface of layer 18 to contact non-sticky parts.
[0111]
FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a multilayer assembly illustrating yet another embodiment of the present invention. The upper layer 22 is provided with an adhesive that is tacky when dry. The second layer 23 is provided with an adhesive which is tacky when wet. The lower layer 24 is a wear-resistant, non-slip layer that contacts the floor.
[0112]
Holes 25 are formed in top layer 22 to allow contact by the sole or other surface to be cleaned by a sticky adhesive when wet, while at the same time contacting the sticky adhesive when wet. You. Because the second layer 23 is also hydrophilic, it expands when wet, fills the holes 25, and the surface to be cleaned, such as the shoe sole, makes more contact with the tacky adhesive when wet.
[0113]
FIG. 27 illustrates another embodiment in which the material that provides the top exposed tacky surface has a substantially uniform composition. The material comprises a mixture of a tacky material when dry and a sticky material when wet. Materials that are sticky when wet include certain hydrophilic gums (eg, guar gum, locust bean gum, etc.). Because these hydrophilic gums have a large capacity to absorb moisture, they provide good wet tack or adhesion. Drying adhesive materials that are also pressure sensitive include synthetic and / or natural rubber when plasticizers are present. The synthetic and / or natural rubber is, for example, polyisobutylene, natural rubber, silicone rubber, acrylonitrile rubber, polyurethane rubber, butyl rubber elastomer and the like.
[0114]
As noted above, the strength and uniformity of the mixture of tacky materials when wet and sticky when dry can be increased by introducing a cohesive enhancing substance into the mixture. The cohesion enhancing substance is one or more natural and artificial fiber materials, for example wood cellulose, cotton or dacron.
[0115]
In FIG. 27, the upper layer 27 of the multi-layer assembly 26 comprises a mixture of a pressure sensitive dry adhesive and a hydrocolloid gum mixed with a cohesive enhancing material. Due to the cohesive enhanced material, the surface 28 of the upper layer 27 has a uniform appearance of a single material. The lower layer 29 is a wear-resistant anti-slip layer for contacting the floor. Lower layer 29 may not be present if layer 27 is used as an insert.
[0116]
As mentioned above, any material that provides an upper, exposed, sticky surface that is sticky when wet and dry will be used in combination with each other or with any of the other layers described. Can be For example, either layer 18 or 27 can be used in combination with hydrophobic and hydrophilic layers.
[0117]
In embodiments according to the present invention, drainage capacity is provided to mitigate the undesirable effects of moisture trapped on the mat. Water trapped on the mat produces mold and fungal or algal growth. Such molds, fungi or algae are often responsible for certain allergic reactions and other diseases experienced by humans. In addition to the potential risk of illness, the trapped water also produces an unpleasant odor near or around the mat.
[0118]
In FIG. 28A, an example of a mat support and drainage structure 30 is shown, which includes a support member 31 for supporting and substantially maintaining a floor mat placed thereon. I have. The support members 31 may be arranged radially. The upper surface of the support member 31 for contacting the mat placed thereon is substantially coplanar. Between the pair of support members there is a sloped surface or surface 32 that directs the water in contact with the surface downwards and allows the water to drain to the edges of the mat support and drainage structure. Embodiments include a retaining reservoir 33 near one or more edges of the mat support and drainage structure. The wall 112 is disposed on the support member at one side of the gradient surface. In other embodiments, no holding sump is used, as shown in FIGS. 28C and 32B.
[0119]
The slope 111 is formed in the wall 112 to prevent people from tripping on the mat support and drainage structure. The extent of the slopes and ramps will vary depending on the height and dimensions of the mat support and drainage structure. The ramps shown are exemplary only, and other ramp configurations and dimensions are possible and are well known to those skilled in the art.
[0120]
The mat support and drainage structure 30 can be made from any number of materials, for example, plastic or rubber. The mat support and drainage structure 30 may be molded, thermoformed, stamped, or otherwise manufactured depending on material choices and the number of pieces to be manufactured.
[0121]
FIG. 28B shows another possible embodiment of the mat support and drainage structure. The mat support and drainage structure 34 includes a wall 35 having a plurality of gradient surfaces 36 for draining by gravity. The plurality of gradient surfaces, such as surface 36, are referred to herein as "gravitational parts." Surface 36 is supported by a support member 37 located between the surface 99 of the mat support and drainage structure and the graded surface. In the embodiment of FIG. 28, the upper surface of the support member 37 is substantially flush with the sloped surface 36 (ie, the support member does not project beyond the plane of the sloped surface as in the embodiment of FIG. 28A). When moisture contacts the surfaces 36, it flows down along these surfaces to the holding sump 38, which bounds the perimeter of the mat support and the gravity portion of the drainage structure 34.
[0122]
In the embodiment shown in FIG. 28B, the mat located on the mat support and drainage structure 34 is supported by adjacent surfaces 36 and vertices 100 formed by the mat support and drainage structure walls 35. . Cross members are added to provide additional support for the mat. This additional support is not always needed in a relatively mat of small construction.
[0123]
FIG. 28C shows an example where the mat support and drainage structure do not have a holding reservoir. Here, the mat support and drainage structure 39 is configured to allow water to flow freely from one or more ends 40 of the mat support and drainage structure. This type of base is preferred for use with mats designed for outdoor use.
[0124]
In the embodiment described in FIGS. 28B and 28C, the gravitational portion is shown as being supported by a support member. Alternatively, the gravity portion can also be made from a single piece of material of variable thickness to allow the water to flow with the desired gravity. Such a structure requires more material, but such a structure is easier to manufacture. One example of a mat support and drainage structure that includes a one-piece gravity portion is shown in FIG. 28D. In FIG. 28D, which shows the mat support and drainage structure 3000, the gravity portion 3001 is made from a single piece of material whose thickness decreases in the direction of its edge 3003. The single piece of material has a maximum thickness at the vertex 3002 at or near its center. The single piece of material thus provides two adjacent sloping surfaces that form vertices to direct the contacting water downward.
[0125]
The mat support and drainage structure 3000 supports the mat located there at the apex 3002 of the gravity portion 3001 and the wall 3004. The cross member 3005 may be used as an additional support for the mat if the mat is particularly large. Although the mat support and drainage structure 3000 is shown as having a holding reservoir 3006, this is not required if the mat is to be used outdoors.
[0126]
Shapes of gravity portions other than those shown for gravity portion 3001 are also suitable for drainage, as described above. For example, inverted bowls or three or more side pyramids are some other shapes that perform the gravitational function for drainage described above.
FIG. 29 shows a state where the mat is arranged on one of the mat support and the drainage structure described in FIGS. 28A to 28D, for example. In the example of FIG. 29, the mat 42 is dimensioned such that only the exposed area of the mat support and drainage structure 43 is a section of the holding reservoir at the end of the mat 42. . The sizing of the mat 42 allows the water to evaporate from the exposed holding reservoir rather than being trapped under the mat. For outdoor use, this exposed holding sump is not required and in such cases the mat 42 is dimensioned to extend over the entire top exposed surface of the mat support and drainage structure . In addition, for outdoor use, the mat support and drainage structure walls are removed from the sides of the mat support and drainage structure, and water may flow to, for example, outdoor stairs or the outside where there is little chance of causing any damage. Enable. However, it should be noted that the holding sump can be used outdoors as well.
[0127]
Mat 42 may be implemented in any of a variety of forms that cooperate with the mat support and drainage structure. The mat 42 is, for example, a floor mat available in any market. Alternatively, mat 42 may be a floor mat described herein or any embodiment of a component of a floor mat described herein. For example, the mat 42 may have only one sticky portion, only one non-sticky portion, or a combination of sticky and non-sticky portions. Alternatively, the mat 42 may be a single layer or a multi-layer mat that is tacky when dry and sticky when wet as described above. Mat 42 may include a base portion. The mat support and drainage structure are separate from any embodiment of the mat 42, as described above, or are formed integrally with the mat 42.
[0128]
FIG. 30 shows another alternative embodiment according to the present invention. In FIG. 30, the mat arrangement 44 includes a non-sticky portion 45 and a sticky portion 49 that cooperate with the mat support and drainage structure. In this mat arrangement, the water-absorbing, non-sticky part 45 of the drainage properties is located on the gravity part 47 of the mat support and drainage structure 46. A substantially planar section 48 of the mat support and drainage structure 46 adjacent the gravity portion 47 is configured to receive the adhesive portion 49. Adhesive portion 49 may be a single layer or multiple layers and may cover only a portion of planar section 48. The plurality of layers may be separable and disposable adhesive sheets. The recess is formed in the planar section 48 and is configured to receive a single-layer or multilayer adhesive portion 49. Alternatively, the adhesive portion 49 may extend across the planar section 48 as a single layer or multiple layers and may be in contact with the non-sticky portion 45.
[0129]
The mat cooperating with the mat support and drainage structure 46 does not require separate non-sticky and sticky portions as shown in FIG. Alternatively, the mat co-operating with the mat support and drainage structure 46 is configured to be located over the gravity section 47 and a non-sticky water absorbing section and configured to be located over the planar section 48. It may be a single integrated member with a self-adhesive portion.
[0130]
By positioning the non-sticky water-absorbing portion on the gravity portion as described above, the water drained from the water-absorbing portion is stored in the mat support and drainage structure until it evaporates or is otherwise removed. On the other hand, the sticky part is relatively dry for those approaching the mat due to the water-absorbing part of the mat placed on its front.
[0131]
In another embodiment, both sticky and non-sticky portions are located over the gravity portion. FIG. 31 shows such an arrangement. In FIG. 31, the mat arrangement 50 includes both a non-sticky water-absorbing portion 51 and a sticky portion 52 including a holding reservoir located on the gravity portion 53 of the mat support and drainage structure 54. I have.
[0132]
The adhesive portion 52 can be a single layer or multiple layers as described above. The sticky portion 52 also has drainage or water absorption properties to allow water to pass to the following support and drainage structures. The non-sticky portion 51 and the sticky portion 52 may be a single integrated piece.
[0133]
Mat supports and drainage structures can be used with multiple mats if they are made of a sufficiently heavy material, as they will wear and change over time.
Another embodiment of a mat support and drainage structure is shown in FIG. 32A. In this embodiment, the mat support and drainage structure 55 comprises an A-frame structure formed from two sloping surfaces 57 arranged at or near the center thereof to form an apex 101. The water that comes into contact with the A frame structure is drained to the mat support and the holding reservoir 58 at the end of the drainage structure 55 by the action of gravity as described above. In this embodiment, the mat support and drainage structure may be formed with additional cross members 59 to provide additional support to the mat located thereon. If the mat is reasonably small and sturdy, no crossing members are needed.
[0134]
For outdoor use, the mat support and drainage structure does not require a holding sump. Such an example is shown in FIG. In this figure, the mat support and drainage structure 60 does not have a holding sump, and water is free to flow out of one of the ends 61 of the mat support and drainage structure.
[0135]
In plan view, the mat support and drainage structure is a quadrilateral with two long sides and two short sides. The short sides are referred to herein as "edges". The distance between the two long sides is the width of the mat support and drainage structure, and the distance between the two ends is the length of the mat support and drainage structure. In view of the foregoing description, the sloping surface of the A-frame structure is oriented so that it slopes toward its long side rather than the ends of the mat support and drainage structure, as described in connection with FIG. 32A. It is also possible to construct a mat support and a drainage structure that is in place. Such a mat support and drainage structure is shown in FIG. In this embodiment, the two sloping surfaces 63 are arranged to form vertices at or near the central region (with respect to the edge) of the mat support and drainage structure. The outer perimeter 103 of the non-gradient plane of the A-frame structure extends between the A-frame structure and the mat support and drainage structure walls. Water flowing down from the two sloping surfaces 63 is retained on the non-sloped planar perimeter between the A-frame structure and the wall. Instead, the A-frame structure extends across the entire width of the mat support and drainage structure. In this embodiment, only the holding reservoir is at the end of the mat support and drainage structure.
[0136]
FIG. 33 shows a view in which the upper portion of the mat 66 is positioned on the mat support and the drainage structure 67. The mat is sized such that when positioned on its support and drainage structure 67, only the exposed areas of the mat support and drainage structure are small sections of the sump at one end. This allows the water to evaporate rather than be trapped under the mat.
[0137]
Another example of how to effectively manage the retention of moisture in a mat is shown in FIG. In this embodiment, the mat 68 is shown primarily as a two-layer system. The upper layer of the mat comprises, for example, a material that is sticky when dry and a material that is sticky when wet, as described above. However, the top layer is not limited to any particular type of material. The lower layer is a flexible or robust material having channels formed in the upper surface adjacent to the upper layer and extending along the width of the mat. The enlarged cross-sections 34-34 show that when sufficient weight has been added to the mat, perforations 70 are made in the mat directly over channels 71 formed along the width of the mat to drain through the sides of the mat. FIG. Although a multi-layer mat is shown, it is also possible to use a single-layer mat with perforations as the upper layer in combination with the lower layer with channels as shown in FIG.
[0138]
FIG. 35 shows an arrangement 72 illustrating the use of the mat support and drainage structure described in conjunction with FIG. In this embodiment, the mat support and drainage structure each have a holding reservoir 73, 74 at one end. The details of the drainage of the mat are as described above and shown in the enlarged sectional views 35-35. The mat support and drainage structure need not include a gravity portion as drainage is provided by the mat 68 itself.
[0139]
Yet another embodiment of a mat designed to manage moisture removal is shown in FIG. In this embodiment, the mat 77 has three layers. Enlarged sectional views 36-36 illustrate the function of the mat 77. The upper layer 79 is a thin film layer, for example, made of plastic or a laminate of thin film layers having an adhesive anti-slip surface over the carrier substrate as described above. However, top layer 79 is not limited to any particular type of material. The upper layer of the mat is perforated with holes 80 to allow moisture to penetrate the upper layer into the middle layer 81 of the mat. The mid layer 81 has a water absorbing material. Such a material is selected such that the intermediate layer can hold up to twice the weight of water (expansion ratio 200%), for example open cell foam rubber or foam, very hydrophilic polymers or natural and / or natural Consisting of artificial fibers or fibers. The water absorbing layer 81 is configured with small channels 82 extending across the width of the mat. Although these channels are shown as cylindrical in shape, any form of creating an open channel is contemplated.
[0140]
The lower layer 83 of the mat 77 is a sturdy material, such as rubber or plastic, as described above, to provide resistance to slippage between the lower layer and the contact surface, eg, the surface of the mat support and drainage structure. When weight is given to the upper layer of the mat, for example by stepping on the mat, excess water and humidity stored in the middle absorbent layer 81 are drained from the side of the mat through the absorbent layer channels 82 . The channel is formed such that the point in the channel at or near the center of the mat is slightly higher than the channel edge on the side of the mat, thereby creating an angle to the channel. This drains the mat when there is no weight given on the mat, and also facilitates drainage of moisture due to the added weight on the mat surface.
[0141]
FIG. 37 shows an arrangement 84 illustrating the use of a mat support and drainage structure having a mat 77 as described in connection with FIG. In this embodiment, the mat support and drainage structure have retention reservoirs 85, 86 at the ends, respectively. The details of the drainage of the mat are as shown in the enlarged cross-sectional views 37-37 as previously described. As in the embodiment of FIG. 35, the mat support and drainage structure need not include a heavy portion as the drainage is provided by the mat 77 itself.
[0142]
Another arrangement of placing the channels in the water-absorbing layer uses water-absorbing fibers, and preferably these are placed at the width of the mat so that when weight is added, water will flow mainly along the length of the fiber and exit the sides of the mat. Orientation along. The use of fibers in the water absorbing layer is illustrated in FIG.
[0143]
If fibers are used, the mat 88 has three layers. The enlarged cross-sectional views 38-38 illustrate the function of the mat 88. The upper layer 90 is a thin film layer, for example, formed of plastic or the like, or formed from a stack of thin film layers having an adhesive anti-slip surface over the carrier substrate as described above. However, the upper layer is not limited to a particular type of material. The upper layer of the mat is perforated with holes 91 to allow moisture to penetrate through the film into the middle layer 92 of the mat. The intermediate layer 92 has a water absorbing fiber 93. These fibers are formed, for example, from plastic, very hydrophilic polymers or natural and / or man-made materials. The fibers of the absorbent layer 92 are oriented along the width of the mat, so the space between the fibers and the fibers themselves form channels that extend across the width of the mat.
[0144]
The lower layer 94 of the mat 88 is constructed of a sturdy material, such as rubber or plastic, to provide resistance to sliding between the lower layer and the surface that contacts it. When weight is given to the upper layer of the mat, for example by a person stepping on the mat, the excess water and humidity stored in the middle absorbent layer 92 will cause the channels created by the space between the fibers 93 and possibly the fibers themselves. Through the side of the mat. Some or all of the fibers are also positioned on the mat such that at or near the center of the mat, the fibers are raised slightly above the channel ends on the sides of the mat, thereby creating an angle to the fibers. This drains the mat even when there is no weight given on the mat, and additionally helps drain the moisture due to the added weight on the mat surface.
[0145]
FIG. 39 shows an alignment 95 illustrating the use of a mat support and drainage structure having a mat 88 described in connection with FIG. In this embodiment, the mat support and drainage structure each have a holding reservoir 96, 97 at one end. The details of the mat drainage are shown in the enlarged cross-sectional views 39-39 as described above. As in the embodiment of FIGS. 35 and 37, the mat support and drainage structure need not include a heavy portion as the drainage is provided by the mat 88 itself.
[0146]
FIG. 40 shows another possible embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 40, an arrangement 400 includes a mat support and drainage structure configured to receive a mat 402 including a base portion 403 having water diffusion, absorption, and drainage characteristics as described above in connection with the base portion 200. I have it. Mat 402 also includes an adhesive insert 404 and an anti-slip component 405. The anti-slip component may be, for example, a tread extending from the base portion of the mat 402 through the opening in the adhesive insert 404 as shown in FIG. Adhesive insert 404 may be a single layer or multiple separate layers.
[0147]
According to another embodiment, not shown, the mat support and drainage structure 401 itself constitutes an anti-slip component that extends through the opening of the adhesive insert when the adhesive insert is placed thereon.
In all the foregoing embodiments, the antifungal, antimicrobial and / or antibacterial agents and / or water-repellent properties of the mat support and drainage structure, as well as the potentially remaining moisture and water absorption properties of the mats located thereon. Alternatively, the addition of a fragrance provides additional benefits, and configurations that include such agents and / or fragrances are included in the present invention. Such agents and / or fragrances are included in the mat support prior to molding or manufacturing the mat support and drainage structure and / or mat. Alternatively, the agents and fragrances may be provided post-manufacturing by spraying, dipping, brushing or dusting them onto the mat support and drainage structure and / or mat.
[0148]
Therefore, as described above, the floor mat of the present invention has the following features. It should be noted that the features listed below are not comprehensive features of the floor mat of the present invention. This description generally describes all features of the floor mat of the present invention.
As described above, in one embodiment, the floor mat includes an adhesive surface having an upper, exposed surface with a surface area, and the substantially non-paper anti-slip component remains on the adhesive surface when wet. It is located in the surface area of the exposed surface on top of the sticky surface to prevent slippage. Accordingly, an anti-slip component is operatively associated with the upper exposed surface of the adhesive surface to reduce slippage of a person stepping into the upper exposed surface when the upper exposed surface becomes wet. The anti-slip component may be integrally included in the upper exposed surface.
[0149]
The anti-slip component includes a plurality of channels, visible in FIG. 5, made of a non-adhesive material, wherein the plurality of channels correspond to a top surface of the tacky surface in response to a person stepping on the tacky surface. Can be extended from Alternatively, the floor mat may include an anti-slip component that can protrude from the upper surface of the adhesive surface when no one is standing on the adhesive surface, such as the treads described above. The tread is thus an elongate member, the length of which extends across the exposed surface of the top of the sticky surface substantially longer than the length protruding beyond the exposed surface of the top of the sticky surface. Length.
[0150]
Further, the anti-slip component is the opening shown in FIG.
Various embodiments of the anti-slip component comprise a non-stick material, for example, a non-stick member and a water-resistant material. Thus, the anti-slip component may be water resistant. The anti-slip components are also made of a material such that they leave a function to prevent slipping on the adhesive surface after multiple uses. In this way, the anti-slip component is made of a sufficiently sturdy material, whereby the structure of the anti-slip component is substantially maintained after multiple steps by a person and substantially after multiple steps by a person It is made of a material having a composition.
[0151]
As described above, in one embodiment, the floor mat includes a non-sticky exposed top surface area 250 that contacts the sole of the person and a non-sticky exposed top surface area associated with the non-sticky top surface area of the base portion. And a base portion having an adhesive exposed upper surface portion 350 that contacts the sole of the shoe. As can be seen at least in FIG. 1, the non-sticky exposed upper surface area 250 of the base portion is at least as large as the sticky exposed upper surface area 350 of the sticky portion.
[0152]
The base portion of the floor mat includes a shock absorbing component so that when the person's shoe applies pressure to the base portion and the adhesive portion, both the base portion and the adhesive portion conform to the configuration of the lower portion of the person's shoe. In. The sticky portion also includes a sticky surface below the portion.
[0153]
In various embodiments, the base portion may limit the adhesive portion as shown in FIG. 1 or may be located adjacent to the adhesive portion as seen in FIG.
As can be seen at least in FIG. 1, the floor mat has a continuous non-sticky exposed top surface area 250 for contacting a person's sole and a sticky exposure for contacting the person's sole. And a base portion having an adhesive portion having a top surface area 350 defined therein. As also seen in FIGS. 15 and 16, the dimensions of the non-sticky exposed upper surface area of the base portion and the sticky exposed upper surface area of the sticky portion are both adult-sized shoe shoes. The entire bottom is sized to be received there. The continuous, non-sticky exposed upper surface area 250 of the base portion includes a first side region 252 disposed on a first side 352 of the sticky exposed upper surface region of the sticky portion. And a second side region 254 disposed on the second side 354 of the tacky exposed upper surface region of the opposite tacky portion. The area on the first side of the continuous non-sticky exposed top surface area of the base portion is greater than the area on the second side of the continuous non-sticky exposed top surface area of the base portion. large.
[0154]
As mentioned above in the description of the background art, people are puzzled because they do not have the ability to know the location of one or more items in the store. Although shop guidance is known, the amount of information that can be conveyed is limited by space limitations. Clearly, there is a need to easily and conveniently guide customers to the desired item location.
[0155]
According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, to solve the foregoing need, the floor mat is associated with a speech sensing device coupled to a speech recognition device coupled to a display device and / or a sound generation device. . The voice sensing device, speech recognition device, display device, and / or voice generating device is configured to generate a display and / or audible response in response to a human utterance including a name or description of the item being sought in the store. You may.
[0156]
In particular, the voice sensing device is configured to detect uttered speech and convert the speech into an electrical signal that is forwarded to the speech recognizer. The speech recognition device is configured to process a signal received from the voice sensing device to perform an operation corresponding to a term included in the speech. Actions include generating a display corresponding to the term and / or generating an audible response to the term. The speech recognizer is coupled to a display device to form a display, or to a sound generator to generate an audible response, or to both an electronic display device and a sound generator.
[0157]
In one possible application, floor mats, voice sensing devices, speech recognizers, display devices and / or voice generating devices are located at business locations, for example, retail stores such as supermarkets. The display device is included in the floor mat, and the floor mat and the audio sensing device are located near the entrance of the store inside or outside the store. The voice sensing device is placed at a level where words spoken by a person within a reasonable distance are easily detectable, for example, 4 to 6 feet from the ground or floor level. Any support means may be used to hold the voice sensing device. For example, the audio sensing device may be supported on a separate stand or suspended from another structure.
[0158]
To use the present invention, a visitor to a store approaches the floor mat and stands near or on the floor mat. The voice sensing device is explicitly indicated. A person utters the name or description of the item the person is looking for in the normal direction of the voice sensing device and from a distance at which speech is detectable from the voice sensing device. The speech sensing device detects the utterance and converts it into an electrical signal that is transmitted to the speech recognizer. The speech recognizer is located proximate to or remote from the voice sensing device. The speech recognizer is coupled to the voice sensing device by a connection such as a wiring conductor or optical fiber or a wireless connection such as ultrasonic, infrared or radio frequency (RF) radiation.
[0159]
The signal transmitted to the speech recognizer is processed to extract information therefrom and perform at least one operation corresponding to the information. For example, a speech recognizer processes the signal to identify one or more terms of the original utterance, which terms are typically the name or description of the item being sought in the store. When the item names or descriptions are identified, the speech recognizer searches a database that correlates the item names or descriptions in the store to their respective locations. If the item identified in the utterance is found in the database, the speech recognizer retrieves information from the database that identifies the item in the store. The speech recognizer may then display the location information on a display device (eg, using some form of computer-processed speech synthesis) and / or generate an audible signal identifying the location information, or both. I do.
[0160]
The display device displays position information in the form of alphanumeric codes. For example, in response to a person uttering the terms "pasta", "dog food", and "potato chips" in the direction of the voice sensing device, the speech recognizer generates the following display on the display device.
"... PASTA-AISLE 6 ON LEFT ... DOG FOOD-AISLE 2 ON RIGHT ... POTATO CHIPS-END OF AISLE 9 AT REAR ..."
Along with the name or description and location of the item being sought, the display device displays relevant sales and advertising information. For example, the following display is generated in addition to the display of the above example.
“... ALPO DOG FOOD ON SALE TODAY, 55 CENTS PER CAN ... LAY'S POTATO CHIPS-8 OUNCE BAG- $ 1.49 ...”
This feature generates additional revenue for the seller.
[0161]
Instead of displaying only numeric characters, the display may be in the form of a graphic display of the store layout, so that the position of the desired item can be highlighted.
As a further alternative, as described above, the sound generator may respond audibly to human speech, either independently or with a visible display. The audible response identifies the location of the item named or described in the utterance. The audible response can be, for example, computer-generated or retrieved from a pre-recorded audible database.
[0162]
The voice sensing device, speech recognition device, display device, and voice generating device can be comprised of any number of known commercially available products. The voice sensing device is, for example, a microphone of any size. In particular, the voice sensing device is a directional microphone, i.e. a microphone that has a well-defined directional response to better separate speech intentionally directed in the direction of the microphone from random environmental noise. . Examples of commercially available directional microphones used include cardioid microphones, supercardioid microphones, shotgun microphones, and the like. Examples of cardioid microphones are DPA (TM) 4021, Earthworks (TM) A30X, Shure (TM) SM57. Examples of supercardioid microphones are Peavey ™ PVM 480 and Electrovoice ™ ND767A. Examples of shotgun microphones are Beyerdynamic ™ MCE86 S.1, Sennheizer ™ K6 ME66, Shure ™ SM89. Depending on the loudness of the environment in which the microphone was used, higher directional microphones will produce better results than less directional microphones. For example, in very noisy environments, highly directional microphones such as supercardioid or shotgun microphones are preferred.
[0163]
According to another embodiment, the audio sensing device is integrated into the display device, or is attached to or embedded in a floor mat. The sound sensing device may be, for example, a microphone array embedded in a floor mat. As is well known, an array of microphones, for example, two or more, preferably four, omni-directional electret microphones can be arranged to provide a sound sensing system responsive to the direction of sound. The use of an array of microphones solves the space saving problem because the array can be embedded in the mat without adding excessive thickness to the mat.
[0164]
The speech recognizer may include a computer processor and memory configured to execute speech recognition software in response to a signal received from the speech sensing device. Speech recognition software processes the signal to extract information therefrom when executed, and in particular, the speech recognition software identifies terms spoken in the original utterance. According to the identified term, the computer processor and the memory are further configured to execute software that determines whether the term or the described item is sold in a store. If so, the software is executed to search the database for items named or described in the utterance, correlating the items sold in the store with their respective locations. The speech recognizer then causes the information retrieved from the database identifying the location of the nominated or described item to be displayed on a display device and / or audibly transmitted by a sound generator. The speech recognizer executes, for example, speech synthesis software or accesses a prerecorded audible database of speech components to generate an audible facsimile of human speech by means of a speech generator.
[0165]
The speech recognizer may further execute an error routine to detect, for example, garbled or ambiguous speech, display a corresponding message, or generate an audible sound and request that the utterance be repeated. Alternatively, for example, if the named or described item is not available, the speech recognizer generates a corresponding message such as "NOT AVAILABLE" or "OUT OF STOCK".
[0166]
Examples of commercially available speech recognition software include L & H Dragon Natually Speaking ™ and IBM ViaVoice ™. In addition to or as an alternative to running software with a conventional processor / memory combination, the function of the speech recognizer is an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or an ASIC with the necessary functions programmed into the circuit logic. It can be configured with specialized hardware such as
[0167]
The display device can be configured in any of a number of forms. The display device includes an electronically changeable display surface, such as a liquid crystal display, as described above. The display device is connected to a computer (eg, a speech recognizer having a processor and memory and / or an ASIC), and the computer-generated image is displayed on the display as described above. The connection between the display device and the speech recognition device can be made in a wired or wireless manner. Alternatively, the speech recognition device may be incorporated into a display device.
[0168]
Further, as described above, the display device may be associated with the base portion 200 of the floor mat 100, such as being included in the recess 210, or may be included on a bottom surface facing upwardly of the insert portion 300. Alternatively, the display device can be integrally formed with either the base portion or the insert portion. Images generated on a display device are typically displayed in a fixed position, or can be scrolled across the display. The display device may include a light emitting polymer, electronic ink or electronic paper as described above. The display device includes a light emitting diode (LED), an organic LED, an electroluminescent material, a plasma display, or any other visible display radiation or reflected light.
[0169]
The speech generator is configured in the form of one or more speakers of any size and is coupled to the speech recognizer by a wired or wireless connection. The loudspeaker is, for example, a piezo electric flat panel loudspeaker configured in a display device or a floor mat.
FIG. 40 shows an application of the above description of the present invention wherein a visitor to a grocery store uses the present invention. The person 4000 located within the sensing distance of the voice sensing device 4001 utters the utterance 4004 so that the speech of the person 4000 can be detected by the voice sensing device 4001. The utterance 4004 is the term “pasta” in the illustrated example.
[0170]
The voice sensing device 4001 converts the utterance 4004 into an electric signal which is transferred to the speech recognition device 4002 via the wireless connection 4008 or the wired connection 4009. Speech recognizer 4002 processes the signal to extract the term "pasta" therefrom. After that, the speech recognition device 4002 causes the display device 4006 included in the floor mat 100 to display “passage 6” of the response display 4007 for specifying the position of the pasta in the store through the wired connection 4013 or the wireless connection 4012. Additionally or alternatively, via a wired connection 4011 or a wireless connection 4010, speech recognizer 4002 causes audible response 4005 to generate "passage 6" through voice generator 4003.
[0171]
As particularly shown in FIG. 41, the speech recognition device 4002 includes a memory 4100 and a processor 4101. Speech recognizer 4002 is coupled to storage device 4103, such as a disk storage device. Storage 4103 includes speech recognition software 4105 and an information database 4104 (eg, a database as described above that correlates items for sale to their respective in-store locations). Speech recognition software 4105 and information database 4104 are loaded from storage 4103 into memory 4100 and accessed to perform the operations described above.
[0172]
In view of the foregoing description, it will be readily appreciated that convenient applications of the present invention are not limited to distribution information about the location of items in a retail store. The present invention will find useful applications anywhere in the area of business, and even the passage of any human where information is usually needed. For example, as described above, floor mats and associated devices can be provided in any private or public building to display advertising information. Alternatively or additionally, floor mats and associated devices are used as guidance for the location of a person or building. As another example, floor mats and associated devices are arranged at train, bus, or aircraft stations and provide schedule information when requested.
[0173]
With the foregoing in mind, FIG. 42 illustrates a process flow diagram according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown at block 4200, a floor mat containing a voice response display device is provided in an area where humans pass. A person approaches the floor mat and makes an utterance requesting information. As shown in block 4201, a floor mat having a voice response display device may receive an utterance requesting information.
[0174]
As shown in block 4202, the floor mat with the voice response display device then processes the utterance to obtain the requested information along the aforementioned line. The voice response display device then displays the requested information to the person as shown in block 4203.
[0175]
All described embodiments are illustrative of the various ways in which the invention may be implemented. Further, any described embodiments of the components of the floor mat, such as, for example, a base portion, an adhesive portion, a graphic display, and all features associated with these components, can be combined in any embodiment of the present invention. Indeed, the present invention is not limited to only the particular combined embodiments described. Other embodiments can be implemented by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention.
[Brief description of the drawings]
[0176]
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a floor mat according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the floor mat of FIG.
FIG. 3 is an exploded side view of another embodiment of the floor mat of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is an exploded side view of another embodiment of the floor mat of the present invention.
[0177]
FIG. 5 is a view of a third alternative embodiment of the adhesive insert having anti-slip properties of the floor mat of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a view of a fourth alternative embodiment of the adhesive insert having anti-slip properties of the floor mat of the present invention.
FIG. 7 is a side view of the embodiment of the adhesive insert having anti-slip properties of FIG. 6;
[0178]
FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a fifth embodiment of the adhesive insert having anti-slip properties of the floor mat of the present invention.
FIG. 9 shows a sixth alternative embodiment of the adhesive insert with anti-slip properties of the floor mat of the present invention.
FIG. 10 shows the adhesive insert with anti-slip properties of FIG. 9 with another embodiment of the base portion.
[0179]
FIG. 11 is a view of a seventh alternative embodiment of an adhesive insert having anti-slip properties and water-dissipating ability of the floor mat of the present invention.
FIG. 12 is a view of another embodiment of the adhesive insert and base portion of the floor mat of the present invention having the ability to dissipate water.
FIG. 13 illustrates a sensor system that may be used in embodiments of the present invention.
[0180]
FIG. 14 is a diagram showing one embodiment of a floor mat in which an adhesive portion and a non-adhesive portion can be separated.
FIG. 15 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a floor mat of the present invention when used in one step of a process using the floor mat.
FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the floor mat of FIG. 15 when used in a second step of the process using the floor mat.
[0181]
FIG. 17 illustrates another embodiment of a floor mat according to the present invention that includes a replaceable base portion.
FIG. 18 shows another embodiment of a floor mat according to the present invention including a single sheet of washable parts.
FIG. 19 shows a roll of sheets used in the embodiment of FIG.
[0182]
20 is an illustration of a storage container for a roll of sheets used in the embodiment of FIG. 19;
FIG. 21 is an illustration of another embodiment of a floor mat in accordance with the present invention that includes a truck-movable mudwasher.
FIG. 22 is an illustration of another embodiment of a floor mat in accordance with the present invention that includes a truck-movable mudwasher.
[0183]
FIG. 23 is an illustration of another embodiment of an adhesive surface in accordance with the principles of the present invention.
FIG. 24 is an illustration of another embodiment of the adhesive surface of FIG. 23.
FIG. 25 is an illustration of another embodiment of an adhesive surface in accordance with the principles of the present invention.
FIG. 26 is an illustration of another embodiment of an adhesive surface in accordance with the principles of the present invention.
[0184]
FIG. 27 is an illustration of another embodiment of an adhesive surface in accordance with the principles of the present invention.
FIG. 28A shows one embodiment of a floor mat support and drainage structure according to the present invention.
FIG. 28B shows another embodiment of a floor mat support and drainage structure.
[0185]
FIG. 28C is an illustration of another embodiment of a floor mat support and drainage structure without a holding sump.
FIG. 28D shows another embodiment of a floor mat support and drainage structure.
FIG. 29 is a diagram showing an arrangement of a floor mat on a support and a drainage structure.
[0186]
FIG. 30 is an illustration of another embodiment of a floor mat support and drainage structure on which a two-part floor mat is disposed.
FIG. 31 is an illustration of another embodiment of a floor mat support and drainage structure on which a two-part floor mat is disposed.
FIG. 32 illustrates another embodiment of a floor mat support and drainage structure, a floor mat support and drainage structure without a holding reservoir, and yet another embodiment of a floor mat support and drainage structure. FIG.
[0187]
FIG. 33 is an illustration of a floor mat placed on a support and drainage structure according to one embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 34 illustrates layers of a floor mat according to one embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 35 shows the floor mat of FIG. 34 using one embodiment of a support and drainage structure.
[0188]
FIG. 36 illustrates a layer of a floor mat according to another embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 37 shows the floor mat of FIG. 36 using one embodiment of a support and drainage structure.
FIG. 38 illustrates a layer of a floor mat according to another embodiment of the present invention.
[0189]
FIG. 39 shows the floor mat of FIG. 38 used with one embodiment of a support and drainage structure.
FIG. 40 is a diagram showing a use state of a floor mat according to an embodiment of the present invention in which a display associated with the floor mat is a voice response.
FIG. 41 is an illustration of a computer and software for speech recognition according to one possible embodiment.
FIG. 42 is a flow chart of a process according to an embodiment.

Claims (24)

(I) providing a floor mat having a voice response display device in an area where humans pass;
(Ii) receiving the requested information of the utterance displayed on the voice response display device;
(Iii) processing the utterance to obtain the requested information;
(Iv) displaying the requested information on the voice response display device. The method of claim 1, wherein the human traffic area is a retail store, and the requested information relates to a location of an item in the store. The method of claim 1, further comprising displaying advertising information on the voice response display device. A floor mat containing a display device;
A voice sensing device configured to detect an utterance of a person requesting information displayed on the display device;
A speech coupled to the display device and the voice sensing device and configured to process a signal received from the voice sensing device in response to the utterance and generate a corresponding display on the display device. A system comprising a recognition device. 5. The system of claim 4, wherein said voice sensing device is a directional microphone. The system of claim 5, wherein the directional microphone is embedded in the floor mat. 5. The system of claim 4, wherein said voice sensing device comprises an array of microphones. The system of claim 4, further comprising a speech generator coupled to the speech recognizer to generate an audible response to the utterance. 9. The system according to claim 8, wherein the sound generator is provided in the floor mat. 9. The system according to claim 8, wherein the sound generator is a piezo electric flat panel speaker. The system of claim 4, wherein the display is related to a location of one or more items in the store. The system of claim 4, wherein the speech recognizer is wirelessly coupled to the voice sensing device. 5. The system of claim 4, wherein said speech recognizer is coupled to said voice sensing device by an optical fiber. The system of claim 4, wherein the display device comprises one of a liquid crystal display, a light emitting diode display, an organic light emitting diode display, an electroluminescent display, and a plasma display. (I) placing a floor mat including an electronically changeable display at a retail store;
(Ii) arranging a microphone such that speech of a person standing near or on the floor mat can be detected by the microphone;
(Iii) using the microphone to convert the utterance into an electrical signal;
(Iv) transmitting the signal to a speech recognizer coupled to the microphone;
(V) using the speech recognizer to process the signal to identify at least one term in the utterance;
(Vi) searching a position of an article corresponding to the word from an information database coupled to the speech recognition device;
(Vii) displaying the location on the display. The method according to claim 15, wherein the microphone is a directional microphone. The method of claim 15, further comprising generating an audible response to the utterance. In a cleaning system that cleans the soles of people,
A display device;
A voice sensing device configured to detect an utterance of a person requesting information displayed on the display device;
A speech coupled to the display device and the voice sensing device and configured to process a signal received from the voice sensing device in response to the utterance to generate a corresponding display on the display device. A washing system including a recognition device. 19. The cleaning system according to claim 18, wherein the voice sensing device is a directional microphone. 20. The cleaning system of claim 18, wherein said voice sensing device comprises an array of microphones. 19. The cleaning system of claim 18, further comprising a voice generator coupled to the speech recognizer to generate an audible response to the utterance. 19. The cleaning system of claim 18, wherein the display is associated with a location of one or more items in a store. 19. The cleaning system of claim 18, wherein the display is associated with advertising information. 19. The cleaning system according to claim 18, wherein the display device includes one of a liquid crystal display, a light emitting diode display, an organic light emitting diode display, an electroluminescence display, and a plasma display.

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