(12) United States Patent
`Stanesic et al.
`
`USOO6381.806B1
`(10) Patent No.:
`US 6,381,806 B1
`(45) Date of Patent:
`May 7, 2002
`
`(54) RETAINER ASSEMBLY FOR POSITIVE
`RETENTION OF FLOOR MAT
`
`(75) Inventors: J. Matthew Stanesic, West Chester;
`
`Raymond O. Sherman, Fairfield, both
`
`5,621,951 A 4/1997 Gould
`5,666,691 A 9/1997 Bealing
`5,775,859 A
`7/1998 Anscher
`6,009,562 A
`1/2000 Bullock et al.
`
`6,264.413 B1 * 7/2001 Bisping et al. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 411/15
`
`(*) Notice:
`
`* cited by examiner
`of OH (US)
`Primary Examiner-Chuck Y. Mah
`(73) Assignee: Nifty Products, Inc., Hamilton, OH
`(74) Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Charles R. Wilson
`(US)
`(57)
`ABSTRACT
`Subject to any disclaimer, the term of this
`patent is extended or adjusted under 35 A two piece retainer assembly is used for positive retention
`U.S.C. 154(b) by 0 days.
`of an associated vehicular floor mat to the vehicle's floor
`Surface. The retainer assembly works in conjunction with a
`hook-like fastener permanently mounted to the vehicle's
`floor Surface. The two piece retainer assembly comprises (a)
`an annular collar for positioning in a hole in the floor mat
`f
`dersid
`d (b) a locking
`pler f
`rOm an underSICle, an
`a TOCKS COVC COUIC O
`positioning in the hole of the floor mat from an upper side.
`The annular collar and locking cover coupler are forced
`together to trap the floor mat. The annular collar has a
`Vertical upwardly extending wall forming an opening and a
`horizontally radially extending flange connected to the Ver
`tical wall. The locking cover coupler has a base plate with
`a vertical downwardly extending wall forming an opening
`and dimensioned to receive the vertical upwardly extending
`wall of the annular collar in frictional engagement. At least
`two vertically extending latching tabs extend from the base
`plate. The locking cover coupler further has a cap hinged to
`the base plate. The cap includes an interior locking wall and
`at least two recessed slots. The assembly of the invention as
`installed on the floor mat is positioned over the hook-like
`fastener in the vehicle's floor. The hook-like fastener
`extends through the openings of the annular collar and the
`base plate and is trapped in place when the cap is closed
`down onto the base plate.
`
`(21) Appl. No.: 09/758,277
`1-1.
`(22) Filed:
`Jan. 12, 2001
`(51)
`7
`/
`51) Int. Cl." ................................................ A47G 27.04
`(52) U.S. Cl. .................... 16/4; 16/6, 24/90.5; 411/431;
`411/372.6; 411/377
`(58) Field of Search ............................. 16/4, 6, 8, 17.1:
`24/90.5; 411/431, 372.5 3726 373 377
`s
`910. 29619723. 42s/99 100
`s
`s
`s
`References Cited
`
`(56)
`
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`1691,013 A 11/1928 Johnson
`1,766,204 A
`6/1930 Waldes
`2,109,402. A 2/1938 Place
`2,210,799 A
`8/1940 Denny
`4,214,505. A
`7/1980 Aimar ......................... 24/350
`4,358.874. A 11/1982 Kaiser
`4,392.279 A 7/1983 Schwager
`4,406,033 A 9/1983 Chisholm et al.
`4,561,146 A 12/1985 Schaty
`4,829,627 A 5/1989 Altus et al.
`4,918,791. A 4/1990 Hardin
`5,332,347 A
`7/1994 Kimisawa ................... 411/182
`
`
`
`17 Claims, 3 Drawing Sheets
`
`MacNeil Exhibit 2070
`Yita v. MacNeil IP, IPR2020-01139
`Page 1
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`

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`US. Patent
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`May 7, 2002
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`Sheet 1 0f3
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`US 6,381,806 B1
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`FIG.1
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`U.S. Patent
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`May 7, 2002
`
`Sheet 2 of 3
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`US 6,381,806 B1
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`Yita v. MacNeil IP, IPR2020-01139
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`U.S. Patent
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`May 7, 2002
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`Sheet 3 of 3
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`US 6,381,806 B1
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`MacNeil Exhibit 2070
`Yita v. MacNeil IP, IPR2020-01139
`Page 4
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`1
`RETANER ASSEMBLY FOR POSITIVE
`RETENTION OF FLOOR MAT
`
`FIELD OF THE INVENTION
`This invention relates to a retainer assembly for use with
`a motor vehicle floor mat. More particularly, the invention
`relates to a two piece retainer assembly for positive retention
`of the floor mat to the vehicle's floor to prevent movement
`of the floor mat during use.
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`Floor mats have long been used in motor vehicles to
`protect an underlying carpeted floor Surface. The carpet is
`basically a one piece molded carpet which covers the entire
`interior area of the vehicle. It is permanently installed and
`meant to last the life of the vehicle. Most vehicle owners,
`particularly owners of non-commercial vehicles Such as
`autos, vans and SUV's realize that the molded carpet is
`likely to be Soiled and want to protect the carpet.
`Early versions of floor mats for use in vehicles were
`typically no more than another piece of carpet cut to fit a
`defined area of the carpeted floor surface and overlie it. Such
`floor mats were easy to position and could readily be
`replaced when overly soiled. However, such floor mats
`tended to Slide on the carpet floor. This created a nuisance to
`the vehicle's driver and passengers and a Safety hazard to the
`driver if the sliding floor mat interfered with use of the
`vehicle's accelerator and/or brake. Subsequent versions of
`floor mats used anti-Skid means to alleviate any floor mat
`Sliding, particularly on the driver Side. These anti-skid
`means included projecting nubs, hook-like fastenerS Such as
`Velcro and other means, typically placed on the floor mats
`underSide. A likelihood of sliding of the floor mat during use
`was Substantially reduced, but not eliminated.
`Current needs require that the floor mat, at least when
`used on the driver side of the vehicle must have positive
`retention. That is, movement of the floor mat is Secured to
`the vehicle floor Surface in a manner where Substantial
`movement is not possible. Attempts to meet this requirement
`have included fasteners which are attached to the floor of the
`vehicle and interact with the floor mat. One common
`example is a hook-like fastener having two legs at right
`angles to one another. A terminus of one leg is Screwed into
`the floor. The other leg hooks into a grommeted hole in the
`floor mat. When properly installed, the floor mat cannot be
`slid laterally. A limited amount of sliding is permitted by the
`tolerances needed in making the hole in the floor mat large
`enough to receive the hook-like fastener.
`In accord with the demands of the auto industry in
`particular, there is still a need for a retention System for a
`floor mat to hold it in place with minimal chance for sliding
`movements. Understandably, any retention System must be
`easy to install and dependable. It also must permit the
`vehicle's owner to periodically remove the floor mat for
`cleaning purposes without excessive effort. In response to
`this need, there has now been developed a retainer assembly
`for a floor mat which fulfills the demands of a positive
`retention System. The assembly makes use of currently
`installed hook-like fasteners found on many vehicles. The
`assembly of the invention is economically produced and
`installed onto floor mats. The floor mat is then installed on
`the hook-like fastener by the vehicle's owner.
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`A two piece retainer assembly is intended for installation
`on a vehicular floor mat and for use with a hook-like fastener
`
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`US 6,381,806 B1
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`permanently mounted to the vehicle's floor surface. The
`retainer assembly provides positive retention of the floor mat
`during use. The two piece retainer assembly comprises (a)
`an annular collar for positioning in a hole in the floor mat
`from an underside thereof, and (b) a locking cover coupler
`for positioning in the hole of the floor mat from a upper Side.
`The annular collar has a vertical upwardly extending wall
`forming an opening and a horizontally radially extending
`flange connected to the Vertical wall. The locking cover
`coupler has a base plate with a vertical downwardly extend
`ing wall forming an opening and dimensioned to receive the
`Vertical upwardly extending wall of the annular collar in
`frictional engagement. The base plate also has at least two
`Vertically extending latching tabs. The locking cover coupler
`further has a cap hinged to the base plate. The cap has a
`hollow interior formed by an exterior wall and includes a
`locking wall extending acroSS the hollow interior wall. The
`cap further has at least two recessed slots to receive the
`latching tabs of the base plate. The two piece retainer
`assembly is positioned on the floor mat with the annular
`collar and the base plate of the locking cover coupler
`coupled together. In use, the assembly of the invention as
`installed on the floor mat is positioned over the hook-like
`fastener in the vehicle's floor. The hook-like fastener
`extends through the openings of the annular collar and base
`plate and is trapped in place when the cap is closed down
`onto the base plate.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the two piece retainer
`assembly of the invention showing its installation on a
`Section of floor mat with a hook-like fastener extending from
`a floor Surface and through openings in the retainer assem
`bly.
`FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the two piece retainer
`assembly of FIG. 1 showing its cap in a closed position.
`FIG. 3 is a perspective exploded view of the two piece
`retainer assembly of FIG. 1 in isolation.
`FIG. 4 is a top plan view of the two piece assembly of
`FIG. 3.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE
`INVENTION
`The two piece retainer assembly of the invention is
`particularly adapted for installation on a vehicle floor mat
`and for interacting with a hook-like fastener permanently
`Secured to a floor of the vehicle. It can be used elsewhere,
`but finds its most popular use on vehicular floor mats and for
`this reason is described below in this context.
`With reference to FIG. 1, there is shown in perspective a
`portion of a floor mat 10 and a hook-like fastener 11. The
`floor mat itself is conventional. It includes a molded ther
`moplastic backing and a carpet topside. While not apparent
`from the drawings, the floor mat 10 for use with the two
`piece retainer assembly of this invention further includes a
`hole extending fully through the carpet and the backing. The
`hole is near at least one corner of the floor mat positioned
`such that in use of the floor mat, the hole will be directly
`over the hook-like fastener. The hook-like fastener 11 is
`permanently Secured to a floor of the vehicle.
`In accord with this invention, a two piece retainer assem
`bly 15 is positioned in the hole of the floor mat 10 and
`permanently Secured to it. It operates in association with the
`hook-like fastener 11. As shown in FIG. 1, the two piece
`retainer assembly 15 with is associated floor mat 10 is
`
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`US 6,381,806 B1
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`positioned onto the hook-like fastener 11. It is shown in an
`intermediate position. AS depicted in FIG. 2, the two piece
`retainer assembly is in a locked position which Securely
`holds the floor mat to the hook-like fastener to prevent any
`Significant lateral sliding of the floor mat. AS readily appar
`ent from FIG. 2, the two piece retainer assembly in the
`locked position has a low profile and does not itself interfere
`with use of the vehicle.
`As best seen in FIG. 3, the retainer assembly 15 of the
`invention has two pieces which are assembled on the floor
`mat to form an operable retention means which works in
`conjunction with the hook-like fastener on the vehicle's
`floor surface. The two piece retention assembly 15 com
`prises an annular collar 16 and a locking cover coupler 17.
`FIG. 4 shows the annular collar 16 and the locking cover
`coupler 17 assembled together without the floor mat for
`illustration purposes only.
`The annular collar 16 of the two piece retainer assembly
`15 has a vertical upwardly extending wall 18 connected to
`a horizontal radially extending flange 19. AS evident, the
`flange 19 extends from a lower terminus of the wall 18. The
`wall 18 and the flange 19 are integral, preferably molded as
`one piece. The wall 18 and flange 19 could as well be
`manufactured Separately and permanently Secured together.
`The vertical upwardly extending wall 18 forms an opening
`20 for receiving the hook-like fastener 11. The wall 18 is
`continuous to form the closed opening 20. The wall 18 as
`depicted is generally D-shaped with a Straight leg 21 and a
`curved leg 22 joined to terminuses of the Straight leg. The
`height of the wall 18 is sufficiently high to accommodate the
`carpet thickness of the floor mat 10.
`Other shaped walls on the annular collar are feasible,
`including oval and round shapes. The shape and size of the
`opening formed by the vertical upwardly extending wall is
`determined in part by the degree of floor mat movement
`which can be tolerated. For example, the opening can be
`sized to receive the hook-like fastener with minimal clear
`ance in order to achieve minimal floor mat movement.
`Preferably, for assembly reasons, the vertical upwardly
`extending wall 18 has at least one guide keyway 23 extend
`ing from an upper edge of the Vertical wall downwardly. For
`optimum assembly reasons, the wall 18 has from two to four
`Substantially equi-Spaced keyways 23.
`The annular collar 16 also includes the horizontal radially
`extending flange 19. The flange extends outwardly from the
`vertical upwardly extending wall 18. It forms a lip to contact
`the underside of floor mat 10 and provides a means of
`holding the annular collar 16 in proper position within the
`hole in the floor mat.
`Still with reference to FIG. 3, the two piece retainer
`assembly 15 also includes the locking cover coupler 17. The
`coupler 17 has a base plate 30 hinged to a cap 31. The base
`plate is Substantially flat with a top Side and a bottom Side.
`For appearance reasons, it is preferably generally circular.
`Recessed lands 32 extend around the periphery of the top
`side of the base plate 30 to accommodate the cap as further
`discussed below. It also has recessed lands 33 and 34
`extending acroSS the base plate's upper Surface and also for
`the purpose to accommodate the cap. The base plate further
`has a set of latching tabs 35 extending vertically from the
`base plate's upper Surface. AS shown, the latching tabs 35
`are opposed one another, though need not be. Each latching
`tab 35 includes a horizontal inwardly projecting ridge 36 at
`the latching tab's free end.
`A vertical downwardly extending wall 37 extends from
`the bottom side of the base plate 30. The wall 37 is a
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`continuous wall which forms an opening 38. The wall 37
`makes frictional contact with the Vertical upwardly extend
`ing wall 18 of the annular collar 16. When the vertical
`upwardly extending wall 18 of the annular collar 16 is
`generally D-shape, the vertical downwardly extending wall
`37 will necessarily also be generally D-shape. AS apparent
`from the opening 38 in the base plate 30, the generally
`D-shaped vertical downwardly extending wall 37 is off
`center. This creates a substantially flat platform 39 on the
`base plate 30. A vertically extending leg of the hook-like
`fastener 11 abuts against a Straight leg of the D-shaped
`vertical downwardly extending wall 37 and the horizontally
`extending leg of the hook-like fastener 11 abuts against the
`substantially flat platform 39 for secure retention during use.
`The wall 37 preferably fits within the wall 18, though can
`also be sized to encompass the wall 18. The wall 37
`accordingly has the same configuration as the wall 18 and is
`sized slightly less for the preferred embodiment. In either
`embodiment, the vertical upwardly extending wall 18 of the
`annular collar 16 and the vertical downwardly extending
`wall 37 of the locking cover coupler 17 are configured to fit
`into the floor mat hole and mate in frictional engagement to
`form a permanent retainer assembly on the floor mat.
`When the vertical wall 18 of the annular collar 16 has
`guide keyways 23, the vertical upwardly extending wall 18
`of the base plate 30 has aligned guide keys 40. The keys 40
`are equal in 25 number and size to engage the keyways 23
`of the wall 18.
`The cap provides several important functions. When
`closed, it causes a locking wall to engage the hook-like
`fastener 11 extending through the opening 38 in the base
`plate to prevent movement of the floor mat 10. The cap also
`Seals off the underlying floor mat hole, thereby preventing
`water and debris from getting to the vehicle's floor Surface.
`Further, the cap provides a Smooth top Surface as Seen in
`FIG. 2 which is visually acceptable and can have a decora
`tive value. It gives the retainer assembly a low profile, both
`enhancing the retainer assembly 15 functionally by lessen
`ing any driver interference and aesthetically by adding a
`finished appearance.
`The cap is formed by a continuous wall 45 and a smooth
`flat surface 46 overlying the continuous wall. The continu
`ous wall 45 is preferably generally circular and configured
`to substantially fully overlie the base plate 30. The wall 45
`of the cap has two recessed slots 47 on an outer Surface to
`receive the latching tabs. Each slot 47 includes a horizontal
`outwardly projecting ridge 48. The projecting ridges 48
`receive the projecting ridges 36 on the latching tabs 35 and
`temporarily hold the cap to the base plate 30 when closed
`together. The cap also has an interior locking wall 49
`extending across the hollow interior of the cap. It is posi
`tioned to contact the hook-like fastener when the cap is
`closed and frictionally hold the locking wall 49 to the
`hook-like fastener 11. This effectively provides positive
`retention of the floor mat to the vehicle's floor. A support
`wall 50 extends at a substantial right angle from a mid
`section of the locking wall 49 to the exterior continuous wall
`45 to add strength to the locking wall 49. As apparent from
`FIG. 2, the recess lands 32, 33 and 34 of the base plate 30
`receive the walls of the cap 31 so that the cap sits flush on
`the base plate 30.
`The base plate 30 and cap 31 are hinged together by a
`living hinge 52. Preferably, the locking cover coupler is
`molded as one piece with the living hinge 52 a part thereof.
`Alternatively, the base plate 30 and the cap 31 can be
`Separate components which are optionally hinged together.
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`S
`AS most evident in FIG. 2, the cap also includes a pull tab
`55 extending from the wall. The pull tab 55 is to facilitate
`opening of the cap.
`In use, initially the annular collar of the two piece retainer
`assembly is positioned in a hole of the floor mat on the mats
`underSide. The locking cover coupler is then positioned on
`the top side of the floor mat’s hole and the two pieces forced
`together until Securely connected. The floor mat can now be
`slipped over the hook-like fastener in the floor of the vehicle
`and the floor mat Straightened to lay properly on the floor.
`Closing the cap by forcing it downwardly forces the locking
`wall to engage the hook-like fastener. The floor mat is now
`Secured in place. It can Subsequently be released from the
`hook-like fastener for cleaning or replacement purposes
`Simply by raising the cap to release the cap's locking wall
`from engagement with the fastener.
`Having described the invention in its preferred
`embodiment, it should be clear that modifications can be
`made without departing from the Spirit of the invention. It is
`not intended that the words used to describe the invention
`nor the drawings illustrating the Same be limiting on the
`invention. It is intended that the invention only be limited by
`the Scope of the appended claims.
`We claim:
`1. A two piece retainer assembly for permanent attach
`ment to a floor mat for interacting with a hook-like fastener
`attached to a floor of a vehicle to positively retain the floor
`mat in place during use and for releasing the floor mat from
`the hook-like fastener for periodic removal from the vehicle,
`Said two piece retainer assembly comprising:
`(a) an annular collar for placement on an underside of the
`floor mat to extend into a hole in the floor mat, Said
`annular collar having a vertical upwardly extending
`wall forming an opening for receiving the hook-like
`fastener and a horizontal radially extending flange
`connected to the Vertical upwardly extending generally
`circular wall; and
`(b) a locking cover coupler for mating with the annular
`collar, said locking cover coupler having (i) a base plate
`with a top side and a bottom Side and having a vertical
`downwardly extending wall forming an opening for
`receiving the hook-like fastener and further dimen
`Sioned to frictionally engage the vertical upwardly
`extending wall of the annular collar, and further having
`at least two vertically extending latching tabs extending
`from the top side thereof and (ii) a cap hinged to the
`base plate, Said cap having a hollow interior formed by
`an exterior wall, further Said cap having at least two
`recessed slots on its outer Surface to interact with the
`latching tabs of the base plate and a locking wall
`extending acroSS the hollow interior wall of the cap to
`frictionally engage the hook-like fastener in the vehi
`cle's floor during use,
`whereby closing the cap of the locking cover coupler causes
`the locking wall to frictionally engage the hook-like fastener
`and to frictionally engage the latching tabs of the annular
`collar to positively retain the floor mat while opening the cap
`frees the floor mat from the hook-like fastener for removal
`therefrom.
`2. The two piece retainer of claim 1 wherein the base plate
`of the locking cover coupler further has recessed landings
`extending around a periphery and acroSS a mid-Section of
`Said base plate for receiving the exterior wall and the locking
`wall of the cap.
`3. The two piece retainer of claim 2 wherein each latching
`tab of the base plate has an inwardly projecting ridge and
`each recessed slot of the cap has an outwardly projecting
`ridge for frictional engagement to retain Said cap in place.
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`US 6,381,806 B1
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`4. The two piece retainer of claim 3 wherein the vertical
`upwardly extending wall of the annular collar has a slightly
`greater croSS dimension than the vertical downwardly
`extending wall of the base plate to receive Said vertical
`downwardly extending wall of the base plate in friction
`engagement.
`5. The two piece retainer of claim 1 wherein the vertical
`upwardly extending wall of the annular collar and the
`Vertical downwardly extending wall of the base plate are
`both generally D-shaped.
`6. The two piece retainer of claim 5 wherein the generally
`D-shaped vertical downwardly extending wall of the base
`plate is off-center for forming a Substantially flat platform
`whereby the hook-like fastener in use has a vertically
`extending leg which abuts against a Straight leg of the
`D-shaped vertical downwardly extending wall and further
`whereby the hook-like fastener has a horizontally extending
`leg which abuts against the Substantially flat platform of the
`base plate.
`7. The two piece retainer of claim 1 wherein the vertical
`upwardly extending wall of the annular collar has at least
`one vertical guide keyway and the vertical downwardly
`extending wall of the base plate has at least one aligned
`Vertical guide key for proper positioning of the locking
`cover coupler in the annular collar.
`8. The two piece retainer of claim 7 wherein the vertical
`upwardly extending wall of the annular collar has from two
`to four equi-spaced guide keyways and the vertical down
`Wardly extending wall of the base plate has an equal number
`of equi-Spaced aligned guide keys.
`9. The two piece retainer of claim 1 wherein the base plate
`and the cap of the locking cover coupler are hinged together
`by a living hinge.
`10. A two piece retainer assembly for permanent attach
`ment to a floor mat for interacting with a hook-like fastener
`attached to a floor of a vehicle for positive retention of the
`floor mat during use and for releasing the floor mat from the
`hook-like fastener for periodic removal from the vehicle,
`Said two piece retainer assembly comprising:
`(a) an annular collar for placement on an underside of the
`floor mat to extend into a hole in the floor mat, Said
`annular collar having a vertical upwardly extending
`wall forming an opening for receiving the hook-like
`fastener and a horizontal radially extending flange
`connected to the Vertical upwardly extending generally
`circular wall; and
`(b) a locking cover coupler for mating with the annular
`collar, said locking cover coupler having (i) a base plate
`having a top side and a bottom Side with a vertical
`downwardly extending wall forming an opening for
`receiving the hook-like fastener and further dimen
`Sioned to frictionally engage the Vertical upwardly
`extending wall of the annular collar, and having two
`opposed vertically extending latching tabs extending
`from the top side thereof and (ii) a cap hinged to the
`base plate for Semi-permanently engaging the base
`plate, Said cap having a hollow interior formed by an
`exterior wall, further Said cap having at least two
`recessed slots on its outer Surface to interact with the
`latching tabs of the base plate and a locking wall
`extending acroSS the hollow interior wall of the cap to
`frictionally engage the hook-like fastener in the vehi
`cle's floor during use and further said cap having a pull
`tab extending outwardly for releasing the cap from the
`base plate and freeing the floor mat from friction
`engagement with the hook-like fastener.
`11. The two piece retainer of claim 10 wherein the base
`plate of the locking cover coupler further has recessed
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`US 6,381,806 B1
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`landings extending around a periphery and acroSS a mid
`Section of Said base plate for receiving the exterior wall and
`the locking wall of the cap.
`12. The two piece retainer of claim 11 wherein each
`latching tab of the base plate has an inwardly projecting
`ridge and each recessed slot of the cap has an outwardly
`projecting ridge to frictionally engage each inwardly extend
`ing ridge of each latching tab to retain Said cap in place.
`13. The two piece retainer of claim 10 wherein the vertical
`upwardly extending wall of the annular collar has a slightly
`greater croSS dimension than the vertical downwardly
`extending wall of the base plate to receive Said vertical
`downwardly extending wall of the base plate in friction
`engagement.
`14. The two piece retainer of claim 13 wherein the vertical
`upwardly extending wall of the annular collar has at least
`one vertical guide keyway and the vertical downwardly
`extending wall of the base plate has at least one aligned
`
`15
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`8
`Vertical guide key for proper positioning of the base plate of
`the locking cover coupler in the annular collar.
`15. The two piece retainer of claim 10 wherein the vertical
`upwardly extending wall of the annular collar has from two
`to four equi-spaced guide keyways and the vertical down
`Wardly extending wall of the base plate has an equal number
`of equi-Spaced aligned guide keys.
`16. The two piece retainer of claim 10 wherein the
`openings in the annular collar and the base plate are gener
`ally D-shaped and off-center for forming a substantially flat
`platform on the base plate for receiving the hook-like
`fastener.
`17. The two piece retainer of claim 10 wherein the base
`plate and the cap of the locking cover coupler are hinged
`together by a living hinge.
`
`k
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`k
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`MacNeil Exhibit 2070
`Yita v. MacNeil IP, IPR2020-01139
`Page 8
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`