Abstract:
A chairmat and a method for making the same is provided that has a substrate layer, a decorative material disposed on the substrate layer, and a seal layer disposed on the decorative material opposite the substrate layer. The method includes applying decorative material to the substrate and applying a seal layer to the decorative material so that the decorative material is between the sealing layer and the substrate.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]    The present invention is related to U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/309,089, filed Jul. 31, 2001, entitled “Decorative Chairmat” and hereby incorporated by reference. 
     
    
     
       TECHNICAL FIELD  
         [0002]    The present invention relates generally to chairmats, and more particularly, to a method and apparatus for making decorative chairmats.  
         BACKGROUND  
         [0003]    Chairmats are generally a mundane part of office decor. Typically, chairmats are formed from a plastic material that is clear or a solid color. Chairmats are used to provide a rolling surface on which office chairs more easily move. This helps reduce wear on the carpeting.  
           [0004]    Typical chairmats are unappealing due to the thick plastics used, whether they are colored or uncolored. This is particularly noticeable in a home office environment or in a professional office environment outside the home.  
           [0005]    It would therefore be desirable to provide an aesthetically pleasing chairmat to add a variety of interest and decoration to an office environment while protecting the floor from the wear and tear from a chair.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0006]    The present invention provides an improved chairmat that is aesthetically pleasing by allowing various designs to be incorporated therein.  
           [0007]    In one aspect of the invention, a chairmat includes a substrate layer, a decorative material that is disposed on the substrate layer, and a seal layer that is disposed on the decorative layer material opposite the substrate layer. It should be noted that the decorative layer may include the seal layer.  
           [0008]    In a further aspect of the invention, two or more different types of decorative materials may be disposed on the substrate layer to provide an interesting design.  
           [0009]    In yet another aspect of the invention, the decorative material may be placed on top of the substrate layer or beneath the substrate layer.  
           [0010]    In yet another aspect of the invention, a method for making a chairmat comprises applying a decorative material to a substrate; and applying a sealing layer to the decorative material so that the decorative material is between the sealing layer and the substrate. If the decorative material is included in the seal layer, the layers are formed simultaneously.  
           [0011]    Other advantages and features of the present invention will become apparent when viewed in light of the detailed description of the preferred embodiment when taken in conjunction with the attached drawings and appended claims. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0012]    [0012]FIG. 1 is a top plan view of a chairmat according to the present invention.  
         [0013]    [0013]FIG. 2 is a partial cross-sectional view of a first embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0014]    [0014]FIG. 3 is a partial cross-sectional view of an edge of the chairmat of FIG. 2.  
         [0015]    [0015]FIG. 3 is a partial cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT  
       [0016]    In the following description the same reference numerals will be used to identify the same components in the various views. Although specific materials and designs are provided in this description, these are not meant to be limiting.  
         [0017]    Referring now to FIG. 1, a top view of a chairmat  10  formed according to the present invention is illustrated. Chairmat  10  has a design portion  12  in the middle thereof. A second design portion  14  such as a border is also illustrated. First design portion  12  may extend completely to the edges of chairmat  10  on some or part of the sides. Second design portion  14  may be eliminated.  
         [0018]    Referring now to FIG. 2, one embodiment of a chairmat  10  formed according to the present invention is illustrated. In this embodiment a substrate  16  is provided. Substrate  16  may be formed of various types of non-conductive, non-electrical plastic-type materials such as polyvinylchloride or polypropylene. A decorative material  18  is disposed thereon. Decorative material  18  may be various types of decorative materials such as, but not limited to, paint, pencil, plastic, ink, paper, charcoal, polyurethane, crayon, glue, in-laid objects, and combinations thereof. The decorative material  18  forms a decorative layer. The decorative material  18  may be discontinuous or continuous, may extend to the edge or leave a border therebetween, or may be formed of different types of materials for different portions such as an edge or border portion being formed of a different decorative material than a central portion.  
         [0019]    A protective coating or sealing layer  20  is disposed upon the decorative material  18 . Of course, if the decorative material  18  is discontinuous, a portion of the sealing layer may also contact the substrate layer  16 . For example, if no decorative material is placed around a border portion, the sealing layer  20  and substrate layer may contact there. Also, in parts of the first design portion  12  shown in FIG. 1, portions without decorative material may also contact substrate layer. The sealing layer  20  may be formed of various types of materials. Preferably, a durable polymeric material is employed. For example, the application of several coats of polyurethane material may be employed. Other types of material such as a laminated type material may also be used. The sealing layer  20  is preferably smooth to highlight the design therebeneath. However, textured surfaces may also be employed.  
         [0020]    It should be noted that the decorative material can be pigment in a polymer layer that is applied to the substrate. That is, the seal layer and the decorative material may be integral. One example of such an integral material may be pigmented polyurethane.  
         [0021]    Referring now to FIG. 3, an edge  22  of a chairmat is illustrated. In this embodiment, substrate  16  is shown contacting the sealing layer  20 . That is, decorative material  18  does not extend entirely to the edge. The edge also has an angle θ to facilitate the rolling of wheels thereover. In addition, nubs  24  may be positioned along the bottom of substrate  18 . Nubs  24  help keep the chairmat in place. Nubs  24  may be made out a material that digs into the carpeting to maintain the chairmat  10  secure thereto. If chairmat  10  is to be employed on a tile surface a non-skid type nub  24  such as a rubberized nub may be employed.  
         [0022]    Referring now to FIG. 4, a second embodiment of a chairmat  10  is illustrated. In this embodiment, substrate  16 ′ has decorative material  18 ′ disposed on a bottom or lower surface thereof. The sealing layer  20 ′ is disposed on the decorative material  18 ′. In this embodiment, substrate  16 ′ is preferably transparent so that the decorative material  18  shows therebeneath. Substrate  16  may also be partially transparent so that only portions of the decorative material  18 ′ show therethrough. This may be useful for creating a design pattern using both the substrate  16 ′ and the decorative material  18 ′.  
         [0023]    In operation, the chairmat may be assembled by shaping the chairmat into a desired shape. This may be performed using cutting tools. Preformed substrates may also be used. Decorative materials are added to the substrate. The decorative material may use various mediums described above. The application of the various mediums depends on the type of medium.  
         [0024]    A seal layer is applied to the decorative material to protect the decorative material and maintain contact with the decorative material on the substrate  16 . One suitable application is the use of a polyurethane material over the design material. Of course, other types of materials may be used for the sealing layer. Therefore, the application and curing of such sealing layer depends upon the material of the sealing layer.  
         [0025]    It should be noted that the application of the decorative material  18  to the substrate  16  depends on which embodiment is desired. For example, the decorative material  18  is used on the bottom surface of substrate  16  for that of FIG. 4, while the decorative material  18  is placed upon the upper surface of substrate  16  for the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3.  
         [0026]    While particular embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, numerous variations and alternate embodiments will occur to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, it is intended that the invention be limited only in terms of the appended claims.