A cleated dust control mat having a plurality of rows of elliptical cleats located at an angle to the border of the mat with the cleats in each row being parallel to the other cleats in the row and being substantially perpendicular to the cleats in the next adjacent rows of cleats. A second set of small circular cleats is located between the elliptical cleats in each row equally spaced from adjacent elliptical cleats in each row.
The present invention relates to specific methods of producing cleated rubber-backed floor mats (such as dust control or rubber mats) through the utilization of the combination of a perforated coated woven fabric article and a cushioned platen liner between the article and the metal platen of an in-line dust control mat manufacturing machine. Such a procedure permits a more efficient manner of producing cleated anti-creep dust control mats than previously followed. In particular, the fabric article is in the form of a conveyor belt and is preferably constructed from Teflon.RTM.-coated woven fiberglass which will not adhere to the tacky rubber component of the target mat and can withstand the extremely high vulcanization temperatures and pressures required during the production of a dust control mat. The cushioned platen liner, which is preferably comprised of or coated with silicon, is utilized as a separator between the metal platen of the manufacturing machine, as well as cushion for the molten rubber as it is pressed through the conveyor belt perforations during vulcanization. Such a cushioned liner material substantially eliminates any problems due to the force of the metal platen against the molten rubber as it passes through the article perforations. The produced mat as well as the woven fabric article/cushioned platen liner combination are also encompassed within this invention.
By introducing an expanded structure into a rubber portion during heating under pressure at the time of integrating a mat, and by using as a backing of a carpet a foamed rubber sheet having an expansibility of 1.2 to 3 times and a skin layer having a thickness of 0.1 to 1.0 mm, the shrinkage of the mat by shrinking, washing and drying after heating under pressure can be relaxed, and the waving of the mat can be prevented effectively. At the same time, the mat of the invention has excellent fitness to a floor surface, light-weight, strength and heat resistance.
The present invention relates to specific methods of producing cleated rubber-backed floor mats (such as dust control or rubber mats) through the utilization of the combination of a perforated coated woven fabric article and a cushioned platen liner between the article and the metal platen of an in-line dust control mat manufacturing machine. Such a procedure permits a more efficient manner of producing cleated anti-creep dust control mats than previously followed. In particular, the fabric article is in the form of a conveyor belt and is preferably constructed from Teflon.RTM.-coated woven fiberglass which will not adhere to the tacky rubber component of the target mat and can withstand the extremely high vulcanization temperatures and pressures required during the production of a dust control mat. The cushioned platen liner, which is preferably comprised of or coated with silicon, is utilized as a separator between the metal platen of the manufacturing machine, as well as cushion for the molten rubber as it is pressed through the conveyor belt perforations during vulcanization. Such a cushioned liner material substantially eliminates any problems due to the force of the metal platen against the molten rubber as it passes through the article perforations. The produced mat as well as the woven fabric article/cushioned platen liner combination are also encompassed within this invention.
A litter mat includes a plurality of flexible plastic strips that have a cross-section in the general shape of an inverted J, are parallel to each other and have similar orientations. The strips are secured to a base. The strips are each in an adjoining relationship with an adjacent strip whereby the strips define a surface disposed above the base. The strips extend lengthwise between two opposite edges of the mat. When a cat steps on the surface the strips or portions thereof flex to space the strips defining passageways for litter to fall to the base. The strips, if desired, may be segmented.
A process for the application of tear resistant edge strip material to a rubber base sheet of a launderable dust control mat is provided. The process involves the in-line mating of first and second strips of carboxilated rubber to the longitudinal borders of a rubber sheet by means of a series of pressure rolls. The process permits separate rubber sheet and side strip materials to be joined in a continuous or semi-continuous operation immediately prior to assembly of a mat thereby enhancing material handling efficiencies. An apparatus for carrying out the invention is also provided.
