Abstract: A rubber or plastic floor mat has a series of parallel upper ribs on its upper surface which define slots in which respective strips or carpeting or the like are removably held. The strips are retained along their lengths by retaining means which run continually or continuously along the slots. The strip retainers include hook-and-loop fasteners (e.g., VELCRO), and/or overhanging edges above the strip edges, preferably formed in one-piece fashion along the side of the upper ribs adjacent the slots. The overhangs may be interrupted, e.g., crenelated as seen from above, and may include bevels.

Abstract: A surface covering unit comprises x primary elements, wherein x is an integer equal to or greater than 1. Each primary element is a rotational tessellation having a plural pairs of sides extending in a generally radial direction from plural vertices, respectively. In each pair, the two sides are rotationally spaced by an angle of 60, 90, 120 or 180 degrees, and each side is substantially a rotational image of the other side. The sum of the plural vertices angles is 180, 240, 270, 300 or 360 degrees. Preferably, all of the sides are irregularly shaped, but one or more sides could be wholly or partially straight. Optionally, one or more edges of each unit are marked with indicia to facilitate matching mating sides of adjacent units. A wide variety of units may be constructed having different numbers and arrangements of primary elements. As all the units are combinations of primary elements, they readily mate with each other.

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 carpet web and a method of forming a carpet web having a striped pattern and color scheme that permits carpet tiles cut from the web to be installed without regard to relative tile positions and without visibly disrupting the pattern, but rather maintaining the appearance of a broadloom web. The web pattern includes parallel stripes having varying widths and longitudinal discontinuities. The stripes are formed with at least two colors or two shades of a color. The tiles are positionally ambiguous in that they need not be located on the floor in the same position they occupied in the web for the flooring installation to exhibit the desired uniform appearance. Instead, the tiles may be shuffled and laid in any side-by-side or top-to-bottom orientation (provided that uniform rotational orientation is maintained among the tiles) with respect to adjacent tiles without looking out of place to the ordinary viewer and without emphasizing the modularity of the flooring.

Abstract: An automotive quality paint coat (44) is laminated to the exterior surface of a molded plastic car body member or panel (118). In one embodiment, the paint coat (44) includes an exterior clear coat (45) above a color coat (46). During processing, the clear coat (45) and color coat (46) are each coated on a temporary flexible casting sheet (42) and dried. A high gloss surface is transferred to the clear coat (45) from the casting sheet (42). The paint coat (44) is then transferred from the casting sheet (42) to a thin, semi-flexible thermoformable plastic backing sheet (72) by dry paint transfer-laminating techniques. The resulting laminate (70) is thermoformed into a complex three-dimensional shape of the car body member or panel. The preformed laminate (116) is then bonded to an underlying plastic substrate material, by injection-cladding techniques, for example, to form the finished article.

Abstract: A modular plastic floor assembly formed from a plurality of shaped tiles (1) and a plurality of shaped connector tiles (3). The shape tiles are substantially larger than the shaped connector tiles and the shaped connector tiles fit into interstices between the shaped tiles when the floor assembly is formed. Each of the shaped tiles and the shaped connector tiles have a substantially planar upper surface (20) and a support array (5, 28) extending from a lower surface of the body. The shaped tiles have connectors (11) and the shaped connector tiles have complementary connectors (24). The connectors are adapted to interengage to interlock the shaped tiles to adjacent shaped connector tiles. Resiliently loaded fingers (118) allow for expansion and contraction between the adjacent tiles. The support array may include resiliently moulded shock absorbing portions (141). The upper surface may have in-mould decoration to provide a surface with changed appearance, frictional properties and/or surface hardness.

Abstract: The modellable tile has an upper surface and a bottom surface and comprises a thin and flexible support element associated to the bottom surface, and at least one recess which involves a whole width of the tile but not the thin and flexible support element. The recess separates the tile into at least two parts which are totally separated one from another, which parts exhibit upper edges which are located side-by-side and which are destined to be brought into reciprocal contact in order to give the tile a predetermined non-flat conformation.

Abstract: A tile anchoring system for use in reactors and other furnace like equipment which involves the use of a tile that contains various internal parts. According to the various embodiments of the present invention, the tile is formed as more than one part. In the present invention, various techniques and parts are used to anchor tiles to surfaces wherein the various parts and the tiles themselves “snap” into place with one another and/or with an existing hexmetal mesh structure.

Abstract: The invention relates to a panel (1) for a floor covering with a layer (2) consisting of a thermoplastic material, which is applied between the underside of the panel (1) and a further layer (3). The further layer consists in particular of a very thin, strong paper impregnated with acrylate. The invention achieves particularly good footfall noise-absorption.

Abstract: A glass brick of the type comprising two mutually parallel exterior surfaces (2), connected by interior walls (3) that extend substantially perpendicular from the exterior surfaces themselves is characterised in that the average distance (4) between the edge or outer perimeter of the exterior surfaces (2) and the interior walls (3) connecting the surfaces themselves is at least 6 mm and preferably between 6 and 20 mm.

Abstract: A non-directional tile is obtained by surface applying and consolidating a relatively thin, non-porous, multi-colored, resin particulate decorative layer onto a backing layer. The non-directionality is the result of the proper selection of resin particle size distribution and the use of contrasting colors. The result is a tile that an ordinary observer cannot discern the machine direction and a tile floor having seams that are indiscernible by an ordinary observer.

Abstract: A surface covering unit comprises x primary elements, wherein x is an integer equal to or greater than 1. Each primary element is a rotational tessellation having a plural pairs of sides extending in a generally radial direction from plural vertices, respectively. In each pair, the two sides are rotationally spaced by an angle of 60, 90, 120 or 180 degrees, and each side is substantially a rotational image of the other side. The sum of the plural vertices angles is 180, 240, 270, 300 or 360 degrees. Preferably, all of the sides are irregularly shaped, but one or more sides could be wholly or partially straight. Optionally, one or more edges of each unit are marked with indicia to facilitate matching mating sides of adjacent units. A wide variety of units may be constructed having different numbers and arrangements of primary elements. As all the units are combinations of primary elements, they readily mate with each other.

Abstract: An assembled pad includes multiple assembled mats connected to one another to define at least one cavity for receiving at least one subject matter. Each assembled mat is made of EVA and includes at least one tenon laterally extending therefrom and at least one mortise laterally defined to receive a corresponding one of the tenons of a corresponding one of adjacent assembled mats. The assembled pad has an undulated top surface for providing an excitation to an infant child who plays on the assembled floor. Each assembled mat has an irregular shape and a connecting edges between two adjacent assembled mats, and the subject matter and the assembled mats are flushed on each other for a smooth touch. The subject matter is a three-dimensional model such that the assembled pad has a vivid vision.

Abstract: The durable products of prior art woodworking have always been unyielding constructions of individual wooden elements held and forced rigidly in place by rigid means such as joinery, fasteners, adhesives, or supporting structures. In the present invention a new method of mobile wood joinery alone is used to draw the wooden elements into place while yet allowing them a range of motion. The joinery of the present invention is mobile, resilient, elastic, and dimensionally dynamic and so are the products made using the present invention. In the present invention a width of resilient elastic adhesive is bonded to the adjoining surfaces of the unmilled individual wooden elements of a wooden product. When the adhesive dries, a mobile, resilient, elastic, dimensionally dynamic joint has been formed. This joint can be bent, hinged, stretched, or compressed in many different directions. The individual wooden elements joined using the present invention can move independently of each other.

Abstract: A roof membrane and a roof system employing a EPDM membrance which is compatible with a bituminous adhesive. The membrance includes an outer layer of polymeric layer such as EPDM bonded to a polyester protective layer which is in turn bonded to a fleecy material. This can be adhered to a roof deck surface using hot asphalt or bitumen which bonds the fleecy material to the roof deck in turn holding the EPDM in place. The polyester layer prevents the asphaltic material from attacking and dissolving the EPDM with the fleecy material providing good adhesion between the polyester and the EPDM.

Abstract: A surface covering is described wherein the surface covering includes at least one support surface, such as a core, with at least one base coating located on the support surface. The support surface preferably has a textured top surface. A printed pattern is located on the base coating and preferably the printed pattern is in register with the textured surface. At least one protective layer is located on the printed pattern. Methods of making the surface covering are further described.

Abstract: Allows tesseras to be obtained with optimal results in the creation of a mosaic. A terracota support is realised of an optimal size of 100×100 mm and a thickness of between 1.5 and 3 mm, subject to allowances for working, also by a craftsman, The support 1 made to allowances for working, also by a craftsman The support 1 made out of clay, before firing is scored or moulded on the rear part with grooves which are regular, parallel and perpendicular or oblique, at a distance of betwen 5 and 10 mm (or other, according to requirements) with a depth of between about 0.75 and 1.5 mm. After the first kil firing, one then proceeds to the kiln glazing of the front part 2. The grooves 3 allow an easy and regular breaking of the glazed tile. With its breaking the tesseras are obtained, with perfect edges and the rear part no visible, thanks particular to the reduced thichness. This then allows an easy resizing with side-cutting nippers of the tessera and the adaptation thereof to the design.

Abstract: A coating composition and process of applying the coating to a substrate are provided herein. The coating composition includes filler particles, binder and a liquid carrier, such as water. The filler particles have an average particle size in the range from about 100 to about 600 microns and preferably in the range from about 200 to about 450 microns. The coating composition comprises from about 15% to about 50% by weight liquid carrier and from about 35% to about 90% by dry solids weight filler particles. The coating composition preserves the acoustic performance characteristics of the substrate to which it is applied, while imparting a textured appearance to the substrate, making the substrate virtually indistinguishable from surrounding panels.

Abstract: A lightweight, interlaced panel system for use in temporary walkways, worksites, airfields, roadways, tent floors and other support surfaces comprising a plurality of partially overlapping and inter-connectable individual panels, wherein each panel is made from rigid, polymeric, plastic materials, and wherein each panel has a lip section on two sides of the panel that is integrated in the panel's body; wherein the panel with the lip is formed during a molding process and does not rely on any further assembly. The panels have uniformly spaced holes for receipt of binding cord and the panels are interlaced together by the binding cord with each panel having adjoining perimeter lips which overlap with an adjacent panel's perimeter lips and to form an easily assembled and interconnected flat surface.

Abstract: An edge trim is coextruded on a polyolefin film layer. The edge trim protects the film from damage during a stretching operation, wherein clamps, clips or hooks of a tenter frame are attached to the edge regions of the film and the film is stretched in the transverse direction (TD).

Abstract: The invention relates to a tile for laying in enclosed spaces, and especially but not exclusively for installation in so-called damp rooms, such as bathrooms, toilets, basements, but also entrance halls, conservatories and verandas. The tile according to the invention is characterized in that it consists of at least one decorative plate and one base plate which is fixed to it by foam or by an adhesive, and in that the base plate recedes behind the contour of the decorative plate(s) on at least one side. The invention may further provide a connecting strip for use between adjacent tiles, or a preferably flat heating element located between the decorative plate and the base plate.

Abstract: A method for adhesively joining two members includes the steps of mixing non-compressible beads with an adhesive, applying the resulting mixture to one of the members and hemming one member over the other in overlapping relationship. Apparatus for performing this method includes a container for containing a mixture of an adhesive and a plurality of non-compressible beads, an applicator for applying the mixture to one of the members, and hemming means for hemming one member over the other in overlapping relationship. A metering device for dispensing adhesive fluid is constructed with a dispensing rod having a cooling means for facilitating operation of the metering device. The present invention finds particular utility in bonding together the inner and outer panels of an automotive door assembly.

Abstract: Laminated flooring panels include decorative motifs, mechanically embossed-in-registration surface textures, recessed perimeters, and locking mechanisms. The locking mechanisms facilitate the alignment of adjacent flooring panels. Adjacent flooring panels substantially aligned allow embossed-in-registration patterns to be substantially continuous across adjacent flooring panels. The recessed perimeter prevents the edges of the flooring panel from prematurely wearing. Individual flooring panels within the flooring system may comprise at least one partial sub-panel having a decorative motif and/or embossed surface texture that is complementary with a decorative motif and/or embossed surface texture of a neighboring partial sub-panel.

Abstract: An mat system with each mat having sloping lips which overlap with an adjacent mat's sloping lips and are secured by interlocking joints in the mats' lips and/or by captive locking pins to form an easily assembled and interconnected flat surface. In use, opposing ledges forms a slot within holes in the top overlapping lips to receive a captive locking pin. The pin is captive by mid body prongs which fix underneath the ledges in a mat's upper lip's holes, and the pin locks and unlocks with rotary turning of the pin resulting in the pin's keeper feet fixing underneath the similar ledges in the holes of the lower lip of an adjacent mat.

Abstract: Multilayer systems, such as those used as mirrors in the extreme ultraviolet wavelength range, suffer contamination or oxidation during storage in air and in long-time operation, i.e. when exposed to EUV radiation in a vacuum environment with certain partial pressures of water or oxygen, which causes a serious reduction in reflectivity. The multilayer system according to the invention will have a long life with constantly high reflectivity. The multilayer systems according to the invention have protective layers made from ruthenium, aluminium oxide, silicon carbide, molybdenum carbide, carbon, titanium nitride or titanium dioxide. The multilayer systems according to the invention are produced by direct, ion-beam-supported growth of the protective layer or, except in the case of ruthenium, by mixing aluminium or titanium with oxygen or nitrogen at atomic level, with ion-beam support, to product an outermost protective layer with ion-beam support.

Abstract: A photoluminescent tile composition made of a tile base and a matrix of photoluminescent material disbursed throughout the tile base. The tile base includes a non-transparent mineral filler. The photoluminescent material located on exposed surfaces absorb and release light. The same manufacturing methods and equipment used to manufacture conventional floor tile can be used to manufacture floor tiles from the tile composition.

Abstract: A photoluminescent tile composition made of a tile base and a matrix of photoluminescent material disbursed throughout the tile base. The tile base includes a non-transparent mineral filler. The photoluminescent material located on exposed surfaces absorb and release light. The same manufacturing methods and equipment used to manufacture conventional floor tile can be used to manufacture floor tiles from the tile composition.

Abstract: Carpet tiles having patterns and color schemes that obviate the need to orient the tiles relative to each other. The tiles exhibit orthogonal ambiguity, meaning that they may be laid in any side-by-side orientation with respect to adjacent tiles without looking out of place to the ordinary viewer and thereby still achieving an appearance of continuity like broadloom carpet. Each tile has patterns of shapes having some straight sides and that appear to be randomly positioned but oriented with some straight sides parallel to carpet tile sides. The shapes are formed from a color or combination of colors so that adjacent shapes on each tile have at least one color in common. Furthermore, each tile has at least one color in common with every other tile, so that when the tiles are laid, the colors on adjacent tiles coordinate. All of the colors have similar intensities so that no one color will significantly stand out from the other colors.

Abstract: Carpet tiles having patterns and color schemes that obviate the need to orient the tiles relative to each other. The tiles exhibit orthogonal ambiguity, meaning that they may be laid in any side-by-side orientation with respect to adjacent tiles without looking out of place to the ordinary viewer and thereby still achieving an appearance of continuity like broadloom carpet. Each tile has patterns of shapes having some straight sides and that appear to be randomly positioned but oriented with some straight sides parallel to carpet tile sides. The shapes are formed from a color or combination of colors so that adjacent shapes on each tile have at least one color in common. Furthermore, each tile has at least one color in common with every other tile, so that when the tiles are laid, the colors on adjacent tiles coordinate. All of the colors have similar intensities so that no one color will significantly stand out from the other colors.

Abstract: A rubber or plastic floor mat has a series of parallel upper ribs on its upper surface which define slots in which respective strips or carpeting or the like are removably held. The strips are retained along their lengths by retaining means which run continually or continuously along the slots. The strip retainers include hook-and-loop fasteners (e.g., VELCRO), and/or overhanging edges above the strip edges, preferably formed in one-piece fashion along the side of the upper ribs adjacent the slots. The overhangs may be interrupted, e.g., crenelated as seen from above, and may include bevels.

Abstract: Seam strips are provided in a textile covering for a floor, wall or ceiling which are exposed and afford an aesthetic surface treatment. The seam strips comprise inverted T-shaped strips with an upstanding web terminating in a margin short of the pile height and a pair of flanges projecting laterally from each of the lower opposite sides of the web. The flanges have holes for securing, by way of screws or nails, the strips to the underlying floor, wall or ceiling. The adjacent edges of the textile covering are secured to the upper surfaces of the flanges. The textile coverings preferably have the backstitches of tufts and portions of the primary backing forming an exposed surface which, together with the exposed margin of the strips, form an aesthetically pleasing surface treatment.

Abstract: Thermal apparatus that reduces passive intermodulation products generated on a satellite or other spaceborne vehicle. Exemplary passive intermodulation free thermal blankets comprise a reflector stack including multiple polyimide layers with metallized film on one side thereof, a binding layer that secures the reflector stack together, and an outer cover layer that wraps around the binding layer and reflector stack to cover an outer surface of the thermal blanket and form a hem on an inner surface of the thermal blanket. Multiple small thermal blankets or patches may be bound together using grounding inserts and polyimide tape to form a quilt-like assembly. The quilt-like assembly is enclosed by an outer cover layer that wraps around the multiple patches to cover one surface thereof and form a hem on an opposite surface thereof.

Abstract: A thermoplastic laminate plank is described wherein the thermoplastic laminate plank comprises a core, a print layer, and optionally an overlay. The core comprises at least one thermoplastic material and has a top surface and bottom surface wherein a print layer is affixed to, the top surface of the core and an overlay layer is affixed to the top surface of the print layer. Optionally, an underlay layer can be located and affixed between the bottom surface of the print layer and the top surface of the core. In addition, a method of making the thermoplastic laminate plank is further described which involves extruding at least one thermoplastic material into the shape of the core and affixing a laminate on the core, wherein the laminate comprises an overlay affixed to the top surface of the print layer and optionally an underlay layer affixed to the bottom surface of the print layer.

Abstract: An advertising mat including a floor mat having a bottom surface for engaging a floor and an upper surface over which pedestrian traffic will pass. The mat upper surface includes a traffic section adapted for placement in a pedestrian path, and at least one side section having a plurality of hold down tabs. The side section is adjacent the traffic section. A panel including a top surface bearing advertising indicia is configured for placement in the side section. The plurality of hold down tabs releasably secures the panel in the side section.

Abstract: Carpet tiles having patterns and color schemes that obviate the need to orient the tiles relative to each other. The tiles exhibit orthogonal ambiguity, meaning that they may be laid in any side-by-side orientation with respect to adjacent tiles without looking out of place to the ordinary viewer and thereby still achieving an appearance of continuity like broadloom carpet. Each tile has patterns of shapes having some straight sides and that appear to be randomly positioned but oriented with some straight sides parallel to carpet tile sides. The shapes are formed from a color or combination of colors so that adjacent shapes on each tile have at least one color in common. Furthermore, each tile has at least one color in common with every other tile, so that when the tiles are laid, the colors on adjacent tiles coordinate. All of the colors have similar intensities so that no one color will significantly stand out from the other colors.

Abstract: Inorganic particle/polymer composites are described that involve chemical bonding between the elements of the composite. In some embodiments, the composite composition includes a polymer having side groups chemically bonded to inorganic particles. Furthermore, the composite composition can include chemically bonded inorganic particles and ordered copolymers. Various electrical, optical and electro-optical devices can be formed from the composites.

Abstract: A floor pad module is formed along its four edges with specially designed first and second dovetails and corresponding dovetail grooves, so that the floor pad module could be reversed without affecting its free connection to another floor pad module via engagement of the dovetails with the dovetail grooves. This enables the floor pad module to be manufactured with two different colors shown at a front and a reverse side thereof, and a consumer may connect a plurality of the floor pad modules to form a large area of floor pad showing differently colored patterns simply by reversing some of the floor pad modules in the same one pack without the need of purchasing two or more packs of monochromatic floor pad modules.

Abstract: A preseamed sheet flooring product having first and second sheet products positioned closely adjacent each other edge-to-edge to form a seam therebetween. An adhesive is positioned in the seam and has visual characteristics suitable for creating an indistinct appearance of the seam in the sheet flooring product. The seam also has wear characteristics sufficiently similar to wear characteristics of the sheet flooring product to maintain the visually indistinct appearance of the adhesive on the surface of the seam as wear occurs to the end product sheet material.

Abstract: A safety tile (1) is for use with other like tiles in paving a playground area and is made of a resilient polymeric material. A multiplicity of tongues (12) of said polymeric material project from the periphery of said layer (3), the tongues being spaced apart so as to define gaps (14) therebetween for receiving the tongues of adjacent like safety tiles. A respective through passageway (16) is provided in each tongue (12), running substantially parallel to the first face (5), and so located that the passageway in a tongue of an adjacent like tile, when the last-mentioned tongue is received in one of said gaps, aligns with the passageways of the tongues next to the said one of said gaps to permit the insertion of an elongate member (20) through said aligned passageways.

Abstract: Biaxially oriented, co-extruded polyester films comprising a base layer consisting of at least 90 wt. % thermoplastic polyester, preferably polyethylene terephthalate (PET), at least one sealable outer layer and a second non-sealable outer layer and, optionally, other intermediate layers, in addition to at least one flame-retardant agent, preferably organic phosphorous compounds. The inventive films are characterized by low inflammability, no embrittlement when subjected to thermal stress and a surface which is devoid of troublesome opacity, and are suitable for a multiplicity of uses both indoors and outside. The outer layers contain anti-blocking agents such as silicic acid having a particle diameter of preferably less than 50 nm and/or more than 2 &mgr;m. Preferably, the sealable outer layer consists of a copolyester which is made of ethylene terephthalate and ethylene isophthalate units.

Abstract: An artificial stratified stone construction (10) for producing building components (21) and the method employed in the manufacture of the building components (21). The artificial stratified stone construction (10) includes a slab (20) having a plurality of different colored layers (22) of cured concrete such that the exposed sides of each of the building components (21) will expose the variable stratified color and thickness layers (22) which constitute the finished product.

Abstract: A deep embossed high pressure decorative laminate having a plurality of integral tiles with various surface textures bordered by deep embossed portions. Each tile of the laminate has a peripheral thickness greater than the thickness of the non-peripheral portions of the tile. Preferably, each tile has a concave profile along its upper surface when viewed in cross section. A method of producing artwork necessary for the deep embossed high pressure decorative laminate of the present invention comprises assembling a first layer of fibrous sheets impregnated with a thermosetting resin, a second layer comprising a plurality of adjacent tiles comprising a plurality of fibrous sheets impregnated with a thermosetting resin, wherein the tiles were previously pressed and heated, and a third layer comprising a plurality of shims.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a prefabricated laminated wood member (1) having at least three interconnected layers (2a, 2b, 2c, 2d, 2e, 2f) which are made of different kinds of wood (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, 3e, 3f) arranged in the form of immediately adjacent boards or mounts, wherein the different kinds of wood (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, 3e, 3f) in at least two adjacent layers (2a, 2b, 2c, 2d, 2e, 2f) have different directions. In order to provide a uniform wood structure, the assembly of individual layers (2a, 2b, 2c, 2d, 2e, 2f) is achieved by using plugs (4) that extend through the layers (2a, 2b, 2c, 2d, 2e, 2f) of wood (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, 3e, 3f).

Abstract: A floor mat system having a plurality of individual floor mats disposed in a frame assembly includes floor mats sized in a manner so that a transport vehicle having wheels can be rolled over the floor mat system in any direction without two wheels of the transport vehicle contacting a single floor mat at any given time. This floor mat arrangement prevents two wheels of the transport vehicle from working together to dislodge the floor mats. As such, each individual floor mat of the system has a width and a length sized to be less than the wheel base distance and the tract distance of the transport vehicle. The width and length of each floor mat is also designed such that two wheels cannot reside on a single floor mat diagonally. The floor mats may also have a plurality of support knobs extending down from the ribs to provide additional support to the floor mat. The support knobs are configured and located so as not to clog the fluid flow channels under the floor mat.

Abstract: Tiles, preferably floor tiles having an upper surface (1) which has engagement members (6) extending from two adjacent sides (2 and 3). The engaging elements (6) have a recess between them which is a mirror image of the engaging elements (6) of an adjacent tile. Rib (9) on the outer extensions (6a, 6b, 6c) of the engaging elements (6) engages with slot (10) along the lengths of sides (2, 3) to form a fluid tight seal between adjacent tiles which are interlocked by engaging elements (6).

Abstract: Carpet tiles having patterns and color schemes that obviate the need to orient the tiles in a particular positional or rotational relationship relative to each other. The tiles exhibit orthogonal ambiguity, meaning that they may be laid in any side-by-side orientation with respect to adjacent tiles without looking out of place to the ordinary viewer and thereby still achieving an appearance of continuity like broadloom carpet. Each tile has patterns of shapes having some straight and curved elements. At least some of the straight elements on each tile preferably parallel a tile edge. The shapes are formed from a color or combination of colors so that adjacent shapes on each tile have at least one color in common. Furthermore, each tile has at least one color in common with every other tile, so that when the tiles are laid, the colors on adjacent tiles coordinate.

Abstract: An applique system for decorative magnetic facing materials, fabricated from thin sheets of flexible, vinyl-coated, magnetic material, for removable attachment to the exterior, magnet-attracting surfaces found in home (washers, dryers, refrigerators, dishwashers, ovens) and office (filing/storage cabinets, restroom stall doors) environments is herein disclosed. The decorative magnetic facing materials provide a simple, economical, user-configurable means to integrate the generically colored, magnet-attracting surfaces found in home and office environments with specific interior decorative schemes/themes. The decorative magnetic facing materials incorporate geometric and non-geometric designs that can be used in horizontal or vertical oreintations and that facilitate precise cutting into user-configured shapes/sizes.

Abstract: A protective structure for thermal insulation and impact resistance, and especially suited for bonded application to the exterior of aircraft including spacecraft to protect the craft from high temperatures generated by exhaust gases and by atmospheric re-entry. The structure includes either a single ceramic tile component with a cover component comprising a fiber reinforced ceramic matrix composite encasing the tile component, or a plurality of ceramic tile components with a like single cover component encasing the plurality of tile components. Utilizing the structures as an external aircraft surface imparts a super hard exterior that functions to significantly prohibit impact and erosion damage while not compromising the desirable thermal insulation properties inherent to tile.

Abstract: Carpet tiles having patterns and color schemes that obviate the need to orient the tiles relative to each other. The tiles exhibit orthogonal ambiguity, meaning that they may be laid in any side-by-side orientation with respect to adjacent tiles without looking out of place to the ordinary viewer and thereby still achieving an appearance of continuity like broadloom carpet. Each tile has patterns of shapes having some straight sides and that appear to be randomly positioned but oriented with some straight sides parallel to carpet tile sides. The shapes are formed from a color or combination of colors so that adjacent shapes on each tile have at least one color in common. Furthermore, each tile has at least one color in common with every other tile, so that when the tiles are laid, the colors on adjacent tiles coordinate. All of the colors have similar intensities so that no one color will significantly stand out from the other colors.

Abstract: There is provided a mat having multiple sets of pins, each set of pins being located within surrounding, characterized in that the pins do not extend significantly beyond the highest point of the surrounding. Thus the pins are protected by the surrounding and are less likely to break after extended use. The mat may be provided with areas adapted for the receipt of strips of textile materials, eg carpeting which advantageously has a hard-backing and is able to snap into the areas provided. The inclusion of the textile material combines a scraping function together with the visual appearance of a carpet. The strips of textile material will be separated by sets of pins as described above. A set of such mats is also described.