U.S. patent application number 11/265959 was filed with the patent office on 2007-05-03 for advertising panel and electronic timing device for floor mats.
This patent application is currently assigned to Foote-Mats, Inc.. Invention is credited to Frederick C. Foote.
Application Number | 20070094828 11/265959 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37994406 |
Filed Date | 2007-05-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070094828 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Foote; Frederick C. |
May 3, 2007 |
Advertising panel and electronic timing device for floor mats
Abstract
A floor mat with a recess therein for matably receiving and
frictionally retaining a block with a top surface for advertising,
branding, or other messages. An electrical circuit in the block
includes a timer, a battery and an LED light, and is configured to
illuminate the light after the timer times out, thus indicating
when the absorbent sheet on top of the mat or the mat itself needs
to be replaced.
Inventors: |
Foote; Frederick C.;
(Haslett, MI) |
Correspondence
Address: |
PRICE HENEVELD COOPER DEWITT & LITTON, LLP
695 KENMOOR, S.E.
P O BOX 2567
GRAND RAPIDS
MI
49501
US
|
Assignee: |
Foote-Mats, Inc.
|
Family ID: |
37994406 |
Appl. No.: |
11/265959 |
Filed: |
November 3, 2005 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
15/215 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47L 23/22 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
015/215 |
International
Class: |
A47L 23/22 20060101
A47L023/22 |
Claims
1. A floor mat construction comprising: a floor mat; and a
replaceable block positioned in the mat and having indicia visible
on a top surface thereof.
2. The floor mat construction defined in claim 1, wherein the block
is configured to frictionally fit into a recess in the floor
mat.
3. The floor mat construction defined in claim 1, including a
sticker adhered to the top surface of the block and including the
indicia.
4. The floor mat construction defined in claim 1, including an
electrical circuit in the block, the electrical circuit including a
timer, a battery and a light; the circuit being configured to
illuminate the light after the timer times out, thus indicating
when the floor mat needs maintenance, such as cleaning or
replacement.
5. The floor mat construction defined in claim 4, including an
absorbent sheet on the floor mat, and wherein timing out of the
timer indicates a need to replace the absorbent sheet.
6. The floor mat construction defined in claim 1, wherein the top
surface of the block includes a three-dimensional object formed
thereon for advertising and interest-catching purposes.
7. The floor mat construction defined in claim 1, including a
battery and lighted display in the block.
8. An apparatus comprising: a floor mat including absorbent
material; and an electrical circuit connected to the floor mat, the
electrical circuit including a timer, a battery and a display; the
circuit being configured to activate the display after the timer
times out, thus indicating when the absorbent material or floor mat
need maintenance.
9. The apparatus defined in claim 8, wherein the timer is
adjustable.
10. The apparatus defined in claim 8, wherein the display includes
a light that operates to indicate the need for maintenance.
11. A floor mat construction comprising: a non-slip floor-engaging
base defining a shallow recess on a top surface thereof; and a
block shaped to fit into the shallow recess, the block including
side walls that frictionally engage sides of the shallow recess for
retaining the block to the rubber base.
12. The floor mat construction defined in claim 11, wherein the
block includes a top surface angled relative to a top of the base
to improve a viewing angle of the top surface.
13. The floor mat construction defined in claim 11, wherein the
block includes a lens forming a part of the top surface, the lens
including indicia.
14. The floor mat construction defined in claim 11, including an
absorbent sheet on the base.
15. The floor mat construction defined in claim 14, including a
timer indicating when the absorbent sheet requires maintenance.
16. The floor mat construction defined in claim 11, including a
battery and lighted display on the block.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to an advertising panel and an
electronic timing device which are intended to increase the
functionality of floor mats in locations of use, such as in front
of urinals and toilets in public restrooms, in high-spill food
service areas, or in high-traffic public areas such as building
entrances. In particular, the present invention relates to a small,
domino-sized block of optimal size, shape and material that can
serve one or both of the functions mentioned above and that can be
quickly and easily assembled to a mat, such as by a friction fit
into a comparably-sized receiving well positioned in a floor mat,
although the present invention is not contemplated to be limited to
only that particular aspect.
BACKGROUND DISCUSSION OF THE PRIOR ART
[0002] Attempts are known in the art to maintain sanitary
conditions in restrooms near toilets and wall-mounted urinals using
grids, mats, carpet squares, or absorbent sheets, particularly in
public restrooms for men where unwanted moisture, odor and bacteria
on the floors commonly present both sanitary and aesthetic
problems. One such attempt to address the problem of urine on
bathroom floors is known as the Foote-Mat.TM. disposable restroom
floor-mat system. This system utilizes a rubber base mat combined
with disposable top sheets made of a plurality of sonically-fused
layers that serve to hide stains, absorb moisture, and act as an
effective antimicrobial to hinder the growth of odor-emitting
bacteria associated with urine on restroom floors.
[0003] Of concern is how to make such urinal base mats suitable for
name branding or for advertising by third-party advertisers in a
way that is effective and inexpensive. Of further concern is how to
provide a reliable mechanism for a janitor to know when to change
out base mats or disposable top sheets so that they are neither
changed out too frequently (thus adding unnecessarily to the cost
of properly maintaining a restroom floor) or too infrequently (thus
compromising the improvements to restroom cleanliness that urinal
mats and disposable top sheets can provide if they are not left so
long on restroom floors as to become saturated with urine, or
otherwise ineffective).
[0004] Accordingly, a floor mat is desired having the
aforementioned advantages and solving the aforementioned
problems.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] In one aspect of the present invention, a floor mat
construction includes a floor mat and a replaceable block
positioned on the mat with an indicia visible on a top surface
thereof.
[0006] In another aspect of the present invention, an apparatus
includes a floor mat with an absorbent material, and an electrical
circuit connected to the floor mat. The electrical circuit includes
a timer, a battery and a display, and is configured to activate the
display after the timer times out, thus indicating when the
absorbent material or floor mat needs maintenance.
[0007] In another aspect of the present invention, a floor mat
construction includes a non-slip, floor-engaging base defining a
shallow recess on a top surface, and a block shaped to fit into the
shallow recess. The block includes side walls that frictionally
engage sides of the shallow recess for retaining the block to the
rubber base.
[0008] An object of the present invention is to provide for a small
block of roughly the size and shape of a small, hollowed-out domino
piece that could be inserted into a urinal or toilet base mat and
which would provide an advertising or branding space as well as,
optionally, housing the circuitry necessary to provide an
electronic indication of when a janitor should change out a
disposable top sheet intended to gather urine drips and stains
below urinals and toilets in public restrooms.
[0009] Thus, a system having the aforementioned advantages and
solving the aforementioned problems is desired.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0010] The foregoing features, as well as other features, will
become apparent with reference to the description and figures below
in which like numerals represent like elements and in which:
[0011] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of floor mat and
advertising block removably attached to a corner of the floor
mat.
[0012] FIG. 2 is a rear elevational view showing an open rear of
the block shown in FIG. 1.
[0013] FIG. 3 is a rear elevational view similar to FIG. 2, but
modified to close the rear and to include a watertight cavity for
housing electronics.
[0014] FIG. 4 is a bottom view of the block shown in FIG. 1,
including the timer dial and battery compartment associated with
the electronics in the block.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0015] The present floor mat construction 20 (FIG. 1) includes a
base 21, an absorbent sheet 22 removably positioned on top of the
base 21, and a removably-attached block 24 positioned in the recess
23 as described below. The illustrated recess 23 is sized to
closely receive and frictionally engage the outer surfaces of the
sheet 22 as well as resiliently holding and retaining the block 24
in place. Nonetheless, it is contemplated that other attachment
means, such as adhesive, snap attachment, and the like, can be used
and is within a scope of the present invention.
[0016] A detailed description of the base and sheet are not
believed to be necessary for an understanding of the present
invention, but if additional detail is desired, the reader's
attention is directed to the following patents and published
applications: U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/977,330, filed
Nov. 24, 1997, entitled FLOOR-MAT SYSTEM (now U.S. Pat. No.
6,295,658), and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/877,268, filed
Jun. 24, 2004, entitled DISPOSABLE FLOOR MAT. The entire teachings
and content of these patents and publications are incorporated
herein for the purpose of enablement and full disclosure.
[0017] The present construction takes advantage of the fact that
people visit restrooms on a regular basis, which provides an
inexpensive and simple means of name branding or advertising.
Advantageously, a domino-sized block adapted to be inserted into a
urinal or toilet base mat could be manufactured very inexpensively.
The block could be covered on its topmost surface with a sticker
advertising the establishment in which the restroom is located
(such as a hotel chain, a fast food restaurant, or a football
stadium, for instance) or advertising a third-party product such as
a certain brand of beer (in a bar or restaurant where that beer is
served, for instance). Alternatively, the advertisement or symbol
could be engraved into the top surface of the block. If desired,
the block could be friction-attached, so that it is removable for
cleaning or replacement.
[0018] In the illustrated embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the block is
made of a plastic having good adhesive bonding characteristics and
durability against wear. The illustrated block is relatively small
(such as approximately 2.25''.times.1.0''), but is large enough to
be readily visible from above. The block is wedge-shaped with a top
surface that inclines at an angle upwardly and rearwardly from a
front edge of the block to a rear edge. For example, the front edge
could be from about 0.125'' to 0.25'' in height, and the back edge
could be about 0.50'' to 0.75'' in height. The angle of the top
surface is selected to optimize the viewing angle of the sticker
attached to the topmost surface, making it easier for a person to
see while standing over the floor mat and looking down. Also, the
recess has a depth selected to cause a rear part of the block to
protrude upwardly, thus making it more noticeable and interesting
to a person noticing the same. The illustrated block is hollowed
out to save in material costs. This also improves mold time and
part quality by avoiding heavy sections of material that can cause
sinks and depressions as they cool during the molding process. It
is noted that the base could include rubber protrusions in the
recess that engage an inside of the block, as well as the outside,
if desired.
[0019] FIG. 2 illustrates an open back surface that provides for
ventilation in the back (at a location out of view of the restroom
user) so that any moisture that gets into the receiving well of the
base mat will easily evaporate.
[0020] It is known to attach stickers with adhesive to smooth
surfaces. It is also known to manufacture stickers out of a
moisture resistant material and/or to use an adhesive able to
accommodate slight moisture while maintaining its adherence. A
detailed description of such stickers is not believed to be
necessary for an understanding of the present invention. It is
noted that plastic blocks with a smooth top surface could easily
and inexpensively accommodate such a sticker for name branding the
base mat itself or for other advertising in restrooms. The marginal
costs of configuring the blocks to accommodate a different name
brand or advertiser would, therefore, only be the cost of the
stickers.
[0021] It is contemplated that plastic blocks with more elaborate
top surfaces having integrally formed shapes (such as half of a
three-dimensional miniature football, or of a three-dimensional
logo, etc.) or having functional electronics thereon (such as an
electronic panel with lighted display and/or animated message) are
also possible and may provide an even more effective means of name
branding or advertising, as discussed below.
[0022] In another aspect, the block additionally houses a small
electronic circuit board with an adjustable timer 25 underneath and
inside the block 24 (FIG. 4), an LED indicator light 101 on top of
the block (FIG. 1), a reset button 27 (FIG. 3) on the back surface
of the block 24, and a battery 26 installed from underneath the
block 24 (FIG. 4), all connected in series. The timer 25 and
battery are sealed within a watertight cavity within the block 24.
The timer 25 is adjustable and would be set to operate the
indicator light after a specified period of time in order to assist
janitors in knowing when to change out urinal mats or disposable
top sheets according to manufacturer's recommendations or the
wishes of an establishment's management. The illustrated plastic
domino-sized block 24 has an advertising sticker with indicia on it
(as described above), and could also have the small LED indicator
light 101 positioned for viewing in one of the corners of the
block, preferably on the topmost surface. Underneath the block 24
would be a sealed location to place a small watch-type battery 26
to power the LED light 101. It is also contemplated that the
battery could electrically power a lighted display or power a light
behind the display for illuminating indicia on a lens positioned on
top of the block 24.
[0023] A dial is positioned on a lower surface of the block and is
manually rotatable for adjusting the timer 25. Indicia around the
dial indicates the selected time period (e.g., hours or days) (see
FIG. 4), and would be adjustable by means of an Allen wrench or
some other tool. Once the dial is set to a selected time period
(such as 0 days (off), 1 day, 3 days, 7 days, 14 days, or 21 days,
for instance), the circuit could be programmed to operate the LED
light 101 automatically (e.g., blinking the LED light three times
in rapid succession to visually indicate that the unit's battery is
in good working order) or alternatively, the circuit could be
configured to include a switch to allow manual testing of the
battery.
[0024] Once activated, the internal circuitry of the invention
would then simply count down from the time interval set on the dial
(down from 72 hours if the dial is set to 3 days, for instance) and
the LED light 101 would, after the set time interval has elapsed,
then flash once every 15 seconds or so, thereby visually indicating
to the janitor that it is time to replace the urinal mat or
disposable top sheet. Upon such replacement, a reset button at the
back of the block (not visible to casual observers) 27 (FIG. 3)
could be depressed by the janitor and the countdown would then
commence again for the time interval that has been previously set
on the timing dial. In this way, facilities having different usage
and traffic patterns for their restrooms could set the time dial
for different countdown intervals and the block inserted into the
base of the urinal mat would greatly assist in the proper
change-out of urinal mats at the proper time. Without such a
device, the tendency will be to change a urinal mat or disposable
top sheet either too frequently or not frequently enough.
[0025] It is contemplated that the sticker on the top surface of
the block 24 could be replaced with a lens or translucent or
transparent material with an LED therebehind so that the LED could
operated behind the lens to illuminate indicia formed on the lens.
It is contemplated that the visibility of the indicia would be
similar to the indicia on automotive rear view mirrors, such as
compass indications or temperature indications.
[0026] While the invention has been described in conjunction with
specific embodiments, it is evident that many alternatives,
modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in
the art in light of the foregoing description. Accordingly, the
present invention attempts to embrace all such alternatives,
modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope
of the appended claims.
* * * * *