Terry Theresa Gordon

US Patent:

53835700, Jan 24, 1995

Filed:

Jul 30, 1993

Appl. No.:

8/100484

Inventors:

Terry Gordon - Plantation FL

International Classification:

A01C 900

US Classification:

221213

Abstract:

An apparatus for dispensing mats one at a time from a stack of mats, includes a mat retaining structure having a mat loading end and a mat dispensing end for retaining a stack of the mats, the mat within the structure nearest the dispensing end being designated the lead mat, the retaining structure including a mat dispensing slot disposed laterally of and adjacent to the lead mat near the mat dispensing end, a stop member for preventing the lead mat from advancing beyond the dispensing slot, a stack-biasing support member for biasing the stack of mats so that the lead mat bears against the stop member, a lead mat sliding assembly including a mat gripping member having a mat engaging surface and a guide member oriented substantially perpendicular to the dispensing slot for providing a surface along which the gripping member can ride, for guiding the gripping member over and spaced apart from the lead mat, and then toward and against the lead mat, dragging the lead mat along and pushing a portion of the lead mat through the dispensing slot to become accessible to an apparatus user. A disposable floor mat is also provided, including a paper sheet having a felt covering on one side for providing a slip-resistant surface for safe mat use and a paper surface on the other side, the covering being such that it does not bind with the paper surface of an abutting mat when in a stack inside a dispensing apparatus.