APPARATUS, SYSTEM, AND METHOD FOR CONNECTING MATS

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of the filing date of, and priority to, U.S. Patent Application No. 63/712,191 (the “’191 Application”), filed October 25, 2024, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.

The ’191 Application is related to U.S. Patent Application No. 14/320,132, filed June 30, 2014, issued as U.S. Patent No. 9,278,243 (the “’243 Patent”), which is a continuation of U.S. Patent Application No. 14/033,697, filed September 23, 2013, issued as U.S. Patent No. 8,800,233 (the “’233 Patent”), which is a continuation of U.S. Patent Application No. 13/625,958, filed September 25, 2012, issued as U.S. Patent No. 8,733,056 (the “’056 Patent”), which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Patent Application No. 12/458,193 (the “’193 Application”), filed July 2, 2009, issued as U.S. Patent No. 8,307,600 (the “’600 Patent”), the entire disclosures of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference.

The ’191 Application is also related to U.S. Patent Application No. 13/625,961, filed September 25, 2012, issued as U.S. Patent No. 8,596,011 (the “’011 Patent”), which is a division of the ’193 Application, the entire disclosures of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure relates, in general, to mats used in athletic activities, and more particularly, to devices, systems, and methods for connecting mats together.

BACKGROUND

Many indoor athletic activities such as wrestling, mixed martial arts, gymnastics, cheerleading, and many other activities use mats to provide a soft surface for the athletes. Many of these athletic activities occur in gymnasiums or other locations which are used for a variety of different purposes. Therefore, it is not always desired that the mats be positioned on the floor permanently or for long periods. Rather, mats are often spread out on a floor and removed depending on the activity to be conducted.

Often, several mats are arranged adjacent to each other in order to provide a large, padded surface. When mats are arranged adjacent to each other, they can move or shift in position causing gaps between the mats. This is generally an undesirable condition for a variety of reasons. For example, if the mats move or shift with respect to each other, gaps may occur exposing unpadded portions of the floor, which can cause injuries to the users of the mats or damage to the exposed portions of the floor. Also, the top surface of the mats may be noncontiguous which may also be undesirable.

One typical method for connecting adjacent mats is to use hook and loop strips (e.g., Velcro®). Typical hook and loop connection systems can be difficult to precisely position and can be difficult to reposition and adjust efficiently. Because of these difficulties, small gaps that can trap fingers and toes can be formed between adjacent mats. The adhesive backing used to attach the hook and loop strips to the mats in typical systems are prone to delamination after repeated use. The hook and loop strips of typical systems are also unable to be wrapped around corners of the mats. Finally, the hook and loop strips of typical systems can create difficulties and unevenness when folding the mats for storage. Another method for connecting adjacent mats is to use a projection and trench fastening system. Yet another method for connecting adjacent mats is to use a retainer and tension strip system.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a mat connecting system, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2A illustrates a perspective view of a mat connecting device of the mat connecting system of FIG. 1, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2B illustrates an elevational view of the mat connecting device of FIG. 2A, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2C illustrated a top view of the mat connecting device of FIG. 2A, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2D illustrates an exploded perspective view of the mat connecting device of FIG. 2A, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3A illustrates a perspective view of a magnet sleeve of the mat connecting device of FIGS. 2A through 2D, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3B illustrates a bottom view of the magnet sleeve of FIG. 3A, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3C illustrates an elevational view of the magnet sleeve of FIG. 3A, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3D illustrated a side view of the magnet sleeve of FIG. 3A, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4A illustrates a top view of a wire mesh retainer of the mat connecting device of FIGS. 2A through 2D, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4B illustrates an elevational view of the wire mesh retainer of FIG. 4A, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5A illustrates a perspective view of a housing plate of the mat connecting device of FIGS. 2A through 2D, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5B illustrates a top view of the housing plate of FIG. 5A, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5C illustrates a side view of the housing plate of FIG. 5A, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6A illustrates a perspective view of a magnet of the mat connecting device of FIGS. 2A through 2D, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6B illustrates a top view of the magnet of FIG. 6A, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6C illustrates a side view of the magnet of FIG. 6A, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7A illustrates an exploded perspective view of the mat connecting device of FIGS. 2A through 2D in a state or configuration of assembly, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7B illustrates another exploded perspective view of the mat connecting device of FIGS. 2A through 2D in another state or configuration of assembly, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7C illustrates yet another exploded perspective view of the mat connecting device of FIGS. 2A through 2D in yet another state or configuration of assembly, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 8A illustrates an exploded perspective view of another mat connecting device of the mat connecting system of FIG. 1, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 8B illustrates a top view of the another mat connecting device of FIG. 8A, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 9A illustrates an exploded perspective view of yet another mat connecting device of the mat connecting system of FIG. 1, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 9B illustrates a top view of the yet another mat connecting device of FIG. 9A, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 10A is a perspective view of an installation device for installing a mat connecting device of the mat connecting system of FIG. 1, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 10B is a perspective view of the installation device of FIG. 10A in a pre-installation state or configuration of use, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 10C is a perspective view of the mat connecting system of FIG. 10A in a post-installation state or configuration of use, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 10D is a perspective view of the mat connecting system of FIG. 10A in another post-installation state or configuration of use, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 11 is a diagrammatic view of another installation device for simultaneously installing mat connecting devices of the mat connecting system of FIG. 1, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 12A-1 is a perspective view of an alignment tool for installing a mat connecting device of the mat connecting system of FIG. 1, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 12A-2 is another perspective view of the alignment tool of FIG. 12A-1, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 12B is a perspective view of an alignment tool for installing a mat connecting device of the mat connecting system of FIG. 1, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following disclosure provides many different embodiments. Specific examples of components and arrangements are described below to simplify the present disclosure. These are, of course, merely examples and are not intended to be limiting. In addition, the present disclosure may repeat reference terms in the various embodiments. This repetition is for the purpose of simplicity and clarity and does not in itself dictate a relationship between the various embodiments and/or configurations discussed.

Referring to FIG. 1, a mat connecting system 100 is shown according to one or more embodiments. The mat connecting system 100 includes or is part of at least a mat 105a and a mat 105b, which are configured to be detachably connected together via a plurality of mat connecting devices, such as mat connecting devices 110a-d. In one or more embodiments, the mat connecting system 100 includes or is part of one or more additional mats, which are detachably connected to the mats 105a-b via the plurality of mat connecting devices. As shown, each mat 105a/b includes one or more foam layers, such as foam layers 115a-c, each divided into a plurality of sections, such as sections 120a-d, that allow the mat 105a/b to be folded and stored when not in use. Each mat 105a/b also includes a flexible top sheet 125 connected to the top foam layer 115a thereof. In combination, the flexible top sheets 125 of each adjacent mat 105a/b create a flat contiguous surface free of gaps or openings when the two (or more) mats 105a-b are detachably connected together. In one or more embodiments, the flexible top sheet 125 is or includes vinyl, carpet, turf, or any other material as desired or required for a particular application.

As shown in FIG. 1, an edge 130a of the mat 105a is adjacent to and configured to be detachably connected to a corresponding edge 130b of the second mat 105b via the plurality of mat connecting devices, such as the mat connecting devices 110a-d. In the embodiment shown, a portion of the flexible top sheet 125 (and, optionally, one or more of the foam layers 115a-c, such as the top foam layer 115a) of the mat 105a protrudes out from the edge 130a along the first mat 105a. The edge 130b of the mat 105b has a corresponding recess formed in the flexible top sheet 125 of the mat 105b (and, optionally, in one or more of the foam layers 115a-c, such as the top foam layer 115a) of the mat 105b. In one or more embodiments, when the mats 105a-b are attached via the mat connecting devices 110a-d, the recess formed along the edge 130b of the mat 105b receives the protruding portion (including the flexible top sheet 25) formed along the edge 130a of the mat 105a such that a smooth, flat contiguous surface is formed across and between the top surfaces 125 of the mats 105a-b.

In one or more embodiments, an edge 135a of the mat 105a, directly opposing and extending parallel to the edge 130a of the mat 105a, includes a protruding portion (similar to that described above in connection with the edge 130a of the mat 105a), a recess (similar to that described above in connection with the edge 130b of the mat 105b), or a flush edge (as shown in FIG. 1). Likewise, in one or more embodiments, an edge 135b of the mat 105b, directly opposing and extending parallel to the edge 130b of the mat 105b, includes a recess (similar to that described above in connection with the edge 130b of the mat 105b), a protruding portion (similar to that described above in connection with the edge 130a of the mat 105a), or another flush edge (as shown in FIG. 1).

In those embodiments in which the edge 135a of the mat 105a includes the protruding portion (similar to that described above in connection with the edge 130a of the mat 105a) or the recess (similar to that described above in connection with the edge 130b of the mat 105b), rather than the flush edge (as shown in FIG. 1), an additional mat with a corresponding edge configuration may be attached in series to the mat 105a. Likewise, in those embodiments in which the edge 135b of the mat 105b includes the recess (similar to that described above in connection with the edge 130b of the mat 105b) or the protruding portion (similar to that described above in connection with the edge 130a of the mat 105a), rather than the another flush edge (as shown in FIG. 1), an additional mat with a corresponding edge configuration may be attached in series to the mat 105b.

In one or more embodiments, the mat connecting system 100 includes or is part of a plurality of four (4) or more mats. Each mat of the plurality of four (4) or more mats includes at least one edge having a recess or a protruding portion similar to that described above in connection with the mats 105a-b. In some embodiments, each edge of each mat of the plurality of four (4) or more mats has either a recess, a protruding portion, or a flush edge similar to that described above in connection with the mats 105a-b—indeed, each mat of the plurality of four (4) or more mats may have any combination of these edge types. In one or more embodiments, each mat of the plurality of four (4) or more mats may be attached to one, two, three, or four other mats, depending on the application or location of the mat in the mat connecting system 100. In one or more embodiments, each edge of each mat of the plurality of four (4) or more mats is either attached to another mat or forms an exterior edge of the mat connecting system 100.

Referring to FIGS. 2A through 2D, with continuing reference to FIG. 1, one of the plurality of mat connecting devices (e.g., one of the mat connecting devices 110a-d illustrated in FIG. 1) is shown according to one or more embodiments. Specifically, the mat connecting device shown in FIGS. 2A through 2D includes a retainer, such as wire mesh 140, a magnet 145, a magnet sleeve 150, and a pair of housing plates 155a-b. The magnet sleeve 150 is configured to receive and retain the magnet 145, and the pair of housing plates 155a-b are configured to attach the magnet sleeve 150 and the magnet 145 to the wire mesh 140. In one or more embodiments, the wire mesh 140 defines a plurality of openings 160 (shown in FIG. 4A. In one or more embodiments, the wire mesh 140 is formed of wire 165 (shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B), such as flexible electrically conductive metal wire. For example, the wire mesh 140 may be or include galvanized steel wire.

In one or more embodiments, the magnet 145 is a permanent magnet. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 2A through 2D, the magnet 145 is or includes a rectangular plate magnet. Alternatively, in other embodiments, the magnet 145 may be or include a disk magnet or other shapes as desired for a particular application, or as needed based on the orientation of the magnet 145 upon installation of the mat connecting device. In one or more embodiments, the material and size of the magnet 145 is selected based on the strength of the magnet 145 required for the particular application. Depending on the application, including the activity to be performed on the mats, the retention forces created by the magnet 145, and required to hold the mats together, may vary. For example, in one or more embodiments, the magnet 145 may be a sintered neodymium iron boron (NdFeB) magnet having a N40 grade and a black epoxy coating.

Referring to FIGS. 3A through 3D, with continuing reference to FIGS. 1 through 2D, the magnet sleeve 150 of the mat connecting device illustrated in FIGS. 2A through 2D is shown according to one or more embodiments. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 3A through 3D, the magnet sleeve 150 includes a slot 170 (e.g., a recess or opening) that is sized and shaped to receive and retain the magnet 145. In one or more embodiments, the magnet 145 is positioned within the magnet sleeve 150 near or flush with an edge 175 of the magnet sleeve 150 that will be flush with an edge of the corresponding mat once the mat connecting device shown in FIGS. 2A through 2D is installed within the mat. The magnet 145 is positioned near the edge of the corresponding mat so that, when an adjacent edge of another mat is brought together therewith, the magnets positioned within each mat attract each other to facilitate attachment of the mats.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 3A through 3D, the magnet sleeve 150 is or includes a plate 180 (e.g., a rectangular plate). In one or more embodiments, the magnet sleeve 150 is made out of plastic, such as, for example, an acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) plastic. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 3A through 3D, the magnet sleeve 150 includes a plurality of protrusions 185 extending from either side of the plate 180 of the magnet sleeve 150 in opposing directions. In one or more embodiments, the plurality of protrusions 185 of the magnet sleeve 150 are configured to cooperate with and be received within a corresponding plurality of holes 190 (shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B) in the pair of housing plates 155a-b so that the pair of housing plates 155a-b can attach the magnet sleeve 150, and the magnet 145, to the wire mesh 140. In one or more embodiments, at least a portion of the plurality of protrusions 185 on at least one side of the magnet sleeve 150 are configured to extend through at least a portion of the plurality of openings 160 in the wire mesh 140 in order to retain the wire mesh 140 in connection with the magnet sleeve 150 (as shown and described below in connection with FIGS. 7B and 7C). In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 3A through 3D, at least one side of the magnet sleeve 150 has a stepped portion 195 that is at a lower elevation than the rest of the at least one side of the magnet sleeve 150. The stepped portion 195 is configured receive a portion of the wire mesh 140 such that the portion of the wire mesh 140, when received on the stepped portion 195 of the magnet sleeve 150, is flush with another portion of the at least one side of the magnet sleeve 150. This promotes secure attachment of the wire mesh 140 to the magnet sleeve 150 when the housing plate 155b is attached and traps the wire mesh 140 between the housing plate 155b and the magnet sleeve 150.

Referring to FIGS. 4A and 4B, with continuing reference to FIGS. 1 through 3D, the wire mesh 140 of the mat connecting device illustrated in FIGS. 2A through 2D is shown according to one or more embodiments. As previously described, the wire mesh 140 defines the plurality of openings 160 and is formed of the wire 165.

Referring to FIGS. 5A through 5C, with continuing reference to FIGS. 1 through 4B, the housing plate 155a/b of the mat connecting device illustrated in FIGS. 2A through 2D is shown according to one or more embodiments. The housing plates 155a-b are configured to attach the magnet sleeve 150 to the wire mesh 140. Specifically, the housing plate 155a is adapted to be attached to one side of the magnet sleeve 150 and the housing plate 155b is adapted to be attached to an opposing side of the magnet sleeve 150. On the one side of the magnet sleeve 150, which is the side having the stepped portion 195, the wire mesh 140 is received between the magnet sleeve 150 and the housing plate 155b. Each housing plate 155a/b includes the plurality of holes 190 corresponding to and configured to receive the plurality of protrusions 185 on each respective side of the magnet sleeve 150. In one or more embodiments, the pair of housing plates 155a-b are formed of a metal, such as, for example, steel.

Referring to FIGS. 6A through 6C, with continuing reference to FIGS. 1 through 5C, the magnet 145 of the mat connecting device illustrated in FIGS. 2A through 2D is shown according to one or more embodiments.

Referring to FIGS. 7A through 7C, with continuing reference to FIGS. 1 through 6C, the mat connecting device illustrated in FIGS. 2A through 2D is shown in various stages of assembly. As shown in FIG. 7A, the housing plate 155a is attached to a first side of the magnet sleeve 150 such that the protrusions 185 on the first side of the magnet sleeve 150 are received by the corresponding holes 190 in the housing plate 155a. Turning to FIG. 7B, the wire mesh 140 is assembled onto a second side of the magnet sleeve 150 and the magnet 145 is assembled into the slot 170 in the magnet sleeve 150. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 7A through 7C, the second side of the magnet sleeve 150 has the stepped portion 195 and the wire mesh 140 is received into the stepped portion 195. Also, the stepped portion 195 includes some of the protrusions 185 on the second side of the magnet sleeve 150. When the wire mesh 140 is assembled onto the magnet sleeve 150, the protrusions 185 on the stepped portion 195 extend through some of the openings 160 in the wire mesh 140 to retain the wire mesh 140 in place. Turning finally to FIG. 7C, the housing plate 155b is attached to the second side of the magnet sleeve 150 such that the protrusions 185 on the second side of the magnet sleeve 150 extend through the corresponding holes 190 in the second housing plate 155b. When assembled, the magnet 145 is retained within the magnet sleeve 150 between the housing plates 155a-b and the wire mesh 140 is retained between the second side of the magnet sleeve 150 and the housing plate 155b. In one or more embodiments, fasteners may be used to hold one or more of the components of the mat connecting device illustrated in FIGS. 7A through 7C together.

In one or more embodiments, when assembling the mat connecting device illustrated in FIGS. 2A through 2D, the first step is to inspect the components for defects, broken or cracked plastic, and debris, and replace or clean as necessary. The plastic magnet sleeve 150 is installed onto the housing plate 155a by aligning the holes 190 of the housing plate 155a with the corresponding protrusions 185 of the magnet sleeve 150. In one or more embodiments, the magnet sleeve 150 and/or the housing plate 155a has/have debossed text. Next, the magnet 145 is attached by placing a drop of glue into the magnet cavity 170 (or “slot”) of the magnet sleeve 150 and placing the magnet 145 in the cavity 170. In one or more embodiments, when assembled, the magnet 145 is oriented with the north pole facing up). Next, the wire mesh 140 is attached, ensuring that the wire mesh 140 sits flush with the magnet sleeve 150 and does not overlap the magnet 145 or the stepped portion 195 of the magnet sleeve 150. Next, the housing plate 155b is attached on top such that the housing plate 155b sits flush with the magnet 145 and the magnet sleeve 150, and the wire mesh 140 is not overlapped on top of the magnet 145 or the stepped portion 195. Next, a final inspection of the mat connecting device illustrated in FIGS. 2A through 2D is performed to ensure the device has been assembled correctly, and that none of the components were broken or damaged during assembly.

Finally, when a plurality of the mat connecting devices illustrated in FIGS. 2A through 2D have been assembly, they may be packaged for shipping. Packing the devices may include stacking the units with a plastic spacer between each unit. The stack quantity is chosen based on the internal dimensions of the shipping box and the need for sufficient padding around the stacks. Each stack of assembled units may be wrapped with bubble wrap so that they are protected but not wrapped so tight that they are deformed.

Referring to FIGS. 8A and 8B, with continuing reference to FIGS. 1 through 7C , another embodiment of one of the plurality of mat connecting devices (e.g., one of the mat connecting devices 110a-d illustrated in FIG. 1) is shown. Specifically, the mat connecting device shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B includes a magnet 200, a magnet sleeve 205, and a retainer, such as wire mesh 210. The magnet 200 is received within a slot 215 in the magnet sleeve 205, and the wire mesh 210 is received within another slot 220 in a directly opposing side of the magnet sleeve 205.

Referring to FIGS. 9A and 9B, with continuing reference to FIGS. 1 through 8B, yet another embodiment of one of the plurality of mat connecting devices (e.g., one of the mat connecting devices 110a-d illustrated in FIG. 1) is shown. Specifically, the matt connecting device shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B includes a magnet 225 and a retainer, such as wire mesh 230. The magnet 225 and the wire mesh 230 are over-molded to each other using an over-molding material 235.

Referring to FIGS. 10A through 10D, with continuing reference to FIGS. 1 through 9B, an embodiment of one of the plurality of mat connecting devices (e.g., one of the mat connecting devices 110a/b/c/d illustrated in FIG. 1) is shown being inserted/embedded into one of the mats (e.g., 105a/b). As shown, the mat connecting device (e.g., 110a/b/c/d) is installed into one of the sections (e.g., 120a/b/c/d) of one of the foam layers (e.g., 115a/b/c) of one of the mats. The mat connecting device is installed at a sufficient depth from the top surface of the mat such that no hard inclusions, undulations, or lumps are felt by users of the mat. In one or more embodiments, the mat connecting device is installed by rapidly heating the wire mesh (e.g., 140/210/230) and inserting the mat connecting device, mesh first, into the foam of the mat. In one or more embodiments, the wire mesh is heated by a coil 240 (e.g.., an electromagnetic induction coil) of an installation device 245. The wire mesh is heated to a temperature that will slightly melt the foam, thus allowing the wire mesh, and the rest of the mat connecting device, to be inserted into the foam of the mat. Once the wire mesh is heated, the mat connecting device is inserted into the foam, with the wire mesh being inserted first. The mat connecting device is pushed into the foam until the mat connecting device is embedded within the foam such that a proximal end of the mat connecting device, and the magnet (e.g., 145/200/225) retained therein, is flush with the edge of the foam. Once the mat connecting device is in place within the foam of the mat, the wire mesh and the melted foam cools such that the foam bonds to the wire mesh to retain the mat connecting device embedded in the mat.

In one or more embodiments, one mat connecting device is inserted into each section of the mat along at least one edge of the mat. In one or more embodiments, the mat connecting devices are inserted into the mat intermittently, with a mat connecting device in every other section of the of the mat. In one or more other embodiments, the mat connecting devices may be positioned in every two, every three, or more sections of the mat.

In one or more embodiments, the poles of the magnets of the plurality of mat connecting devices along one edge of a mat are all oriented in the same direction such that the entire edge of the mat may be considered a north or south pole edge. In one or more embodiments, a directly opposing edge of the mat may have a plurality of mat connecting devices with the magnets oriented the opposite way such that the opposing edge of the mat may be considered to have the opposite polarity compared to the other edge of the mat.

In one or more embodiments, a second mat that is to be attached to the first mat also includes a plurality of mat connecting devices along one or more edges. The adjacent edges of the two mats that are to be attached together have opposite polarity, thus as they are brought together, the adjacent edges of the two mats attract each other. The magnetic forces of attraction hold the two mats together while the mat connecting system is in use. As discussed above, the mats are attached such that a smooth, flat top surface is formed across the adjacent mats.

Referring to FIG. 11, with continuing reference to FIGS. 1 through 10D, in one or more embodiments, the installation device 245 includes multiple ones of the coils 240 for simultaneously inserting/embedding multiple ones of the plurality of mat connecting devices (e.g., multiple ones of the mat connecting devices 110a/b/c/d illustrated in FIG. 1) into multiple ones of the sections (120a/b/c/d).

Referring to FIGS. 12A-1 through 12B, with continuing reference to FIGS. 1 through 11, alignment tools that are used to install the plurality of mat connecting devices (e.g., the mat connecting devices 110a/b/c/d illustrated in FIG. 1) are shown and described. Specifically, FIGS. 12A-1 and 12A-2 illustrate a roller alignment tool 250 with multiple rollers 255 spaced apart such that the mat (e.g., 105a/b) can slide between them. The roller alignment tool 250 also has a through-hole 260 and locating magnet(s) 265 spaced apart from the through-hole 260 by a distance D that is equal to the desired spacing of the plurality of mat connecting devices along the edge of the mat. As the roller alignment tool 250 slides along the mat, the locating magnet(s) 265 attract(s) and locates the previously installed mat connecting device(s), at which point the through-hole 260 identifies the next position for installing a mat connecting device along the edge of the mat. FIG. 12B illustrates another slide alignment tool 270 with similar functionality, but with the rollers 255 omitted and replaced with slides 275 spaced apart such that the mat (e.g., 105a/b) can slide between them.

One or more embodiments of the present application are provided in whole or in part as described in Appendix A of the ’191 Application, which has been incorporated herein by reference. It is understood that one or more of the embodiments described above and shown in FIGS. 1 through 12B may be combined in whole or in part with one or more of the embodiments described and illustrated in Appendix A of the ’191 Application, and/or one or more other embodiments described above and shown in FIGS. 1 through 12B.

One or more of the embodiments described above and shown in FIGS. 1 through 12B and/or one or more of the embodiments described and illustrated in Appendix A of the ’191 Application may be combined in whole or in part with one or more of the embodiments described and illustrated in the ’243 Patent, the entire disclosure of which: has been incorporated herein by reference; and is included in Appendix B of the ’191 Application, which has also been incorporated herein by reference.

Additionally, or alternatively, one or more of the embodiments described above and shown in FIGS. 1 through 12B and/or one or more of the embodiments described and illustrated in Appendix A of the ’191 Application may be combined in whole or in part with one or more of the embodiments described and illustrated in the ’233 Patent, the entire disclosure of which: has been incorporated herein by reference; and is included in Appendix C of the ’191 Application, which has also been incorporated herein by reference.

Additionally, or alternatively, one or more of the embodiments described above and shown in FIGS. 1 through 12B and/or one or more of the embodiments described and illustrated in Appendix A of the ’191 Application may be combined in whole or in part with one or more of the embodiments described and illustrated in the ’056 Patent, the entire disclosure of which: has been incorporated herein by reference; and is included in Appendix D of the ’191 Application, which has also been incorporated herein by reference.

Additionally, or alternatively, one or more of the embodiments described above and shown in FIGS. 1 through 12B and/or one or more of the embodiments described and illustrated in Appendix A of the ’191 Application may be combined in whole or in part with one or more of the embodiments described and illustrated in the ’600 Patent, the entire disclosure of which: has been incorporated herein by reference; and is included in Appendix E of the ’191 Application, which has also been incorporated herein by reference.

Additionally, or alternatively, one or more of the embodiments described above and shown in FIGS. 1 through 12B and/or one or more of the embodiments described and illustrated in Appendix A of the ’191 Application may be combined in whole or in part with one or more of the embodiments described and illustrated in the ’011 Patent, the entire disclosure of which: has been incorporated herein by reference; and is included in Appendix F of the ’191 Application, which has also been incorporated herein by reference.

One or more of the embodiments described and illustrated in Appendices A-F of the ’191 Application may be combined in whole or in part with one or more of the embodiments described above and shown in FIGS. 1 through 12B and/or one or more of the other embodiments described and illustrated in Appendices A-F of the ’191 Application.

The present disclosure introduces a system for connecting a plurality of mats, which system has been described according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure. The system generally includes: a first mat connecting device, wherein the first mat connecting device is secured to a first mat of the plurality of mats along an edge of the first mat; a second mat connecting device, wherein the second mat connecting device is secured to a second mat of the plurality of mats along an edge of the second mat, and wherein the edge of the first mat and the edge of the second mat are adapted to be aligned along one another; and a first magnet adapted to detachably connect the first mat to the second mat by detachably connecting the first mat connecting device to the second mat connecting device when the edge of the first mat and the edge of the second mat are aligned along one another. In one or more embodiments, the first mat connecting device includes the first magnet and a first retainer that secures the first mat connecting device to the first mat along the edge of the first mat; and the second mat connecting device includes a second retainer that secures the second mat connecting device to the second mat along the edge of the second mat. In one or more embodiments, the second mat connecting device further includes a second magnet adapted to detachably connect the first mat to the second mat by detachably connecting the first mat connecting device to the second mat connecting device. In one or more embodiments, the first retainer is embedded into a foam layer of the first mat to secure the first mat connecting device to the first mat along the edge of the first mat; and the second retainer is embedded into a foam layer of the second mat to secure the second mat connecting device to the second mat along the edge of the second mat. In one or more embodiments, the system further includes: a third mat connecting device, wherein the third mat connecting device is secured to the first mat along the edge, or another edge, of the first mat; a fourth mat connecting device; and a second magnet adapted to detachably connect the first mat to the second mat, or a third mat, by detachably connecting the third mat connecting device to the fourth mat connecting device. In one or more embodiments, the third mat connecting device is secured to the first mat along the edge of the first mat; the fourth mat connecting device is secured to the second mat along the edge of the second mat; and the second magnet is adapted to detachably connect the first mat to the second mat by detachably connecting the third mat connecting device to the fourth mat connecting device. In one or more embodiments, the system further includes: the first mat; and the second mat. In one or more embodiments, the edge of the first mat, along which the first mat connecting device is secured to the first mat, includes one of: a protrusion; and a recess adapted to receive the protrusion when the edge of the first mat and the edge of the second mat are aligned along one another; and the edge of the second mat, along which the second mat connecting device is secured to the second mat, includes the other one of: the protrusion; and the recess adapted to receive the protrusion when the edge of the first mat and the edge of the second mat are aligned along one another. In one or more embodiments, the first mat includes a first plurality of foam layers; and the second mat includes a second plurality of foam layers.

The present disclosure also introduces a mat connecting device for connecting first and second mats, which mat connecting device has been described according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure. The mat connecting device generally includes: a retainer adapted to secure the mat connecting device to the first mat along an edge of the first mat, wherein the edge of the first mat is adapted to be aligned along the second mat; and a magnet, wherein, when the retainer secures the mat connecting device to the first mat along the edge of the first mat, and the edge of the first mat is aligned along the second mat, the magnet is adapted to detachably connect the first mat to the second mat by detachably connecting the mat connecting device to another mat connecting device associated with the second mat. In one or more embodiments, the retainer is adapted to be embedded into a foam layer of the first mat to secure the mat connecting device to the first mat along the edge of the first mat. In one or more embodiments, a protrusion is adapted to be received into a recess when the edge of the first mat is aligned along the second mat; the edge of the first mat, along which the retainer is adapted to secure the mat connecting device to the first mat, includes one of the protrusion and the recess; and the second mat includes the other one of the protrusion and the recess.

The present disclosure also introduces a method for detachably connecting a plurality of mats, which method has been described according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure. The method generally includes: aligning an edge of a first mat of the plurality of mats and an edge of a second mat of the plurality of mats along one another; and detachably connecting the first mat to the second mat while the edge of the first mat and the edge of the second mat are aligned along one another, wherein a first mat connecting device is secured to the first mat along the edge of the first mat, wherein a second mat connecting device is secured to the second mat along the edge of the second mat, and wherein detachably connecting the first mat to the second mat while the edge of the first mat and the edge of the second mat are aligned along one another includes detachably connecting, using a first magnet, the first mat connecting device to the second mat connecting device. In one or more embodiments, the first mat connecting device includes the first magnet and a first retainer that secures the first mat connecting device to the first mat along the edge of the first mat; and the second mat connecting device includes a second retainer that secures the second mat connecting device to the second mat along the edge of the second mat. In one or more embodiments, the second mat connecting device further includes a second magnet; and detachably connecting the first mat to the second mat while the edge of the first mat and the edge of the second mat are aligned along one another further includes detachably connecting, using the second magnet, the first mat connecting device to the second mat connecting device. In one or more embodiments, the method further includes: securing, using the first retainer, the first mat connecting device to the first mat along the edge of the first mat; and securing, using the second retainer, the second mat connecting device to the second mat along the edge of the second mat. In one or more embodiments, securing, using the first retainer, the first mat connecting device to the first mat along the edge of the first mat includes embedding the first retainer into a foam layer of the first mat; and securing, using the second retainer, the second mat connecting device to the second mat along the edge of the second mat includes embedding the second retainer into a foam layer of the second mat. In one or more embodiments, the method further includes: aligning another edge of the first mat and an edge of a third mat of the plurality of mats along one another; and detachably connecting the first mat to the third mat while the another edge of the first mat and the edge of the third mat are aligned along one another, wherein a third mat connecting device is secured to the first mat along the another edge of the first mat, wherein a fourth mat connecting device is secured to the third mat along the edge of the third mat, and wherein detachably connecting the first mat to the third mat while the another edge of the first mat and the edge of the third mat are aligned along one another includes detachably connecting, using a second magnet, the third mat connecting device to the fourth mat connecting device. In one or more embodiments, a third mat connecting device is secured to the first mat along the edge of the first mat; a fourth mat connecting device is secured to the second mat along the edge of the second mat; and detachably connecting the first mat to the second mat while the edge of the first mat and the edge of the second mat are aligned along one another further includes detachably connecting, using a second magnet, the third mat connecting device to the fourth mat connecting device. In one or more embodiments, the edge of the first mat, along which the first mat connecting device is secured to the first mat, includes one of a protrusion and a recess; and the edge of the second mat, along which the second mat connecting device is secured to the second mat, includes the other one of the protrusion and the recess; and aligning the edge of the first mat and the edge of the second mat along one another includes receiving the protrusion into the recess.

The present disclosure also introduces a mat connecting system, which mat connecting system has been described according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure.

The present disclosure also introduces a mat connecting device, which mat connecting device has been described according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure.

The present disclosure also introduces a mat, which mat has been described according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure.

The present disclosure also introduces an alignment tool, which alignment tool has been described according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure.

The present disclosure also introduces a heating device, which heating device has been described according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure.

The present disclosure also introduces an insertion device, which insertion device has been described according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure.

The present disclosure also introduces an apparatus, which apparatus has been described according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure.

The present disclosure also introduces a system, which system has been described according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure.

The present disclosure also introduces a method, which method has been described according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure.

The present disclosure also introduces an assembly, which assembly has been described according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure.

The present disclosure also introduces a kit, which kit has been described according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure.

It is further understood that variations may be made in the foregoing without departing from the scope of the disclosure.

In one or more embodiments, the elements and teachings of the various embodiments disclosed herein may be combined in whole or in part in some or all of said embodiment(s). In addition, one or more of the elements and teachings of the various embodiments disclosed herein may be omitted, at least in part, or combined, at least in part, with one or more of the other elements and teachings of said embodiment(s).

Any spatial references such as, for example, “upper,” “lower,” “above,” “below,” “between,” “bottom,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” “angular,” “upwards,” “downwards,” “side-to-side,” “left-to-right,” “left,” “right,” “right-to-left,” “top-to-bottom,” “bottom-to-top,” “top,” “bottom,” “bottom-up,” “top-down,” etc., are for the purpose of illustration only and do not limit the specific orientation or location of the structure described above.

In one or more embodiments, while different steps, processes, and procedures are described as appearing as distinct acts, one or more of the steps, one or more of the processes, or one or more of the procedures may also be performed in different orders, simultaneously or sequentially. In one or more embodiments, the steps, processes, or procedures may be merged into one or more steps, processes, or procedures. In one or more embodiments, one or more of the operational steps in each embodiment may be omitted. Moreover, in some instances, some features of the present disclosure may be employed without a corresponding use of the other features. Moreover, one or more of the embodiments disclosed above and in the Appendices A-F of the ’191 Application, or variations thereof, may be combined in whole or in part with any one or more of the other embodiments described above and in the Appendices A-F of the ’191 Application, or variations thereof.

Although various embodiments have been disclosed in detail above and in the Appendices A-F of the ’191 Application, the embodiments disclosed are exemplary only and are not limiting, and those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that many other modifications, changes, and substitutions are possible in the embodiments without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the present disclosure. Accordingly, all such modifications, changes, and substitutions are intended to be included within the scope of this disclosure as defined in the following claims. In the claims, means-plus-function clauses are intended to cover the structures described herein as performing the recited function and not only structural equivalents, but also equivalent structures. Moreover, it is the express intention of the applicant not to invoke 35 U.S.C. § 112(f) for any limitations of any of the claims herein, except for those in which the claim expressly uses the word “means” together with an associated function.