Exposed Embedded Element Or Inserted Filler Patents (Class 52/181)
  • Patent number: 11891140
    Abstract: In certain embodiments, a flooring apparatus provides improved traction, improved wear resistance and improved structural support. The flooring apparatus may include an elongated member that includes a top surface and a bottom surface. The top surface may include a cutout portion that extends along at least a portion of a longitudinal axis of the elongated member. One or more inserts are positioned at least partially within the cutout portion. The insert may include a texturized top surface and may be constructed of a polymer material or other material with improved traction and, in certain embodiments, improved wear resistance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2024
    Inventor: Kyle R. Gillin
  • Patent number: 11851899
    Abstract: A temporary protective barrier system and method thereof for floors and stairs during construction and demolition. The system includes temporary stair tread covers, constructed of fluted plastic material, temporary stair riser protectors with top and bottom flaps creating an overlap between the riser covers and the stair tread covers, and a stair anchors configured to directionally secure the stair tread cover. A method of installation and use of the system is also provided herein. Elements such as adhesives and grip tapes are included to prevent movement of the system from the surfaces on which it covers, and adhesive tapes seal the seams between these elements to thereby enclose the systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2023
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2023
    Inventor: Simon Wells
  • Patent number: 11814854
    Abstract: A temporary protective barrier system and method thereof for floors and stairs during construction and demolition. The system includes temporary stair tread covers, constructed of fluted plastic material, temporary stair riser protectors with top and bottom flaps creating an overlap between the riser covers and the stair tread covers, and a stair anchors configured to directionally secure the stair tread cover. Enclosed temporary tunnel modules are also provided in combination with the floor and stair barrier system to enclose the space and protect other exposed surfaces, such as walls. A method of installation and use of the system is also provided herein. Elements such as adhesives and grip tapes are included to prevent movement of the system from the surfaces on which it covers, and adhesive tapes seal the seams between these elements to thereby enclose the systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2023
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2023
    Inventor: Simon Wells
  • Patent number: 11174673
    Abstract: A threshold sill seal assembly useful with glass wall systems is described. The assembly has a sill with a top surface. The threshold sill assembly includes a removable barrier insert that is removably engaged with a cavity provided in the top surface of the sill and has a portion substantially parallel to the movable glass wall that can act as a barrier to the intrusion of environmental conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2021
    Assignee: NANA WALL SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventor: Ebrahim Nana
  • Patent number: 10876296
    Abstract: A pet staircase may be formed by joining modular units to each other in succession and that overlie a household staircase. They are retained in position over the household staircase. Each modular unit has stairs and/or ramps. The treads may be adjusted so that they all are parallel to each other and extend horizontally.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2020
    Inventor: Nancy R. Glassman
  • Patent number: 9605388
    Abstract: A detectable warning tile system has a tile base with an upper surface and a lower surface. The upper surface has a plurality of upward projections therefrom. The tile base has two side edges for alignment with corresponding side edges of other tiles, and front and rear edges. An area of the upper surface of the tile base is formed free of the detectable warnings and may include a trough into or over which a replaceable tile section may be placed. The tile base and/or replaceable tile section may be configured to receive one or more individually-installable detectable warnings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Inventor: Kenneth Eugene Szekely
  • Patent number: 9038345
    Abstract: This specification describes a tray substrate for tile flooring that can be used in narrow grout line modular floating tile assemblies. The tray is preferably made of plastic and has vertical tray edges around the top of the tray substrate with upward and downward tabs protruding from the sides of the tray substrate wherein some of the tabs are at least partially recessed under the surface of the tray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: CoMc, LLC
    Inventor: Yu Lin Tang
  • Patent number: 8984840
    Abstract: A method and system for covering industrial wood plank or wood block floors that can be installed quickly without creating a hazardous environment or hazardous wastes and without the necessity of removing installed equipment. Sand is swept over the wood to fill voids and cracks. Next metal lath is stapled to the wood. A first layer of epoxy is poured onto the metal lath. After this is cured, a second coat of finish epoxy can be installed on the first epoxy layer. When this dries, the job is done and operations can be restarted, or an optional topcoat can be applied. The epoxy material used can be self-leveling for ease of application and the final floor is approximately level. The finished floor is flexible to not crack under heavy loads and to absorb shock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Universal Floor & Wall Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert Walter Smith
  • Patent number: 8919054
    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: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: MMI Andersen Company, LLC
    Inventors: William Leon Tillery, Walter Robb Andersen
  • Patent number: 8919066
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: University of Notre Dame du Lac
    Inventor: Timothy C. Ovaert
  • Patent number: 8898972
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: Singform Enterprise Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shih Wen Chen
  • Publication number: 20140237916
    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: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2014
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Applicant: SnapSports Company
    Inventors: Jorgen J. Moller, JR., Jeremiah D. Shapiro
  • Patent number: 8782990
    Abstract: This specification describes a tray substrate for tile flooring that can be used in narrow grout line modular floating tile assemblies. The tray is preferably made of plastic and has vertical tray edges around the top of the tray substrate with upward and downward tabs protruding from the sides of the tray substrate wherein some of the tabs are at least partially recessed under the surface of the tray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: CoMc, LLC
    Inventor: Yu Lin Tang
  • Patent number: 8782989
    Abstract: This specification describes a tray substrate for tile flooring that can be used in modular floating tile assemblies. The tray is made of plastic and has vertical tray edges recessed under the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: CoMc, LLC
    Inventor: Yu Lin Tang
  • Patent number: 8713863
    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: March 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: Snapsports Company
    Inventors: Jorgen J. Moller, Jr., Jeremiah D. Shapiro
  • Patent number: 8656662
    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: November 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: SnapSports Company
    Inventors: Jorgen J. Moller, Jr., Jeremiah D. Shapiro
  • Patent number: 8601767
    Abstract: A modular entrance floor system comprising a plurality of floor sections, the plurality of floor sections being disposed adjacent each other and defining a perimeter of an entrance floor area. Each floor section includes a base plate permanently coupled to a foundation, and a surface plate removably attached to the base plate. The surface plate has at least one drain feature. The plurality of floor sections are configured such that the surface plate of a first floor section is interchangeable with the surface plate of a second floor section, independent of the adjacent floor sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: E.M.E.H., Inc.
    Inventors: John Leavitt Gard, David E. Adams, Nancy Jane Perkins, David Ronald Bailey, Craig Young, Kenneth Hart, Richard P. Morris, Nathan D. Morris
  • 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: 8444287
    Abstract: A portable flooring having integral illumination devices. The flooring comprises a panel having channels extending along a front portion of the panel. Light strips in the channels are supported by the back portion of the panel. The light strips have a covering that extends along the length of the light strips. A top surface of the covering and a top surface of the panel are on the same plane. The flooring can support large weighted objects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Inventor: Gary Lawrence Hardesty
  • 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
  • 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: 8327602
    Abstract: A method and system for covering industrial wood plank or wood block floors that can be installed quickly without creating a hazardous environment or hazardous wastes and without the necessity of removing installed equipment. Sand is swept over the wood to fill voids and cracks. Next metal lath is stapled to the wood. A first layer of epoxy is poured onto the metal lath. After this is dry, a second coat of finish epoxy, possibly colored as desired, can be installed on the first epoxy layer. When this dries, the job is done and operations can be restarted. The epoxy material used can be self-leveling for ease of application and the final floor is approximately level. In a particular embodiment, a layer of plastic can be placed over the floor before the lath is installed, and in another embodiment, the second layer of epoxy can be omitted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: Universal Floor & Wall Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert Walter Smith
  • 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: 8291670
    Abstract: A modular entrance floor system comprising a plurality of floor sections, the plurality of floor sections being disposed adjacent each other and defining a perimeter of an entrance floor area. Each floor section includes a base plate permanently coupled to a foundation, and a surface plate removably attached to the base plate. The surface plate has at least one drain feature. The plurality of floor sections are configured such that the surface plate of a first floor section is interchangeable with the surface plate of a second floor section, independent of the adjacent floor sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: E.M.E.H., Inc.
    Inventors: John Leavitt Gard, David E. Adams, Nancy Jane Perkins
  • 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: 8186116
    Abstract: A tile tray (1) including a generally planar base (2) and two or more retaining members (5) adapted to locate and retain a tile (7) to the base. The tile tray (1) further includes a coupling means for connecting two or more of the tile trays in a substantially aligned configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: Unika (Australia) Pty Limited
    Inventor: Gordon Anderson
  • Publication number: 20120117897
    Abstract: Methods of manufacturing surface elements, such as floor panels, having a wear layer containing hard particles are disclosed, as well as the resulting surface elements. In the manufacturing method, the wear layer is partially manufactured, or may even be purchased as a stock item, before the decor is applied onto the wear layer. Preferably, the decor is applied to the wear layer at a position opposite the intended outer surface of the surface element. Preferably, the decor is printed onto the wear layer on the side of the wear layer intended to be affixed to a supporting core.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2010
    Publication date: May 17, 2012
    Inventor: Patrick George SMITH
  • Publication number: 20120060435
    Abstract: A mounting rail (1) for embedding in a curable construction material (3), e.g. concrete (4), having a support profile (2), such that the support profile (2) has a connection on the outer side thereof and via an embedding region (5) thereof to the curable construction material (3). It should be possible to easily remove the construction material (3) from the mounting rail (1) outside of the embedding region (5) of the mounting rail (1) following hardening of the construction material (3). The support profile (2) having a non-stick coating (7) and/or a non-stick surface outside of the embedding region (5), at least over a part thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2011
    Publication date: March 15, 2012
    Applicant: Hilti Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Markus Heudorfer, Wolfgang Schulz-Hanke, Ulrich Birnbaum, Denis Novokshanov, Holger Basche
  • Patent number: 8109050
    Abstract: A floor including a flooring plate 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: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Assignee: University of Notre Dame Du Lac
    Inventor: Timothy C. Ovaert
  • Patent number: 8099915
    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: October 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: SnapSports Company
    Inventors: Jorgen J. Moller, Jr., Jeremiah D. Shapiro
  • Patent number: 8091310
    Abstract: Moisture-resistant materials comprise an open net-like fabric with strands of varying thicknesses and polymer film thereon. The material is both resistant to water penetration and also slip resistant under dry or wet conditions. The moisture-resistant materials are suitable for use in various applications including roofing underpayment, flashing, housewrap and other construction sheet-like materials. An optional second layer of fabric may be applied to the moisture-resistant material, for example, to improve the strength, tear resistance, and scuff resistance of the moisture-resistant material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignee: Clopay Plastic Products Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory K. Jones, Nicole A. Gerwe, Christopher D. Faust, David G. Bland
  • Publication number: 20120000152
    Abstract: A walkway pad is provided for placement on a flat roof to protect the roof from foot traffic, tools, and/or equipment. The walkway pad includes a body and at least one expansion joint that absorbs thermal movement of the body. A method of manufacturing the walkway pad is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2010
    Publication date: January 5, 2012
    Applicant: Firestone Building Products Company LLC
    Inventors: Carl E. Watkins, JR., Richard L. Peng
  • Patent number: 7993074
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a tactile warning panel inlay system and method. Such system is comprised of a panel formed with an exposed surface having a plurality of tactile warning protrusions and a support surface configured to contact a substrate matrix. The panel includes a plurality of apertures extending from the exposed surface to the support surface. Further, a plurality of fasteners are configured to extend individually through an aperture included in the plurality of panel apertures to secure the panel to the substrate matrix. Each fastener includes a head conformed to the shape of the tactile warning protrusion and a body for extending the fastener through the panel and into the substrate matrix.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: Ez Set Tile, Inc.
    Inventor: Joe Driscoll
  • Patent number: 7966781
    Abstract: A profiled cover strip system (1) for finishing a bottom covering (2) on a step (3) open on at least one front side (4), the system having an upper covering profiled element (12). A facing device (16) having a facing cap (18) provided with a facing plate (17) for facing the profiled cover strip system (1) on the front side, and at least one facing cover strip (19, 20) separate from the facing cap (18), for facing the bottom covering on the front side (2), is used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: Proverum AG
    Inventor: Moritz Muehlebach
  • Patent number: 7958681
    Abstract: The principles described herein provide floor tiles and modular floors. The floor tiles include inserts that increase traction. The inserts may be removable and protrude from a top surface of the floor tiles. The tiles may include a locking system that allows adjacent tiles to interlock, while also permitting a predetermined amount of lateral sliding relative to one another. The modular tiles may be injection molded and the inserts may comprise an elastomer. The floor tiles may also provide four layers of traction, providing more sure footing than previous flooring systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Inventor: Jorgen J. Moller, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7955024
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a tactile warning panel inlay system and method. Such system is comprised of a panel formed with an exposed surface having a plurality of tactile warning protrusions and a support surface configured to contact a substrate matrix. The panel includes a plurality of apertures extending from the exposed surface to the support surface. Further, a plurality of two-piece fasteners are configured to extend individually through an aperture included in the plurality of panel apertures to secure the panel to the substrate matrix. Each fastener includes a head conformed to the shape of the tactile warning protrusion and a threaded shank for extending through the panel and which has an anchor member threadably secured thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Assignee: EZ Set Tile, Inc.
    Inventors: Joe Driscoll, Dan H. Gernstein
  • Publication number: 20110056154
    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: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2009
    Publication date: March 10, 2011
    Inventor: Gert Van Der Velden
  • Publication number: 20100186321
    Abstract: The invention provides a flooring system for covering a surface, the system comprising a first portion and a second portion, the first portion being substantially rectangular in cross section and comprising a gripping material, wherein at least one channel is provided in the flooring system and the first portion is located in said channel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2010
    Publication date: July 29, 2010
    Applicants: FINNFOREST UK LIMITED
    Inventors: Paul Maw, Wayne Matthews
  • Publication number: 20090308002
    Abstract: A large-area protective covering system for installation in a staggered or grid configuration is provided comprised of a plurality of essentially identical large area panels with honeycomb internal structures which have locking systems on the sides and ends for locking the panels in place. The panels, once locked together have little movement along their x, y or z axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2009
    Publication date: December 17, 2009
    Applicant: COVERMASTER INC.
    Inventors: BOB CURRY, KEN CURRY
  • Patent number: 7607265
    Abstract: A large-area protective covering system for installation in a staggered or grid configuration is provided comprised of a plurality of essentially identical large-area panels with honeycomb internal structures which have locking systems on the sides and ends for locking the panels in place. The panels, once locked together, have little movement along their x, y or z axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2009
    Assignee: Covermaster Inc.
    Inventors: Bob Curry, Ken Curry
  • Patent number: 7587865
    Abstract: The principles described herein provide floor tiles and modular floors. Some embodiments of the floor tiles and modular floors include multiple levels of support. One of the levels of support may be a resilient level that compresses comfortably under a load. Another level of support may include a generally rigid level that supports the floor or tile after the resilient level has compressed a predetermined distance. One embodiment includes a third generally rigid level of support that supports the floor or tile under certain loads. Some embodiments of the floor tiles include inserts for increased traction. The inserts may be removable and protrude from a top surface and/or a bottom plane of the floor tiles. The tiles may include a locking system that allows adjacent tiles to interlock, while also permitting a predetermined amount of lateral sliding relative to one another. The modular tiles may be injection molded and the inserts and the resilient support level may comprise an elastomer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2009
    Inventor: Jorgen J. Moller, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7587866
    Abstract: An integrated insulated housing system with handrails and a system of seals for a pull down stairway opening is provided. The integrated housing system reduces air convection, moisture loss and dirt infiltration. The insulation of the housing system reduces heat loss. Handrails as part of the system are deployed by the action of the pull down stairway. No manual intervention is required. As the stairway is pulled down for use, the integrated housing above moves away from the access opening. Simultaneously, the two integrated handrails move into a stable position on the upper floor and to either side of the stairway. As the stairway is returned up to its closed position, the connected insulated housing moves back into position sealing the access opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2009
    Inventor: Donald Burgess Perkins
  • Patent number: 7543417
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2009
    Assignee: CoMc, LLC
    Inventors: Jonathan McIntosh, Nicole C. Sperling
  • Patent number: 7533500
    Abstract: A deck plank is co-extruded from an extrusion die which receives molten plastics materials supplied from three separate plastic extruders to provide the plank with opposite sides having different colors. Preferably, the base plank is extruded from a lower cost material such as reground scrap polyvinylchloride (PVC), and thin PVC cap layers are co-extruded on opposite sides of the base plank in different colors. Opposite edges of each plank have longitudinally extending grooves for receiving hidden fasteners in the form of screws extending through short flat tie pieces or a continuous sealing tie strip projecting into the opposing grooves of adjacent planks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2009
    Assignee: Deceuninck North America, LLC
    Inventors: Philip G. Morton, David A. Stammen, Todd J. Hamilton, Scott A. Ricke
  • Patent number: 7370452
    Abstract: A mat assembly particularly suited for heavy equipment transit and support, such as roadway construction and the like. The mat assembly is made up of a number of structural members preferably having a “double I-beam” cross-sectional shape. Each I-beam has spaced apart flanges with edges preferably formed in tongue and groove profiles. When butted together, the tongue and grooves of adjacent I-beams mesh. Filler blocks are disposed in the cavities between the webs of the I-beams. Tension members extending through the webs and filler blocks tie multiple I-beams together to form the mat assembly. Preferably, both the I-beams and filler blocks are formed of a plastic material, via extrusion or other molding methods. The resulting mat is capable of bearing very high loads yet is decay resistant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2008
    Inventor: Melissa B. Rogers
  • Patent number: 7303801
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2007
    Assignee: R & L Marketing & Sales, Inc.
    Inventor: Ronald N. Kessler
  • Patent number: 7257929
    Abstract: A module includes at least an associated two-layer structure with one first layer being a polymer base layer highly loaded with mineral fillers contributing to the rigidity of the module, and a second layer made from a printed polymer film defining the decorative part of the module, and the protection of the decorative part. An outer surface of a rigidifying base layer is designed to form a spacer means in the form of a plate of dimensions substantially greater than the format of the module, over all or part thereof, to constitute after abutment of the modules and/or edge jointing of the plate edges, a zone for receiving a sealant such as a binder, putty and like bonding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: Geflor
    Inventors: Olivier Ceysson, Olivier Thill, Freddy Bosc
  • Patent number: 7191568
    Abstract: A modular safety unit having a skid resistant surface for use in a location where it is desirable to add a skid resistant surface for traction comprising a base made of resin, the base having a top side and a bottom side; an aggregate made from calcined bauxite, and wherein the aggregate is attached to the top side of the base; and an adhesive having a top side and a bottom side wherein the top side is attached to the bottom side of the base and wherein the adhesive bottom side may be selectively attached to a location where it is desirable to add traction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Inventor: Nick Choate
  • Patent number: 7132143
    Abstract: A self-adhering modified bituminous roofing tile underlayment material for tile roof assemblies that comprises an APP modified bitumen compound on the front side, and a factory-applied self-adhesive compound on the back side of a reinforcement carrier sheet, and granules embedded on the APP modified bitumen compound to provide a non-skid surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2006
    Assignee: Polyglass U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventors: Natalino Zanchetta, Shaik Mohseen
  • Patent number: 7115313
    Abstract: A self-adhering modified bituminous underlayment for metal roof assemblies that comprises an APP modified bitumen compound on the front side, and a factory-applied self-adhesive compound on the back side of a reinforcement carrier sheet, and a fabric at least partially embedded in the APP modified bitumen compound to provide a non-skid surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2006
    Assignee: Polyglass U.S.A., Inc.
    Inventors: Natalino Zanchetta, Shaik Mohseen