MAT SYSTEM FOR COVERING A FLOOR

Abstract

 A mat system (1) for covering a floor (2), in particular a sports floor, the system (1) comprises at least a first (3) and a second rectangular mat (4) each having a flat top surface (3A, 4A), a flat bottom surface (3B, 4B) and a lateral edge between the top surface (3A, 4A) and the bottom surface (3B, 4B) forming lateral sides (3C, 3D, 3E, 3F; 4C, 4D, 4E, 4F) of the rectangular mat (3, 4). A lateral side (3F) of the first mat (3) and a lateral side (4D) of the second mat (4) abut to each other. The mats (3, 4) are coupled to each other by a hook-and-loop fastener system (5) coupled to the bottom surfaces (3B, 4B). The bottom surfaces (3B, 4B) include a loop/hook layer (5B, 5A) of the hook-and-loop fastener system (5). The system further comprises a separate hook/loop layer (6) placed on the sports floor (2) and attached to the loop/hook layers (5B, 5A) of the abutting first and second mat (3, 4). The loop/hook layer (5B, 5A) has a larger area than the separate layer (6) and, e.g. covers at least 40% of the bottom surface (3B, 4B).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a mat system for covering a floor, in particular, a sports floor.

[0002] In order to exercise sports, as for example martial arts in terms of karate, judo or other arts, a cushioned floor is required to prevent injuries when athletes practice. In some cases, sports floors are covered by bulk ware materials, but also floor tiles are used. It is desired to have a homogenous and stable floor environment that can be flexibly placed on the floor and easily be removed. In the past, tiles were glued or fixed to the permanent floor surface to prevent the floor covering from skidding. If mat arrangements are used, the covered surface area must not break or torn putting requirement on the coupling between tiles or patches.

[0003] GB 1 336 781 discloses panels used as resilient mats for gymnastics, wrestling and similar activities. Major surfaces of the panels are provided with hook components of a "burr fastener system", and cloths made of a fabric are used as loop components to mate with the hook at the panels. The hook components are attached to the lower surface of the panel in a recess of the panel. The cloths are much larger than the burr fastener hook strips.

[0004] It is an object of this disclosure to provide an improved mat system.

[0005] Accordingly, a floor covering set for covering a floor, in particular a sports floor, comprises a plurality of rectangular mats and patch elements. The mats each have a flat top surface, a flat bottom surface and a lateral edge between the top surface and the bottom surface forming lateral sides of the rectangular mats. The mats are implemented to be coupled to each other by an attachment system, said attachment system comprising two functional layers, wherein the attachment system is arranged at the bottom surfaces of the mats. The functional layers correspond to one another and allow for a reversible attachment of the functional layers to one another. The bottom surfaces include a first layer of the attachment system. The patch elements comprise a second layer of the attachment system, said second layer corresponding to the first layer, and being implemented to being attached to the first layers of the attachment system of the abutting mats. The first layer has a larger surface area than the second layer, and in particular, covers at least 40%, preferably more than 50%, even more preferred more than 60% of the bottom surface area.

[0006] A corresponding mat system for covering a floor, in particular a sports floor, comprises at least a first and a second rectangular mat, each mat having a flat top surface, a flat bottom surface and a lateral edge between the top surface and the bottom surface forming lateral sides of the rectangular mat. A lateral side of the first mat and a lateral side of the second mat abut to each other; and the mats are coupled to each other by an attachment system, said attachment system comprising two functional layers, wherein the attachment system is arranged at the bottom surfaces of the mats. The functional layers correspond to one another and allow for a reversible attachment of the functional layers to one another. The bottom surfaces include a first layer of the attachment system. The mat system further comprises a separate second layer of the attachment system, said second layer corresponding to the first layer, and being placed on the sports floor and attached to the first layers of the attachment system of the abutting first and second mat. The first layer has a larger surface area than the second layer, and in particular, covers at least 40%, preferably more than 50%, even more preferred more than 60% of the bottom surface area.

[0007] In preferred embodiments, the attachment system is a hook-and-loop fastener system, wherein the first functional layer is a female or loop layer of the hook-and-loop fastener system, and wherein the second functional layer is a male or hook layer of the hook-and-loop fastener system. Alternatively, the first functional layer is a male or hook layer and the second functional layer is a female or loop layer of the hook-and-loop fastener system. One may contemplate of other attachment systems, e,g. based in magnetic forces.

[0008] Thus, an embodiment of the corresponding mat system for covering a floor, in particular a sports floor, comprises at least a first and a second rectangular mat, each mat having a flat top surface, a flat bottom surface and a lateral edge between the top surface and the bottom surface forming lateral sides of the rectangular mat. A lateral side of the first mat and a lateral side of the second mat abut to each other; and the mats are coupled to each other by a hook-and-loop fastener system arranged at the bottom surfaces of the mats. The bottom surfaces include a loop/hook layer of the hook-and-loop fastener system, wherein the loop/hook layer has a larger surface area than a separate hook/loop layer, and in particular, covers at least 40% of the bottom surface area. The mat system further comprises the separate hook/loop layer placed on the sports floor and attached to the loop/hook layers of the abutting first and second mat.

[0009] Accordingly, an embodiment of the floor covering set for covering a floor, in particular a sports floor, comprises a plurality of rectangular mats and patch elements. The mats each have a flat top surface, a flat bottom surface and a lateral edge between the top surface and the bottom surface forming lateral sides of the rectangular mats. The mats are implemented to be coupled to each other by a hook-and-loop fastener system being arranged at the bottom surfaces of the mats, wherein - in a coupled state - lateral sides of the mats abut to each other. The bottom surfaces of the mats include a loop/hook layer of the hook-and-loop fastener system, wherein the loop/hook layer has a larger surface area than a hook/loop layer, and in particular, covers at least 40% of the bottom surface area. The patch elements comprise the separate hook/loop layer implemented to be attached to the loop/hook layers of the abutting mats.

[0010] The suggested mat system or arrangement is suitable for forming sports floors, e.g. fulfilling the requirements of the International Judo Federation (IJF), the International Taekwon-Do Federation.and/or the World Karate and kickboxing Association (WKA) at the time of filing this disclosure. The mat system can be seen as a tatami, however one may contemplate of other applications. I embodiments, the mats and the mat system comply with EN 12503 at the time of filing this application.

[0011] It is an advantage of the relatively large surface area of the bottom sides being covered with a functional layer that no recess is needed to accommodate the patch of the second functional layer of the attachment system. The mats may have a resilience such that the patches are absorbed into the bulk of the mats due to the weight of the mats.

[0012] The lateral coupling according to the suggested system is achieved by adhesive forces normal to the surface area or square dimension of the mats. The square dimension extension of the attachment system along the floor bridges the interfaces of the abutting lateral edges. Therefore, the attachment system does not require an interlocking contour or attachment means at or in the abutment interfaces. The lateral sides of the mats do not need to have a specific form. In embodiments the lateral edges are flat and free from coupling means, in particular, no interlocking contours are provided.

[0013] It is an advantage that no form fit is required along the lateral edges. Hence, the simple geometry allows for an efficient manufacture and cutting of the mats.

[0014] Deploying an attachment system comprising two functionalized layers, allows for an efficient partial or complete functionalization, e. g. by printing, spraying, coating or applying any other surface treatment of the bottom surface, to form sections or a complete coating to render one layer of the attachment system. A relatively large ratio of the bottom surface area is used for the coupling between the mats. The coupling strength can be flexibly set by the type, geometry and areal extension of the form of the first or the second functional layer.

[0015] The area and geometrical form of the flat attachment system can be adapted to the specifics of the floor to be covered. In particular, the first functional layer being provided at the mats and, for example, integrated in the mats, and having a larger area than the second functional layer renders the coupling strength flexible. Further, the mats may be equipped with a standardizes first layer size, while the patches may be adjusted in size and form to achieve the desired coupling.

[0016] It is understood that functional layers corresponding to one another means that the first layer and the second layer include coupling means that match or interact with each other to exhibit an adhesive force such that one must exercise a threshold force to separate the two layers from one another. The threshold force depends on the properties and specific setup of the coupling means. In embodiments, the second functional layer comprises tiny hooks to engage with superficial material of the first functional layer.

[0017] In the proposed atachment system the two layers are complementary to one another.

[0018] It is an advantage that the mat system can be placed loosely on the sports floor without being fixed or attached to it. An exemplary hook-and-loop fastening system, also known under the brand name Velcro, includes a loop side into which little hooks can engage from the hook side of the coupling system. The loop side is also referred to as the female side and the hook side the male side. In the suggested mat system, the coupling between neighbored rectangular mats is implemented by a hook-and-loop system.

[0019] In embodiments, the loop layer is realized on a bottom side of the mats and the corresponding hook layer can be realized on catch elements. The mat system provides for a homogeneous covering of a permanent sports floor that can be placed and removed with a reduced effort. As the bottom surface of the mats includes a relatively large area of the loop or hook layer, the upper surface still remains flat and regular. Rectangular floor mats with straight lateral sides can be easily placed next to one another and can be cut in an effective fashion. With respect to conventional couplings using special contours and/or latches at the lateral sides of the mats, a coupling through loop or hook layers and patches between the bottom surface of the mats and the actual sports floor does not require additional means to fix the abutting lateral edges to one another. The extent and strength of the coupling between the mats can be arranged by the size of the separate hook-and-loop layers and the patch elements.

[0020] In embodiments, the coupled first and second mat are implemented to float on the sports floor, in particular without being fixed or attached to the sports floor.

[0021] In embodiments, the bottom surfaces of the mats are entirely coupled with a functionalized layer, in particular a loop layer of the hook-and-loop fastener system. The loop layer can be implemented as a fleece or textile layer having a soft appearance with loops. Having the entire bottom surfaces covered, a production of such mats is facilitated. For example, the mats can be formed by laminating a cushioning foam material, PVC layers and a fleecy or fluffy loop layer with each other. The covered floor is then flat long a plane floor.

[0022] In an alternative embodiment, the bottom surfaces are entirely covered by hook layers. However, hook layers of a fastener system are generally stiffer due to the little hooks that need to extend from the base of the layer and at fixed positions.

[0023] In embodiments, the bottom surfaces are free from any recess so that the first functional layer, in particular the loop layer forms a flat surface of the mats.

[0024] In embodiments, anti-slip layer is provided on the bottom surface of the patches, e.g. the separate hook/hook layer comprises a hook layer on its top surface and an anti-slip layer at its bottom surface. It is an advantage to implement an anti-skid or slip function to the patches instead of an additional functionalization of the bottom surface of the mats.

[0025] In embodiments, the separate hook/loop layer comprises a plurality of patches wherein each patch has a top surface and a bottom surface. The top surface comprises a hook layer which is complementary to a loop layer attached to the bottom surface of the mats. Hence, the actual coupling area can be adjusted by using larger or smaller patches as a function of the sports floor to be covered.

[0026] In embodiments, an area of the patch surface is, for example, less than a tenth of the area of the bottom surface of the mats. Patches can be formed in terms of rectangles or stripes or can be implemented as a tape that can be rolled. The installation of the mat system is highly facilitated by patches that can easily be handled so that operators can place the mats in terms of tiles on the sports floor.

[0027] In embodiments, at least one mat comprises a plurality of segments wherein neighboring segments are coupled to one another. In particular, relatively thick mats can be used. The segments can be coupled at one surface to each other so that the mats are still flexible. For example, in embodiments, the at least one mat can be rolled up in a spiral fashion. The segments may have a rectangular cross-section and form.

[0028] In embodiments, segments are coupled by an upper layer forming an integral hinge. Thus, the mat formed of a plurality of segments can be rolled up using the integral hinges.

[0029] Thickness and elasticity of the mats can be adapted to the requirements of the given application, e.g. karate may require thinner and/or stiffer mats than judo.

[0030] In embodiments, the rectangular mats have a length, a width and a thickness, wherein an aspect ratio of the length and width is between 1 and 20. In particular, the segments may have an aspect ratio of the length and width between 1 and 20.

[0031] In embodiments, the thickness of the separate second layer of the attachment system, e.g. the hook/loop layer and/or the separate patches, is between 1 mm and 10 mm, preferably between 1mm and 5 mm. The thickness may include an anti-slip layer. Preferably, a ratio of the thickness of the second functionalized layer, e.g. the separate hook/loop layer, or patch respectively, and the thickness of the mats is less than 1:10, more preferred less than 1:15 and even more preferred less than 1:20.

[0032] In embodiments, a thickness of the mats is larger than 10 mm and less than 80 mm. The mats may comprise at least one cushion layer, an upper layer and a loop layer and a hook layer. Due to the ratio between the thickness of the mats and the thickness of the hook layer, a relatively flat and plane covering of the sports floor can be achieved. The risk of a corrugated or crimped top surface of the resulting floor is reduced.

[0033] In embodiments, the cushion layer may be compressed along its thickness so that, for example, the thickness of the patches with a separate hook or loop layer can be absorbed by the cushion layer due to the mat's weight or the athlete's weight.

[0034] In embodiments, the total thickness of the mat system between the floor surface and the top surface of the mats is between 2 and 7 mm.

[0035] In preferred embodiments, the mats are at least partially made of a polyolefin foam material, preferably a closed cell material. The mat system may be free from any PU material. The mats may comprise a plurality of cushion layers laminated to one another.

[0036] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a method for coupling mats in a mat system for covering a floor is disclosed. The proposed method serves at installing a mat system according to the above or below with respect to several embodiments. The method includes, for example, the steps of placing the mats next to each other abutting their lateral edges. The method may comprise a step of placing a separate loop/hook layer to the bottom surface of the abutting mats. Installing the mats is highly facilitated by the use of the separate hook-and-loop layer loosely placed on the sports floor.

[0037] Further possible implementations or alternative solutions of the invention also encompass combinations - that are not explicitly mentioned herein - of features described above or below with regard to the embodiments. The person skilled in the art may also add individual or isolated aspects and features to the most basic form of the invention.

[0038] It is understood that properties and specifics of the mats according to this disclosure are, in particular, measured or determined according to EN 12503 at the time of filing this application.

[0039] Further embodiments, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the subsequent description and dependent claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 - 3 show an embodiment of a mat system for covering a floor in different views;

Fig. 4 and 5 show details of a hook-and-loop coupling between floor mats.

Fig. 6 shows another embodiment of a mat system on a floor in a top view;

Fig. 7A-C show a further embodiment of a mat system for covering a floor in different views;

Fig. 8A-F4 show embodiments of mats for a mat system for covering a floor in different views.

[0040] In the Figures, like reference numerals designate like or functionally equivalent elements, unless otherwise indicated.

[0041] Fig. 1 shows a first embodiment of a mat system for covering a floor prior to coupling the mats in a perspective view. Fig. 2 shows the embodiment having the mats coupled to each other, and Fig. 3 shows a top view of the first embodiment of a mat system. In the following, a hook-and-loop fastener system is deployed as an attachment system with two functionalized layers.

[0042] The mat system 1 can also be called a tatami system and serves for covering a rigid sports floor 2 with a cushioning material to prevent athletes from injuries when performing their arts. The sports floor 2 is, for example, a concrete floor or another floor material that is used in sports or other arenas. The mat system 1 is realized by a floor covering set comprising at least two rectangular mats 3, 4 and a separate patch element 6.

[0043] Fig. 1 shows the separate elements. A first mat 3 and a second mat 4 have a top surface 3A, 4A and a bottom surface 3B, 4B. The bottom surfaces 3B, 4B are to be placed on the sports floor 2. The top and bottom surfaces 3A, 4A, 3B, 4B are relatively flat surfaces. A respective lateral edge 3C, 3D, 3D, 3E, 4C, 4D, 4D, 4E runs between the respective top surface 3A, 4A and the bottom surface 3B, 4B. The lateral edges 3C, 3D, 3D, 3E, 4C, 4D, 4D, 4E are smooth and flat so that the mats 3, 4 can abut to each other, for example at the lateral edges 3F and 4D (Fig. 3).

[0044] The dashed arrows in Fig. 1 show how the two mats 3, 4 may be abutted to one another in a horizontal fashion. In the area of the abutting edges 3F, 4D, a coupling patch or pad 6 having a top surface 6A and a bottom surface 6B is arranged. The lateral coupling between two mats 3, 4 is realized by the hook-and-loop fastener system along the normal direction with respect to the square extension of the mats 3, 4 and floor 2. A hook-and-loop fastener system 5 is sometimes called a burr system or a Velcro coupling. To this end, bottom surfaces 3B, 4B include a loop or hook layer of the respective hook-and-loop fastener system 5, and the top surface 6A of the pad 6 facing towards the bottom surfaces 3B, 4B has a loop or hook layer to interact with the loop/hook layer arranged at the bottom surfaces 3B, 4B.

[0045] In Fig. 2, the abutting interface 7 formed by the neighboring lateral edges 3F, 4D of the mats 3, 4 is held in place by the hook-and-loop fastener system 5 implemented through the loop/hook layers formed at the bottom surfaces 3B, 4B and the separate pad 6.

[0046] Fig. 3 shows a top view of the mat system 1 partially covering the floor 2. Along the edge 4D, 4F of the mat 3, 4, a hook-and-look fastener system 5 is implemented according to the area or size of the rectangular pad 6 thereby bridging the interface 7 and holding the coupled mats 3, 4 in place on the floor 2.

[0047] In Figs. 1 through 3, only one of the lateral edges is explicitly shown to be coupled by the Velcro or hook-and-loop fastener system 5. However, it is understood that all lateral edges of neighboring mats can be coupled by appropriate pads 6 with neighboring abutting mats.

[0048] Figs. 4 and 5 show details of suitable hook-and-loop couplings between edges of floor mats. In Fig. 4, a cross-sectional view of mats 3, 4 are shown that are placed onto a coupling pad 6 being placed on a top surface 2A of a sports floor 2. The mats 3, 4 have a thickness of between 1 and 8 cm. The mats 3, 4 comprise a cushioning layer 31, 34, for example implemented by a polyolefin foam material. A top layer 32, 42 implements a top surface of the mats 3, 4 and may comprise a PVC material that is water-resistant, washable and easily cleaned. The lateral edges 3F, 4D form an abutting interface 7 of the two mats 3, 4.

[0049] In this embodiment, the second functional layer 6 comprises tiny hooks 5A to engage with superficial material of the first functional layer 5*.

[0050] More specifically, the bottom surfaces of the mats 3, 4 are entirely covered by a female side 5B of a hook-and-loop fastener. The coupling pad 6 includes a carrier layer 9, an optional rubber grip layer 8 and a male hook-and-loop fastener layer 5A. The grip or anti-slip layer 8 reduces a risk of the mat system skidding on the surface 2A of the sports floor 2.

[0051] During the installation of the mat system, the two abutting mats 3, 4 are placed with their interface 7 onto the top surface 6A of the thin pad 6 so that the male hook-and-loop fastener 5A and the female hook-and-loop fastener 5B form a coupling in the area of the interface 7. As a result, a stable and reliable floor covering is obtained. In particular, the floor covering can easily be disassembled by removing the two coupling layers 5A and 5B from one another.

[0052] Fig. 5 shows an alternative arrangement of a hook-and-loop coupling between floor mats 3, 4. In the embodiment of Fig. 5, the coupling pad 6 has a top layer provided with female hook-and-loop fastener elements 5B, while the bottom surface of the mats 3, 4 has a male hook-and-loop fastener layer 5A. The area of the hook-and-loop fastener system can be flexibly chosen. For example, the entire bottom surfaces of the mats 3, 4 can be functionalized in terms of male or female hook-and-loop fastener layers. However, it is in general not necessary to cover the entire sports floor 2 with a hook or loop fastener layer. Rather the patches 6 are chosen according to the specific circumstances of the floor 2 to be covered.

[0053] Fig. 6 shows an embodiment of a mat system on a floor and top view. The mat system 10 comprises a plurality of rectangular mats 103 through 108 that are placed on the floor 2 and are laterally coupled through coupling pads or patches 50. The patches are, in particular, placed along or partially at the interfaces between the abutting lateral edges of the mats.

[0054] Figs. 7A through 7C show a further embodiment of a mat system 60 for covering a floor in different views. In Fig. 7A, a cross-sectional view of a floor-covering set or kit 60 is shown. Fig. 7B shows a top view of the resulting floor covering system, and Fig. 7C shows a cross-sectional view of the mat system covering a floor 2. In the embodiment of Fig. 7, the mats 3, 4 comprise mat segments 103 through 109, and 203 through 209. The respective segments 103 - 109, 203 - 209 are coupled to one another through a flexible upper layer 110 thereby forming integral hinges 111. As a result, the mats 3, 4 can be rolled up in a spiral fashion along the integral hinges 111 which is shown in Fig. 7B. The floor covering kit 60 also comprises coupling pads or patches 50 that form together with the bottom surfaces of the segments 103 - 109, 203 - 209 a respective hook-and-loop fastener system.

[0055] Figs. 7B and 7C show the installed mat system on a sports floor 2. The two mats 3 and 4 are rolled out onto the top surface of the sports floor 2. At the lateral edges - not expressly shown in Fig. 7b - separating the upper mat 3 from the lower mat 4, appropriate coupling pads 50 are placed. This can be seen in Fig. 7C where the patches 50 remain between the top surface 2A of the floor 2 and the bottom surfaces of the segments in the area of the abutting lateral edges of the two mats 3, 4. The coupling pads 50 can have a size to couple several segments with each other as shown in Fig. 7B on the right-hand side or to couple abutting segments with each other. In the arrangement of Fig. 7C, the patches laterally cover from below interfaces between segments 103 - 109, 203 - 209 and between the mats 3, 4. There are various forms of bottom surfaces of sports mats being covered by a hook-and-loop fastening layer as well as the form and size of the separate corresponding loop and hook fastening layer, for example in forms of flat patches, available.

[0056] Fig. 8 shows various geometries and areas for functionalized areas of the bottom sides of the mats. Functionalized regions to build an attachment system are dotted.

[0057] Figs. 8A and 8F show embodiments of mats with bottom surfaces being functionalized in terms of a hook-and-loop fastener layer and areas which are non-functionalized (blank regions), for example have a flat surface. Fig. 8 shows bottom surfaces of rectangular mats. The dotted areas indicate hook-and-loop fastener layer areas 15, and the blank areas 14 indicate non-functionalized areas. In Fig. 8A, the bottom surfaces entirely cover the hook-and-loop fastening layer. In Fig. 8B, only the lateral border areas are functionalized by a hook-and-loop fastener layer. The same holds for the configuration of Fig. 8D.

[0058] Using a hook-and-loop system comprising two layers corresponding to one another, to couple sports mats laterally with each other allows to flexibly arrange the coupling areas as shown in Figs. 8C, 8E and 8F. According to the properties of an arena or outdoor floor surface, the area of the hook-and-loop coupling system can be flexibly chosen. The bottom surfaces of the mats, in particular, can be functionalized by printing or laminating fleece material implemented to function as a male hook-and-loop layer.

[0059] Although the present invention has been described in accordance with preferred embodiments, it is obvious for the person skilled in the art that modifications are possible in all embodiments. The invention is not limited to burr couplings and/or tatami mats.

REFERENCE NUMERALS

[0060] 

1

mat system

2

sports floor

2A

sports floor surface

3, 4

rectangular mat

3A, 4A

top surface

3B, 4B

bottom surface

3', 4' 3C, 3D, 3E, 3F,

lateral edge

4C, 4D, 4E, 4F

lateral side

5

hook-and-loop fastener system

5*

first functional layer

5A

male hook-and-loop fastener

5B

female hook-and-loop fastener

6

second functional layer/coupling layer/pad/patch

6A

top surface

6B

bottom surface

7

abutting interface

8

rubber/grip layer

9

carrier layer

10

mat system

13B

bottom surface (mat)

14

non-functionalized area

15

hook-and-loop fastener layer areas

31, 32

cushion layer

32, 42

top layer

50

coupling pads/patches

60

floor covering set/kit

103 - 109

mat segment

110

upper layer

111

integral hinge

203 - 209

mat segment

T

thickness

Claims

1. A mat system (1) for covering a floor (2), in particular a sports floor, the system (1) comprising:

at least a first (3) and a second rectangular mat (4) each having a flat top surface (3A, 4A), a flat bottom surface (3B, 4B) and a lateral edge between the top surface (3A, 4A) and the bottom surface (3B, 4B) forming lateral sides (3C, 3D, 3E, 3F; 4C, 4D, 4E, 4F) of the rectangular mat (3, 4);

wherein a lateral side (3F) of the first mat (3) and a lateral side (4D) of the second mat (4) abut to each other;

wherein the mats (3, 4) are coupled to each other by a hook-and-loop fastener system (5) coupled to the bottom surfaces (3B, 4B);

wherein the bottom surfaces (3B, 4B) include a loop/hook layer (5B, 5A) of the hook-and-loop fastener system (5); and

further comprising a separate hook/loop layer (6) loosely placed on the sports floor (2) and attached to the loop/hook layers (5B, 5A) of the abutting first and second mat (3, 4);

wherein the loop/hook layer (5B, 5A) has a larger surface area than the separate hook/loop layer (6), and in particular, covers at least 40% of the bottom surface (3B, 4B).

2. The mat system according to claim 1, wherein the bottom surfaces (3B, 4B) of the mats (3, 4) are entirely covered with a loop layer (5B) of the hook-and-loop fastener system (5).

3. The mat system according to claim 2, wherein the bottom surface (3B, 4B) is free from any recess so that the loop layer (5B) forms a flat surface of the mats (3, 4).

4. The mat system according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein the separate loop/hook layer (6) comprises a hook layer (5A) on its top surface (6A) and an anti-slip layer at its bottom surface (6B).

5. The mat system according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein the separate hook/loop layer (6) comprises a plurality of patches (50), each patch (50) having a top surface (6A) and a bottom surface (6B), wherein the top surface comprises a hook layer (5A) which is complementary to a loop layer (5B) attached to the bottom surface of the mats (3, 4).

6. The mat system according to claim 5, wherein an area of the patch surface is less than a tenth of the area of the bottom surface of the mats.

7. The mat system according to any one of claims 1-6, wherein at least one mat comprises a plurality of segments, neighboring segments being coupled to one another.

8. The mat system according to claim 7, wherein the at least one mat can be rolled up in a spiral fashion.

9. The mat system according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the segments (103 - 109; 203 - 209) are coupled by an upper layer (110) forming an integral hinge (111).

10. The mat system according to any one of claims 1-9, wherein the rectangular mats have a length, a width, and a thickness, wherein an aspect ratio of the length and width is between 1 and 20.

11. The mat system according to any one of claims 1 - 10, wherein a thickness of the separate hook/loop layer (6) is between 1 mm and 10 mm.

12. The mat system according to any one of claims 1 - 10, wherein a thickness of the mats is larger than 20 mm and less than 70 mm.

13. The mat system according to any one of claims 1 - 12, wherein the mats comprise at least one of a cushion layer (31, 32), an upper layer (110), a loop layer (5B), and a hook layer (5A).

14. The mat system according to any one of claims 1 - 13, wherein the mats are at least partially made of a polyolefin foam material.

15. A floor covering set comprising a plurality of rectangular mats and patch elements,

wherein the mats (4) each have a flat top surface (3A, 4A), a flat bottom surface (3B, 4B) and a lateral edge between the top surface (3A, 4A) and the bottom surface (3B, 4B) forming lateral sides (3C, 3D, 3E, 3F; 4C, 4D, 4E, 4F) of the rectangular mat (3, 4);

wherein the mats (3, 4) are implemented to be coupled to each other by a hook-and-loop fastener system (5) arranged at the bottom surfaces (3B, 4B), wherein lateral sides (3F) of the mats (3, 4) abut to each other;

wherein the bottom surfaces (3B, 4B) include a loop/hook layer (5B, 5A) of the hook-and-loop fastener system (5); and

wherein the patch elements comprise a separate hook/loop layer (6) implemented to be attached to the loop/hook layers (5B, 5A) of the abutting mats (3, 4);

wherein the loop/hook layer (5B, 5A) has a larger surface area than the separate hook/loop layer (6), and in particular, covers at least 40% of the bottom surface (3B, 4B).

Drawing