Specified Wear Or Friction-type Traffic-carrying Surface Patents (Class 52/177)
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Patent number: 9382713Abstract: The panel includes a water resistant barrier layer secured atop its outward facing surface. The water resistant barrier layer includes a skid resistant surface. The panels are made of lignocellulosic material. The water resistant and skid resistant surface may include indicia for aligning strips of tape or for aligning fasteners. A method for manufacturing the water resistant building panels is also disclosed and includes the steps of feeding paper onto a forming belt, depositing lignocellulosic material and the binding agent onto the forming belt so as to form a lignocellulosic mat, applying heat and pressure so as to impart the skid resistant surface on the paper, and cutting panels to predetermined sizes.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2015Date of Patent: July 5, 2016Assignee: HUBER ENGINEERED WOODS LLCInventors: John L. Bennett, Joel F. Barker, Rick D. Jordan, Thomas L. Schuman, Nian Ou, Neil C. Swiacki, Kelly R. Flaherty
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Patent number: 9278243Abstract: A fastening system for connecting mats is provided. The fastening system may include one or more features such as a hook and loop fastening system, a projection and trench fastening system, retainer and a tension strip securing system, and/or magnets to secure mats in place.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2014Date of Patent: March 8, 2016Inventors: Gary Lynn Heartsfield, Conrad Jay Thompson, Gary Donald MacDowell, Chad Alan Lind, Jose Guadalupe Mejia
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Patent number: 9228345Abstract: A plurality of intermediate deck boards span across joists in a decking system in which each deck board includes a lower frame portion extruded of a first material and an insert body inserted into the top side of the lower frame portion which is formed of a second material. Additional extruded members are used as starting and ending rows of the deck boards and as finishing boards across the ends of the intermediate deck boards, in which each of the deck boards defines a respective portion of an upper deck surface of the assembled deck structure. The perimeter extruded members include mounting channels for mounting a railing structure thereon.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 2014Date of Patent: January 5, 2016Assignee: Sigma Dek Ltd.Inventors: Tory Weber, Brian Boettger, Stephan Lachevrotiere, Francois Parenteau
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Patent number: 9169657Abstract: The present invention relates to a modular attic flooring assembly comprising a plurality of coupling panels for providing a surface, wherein each coupling panel of the plurality of coupling panels defined as having opposing ends, wherein each coupling panel comprising a surface extending between the opposing ends; a first end having a first mating member; a second end having a second mating member; at least two support legs symmetrically coupled below the surface; at least one indentation arranged on the lower portion of each support leg; wherein the at least one indentation of each support leg faces the at least one indentation of the other support leg, thereby forming a channel for receiving a joist below the surface; and wherein the first mating member of each coupling panel mating with the second mating member of an adjacent coupling panel.Type: GrantFiled: July 21, 2014Date of Patent: October 27, 2015Inventor: Clyde Allen Marek
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Patent number: 9103076Abstract: A unitary safety surface tile. The tile may interlock with at least one other tile. Each tile may be configured for disposing on a base of loose fill. Each tile may be configured for receiving a covering of loose fill. Each tile may include a plurality of hollow pockets. Each of the pockets may connect to at least one other pocket along a top edge of each pocket. Each of the pockets may engage the base of loose fill and/or receive the covering of loose fill. Each of the pockets may include one or more apertures for allowing passage of fluid through each of the pockets. Each tile may further include a plurality of edges. The edges may border the plurality of pockets. Each of one or more of the edges may be adapted for engaging at least one edge of at least one other unitary safety surface tile.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2013Date of Patent: August 11, 2015Assignee: Playsafer Surfacing LLC a division of RubberecycleInventor: Morris Hassan
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Patent number: 9080333Abstract: Modular floor tiles and modular floors are described herein. A modular floor tile may include a top surface layer, a plurality of edge surfaces, an interlocking mechanism for attachment to adjacent tiles, and a support system. The support system may additionally include a first rigid level and at least one resilient support member disposed under the top surface layer, the at least one resilient support member extending to a distance further from the top surface layer than the first rigid level. The at least one resilient support member may be compressible toward the top surface layer. A modular floor may include a plurality of interlocking tiles connected to one another. A method of forming a modular floor that includes an interlocking modular tile is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: May 5, 2014Date of Patent: July 14, 2015Assignee: SNAPSPORTS COMPANYInventors: Jorgen J. Moller, Jr., Jeremiah D. Shapiro
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Patent number: 9057193Abstract: A subfloor component comprises a hardboard panel having first and second opposing faces and a plurality of intersecting grooves to define, in cross-section, a plurality of pedestals having walls that extend into the panel from the first face generally toward the second face. At least one of the pedestals has at least one wall that is undercut. The subfloor component also comprises a film of substantially moisture-impervious material attached to the first face of the panel and that conforms to the tops and walls of the pedestals and to the bottoms of the grooves.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 2014Date of Patent: June 16, 2015Inventor: Victor Amend
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Patent number: 9032691Abstract: A structural support system with a means for capturing and channeling elements originating from an exterior surface is disclosed. More specifically, the support system not only creates a dry area under a deck but is also a load bearing component of the deck. The support system is multifunctional in that it alleviates the need for traditional joist-dependent construction methods while simultaneously providing an efficient and aesthetically pleasing structure for maintaining a useful, dry area under the deck. Advantageously, embodiments are scalable in that the system comprises a repeatable series of interlocking components operable to be customized to any foreseeable deck footprint or load bearing application.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 2012Date of Patent: May 19, 2015Assignee: GDC Enterprises, Inc.Inventors: Harold M. Hawkins, III, Michael A. Lyle, Timothy G. Osby
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Patent number: 9027290Abstract: An embedment tile for producing a tactilely detectable surface in a pedestrian walkway. The tile includes a pattern of upwardly extending projections on its upper surface forming a tactilely detectable pattern, and the projections have reinforcing ridges to protect the projections from lateral forces such as those applied by snow plows.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2013Date of Patent: May 12, 2015Assignee: MetaDome, LLCInventor: Duane F. Sippola
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Patent number: 9016000Abstract: A hotel room that serves as guest accommodations and provides a fitness area for a guest. The hotel room includes different zones, at least one of which is a sleeping zone, and at least the other of which can serve a fitness function. The fitness zone may be convertible between living spaces and fitness, or may serve only a fitness function.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2013Date of Patent: April 28, 2015Assignee: Six Continents Hotels, Inc.Inventors: Gavin Elliott, Bart Lans, George Gottl, Oliver Michell, Chun Wai Cheung
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Patent number: 9010044Abstract: The panel includes a water resistant barrier layer secured atop its outward facing surface. The water resistant barrier layer includes a skid resistant surface. The panels are made of lignocellulosic material. The water resistant and skid resistant surface may include indicia for aligning strips of tape or for aligning fasteners. A method for manufacturing the water resistant building panels is also disclosed and includes the steps of feeding paper onto a forming belt, depositing lignocellulosic material and the binding agent onto the forming belt so as to form a lignocellulosic mat, applying heat and pressure so as to impart the skid resistant surface on the paper, and cutting panels to predetermined sizes.Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 2013Date of Patent: April 21, 2015Assignee: Huber Engineered Woods LLCInventors: John L. Bennett, Joel F. Barker, Rick D. Jordan, Thomas L. Schuman, Nian Ou, Neil C. Swiacki, Kelly R. Flaherty
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Patent number: 8997428Abstract: The present invention relates to a new tension link drill floor level connection system for use on a drilling rig, as may be used in subterranean exploration. The present invention provides a tension link assembly for resisting separating forces incurred between sections of the substructure. In particular, the tension link assembly may be located at the drill floor level for resisting the separating forces imparted by “splayed” or wide leg mast structures that tend to separate substructure side boxes from the substructure center section. The present invention may be comprised of a first link element and a second link element with a tension link being connectable over the first and second link elements to resist separation between sections of the substructure. A latch mechanism may be utilized to prevent upward movement of the tension side boxes or center section relative to the drill floor or to one another.Type: GrantFiled: May 1, 2013Date of Patent: April 7, 2015Assignee: T&T Enigneering Services, Inc.Inventors: Richard D. Souchek, Keith J. Orgeron
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Patent number: 8993098Abstract: A modular plastic floor tile has a body of a first polymer compound and at least one upper feature overmolded onto an upper surface of the body from a second polymer compound which is injected from a gate adjacent the lower surface of the body. At least one through-hole communicates the gate to the upper feature. At least one vent hole, spaced from the through-hole, communicates the upper feature to the lower surface of the body. The vent hole allows any gas in the polymer flow path to be displaced from the upper feature, thereby preventing or minimizing defects that can affect adhesion and appearance.Type: GrantFiled: August 25, 2011Date of Patent: March 31, 2015Assignee: MacNeil IP LLCInventors: Frederick W. Masanek, Jr., Thomas Malewig, David S. Iverson, Allan R. Thom
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Publication number: 20150075092Abstract: Modular floor tiles and modular floor systems are described herein. A floor tile system includes a modular floor tile and a plurality of resilient support assemblies. The modular floor tile includes a top surface layer having a top surface and a bottom surface and a plurality of rigid support portions extending from the bottom surface. The resilient support assemblies are supported against the bottom surface and include an outer resilient support portion having a hollow interior, and an inner resilient support portion positioned centrally relative to the outer resilient support portion.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 19, 2013Publication date: March 19, 2015Applicant: SnapSports CompanyInventors: Jorgen J. Moller, JR., Jeremiah D. Shapiro
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Patent number: 8955268Abstract: A modular tile configured to interlock with multiple tiles to form a modular floor covering over a floor. The tile includes a top surface having a periphery defining side walls extending downward from the top surface, the side walls having a coupling portion configured to couple with other tiles adjacent thereto to form the modular floor covering. The tile also includes a bottom side, opposite the top surface, having a support grid including an array of downward extending polymeric post structures, at least some of the post structures including at least one resilient end portion configured to be positioned against the floor to facilitate controlled deflection of the post structures. The post structures may comprise primary and secondary post structures, with the secondary post structures limiting the deflection of the primary post structures.Type: GrantFiled: November 26, 2013Date of Patent: February 17, 2015Assignee: Connor Sport Court International, LLCInventors: Mark L. Jenkins, Jeremiah Shapiro, Cheryl Forster, Vaughn W. North, David L. Stott
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Publication number: 20150033643Abstract: Floor element for use in the gymnastics and/or fitness sector, wherein, in particular for forming a floor with a large surface area, at least one connecting means is provided on least one outer edge to connect the floor element to a further floor element, in particular of the same kind. The floor element is characterised in that the floor element is formed from an elastic, in particular permanently elastic, polyurethane integral foam. In addition the invention relates to a floor formed from a plurality of floor elements according to the invention.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 19, 2013Publication date: February 5, 2015Inventor: Frank KLEIN
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Publication number: 20150013246Abstract: An anti-icing system may maintain a thin layer of solution on top of pedestrian reception areas to prevent frozen precipitation from remaining frozen on the pedestrian reception areas. This greatly reduces the slippery surfaces that pedestrians would otherwise encounter when using the walk-on surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 13, 2013Publication date: January 15, 2015Inventor: Bertram SOLIS
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Patent number: 8925264Abstract: A floor tile system for protecting a substrate is described. The system includes two tiles or mats that interlock with one another along numerous axes to provide a tight, high-strength seam. Specifically, the tiles include teeth that interlock with teeth of the other tile in a side-by-side manner. The tiles also include male and female portions that interlock when the tile edges overlap with one another.Type: GrantFiled: May 9, 2012Date of Patent: January 6, 2015Assignee: Parallax Group International, LLCInventors: Bruce Thrush, John Grimm
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Patent number: 8919066Abstract: An apparatus including an impact surface and a plurality of spaced apart stiffening columns extending from an underside of the flooring plate. The columns remain substantially rigid up to a predetermined critical pressure and then buckle as the pressure increases. The columns are at least partially surrounded by a resilient underlayment. Deflection stops may extend from the flooring plate to prevent over-buckling and/or permanent deformation of the stiffening columns. In some examples, the deflections stops may assist the floor in providing a substantially rigid surface at very high pressures.Type: GrantFiled: January 3, 2012Date of Patent: December 30, 2014Assignee: University of Notre Dame du LacInventor: Timothy C. Ovaert
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Patent number: 8919054Abstract: A modular floor tile comprising a base substrate and top layer having a first land with a support surface and first and second perimeter portions each defining a second land with a surface recessed relative to the support surface, the first perimeter portion defining a recess and the opposing second perimeter portion defining a lug, whereby two tiles join together by the recess receiving a lug of a second tile, and the support surface supporting footwear remote from the second land to avoid scuffing against the joined lug and recess so the top layer is not delaminated from the base substrate.Type: GrantFiled: May 4, 2012Date of Patent: December 30, 2014Assignee: MMI Andersen Company, LLCInventors: William Leon Tillery, Walter Robb Andersen
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Publication number: 20140366467Abstract: Disclosed are surface sections for creating a non-slip or minimal slippage surface. The surface section includes a plate, a plurality of plate apertures, at least one elevator, a plurality of pegs, and a plurality of couplers to couple the pegs to the plate. Each of the plurality of pegs is at least partially located within, and aligned with, one of the plate apertures. Each coupler couples one of the plurality of pegs to the plate in a normal, extended state in which at least a portion of the peg is extended above the upwardly facing surface of the plate. Each coupler allows each of the plurality of pegs to move within its respective plate aperture to a non-extended state upon application of pressure to the peg. When the pressure is removed, the coupler moves the peg back to its normal, extended state.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 13, 2014Publication date: December 18, 2014Inventor: George L. Fischer
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Patent number: 8898972Abstract: A quick assembling floor mat has multiple reinforced plastic bars and multiple connecting strips. Each reinforced plastic bar has a body, a mounting seat formed on the top surface of the body, at least one metal reinforcing sheet mounted in the body to enhance the structural strength of the body and two connecting grooves respectively formed in the sidewalls of the body. Each one of the connecting strips is connected to two adjacent reinforced plastic bars and has two enlarged ends respectively formed on and protruding from the sides of the connecting strip and corresponding to the connecting grooves of the two adjacent reinforced plastic bars. The reinforced plastic bars only use a small amount of a metal material to reinforce, and this can reduce the cost of materials and can maintain the rigidity and the intensity of the quick assembling floor mat.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 2013Date of Patent: December 2, 2014Assignee: Singform Enterprise Co., Ltd.Inventor: Shih Wen Chen
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Publication number: 20140325924Abstract: The invention relates to a wood paving stone, especially to a ready-to-install interlocking wood paving stone and wood surface covering manufactured therefrom, one wood paving stone having a base body 1 with at least one top and bottom side 1.1, 1.2, the top side 1.1 forming the walking surface and the bottom side 1.2 forming the support surface of the wood paving stone. In an advantageous embodiment, the base body 1 has a multi-layer structure and the base body has one upper panel-like or block-like wood layer 2 and at least one additional support layer 3 forming the bottom side 1.2 of the base body 1, which are connected with each other directly or indirectly.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 5, 2014Publication date: November 6, 2014Inventor: Markus Schuster
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Patent number: 8850768Abstract: The invention relates to a floor panel comprising a carrier layer, a wear layer made of a soft/resilient material, and at least two opposite pairs of locking edges, where at least the locking edges of one pair are designed as form-fitting edges and in such a way that two floor panels can be connected by means of these formfitting edges, and where the form-fitting edges each display a horizontal locking surface which, in connected state, together counteract separation of the floor panels in a direction lying in the floor plane and perpendicular to the form-fitting edges, where each form-fitting edge displays a joint-sealing area in the area of the soft/resilient wear layer, and where the horizontal locking surfaces and the joint-sealing areas are coordinated in such a way that, in connected state of two floor panels, initial compression of the joint-sealing areas against each other can be produced and, as a result, a tightly sealed joint in the area of the soft/resilient wear layer.Type: GrantFiled: November 22, 2011Date of Patent: October 7, 2014Assignee: Akzenta Paneele + Profile GmbHInventor: Hans-Jurgen Hannig
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Publication number: 20140290158Abstract: In a method for manufacturing floor panels that have at least a substrate and a top layer provided on the substrate, the top layer including a thermoplastic layer that is translucent or transparent, the method may involve providing the top layer, including the thermoplastic layer, on the substrate. The method may also involve heating at least the thermoplastic layer, and structuring the thermoplastic layer using a mechanical press element.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 18, 2014Publication date: October 2, 2014Applicant: FLOORING INDUSTRIES LIMITED, SARLInventors: Laurent MEERSSEMAN, Martin SEGAERT, Bernard THIERS, Benjamin CLEMENT, Christophe MAESEN
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Publication number: 20140283468Abstract: Surface laying unit (100) for laying with other surface laying units (100) on an underlying surface (300), wherein the surface laying unit (100) has a useful layer (102) and a connecting structure (104) which is provided directly on an underside of the useful layer (102) and which is designed for connecting to the underlying surface (300).Type: ApplicationFiled: April 26, 2012Publication date: September 25, 2014Applicant: Weitzer Holding GmbHInventor: Wilfried Weitzer
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Patent number: 8833006Abstract: Sheet metal plate for creating flooring, particularly of industrial vehicles, over which trucks are to run, having a plurality of patterns, the maximum height of said reliefs ranging between 0.2 and 1.5 mm, said reliefs having a friction surface which has a mean width of at least 1 mm, in which said reliefs are arranged in a plurality of aligned groups of reliefs all of the same shape, the same orientation, and with their centers of gravity substantially aligned in one and the same given direction (D), the minimum distance, measured in said direction (D), between two adjacent reliefs of one and the same aligned group being less than 6 mm. The direction (D) in which the aligned groups are aligned advantageously coincides with the direction (De) in which the trucks run.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 2011Date of Patent: September 16, 2014Assignee: Constellium FranceInventors: Sylvie Arsene, Pascale Favier
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Patent number: 8833007Abstract: A modular floor tile comprising a substrate having a first land with a support surface and first and second perimeter portions each defining a second land with a surface recessed relative to the support surface, the first and second perimeter portions each defining spaced-apart T-lugs and alternating T-recesses, whereby two tiles join together by the T-recesses of a first tile receiving respective T-lugs of a second tile, and the support surface supporting footwear remote from the second land to avoid scuffing against the joined T-lugs and T-recesses which resist separation of adjacent tiles during use.Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 2013Date of Patent: September 16, 2014Assignee: MMI Anderson Company, LLCInventors: William Leon Tillery, Walter Robb Andersen
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Patent number: 8826609Abstract: A deck plank has at least one base, a top board and two reinforcing ribs. The at least one base includes a carrier board and a plurality of support columns. The support columns extend from a bottom surface of the carrier board. The top board is mounted on a top of the at least one base and has two receiving cavities therein for receiving the reinforcing ribs. To construct a deck, a plurality of deck planks are placed side by side on the ground. The top boards are spaced from the ground by the support columns of the base such that the moisture from the ground does not penetrate the top board to cause the top board to become damp and rot. In addition, the top board is structurally reinforced by the reinforcing ribs to prevent deformation.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2013Date of Patent: September 9, 2014Assignee: Hudson Hardware & Plastics Co., LimitedInventor: Tsu-Kang Chang
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Patent number: 8821067Abstract: A step that may be attached to a boat lift rail. The boat lift rail may be in between the dock and the boat. Therefore, a user may board the boat from the dock using the step. Further, the step may raise and lower with the lift with the top of the step staying above the surface of the water.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 2013Date of Patent: September 2, 2014Inventor: Mark Anderson
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Patent number: 8806816Abstract: The invention relates to a frame (R) for a solar Module, wherein the frame (R) comprises a plurality of aluminum extruded profiles (SP), which form the sides of the frame (R) and which are connected to each other at the corners thereof; wherein at least one aluminum extruded profile (SP) comprises at least one hollow chamber (H), wherein the frame (R) comprises corner elements (E, E?), wherein at least one corner element (E, E?) comprises a discharge opening (18, AB), and the discharge opening (18, AB) is connected to a hollow chamber (H) of at least one adjacent aluminum extruded profile (SP).Type: GrantFiled: February 14, 2014Date of Patent: August 19, 2014Assignee: Sapa Extrusions, Inc.Inventor: Michael Brodam
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Patent number: 8806831Abstract: A floor tile has a rectangular, wear resistant, decorated upper portion. A rectangular lower portion is affixed to the upper portion. The lower portion has laterally projecting tongues extending outwardly from two adjacent sides. The other two adjacent sides have inwardly directed pockets adapted to receive the tongues of adjacent tiles to form a continuous floor covering. Only the edges of the tongues and pockets that resist movement of adjacent tiles away from one another are close fitting to facilitate installation.Type: GrantFiled: July 14, 2010Date of Patent: August 19, 2014Inventor: Steven Ivan Dreyer
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Patent number: 8769904Abstract: A panel comprised of at least one connector that facilitates connection with an adjacent panel. An exemplary embodiment of a panel may be comprised of a female connector and a male connector such that the male connector may be inserted in a female connector of an adjacent, substantially similar panel. The female connector may include a ridge, and the male connector may include a flange. An exemplary embodiment of a panel assembly may be formed when a male connector of one panel is inserted in a female connector of another panel such that the flange of the male connector slides over the ridge of the female connector to interlock the panels.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 2006Date of Patent: July 8, 2014Assignee: Barrette Outdoor Living, Inc.Inventors: Jeffrey R. Brandt, Kevin T. Burt
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Patent number: 8756882Abstract: The tile includes a monolithic support grid structure having a rectangular configuration with four peripheral edges. The support grid structure includes a lattice framework of elongated rib members crisscrossing at right angle on the underside of the support grid structure and defining a network of cells. The support grid structure also includes a plurality of support members, each downwardly projecting from a corresponding intersection between the crisscrossing elongated rib members and having a ground-engaging distal end with a tip that is coincident with a common bottom plane. The tile includes a plurality of tile edge connectors that are positioned on the underside and made integral with the support grid structure.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2013Date of Patent: June 24, 2014Assignee: Le Groupe DSD Inc.Inventor: Leandre Vachon
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Publication number: 20140157695Abstract: Floor covering (10) including panels (12,14; 112) having a core (24) of a plastic material and at least one cover layer (28,30) covering the upper side of the core, the panels being provided with complementary and mutually engaging locking profiles (20,22; 120) at their connected lateral edges (16,18). For forming a groove between two connected panels (12,14; 112) at least one of these panels is provided with a milled-out portion (60,160) at the upper side of its lateral edge, with the cover layer (28,30) excavated completely over the width of the milled-out portion (60,160) so that the bottom (62,162) of the milled-out portion (60,160) is formed by the material of the core.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 11, 2014Publication date: June 12, 2014Applicant: ULRICH WINDMOLLER CONSULTING GMBHInventor: Ulrich Windmöller
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Patent number: 8733057Abstract: A basic insulation covering for arrangement between a subfloor and walkable floor coverings that can be laid thereover is described. The arrangement comprising a plug-in connector at at least two sides of the basic insulation covering elements for smooth and expansive connection of the basic insulation covering elements, the plug-in connector having a structured or profiled surface at least in sections on at least one side on borders of the plug-in connector that engage in one another.Type: GrantFiled: June 10, 2010Date of Patent: May 27, 2014Assignee: Selit Dammtechnik GmbHInventor: Marco Seitner
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Patent number: 8726612Abstract: A modular panel, the panel comprising a first member including a top surface and a bottom surface; an optional second member joined to the bottom surface of the first member; at least two reinforcing elements integrally disposed on the bottom of the first member; at least two elements integrally disposed on the bottom surface of the first member or on the second member for affixing and/or aligning the modular panel to at least two support members, each support member including a top surface; and a support flange integrally disposed about the periphery of the first member for engaging the top surface of the support member. The modular panel being constructed of a thermoplastic material or metal.Type: GrantFiled: April 29, 2008Date of Patent: May 20, 2014Inventors: Steven G. Lomske, Francois J. Castaing
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Patent number: 8713863Abstract: Modular floor tiles and modular floors are described herein. A modular floor tile may include a top surface layer, a plurality of edge surfaces, an interlocking mechanism for attachment to adjacent tiles, and a support system. The support system may additionally include a first rigid level and at least one resilient support member disposed under the top surface layer, the at least one resilient support member extending to a distance further from the top surface layer than the first rigid level. The at least one resilient support member may be compressible toward the top surface layer. A modular floor may include a plurality of interlocking tiles connected to one another. A method of forming a modular floor that includes an interlocking modular tile is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 2013Date of Patent: May 6, 2014Assignee: Snapsports CompanyInventors: Jorgen J. Moller, Jr., Jeremiah D. Shapiro
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Patent number: 8707646Abstract: A flooring system having a top floor layer, a sub-floor, and an underlayment material disposed between the sub-floor and the top floor layer is disclosed. The underlayment material may include a cross-linked, polyolefin foam having a moisture vapor transmission rate of less than about 3.0 lb/1000 ft2/24 hr, and an average sound pressure level of less than about 15 dB over a range of about 300 Hz to about 1000 Hz. Foam density, gel fraction, and resin blend may combine to provide an underlayment material having such reflective sound and moisture vapor barrier properties.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 2013Date of Patent: April 29, 2014Inventor: Craig Patrick Keane
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Patent number: 8697224Abstract: An ornamental structure for a vehicle upholstery member provides a plurality of surface patterns by using a single vehicle upholstery member. On the surface of an embossed vehicle upholstery member are arranged a first region formed with a first emboss pattern, a second region spaced from the first region and formed with a second emboss pattern different from the first emboss pattern, and a third region located between the first and second regions and formed with a third emboss pattern which changes progressively from the first emboss pattern to the second emboss pattern as one moves from the first region to the second region.Type: GrantFiled: April 22, 2010Date of Patent: April 15, 2014Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Keisuke Kato, Mie Kobayashi
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Patent number: 8656662Abstract: Modular floor tiles and modular floors are described herein. A modular floor tile may include a top surface layer, a plurality of edge surfaces, an interlocking mechanism for attachment to adjacent tiles, and a support system. The support system may additionally include a first rigid level and at least one resilient support member disposed under the top surface layer, the at least one resilient support member extending to a distance further from the top surface layer than the first rigid level. The at least one resilient support member may be compressible toward the top surface layer. A modular floor may include a plurality of interlocking tiles connected to one another. A method of forming a modular floor that includes an interlocking modular tile is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 2010Date of Patent: February 25, 2014Assignee: SnapSports CompanyInventors: Jorgen J. Moller, Jr., Jeremiah D. Shapiro
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Patent number: 8650815Abstract: The invention relates to a frame for a solar module, wherein the frame comprises a plurality of aluminum extruded profiles, which form the sides of the frame and which are connected to each other at the corners thereof, wherein at least one aluminum extruded profile comprises at least one hollow chamber, wherein the frame comprises corner elements, wherein at least one corner element comprises a discharge opening, and the discharge opening is connected to a hollow chamber of at least one adjacent aluminum extruded profile.Type: GrantFiled: September 2, 2009Date of Patent: February 18, 2014Assignee: SAPA GmbHInventor: Michael Brodam
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Patent number: 8640403Abstract: A modular plastic floor tile has a body of a first polymer compound and features overmolded onto the body from a second polymer compound. The compounds may be different from each other in hardness and/or color. The features may include skins on support member cores disposed below the tile lower surface. The skins adhere to the bottom and at least a portion of the sidewall of the support member core.Type: GrantFiled: November 28, 2012Date of Patent: February 4, 2014Assignee: MacNeil IP LLCInventors: Frederick W. Masanek, Jr., Thomas Malewig, David S. Iverson, Allan R. Thom
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Patent number: 8631624Abstract: A modular flooring assembly including a flooring component adhered to a tray substrate is described. The modular flooring assembly may be interconnected with additional modular flooring assemblies to form a modular floor suitable for most flooring applications. The flooring component may be tile or wood or other materials commonly used in flooring applications. Convention fill-in grout or a snap-in grout may be used with the modular flooring assemblies. One suitable snap-in grout is a right angle grout member.Type: GrantFiled: February 17, 2012Date of Patent: January 21, 2014Assignee: CoMc, LLCInventors: Jonathan McIntosh, Nicole C. Sperling
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Patent number: 8616804Abstract: A roadway is formed by a plurality of mats flexibly connected together at their ends. The mats are rectangular in configuration to form straight sections of the roadway and trapezoidal in configuration to form curved sections. Each mat comprises a flat platform of transverse wooden boards secured to side rails at their ends. The mats may be tied together at their ends by overlapping flat steel plates secured together by bolts to form links or connections. Or hinge-type assemblies may be useful. The connections have sufficient flexibility to allow the mats to conform to uneven terrain. The rails may function as curbs to limit a vehicle, passing along the roadway, from slipping off sideways. The mats are relatively light, allowing manual installation.Type: GrantFiled: August 27, 2012Date of Patent: December 31, 2013Inventor: Craig Corser
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Publication number: 20130333311Abstract: In accordance with a representative embodiment broadly described herein, the present invention provides for a resilient athletic surface. The surface includes a resilient base layer, an intermediate layer, and a clear polymer wear layer. The athletic surface is configured such that it is area elastic. In one embodiment, the athletic surface can have a visual appearance of being a wood surface or varnished wood surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 30, 2012Publication date: December 19, 2013Applicant: Connor Sports Flooring, LLCInventor: Jerome D. Covington
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Patent number: 8601756Abstract: A platform system includes a platform frame having a header defining a first channel. Decking is mounted to the platform frame. A post is attached to a mounting member, which defines a second channel. The mounting member and the header form an interlock coupling where a portion of the mounting member resides in the first channel and a portion of the header resides in the second channel. A locking pin is positioned within a recess that is partially defined by the header and that is partially defined by the mounting member to limit movement of the mounting member relative to the header.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 2010Date of Patent: December 10, 2013Inventor: Steve V. McNamee
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Patent number: 8596012Abstract: The modular flooring element (1) according to the invention comprises a panel element (2), two hooking brackets (404) arranged on a longitudinal side, two shallow recesses (44) arranged on the other longitudinal side, a hooking bracket (604) arranged on a transversal side and a shallow recess (64) arranged on the other transversal side. The brackets (404) couple with the shallow recesses (44) of another modular element, and similarly the brackets (604) couple with the shallow recesses (64), so as to block the flooring elements both longitudinally and transversally. The hooking brackets (404, 604) are provided with bearings for making the same brackets slide easier. The modular floor so provided can be assembled and dismantled quite quickly. Tongue and groove joints along the longitudinal and transversal edges render the assembled floor quite strong.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 2008Date of Patent: December 3, 2013Assignee: SEPA S.R.L.Inventor: Guido Franchini
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Patent number: 8596023Abstract: A modular tile configured to interlock with multiple tiles to form a modular floor covering over a floor. The tile includes a top surface having a periphery defining side walls extending downward from the top surface, the side walls having a coupling portion configured to couple with other tiles adjacent thereto to form the modular floor covering. The tile also includes a bottom side, opposite the top surface, having a support grid including an array of downward extending polymeric post structures, at least some of the post structures including at least one resilient end portion with a radial end surface configured to be positioned against the floor to facilitate controlled deflection of the post structures. The post structures may comprise primary and secondary post structures, with the secondary post structures limiting the deflection of the primary post structures.Type: GrantFiled: May 27, 2010Date of Patent: December 3, 2013Assignee: Connor Sport Court International, LLCInventors: Mark L. Jenkins, Jeremiah Shapiro, Cheryl Forster, Vaughn W. North, David L. Stott
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Publication number: 20130298483Abstract: A quick assembling floor mat has multiple reinforced plastic bars and multiple connecting strips. Each reinforced plastic bar has a body, a mounting seat formed on the top surface of the body, at least one metal reinforced sheet mounted in the body to enhance the structural strength of the body and two connecting groove respectively formed in the sidewalls of the body. Each one of the connecting strips is connected to two adjacent reinforced plastic bars and has two enlarged ends respectively formed on and protruding from the sides of the connecting strip and corresponding to the connecting grooves of the two adjacent reinforced plastic bars. The reinforced plastic bars in the present invention only use a small amount of a metal material to reinforce, and this can reduce the cost of materials and maintain the rigidity and the intensity of the quick assembling floor mat.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 8, 2013Publication date: November 14, 2013Inventor: Shih Wen Chen