U.S. patent application number 14/157841 was filed with the patent office on 2014-09-18 for slip resistant mat and method and system for making same.
This patent application is currently assigned to Cintas Corporation. The applicant listed for this patent is Cintas Corporation. Invention is credited to Jeffery L. Cofer, Edin Kurtovic, Ian S. Malpass.
Application Number | 20140272278 14/157841 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 51528316 |
Filed Date | 2014-09-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140272278 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Malpass; Ian S. ; et
al. |
September 18, 2014 |
SLIP RESISTANT MAT AND METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR MAKING SAME
Abstract
A system and method for making a slip resistant mat can include
assembling parts with predetermined geometries to form a mold that
can be used for making slip resistant mats that have channels to
account for moisture between the mat and the floor. The unique
geometries of the parts which form the mold can be manufactured
efficiently and with reduced costs. The mold of this invention can
be used to make slip resistant mats with channels that can both
dissipate water and offer a high degree of mat to floor surface
contact.
Inventors: |
Malpass; Ian S.; (Palm Beach
Gardens, FL) ; Cofer; Jeffery L.; (Conyers, GA)
; Kurtovic; Edin; (Lawrenceville, GA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Cintas Corporation |
Cincinnati |
OH |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Cintas Corporation
Cincinnati
OH
|
Family ID: |
51528316 |
Appl. No.: |
14/157841 |
Filed: |
January 17, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
PCT/US13/54488 |
Aug 12, 2013 |
|
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14157841 |
|
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61781148 |
Mar 14, 2013 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
428/118 ;
264/225; 428/172 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B29L 2031/757 20130101;
B29C 33/40 20130101; B29K 2905/00 20130101; B29K 2021/00 20130101;
B29K 2083/00 20130101; Y10T 428/24612 20150115; B29C 33/3857
20130101; B29K 2883/00 20130101; B29K 2845/00 20130101; B29C 67/08
20130101; Y10T 428/24165 20150115; B29C 35/02 20130101; B29C 41/12
20130101; B29L 2031/7324 20130101; A47G 27/0231 20130101; A47G
27/0281 20130101; B29C 39/148 20130101; B29D 7/00 20130101; B29L
2007/001 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
428/118 ;
428/172; 264/225 |
International
Class: |
A47G 27/04 20060101
A47G027/04; B29C 67/08 20060101 B29C067/08 |
Claims
1. A slip resistant mat comprising: an upper surface to support
traffic thereon; a backing integrally molded on an opposite face of
the mat from the upper surface and adapted to be juxtaposed to a
floor surface on which the mat is positioned; and a slip resistant
pattern formed on the backing to inhibit slipping of the mat
relative to the floor surface when positioned thereon, wherein the
slip resistant pattern further comprises a repeating pattern of
projections and channels extending over a substantial portion of
the backing of the mat such that the projections in combination
form a lower surface of the mat which contacts the floor when the
mat is positioned thereon; wherein moisture trapped between the mat
and the floor is dispersed away from the projections and into the
channels when the mat is positioned on the floor surface to thereby
inhibit movement of the mat relative to the floor surface.
2. The slip resistant mat of claim 1 wherein the lower surface
formed by the combination of the projections is at least about 90%
of the surface area of the backing of the mat.
3. The slip resistant mat of claim 1 wherein the upper surface
further comprises: a fabric layer.
4. The slip resistant mat of claim 1 wherein the projections
further comprise: a plurality of spaced hexagonal-shaped
protuberances; and a plurality of bridges each of which joins
together two adjacent hexagonal-shaped protuberances.
5. The slip resistant mat of claim 1 wherein the channels are in a
zig-zag arrangement.
6. The slip resistant mat of claim 1 wherein the projections and
the channels extend generally diagonally across the backing of the
slip resistant mat.
7. A method of making a slip resistant mat having a slip resistant
pattern on a backing of the mat, the method comprising the steps
of: forming a model platen with a replica of the slip resistant
pattern; forming a screen mold with the model platen in which the
screen mold has a negative of the slip resistant pattern formed by
the replica of the slip resistant pattern; and forming the slip
resistant mat with the screen mold in which the negative of the
slip resistant pattern forms the slip resistant pattern on the
backing of the mat.
8. The method of claim 7 wherein the forming of the model platen
step is accomplished with a CNC router.
9. The method of claim 7 wherein the model platen is formed from a
metal plate.
10. The method of claim 7 further comprising: forming a pocket in
the model platen with the replica of the slip resistant pattern
therein.
11. The method of claim 7 further comprising: applying mold
material to the model platen; and curing the mold material on the
model platen to form the screen mold.
12. The method of claim 11 wherein the mold material is a two-part
curable silicone mold material in which one part is silicone and
another part is Nomex.RTM. or Kevlar.RTM..
13. The method of claim 7 further comprising: minimizing entrapped
air in the screen mold in conjunction with the forming of the
screen mold step.
14. The method of claim 11 wherein the forming of the screen mold
step further comprises: spreading the mold material onto the model
platen with a tool.
15. The method of claim 7 wherein the screen mold has a
substantially solid backing opposite from the negative of the slip
resistant pattern formed thereon.
16. The method of claim 7 wherein the model platen has a
substantially solid backing opposite from the replica of the slip
resistant pattern formed thereon.
17. A slip resistant mat comprising: an upper surface including a
fabric layer to support traffic thereon; a backing integrally
molded on an opposite face of the mat from the upper surface and
adapted to be juxtaposed to a floor surface on which the mat is
positioned; and a slip resistant pattern formed on the backing to
inhibit slipping of the mat relative to the floor surface when
positioned thereon, wherein the slip resistant pattern further
comprises a repeating pattern of projections and channels extending
over a substantial portion of the backing of the mat such that the
projections in combination form a lower surface of the mat which
contacts the floor when the mat is positioned thereon; wherein the
lower surface formed by the combination of the projections is at
least about 90% of the surface area of the backing of the mat;
wherein moisture trapped between the mat and the floor is dispersed
away from the projections and into the channels when the mat is
positioned on the floor surface to thereby inhibit movement of the
mat relative to the floor surface.
18. The slip resistant mat of claim 17 wherein the projections
further comprise: a plurality of spaced hexagonal-shaped
protuberances; and a plurality of bridges each of which joins
together two adjacent hexagonal-shaped protuberances.
19. The slip resistant mat of claim 18 wherein the channels are in
a zig-zag arrangement.
20. The slip resistant mat of claim 19 wherein the projections and
the channels extend generally diagonally across the backing of the
slip resistant mat.
21. The method of claim 7 wherein the forming of the slip resistant
mat step is accomplished in a batch process.
Description
[0001] This claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application
Ser. No. 61/781,148, filed Mar. 14, 2013 and is a continuation of
PCT Application Serial No. PCT/US13/54488, filed Aug. 12, 2013,
each of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its
entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates generally to slip resistant,
anti-skid or anti-creep mats. Specifically, this invention relates
to such mats and a method and system for making slip resistant
mats.
[0003] In the past, floor mats, consisting of rubber backed carpet
tuft, were made with either a smooth back, primarily for solid or
non carpeted floors, or with a variety of "grippers" or "cleats"
arranged to reduce the movement of the mat on carpeted floors.
However, both of these approaches resulted in floor mats that were
not skid resistant on smooth floors, especially those floors with
residual moisture under the mat, perhaps from the moping of the
floor and then the mat being replaced, or the mat being slightly
damp when delivered and rolled out. In such cases, the water on the
back of the mat becomes a slip hazard. The movement of the mat in
the gripper/cleat mat design results from the force of foot and
vehicle traffic on the mat which causes a deformation around the
compressed area and then upon removal of such force the mat returns
to a different position. For the smooth back mats, movement of the
mat results from similar forces and the lack of any device or
feature intended to secure the mat in place.
[0004] A number of approaches have been taken to attempt to reduce
the movement of mats. One known approach to the problem is to
fasten the mat to the intended surface by various devices, such as
that suggested by Kessler in U.S. Pat. No. 6,068,908 which utilizes
a system by which a mat is fastened to the surface using a clip
system. While this approach is well-developed, it results in floor
mats that are difficult or impossible to move from place to place
and the structures required to attach the mat add cost to the mat
and difficulty to the installation. Also, attached mats are more
rigid.
[0005] Another approach involves the use of a frame into which the
mat is placed, such as the frames used by Moffitt, Jr. in U.S. Pat.
No. 4,361,614 and Kessler in U.S. Pat. No. 6,042,915. The frame can
be located upon the flooring surface or inlaid to be flush with the
flooring surface. In either circumstance, unless the frame is
fastened as mentioned above or embedded in the surface, the frame
still has a tendency to shift on the surface. If the frame is
fastened or embedded, the other problems mentioned above still
remain.
[0006] Another approach involves the use of suction cups, such as
those commonly found on shower and bath mats, examples of which can
be found by Lindholm in U.S. Pat. No. 6,014,779 in which the
corners of a rectangular mat are held by four suction cups and by
Gavlak in U.S. Pat. No. 2,081,992 in which a plurality of suctions
cups holds the bathtub mat to the surface. While this approach
provides acceptable slip-resistance for light shower and bath mat
applications, traditional suctions cups are not sufficient to
provide sufficient anti-skidding forces to prevent slipping and
movement in high traffic and high load areas. Traditional suction
cups also result in a wavy mat surface which is more difficult for
individuals and loads to traverse.
[0007] As mentioned, existing approaches to reducing movement of
mats include significant limitations. Further, the known approaches
require additional space, components, installation effort and
expense. As a result, significant improvement can still be made
relative to reducing the movement of mats especially in the
presence of water or moisture trapped between the mat and the
floor.
[0008] In addition to the problem of slip resistant mats moving
when traversed by heavy loads or wheeled carts, another drawback of
known slip resistant mats relates to the manufacturing process of
these mats. The grippers projecting from the mat backing reduce the
surface area of the mat in contact with the floor. When the
grippers are wet, the potential for mat slippage and possible
resulting injuries increase. Many known mat manufacturers attempt
to solve such problems by increasing the number of grippers on the
mat backing.
[0009] To manufacture one type of slip resistant mat, a metal
screen, punched with a plurality of small holes is used. The
equipment used to manufacture the gripper mats allows the rubber to
flow there through during the curing process, and form the little
grippers. The gripper pattern often has a number of small rubber
protrusions perhaps, usually round, that are created by perforating
a metal screen, or Teflon coated belt used to form the mat backing.
These grippers were introduced to reduce the movement on carpet in
the 1970's, and most manufacturers of mats use some form of this
design for the current standard mat. The more metal that is removed
with punching, the less resilient it is to being deformed and once
bent, it is of no use in the manufacturing process. This has
limited the open area of the screens and meant that there is a
physical limit on the pattern on the back of the mat.
[0010] Conventional manufacturing techniques have not addressed
these problems often associated with conventional slip resistant
mats and the associated systems and methods for mat production.
[0011] Accordingly, there is a need in the art for a method and
system for making slip resistant mats positioned over residual
moisture on floors. Another need exists for such mats that can
withstand heavy mechanical loads and do not move when traversed by
such loads. Another need exists in the art for a system and method
for making a slip resistant mat in an efficient manner. Another
need exists in the art for making slip resistant mats with robust,
re-usable and reliable molds, screen belts and the like.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0012] The object of this invention is to provide a slip resistant
mat and associated manufacturing techniques that overcome these and
other problems in the prior art. In one aspect, this is achieved by
maximizing the surface area of the mat in contact with the floor
such that instead of less than 15% of mat to floor surface area
contact with known gripper-style mats, it is over 90% with various
embodiments of this invention. But, unlike a smooth-backed mat,
embodiments of this invention have a pattern of small channels on
the mat backing that allow moisture to be displaced and excellent
mat contact with the floor, thereby increasing the coefficient of
friction to be well in excess of known mats. This invention
utilizes the channels to reduce the movement of the mat especially
in the presence of moisture between the mat backing and the floor.
The channels provide an area for any trapped moisture to escape
from between a lower surface of the mat and the floor to allow the
mat to adhere to the floor surface and assist in retaining the mat
in its original position.
[0013] The size, pattern and shape specifications of the channels
can be varied and they can be positioned in a variety of
arrangements. The channels can be any shape that is formed on the
underside of the mat. Also, in one embodiment, the channels are
positioned in regularly spaced rows resulting in an evenly spaced
arrangement, although they can be spaced in an infinite number of
combinations. In one embodiment, the pattern extends to the edge of
the mat in order to assist in gripping the floor, particularly
where the mat is exposed to cart traffic.
[0014] In another embodiment, the channels may be different sizes
and shapes. The existence of multiple sizes and shapes of channels
permits improved performance on a variety of floor surfaces since
larger channels perform better on some surfaces and smaller
channels perform better on others.
[0015] One advantage of this invention is that the mat resists
slipping to a much greater extent than existing mat designs even in
the presence of moisture between the mat and the floor. Another
advantage is that it provides the enhanced slip-resistance without
adding any weight or installation complexity to existing mat
designs. Another advantage is that the invention does not require
any permanent fastening means and is therefore easy to move to
different locations. Another advantage is that the channels provide
additional cushioning for pedestrian and vehicular traffic. Another
advantage is that the cushioning of the channels yields an
anti-fatigue effect, thereby resulting in reduced wear and tear and
routine maintenance and increased user comfort, especially for
locally stationed employees spending long period of time on the
mat. Another advantage of the invention is that the slip-resistance
is effective on a wide variety of surfaces.
[0016] In other embodiments, this invention is generally drawn to a
system and method for making a slip resistant mat. More
particularly, the system and method can include assembling parts
with predetermined geometries to form a mold screen that can be
used for making slip resistant mats that have channels or other
features. Each part of the mold screen can have predetermined
geometrical shapes that can be manufactured efficiently and with
reduced cost.
[0017] The raw material used to form the slip resistant mat may
comprise rubber as is well known in the art. According to one
exemplary embodiment, the mold system of this invention allows for
the rubber to have a predefined geometry which includes the
channels or other features. This predefined geometry includes
regions of rubber that are positioned to correspond with the
channels in the platen.
[0018] One part of the system to make the mat can include a model
platen. The model platen may comprise a metal sheet that has a
replica of the plurality of channels that form a surface of the
metal sheet. The replica channels can be shaped to replicate the
basic structure of the slip resistant pattern on the mat backing.
The channels can be formed by a process that employs a computer
numerical controlled (CNC) machine. By using a CNC machine for
forming the model platen, the model platen can be made very
efficiently, precisely and with reduced cost compared to
conventional machining methods.
[0019] According to one aspect of this invention, a casting system
is used in which the aluminum plate or model platen is machined
with CNC routers. The machined model platen is used to create a
mold screen which has a negative of the slip resistant pattern on
the mat backing. Using a negative means that the CNC machine formed
replica channels are very thin and do not affect the integrity of
the model platen or mold screen. A blend of silicone, with a
reinforcing backing of Nomex.RTM. or Kevlar.RTM., may be used to
create the mold screen.
[0020] The replica pattern created in the model platen may be only
0.25 inches deep and 0.045 inches wide. The replica channel pattern
is a continuous series of lines which would not have been possible
to create with known manufacturing techniques. The negative of the
channel pattern is created in the mold screen. Using continuous
channel lines and silicone, the issue of air entrapment can be
avoided which to date has been an issue with patterns that have
small objects and tolerances. The mold screen with a negative
pattern of the channels is then used to manufacture the mat backing
with the slip resistant channel pattern, similar to that machined
into the model platen.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0021] The above-mentioned and other features and advantages of
this invention, and the manner of attaining them, will become more
apparent and the invention itself will be better understood by
reference to the following description of embodiments of the
invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings,
wherein:
[0022] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a CNC router utilized
according to one embodiment of this invention to form a platen
utilized in the manufacture of a slip resistant mat according to
this invention;
[0023] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing one step in the process
of utilizing the platen according to one embodiment of this
invention to generate a mold to form a slip resistant mat according
to various embodiments of this invention;
[0024] FIG. 3 is a view similar to FIG. 2 showing the mold material
being spread over the platen according to one embodiment of this
invention;
[0025] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 4-4 of
FIG. 3;
[0026] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a mold utilized to form a
slip resistant mat according to one embodiment of this
invention;
[0027] FIG. 5A is an enlarged view of the encircled portion 5A of
FIG. 5 showing a negative pattern in the mold of FIG. 5;
[0028] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a mat showing the backing
formed according to one embodiment of this invention; and
[0029] FIG. 6A is an enlarged view of the encircled region 6A of
FIG. 6 showing a pattern of channels on the mat backing of the mat
of FIG. 6.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0030] A slip resistant mat, system and method for making such a
mat can include assembling parts with predetermined geometries to
form a mold system that can be used for making slip resistant mats.
The unique geometries of the parts which form the mold system can
be manufactured efficiently, robustly and with reduced cost. The
mold system of this invention can be used to make slip resistant
mats with increased surface area contact between a backing of the
mat and the floor. This can be a particularly advantageous feature
to overcome residual moisture trapped between the mat backing and
the floor to provide resistance to the mat from slipping.
[0031] Exemplary embodiments of this invention will be described
with reference to the drawings and figures in which like numerals
represent like elements throughout the several figures. Referring
now to FIG. 6 which illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary
slip resistant mat 10 according to one embodiment of this
invention. The exemplary slip resistant mat 10 includes an upper
surface 12 and a lower or backing surface 14 for the mat 10. The
upper surface 12 may have a yarn, carpet or other fabric layer 15
laminated or otherwise bonded to a support layer 16. The mat
backing 14 of the support layer 16 includes the slip resistant
pattern 18 to inhibit slipping of the mat 10 relative to a floor 20
on which it is supported. While this is one exemplary embodiment of
a slip resistant mat according to this invention, those of ordinary
skill in the art will appreciate that a large variety of other mat
designs, styles, constructions and configurations according to
various aspects of this invention are within the scope of this
invention.
[0032] The slip resistant mat 10 according to various embodiments
of this invention includes the mat backing 14, one embodiment of
which is shown in FIGS. 6-6A. The mat backing 14 includes the
pattern 18 in the form of a series of recessed channels 22 which,
in the embodiment shown in FIG. 6A, each channel 22 is generally
parallel to an adjacent channel in a zig-zag arrangement. The
channels 22 are formed around rows of projections 24 and each row
of projections is a series of hexagonal-shaped protuberances 26
joined to an adjacent hexagonal-shaped protuberance 26 by a bridge
28. The protuberances 26 and bridges 28 combine to form a lower
surface 29 of the mat 10 which contacts the floor surface 20. One
advantageous aspect of the mat backing 14 according to various
embodiments of this invention is that the combination of
hexagonal-shaped protuberances 26 and bridges 28 which project from
the bottom surface of the mat 10 offers increased surface area
contact between the mat backing 14 and the floor 20. As previously
noted, the surface area contact provided by the lower surface 29
according to various embodiments of this invention for the mat
backing 14 may be as high as 90% or greater. However, channels 22
formed in the mat backing 14 provide for the dissipation and
channeling of any moisture or water trapped between the lower
surface 29 and the floor 20 thereby allowing for the projections 24
on the mat backing 14 to provide increased resistance to slippage
of the mat 10 relative to the floor 20 when the moisture is trapped
within the channels 22. Those of ordinary skill in the art will
readily appreciate that the particular geometries, shapes,
dimensions and specifications of the mat backing may be varied from
those shown and described herein while still being within the scope
of this invention.
[0033] Referring to FIGS. 1-5A, a method and system according to
various embodiments of this invention for manufacturing the slip
resistant mat 10 with a mat backing 14 of the type previously
described begins with the production of a model platen 30. In one
embodiment, the model platen 30 is fabricated from a metal plate
32, such as a 1/4 inch thick 5052 aluminum plate which is machined
with a CNC router 34 to have a configuration to replicate to the
mat backing 14 as previously described. The CNC router 34 machines
the plate 32 into the model platen 30 which, according to one
embodiment, involves utilizing a 1/16 inch bit on the router 34 to
form a replica 18a of the slip resistant pattern 18 corresponding
to the mat backing 14 to a depth of approximately 0.025 inches on
the model platen 30. A pocket 36, about 0.070 inches deep, is
machined on the model platen 30 to the desired length and width of
the mat 10. The model platen 30 is utilized to produce a screen
mold 38 (FIGS. 5-5A). The screen mold 38 includes a negative 18b of
the shape, design and configuration of the slip resistant pattern
18 on the mat backing 14.
[0034] As shown in FIG. 2, once the model platen 30 is completed,
it has the pocket 36 the size of the desired screen mold 38 with
the replica 18a of the mat backing 14 configuration machined on the
model platen 30. The replica pattern 18a on the model platen 30 is
the pattern 18 to be produced on the mat backing 14 to
advantageously displace moisture and hold the mat 10 to the
underlying floor 20. The depth of the pocket 36 machined into the
model platen 30 provides adequate screen mold 38 strength for
durable screen mold 38 production; however, the depth of the pocket
36 is thin enough to minimize any negative influences of excessive
insulation in the press process during the production of the
anti-slip mat 10.
[0035] Referring to FIGS. 2-5A, the machined model platen 30 is
utilized to form and produce the screen mold 38 which has the
negative 18b of the slip resistant pattern 18 on the mat backing
14. The model platen 30 is initially filled with mold material 40
to be cast into the model platen 30. In one embodiment, the mold
material 40 utilized in the production of slip resistant mats 10
according to this invention is a two-part curable silicone. After
the two parts of the silicone are mixed, the mixture is spread into
the model platen 30 before it begins to set. Specifically, as shown
in FIGS. 2 and 3, the silicone mold material 40 is pre-spread into
the pattern of replica channels 18a machined into the model platen
30. Since the screen mold 38 will be relatively thin, a 0.070 inch
cavity depth with a 0.025 inch depth negative pattern 18b according
to one embodiment, there is little depth in the model platen 30 to
entrap air in the mold material 40. To further minimize the chances
of air entrapment, a tool such as a trowel 41 as shown in FIG. 2 is
used to pre-spread at 43 the mold material 40 into the replica
channel pattern 18a of the model platen 30 before a solid portion
of the screen mold 38 is filled with the mold material 40. The mold
material 40 pre-spread into the model platen 30 as shown
particularly in FIG. 2.
[0036] Subsequently, a straight edge tool 44 as shown in FIG. 3
spreads the mold material 40 into the remaining portion of the
pocket 36 formed in the model platen 30 and the thin nature of the
cavity formed by the pocket 36 allows any air entrapped within the
mold material 40 to escape before the mold material 40 cures. An
enlarged cross-sectional view of the relationship of the pocket 36
and mold material 40 within the model platen 30 is shown in FIG.
4.
[0037] After the mold material 40 has been spread into the model
platen 30 and allowed to cure, the screen mold 38 is removed from
the model platen 30 and includes the negative pattern 18b of the
slip resistant pattern 18 to be formed into the mat backing 14 as
shown particularly in FIG. 5. FIG. 12 shows the entire screen mold
38 with the negative pattern 18b of the mat backing 14. The
finished screen mold 38 is the appropriate size of the desired slip
resistant mat 10 to be formed.
[0038] The screen mold 38 of FIG. 5 according to one embodiment of
this invention is utilized to form the rubber slip resistant mat 10
and associated mat backing 14 according to well known manufacturing
techniques. The screen mold 38 is likewise shown in FIG. 5A.
Advantageously, the screen mold 38 has sufficient durability and
definition to yield a detailed and precise channel pattern 18 in
the slip resistant mat 10. The mat backing 14 of the finished mat
10 has the same pattern 18 as the replica pattern 18a which was
originally machined into the model platen 30 and a negative 18b of
the pattern formed in the screen mold 38. By using a screen mold 38
that is both solid backed as shown in FIG. 4 and designed to dispel
any air bubbles within the mold material 40 which is a high release
silicone rubber, the mat backing 14 has a clean, crisp appearance
with little or no residual rubber flashing to interfere with
contact to the floor 20.
[0039] The pattern 18 on the mat backing 14 of the slip resistant
mat 10 according to various embodiments of this invention extends
to the edge of the mat 10 to assist in gripping the floor 20,
especially for those applications where the mat 10 will be exposed
to cart and heavy traffic. The relatively thin width dimension of
the replica pattern 18a machined into the pocket 36 of the model
platen 30 does not affect the integrity of the screen model 38
which utilizes the mold material 40 of a silicone blend with a
reinforcing backing of Nomex.RTM. or Kevlar.RTM. to create the mat
backing 14 of the slip resistant mat 10 according to various
embodiments of this invention.
[0040] From the above disclosure of the general principles of this
invention and the preceding detailed description of at least one
embodiment, those skilled in the art will readily comprehend the
various modifications to which this invention is susceptible.
Therefore, we desire to be limited only by the scope of the
following claims and equivalents thereof.
* * * * *