(12) United States Patent
`Stanesic
`
`USOO6817649B1
`(10) Patent No.:
`US 6,817,649 B1
`Nov. 16, 2004
`(45) Date of Patent:
`
`(54) ONE PIECE MOLDED FLOOR MAT FOR
`FRONT FLOOR AREAS OF VEHICLE
`
`(75) Inventor: J. Matthew Stanesic, West Chester, OH
`(US)
`
`(73) ASSignee: his International, Inc., Anoka, MN
`
`(*) Notice:
`
`Subject to any disclaimer, the term of this
`patent is extended or adjusted under 35
`U.S.C. 154(b) by 0 days.
`(21) Appl. No.: 10/390,743
`22) Filled:
`Mar 19, 2003
`(22) File
`9
`(51) Int. Cl. ................................................ B62D 25/20
`(52) U.S. Cl. .................................................... 296/9723.
`(58) Field of Search ......................... 296,200.3s,301,
`296/75, 97.23; 15/215, 216; D12/203
`s 1
`- a-- 9
`s
`s
`References Cited
`
`(56)
`
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`6/1957 Jackler ...................... D12/2O3
`D180,405 S
`3 129.972 A * SE 4 W.d
`2963. 23
`3.33725s A
`8/1967 Steinberg ................. 296/97.23
`D208,764 S : 10/1967 Dudley ...................... D12/203
`3,401,975 A * 9/1968 Oger ....................... 296/97.23
`
`
`
`4,579,764 A 4/1986 Peoples, Jr. et al.
`4,828.898 A 5/1989 Bailey
`4,921,742 A 5/1990 Altus
`5,149,572 A * 9/1992 Gaggero et al. .............. 428/43
`5.830,560 A 11/1998 Koa ........................... 428/192
`5,891,546 A 4/1999 Sherman
`6,155,629 A 12/2000 Sherman .................. 296/97.23
`2002/0079717 A1
`6/2002 Leimer .................... 296/97.23
`OTHER PUBLICATIONS
`c:
`4--- - - -
`66
`JC Whitney”, Jan. Catalog No. 586A, Jan. 16, 1996.
`* cited by examiner
`Primary Examiner Jason Morrow
`(74) Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Charles R. Wilson
`(57)
`ABSTRACT
`A molded full cover floor mat is contoured and shaped for
`placement in the front compartment area of a truck or
`Similarly configured vehicular floor area. The mat is one
`piece and is made from a pliable plastic material. It has a
`central tray-like area in both a driver foot well area and a
`front passenger foot well area to retain debris. It further has
`a multi-faceted retention System to hold the mat in place
`during use. The mat is shaped to abut against door Sills and
`Seat attachment hardware and further has retention tabs on
`lateral edges which interact with the vehicle's door sills.
`
`7 Claims, 3 Drawing Sheets
`
`EX1063
`Yita v. MacNeil
`IPR2020-01139
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`U.S. Patent
`
`Nov. 16, 2004
`Nov. 16, 2004
`
`Sheet 1 of 3
`Sheet 1 of 3
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`US 6,817,649 B1
`US 6,817,649 B1
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`FIC.1
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`U.S. Patent
`U.S. Patent
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`Sheet 2 of 3
`Sheet 2 of 3
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`US 6,817,649 B1
`US 6,817,649 B1
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`Nov. 16, 2004
`Nov. 16, 2004
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`

`

`US 6,817,649 B1
`US 6,817,649 B1
`
`U.S. Patent
`U.S. Patent
`
`Nov. 16, 2004
`Nov.16, 2004
`
`Sheet 3 of 3
`Sheet 3 of 3
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`1
`1
`ONE PIECE MOLDED FLOOR MAT FOR
`ONE PIECE MOLDED FLOOR MAT FOR
`FRONT FLOOR AREAS OF VEHICLE
`FRONT FLOOR AREAS OF VEHICLE
`
`US 6,817,649 B1
`US 6,817,649 B1
`
`2
`2
`FIG. 3 is a Side elevation view in Section taken along line
`FIG. 3 is a side elevation view in section taken alongline
`3—3of FIG. 2.
`3-3 of FIG. 2.
`FIG. 4 is an enlarged side elevation view in Section of a
`FIG. 4 is an enlarged side elevation view in section of a
`coin tray portion of the floor mat taken along line 4 of FIG.
`coin tray portion of the floor mat taken along line 4 of FIG.
`3.
`
`SUMMARYOF THE INVENTION
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`
`FIELD OF THE INVENTION
`FIELD OF THE INVENTION
`This invention relates to molded floor mats designed to
`This invention relates to molded floor mats designed to
`overlie a full front carpeted floor area of a vehicle. More
`overlie a full front carpeted floor area of a vehicle. More
`particularly, the invention relates to molded floor mats with
`particularly, the invention relates to molded floor mats with
`a multi-faceted retention System to retain the mat in place,
`a multi-faceted retention system to retain the mat in place,
`particularly when used in a pickup truck.
`particularly when used in a pickup truck.
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`Pickup trucks are very popular with the general driving
`Pickup trucks are very popular with the general driving
`public. They are often used as a general purpose vehicle.
`public. They are often used as a general purpose vehicle.
`Their owners tend to wantall the amenities found in sedan
`Their owners tend to want all the amenities found in Sedan
`and coupe automobiles. Pickup trucks with carpeted floor
`and coupe automobiles. Pickup trucks with carpeted floor
`surfaces are prevalent. The floors of such vehicles tend to be
`surfaces are prevalent. The floors of such vehicles tend to be
`flat. Vacuuming away loose debris in Such a flat area is
`flat. Vacuuming away loose debris in such a flat area is
`relatively easy. However, the truck's owner is also often
`relatively easy. However, the truck’s owner is also often
`concerned with more permanent Stains and Surface wear.
`concerned with more permanent stains and surface wear.
`Floor mats are needed to meet the concern.
`Floor mats are needed to meet the concern.
`Producing contoured floor mats at a reasonable cost to
`Producing contoured floor mats at a reasonable cost to
`neatly fit a floor of a pickup truck is commercially feasible.
`neatly fit a floor of a pickup truck is commercially feasible.
`Holding them in place under normal use conditions is more
`Holding them in place under normal use conditions is more
`difficult. Many retention means of various designs are avail
`difficult. Many retention meansof various designsare avail-
`able. Most are designed for use with carpeted floor mats
`able. Most are designed for use with carpeted floor mats
`intended for placement in an automobile's deep foot well
`intended for placement in an automobile’s deep foot well
`area which is already carpeted. A retention System designed
`area which is already carpeted. A retention system designed
`Specifically for pickup trucks, though, is needed. Any reten
`specifically for pickup trucks, though, is needed. Any reten-
`tion System must Securely hold the floor mat in place. Ready
`tion system must securely hold the floor mat in place. Ready
`removal of the floor mat for thorough cleaning or replace
`removal of the floor mat for thorough cleaning or replace-
`ment is also a desired, though not necessary feature.
`mentis also a desired, though not necessary feature.
`There has now been developed a floor mat primarily for
`There has now been developed a floor mat primarily for
`use in pickup trucks which fits in place and can be made to
`use in pickup trucks which fits in place and can be made to
`Stay in place. In accord with a demonstrated need, the floor
`stay in place. In accord with a demonstrated need, the floor
`mats of this invention are contoured to neatly fit a full front
`mats of this invention are contoured to neatly fit a full front
`floor compartment area of a truck and have a multi-faceted
`floor compartment area of a truck and have a multi-faceted
`retention System to Securely, but removably, hold them in
`retention system to securely, but removably, hold them in
`place.
`place.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE
`INVENTION
`INVENTION
`The floor mats of this invention are intended for use
`The floor mats of this invention are intended for use
`primarily in pickup trucks. They are also useful in the
`primarily in pickup trucks. They are also useful
`in the
`carpeted full front floor compartment areas of all vehicles
`carpeted full front floor compartment areas of all vehicles
`having Substantially flat floors which extend on each lateral
`having substantially flat floors which extend on eachlateral
`Side to a door Sill. These vehicles include pickup trucks as
`side to a doorsill. These vehicles include pickup trucks as
`well as vans and sport utility vehicles. Different makes and
`well as vans and sport utility vehicles. Different makes and
`models of such vehicles have different contoured and shaped
`models of such vehicles have different contoured and shaped
`floor compartment areas. However, all lack a floor well and
`floor compartment areas. However,all lack a floor well and
`instead have the substantially flat floor which lies in Sub
`instead have the substantially flat floor which lies in sub-
`Stantially the same plane as a door Sill.
`stantially the same plane as a doorsill.
`The invention is described with reference to the drawings
`The invention is described with reference to the drawings
`wherein a particular contoured and shaped floor mat
`wherein a particular contoured and shaped floor mat
`intended for one commercially available pickup truck model
`intended for one commercially available pickup truck model
`is shown. It should be understood that other floor mats
`is shown. It should be understood that other floor mats
`designed for use in other vehicles of the type envisioned in
`designed for use in other vehicles of the type envisioned in
`this invention are contemplated, it being only necessary to
`this invention are contemplated, it being only necessary to
`properly contour and shape the mats based on the particular
`properly contour and shape the mats based on the particular
`vehicle's interior lay-out.
`vehicle’s interior lay-out.
`With reference to FIGS. 1-3, there is shown a floor mat
`With reference to FIGS. 1-3, there is shown a floor mat
`10 of the invention. The contour and shape of the depicted
`10 of the invention. The contour and shape of the depicted
`floor mat 10 allows it to fit into the full front compartment
`floor mat 10 allowsit to fit into the full front compartment
`area of the pickup truck (shown in phantom). The floor mat
`area of the pickup truck (shown in phantom). The floor mat
`10 is one piece. It is made from a pliable plastic material and
`10 is one piece. It is made from a pliable plastic material and
`is molded to a contour which Snugly fits into and covers the
`is molded to a contour which snugly fits into and covers the
`driver's foot area, the front passenger's foot area and a
`driver’s foot area,
`the front passenger’s foot area and a
`center hump in between the two foot areas. The mat com
`center hump in between the two foot areas. The mat com-
`prises three contiguous Sections. A driver foot area Section
`prises three contiguous sections. A driver foot area section
`11, a front passenger foot area Section 12 and a hump area
`11, a front passenger foot area section 12 and a humparea
`Section 13 connecting the two foot area Sections create the
`section 13 connecting the two foot area sections create the
`one piece mat. The three areas are molded to closely follow
`one piece mat. The three areas are moldedto closely follow
`the contours of the respective underlying floor areas and
`the contours of the respective underlying floor areas and
`further are dimensioned to interact with existing truck
`further are dimensioned to interact with existing truck
`Structures, Such as door Sills, Seat attaching hardware and
`structures, such as doorsills, seat attaching hardware and
`firewalls. The three area Sections and edges which are a part
`firewalls. The three area sections and edges whichare a part
`A molded floor mat is dimensionedto fit into the front
`A molded floor mat is dimensioned to fit into the front
`of a multi-faceted retention System are described in detail in
`of a multi-faceted retention system are described in detail in
`floor compartment area of pickup trucks and other vehicles
`the following paragraphs.
`floor compartment area of pickup trucks and other vehicles
`the following paragraphs.
`with Similarly configured floors. The floor mat is a one piece
`The driver foot area section 11 has a substantially flat base
`with similarly configured floors. The floor mat is a one piece
`The driver foot area section 11 has a substantially flat base
`pliable plastic mat molded to a contour and shape which
`15 with a front portion 16 which is shaped to slope upwardly
`pliable plastic mat molded to a contour and shape which
`15 with a front portion 16 which is shapedto slope upwardly
`Snugly fits into the truck's driver Side foot area, front
`to directly overlie an upwardly sloped firewall of the pickup
`snugly fits into the truck’s driver side foot area, front
`to directly overlie an upwardly sloped firewall of the pickup
`passenger Side foot area and center hump area therebetween.
`truck. The base 15 and front portion 16 of the floor mat 10
`passengerside foot area and center humparea therebetween.
`truck. The base 15 and front portion 16 of the floor mat 10
`One lateral edge of the mat is shaped to abut against a driver
`both lie directly on the truck's carpeted floor surfaces. The
`Onelateral edge of the mat is shaped to abut against a driver
`50
`both lie directly on the truck’s carpeted floor surfaces. The
`door Sill. An opposed lateral edge is shaped to abut against
`doorsill. An opposed lateral edge is shaped to abut against
`driver foot area section 11 is defined by a first lateral edge
`driver foot area section 11 is defined byafirst lateral edge
`a front passenger door Sill. Aback edge of the mat is shaped
`a front passenger doorsill. A back edge of the mat is shaped
`17 which abuts against the driver door sill of the truck, a
`17 which abuts against the driver doorsill of the truck, a
`to abut against Seat attaching hardware of the vehicle. Front
`to abut against seat attaching hardware of the vehicle. Front
`back edge 18 which abuts against Seat attachment hardware
`back edge 18 which abuts against seat attachment hardware
`areas of the mat are vertically inclined to overlie a firewall
`areas of the mat are vertically inclined to overlie a firewall
`of the truck, an interior mold crease 19 where the Surface of
`of the truck, an interior mold crease 19 where the surface of
`of the truck. Raised interior walls near the lateral edges are
`of the truck. Raised interior walls near the lateral edges are
`the mat's base abruptly rises to accommodate the truck's
`the mat’s base abruptly rises to accommodate the truck’s
`also molded into the mat to create tray-like central areas for
`center hump area and a front edge 20 opposed to the back
`also molded into the mat to create tray-like central areas for
`center hump area and a front edge 20 opposed to the back
`debris retention purposes. Further, retention tabs extend
`edge 18. A front edge Segment 21 abuts a vertical wall of the
`debris retention purposes. Further, retention tabs extend
`edge 18. A front edge segment 21 abuts a vertical wall of the
`outwardly from the lateral edges to fit underneath the door
`outwardly from the lateral edges to fit underneath the door
`center hump and, to a limited extent, helps to hold the floor
`center hump and,to a limited extent, helps to hold the floor
`Sills. The shaped edges interacting with Structural features of
`mat from moving forwardly. A raised wall 22 molded into
`sills. The shaped edges interacting with structural features of
`mat from moving forwardly. A raised wall 22 molded into
`the vehicle and the retention tabs create a multi-faceted
`the vehicle and the retention tabs create a multi-faceted
`the mat near and Substantially parallel the first lateral edge
`the mat near and substantially parallel the first lateral edge
`retention System.
`17 rises above the flat base 15 to create a tray-like central
`retention system.
`17 rises above the flat base 15 to create a tray-like central
`area in the section 11. As best seen in FIG. 3, the raised wall
`area in the section 11. As best seen in FIG. 3, the raised wall
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
`22 has two walls which rise about one inch to about two
`22 has two walls which rise about one inch to about two
`FIG. 1 is an environmental view in perspective showing
`inches each from the base 15 to meet at a peak to form a
`FIG. 1 is an environmental view in perspective showing
`inches each from the base 15 to meet at a peak to form a
`a floor mat of the invention in position in a front floor
`double wall. As apparent in FIGS. 1 and 2, other portions of
`a floor mat of the invention in position in a front floor
`double wall. As apparent in FIGS. 1 and 2, other portions of
`compartment area of a truck.
`the mat are contoured to mate with underlying contoured
`compartment area of a truck.
`the mat are contoured to mate with underlying contoured
`FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the floor mat of FIG. 1.
`areas of the vehicle’s floor surface.
`areas of the vehicle's floor Surface.
`FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the floor mat of FIG. 1.
`
`10
`
`15
`15
`
`20
`
`25
`25
`
`30
`
`35
`35
`
`40
`40
`
`45
`45
`
`55
`55
`
`60
`60
`
`65
`65
`
`

`

`US 6,817,649 B1
`US 6,817,649 B1
`
`10
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`15
`15
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`20
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`25
`25
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`30
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`3
`3
`The front passenger foot area Section 12 is configured
`The front passenger foot area section 12 is configured
`similarly to the driver foot area section 11. It has a flat base
`similarly to the driver foot area section 11. It has a flat base
`25 and an upwardly sloped front portion 26, both of which
`25 and an upwardly sloped front portion 26, both of which
`lie directly on an underlying carpeted floor of the truck. The
`he directly on an underlying carpeted floor of the truck. The
`front passenger foot area Section has a Second lateral edge
`front passenger foot area section has a second lateral edge
`27, a back edge 28, an interior mold crease 29 and a front
`27, a back edge 28, an interior mold crease 29 and a front
`edge 30 with a front edge Segment 31, corresponding to like
`edge 30 with a front edge segment31, correspondingto like
`components of the driver foot area Section 11. It too has a
`components of the driver foot area section 11. It too has a
`raised wall 32 molded into the mat near the second lateral
`raised wall 32 molded into the mat near the second lateral
`edge, again to create a central tray-like area to catch and
`edge, again to create a central tray-like area to catch and
`retain debris.
`retain debris.
`The hump area section 13 lies directly over the center
`The hump area section 13 lies directly over the center
`hump of the truck. It has a first wall 33 which rises from the
`humpofthe truck.It has a first wall 33 which rises from the
`interior mold crease 19 of the driver foot area section, a
`interior mold crease 19 of the driver foot area section, a
`second wall 34 which rises from the interior mold crease 29
`Second wall 34 which rises from the interior mold crease 29
`of the passenger foot area Section and a Substantially hori
`of the passenger foot area section and a substantially hori-
`Zontal top wall 35 therebetween. It further has a cut-out 37
`zontal top wall 35 therebetween. It further has a cut-out 37
`to accommodate a gear Shift. An optional tray 38 is molded
`to accommodate a gear shift. An optional tray 38 is molded
`into the hump area Section for coins and the like.
`into the hump area section for coins and the like.
`AS evident in FIG. 1, the lateral edges and back edge of
`As evident in FIG. 1, the lateral edges and back edge of
`the floor mat 10 effectively trap the mat in place. The lateral
`the floor mat 10 effectively trap the mat in place. The lateral
`edges abutting against the opposed door Sills prevent any
`edges abutting against the opposed doorsills prevent any
`Substantial Side to Side movement. The back edge abutting
`substantial side to side movement. The back edge abutting
`against two Sets of Seat attaching hardware prevents any
`against two sets of seat attaching hardware prevents any
`rearward movement. The upwardly sloped front portions
`rearward movement. The upwardly sloped front portions
`inhibit forward movement. The raised hump area section of
`inhibit forward movement. The raised hump area section of
`the mat also contributes to the prevention of Side to Side mat
`the mat also contributes to the prevention of side to side mat
`movement.
`movement.
`Again with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, a first retention tab
`Again with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, a first retention tab
`40 extends outwardly from the lateral edge 17 of the driver
`40 extends outwardly from the lateral edge 17 of the driver
`foot area section 11. Similarly, a second retention tab 41
`foot area section 11. Similarly, a second retention tab 41
`extends outwardly from the lateral edge 27 of the front
`extends outwardly from the lateral edge 27 of the front
`passenger front foot area Section 12. The two retention tabs
`passenger front foot area section 12. The two retention tabs
`are each about two inches to about eight inches long and
`are each about two inches to about eight inches long and
`about one inch to about two inches in width. Sufficient
`about one inch to about two inches in width. Sufficient
`flexibility in the floor mat, including the retention tabs, allow
`flexibility in the floor mat, including the retention tabs, allow
`the tabs to be bent downwardly and pushed under the door
`the tabs to be bent downwardly and pushed under the door
`sills. These tabs further add to retention of the floor mat in
`Sills. These tabs further add to retention of the floor mat in
`place.
`place.
`A thermoplastic material is used to make the floor mat.
`A thermoplastic material is used to make the floor mat.
`The thermoplastic plastic can be molded to a desired deeply
`The thermoplastic plastic can be moldedto a desired deeply
`contoured form and such form beretained. It can then be cut
`contoured form and Such form be retained. It can then be cut
`manually or by machine to a desired shape. Examples of
`manually or by machine to a desired shape. Examples of
`Suitable thermoplastics include polymers of olefins Such as
`suitable thermoplastics include polymers of olefins such as
`ethylene and propylene, copolymers of ethylene with eth
`ethylene and propylene, copolymers of ethylene with eth-
`ylenically unsaturated monomers, e.g. ethylenevinyl acetate,
`ylenically unsaturated monomers,e.g. ethylenevinyl acetate,
`acrylates, polyvinyl chlorides and Styrene-butadiene poly
`acrylates, polyvinyl chlorides and styrene-butadiene poly-
`mers. The thermoplastic material is capable of being Soft
`mers. The thermoplastic material is capable of being soft-
`ened at a temperature of from about 190 degrees F. to about
`ened at a temperature of from about 190 degrees F. to about
`240 degrees F. to become readily moldable. A thermoplastic
`240 degrees F. to become readily moldable. A thermoplastic
`polyolefin is preferred because of its pliability and durabil
`polyolefin is preferred because of its pliability and durabil-
`ity. Thermoplastic plastics used in the invention are com
`ity. Thermoplastic plastics used in the invention are com-
`mercially available in a range of colors.
`mercially available in a range of colors.
`The resultant molded floor mat is a dimensionally stable
`The resultant molded floor mat is a dimensionally stable
`article having a desired contoured shape. Preferably, though
`article having a desired contoured shape. Preferably, though
`not shown, the Surface of the floor mat at least in the foot
`not shown,the surface of the floor mat at least in the foot
`area Sections is textured to give a more non-slip Surface to
`area sections is textured to give a more non-slip surface to
`prevent foot sliding. AS Should be evident, the floor mat is
`prevent foot sliding. As should be evident, the floor mat is
`a one piece construction. No Seams, Overlap areas, etc.
`a one piece construction. No seams, overlap areas, etc.
`appear in the mat. Most importantly a high quality floor mat
`appear in the mat. Most importantly a high quality floor mat
`is efficiently produced. The floor mat fits onto the carpeted
`is efficiently produced. The floor matfits onto the carpeted
`floor compartment areas of the pickup truck with no Sub
`floor compartment areas of the pickup truck with no sub-
`stantial folds or wrinkles.
`stantial folds or wrinkles.
`In use, initially the floor mat is approximately positioned
`In use, initially the floor mat is approximately positioned
`in the front compartment area of the truck. Next, the
`in the front compartment area of the truck. Next,
`the
`vehicle’s doorsills are removedorat least lifted a sufficient
`vehicle's door sills are removed or at least lifted a Sufficient
`
`35
`35
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`40
`40
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`45
`45
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`50
`50
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`55
`55
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`60
`60
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`65
`65
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`4
`4
`distance to insert the retention tabs. Screws or other attach-
`distance to insert the retention tabs. Screws or other attach
`ment means on the door Sills are tightened to effectively trap
`ment meansonthe doorsills are tightened to effectively trap
`the retention tabs. The floor mat will remain in place under
`the retention tabs. The floor mat will remain in place under
`normal use. The floor mat catches debris. The floor mat can
`normal use. The floor mat catches debris. The floor mat can
`be readily removed from the vehicle for cleaning purposes.
`be readily removed from the vehicle for cleaning purposes.
`All that is required is to loosen the door Sill Screws and
`All that is required is to loosen the door sill screws and
`vertically lift the floor mat out. Once cleaned, the mat is
`vertically lift the floor mat out. Once cleaned, the mat is
`reinstalled. Alternatively, the floor mat is cleaned in place.
`reinstalled. Alternatively, the floor mat is cleaned in place.
`Optional features can be added to the full cover floor mats
`Optional features can be addedto the full cover floor mats
`of the invention to enhance their use or appearance. For
`of the invention to enhance their use or appearance. For
`example, other center hump area configurations can be
`example, other center hump area configurations can be
`molded into the floor mat, including a 4-wheel drive gear
`molded into the floor mat, including a 4-wheel drive gear
`shift cut-out and cup holders. Recessed area can be molded
`shift cut-out and cup holders. Recessed area can be molded
`into the foot areasof the floor mat to receive and direct water
`into the foot areas of the floor mat to receive and direct water
`Such as from melted Snow to peripheral areas So that shoes
`such as from melted snow to peripheral areas so that shoes
`and pant cuffs are less likely to get wet. Back corner holes
`and pant cuffs are less likely to get wet. Back corner holes
`can be added (as seen in FIG. 1) to receive hook devices
`can be added (as seen in FIG. 1) to receive hook devices
`built into the truck’s floor surface to even further enhance
`built into the truck's floor Surface to even further enhance
`the retention of the mat in place.
`the retention of the mat in place.
`Having described the invention in its preferred
`Having described the invention in its preferred
`embodiment, it should be clear that modifications can be
`embodiment, it should be clear that modifications can be
`made without departing from the Spirit of the invention. It is
`made without departing from the spirit of the invention. It is
`not intended that the words used to describe the invention
`not intended that the words used to describe the invention
`nor the drawings illustrating the same be limiting on the
`nor the drawings illustrating the same be limiting on the
`invention. It is intended that the invention only be limited by
`invention.It is intended that the invention only be limited by
`the Scope of the appended claims.
`the scope of the appended claims.
`I claim:
`I claim:
`1. A full cover floor mat for placement over a carpeted
`1. A full cover floor mat for placement over a carpeted
`front interior Surface of a vehicle for protecting the under
`front interior surface of a vehicle for protecting the under-
`lying carpet So as to remain Securely in place without
`lying carpet so as to remain securely in place without
`Substantial floor Slippage comprising a one piece pliable
`substantial floor slippage comprising a one piece pliable
`plastic mat having a driver foot area section, a front pas
`plastic mat having a driver foot area section, a front pas-
`Senger foot area Section, and a center hump area Section with
`senger foot area section, and a center humparea section with
`a tray molded thereinto for receiving coins and like sized
`a tray molded thereinto for receiving coins and like sized
`objects, Said one piece pliable plastic mat further molded to
`objects, said one piece pliable plastic mat further molded to
`a contour and shape to fit Snugly into a driver foot area, a
`a contour and shapeto fit snugly into a driver foot area, a
`front passenger foot area and a center hump area therebe
`front passenger foot area and a center hump area therebe-
`tween of the vehicle with a first lateral edge of the mat
`tween of the vehicle with a first lateral edge of the mat
`shaped for abutting against a driver door Sill of the vehicle,
`shaped for abutting against a driver doorsill of the vehicle,
`an opposed Second lateral edge of the mat shaped for
`an opposed second lateral edge of the mat shaped for
`abutting against a passenger door Sill of the vehicle to
`abutting against a passenger door sill of the vehicle to
`Substantially prevent Side to Side movement of the mat, a
`substantially prevent side to side movement of the mat, a
`back edge of the mat contoured for abutting against Seat
`back edge of the mat contoured for abutting against seat
`attaching hardware of the vehicle to Substantially prevent
`attaching hardware of the vehicle to substantially prevent
`rearward movement of the mat and front portions of the mat
`rearward movementof the mat and front portions of the mat
`vertically inclined for overlying a firewall of the vehicle to
`vertically inclined for overlying a firewall of the vehicle to
`limit forward movement of the mat, Said mat further having
`limit forward movement of the mat, said mat further having
`a retention tab extending outwardly from each of the lateral
`a retention tab extending outwardly from each ofthe lateral
`edges for fitting under the door sills of the vehicle, whereby
`edgesfor fitting under the doorsills of the vehicle, whereby
`the cover mat is physically restrained from Slipping laterally,
`the cover matis physically restrained from slippinglaterally,
`rearwardly and forwardly while in the vehicle.
`rearwardly and forwardly while in the vehicle.
`2. The full cover floor mat of claim 1 wherein (i) the
`2. The full cover floor mat of claim 1 wherein (i) the
`driver foot area Section of the pliable plastic mat is defined
`driver foot area section of the pliable plastic mat is defined
`by the first lateral edge, the back edge, a first crease
`by the first
`lateral edge,
`the back edge, a first crease
`Substantially parallel to the first lateral edge and extending
`substantially parallel to the first lateral edge and extending
`from the back edge to a front edge, (ii) the front passenger
`from the back edge to a front edge, (ii) the front passenger
`foot area Section of the pliable plastic mat is defined by the
`foot area section of the pliable plastic mat is defined by the
`Second lateral edge, the back edge, a Second crease Substan
`second lateral edge, the back edge, a second crease substan-
`tially parallel to the Second lateral edge and extending from
`tially parallel to the second lateral edge and extending from
`the back edge to the front edge and (iii) the center hump area
`the back edgeto the front edge and (iii) the center hump area
`section of the pliable plastic mat is defined by the first
`section of the pliable plastic mat is defined by the first
`crease, back edge, Second crease and front edge.
`crease, back edge, second crease and front edge.
`3. The full cover floor mat of claim 2 further having a first
`3. The full cover floor mat of claim 2 further havinga first
`raised wall molded into the driver foot area section near the
`raised wall molded into the driver foot area Section near the
`first lateral edge and a Second raised wall molded into the
`first lateral edge and a second raised wall molded into the
`front passenger foot area Section near the Second lateral
`front passenger foot area section near the second lateral
`edge, each of Said raised walls creating a tray in a central
`edge, each of said raised walls creating a tray in a central
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`US 6,817,649 B1
`US 6,817,649 B1
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`S
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`area of the driver foot area Section and a tray in a central area
`area of the driver foot area section and a tray in a central area
`of the front passenger foot area Section for catching and
`of the front passenger foot area section for catching and
`retaining debris.
`retaining debris.
`4. The full cover floor mat of claim 3 further wherein the
`4. The full cover floor mat of claim 3 further wherein the
`driver foot area Section has a vertically sloped wall extend
`driver foot area section has a vertically sloped wall extend-
`ing from the tray in the central area to the front edge for
`ing from the tray in the central area to the front edge for
`overlying the firewall of the vehicle.
`overlying the firewall of the vehicle.
`5. The full