Abstract: A multi-component floor mat that, in one embodiment, is comprised of a first base or frame portion, intended to be positioned on the floor, that is dimensioned to accommodate a second flexible textile mat or rug portion that is releasably held in place on or in said base or frame portion by a plurality of magnets associated with one or both portions, thereby allowing for the easy removal or replacement of the textile portion of the mat and the economical laundering of same.

Abstract: Renewing, washing, and/or recycling of used carpet tiles is provided. In accordance with one embodiment, carpet tiles are purchased or leased and installed with adjacent tiles being of a different pattern, design, color, shade, and/or the like so that no two identical tiles abut one another. This method of patterning and installing carpet tiles can eliminate the need for shade sorting and site mapping. Also, this method permits the ability to replace one or more damaged or severely stained tiles with new or renewed tiles and without worrying about tile-to-tile shading. The renewed carpet tiles are washed with a high-pressure fluid, and entangling of piles is removed and piles raised.

Abstract: At least one embodiment of this invention relates to a cushioned dust control mat article wherein the mat comprises at least two distinct layers of rubber, one comprising foam rubber, the other comprising solid rubber. The solid rubber layer is present over the foam rubber layer on the side of the mat in which at least one integrated rubber protrusion is present to provide cushioning characteristics. The solid rubber layer acts as a cap or barrier for the foam rubber layer, particularly over the integrated protrusion or protrusions, in order to provide a mat which is resilient, will not easily degrade in its modulus strength after appreciable use and/or washing within industrial cleaning processes, and will not exhibit appreciable cracking or breaking, particularly within the integrated protrusion(s), after standard use for pedestrian traffic. A method of producing such an inventive cushioned floor mat article is also provided.

Abstract: A process by which dithering techniques and in situ blending techniques may be used to reproduce a desired multi-colored dyed pattern on a substrate using precisely delivered quantities of liquid colorants that are available in only a relatively few colors. Specific preferred process colors, as well as procedures for expanding the range of reproduced colors using such process colors, are presented Optionally, specific actuation instructions for a specific dye injection machine capable of patterning a moving textile substrate may be generated.

Abstract: An area rug system. The system includes a plurality of interlocking floor tiles. The edges of the tiles interlock in such a way that when the tiles are adjoined, the tiles present a single continuous and uninterrupted surface. The tiles are multi-layered and include a non-skid bottom surface. Further, the tiles include serged edges to provide a finished appearance.

Abstract: A floor covering made from a combination of solution dyed yarn and non-solution dyed yarn. The non-solution dyed yarn can first be combined with solution dyed yarn to form a pile fabric. Thereafter, the pile fabric can additionally be dyed or patterned in preparation for possible incorporation into a floor covering product.

Abstract: There is provided a modular area rug having a plurality of individual floor covering elements positioned in an aesthetically pleasing tiled configuration. The modular area rug may include a plurality of similar repeating sub-units, each of which may comprise multiple floor covering elements. The modular area rug is free-standing, requiring no contact with a wall to maintain its monolithic nature. Further, the individual floor covering elements may be easily repositioned to satisfy user needs or whims. Each floor covering element has a textile upper surface and a skid-resistant backing of either a sheet material or a fabric-elastomer composite.

Abstract: There is provided a modular area rug having a plurality of individual floor covering elements positioned in an aesthetically pleasing tiled configuration. The modular area rug may include a plurality of similar repeating sub-units, each of which may comprise multiple floor covering elements. The modular area rug is free-standing, requiring no contact with a wall to maintain its monolithic nature. Further, the individual floor covering elements may be easily repositioned to satisfy user needs or whims. Each floor covering element has a textile upper surface and a skid-resistant backing of either a sheet material or a fabric-elastomer composite.

Abstract: A multi-component floor mat that, in one embodiment, is comprised of a first base or frame portion, intended to be positioned on the floor, that is dimensioned to accommodate a second flexible textile mat or rug portion that is releasably held in place on or in said base or frame portion by a plurality of magnets associated with one or both portions, thereby allowing for the easy removal or replacement of the textile portion of the mat and the economical laundering of same. The pile surface of the mat component features one of a plurality of messages, printed in reactive dyes, intended to convey information to users of the mat.

Abstract: There is provided a flooring article having a composite structure, whose soft secondary backing material and mesh fabric prevent damage to the floor on which the article is placed and which prevent the flooring article from sliding during use. The soft backing material prevents the flooring on which the rug is placed from being scratched or abraded by the article. The mesh fabric, when incorporated in the flooring composite, prevents the finished article from sliding across the flooring surface during use.

Abstract: A dust control mat having a pile surface and a backing layer disposed beneath the pile surface. The pile surface includes segmented portions of pile-forming material salvaged from previously used mat structures and adhered to the backing layer in a predefined arrangement to define a contact surface of recycled material for use in removing dirt from the shoes of a user.

Abstract: The present mat system includes a plurality of mats intended to convey specific and needed information, in interior locations, to the end-user's customers or family. These mats are printed with words, letters, or symbols that convey the desired information. The information may be printed in any language or dialect, even incorporating slang or colloquial expressions. By using these mats, the end-users indicate their care and appreciation for their customers or family. In one embodiment, the mats include a textile upper surface (such as a pile surface) and a solid backing. Because the mats are printed with reactive dyes, they are more capable of withstanding vigorous laundering without causing dye transfer onto other mats.

Abstract: A multi-component floor mat that, in one embodiment, is comprised of a first base or frame portion, intended to be positioned on the floor, that is dimensioned to accommodate a second flexible textile mat or rug portion that is releasably held in place on or in said base or frame portion by a plurality of magnets associated with one or both portions, thereby allowing for the easy removal or replacement of the textile portion of the mat and the economical laundering of same.

Abstract: There is provided a separable mat comprising a mat component and a base component having a flat surface for supporting the mat component. The mat component has a backing substrate, in which mat piles are implanted, and may include a magnetic composition applied to the backing substrate, in which magnetic particles are incorporated. Alternately, the mat component may include a base pile fabric to which a magnetic sheet is secured. In another embodiment, more than one mat component is secured to a single base component. The base component of the mat includes a flat surface for supporting the mat component(s). In one embodiment, a magnetic material, such as a magnetic sheet, is positioned on this flat surface. In an alternate embodiment, magnetic particles may be incorporated into the base component. The mat component may be dyed or printed to meet user specifications, and the base component may also be colored if so desired.

Abstract: A dust control mat having a pile surface and a backing layer disposed beneath the pile surface. The pile surface includes segmented portions of pile-forming material salvaged from previously used mat structures and adhered to the backing layer in a predefined arrangement to define a contact surface of recycled material for use in removing dirt from the shoes of a user.

Abstract: Renewing, washing, and/or recycling of used carpet tiles is provided. In accordance with one embodiment, carpet tiles are purchased or leased and installed with adjacent tiles being of a different pattern, design, color, shade, and/or the like so that no two identical tiles abut one another. This method of patterning and installing carpet tiles can eliminate the need for shade sorting and site mapping. Also, this method permits the ability to replace one or more damaged or severely stained tiles with new or renewed tiles and without worrying about tile-to-tile shading. The renewed carpet tiles are washed with a high-pressure fluid, and entangling of piles is removed and piles raised.

Abstract: A process by which dithering techniques and in situ blending techniques may be used to reproduce a desired multi-colored dyed pattern on a substrate using precisely delivered quantities of liquid colorants that are available in only a relatively few colors. Specific preferred process colors, as well as procedures for expanding the range of reproduced colors using such process colors, are presented Optionally, specific actuation instructions for a specific dye injection machine capable of patterning a moving textile substrate may be generated.

Abstract: This invention relates to new dyeing systems for nylon pile fabrics which are free from chrome-metallized dyestuffs and which comprise at least one cobalt-metallized dyestuff and at least one milling acid dyestuff. Such systems provide highly desirable and effective colorations within target pile fabrics and also provide dramatic mprovements in bleach resistance to the nylon fabric surface. The inventive colored pile fabrics are utilized generally as components within launderable floor mat articles which require periodic cleaning with bleach-containing formulations. Thus, the inventive colored fabrics do not exhibit any appreciable reduction in color after such continuous, periodic rigorous cleaning procedures. Floor mats comprised of such inventive colored pile fabrics as well as the particular dyestuff compositions themselves are also encompassed within this invention.

Abstract: This invention relates to a cushioned dust control mat or article wherein the mat comprises at least two distinct layers of rubber, one comprising foam rubber, the other comprising solid rubber and has a plurality of star-shaped protrusions in the upper surface thereof. Also, the surface of the mat between the protrusions is ribbed or recessed. The solid rubber layer is present over the foam rubber layer on the top side of the mat in which the plurality of star shaped rubber protrusions are present to provide cushioning characteristics. The solid rubber layer acts as a cap or barrier for the foam rubber layer, particularly over the star shaped protrusions, in order to provide a mat which is resilient, will not easily degrade in its modulus strength after appreciable use and/or washing within industrial cleaning processes, and will not exhibit appreciable cracking or breaking, particularly within the star-shaped protrusions, after standard use for pedestrian traffic.