Abstract: A carpet tile having a first layer of a non-woven primary backing having pile elements tufted through the backing to form loops on an underside of the backing is described. The tile includes a second layer of a secondary backing and having loops provided substantially across the underside of the secondary backing for attachment to hooks of a hook and loop attachment system. The tile further includes a hot melt binder which fastens the first and second layers to each other. The carpet tile is free of a stabilizing layer.

Abstract: This application discloses a relatively thin flexible anchor sheet for installation under carpets or other decorative coverings and a covering module composed of a pre-attached decorative covering and anchor sheet which can be assembled by overlapping hook and loop attachment to an additional covering module to create a complete floor covering of carpet, tile, stone or other material and without substantial attachment to a floor.

Abstract: This application discloses a relatively thin flexible anchor sheet for installation under carpets or other decorative coverings and a covering module composed of a pre-attached decorative covering and anchor sheet which can be assembled by overlapping hook and loop attachment to an additional covering module to create a complete floor covering of carpet tile, stone or other material and without attachment to a floor.

Abstract: This application discloses a relatively thin flexible anchor sheet for instalation under carpets or other decorative coverings and a covering module composed of a pre-attached decorative covering and anchor sheet which can be assembled by overlapping hook and loop attachment to an additional covering module to create a complete floor covering of carpet, tile, stone or other material and without substantial attachment to a floor.

Abstract: A floor covering containing a decorative pattern is described. The floor covering has a field of hooks substantially covering a floor to receive decorative overlaid pieces. The covering further has a carrier sheet comprising a top side substantially covered in hooks, such hooks being one half of a hook and loop attachment system, and a bottom side substantially covered in loops, such loops being a second half of a hook and loop attachment system. The carrier sheet is detachably attached by its loops to the field of hooks. The covering further has a first set of decorative pieces having a bottom side substantially covered in loops, such being one half of a hook and loop attachment system. The set of decorative pieces are detachably attached to the upper surface of the carrier sheet and comprise a visually distinct design sheet which substantially entirely fills the upper surface of the carrier sheet.

Abstract: Attachment devices are described for attaching and locating overlapped anchor sheets while allowing for some relative movement as to expansion and contraction. Generally, the devices are a male/female connection on corresponding sheets and expansion openings or apertures surrounding either the male or female part to provide for areas of flexibility to provide for possible movement of either the male or female part.

Abstract: An improved anchor sheet is described. The anchor sheet can be injection molded from polypropylene and can have a thickness of between 0.031 inches and 0.75. Such an anchor sheet can be molded with hooks and can have an attached resilient layer. Stems integral with the anchor sheet are used to form the hooks, and may be 1 mm high and 0.55 mm in diameter. The density of stems may be approximately 230 per square inch, or approximately 128,000 stems on a plate. An anchor sheet made in this way makes an excellent field of hooks when installed onto a supporting surface such as a floor. This field of hooks can take an overlying decorative covering such as pieces of loop backed carpet.

Abstract: A system and method for manufacturing a substrate having a bed of hooks located therein, in particular a system or manufacturing a hook plate having hooks with enlarged shaped heads. The system can include the use of a heated generally flat coining plate, a resilient layer placed under the hook plate, and a forming sheet placed between the coining plate and the tops of stems to be coined.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods for manufacturing plates bonded to resilient layers, wherein the plate is made of a polypropylene and the resilient layer is made of a polyethylene. Ultrasonic welding used to bond the resilient layer to the plate. In some embodiments, a thin film is applied to a layer of the resilient layer before ultrasonic welding. While the film layer may be located adjacent the plate when welding, the film layer may also be advantageously located on the opposite of the resilient layer from the plate when welding. The film may also be applied to both sides of the resilient layer.

Abstract: A carpet tile having a first layer of a non-woven primary backing having pile elements tufted through the backing to form loops on an underside of the backing is described. The tile includes a second layer of a secondary backing and having loops provided substantially across the underside of the secondary backing for attachment to hooks of a hook and loop attachment system. The tile further includes a hot melt binder which fastens the first and second layers to each other. The carpet tile is free of a stabilizing layer.

Abstract: A floor covering including a carrier sheet having a first and second side, the first side being substantially covered in loops for attachment to a field of hooks covering a floor. The floor covering has a decorative inlay attached to the second side of the carrier sheet, and the decorative inlay has a visually distinct design. At least one fill piece is attached to the second side of the carrier sheet to fill the remaining exposed surface of the second side around the decorative inlay. The carrier sheet may be of a size and shape that, when placed onto the field of hooks with the decorative inlay and fill piece attached thereto, permits it to integrate with at least one decorative piece covering the remaining field of hooks, without the need for substantial cutting or trimming of the decorative piece.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for connecting anchor sheets to each other and/or to a floor. The approach includes using attachment pieces which fit into an area of reduced Thickness of the anchor sheet which surround a cut away of the anchor sheet. In one embodiment, the attachment pieces are corners which overlap areas of reduced thickness on a number of anchor sheets.

Abstract: This application discloses a relatively thin flexible anchor sheet for installation under carpets or other decorative coverings and a covering module composed of a pre-attached decorative covering and anchor sheet which can be assembled by overlapping hook and loop attachment to an additional covering module to create a complete floor covering of carpet, tile, stone or other material and without attachment to a floor.

Abstract: Structures are described that create spaces while installing anchor sheet and attachment piece subfloors, but which allow for the expansion and contraction of anchor sheets after installation. The structures may be used on either the attachment pieces, anchor sheets or both. In one embodiment, the structure is a deformable margin; in another embodiment, the structure is a pull-away strip.