Specified Wear Or Friction-type Traffic-carrying Surface Patents (Class 52/177)
  • Publication number: 20130291457
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2012
    Publication date: November 7, 2013
    Applicant: MMI ANDERSEN COMPANY, LLC
    Inventors: William Leon Tillery, Walter Robb Andersen
  • Patent number: 8555570
    Abstract: A concealed fastener is formed in situ during attachment of a first grooved sheathing member to an underlying support member. The concealed fastener rigidly attaches the first sheathing member, and permits subsequent installation of an adjoining sheathing member while providing for proper spacing between adjacent sheathing members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: OMG, Inc.
    Inventor: David Martel
  • Patent number: 8550401
    Abstract: A floor section for a vehicle cabin includes juxtaposed profiled elements of identical cross section. Each profiled element includes a mainly planar elongated cross member and a generally flat elongated panel. The cross member includes a lower stiffener, is positioned in a transverse vertical plane, and is attachable at two extremities to a vehicle frame. The elongated panel is positioned in a horizontal plane and includes an overlap region along one longitudinal edge and a bearing region along another longitudinal edge. The overlap region and the bearing region are of similar width and of total thickness less than or equal to a mean panel thickness. The panel is perpendicular to the cross member, and a bearing region underside is coplanar with a lower face of the elongated panel and is secured to the cross member at two or more points substantially in line with a middle of the bearing region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: Airbus Operations S.A.S.
    Inventors: Patrick Lieven, Daniel Bellet
  • Patent number: 8544222
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: MetaDome, LLC
    Inventor: Duane F. Sippola
  • Patent number: 8544229
    Abstract: This present invention relates generally to deck fasteners for securing deck boards together and to a supporting member, and more particularly with a deck fastener which does not protrude from the deck surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: A. Raymond et Cie
    Inventors: Dorian Kilgore, William Teller
  • Patent number: 8539728
    Abstract: This invention provides a flooring apparatus comprising: (a) a flooring plate; (b) a plurality of columns extending from an underside of the flooring plate, wherein at least some of the columns deform when the flooring plate is subjected to a pressure equal to or greater than a critical buckling pressure; and (c) a matrix material in at least partial contact with the columns. The present disclosure includes many variations of such apparatus, such as various column designs, material selection criteria, and end-use considerations. This invention also provides a flooring system for mitigating injuries associated with falls, the system comprising a plurality of flooring apparatus each provided in accordance the present disclosure. The flooring system can include one or more types of modular tiles, or any other configuration (such as mats).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: Sorbashock LLC
    Inventors: Samuel J. Simonson, Robert J. Michael
  • Patent number: 8535785
    Abstract: 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 raised pads on the upper surface and/or skins on support member cores downwardly depending from the tile lower surface. The pads on the upper surface may be injection-molded from the lower surface through through-holes. Lateral edges of the tile are provided with latches which fit into loops with an interference fit. The loops flex in order to impose a compressive force on mating tile edges. The tile may have an overmolded peripheral seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: MacNeil IP LLC
    Inventors: Frederick W. Masanek, Jr., David S. Iverson, Allan R. Thom
  • Patent number: 8528278
    Abstract: An embedment tile with a replaceable upper plate and a lower plate joined by fasteners in a manner that permits replacement of the upper plate when desired. The embedment tile upper plate comprises a plate having a pattern of upwardly extending projections on its upper surface forming a tactilely detectable pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: MetaDome, LLC
    Inventor: Duane F. Sippola
  • Patent number: 8505259
    Abstract: A deck unit is disclosed to form a deck system for a roof or floor that is capable of supporting a heavier load and/or spanning greater distances. The deck unit is a profiled, metal unit, that derives its greater load-bearing strength in part from its greater depth but provides flexibility in achieving the greater strength from the way the additional depth is obtained. In particular, a full length channel is attached to a hat-shaped profile. The channel adds strength both by increasing deck unit depth and by avoiding lengthening the webs on the hat-shaped profile. The channel increases design flexibility by allowing the designer to increase the strength of pre-existing decks by the addition of a channel of suitable metal thickness and size. It also provides a channel for conduit, cabling and wiring. The deck unit may be fluted or, by the addition of a liner panel to close the interior of hat-shaped profile, cellular. Sound absorbing materials can be installed in either a fluted or cellular deck unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Consolidated Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Vitaliy V. Degtyarev
  • Patent number: 8479460
    Abstract: A deck system includes plural deck units fastened together and carried directly by the framing system of a building directly or indirectly by frame elements that are themselves carried by the framing system. To relieve lateral forces on the deck system that exceed a pre-engineered level, these frame elements include a slidable support and slidable brackets both with slotted holes that permit controlled and limited movement of the deck system in two mutually orthogonal directions with respect to the framing system of the building. In addition, the individual deck units may move horizontally with respect to the each other and the framing system. Each decking unit may be connected to an adjacent decking unit using a slotted hole formed in one of its two side laps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Consolidated Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Brian J. Meyer
  • Publication number: 20130167457
    Abstract: A system and method for securing a vinyl pool stair liner to a set of pool stairs. The system includes a locking component that is secured to the stairs and a locking rod that is selectively engageable in a channel in the upper end of the locking component. The locking rod secures a flap of vinyl extending outwardly from an exterior surface of the stair liner into the channel and thereby secures the stair liner to the pool stairs. An installation tool is used to push the locking rod into the channel of the locking component. The locking rod is removable from the locking component to release the stair liner if it is determined that the liner should be replaced at a later date.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2011
    Publication date: July 4, 2013
    Applicant: MEGNA POOLS
    Inventor: Michael Gibson
  • Publication number: 20130167458
    Abstract: A modular flooring system includes a plurality of floor tiles situated about a ground surface, with each floor tile having a substantially-flat top surface and a connection interface with opposing engagement surfaces. The flooring system also includes a plurality of removable bridge connectors, with each of the bridge connectors having a plurality of tile interfaces, and with each tile interface having complimentary engagement surfaces configured to engage with the opposing engagement surfaces of the connection interfaces. The tile interfaces of the bridge connectors couple to the respective connection interfaces of any adjacent floor tiles to restrain the relative vertical movement between the adjacent floor tiles while facilitating controlled relative lateral movement between the floor tiles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2012
    Publication date: July 4, 2013
    Inventors: Ronald N. Cerny, Dana Hedquist, Gary L. Day
  • Patent number: 8474196
    Abstract: A modular decking system includes a plurality of elongated deck members for placement across a subsurface. Each plurality of elongated deck members has a top deck portion, opposed first and second downwardly extending sides having outwardly and laterally extending longitudinal flanges, and a plurality of laterally spaced and longitudinally extending leg members extending downwardly from the top deck portion between the first and second sides. An elongated connector, connecting adjacent first and second deck members of the plurality of deck members, has a horizontal base portion having first and second laterally spaced and upwardly extending sidewalls and an interconnecting wall extending between the first and second sidewalls forming an upwardly opening channel adapted to receive the first and second longitudinal flanges of the first and second deck members, respectively, and forming a longitudinal gutter disposed between the top deck portions of the first and the second deck members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Inventor: Cameron Marriott
  • Patent number: 8474197
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: Huber Engineered Woods, LLC
    Inventors: John L. Bennett, Joel F. Barker, Rick D. Jordan, Thomas L. Schuman, Nian Ou, Neil C. Swiacki, Kelly R. Flaherty
  • Publication number: 20130160639
    Abstract: Plural tiles are positioned in a plate-like array. The tiles have edge portions that overlap in such a way that no straight-through joints are present between abutting tiles and such that the thickness of the entire array does not substantially exceed the thickness of a single tile.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2013
    Publication date: June 27, 2013
    Inventor: Robert G. Lee
  • Patent number: 8458974
    Abstract: A tray substrate for a modular tile flooring system is disclosed that allows installation of medallion floating tiles into the flooring system. This tray substrate is designed to be a smaller medallion type tray substrate installed amongst larger tray substrates in a shape that is twisted at an angle to the grout lines of the other tiles. This is known as a medallion which is inserted in the layout.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: CoMc, LLC
    Inventors: Jonathan McIntosh, Craig Wyler, Timothy Seberger, Nicole Sperling
  • Patent number: 8458975
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Inventor: Craig Patrick Keane
  • Patent number: 8439596
    Abstract: A detectable warning tile is a molded sheet having generally planar top and bottom surfaces, the top surface having a plurality of spaced apart truncated domes in relief thereon, the bottom surface having a grid pattern of depressions therein. Partitions rising from the bottom surface are positioned within the interior of the domes and are integral therewith. The bottom surface may have an adhesive layer for bonding with a solid under-surface. Alternately, anchors may be engaged with the bottom surface for securing the tile in a uncured cement, concrete or blacktop surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Inventor: Joe Dvoracek
  • Patent number: 8434277
    Abstract: Demountable modular structure for the construction of one-deck raised parking lots, preferably without foundations, designed to be employed for parking vehicles in angled arrangement, or herringbone pattern, including two or more parallel structure strips, each one defined by two rows of pillars offset from each other in the longitudinal direction of the structure strip so as to form, between two adjacent couples of pillars, parallelogram-shaped portions of ground surface, wherein the upper level is made of an orthogonal network of main beams resting on each one of the rows of pillars and secondary beams resting on the pillars or fixed in orthogonal position to the main beams, and of rectangular or square floor slabs. The structure allows easier parking and maneuvering of larger vehicles as compared with structures with 90-degree parking stalls, with no detectable losses of efficiency in terms of parking places obtainable from a given available surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Inventor: Stefano Paolucci
  • Patent number: 8424257
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Inventors: Mark L. Jenkins, Jeremiah Shapiro, Cheryl Forster, Vaughn W. North, David L. Stott
  • Publication number: 20130091788
    Abstract: Disclosed are a flooring material having excellent nonslip characteristics, and synthetic wood flooring using the same. The flooring material having excellent nonslip characteristics is made of synthetic wood, and includes grooves formed on an upper surface thereof in a longitudinal direction, and embossed patterns, which are similar to patterns of natural wood and formed between the grooves. The flooring material having excellent nonslip characteristics can be used alone or can be used together with a synthetic wood flooring material having embossed patterns or grooves, thereby providing nonslip characteristics and good design.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2011
    Publication date: April 18, 2013
    Applicant: LG HAUSYS, LTD.
    Inventors: Hya-Yeon Lee, Dong-Jin Kim
  • Patent number: 8413392
    Abstract: Prefabricated stable floor element comprising a supporting element made of concrete, with a service face situated at the top when in use and a bottom face situated on the bottom side, whereby the service face has one or several recesses or openings, characterized in that in at least one of these recesses or openings has been provided an insert element made of rubber or an elastic synthetic material, which insert element reaches as of the inner space in the recess or the opening in which it has been provided in order to fix the insert element, to right underneath, in line with or above the service face, i.e. seen in the position of use of the stable floor element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: VDV R&D BVBA
    Inventor: Gert Van Der Velden
  • Publication number: 20130081339
    Abstract: Disclosed is a threshold mat that provides a covering over the sill or threshold of an entryway. The device comprises a thickened interior layer sandwiched between an upper and lower covering, whereby the device is positioned over a threshold and connected to the ground surface and the threshold itself using a line of connection along the underside ends of the mat. This secures the mat against the threshold to prevent a tripping hazard, while providing a padded surface for children to crawl over the threshold. An embodiment of the mat contemplates the ability to size the mat to a particular threshold width by detaching removable outer portions that remove excess material. The mat construction is one of a thickened interior layer sandwiched between water proof outer material for exterior door use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2012
    Publication date: April 4, 2013
    Inventor: Jaime Kreyling
  • Patent number: 8409688
    Abstract: A water draining foot mat having a base with a plurality of upward extending projections where the upper draining surface of the base is sloped to facilitate the draining of water from the mat and the tops of the projections form a support for people to step on. The projections are sufficiently spaced apart to permit the majority of snow impinging the mat to contact the base where it can melt with the assistance of sunlight or salt so that the resulting water flows off the mat. The mat optionally includes water retaining walls with one or more water exits so that the walls in conjunction with the slope of the upper surface of the base cause water impinging on the mat to flow towards the water exits and off the mat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Inventor: Oluwafemi Ajibola Afolabi
  • Patent number: 8407951
    Abstract: A modular synthetic floor tile comprising: (a) an upper contact surface; (b) a plurality of openings formed in the upper contact surface, each of the openings having a geometry defined by structural members configured to intersect with one another at various intersection points to form at least one acute angle as measured between imaginary axes extending through the intersection points, the structural members having a smooth, planar top surface forming the contact surface, and a face oriented transverse to the top surface; (c) a transition surface extending between the top surface and the face of the structural members configured to provide a blunt edge between the top surface and the face, and to reduce abrasiveness of the floor tile; and (d) means for coupling the floor tile to at least one other floor tile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Connor Sport Court International, LLC
    Inventors: Thayne Haney, Mark Jenkins, Cheryl Forster, Jeremiah Shapiro, Dana Hedquist
  • Patent number: 8403592
    Abstract: The present invention provides a grass protection mat which can be used for protection of grass in a golf course, a grass field, and a park lawn, or be used for growth of the grass. The grass protection mat includes a body member constituting grass penetrating spaces, protruding pillars formed at upper portion of the body member, lug members formed at lower portion of the body member, and an outer frame provided at outer wall of the body member. The grass protection mat further includes sinking prevention means provided across the grass penetrating spaces formed at the lower portion of the mat, elastically deformable sinking prevention means, mat sliding prevention means provided to the sinking prevention means, and sliding prevention means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Inventor: Chang Sub Son
  • Patent number: 8397466
    Abstract: A grid-top floor tile for outdoor use includes a polymer tile having a grid-type top surface with multiple levels, such as a bi-level surface having an upper lattice and a lower lattice oriented generally transverse to the upper lattice. The multiple levels of the surface are preferably integrally formed with one another and provide drainage gaps therethrough. In a bi-level surface configuration, the lower lattice has a top surface below a top surface of the upper lattice, so as to draw residual moisture below the top surface of the upper lattice. The tile further includes a support structure, configured to support the tile on a support surface and provide drainage pathways beneath the top surface. The tile still further comprises various reinforcement members on each of the loop and pin connectors used to interlock the tiles when forming a flooring assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: Connor Sport Court International, LLC
    Inventors: Mark L. Jenkins, Jeremiah Shapiro, Cheryl Forster
  • Publication number: 20130055665
    Abstract: The floor member has a top surface for walking upon and a bottom surface for placement on a floor base as part of a floating floor installation. The floor member includes a flexible plastic main substrate layer that is sandwiched between a flexible plastic wear layer and a bottom portion formed of meltable adhesive material. The meltable adhesive material has an exposed bottom surface that is the bottom surface of the floor member. The exposed bottom surface is non-adhesive and non-tacky at normal room temperatures. The meltable adhesive material has frictional properties that enable the floor member to resist manual sliding movement on a floor base but still permit manual sliding movement, thereby providing the floor member with positional stability when placed on a floor base as part of a floating floor installation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2012
    Publication date: March 7, 2013
    Applicant: TOWER IPCO COMPANY LIMITED
    Inventor: Sun QIONG
  • Publication number: 20130047528
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2011
    Publication date: February 28, 2013
    Applicant: MACNEIL IP LLC
    Inventors: Frederick W. MASANEK, JR., Thomas MALEWIG, David S. IVERSON, Allan R. THOM
  • Patent number: 8382393
    Abstract: A temporary roadway with a static resistant synthetic inter-connectable structural mats which connect without tools or fasteners having a top layer, a middle layer and a bottom layer. The static resistant synthetic inter-connectable structural mats can have static charge conduction conduit through the mat and the mats can be made from 100 percent recycled rust proof, non-absorbing materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: HB Green Resources, LLC
    Inventor: Mark L. Phillips
  • Publication number: 20130042550
    Abstract: An embedment tile with a replaceable upper plate and a lower plate joined by fasteners in a manner that permits replacement of the upper plate when desired. The embedment tile upper plate comprises a plate having a pattern of upwardly extending projections on its upper surface forming a tactilely detectable pattern.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2012
    Publication date: February 21, 2013
    Applicant: METADOME, LLC
    Inventor: Duane F. Sippola
  • Patent number: 8375656
    Abstract: A reinforcement sheet is formed from plurality of tape layers. Each tape layer includes unidirectional fibers held together by thermoplastic resin. The layers are fused together to form a reinforcement sheet. Because the sheet is formed without weaving, pinholes in the sheet are eliminated. As no stitching is required, the sheet can be efficiently manufactured. The sheet can be used in a variety of applications including a subpan, roof or side wall of a refrigerated trailer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Wabash National, L.P.
    Inventor: Rodney P. Ehrlich
  • Patent number: 8359794
    Abstract: A substrate covering system includes a plurality of elongated board members, which are, for example composed of an extruded thermoplastic material. Preferably, each of the elongated board members has a convex inner surface and a concave outer surface, both of which are flattened as the edges of the board member are attached to the substrate. Preferably, the inner surface has notches facilitating adhesive attachment to the substrate, while the outer surface has grooves curved to simulate a wood grain and to prevent slipping. The system may also include an elongated edge trim strip that can be configured to cover several different types of substrate edges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Inventors: Walter Biro, Sean Biro, David Swinscoe, Lucky Monroe
  • Patent number: 8356447
    Abstract: A portable floor panel has at least one absorption layer and at least one load-distributing layer laminated thereto and forming therewith a circumferential edge in turned formed with notches and teeth oriented such that notches and teeth of adjacent panels fit with one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2013
    Assignee: Tuechler Buehnen- & Textiltechnik GmbH
    Inventor: Christoph Lach
  • Patent number: 8341896
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: SnapSports Company
    Inventors: Jorgen J. Moller, Jr., Jeremiah D. Shapiro
  • Patent number: 8333042
    Abstract: Element to prevent slipping on surfaces, where the surfaces are provided with a plurality of apertures, characterized in that the element comprises a base plate, and that a plurality of towers extend upwards from said base plate, where the towers have a cross section at least at an upper part, corresponding to the shape of the apertures in the surface, and that the towers are arranged on the base plate in a pattern corresponding to the pattern of the apertures in the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2012
    Assignee: Excellent Systems A/S
    Inventor: Ole Frederiksen
  • Patent number: 8307600
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: Dollamur LP
    Inventor: Gary Lynn Heartsfield
  • Patent number: 8302337
    Abstract: A floor sign comprises: A. A mounting adhesive layer comprising a top facial surface and a bottom facial surface; B. A graphics layer comprising (1) dark and light areas, and (2) a top facial surface and a bottom facial surface, the bottom facial surface of the graphics layer in direct contact with the top facial surface of the mounting adhesive layer; D. A cover film layer comprising a top facial surface and a bottom facial surface, the bottom facial surface of the cover layer in direct contact with the top facial surface of the graphics layer; and E. An anti-slip layer comprising a top facial surface and a bottom facial surface, the bottom facial surface of the anti-slip layer in direct contact with the top facial surface of the cover layer, with the proviso that the anti-slip layer is coincident with the dark areas of the graphics layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: Brady Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael D. Savagian, Steven H. Mess
  • Patent number: 8302362
    Abstract: A tread and bearer member locating system for a modular decking system, the modular decking system including decking in the form of a plurality of treads, and the decking being carried by one or more bearer members. The treads are elongate and have a longitudinal axis, a topside, an underside and a lateral width. The tread and bearer member locating system includes treads and bearer members, wherein the underside of at least one tread includes, at or near each end thereof, a bearer member receiving area, at least one of the bearer member receiving areas being bound longitudinally between a pair of spaced apart, downwardly extending locating projections, and laterally between opposed coupling members capable of, in use, coupling with correspondingly shaped coupling members in adjacent treads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: Ecoform Pty Ltd
    Inventors: Guy R. Rischmueller, Franek Savarton
  • Patent number: 8291666
    Abstract: A decking system comprised of decking panels and clips is provided. Each decking panels comprises a platform and downwardly-extending legs that rest on joists. Clips that clip onto the joists are inserted between adjacent decking panels and define a uniform gap between the panels. The clips further connect to the legs of the decking panels and hold the decking panels in place. Fasteners driven through the clips and into the joists rigidly affix the decking panels to the joists.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: Flotation Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Dondi D. Garrison
  • Patent number: 8287979
    Abstract: A flooring system comprising a carrying panel with edges, said edges being provided with means for joining. The carrying panel is further being provided with an upper side and a lower side. The flooring system comprises a plurality of panels where each panel is provided with an upper decorative surface. The flooring system comprises panels with at least two of decorative surface selected from the group consisting of a thermosetting composite, a thermoplastic composite, an elastomeric foil, a thermoplastic foil, a metal sheet, a fabric, a mineral and a mineral composite.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Pergo (Europe) AB
    Inventors: Sven Kornfalt, Peter Ringo, Anja Lindstedt, Kent Akerman
  • Patent number: 8287978
    Abstract: A flooring system comprising a carrying panel with edges, said edges being provided with means for joining. The carrying panel is further being provided with an upper side and a lower side. The flooring system comprises a plurality of panels where each panel is provided with an upper decorative surface. The flooring system comprises panels with at least two of decorative surfaces selected from the group consisting of: a thermosetting composite, a thermoplastic composite. an elastomeric foil, a thermoplastic foil, a metal sheet, a fabric, a mineral and a mineral composite.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Pergo (Europe) AB
    Inventors: Sven Kornfalt, Peter Ringo, Anja Lindstedt, Kent Akerman
  • Patent number: 8276338
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Inventor: Craig Patrick Keane
  • Patent number: 8266849
    Abstract: A platform panel or module is provided to construct a surface for a deck, floor, wall, ceiling, or roof. The panel or module comprises a decorative top layer integral with or joined to a structural, composite molded platform. Each platform panel or module has two complementary module-coupling sides that take advantage of the full width of each joist that supports the platform. Also, male and female connecting members are disposed along the module-coupling sides that enable one platform panel or module to be efficiently and positively interlocked with an adjacent panel or module. Each panel or module can be fastened on one side to a single joist while being secured on its opposite side to an adjoining panel or module. The panels or modules are also designed to cover over an entire joist substructure, including the beginning-of-sequence and end-of-sequence joists.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: McFarland Cascade Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Victor Leonel Bravo, Lloyd Wilson Docter
  • Patent number: 8266857
    Abstract: A flooring system includes multiple polymeric panels that are interlocked into a floor system and then covered with a material such as carpet and artificial turf. A top surface of the polymeric panels includes barbs to hold the material from moving laterally during use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Inventor: Barlow R. David
  • Patent number: 8268431
    Abstract: An apparently seamless lengthened bamboo sheet is formed by lengthening a plurality of bamboo strips or blanks and assembling a plurality of lengthened bamboo strips or blanks together. A slot is formed on at least one end of the bamboo strips or blanks in direction of length, and a tenon corresponding to the slot is formed on the same end; the tenon on one bamboo strip or blank is embedded into the slot on another bamboo strip or blank. The tenon and slot are mutually matched and the two bamboo strips or blanks are engaged to each other. A method to manufacture is the apparently seamless lengthened bamboo sheet includes: forming a slot and a tenon on the end of bamboo strips or blanks; embedding a tenon at one end of one bamboo strip or blank into a slot on one end of another bamboo strip or blank; assembling and gluing a plurality of lengthened bamboo strips or blanks in direction of width or thickness; forming the bamboo sheet by a common process including pressing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: Shanghai Yunsheng Bamboo and Wood Product Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yonghui Gao, Shiqing Gao, Shibin Gao
  • Patent number: 8261497
    Abstract: An embedment tile with a replaceable upper plate and a lower plate joined by fasteners in a manner that permits replacement of the upper plate when desired. The embedment tile upper plate comprises a plate having a pattern of upwardly extending projections on its upper surface forming a tactilely detectable pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: MetaDome, LLC
    Inventor: Duane F. Sippola
  • Patent number: 8256614
    Abstract: Interconnected and on-site severable deck clips with cooperating installation tool for joining two adjacent decking planks to an underlying support structure. The deck clips are interconnected and on-site severable, are attached to the underlying support structure, and engage the two adjacent decking planks so as to fasten the two adjacent decking planks to the underlying support structure without a need for nails or screws to pass through the two adjacent decking planks. The installation tool is hand-held, removably receives a number of the deck clips, and feeds the deck clips one at a time to fasten to the underlying support structure, and when a deck clip is fastened to the underlying support structure, the deck clip is severed from the other deck clips in the installation tool and a next deck clip is feed by way of the installation tool and attached to the underlying support structure to engage the two adjacent decking planks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Inventor: Keven R. Wadsworth, Sr.
  • Publication number: 20120204501
    Abstract: A walkway path is produced by a process that includes positioning a plurality of form members over a roofing membrane assembly to define an interior area. A curable composition is applied over the roofing membrane assembly and within the interior area. The curable composition cures to form a seamless protective layer providing a walkway path over the membrane assembly. A non-slip particulate may be spread over the curable composition while it is not yet completely cured.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2012
    Publication date: August 16, 2012
    Inventor: Paul OLIVEIRA
  • Patent number: 8241726
    Abstract: A resilient mat system where a mat has overall mat thickness T, and the mat has an upper layer with an upper layer thickness t, and a plurality of supporting resilient substructure columns, each column having a relatively uniform height h, such that T=t+h, wherein the ratio of h:t>3.5 for values of T>about 0.9 inch (about 2.3 cm). Each column has a frusto-conical column wall, a central void, and a column bottom. The frusto-conical column has its smaller diameter end at the column bottom, a plurality of the columns optionally further have a vertical stiffening rib along a portion of the upper zone of the column wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Satech, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard P. Scott, Bryce L. Betteridge