U.S. patent application number 14/310707 was filed with the patent office on 2015-12-24 for automated mat system and associated method.
This patent application is currently assigned to EMEH, Inc.. The applicant listed for this patent is Wade Jeffrey Brown, JR.. Invention is credited to Wade Jeffrey Brown, JR..
Application Number | 20150366431 14/310707 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 54868531 |
Filed Date | 2015-12-24 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150366431 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Brown, JR.; Wade Jeffrey |
December 24, 2015 |
AUTOMATED MAT SYSTEM AND ASSOCIATED METHOD
Abstract
An automated mat system, including: a well structure; and a
floor structure selectively disposed above the well structure,
wherein the floor structure includes at least one oscillating
region, at least one stationary region, and at least one vent
region; wherein the at least one oscillating region is configured
to clean dirt and debris from an object disposed on top of the
floor structure opposite the well structure; and wherein the at
least one vent region is configured to allow the dirt and debris to
pass through the floor structure and into the well structure. The
at least one oscillating region includes at least one brush tread
strip, the at least one stationary region includes at least one
carpet strip, and the at least one vent region includes at least
one vent strip.
Inventors: |
Brown, JR.; Wade Jeffrey;
(Hughesville, PA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Brown, JR.; Wade Jeffrey |
Hughesville |
PA |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
EMEH, Inc.
Lebanon
NJ
|
Family ID: |
54868531 |
Appl. No.: |
14/310707 |
Filed: |
June 20, 2014 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
134/6 ;
15/21.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47L 23/205 20130101;
A47L 23/02 20130101; A47L 23/20 20130101; A47L 23/22 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A47L 23/02 20060101
A47L023/02; A47L 23/20 20060101 A47L023/20; A47L 23/22 20060101
A47L023/22; A47L 23/18 20060101 A47L023/18 |
Claims
1. An automated mat system, comprising: a well structure; and a
floor structure selectively disposed above the well structure,
wherein the floor structure comprises at least one oscillating
region, at least one stationary region, and at least one vent
region; wherein the at least one oscillating region is configured
to clean dirt and debris from an object disposed on top of the
floor structure opposite the well structure; and wherein the at
least one vent region is configured to allow the dirt and debris to
pass through the floor structure and into the well structure.
2. The automated mat system of claim 1, wherein the well structure
is manufactured into a slab of a facility.
3. The automated mat system of claim 1, wherein the at least one
oscillating region comprises at least one brush tread strip, the at
least one stationary region comprises at least one carpet strip,
and the at least one vent region comprises at least one vent
strip.
4. The automated mat system of claim 3, wherein the at least one
brush tread strip, the at least one carpet strip, and the at least
one vent strip are connected to one another in parallel.
5. The automated mat system of claim 1, further comprising an
actuator motor disposed within the well structure operable for
selectively oscillating the at least one oscillating regions.
6. The automated mat system of claim 1, further comprising a
washing assembly disposed within the well structure operable for
delivering washing water through the floor structure.
7. The automated mat system of claim 1, further comprising a
washing assembly disposed within the well structure operable for
delivering washing water to the interior of the well structure.
8. The automated mat system of claim 1, further comprising a dryer
assembly disposed within the well structure operable for delivering
drying air through the floor structure.
9. The automated may system of claim 1, further comprising a
control system disposed within the well structure operable for
selectively activating the automated mat system.
10. A method for providing an automated mat system, comprising:
providing a well structure; and providing a floor structure
selectively disposed above the well structure, wherein the floor
structure comprises at least one oscillating region, at least one
stationary region, and at least one vent region; wherein the at
least one oscillating region is configured to clean dirt and debris
from an object disposed on top of the floor structure opposite the
well structure; and wherein the at least one vent region is
configured to allow the dirt and debris to pass through the floor
structure and into the well structure.
11. The method of claim 10, wherein the well structure is
manufactured into a slab of a facility.
12. The method of claim 10, wherein the at least one oscillating
region comprises at least one brush tread strip, the at least one
stationary region comprises at least one carpet strip, and the at
least one vent region comprises at least one vent strip.
13. The method of claim 12, wherein the at least one brush tread
strip, the at least one carpet strip, and the at least one vent
strip are connected to one another in parallel.
14. The method of claim 10, further comprising providing an
actuator motor disposed within the well structure operable for
selectively oscillating the at least one oscillating regions.
15. The method of claim 10, further comprising providing a washing
assembly disposed within the well structure operable for delivering
washing water through the floor structure.
16. The method of claim 10, further comprising providing a washing
assembly disposed within the well structure operable for delivering
washing water to the interior of the well structure.
17. The method of claim 10, further comprising providing a dryer
assembly disposed within the well structure operable for delivering
drying air through the floor structure.
18. The method of claim 10, further comprising providing a control
system disposed within the well structure operable for selectively
activating the automated mat system.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates generally to an automated mat
system and associated method. More specifically, the present
invention relates to an automated mat system that may be used in a
facility entrance or the like and that is operable for
automatically cleaning an entrant's shoes or the like such that
dirt and debris are not tracked or otherwise transported into the
facility.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] In commercial and industrial facilities, for example, where
high-volume foot traffic is common, dirt and debris from entrants'
shoes can be a significant problem, requiring the ongoing attention
of cleaning and maintenance personnel at considerable effort and
expense. Thus, various conventional shoe cleaning mat systems have
been developed.
[0003] One conventional shoe cleaning mat system is disclosed in US
2004/0261209 (McKay). McKay discloses a cleaning mat designed for
placement on the floor and for cleaning the undersides of shoes,
feet, and other objects. The mat includes a base layer formed of a
non-slip polymer material and a non-woven absorbent cleaning layer
generally co-extensive with the base layer and attached thereto.
The cleaning layer has an upper surface for cleaning and a lower
surface joined to the base layer. The cleaning layer has a
plurality of openings defined there through.
[0004] Another conventional shoe cleaning mat system is disclosed
in US 2010/0060118 (Tafil). Tafil discloses a self-cleaning entry
mat. An illustrative embodiment of the self-cleaning entry mat
includes a mat housing, a grate opening provided in the mat
housing, a grate seated in the grate opening, and at least one
collecting drawer extendable from the mat housing and positional
between closed and opened positions. The collecting drawer is
positioned beneath the grate opening when in the closed
position.
[0005] A further conventional shoe cleaning mat system is disclosed
in U.S. Pat. No. 5,881,427 (Offner). Offner discloses a floor mat
or grate overlain by a web or paper fabric that is provided with a
clamping device having at least one bar engaging the fabric for
preventing shifting of the fabric on the grate or mat. The fabric
can be removed, e.g. for cleaning or replacement, by releasing the
clamping unit.
[0006] A still further conventional shoe cleaning mat system is
disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,067,688 (West). West discloses a shoe
bottom or side cleaning device which is either portable or
installed in a floor of an entrance to a dwelling or building, and
is either manually or automatically operated. The device includes a
plurality of side-by-side, elongated and rotated brushes, a funnel
beneath the brushes, a motor for driving the brushes and a squirrel
cage fan for collecting dirt from the brushes via the funnel, and a
chamber for accumulating the collected dirt. The chamber can be
equipped with a dirt collection bag. A central building vacuum
system can assist the device's fan. The elongated brushes can have
either a solid core or a "twisted" wire core.
[0007] A still further conventional shoe cleaning mat system is
disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 8,533,888 (Kessler). Kessler discloses a
shoe cleaning doormat device for cleaning and disinfecting the
soles of shoes and feet prior to a user's entry into a dwelling or
building. The device is a doormat having a cleaning assembly having
a disinfecting cleaning material surface and drying portions. Both
portions are housed within a mat frame and exposed to a user
through cutouts in the mat's upper surface. A disposable roll of
moist, disinfecting wipe material provides the cleaning and
disinfecting surface. An advancing button is operatively connected
to the roll so that a user may obtain an unused portion of the roll
by depressing the button. After shoes or feet are cleaned, they can
be dried by rubbing on the drying portions of the device, which
comprise a removable, moisture-absorbing material.
[0008] What is still needed in the art, however, is a modular,
automated mat system that is operable for actively cleaning an
entrant's shoes or the like, without tripping or otherwise being
burdensome to the entrant. Preferably, such an automated mat system
would be durable and self-cleaning, and could readily be installed
in any conventional slab-on-grade facility.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] Accordingly, in various exemplary embodiments, the present
invention provides a modular, automated mat system that is operable
for actively cleaning an entrant's shoes or other object, without
tripping or otherwise being burdensome to the entrant. The
automated mat system is durable and self-cleaning, and may readily
be installed in any conventional slab-on-grade facility. The
automated mat system is customizable and multiple mat systems may
be joined end-to-end to form a larger system, as desired. Each
automated mat system includes alternating bands of flooring
material, including replaceable heavy-duty carpet strips, brush
tread strips, and vent strips. The brush tread strips are coupled
to moveable rails that allow the brush tread strips to oscillate
back-and-forth, thereby cleaning dirt and debris off of the
entrant's shoes or other object. The vent strips include a
plurality of holes that permit the dirt and debris, as well as
water, to pass through into a well disposed beneath the floor, as
well as permit drying air to be blown up through the floor. A floor
support structure is disposed within the well, as are a drain, an
actuator motor, a blower motor, appropriate electrical connections,
a water source, appropriate water connections, a control system,
and the like. The result is a "smart" mat system that actively
cleans the entrant's shoes or other objects, as well as itself,
with minimal human intervention.
[0010] In one exemplary embodiment, the present invention provides
an automated mat system, including: a well structure; and a floor
structure selectively disposed above the well structure, wherein
the floor structure includes at least one oscillating region, at
least one stationary region, and at least one vent region; wherein
the at least one oscillating region is configured to clean dirt and
debris from an object disposed on top of the floor structure
opposite the well structure; and wherein the at least one vent
region is configured to allow the dirt and debris to pass through
the floor structure and into the well structure. The well structure
is manufactured into a slab of a facility. The at least one
oscillating region includes at least one brush tread strip, the at
least one stationary region includes at least one carpet strip, and
the at least one vent region includes at least one vent strip. The
at least one brush tread strip, the at least one carpet strip, and
the at least one vent strip are connected to one another in
parallel. The automated mat system also includes an actuator motor
disposed within the well structure operable for selectively
oscillating the at least one oscillating regions. Optionally, the
automated mat system further includes a washing assembly disposed
within the well structure operable for delivering washing water
through the floor structure. The automated mat system further
includes a washing assembly disposed within the well structure
operable for delivering washing water to the interior of the well
structure. Optionally, the automated mat system further includes a
dryer assembly disposed within the well structure operable for
delivering drying air through the floor structure. The automated
mat system still further includes a control system disposed within
the well structure operable for selectively activating the
automated mat system.
[0011] In another exemplary embodiment, the present invention
provides a method for providing an automated mat system, including:
providing a well structure; and providing a floor structure
selectively disposed above the well structure, wherein the floor
structure includes at least one oscillating region, at least one
stationary region, and at least one vent region; wherein the at
least one oscillating region is configured to clean dirt and debris
from an object disposed on top of the floor structure opposite the
well structure; and wherein the at least one vent region is
configured to allow the dirt and debris to pass through the floor
structure and into the well structure. The well structure is
manufactured into a slab of a facility. The at least one
oscillating region includes at least one brush tread strip, the at
least one stationary region includes at least one carpet strip, and
the at least one vent region includes at least one vent strip. The
at least one brush tread strip, the at least one carpet strip, and
the at least one vent strip are connected to one another in
parallel. The method also includes providing an actuator motor
disposed within the well structure operable for selectively
oscillating the at least one oscillating regions. Optionally, the
method further includes providing a washing assembly disposed
within the well structure operable for delivering washing water
through the floor structure. The method further includes providing
a washing assembly disposed within the well structure operable for
delivering washing water to the interior of the well structure.
Optionally, the method further includes providing a dryer assembly
disposed within the well structure operable for delivering drying
air through the floor structure. The method still further includes
providing a control system disposed within the well structure
operable for selectively activating the automated mat system.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] The present invention is illustrated and described herein
with reference to the various drawings, in which like reference
numbers are used to denote like system components/method steps, as
appropriate, and in which:
[0013] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating one exemplary
embodiment of the automated mat system of the present invention;
and
[0014] FIG. 2 is a flow chart illustrating one exemplary embodiment
of a method for using the automated mat system of the present
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0015] Again, in various exemplary embodiments, the present
invention provides a modular, automated mat system that is operable
for actively cleaning an entrant's shoes or other object, without
tripping or otherwise being burdensome to the entrant. The
automated mat system is durable and self-cleaning, and may readily
be installed in any conventional slab-on-grade facility. The
automated mat system is customizable and multiple mat systems may
be joined end-to-end to form a larger system, as desired. Each
automated mat system includes alternating bands of flooring
material, including replaceable heavy-duty carpet strips, brush
tread strips, and vent strips. The brush tread strips are coupled
to moveable rails that allow the brush tread strips to oscillate
back-and-forth, thereby cleaning dirt and debris off of the
entrant's shoes or other object. The vent strips include a
plurality of holes that permit the dirt and debris, as well as
water, to pass through into a well disposed beneath the floor, as
well as permit drying air to be blown up through the floor. A floor
support structure is disposed within the well, as are a drain, an
actuator motor, a blower motor, appropriate electrical connections,
a water source, appropriate water connections, a control system,
and the like. The result is a "smart" mat system that actively
cleans the entrant's shoes or other objects, as well as itself,
with minimal human intervention.
[0016] Referring now specifically to FIG. 1, in one exemplary
embodiment, the automated mat system of the present invention
includes a floor structure 10 that includes multiple parts and
represents a roll-up mat assembly or the like. Portions of the
floor structure 10 may be made of aluminum, stainless steel, or the
like. The floor structure 10 may have dimensions of 6 ft by 6 ft,
or any other suitable dimensions desirable for a given application.
The floor structure 10 may, optionally, be joined with other floor
structures 10 using appropriate connectors or the like to form a
larger floor structure. The floor structure 10 is configured to sit
within or on top of a well 12 that is manufactured into the floor
of a facility. The well 12 may have a depth of 6 in, or any other
suitable dimension desirable for a given application. 6 in or less
is often appropriate as it allows the well 12 to be accommodated in
a conventional slab-on-grade facility. In one preferred exemplary
embodiment, the floor structure 10 rests on a ledge or lip 14
disposed around the perimeter of the well 12. One or more support
structures 16 also traverse, span, or are otherwise disposed within
the well 12 and provide additional support for the floor structure
10.
[0017] The floor structure 10 includes alternating bands or regions
of flooring material, including replaceable heavy-duty carpet
strips or portions 18, brush tread strips or portions 20, and vent
strips or portions 22. The carpet strips or portions 18 include
removable areas of carpet that may be replaced when worn, for
example. As such, the carpet may be secured to the underlying base
using a contact adhesive, a hook-and-loop-type fastening system,
pop-rivets, or the like. It will be readily apparent to those of
ordinary skill in the art that other surfaces, aside from
carpeting, may also be affixed to the base, or that the surface of
the base may be such that it may be used alone.
[0018] The brush tread strips or portions 20 are coupled to
moveable rails or areas that allow the brush tread strips or
portions 20 to oscillate back-and-forth, around, etc., thereby
cleaning dirt and debris off of the entrant's shoes or other
object. The moveable rails or areas may be coupled to the floor
structure 10, or may form a part of it. In one preferred exemplary
embodiment, the brush tread strips or portions 20, in alternating
fashion, oscillate back-and-forth such that the brush tread coupled
to them clean dirt and debris off of the entrant's shoes or other
object. Accordingly, this movement is on the scale of
fractions-of-an-inch or slightly more, such that the entrant is not
tripped (the stationary carpet strips or portions 18 providing the
entrant with stability. Preferably, the brush tread is slightly
longer and/or coarser than the carpet of the carpet strips or
portions 18.
[0019] The vent strips or portions 22 include a grating or
plurality of holes that permit the dirt and debris, as well as
water, to pass through into the well 12 disposed beneath the floor
structure 10, as well as permit washing water and/or drying air to
be blown up through the floor structure 10 to the entrant's shoes
or other object. This drying air may be heated. It should be noted
that any number and/or configuration of vent strips or portions 22,
brush tread strips or portions 20, and carpet strips or portions 18
may be utilized, with each having any suitable length, width, and
thickness. The various strips may be alternated in any desired
fashion.
[0020] Again, a floor support structure 16 is disposed within the
well 12, and one or more other support structures may also be
disposed within the well 12 to hold other components of the
automated mat system 5. The automated mat system 5 includes an
actuator motor 24 operable for actuating the oscillating brush
tread strips or portions 20. Optionally, such actuation is
accomplished using a coupled camshaft-type assembly or the like
that is suitable for oscillating all of the brush tread strips or
portions 20 simultaneously, although any suitable motor-driven
actuation mechanism may be utilized. Appropriate electrical
connections are provided to the actuator motor 24 and other
electrical components. In the case that multiple floor structures
10 are used together, common well components may be used, or well
components may be daisy-chained together in terms of electrical
and/or fluid connections.
[0021] The automated mat system 5 further includes a blower motor
26 operable for delivering warm (or cool) drying air through the
floor structure 10, as well as a water source 28 and appropriate
water connections 30 operable for delivering water to the interior
of the well 12 to clean it and/or through the floor structure 10.
Preferably, a drain 32 is provided in the bottom of the well 12.
Finally, a control system 34 is provided to control, for example,
the timing of actuation of the floor structure 10, delivery of
air/water through the floor structure 10, delivery of water to the
interior of the well 12 to clean it, etc. Further, the automated
mat system 5 may include a manual activation switch, a pressure
activation switch, etc. The result is a "smart" mat system that
actively cleans the entrant's shoes or other objects, as well as
itself, with minimal human intervention.
[0022] Referring to FIG. 2, in one exemplary embodiment, a method
for using the automated mat system 5 (FIG. 1) includes the
following steps, which may be performed selectively or in a
different order: (1) upon sensing pressure, that a door has opened,
etc., activating the oscillation of the floor structure 10 (FIG. 1)
(BLOCK 40); (2) optionally, activating the shoe spray (BLOCK 42);
(3) optionally, activating the air dry (BLOCK 44); and (4)
periodically activating a well cleaning cycle (BLOCK 46). Various
triggers can be used to deactivate the oscillation of the floor
structure, including the pressure sensor, a timer, etc.
[0023] Although the present invention is illustrated and described
herein with reference to preferred embodiments and specific
examples thereof, it will be readily apparent to those of ordinary
skill in the art that other embodiments and examples may perform
similar functions and/or achieve like results. All such equivalent
embodiments and examples are within the spirit and scope of the
present disclosure, are contemplated thereby, and are intended to
be covered by the following claims.
* * * * *