Patents Assigned to Armstrong World Industries
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Patent number: 9347227Abstract: A floating floor system and a floor panel and method for use with the same that includes a snap-fit locking assembly that provides vertical locking between adjacent floor panels to minimize and/or prevent ledging therebetween. In one embodiment, a protuberance and a recess are also provide on the floor panels to provide horizontal locking. The snap-fit locking assembly comprises: a locking member protruding from a first flange and comprising an undercut surface; and a locking slot formed in a second flange. The snap-fit locking assembly is configured so that when the locking member of a first one of the panels is disposed within the locking slot of a second one of the panels, the first and second panels are vertically locked together via mechanical interaction between the undercut surface of the locking member of the first panel and a locking surface of the second flange of the second panel.Type: GrantFiled: April 15, 2013Date of Patent: May 24, 2016Assignee: Armstrong World Industries, Inc.Inventors: Sunil Ramachandra, Anna J. Totaro
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Publication number: 20150176275Abstract: Described herein are methods for preparing multilayer composites comprising a fiberglass substrate encapsulated, at least in part, by a calendered film; along with products produced from same. The methods improve the efficiency of the manufacturing process and provide a product with improved performance characteristics.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 23, 2013Publication date: June 25, 2015Applicant: Armstrong World Industries, Inc.Inventors: Barbara L. LAUKHUFF, Lawrence C. NEEPER
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Publication number: 20150165748Abstract: A process for forming laminated floor covering product having a relatively thick wear layer. In one embodiment, the process includes heating a base layer sheet which may comprise a plastic material to a first temperature, preheating a wear layer film to a second temperature, and laminating the wear layer film onto the base layer sheet at a first laminating station to form a flooring laminate. The wear layer may be rigid vinyl film (RVF). The foregoing process may be use for producing luxury vinyl tile (LVT). In some embodiments, the process includes embossing the flooring laminate at a second laminating station after the laminating step. In laminate constructions using a RVF wear layer, the process may include heating the flooring laminate to a third temperature between the first and second laminating stations prior to embossing to improve embossing depth.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 16, 2013Publication date: June 18, 2015Applicant: Armstrong World Industries, Inc.Inventors: Kean M. ANSPACH, John R. ESHBACH, JR., Noel L. CRITCHLOW, Eric C. ZIRKEL
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Publication number: 20150147531Abstract: A flooring product is provided with a removable protective grouting film. In one embodiment, the flooring product may be a synthetic polymeric laminated tile. The protective grouting film is releasably adhered to a top surface of the tile and may have a flexible structure. In one arrangement, the protective grouting film is configured to form a protective barrier covering peripheral portions of the tile and leaving an exposed open central portion. The protective grouting film helps prevent grout from contacting the tile making subsequent cleanup easier and quicker. In one embodiment, the tile may be a resilient type synthetic flooring product formed of polyvinyl chloride such as luxury vinyl tile.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 22, 2013Publication date: May 28, 2015Applicant: Armstrong World Industries, Inc.Inventor: Kean M. ANSPACH
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Publication number: 20150069150Abstract: An applicator head for a vacuum coating system includes two applicator manifolds. Each applicator manifold includes two coupled manifold plates, with one including a manifold aperture, and each is affixed to the respective shell plate so that each manifold aperture aligns with the respective shell aperture. An applicator channel is formed between the manifold plates of each applicator manifold, and the applicator channel is fluidically coupled to the manifold aperture of each respective applicator manifold. Each applicator channel forms an applicator port at a leading edge of each respective applicator manifold, and each leading edge is configured to be complementary in shape to an edge of a workpiece to be coated. One of the applicator manifolds includes one manifold plate that is wider than the other at the leading edge. First and second face plates are disposed over the leading edges of the applicator manifolds.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 10, 2013Publication date: March 12, 2015Applicant: Armstrong World Industries, Inc.Inventor: Scott L. HUNTZINGER
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Publication number: 20150072077Abstract: An applicator head for a vacuum coating system includes two applicator manifolds. Each applicator manifold includes two coupled manifold plates, with one including a manifold aperture, and each is affixed to the respective shell plate so that each manifold aperture aligns with the respective shell aperture. An applicator channel is formed between the manifold plates of each applicator manifold, and the applicator channel is fluidically coupled to the manifold aperture of each respective applicator manifold. Each applicator channel forms an applicator port at a leading edge of each respective applicator manifold, and each leading edge is configured to be complementary in shape to an edge of a workpiece to be coated. One of the leading edges is configured to have different application gaps with respect to different portions of the edge of a workpiece. First and second face plates are disposed over the leading edges of the applicator manifolds.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 10, 2013Publication date: March 12, 2015Applicant: Armstrong World Industries, Inc.Inventor: John J. Hartman, JR.
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Publication number: 20150068135Abstract: A ceiling-mounting baffle system including vertical panels. In one embodiment, the system includes a suspension bar mountable from a ceiling or other overhead structure and a vertical panel mountable to the suspension bar. The suspension bar includes a plurality of mounting segments spaced axially along the bar. To mount the panels to the suspension bar, the panel includes a hook element which may be disposed proximate to a top of the panel. The hook is configured to detachably engage a mounting segment to secure the panel to the suspension bar. In one embodiment, the hook element is associated with a recurved mounting slot integrally formed in the panel which receives the mounting segment of the suspension bar. The mounting segment is movable through the slot to hook the panel to the suspension bar.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 6, 2013Publication date: March 12, 2015Applicant: Armstrong World Industries, Inc.Inventor: James R. WATERS
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Publication number: 20150068449Abstract: An applicator head for a vacuum coating system includes two applicator manifolds. Each applicator manifold includes two coupled manifold plates, with one including a manifold aperture, and each is affixed to the respective shell plate so that each manifold aperture aligns with the respective shell aperture. An applicator channel is formed between the manifold plates of each applicator manifold, and the applicator channel is fluidically coupled to the manifold aperture of each respective applicator manifold. Each applicator channel forms an applicator port at a leading edge of each respective applicator manifold, and each leading edge is configured to be complementary in shape to an edge of a workpiece to be coated. One of the applicator channels includes a flow channel, which directs more of the liquid through a portion of the respective applicator port. First and second face plates are disposed over the leading edges of the applicator manifolds.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 10, 2013Publication date: March 12, 2015Applicant: Armstrong World Industries, Inc.Inventors: John J. HARTMAN, JR., Lida LU, Eric D. KRAGNESS
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Publication number: 20150068448Abstract: An applicator head for a vacuum coating system includes two applicator manifolds. Each applicator manifold includes two coupled manifold plates, with one including a manifold aperture, and each is affixed to the respective shell plate so that each manifold aperture aligns with the respective shell aperture. An applicator channel is formed between the manifold plates of each applicator manifold, and the applicator channel is fluidically coupled to the manifold aperture of each respective applicator manifold. Each applicator channel forms an applicator port at a leading edge of each respective applicator manifold, and each leading edge is configured to be complementary in shape to an edge of a workpiece to be coated. First and second face plates are disposed over the leading edges of the applicator manifolds, and each face plate includes a beveled edge disposed over each of the applicator ports.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 10, 2013Publication date: March 12, 2015Applicant: Armstrong World Industries, Inc.Inventor: Scott L. HUNTZINGER
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Publication number: 20150069149Abstract: An applicator head for a vacuum coating system includes a manifold shell having opposing shell plates, each including a conduit attachment coupled to a shell aperture. An applicator manifold is affixed to each shell plate. Each applicator manifold includes two coupled manifold plates, with one including a manifold aperture, and each is affixed to the respective shell plate so that each manifold aperture aligns with the respective shell aperture. An applicator channel is formed between the manifold plates of each applicator manifold, and the applicator channel is fluidically coupled to the manifold aperture of each respective applicator manifold. Each applicator channel forms an applicator port at a leading edge of each respective applicator manifold, and each leading edge is configured to be complementary in shape to an edge of a workpiece to be coated. First and second face plates are disposed over the leading edges of the applicator manifolds.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 10, 2013Publication date: March 12, 2015Applicant: Armstrong World Industries, Inc.Inventors: Sebastien NALIN, Scott L. HUNTZINGER
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Publication number: 20140319241Abstract: A system for applying a coating to a workpiece includes an applicator head and a humidifying apparatus. The applicator head is configured to direct water-based liquid onto the workpiece and remove excess liquid through a vacuum. The humidifying apparatus is operably coupled to a steam source and includes first and second steam exhausts configured to direct steam toward the applicator head. The first steam exhaust is located at a first angular position relative to an axis of the applicator head, and the second steam exhaust is located at a second angular position relative to the axis of the applicator head, with the first angular position being different than the second angular position.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 30, 2013Publication date: October 30, 2014Applicant: Armstrong World Industries, Inc.Inventors: Sebastien NALIN, Scott L. HUNTZINGER
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Publication number: 20140224093Abstract: An apparatus and method for distressing material, such as a board. The apparatus may include a cutter head supporting a blade, a guide member, and a flattening device. The flattening device and the guide member are positioned proximate the cutter head and on opposite sides thereof. In response to the cutter head and the surface of the material being brought into cutting contact and moved relative to each other, a resulting portion of the surface of the material is distressed. The flattening device maintains the proper vertical position of the cutter head and blade relative to the material and a material support as the material is being brought into cutting contact with the cutter head. The guide member levels warped material boards thereby bringing the board into proper elevation and engagement with the blade for cutting or scraping a top surface of the board. The material may be wood.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 10, 2014Publication date: August 14, 2014Applicant: Armstrong World Industries, Inc.Inventors: MATTHEW S. MYERS, BRIAN W. BEAKLER
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Publication number: 20140157689Abstract: A ceiling system in one embodiment includes a support grid including intersecting grid support members and grid openings formed between the grid support members. A vertical baffle is positioned in a grid opening and is attached to the support grid. The baffle includes opposing front and rear faces extending between opposing lateral sides of the baffle. First and second mounting grooves formed in the baffle engage and support the baffle from the grid. In one embodiment, one of the mounting grooves is disposed in each lateral side to support the baffle from opposite sides. The baffle may further include a third mounting groove formed in the rear face which engages the support grid to help align and squarely register the baffle with respect to the grid for clean linear visuals. In one embodiment, the grid support members may have a standard T-shaped cross section.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 6, 2013Publication date: June 12, 2014Applicant: Armstrong World IndustriesInventors: Todd BERGMAN, Scott HUNTZINGER
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Publication number: 20140135434Abstract: A flooring product is provided comprising at least one layer including a polymeric binder comprising at least one thermoplastic polyester resin, wherein the polyester resin comprises at least one renewable component. A flooring product is also provided that includes at least one layer comprising filler and at least one thermoplastic, high molecular weight polyester resin. The flooring product may also qualify for at least one point under the LEED System. A composition is also provided that can be melt mixed in low intensity mixers and processed into flooring layers.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 8, 2013Publication date: May 15, 2014Applicant: Armstrong World Industries, Inc.Inventors: Dong TIAN, Gary A. SIGEL, Fang QIAO, Rebecca L. WINEY, Jeffrey S. ROSS
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Publication number: 20140106080Abstract: Ultraviolet curable compositions are disclosed that can be applied to achieve a uniform gloss after curing even under conditions of varying ultraviolet intensity during curing, that do not require continuous agitation to keep flattening agents and other additives suspended prior to application of the composition, and/or which do riot exhibit a significant increase in viscosity over time in a roll coater application.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 24, 2013Publication date: April 17, 2014Applicant: Armstrong World Industries, Inc.Inventors: Dong TIAN, Larry W. LEININGER
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Publication number: 20140039111Abstract: A flooring product comprises a heterogeneous design layer having multiple regions wherein two regions comprise compositions having different recycle content or renewable content. The thickness of the design layer may be greater than the dimensions of the regions or the regions may extending from the top surface of the layer to the bottom surface of the design layer. The heterogeneous layer may be composed of consolidated particles/chips which may contain a polyester binder system with a renewable component. Additionally, a method for making a heterogeneous layer having a target wt % recycle content or renewable content is also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 8, 2013Publication date: February 6, 2014Applicant: Armstrong World Industries, Inc.Inventors: Rebecca L. WINEY, Jeffrey S. ROSS, Fang QIAO, Ronald S. LENOX, Dong TIAN, Gary A. SIGEL
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Publication number: 20140031570Abstract: A linoleum composition including a dendritic substituent comprising a polyfunctional core including a plurality of primary branches extending; from the core and (ii) a plurality of dendritic branches extending from the plurality of primary branches, and each dendritic branch having an unsaturated functionality.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 19, 2013Publication date: January 30, 2014Applicant: Armstrong World Industries, Inc.Inventor: William J. KAUFFMAN
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Patent number: 8519053Abstract: A flooring product is provided which has at least one layer including a polymeric binder comprising homo-polymer PVC resin and thermoplastic, high molecular weight polyester resin or highly viscous polyester resin. The polyester resin comprises renewable components, and can be amorphous or crystalline in nature. A flooring product is described that comprises a renewable or recycle content that classifies the product for points under the LEED system for commercial products.Type: GrantFiled: October 2, 2006Date of Patent: August 27, 2013Assignee: Armstrong World Industries, Inc.Inventors: Dong Tian, Gary A. Sigel, Fang Qiao, Rebecca L. Winey, Jeffrey S. Ross
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Patent number: 8496779Abstract: Sheet goods having extremely long repeat lengths and tiles having a large number of different visual patterns are formed by printing two different print patterns having different repeat lengths. The two different print patterns are printed on two films that are laminated together, or on a substrate, or one print pattern on a substrate and one print pattern on a transparent or translucent film that is laminated to the printed substrate.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 2008Date of Patent: July 30, 2013Assignee: Armstrong World Industries, Inc.Inventors: Katharine C. Fernback, Kean M. Anspach, John R. Eshbach, Jr.
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Patent number: 8460757Abstract: A floor covering has an exposed surface with substantially the same gloss level and at least two portions having different tactile surface characteristics. The difference in the tactile surface characteristics between the two portions is at least an average RPc of 4. The floor covering includes a substrate and a high performance coating overlying the substrate. The high performance coating comprises texture particles, which may be organic polymer particles. The floor covering is made by forming a high performance coating including the texture particles on a substrate, at least partially curing the high performance coating, and then while controlling the temperature of the high performance coating below the melting point temperature or softening point temperature of the texture particles and above the temperature at which the texture particles deform under the applied mechanical embossing pressure, subjecting the first and second portions to different mechanical embossing conditions.Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 2009Date of Patent: June 11, 2013Assignee: Armstrong World Industries, Inc.Inventor: Dong Tian