U.S. patent application number 13/489818 was filed with the patent office on 2012-09-20 for multipurpose foam flooring.
This patent application is currently assigned to PARALLAX GROUP INTERNATIONAL, LLC. Invention is credited to Peter Szucs, Bruce Thrush.
Application Number | 20120238179 13/489818 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 44320398 |
Filed Date | 2012-09-20 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120238179 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Thrush; Bruce ; et
al. |
September 20, 2012 |
Multipurpose Foam Flooring
Abstract
A transformative floor mat system that is interactive as a toy
and a mat that is safe, fun and creative. In one form, the floor
mat has tiles with interlocking structure around the edges of each
tile to prove for a secured large surface area. The floor mat also
has play pieces that can be removed from within each tiles so that
each tile can be connected to one another to form a play figure.
The floor mat system could also be configured to form other
three-dimensional structures and environments, such as castles,
forests, and beaches.
Inventors: |
Thrush; Bruce; (San Juan
Capistrano, CA) ; Szucs; Peter; (Burbank,
CA) |
Assignee: |
PARALLAX GROUP INTERNATIONAL,
LLC
San Juan Capistrano
CA
|
Family ID: |
44320398 |
Appl. No.: |
13/489818 |
Filed: |
June 6, 2012 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
12695886 |
Jan 28, 2010 |
8210892 |
|
|
13489818 |
|
|
|
|
61148009 |
Jan 28, 2009 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
446/101 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63F 2009/1248 20130101;
A63F 2250/505 20130101; A63H 33/084 20130101; A63F 9/1288 20130101;
A63F 2250/183 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
446/101 |
International
Class: |
A63H 33/00 20060101
A63H033/00 |
Claims
1. A transformative floor mat, comprising: a first panel and a
second panel, wherein the first panel is configured to mate
planarly with the second panel; a first play piece that is
configured to mate planarly with the first panel; and a second play
piece that is configured to mate planarly with at least one of the
first and second panel, wherein the second play piece is configured
to mate angularly with the first play piece to form a play
figure.
2. The transformative floor mat of claim 1, wherein the first panel
comprises a plurality of interlocking structures.
3. The transformative floor mat of claim 1, wherein the first panel
is configured to mate angularly with the second panel.
4. The transformative floor mat of claim 1, wherein the first panel
is configured to mate at a substantially 90 degree angle with the
second panel.
5. The transformative floor mat of claim 1, wherein the first panel
comprises a hole that is configured to mate planarly with the first
play piece.
6. The transformative floor mat of claim 5, wherein the hole
comprises a through hole in the first panel.
7. The transformative floor mat of claim 1, wherein the first play
piece is configured to mate at a substantially 90 degree angle with
the second play piece.
8. The transformative floor mat of claim 1, further comprising a
third play piece configured to mate angularly with the second
panel.
9. The transformative floor mat of claim 8, wherein the third play
piece comprises a substantially cylindrical shape.
10. The transformative floor mat of claim 8, wherein the third play
piece is configured to mate angularly with a hole in the second
panel.
11. The transformative floor mat of claim 10, wherein the second
play piece is configured to mate planarly with the hole in the
second panel.
12. The transformative floor mat of claim 1, wherein the second
panel further comprises a top side with a plurality of projections
and an opposing bottom side with a plurality of recesses that match
the plurality of projections.
13. The transformative floor mat of claim 1, wherein a length of
the first panel is greater than 15 inches.
14. The transformative floor mat of claim 1, wherein a length of
the first panel is greater than 25 inches.
15. A transformative floor mat, comprising: a plurality of panels
into which are collectively cut first, second, and third body
pieces, and first and second leg pieces; the first body piece has
an edge that mates in an interlocking fashion with an edge of the
second body piece; the first leg piece has at least one groove that
collectively receives the first and third body pieces; and the
second leg piece has at least one groove that collectively receives
the second and third body pieces.
16. The transformative floor mat of claim 15 further comprising a
first head piece cut from one of the plurality of panels that mates
with a recess of the first body piece.
17. The transformative floor mat of claim 16, further comprising a
second head piece cut from one of the plurality of panels that also
mates with the recess of the first body piece.
18. The transformative floor mat of claim 15 further comprising a
foot piece cut from one of the plurality of panels that mates with
the first leg piece.
19. The transformative floor mat of claim 15, further comprising a
fourth body piece, wherein the at least one groove that
collectively receives that first and third body pieces also
receives the fourth body piece.
20. The transformative floor mat of claim 15, wherein the first,
second, and third body pieces, and first and second leg pieces
compose three different panels.
Description
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 12/695,886 filed Jan. 28, 2010 which claims
priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/148,009 filed Jan.
28, 2009 both of which are incorporated herein by reference in
their entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The field of the invention is floor mats.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Playmats provide a useful and safe way to enjoy various
activities. Caregivers to children in particular like soft foam
playmats because they are comfortable and provide ample cushioning.
Factors that influence someone to purchase a particular set of mats
may include the costs; the packaging; the appearance of the mats;
the quality of the mats and the assembly of these mats. Today most
soft foam playmates on the market are quite similar in terms of
these factors. Additional characteristic of the mats would provide
a more attractive incentive for consumer to purchase.
[0004] Most mats are sold in a package of four or six individual
solid pieces. Once out of the packaging, the individual pieces are
connected to one another to secure a large covering area. The solid
pieces maybe of one single color or reversible colors on each side.
However, most of these mats function as nothing more than just
mats. There is no interactive play with the mats. While some mats
have various graphic illustrations on their surfaces and some even
have cutouts such as letters and numbers within the mat pieces,
none of these mats provide for constructive play.
[0005] U.S. Pat. No. 5,212,842 to Glydon teaches a padded matting
product that can be (1) configured to form a foam floor mat to
reduce injuries to children when they fall, (2) taken apart to form
stacked tiles to allow for easy storage, and (3) be reconstructed
to form padded blocks for children to play with. However, Glydon's
structures are largely limited to blocks due to its limited
geometry and coupling mechanisms, and fail to stimulate a variety
of different games and playtime activities for children. Glydon and
all other extrinsic materials discussed herein are incorporated by
reference in their entirety. Where a definition or use of a term in
an incorporated reference is inconsistent or contrary to the
definition of that term provided herein, the definition of that
term provided herein applies and the definition of that term in the
reference does not apply.
[0006] WO2008/127980 to Kuzmin teaches a different padded matting
product that could be (1) configured to form a foam floor mat, and
(2) configured to form three-dimensional structures. Kuzmin,
however, also fails to teach methods of providing more complex
building blocks other than simple three-dimensional structures.
[0007] Thus, there is still a need for multipurpose padded
products.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] The inventive subject matter provides apparatus, systems and
methods in which a transformative floor mat is configured to
provide a variety of useful and imaginative activities for a user.
The transformative floor mat generally has two or more panels that
are configured to mate planarly with one another, and two or more
play pieces that are configured to mate planarly with one or more
of the panels. As used herein, objects that are configured to "mate
planarly" with one another connect in such a way that the heights
of the two connected edges are substantially equal to one another.
In other words, the two objects connect to form a substantially
contiguous plane. Measurements that are "substantially equal" to
one another, such as substantially equal heights, widths, lengths
and thicknesses. In preferred embodiments, these measurements
deviate at least 1 mm, preferably no more than 5 mm from one
another.
[0009] Exemplary panel embodiments could also mate angularly with
one another. In contrast to objects that are configured to mate
planarly with one another, objects that are configured to "mate
angularly" with one another form a junction to form an angled
corner greater than 5 degrees. Panels may be configured to mate at
a substantially 30 degree angle, 45 degree angle, 60 degree angle,
90 degree angle, 120 degree angle, 150 degree angle, and, of
course, a substantially 180 degree angle. As used herein, an angle
that is "substantially X degrees" is an angle that is within 10
degrees of X degrees, and is preferably within at least 5 degrees
or within 2 degrees of X degrees.
[0010] In a preferred embodiment, the panels mate with one another
along a connecting outer edge. The connecting edges of the panels
generally have one or more interlocking structures. As used herein,
"interlocking structures" are matching recesses and projections
that receive one another. In a preferred embodiment, projections
are molded to be slightly larger than the recess, especially since
elastic or foam projections that compress to fit a smaller recess
provides a tighter fit. Exemplary interlocking structures include
dovetail joints, butt joints, matching tongues and grooves,
matching indents and detents, matching mortises and tendons, and
jigsaw-type edges. Preferred interlocking structures include
rounded, mushroom-shaped projections and recesses, to prevent
injury to children who may be using the panel as a floor mat. While
panels may only have one, two, or three edges with matching
interlocking structures, and may have different interlocking
structures on each edge, the panels preferably all have the same or
similar interlocking structure along their perimeter, allowing the
edge of any panel to mate with the edge of any other panel.
[0011] In order to form a floor mat, the panels are preferably
shaped into planar bodies with a substantially consistent
thickness, although wavy, curved, or jagged panels are
contemplated. While exemplary panels disclosed herein are generally
rectangular or square shaped, other panel shapes are contemplated,
for example triangles, trapezoids, and even hexagons. Irregular
panels are also contemplated. Preferably, the panel is at least 1
cm thick, preferably 3 cm thick so that a child could easily grab
it. The panel also generally has a long length, preferably greater
than 15, 20, 25, or 30 inches (38.1, 50.8, 63.5, or 76.2 cm).
[0012] Unless a contrary intent is apparent from the context, all
ranges recited herein are inclusive of their endpoints, and
open-ended ranges should be interpreted to include only
commercially practical values. In this instance, and where other
upper limits are not expressly stated, the reader should infer a
reasonable upper limit. In this instance, for example, a
commercially reasonable upper limit for a panel length is about 200
inches for floor matting products. The panels are generally made of
a compressible material, preferably polyurethane foam. Any suitable
padded material could be used in place of foam, for example
inflated cloth or rubber. The padded material is preferably highly
elastic, to prevent a user from being hurt when the user falls on
the padded material or is hit by the padded material.
[0013] The mat material is preferably at least 1, 2, or even 3 cm
in thickness, and is preferably between 1-3 cm in thickness at its
edges so as to be easily gripped and carried by a child. While the
panels are preferably made from the same compressible materials,
panels could be made from different materials without departing
from the scope of the current invention.
[0014] While the play pieces could also mate with an edge of a
panel, for example a recess or an interlocking structure, the play
pieces preferably mate with the panels by being shaped and
configured to fit within holes formed in the panel. While the holes
could be shallow recesses, the holes are preferably "through holes"
that run all the way through to the opposing side of the panel. The
through hole could be angled or straight, and could be shaped to
hold one or more play pieces in any suitable configuration. Each
play piece could be made from the same color and material as the
surrounding panel, or could be made from other colors or materials,
depending on need.
[0015] Two or more of the play pieces could also be configured to
mate angularly with one another. Like the panels, the play pieces
could be configured to mate at any suitable angle, but are
generally configured to mate at substantially 90 degree angles or
substantially 180 degree angles. Preferably, the play pieces
connect to one another to form a play figure, for example an
animal, a vehicle, or an imaginative environment such as a beach or
a castle. In an exemplary embodiment, play pieces could be
recombined to form different play figures, for example a vehicle
and an animal or two different vehicles.
[0016] In a preferred embodiment, animal play figures are
contemplated to have reinforced bodies to add durability and
stability. An exemplary method of reinforcing a body is to layer
multiple body play pieces. In a preferred embodiment, multiple body
pieces could be interlocked to form a single middle layer
sandwiched in between two smaller body pieces that cover and
reinforce at least part of the interlocking portions. The layered
pieces could then be configured to mate with one or more leg pieces
with a groove or other interlocking structure. Preferably, the leg
pieces mate at substantially 90 degree angles with the layered body
pieces to stabilize the body. Head pieces could then be coupled to
a body piece, and/or foot pieces could be coupled to a leg piece,
to complete the animal play figure.
[0017] In yet another preferred embodiment, environmental play
figures are generally configured to mate angularly with one or more
panels. For example, a substantially cylindrical shape could be
placed within a substantially cylindrical hole in a panel to form
the trunk of a tree. Play figures could also be configured to
interlock with one another. For example, a skeleton play figure
could be configured to interlock with a dungeon play figure, a
cannon play figure could be configured to interlock with a castle
play figure, or a monkey play figure could be configured to
interlock with a tree play figure.
[0018] Preferably, at least one side of a panel or a play piece has
a design that corresponds with a play figure. For example, a panel
could have a print layer of brick walls with windows and doors to
encourage a user to build a castle or a house with the mats. Or a
play piece could have a print layer of trees and bushes to
encourage a user to build a plant. It is contemplated that the mats
have prints on both sides.
[0019] Various objects, features, aspects and advantages of the
inventive subject matter will become more apparent from the
following detailed description of preferred embodiments, along with
the accompanying drawing figures in which like numerals represent
like components.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
[0020] FIG. 1 is a plan view of a transformative floor mat that is
configured to form a floor mat or an alligator play figure.
[0021] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the alligator play figure
constructed from the play pieces of FIG. 1.
[0022] FIG. 3 is a plan view of a transformative floor mat that is
configured to form a floor mat or an elephant play figure.
[0023] FIG. 4 is a plan view of the elephant play figure's central
body section constructed from the play pieces of FIG. 3.
[0024] FIG. 5 is an exploded view of the elephant play figure
constructed from the play pieces of FIG. 3.
[0025] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the elephant play figure of
FIG. 5.
[0026] FIG. 7 is an alternative view of the elephant play figure of
FIG. 6.
[0027] FIG. 8 is a plan view of a transformative floor mat that is
configured to form a floor mat or a lion play figure.
[0028] FIG. 9 is an exploded view of the lion play figure
constructed from the play pieces o FIG. 8.
[0029] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the lion play figure of
FIG. 9.
[0030] FIG. 11 is an alternative view of the lion play figure of
FIG. 10.
[0031] FIG. 12 is a plan view of a transformative floor mat that is
configured to form a plurality of different car play figures.
[0032] FIG. 13A-13D are perspective views of different car play
figures that could be constructed from the play pieces of FIG.
12.
[0033] FIG. 14 is a plan view of a transformative floor mat that is
configured to form a castle play figure.
[0034] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a castle constructed from
the panels of FIG. 14.
[0035] FIG. 16 is a plan view of a transformative floor mat that is
configured to form a tower play figure.
[0036] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a tower constructed from
the panels of FIG. 16.
[0037] FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the castle of FIG. 15
juxtaposed with the tower of FIG. 17.
[0038] FIG. 19 is a perspective view of transformative floor mat
that is configured to form trees.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0039] The present inventive subject matter provides for a
transformative floor mat with interlocking panels and play pieces,
which can be used to form floor mats, stacks of tiles, and play
figures.
[0040] In FIG. 1, a transformative floor mat 100 generally
comprises a first panel 110, a second panel 160, and various play
pieces 170, 180, and 190.
[0041] First panel 110 is configured to mate planarly with second
panel 160 via connecting edge 112 on first panel 110 and connecting
edge 162 on second panel 160. Connecting edge 112 comprises a
series of interlocking structures, trapezoidal recesses and 114 and
trapezoidal projections 116, which match trapezoidal recesses 164
and trapezoidal projections 166 composing connecting edge 162.
Trapezoidal projections 116 are preferably slightly rounded to
minimize any sharp edges in transformative floor mat 100.
[0042] While connecting edge 112 is shaped to have trapezoidal
projections and recesses, the connecting edge could be shaped in
any suitable manner to interconnect the panels. Preferably, the
projections and recesses are shaped with a wide tip and a narrow
neck to prevent the panel from easily slipping out of the mating
interlock. As shown, the entire perimeter of first panel 110
comprises interlocking structures, allowing first panel 110 to
interlock with another panel in any direction. However, it is
contemplated that a panel could be constructed with at least one
edge without any interlocking structure.
[0043] First and second panels 110, 160 could be made from any
suitable material or mixture of materials commonly known for floor
covering, including rubber, foam, wood, or other elastic materials.
In preferred embodiments, the panels are made from a co-polymeric
foam, for example polyurethane. More preferably, the panels are
made from ethylene vinyl acetate ("EVA"). The surface of panels is
slightly corrugated to provide a textured surface that prevents a
user from slipping on the panel when used as a floor mat, although
flat surfaces and slightly curved surfaces are also
contemplated.
[0044] Second panel 160 is constructed similarly to first panel
110, but second panel 160 also has play pieces 170, 180, and 190,
which are all configured to mate planarly in matching through
holes. While these play pieces are preferably created by "stamping"
or otherwise cutting holes in second panel 160, play pieces 170,
180, and 190 could conceivably be molded separately from second
panel 160. Play pieces 170, 180, and 190 could also be configured
to mate planarly within non-penetrating holes in panel 160 to
provide for thinner play pieces. The edges of the play pieces are
preferably slightly corrugated to provide additional friction to
hold the play pieces in place within second panel 160. Preferably
the friction force between the play pieces and the panel is just
enough such that a child could easily separate the play pieces from
the panel.
[0045] Play pieces 170, 180, and 190 have interlocking edges 172,
182/184, and 192, respectively. These interlocking edges are
configured to mate planarly with the holes formed in second panel
160 such that the play pieces mate with second panel 160 form a
substantially contiguous plane. As shown in FIG. 2, these
interlocking edges are also configured to mate angularly with one
another to form alligator play FIG. 200. While the interlocking
edges are configured to mate angularly at a substantially 90 degree
angle, the interlocking edges could be configured to mate at
different angles, or at a variety of angles, without departing from
the scope of the invention.
[0046] Since the recess along interlocking edge 182 is configured
to receive the width of body 170 and the recess along interlocking
edge 192 is configured to receive the width of leg 180, it is
preferred that the recesses along the interlocking edges are
slightly smaller than the thickness of the play pieces. This allows
a tighter fit between play pieces when they are connected, and
assists in preventing a play figure from falling apart absent a
significant force applied by a user.
[0047] FIGS. 3-7, FIGS. 8-11, FIGS. 12-15 show other preferred
embodiments of transformative floor mats configured to interlock to
form a variety of animal figures.
[0048] FIGS. 3-7 depict an alternative transformative floor mat 300
with panels 310, 320, 330, 340, 350, and 360. The edges of panels
310, 320, 330, 340, 350, and 360 are not configured to mate
planarly with one another, and can therefore slide away from one
another easily. Within the panels of floor mat 300 are collectively
cut several play pieces-central body pieces 332, 342, 352, and 354,
side body pieces 312 and 324, leg pieces 344 and 364, tusk piece
334, and head piece 362. The play pieces are all configured to form
elephant play FIG. 500.
[0049] Central body piece 332 comprises eyes 333, which are
preferably a different color than the rest of central body piece
332. This differential color shading could be achieved in any
suitable manner, for example by dying the surface of the play piece
an alternate color, or by providing punch-out eyes which could be
replaced by play piece eyes of different colors. In this manner, a
user could customize a color palate of elephant play FIG. 400 with
separate and different color parts to replace the corresponding
parts, such as eyes 333, inner ears 363, toenails 365, and nose
356.
[0050] As shown in FIG. 4, central body pieces 332, 342, 352, and
354 all have connecting edges with interlocking structure along a
portion of their perimeter to form central body section 400.
Central body section 400 is flanked on two opposing sides by side
body pieces 312 and 324, which are all configured to be received by
leg pieces 344 and 364. By flanking body pieces around the central
body piece, the body of elephant play FIG. 500 is strengthened and
stabilized. Elephant play FIG. 500 also comprises tusk piece 334,
which angularly mates with recess 355. As shown, even curved play
pieces could be configured to angularly mate with play pieces.
[0051] FIGS. 8-11 depict an alternative transformative floor mat
800 with panels 810, 820, 830, 840, and 850. The panels comprise
central body pieces 812, 822, and 824, side body pieces 832, front
leg 814, rear leg 826, front feet 836, rear feet 838, and head
pieces 834, 842, and 852. The play pieces are all configured to
form lion play FIG. 900.
[0052] As shown, front leg 814 and rear leg 826 are both configured
to mate with side body pieces 832 at a substantially 90 degree
angle from the bottom surface of the side body pieces. However,
because side body piece 832 has a curved angle, front leg 824 and
rear leg 826 are not parallel with one another. This allows lion
play FIG. 900 to have an angled stance. Likewise, front feet 826
have recess holes that run straight up and down to match front leg
824, while rear feet 838 have recess holes that are angled, to
accommodate angled rear leg 826.
[0053] Central body piece 812 has an open tiered recess 813 which
allows the recess to receive head piece 834 on a separate level to
head pieces 842 and 852. Open tiered recess 813 contrasts with
closed tiered recess 815, which has a narrow opening that fans out
to a wider opening, which then splits into two tips. Closed tiered
recess 815 provides for a tighter fit when front leg 814 receives
central body piece 812 and side body pieces 832. Closed tiered
recesses are especially preferred for body pieces that could be
roughly handled by a user.
[0054] FIG. 12 depicts an alternate transformative floor mat 1200
with panels 1210, 1220, 1230, 1240, 1250, and 1260. This
transformative floor mat has a plurality of play pieces that are
configured to form a plurality of different car play figures 1310,
1320, 1330, and 1340, shown in FIGS. 13A-13D. Axle 1312 is a play
piece that sits separate and apart from the panels, and is only
used to help spin wheels 1222. Axle 1312 could be made from the
same material as the play pieces, but is preferably made from wood
or plastic to assist allowing the wheels to spin. While axle 1312
is not configured to mate planarly with transformative floor mat
1200, axle 1312 could be configured to mate with a recess in one or
more of the panels of transformative floor mat 1200 without
departing from the scope of the current invention.
[0055] As shown, the play pieces are configured to mate with one
another in a variety of different ways. For example, car play
figure 1310 has a different car cabin hood 1232 than the car cabin
hood 1234 that car play figure 1320 uses, car play figure 1320 has
attached spoiler wing 1212 in a different configuration than car
play figure 1330, and car play figure 1330 has attached a different
number of wheels 1222 to axle 1312 than car figure 1340. Other car
configurations are possible than what is depicted in the drawings.
One of skill in the art would be able to use transformative floor
mat 1200 as a car building kit to build a plurality of other car
play figures that look different from one another.
[0056] FIGS. 14-15 depict a transformative floor mat 1400 with
crenellation panels 1410, door panels 1420, and wall panels 1430
configured to create castle play figure 1500. Crenellation panels
1410 have three edges with interlocking structures and an upper
edge without interlocking structure, while door panels 1420 and
wall panels 1430 have interlocking structure composing their entire
perimeters. Crenellation panels 1410 also have windows 1412 which
could be popped out, or could be exchanged with other windows (not
shown) to add different stained glass embodiments. Wall panels 1430
also have bricks 1432 that could be popped out during battle to
create a look of a damaged castle, and could be used in other play
figures as structural elements.
[0057] FIGS. 16-17 depict a transformative floor mat 1600 with
crenellation panels 1610 door panel 1620, and wall panels 1630,
configured to create tower play figure 1700. The panels of
transformative floor mat 1600 are preferably shaped to have a
length and width about 2-3 cm shorter than the panels of
transformative floor mat 1400, to allow for tower play figure 1700
to optionally fit inside castle play figure 1500, as shown in FIG.
18. Tower play figure 1700 also has roof 1710 that fits within the
upper recesses of crenellation panels 1610 to allow a user to place
warrior figurines or other weaponry on top of roof 1710. Roof 1710
could have recesses (not shown) that could be configured to mate
with play figure weaponry, such as cannon or trebuchet play
figures.
[0058] FIG. 19 depicts another transformative floor mat 1900 with
panels 1910 and 1920, which is configured to create tree play
figures. Transformative floor mat 1900 also has attached play
figure 1930 that mates with hole 1912 and with leaves 1922.
Attached play figure 1930 serve to be additional pieces for a play
figure. Preferably, the attached play figure can be connected to
the edges of the floor mat via a recess (not shown) on the attached
play figure to receive an edge of the floor mat. However, it is
also contemplated that an attached play figure can be included as
additional parts to the floor mat. Attached play figure does not
necessarily have to connect with the floor mat. Various shapes and
sizes of the attached play figure are contemplated to form various
play figure. For example, attached play figure 1930 works with
coconuts 1924 and leaves 1922 to allow for a tropical look.
[0059] In yet another preferred embodiment, a kit is sold
containing a set of floor mats to form a particular figure and
instructions to do so. It is also contemplated that multiple sets
of floor mats are sold to form a large scale play figure, such as a
castle.
[0060] It should be apparent to those skilled in the art that many
more modifications besides those already described are possible
without departing from the inventive concepts herein. The inventive
subject matter, therefore, is not to be restricted except in the
spirit of the appended claims. Moreover, in interpreting both the
specification and the claims, all terms should be interpreted in
the broadest possible manner consistent with the context. In
particular, the terms "comprises" and "comprising" should be
interpreted as referring to elements, components, or steps in a
non-exclusive manner, indicating that the referenced elements,
components, or steps may be present, or utilized, or combined with
other elements, components, or steps that are not expressly
referenced. Where the specification claims refers to at least one
of something selected from the group consisting of A, B, C . . .
and N, the text should be interpreted as requiring only one element
from the group, not A plus N, or B plus N, etc.
* * * * *