Patent Publication Number: US-2021161360-A1

Title: Doormat with removable mat insert

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/010,979 filed on Jun. 18, 2018, which claims benefit of Provisional Patent Application No. 62/523,440 filed on Jun. 22, 2017. The entire contents of these applications are incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     INTRODUCTION 
     The present invention relates to a doormat with a removable mat insert and a decorative frame, and which can be used outdoors or indoors. 
     Doormats are commonly used outside or inside an entrance to a building, such as a house, to allow persons entering the building to scrub or wipe their shoes in order to keep dirt, mud, water, sand and/or snow from being tracked through the building. Typically, doormats are made from tough, long-lasting materials such as coir, rubber and other materials. Durability and ability to keep the underlying and surrounding floor surfaces dry are important features of a doormat. 
     Some doormats may include decorative elements, such as a design or a word on the upper surface of a doormat. For example, words such as “welcome” or humorous messages may be used as a decorative element on the upper surface of a doormat. Customization of a doormat design and the decorative elements used on the doormat may be desired by the owner or inhabitant of the building. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     It is an objective of the present invention to provide a doormat which is sufficiently durable for either indoor or outdoor use. It is another objective of the invention to provide a doormat which has a removable central insert for easy cleaning or replacement. Moreover, the doormat of the present invention allows easy customization by removing the central insert and replacing it with another insert having a different appearance. It is yet another objective of the invention to provide a doormat for outdoor use which has a drainage ability so that water is not retained by the doormat, particularly during wet weather. Moreover, the doormat of the present invention has a durable and lightweight construction. 
     In accordance with the present invention, a doormat assembly is provided, comprising a base including a central area and a peripheral area surrounding the central area, and having an upper surface and an opposing lower surface, a frame assembly overlapping with at least a portion of the upper surface of the peripheral area of the base and forming a frame with a central opening for exposing the central area of the base, and a removable insert sized to fit within the central opening of the frame assembly and to cover the central area of the base. The frame assembly is formed separately from the base and the frame assembly comprises different materials from the base, and the removable insert is removable through the central opening in the frame and replaceable. In certain embodiments, the base comprises rubber material and the central area of the base includes a plurality of through openings for draining fluids. The through openings are provided at substantially regular intervals throughout the central area of the base. In certain illustrative embodiments, the through openings are hexagonally-shaped openings arranged in a honeycomb pattern throughout the central area of the base. The base may be formed from at least one of nitrile-butadiene rubber (NBR) and styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR). In some embodiments, the thickness of the central area of the base is substantially the same and each of the through openings includes a beveled edge. 
     In certain embodiments of the invention, the peripheral area of the base is configured to engage with the frame assembly. The frame assembly may comprise a plurality of side members and a plurality of corner portions engaged with the side members to form the frame. In some embodiments, each end of one of the side members and the corner portions includes an opening and each end of the other one of the side members and the corner portions includes a recessed portion adapted to fit within the opening in the end of said one of the side members and the corner portions. In certain embodiments, the side members are formed from one or more of wood and bamboo, and wherein the corner portions are formed from a metallic material. 
     In certain embodiments, the peripheral area of the base includes a channel extending along its length, and each of the plurality of side members and each of the plurality of corner portions includes a protrusion extending along its length, the protrusion being configured to fit into the channel in the peripheral area. The peripheral area of the base includes an inner frame-shaped protrusion extending around the central area of the base and an outer frame-shaped protrusion extending around the inner frame-shaped protrusion, and the channel in the peripheral area is formed between the inner frame-shaped protrusion and the outer frame-shaped protrusion. 
     The doormat assembly of certain embodiments further comprises support brackets abutting the lower surface of the peripheral area of the base, wherein the support brackets engage with the peripheral area of the base and the frame assembly. The lower surface of the peripheral area of the base includes a channel configured to accommodate the support brackets, and the support brackets engage with the peripheral area of the base and the frame assembly using connectors. 
     In the embodiments described below, the size of the removable insert corresponds to the opening in the frame. The removable insert comprises one or more of coir, horsehair bristles and polypropylene. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The above and other features and aspects of the present invention will become more apparent upon reading the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a first embodiment of a doormat of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a more detailed view of the doormat of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is a second embodiment of the doormat of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4  is a more detailed view of the components of the doormat of  FIG. 3  in a disassembled form; 
         FIGS. 5A and 5B  are further detailed views of the components of the doormat of  FIGS. 3-4 ; 
         FIG. 6  shows more detailed views of the base of the doormat of the second embodiment; 
         FIGS. 7A and 7B  show more detailed views of the frame components of the doormat of the second embodiment; 
         FIG. 8  shows more detailed views of decorative overlay of the doormat of the second embodiment; 
         FIG. 9  shows a third embodiment of the doormat of the present invention; 
         FIGS. 10A-10B  show top and bottom exploded views of the doormat of  FIG. 9 ; 
         FIGS. 11 and 12  show details of assembling the doormat of  FIG. 9 ; 
         FIGS. 13A-13C  show in more detail a base of the doormat of  FIG. 9 ; 
         FIGS. 14A-14C  show in more detail corner members of the frame of the doormat of  FIG. 9 ; 
         FIGS. 15A-15C  show in more detail side members of the frame of the doormat of  FIG. 9 ; 
         FIG. 16  shows in more detail support brackets of the doormat of  FIG. 9 ; 
         FIGS. 17A-17B  show in more detail tee nut connectors used for assembling the doormat of  FIG. 9 ; 
         FIGS. 18A-18C  show a fourth embodiment of the doormat; 
         FIGS. 19A-19C  show in more detail corner member of the frame of the doormat of  FIGS. 18A-18C ; 
         FIGS. 20A-20D  show in more detail a side member of the frame of the doormat of  FIGS. 18A-18C ; and 
         FIGS. 21A-21C  show in more detail a support bracket of the doormat of  FIGS. 18A-18C . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       FIGS. 1 and 2  show a first embodiment of a doormat  100  of the present invention,  FIGS. 3-5B  show a second embodiment of a doormat  200  of the present invention and  FIGS. 9-10B  show a third embodiment of a doormat  300  of the present invention. The doormat  100 / 200 / 300  of the present invention may be used inside or outside of the house and is provided with a removable insert that can be taken out to be cleaned or replaced. The doormat  100 / 200 / 300  of the present invention also may include drainage ability, particularly if the doormat is intended to be used outside of the house. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the doormat  100  of the first embodiment includes a base  102 , a frame  104  attached to a top surface of the base  102 , and a removable center insert  106 . The base  102  may be made of rubber, plastic, resin or any other suitable heavy-duty material, or combination thereof, which is waterproof and can withstand wet conditions and maintain durability and stability at a large range of temperatures from below freezing (below 32° F.) to above 100° F. The base  102  includes a peripheral area  103   a  and a central area  103   b.  A top surface of the peripheral area  103   a,  which extends around a periphery of the base  102 , is attached to the frame  104 , while a top surface of the central area  103   b  is adapted to abut the removable center insert  106   a.    
     As can be seen in  FIG. 2 , the base  102  may have drainage ability by providing a plurality of openings  102   a  in the central area  103   b  of the base  102 . Although the central area  103   b  of the base  102  is shown as having a mesh-type construction with a plurality of substantially rectangular openings, the construction of the central area of the base and of the openings  102   a  are not limited to this particular construction. For example, the central area of the base may include a plurality of openings of any shape, e.g., circular, rectangular, star-shaped, etc., distributed at regular or irregular intervals around the central area. In certain embodiments, a larger number of openings  102   a  dispersed at smaller intervals may be provided in the area closer to the center of the base and a smaller number of openings  102   a  dispersed at larger intervals may be provided in the area closer to the periphery of the base  102 . In certain embodiments, the peripheral area  103   a  of the base  102  may have a solid construction, without any openings. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the frame  104  is attached to the top surface of the peripheral area  103   a  of the base  102 . An adhesive, a fastener or any other suitable method of attachment or coupling, or a combination of such methods, may be used to attach the frame  104  to the peripheral area  103   a  of the base  102 . In some embodiments, the frame  104  is formed from a single integral piece of material, which may formed using cutting, molding, pressing, 3D printing or other suitable techniques. In other embodiments, the frame  104  is formed from a plurality of members, including at least a first member, a second member, a third member and a fourth member which form respective sides of the frame  104 . Each of the plurality of members is connected to or joined with adjacent members using an adhesive or one or more fasteners, such as staples, nails, etc. Moreover, in some embodiments additional components may be used in the frame, such as corner couplings or fastening members for joining adjacent members to one another. The frame  104  may be made from metallic materials, such as steel, stainless steel or aluminum, treated or untreated wood materials, such as teak, or resin, such as concrete-like resin. The material(s) of the frame should be strong enough to withstand a heavy load resulting from stepping, dragging, and other forces acting thereon. 
     In certain embodiments, the frame  104  may include a decorative overlay  105  provided on exposed surfaces of the frame  104  to create a desired look. For example, the decorative overlay  104   a  may be provided on top, exterior side and interior side surfaces of the frame  104 . The decorative overlay  104  is attached to the frame  104  using a suitable adhesive and/or fastener, such as nails or staples. In other embodiments, the frame  104  and overlay  105  may be constructed to interlock with one another. For example, the frame  104  may include one or more recesses extending along its surface while the overlay  105  may include one or more corresponding projections shaped so as to engage and lock together with the one or more recesses in the frame  104 . Other suitable methods of attaching the overlay  105  to the frame may be used. The decorative overlay  105  may be formed from a metallic material, such as stainless steel, chrome, nickel, copper, titanium, or other, preferably corrosion and/or rust resistant, metal, a wood material, such as teak, cedar, cypress or other, preferably decay and water resistant wood, a plastic material, a polymer, or a resin. The material of the decorative overlay  105  will depend on the desired decorative appearance. 
     Although in some embodiments, the frame  104  may include a decorative overlay  105 , in other embodiments, it may be possible to achieve the desired appearance by the frame  104  alone, without using any decorative overlay on the surface of the frame  104  and/or by treating or processing the frame  104  material so as to create a desired appearance, e.g., painting, sealing, polishing, etc. 
     As further shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the doormat  102  includes a removable center insert  106  which can be inserted inside the frame  104  and on top of the central area  103   b  of the base  102 . The size and shape of the removable center insert  106  substantially corresponds to the opening in the frame  104 . The removable insert  106  is not permanently attached to the base  102  or the frame and can be removed for cleaning or replacement. The removable insert  106  may be made from any suitable material with brushing ability, including but not limited to coir, horsehair bristles, polypropylene or a combination thereof. Since the insert  106  is removable, the doormat  102  may be customized to the user&#39;s desired appearance by using a desired insert  106  and may be customized for different occasions by using different inserts. In addition, the insert  106  may be removed for easy cleaning without requiring cleaning of the entire doormat. Moreover, when the removable insert  106  wears out due to use, replacement of the insert  106  without replacing the entire doormat can be easily accomplished. 
       FIGS. 3-5  show the second embodiment of the doormat  200  of the present invention. In the second embodiment, the doormat  200  includes a base  202 , a frame  204  holding the base  202  and a removable center insert  206 . In certain embodiments, the doormat also includes a decorative frame overlay  205  which is coupled with the frame so as to provide a certain appearance to the frame  204 .  FIGS. 6-8  show the components of the doormat  200  in more detail. 
     In the illustrative embodiment shown in  FIGS. 4 and 5 , the base  202  is made of rubber using injection molding, and preferably from eco-rubber or silicon. However, in other embodiments, the base  202  may be formed from other materials including plastic, resins or any other suitable heavy-duty materials, or a combination thereof, which are waterproof and can withstand wet conditions and maintain durability and stability at a large range of temperatures ranging from below freezing to above 100° F. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 4 and 5 , the base  202  includes a peripheral area  203   a  extending around a periphery of the base  202  and a central area  203   b  surrounded by the peripheral area  203   a.  In the embodiment shown, the central area  203   b  includes a plurality of openings  202   a  which provide drainage for any liquids trapped by the doormat. In the illustrative embodiment of  FIGS. 4 and 5 , the openings have a hexagonal shape and are arranged at uniform intervals throughout the central area  203   b.  However, as discussed above, the shape of the openings may be varied (e.g., circular, rectangular, etc.) and the density of the openings in the central area  203   a  may also be varied. In yet other embodiments, the base  202  may have a solid construction without any openings, particularly for doormats that are intended for use indoors. The arrangement of the openings  202   a  is shown in more detail in  FIG. 6 . As shown in  FIG. 6 , a cross-section of each opening  202   a  may have a first width at the upper surface of the base  202  and decrease to a second width, smaller than the first width, toward the center of the base&#39;s thickness. In addition, the cross-section of each opening  202  may increase slightly to a third width, which is slightly larger than the second width but smaller than the first width, at the lower surface of the base  202 . 
     As shown, the peripheral area  203   a  includes first and second portions  203   c  and  203   d  partially overlapping with one another and separated by a channel  203   f.  The first portion  203   c  is co-extensive with an upper surface of the central area  203   b  and is arranged to partially overlap over the second portion  203   d.  As discussed in more detail below, when the base  202  is assembled together with the frame  204 , the frame  204  engages with the channel  203   f  so as to hold the first portion  203   c  of the peripheral area  203   a,  while the second portion  203   d  extends under the frame  204 . The structure and cross-section of the peripheral area  203   a  is shown in more detail in  FIG. 6 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 4-5B  and  FIG. 6 , the first portion  203   c  includes cutouts  203   g  at each of the corners of the base so as to accommodate corner connectors  204   e  of the frame  204 . In some embodiments, the second portion  203   d  has a stepped configuration so as to accommodate the shape of the frame  204  and to create a gapless appearance. In other embodiments, the second portion  203   d  of the peripheral area  203   a  may have a uniform thickness or may have a varying thickness, depending on the shape of the frame  204 . 
     The frame  204  includes first, second, third and fourth side members  204   a - 204   d  each forming a sidewall of the frame  204 , and four corner connectors  204   e  for connecting or joining adjacent side members  204   a - 204   d,  e.g., for joining the first side member  204   a  with the second side member  204   b  at one end and with the fourth side member  204   d  at the other end. Although the frame  204  in the present embodiment is rectangular including four sides, the invention may be adapted to doormats of different shapes and the frames of such doormats would be adapted to include the required number of side members and corners, e.g., for a hexagonal doormat, six side members and six corner members would be used to form the frame. 
     As shown in  FIG. 4  and visible in more detail in  FIGS. 5A, 5B and 7A , each frame member  204   a - 204   d  comprises an elongated bar including a substantially rectangular U-channel  204   f  (also referred to as “main channel”) for holding the first portion  203   c  of the peripheral area  203   a  of a corresponding side of the base  202 . When the frame members are joined with one another to form the frame  204 , the opening of the U-channel  204   f  of each frame member faces towards the center of the frame. When the frame  204  is assembled together with the base  202 , the first portion  203   c  of the peripheral area  203   a  of each side of the base  202  is inserted into the main channel  204   f  of the corresponding frame member  204   a - 204   d  so that a lower leg of the main channel  204   f  is inserted into the channel  203   f  between the first and second portions  203   c  and  203   d  of the peripheral area  203   a  and the second portion  203  extends under the lower leg of the main channel  204   f.    
     Each frame member  204   a - 204   d  also includes a first C-channel  204   g  with an opening that faces in an opposing direction from the opening of the main channel  204   f  and a second C-channel  204   h  with an opening that faces in a direction substantially perpendicular to the directions of the openings of the main channel and the first C-channel. When the frame members  204   a - d  are joined to form the assembled frame  204 , the opening of the first C-channel  204   g  of each frame member forms a portion of an outer periphery of the frame  204  and faces away from the center of the frame  204 , while the opening of the second C-channel  204   h  of each frame member faces in an upward direction and forms a portion of an upper surface of the frame. As shown in  FIGS. 5A and 7A , the width of the first C-channel  204   g  may be greater than the width of the main channel  204   f,  wherein the first C-channel  204   g  extends beyond the lower leg of the main channel  204   f.  This illustrative configuration allows the first C-channel  204   g  to rest on the upper surface of the second portion  203   d  of the peripheral area. However, in other configurations, the width of the first C-channel  204   g  may be the same or similar to the width of the main channel  204   f.    
     As shown in  FIG. 7A , each side wall that extends from the main channel wall and forms a side of the first or second C-channel  204   g  and  204   h  may include a protrusion  204   j  extending beyond the periphery of the C-channel. These protrusions  204   j  co-extend with an outer surface of overlay  205  pieces which can be inserted into the first and second C-channels  204   g  and fill any gaps between overlay pieces  205  and other components of the doormat to create a gapless appearance. 
     In the illustrative embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of pieces of decorative overlay  205  engage with the first and second C-channels  204   g  and  204   h  of each frame member  204   a - 204   d  via a T-shaped protrusion  205   a  formed on a surface of the decorative overlay  205 . Specifically, the T-shaped protrusion  205   a  of the decorative overlay  205  is adapted to slide into, and to engage with, the corresponding C-channel  204   g  or  204   h.    
       FIG. 8  shows the configuration of the decorative overlay  205  in more detail. As shown in  FIG. 8 , the decorative overlay  205  includes an outer portion  205   b  with the T-shaped protrusion  205   a  provided on its surface. In the illustrative configuration shown in  FIG. 8 , the decorative overlay  205  is not symmetrical with a first side of the overlay  205  being longer than a second side and the first side of the overlay being cut at an angle. The angle at which the first side is cut matches the angle of the corresponding C-channel  204   g  or  204   h.  In this illustrative example, the angle is 45 degrees, but in other configurations, the angle may be different. 
     As discussed above, the frame  204  also includes four corner connectors  204   e  for joining adjacent frame members  204   a - 204   d  with one another.  FIG. 7B  shows a detailed view of each corner connector  204   e.  Each corner connector  204   e  has an L shape with legs  204   e   1  of substantially the same length. A substantially rectangular plate  204   e   2  extends from a corner of the corner connector  204   e  between the legs of the corner connector  204   e.    
     To assemble the frame  204 , the legs of each corner connector  204   e  are inserted into the main channels  204   f  of the respective adjacent frame members  204   a - 204   d  so as to join the adjacent frame members with one another. Moreover, when the frame  204  is assembled with the base  202 , each corner connector  204   e  is positioned in the cutout  203   g  of the first portion  203   c  of the peripheral area  203   a  and is secured to the second portion  203   d  of the peripheral area  203   a  using fasteners, such as screws or other suitable fasteners. In the assembled frame, the rectangular plate provided between the legs of the corner connector  204   e  fills a space formed at the corner between adjacent frame members  204   a - 204   d,  thereby providing a gapless appearance. 
     In the present illustrative embodiment, the above-described components of the frame  204  are made from metallic materials such as steel, stainless steel, aluminum, chromium, nickel, copper, titanium and other metals that are preferably rust resistant, and combinations thereof. In other embodiments, other materials which are sufficiently strong and durable may be used for the frame, including certain plastics and polymers, resins, etc. In the present illustrative embodiment, the components of the frame  204  comprise stainless steel and may be formed by extrusion and/or metal injection molding (MIM). For example, the frame members  204   a - 204   d  may be formed from extruded steel and finished with a radial arm saw and a drill to accept the screws, while the corner connectors  204   e  may be formed by metal injection molding (MIM). However, it is understood that other techniques, including cutting, welding and 3-D printing, may be used for forming frame components. 
     The plurality of pieces of decorative overlay  205  may be formed from any suitable materials, including wood, plastics, polymers, metal, etc. so as to create a desired appearance. In the present illustrative embodiment, the decorative overlay  205  pieces are formed from treated or untreated wood, such as teak, cedar, cypress, etc., or from bamboo, and may be created on a router table or using a table saw and finished with a radial arm saw. 
     As discussed above, the doormat also includes a removable center insert  206  which can be inserted into the frame and base assembly and removed therefrom for cleaning or replacement. The removable center insert  206  may be formed from any suitable material with brushing ability, including but not limited to coir, jute, horsehair, bristles, polypropylene, etc. In the illustrative embodiment shown in  FIGS. 4-5B , a thin layer  206   a  made from rubber or other non-slip material is used to form a bottom surface of the removable center insert  206  so as to hold the removable center insert  206  in place and to prevent slipping or bunching. In the present illustrative embodiment, the shape of the removable center insert  206  is similar to the opening in the frame, and cutouts  206   b  are formed at one or more corners of the removable center insert  206  to allow for easy removal or lifting of the removable center insert  206  from the frame  204  and base  202  assembly. 
       FIGS. 9-17B  show the third embodiment of the doormat  300  of the present invention.  FIG. 9  shows an assembled configuration of the doormat  300 , while  FIGS. 10A and 10B  show exploded views of the doormat components viewed from above and from below, respectively.  FIGS. 11 and 12  show details of assembling the doormat  300  of  FIGS. 9-10B , and  FIGS. 13A-17B  show more detailed configurations of the individual components of the doormat  300 , including the configurations of a base  302  in  FIGS. 13A-C , corner members  304   e  of the frame  304  in  FIGS. 14A-14C , side members  304   a - d  of the frame  304  in  FIGS. 15A-15C , support brackets  308  in  FIG. 16 , and tee nut connectors in  FIGS. 17A-B . These features and components of the doormat  300  are described in more detail below. 
     In the third embodiment, the doormat  300  includes the base  302 , the frame  304  provided on an upper surface of the base  302  and support brackets  308  provided on a lower surface of the base  302 . The frame  304  and the support brackets  308  are each engaged with the base  302  and are engaged with one another using connectors or another suitable coupling mechanism so that an outer periphery of the base  302  is sandwiched between the frame  304  and the support brackets  308 . The doormat  300  also includes a removable center insert  306  which can be removed for cleaning or exchanging with other removable center inserts. 
     In the illustrative embodiment shown in  FIGS. 9 and 10A-10B , the base  302  is made of rubber using injection molding, and preferably from eco-rubber or silicon. In one illustrative embodiment, the base  302  is made from nitrile-butadiene rubber (NBR), styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR) or a mix of NBR/SBR rubber. However, in other embodiments, the base  302  may be formed from other materials including plastic, resins or any other suitable heavy-duty materials, or a combination thereof, which are waterproof and can withstand wet conditions and maintain durability and stability at a large range of temperatures ranging from below freezing to above 100° F. 
       FIGS. 10A and 10B  show exploded views of the doormat  300  shown in  FIG. 9  viewed from the upper surface and from the lower surface, respectively. As shown in  FIGS. 10A-B , the base includes a peripheral area  303   a  extending around a periphery of the base  302  and a central area  303   b  surrounded by the peripheral area  303   a.  In the embodiment shown, the central area  303   b  includes a plurality of openings  302   a  which provide drainage for fluids trapped by the doormat. In the illustrative embodiment of  FIGS. 10A-B , the openings have a hexagonal shape and are arranged at uniform intervals throughout the central area  303   b.  The specific configuration of the central area  302   b  and the openings  302   a  is shown in  FIGS. 13A-C  and described in more detail below. However, as in the other embodiments, the shape of the openings  302   a  may be varied (e.g., circular, rectangular, etc.) and the density of the openings in the central area  303   a  may also be varied. In yet other embodiments, the base  302  may have a solid construction without any openings, particularly for doormats that are intended for use indoors. 
     As shown in  FIG. 10A , the upper surface of the peripheral area  303   a  includes an inner frame-shaped protrusion  303   c  surrounding the central area  303   b  of the base  302  and an outer frame-shaped protrusion  303   d  surrounding the inner frame-shaped protrusion  303   c.  The inner and outer protrusions  303   c,    303   d  are separated by a channel  303   e  therebetween, and the outer frame-shaped protrusion is surrounded by an outer lip  303   f  forming the outer periphery of the base  303 . 
     The configuration of the upper surface of the peripheral area  303   a  is adapted for engaging with the frame member  304 , which includes four side members  304   a - d  forming the respective sides of the frame member  304 , and four corner connectors or corner members  304   e  forming the respective corners of the frame member  304 . Each of the four side members  304   a - d  has a T-shaped cross-section, wherein each side member  304   a - d  comprises a bar with a central elongated projection provided along the length of its lower surface. The elongated projection is configured to fit within the channel  303   e  formed in the between the inner and outer frame-shaped protrusions  303   b,    303   c  on the base member. Similarly, each of the four corner members  304   e  has a T-shaped cross section, wherein each corner member comprises two bars extending perpendicularly with respect to one another and a central elongated projection provided along the length of the lower surface of each bar. The elongated projection of each corner member  304   e  is configured to fit within the channel  303   e  formed between the inner and outer frame-shaped protrusions  303   b,    303   c  in the corner areas of the base member  302 . 
     As also shown in  FIG. 10A , each of the side members  304   a - d  includes a recessed end  304   f  and each of the corner members includes an opening  304   g  at each end so that the recessed end  304   f  of the respective side member  304   a - d  is inserted into an opening in an adjacent end of the respective corner member  304   e.  In this way, the side members  304   a - d  engage with the corner members  304   e  to form the frame  304 . When the frame member  304  is engaged with the base  302  by inserting the elongated projections on the frame member  304  into the channel  303   e  formed in the base  302 , the outer lip  303   f  of the base member  302  extends beyond the periphery of the frame member  304 . In the illustrative embodiment of  FIGS. 9-10B , the outer lip  303   f  has a smaller thickness than the rest of the peripheral area  303   a  of the base  303 . However, in other embodiments, the thickness of the lip may be varied and for example, may be similar to the thickness of the rest of the peripheral area. The outer lip  303   f  provides gripping around the periphery of the doormat  300  so that the doormat is prevented from moving relative to the floor. 
     As shown in  FIG. 10B , the lower surface of the base member  302  is configured to accommodate support brackets  308  that extend along each side of the peripheral area  303   a.  In the embodiment of  FIG. 10B , the lower surface of the peripheral member  303   a  includes a frame-shaped recess  303   g  or channel that is configured to accommodate the support brackets  308  therein. The depth of the recess  303   g  is preferably the same or larger than the thickness of the support brackets  308 . In one example, each of the support brackets is a metallic bar-shaped bracket, preferably formed from stainless steel or another suitable water resistant metallic material. In other embodiments, the support brackets may be formed from non-metallic materials having sufficient strength so as to prevent bending of the doormat and to provide structural support to the doormat  300 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 10A and 10B , connectors including screws  309  and tee nuts  310  are provided for coupling the frame member  304  with the support brackets  308  so that the peripheral area  303   a  of the base member  302  is sandwiched between the frame  304  and the support brackets  308 . In the present illustrative embodiment, the tee nuts  310  are inserted into respective openings provided in the recessed ends  304   f  of the frame side members  304   a - d,  as shown by an arrow  1  in  FIG. 11 , and thereafter the recessed ends  304   f  of the side members  304   a - d  are inserted into corresponding openings  304   g  in the corner members  304   e,  as shown by an arrow  2  in  FIG. 11 . This configuration positions the tee nuts  310  in the respective openings in the recessed ends  304   f  and holds the tee nuts  310  in those openings, while also hiding the tee nuts  310  from view when the frame member  304  is assembled. As a result, a seamless appearance of the frame member  304  is possible. The screws  309  are then passed through corresponding openings in the support brackets  308 , the openings in the peripheral area  303   a  of the base member  302  and the openings in the recessed ends  304   f  so that each screw  309  engages with a respective tee nut  310 . The insertion of the screws is shown in  FIG. 12  by an arrow  3 . 
     The combination of the frame member  304  and the support brackets  308  in this embodiment replaces the frame  204  of the second embodiment shown in  FIGS. 3-5B . In the illustrative third embodiment shown in  FIGS. 9-10B , the side members  304   a - d  are formed from natural materials, such as wood (e.g., Ipe, teak, walnut, etc.) or bamboo, and the corner members  304   e  are formed from metallic materials, such as aluminum, steel, stainless steel, nickel, copper, chromium, titanium and other metals that are preferably rust resistant or treated to be rust resistant, or from other materials such as plastics, polymers or composite materials, and have a metallic finish applied thereto. However, in other embodiments, the materials used for the side members  304   a - d  and the corner members  304   e  may be varied, depending on the design requirements of the frame. For example, the side members  304   a - d  may be formed from metal, plastics, polymers, composite materials or any other suitable materials, and if desired, a coating may be applied to the side members  304   a - d  to achieve a desired appearance. Similarly, the corner members  304   e  may be formed from other materials, including wood, plastics, polymers, composite materials or any other suitable materials for the design, and may include a coating to achieve a desired appearance. 
     Moreover, in the third embodiment, the side members  304   a - d  have the recessed ends  304   f  while the corner members  304   e  have the openings  304   g  into which the recessed ends are inserted. In other configurations, the corner members  304   e  may instead have the recessed ends which are insertable into openings formed in the side members  304   a - d.  This configuration may be desirable, for example, if the corner members are formed from wood and the side members are formed from metal, plastic, polymer or composite materials. 
     Furthermore, in the illustrative embodiment of  FIGS. 9-10B , the materials selected for the side members  304   a - d  and the corner members  304   e  are dependent on the desired appearance of the doormat  300 . In some embodiments, the materials for the side members  304   a - d  and corner members  304   e  may be selected without regard to appearance, and as in the second embodiment, a plurality of pieces of decorative overlay may be used for engaging with the side members  304   a - d  and the corner members  304   e  to provide a desired appearance. The mechanism for engagement between the decorative overlay and the frame member  304  may be similar to the mechanism described in the second embodiment, or may be any other suitable mechanism, including use of adhesives, stapling, or any other suitable coupling. 
     As discussed above, the doormat  300  includes a removable center insert  306  which can be inserted into the frame and base assembly and removed therefrom for cleaning or replacement. The removable center insert  306  may be formed from any suitable material with brushing ability, including but not limited to coir, jute, horsehair, bristles, polypropylene, etc. In some embodiments, a thin layer made from rubber or other non-slip material is used to form a bottom surface of the removable center insert  306  so as to hold the removable center insert  306  in place and to prevent slipping or bunching. In the present illustrative embodiment, the shape of the removable center insert  306  is similar to the central opening in the frame member  304 . As in the second embodiment, one or more cutouts may be formed at one or more corners of the removable center insert  306  to allow for easy removal or lifting of the removable center insert  306  from the frame member  304  and base  302  assembly. 
       FIGS. 13A-13C  show a more detailed view of the base  302  and the configurations of the peripheral area  303   a  and central area  303   b  of the base.  FIG. 13A  shows a view of the whole base  302  viewed from the upper surface, and  FIGS. 13B and 13C  show cut-away views of the base  302  to illustrate in more detail the structure of the base  302 . The base  302  is formed from a rubber or polymer material, which may be a mixed NBR/SBR rubber material. In the present illustrative embodiment, the base  302  is molded using a 2-piece mold. However, in other embodiments, other techniques, including 3-D printing, may be used for forming the base  302 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 13A  and as discussed above, the upper surface of the peripheral area  303   a  includes the inner frame-shaped protrusion  303   c  surrounding the central area  303   a  and the outer frame-shaped protrusion  303   d  surrounding the inner frame-shaped protrusion  303   c  and separated from the inner frame-shaped protrusion  303   c  by the channel  303   e.  The outer lip  303   f  extends from the outer frame-shaped protrusion around the periphery of the base  302 . As also shown in  FIG. 13A  and described above, the central area includes a plurality of openings  302   a , which are hexagonal in shape in the present illustrative embodiment. 
     As shown in more detail in the cut-away views of  FIGS. 13B and 13C , the central area  303   b  has a substantially uniform thickness and each of the openings  302   a  in the central area  303   b  has a beveled edge or chamfered edge  302   a   1  when viewed from the upper surface. As can be seen in  FIG. 13B , the beveled edges  302   a   1  of adjacent openings  302  create corresponding V-shaped channels on the lower surface of the central area  303   b  and the walls between adjacent openings  302  have a substantially chevron-shaped cross-section. In the peripheral area  303   a  of the present illustrative embodiment, the walls forming the inner and outer frame-shaped protrusions  303   c,    303   d  and the channel  303   e  therebetween have substantially the same or similar thickness, so that the frame-shaped protrusions  303   c,    303   d  form corresponding channels  303   c   1 ,  303   d   1  on the lower surface of the peripheral area  303   a.  As shown in  FIGS. 13B and 13C , the depth of the channel  303   e  is smaller than the height between the outer lip  303   f  and the upper surface of each frame-shaped protrusion  303   c,    303   d.  In this way, the frame-shaped recess is formed on the lower surface of the peripheral area  303   a  between the outermost wall of the outer frame-shaped protrusion  303   d  and the innermost wall of the inner frame-shaped protrusion  303   c . In addition, in the present exemplary invention, each of the channels  303   c   1 ,  303   d   1  on the lower surface of the peripheral area  303   a  can include a rib  303   c   2 ,  303   d   2  extending lengthwise therein in order to provide structural support for the peripheral area  303   a.  The ribs  303   c   2 ,  303   d   2  may also define edges that prevent lateral movement of the support brackets  308 . The above-described construction of the base  302  as shown in  FIGS. 13B and 13C  provides flexibility and elasticity to the base  302 , particularly in the central area  303   b,  allows the base to withstand repeated placement of heavy loads thereon, and reduces the weight of the base  302  and the amount of materials required for manufacturing the base. 
       FIGS. 14A-14C  show a more detailed view of the construction of the corner members  304   e  of the frame  304 . As shown in  FIGS. 14A-14C , the corner members  304   e  of the present illustrative embodiment have a hollow or a partially hollow construction, wherein each corner member  304   e  has an opening  304   g  at each end. Each opening  304   g  is used for inserting a corresponding recessed end of the frame member  304   a - d  therein in order to couple the frame members  304   a - d  with the corner members  304   e.  Each of the corner members  304   e  has a substantially rectangular cross-section and may have rounded corners on the upper surface thereof. In addition, each corner member  304   e  includes a rib or protrusion  304   e   1  extending lengthwise along its lower surface, which is sized to fit into the channel  303   e  formed in the peripheral area  303   a  of the base. Moreover, as shown in  FIGS. 14A-14B , the lower surface of each corner member includes at least one opening  304   e   2  near each end thereof for engaging with connectors  309 ,  310  that are passed through corresponding openings in the frame members  304   a - d,  the support brackets  308  and/or the base member  302 . As discussed above, the corner members  304   e  may be formed from metallic materials, such as aluminum, e.g., 6061-T6 aluminum, stainless steel, chrome, nickel, etc., or from any other suitable materials depending on the desired appearance of the frame, including, but not limited to resin, plastics, polymers, wood, etc. In certain embodiments, corner members  304   e  may have a finish or coating applied thereto, such as an anodized, polished or powder coated finish applied to aluminum corner members. 
       FIGS. 15A-15C  show a more detailed view of the construction of the frame members  304   a - d  of the frame. In the illustrative embodiment of  FIGS. 15A-15C , each of the frame members has main body and recessed ends, and each frame member  304   a - d  has a solid construction. The main body of the frame member  304   a - d  has a substantially rectangular cross-section, which is preferably substantially the same as the cross-section of the corner members  304   e  in order to provide a smooth and continuous appearance between the frame members  304   a - d  and the corner members  304   e.  As shown in  FIGS. 15A and 15C , the lower surface of each frame member  304   a - d  includes a rib or protrusion  304   a   1  extending along the length of its main body. The recessed ends of the frame members  304   a - 304   d  may also have a substantially rectangular cross-section and are adapted to be inserted into the corresponding openings in the adjacent corner members  304   e.  As shown in  FIGS. 15A-15B , each of the recessed ends of the frame members  304   a - d  includes an opening that allows the connectors  309 ,  310  to pass through in order to couple the support brackets  308 , the base  302 , the frame members  304   a - d  and the corner members  304   e  together. The openings in the recessed ends are countersunk in order to accommodate the tee nut connectors  310 . 
     In the illustrative embodiments shown in  FIGS. 15A-15C , the frame members  304   a - d  are formed from wood, such as teak, walnut, cedar, or any other wood that is preferably decay and water resistant, or from bamboo. The frame members  304   a - d  may have a finish or coating applied thereto, such as a clear matte polyurethane finish. In other embodiments, the frame members  304   a - d  may be formed from other materials, such as plastics, polymers, resins, metals, etc., in order to provide a desired appearance. 
     As discussed above, although in the present illustrative embodiment, the frame members  304   a - d  have recessed ends that are inserted into corresponding openings in the corner members  304   e,  in other embodiments, the frame members  304   a - d  may be configured to have openings formed at their ends instead of the recessed ends, and the corner members  304   e  may be configured to include recessed ends for inserting into the openings in the frame members  304   a - d.  In yet other embodiments, other means of connecting the frame members  304   a - d  and corner members  304   e  may be used. In further embodiments, the frame  304  may be formed as single integral piece so as to eliminate the need for connecting separate pieces that form the frame. 
       FIG. 16  shows a more detailed view of the support brackets  308  of the doormat. In  FIG. 16 , each bracket  308  is formed as a metallic bar or beam, which has a relatively small thickness, e.g. about 0.125 inch. For example, each support bracket  308  may be cut from a 1.5 inch wide steel bar with a 0.125 inch thickness. The support brackets  308  may be formed from stainless steel, e.g., 10 gauge stainless steel, aluminum, e.g., 6061-T6 aluminum, or from other metallic or non-metallic materials with sufficient strength. In the illustrative embodiment of  FIG. 16 , each support bracket  308  includes an opening near each end of the bracket  308  through which the connector screws  309  are passed. The openings in the support brackets  308  are countersunk in order to accept the screws  309  and to make the tops of the screws flush with the surface of the support brackets  308 . 
       FIGS. 17A-17B  show a more detailed view of the tee nuts connectors  310  used in the doormat. The tee nut connectors are adapted to be inserted into the countersunk openings in the recessed ends of the frame members  304   a - d  and to engage with the screws  309  which pass through the openings in the support brackets  308 , the base  302  and the corner members  304   e.  In the present illustrative embodiment, the tee nut connectors  310  are made from stainless steel. However, in other embodiments, other metallic or non-metallic materials may be used provided they have sufficient strength. 
       FIGS. 18A-21C  show a fourth embodiment of the doormat  400  which is a variation of the third embodiment. Since many of the features of the doormat  400  are the same or similar to those of the doormat  300  of  FIGS. 9-17B , similar reference numbers are used for these features and detailed description thereof will be omitted. As shown in  FIGS. 18A-18B , the doormat  400  of the fourth embodiment includes a base  402 , a frame  404  provided on an upper surface of the base  402  and support brackets  408  provided on a lower surface of the base  402 . The frame  404  and the support brackets  408  are engaged with the base  402  and with one another using connectors  309  or another suitable coupling mechanism so that an outer periphery of the base  402  is sandwiched between the frame  404  and the support brackets  408 . The doormat  400  also includes a removable center insert  406  which can be removed for cleaning or exchanging with other removable center inserts. Materials used for these components of the doormat are the same or similar to those of the previously described embodiments. The configurations of the base  402  and the removable center insert  406  are substantially the same or similar to those of the third embodiment and thus, detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted. 
     As in the third embodiment, the frame  404  includes four side members  404   a - d  forming respective sides of the frame  404 , and four corner members  404   e  forming the respective corners of the frame  404 . The configuration of the four side members  404   a - d  is similar to those of the doormat  300  of the third embodiment.  FIGS. 20A-20D  show more detailed views of the side members  404   a - d,  wherein  FIG. 20A  shows the whole side member  404   a  and  FIGS. 20B-20D  show cross-sectional views of the side member  404   a  along lines A-A, B-B and C-C, respectively. The configuration of the other side members  404   b - d  is substantially the same as that of the side member  404   a.    
     As shown in  FIG. 20A , the side member  404   a  has a solid construction and includes a main body and recessed ends. A rib or protrusion  404   a   1  is provided on the lower surface of the side member  404   a  and extends along its entire length. The cross-section of the main body of the side member  404   a  is shown in  FIG. 20C , and the cross-sections of the recessed ends of the side member  404   a  are shown in  FIGS. 20B and 20D . In the illustrative embodiment of  FIGS. 20B-20D , the main body and the recessed ends have a substantially rectangular cross-section with one side edge being rounded and another side edge being beveled. This profile of the side members allows for easy manufacture. However, in other embodiments, the cross-sections of the side members may be different and preferably match or are similar to the cross-sections of the corner members in order to provide a unitary and continuous appearance when assembled. In this illustrative embodiment, the recessed ends each include an opening that allows a screw boss of the corner member  404   e  and the connector  409  to pass through, and in this embodiment, the opening is not required to be countersunk due to the construction of the corner members  404   e.    
     More detailed views of the corner members  404   e  are shown in  FIGS. 19A-19C . As shown in  FIGS. 19A-19C , the corner members  404   e  have different configuration from the corner members  304   e  of the third embodiment. In this illustrative embodiments, each of the corner members  404   e  has an L-shape and is open at its lower side. Specifically, each corner member  404   e  has an upper wall  404   e   1  defining the upper and outer surface of a frame corner and side walls  404   e   2  extending from the upper wall which, when assembled with corresponding side members, extend around the side walls of the recessed ends of the corresponding side members. 
     Each corner member  404   e  also includes one or more screw bosses  404   e   3  formed on the internal surface of the upper wall  404   e   1 . The screw bosses  404   e   3  can pass through the corresponding openings in the recessed ends of the side members  404   a - d,  and are adapted to engage with connectors, such as screws  409 , which pass through corresponding openings in support brackets  408  and/or the corresponding openings in the base  402 . The screw bosses  404   e   3  incorporated into the corner members  404   e  eliminate the need for the tee nut connectors  310  of the third embodiment, and allow threat tapping of the screw connectors  409  to screw directly into the corner members  404   e.    
     In the illustrative embodiment of  FIGS. 19A-19B , each corner member  404   e  includes three screw bosses  404   e   3  provided at or near the end of each leg portion of the corner member  404   e  and provided at or near the corner of the corner member  404   e.  The screw bosses  404   e   3  provided on each leg portion of the corner member  404   e  are inserted into corresponding openings in the recessed ends of the side members  404   a - d  and when assembled, engage with screw connectors  409  that pass through corresponding openings in the support brackets  408 , the base  402  and the side members  404   a - d.  Assembly of the side members  404   a - d  with the corner members  404   e  is shown in  FIG. 18C , which shows alignment of the recessed ends of the side members  404   a - d  with the corner members  404   e  and placement so that the screw bosses  404   e   3  in the legs of the corner members  404   e  align with the corresponding openings in the recessed ends of the side members. The screw boss  404   e   3  provided at or near the corner of the corner member  404   e  engages with a screw connector  409  that passes through a corresponding opening in a corresponding corner of the base  402 . As shown in  FIGS. 18A-18B , washers  409   a  may be used with the screw connectors  409  that engage with the corner screw bosses  404   e   3 . The washers may be formed from zinc plated steel or from any other suitable material. In other embodiments, a greater number or a smaller number of screw bosses  404   e   3  and of the corresponding openings may be used. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 19A-19C , the corner members  404   e  also include framing projections  404   e   4 - 404   e   6  formed on the inner surface of the upper wall  404   e   1 . These framing projections assist in aligning the side members  404   a - 404   e  with the corner members  404   e  (particularly, framing projections  404   e   4 ) and aligning the corner members  404   e  with the base  402  (particularly framing projections  404   e   5  which are configured to align with the channel between the inner and outer frame projections on the base). In addition, the framing projections  404   e   4 - 6  provide additional structural support to the corner member  404   e.    
       FIGS. 21A-C  show more detailed views of the support brackets  408  of the fourth embodiment. In this embodiment, the support brackets  408  have a C-shaped cross section, as can be seen in  FIG. 21B  taken along line J-J in  FIG. 21A  and in  FIG. 21C  taken along line K-K in  FIG. 21A . The sidewalls of the C-shaped support brackets  408  can be fitted into corresponding channels formed on the lower surface of the base  402  so as to provide better engagement with the base and to add structural support to the base  402 . As shown in  FIGS. 21A and 21B , the support brackets  408  include an opening provided near each end to allow the screw connector  409  to pass through. The opening may be countersunk as in the third embodiment or may be formed without countersinking. 
     The constructions of the above-described doormats are sufficiently durable for outdoor use and have drainage ability so that water is not retained in the doormat. However, the doormats described above may also be adapted for indoor use. Moreover, the doormats of the present invention allow easy cleaning or replacement of the center inserts so as to allow the user to customize the appearance of the doormat without requiring complete replacement of the doormat. 
     In all cases it is understood that the above-described arrangements are merely illustrative of the many possible specific embodiments which represent applications of the present invention. Numerous and varied other arrangements can be readily devised in accordance with the principles of the present invention without departing from the spirit and the scope of the invention.