Abstract: A traction mat wherein the foam is reinforced with a layer of fabric or fiber between the CLCC foam layer and the substrate or underlying surface. The layering is preferably a first foam layer, a first adhesive layer, a fabric and/or fiber layer, followed by a second adhesive layer. This prevents the CLCC foam from being bonded directly to the substrate which allows the fabric/fiber to support the CLCC foam such that the entire assembly can be removed in one piece without the CLCC foam disintegrating. The introduction of the reinforcing fabric and/or fiber layer eliminates any residual CLCC foam from being bonded to the substrate. Consequently, the traction mat can be easily lifted away and removed.

Abstract: A fiber-reinforced multi-layered structure and a fiber-reinforced CLCC foam traction mat for use in the marine, power sports and leisure industries are provided which are strong enough to have snaps installed in them, thereby allowing the structure and the mat to be snapped in place, stay snapped and be removed whenever it becomes necessary or desired. CLCC is a cross-linked-closed-cell foam compound. The mat product comprises the multi-layered structure of one or more layers of CLCC foam, one or more layers of a strong synthetic woven textile fiber, and one or more layers of a dimpled cross-linked-closed-cell foam, or equivalent non-skid base material; and a plurality of snaps, imbedded or otherwise incorporated into the multi-layered structure so as to allow the mat to be clasped and fastened to the desired surface of the marine vessel or vehicle. Techniques for forming and assembling the removable mat include conventional extrusion, laminating and rolling.

Abstract: A stall floor assembly for an animal bedding installation is provided. The assembly includes a front end and a rear end and a plurality of floor sections. The plurality of floor sections is assembled together to form an inclined support surface. The inclined support surface forms a substantially continuous slope from the front end to the rear end of the assembly.

Abstract: A traction mat wherein the foam is reinforced with a layer of fabric or fiber between the CLCC foam layer and the substrate or underlying surface. The layering is preferably a first foam layer, a first adhesive layer, a fabric and/or fiber layer, followed by a second adhesive layer. This prevents the CLCC foam from being bonded directly to the substrate which allows the fabric/fiber to support the CLCC foam such that the entire assembly can be removed in one piece without the CLCC foam disintegrating. The introduction of the reinforcing fabric and/or fiber layer eliminates any residual CLCC foam from being bonded to the substrate. Consequently, the traction mat can be easily lifted away and removed.

Abstract: A temporary road mat configured as a timber mat including one or two layers of longitudinally oriented elongated timbers arranged in parallel at even intervals; one layer of transversally oriented elongated timbers arranged in parallel at even intervals and perpendicular to the longitudinally oriented elongated timbers; at least one membrane extending over an entire main surface of the timber mat, wherein the timbers are drilled and bolted together at intersections.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing timber mats including plural layers of timbers that are parallel to each other and offset from each another at uniform intervals, wherein timbers in adjacent layers are oriented perpendicular to one another forming an array of intersections spaced in longitudinal columns and lateral rows, the apparatus comprising a timber mat layup table; a first lateral timber input oriented in a first direction and arranged at a first side of the timber mat layup table; a second lateral timber input oriented in a second direction opposite, coaxial and parallel to the first direction and arranged at a second side of the timber mat layup table opposite to the first side of the timber mat layup table; a longitudinal timber input oriented in a third direction perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction and arranged at a third side of the timber mat layup table.

Abstract: Films or other articles having a barrier coating derived from a concentrated nanocomposite dispersion which includes a silicate filler and a matrix polymer dispersed in an aqueous medium. The dispersions are condensed by selectively removing liquid therefrom to provide high solids coating formulations.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus may permit the placement and containment of food items (3). A food containment capability and a food placement capability may be integrated into a single device. Converting between food containment and food placement may be accomplished in a single process. An integrated food containment and food placement device may be configured for reusability. One or more inside corners may be utilized on an integrated food placement and containment device to facilitate conversion from food placement to food containment functionality. An integrated food placement and containment device may utilize a layered structure.

Abstract: A compressed wafer mulch, the compressed wafer mulch including corn stover fibers, paper fibers, compost or a mixture thereof, and a method of making the same.

Abstract: A multi-composite acoustic panel for application to walls or ceilings. The panel is made from 15 to 65% of particles of sawdust with a granulometry of 4 to 60 mesh, 25 to 75% of rubber crumb or other petroleum derivatives or recycled rubber with a granulometry of 4 to 30 mesh and 3 to 20% of a polyurethane elastomer binder, the percentages being expressed by weight with relation to the total weight of the panel. In use the rubber acts as an anti-vibration element and the sawdust acts as an acoustic energy absorber as this type of fibre is hollow-centered which permits an absorption role which the rubber particle does not have. Said particle has the ability to reduce an impact.

Abstract: A revegetation blanket formed from fibers, the fibers formed from corn stover and methods of making and using the same.

Abstract: A compressed wafer mulch, the compressed wafer mulch including corn stover fibers, paper fibers, compost or a mixture thereof, and a method of making the same.

Abstract: A rubber access mat includes a rubber slab having opposed side edges defining a width and opposed end edges defining a length. A rigidifying grid of reinforcing wire is embedded within the rubber slab. The grid consists of a plurality of parallel spaced wires extending between the opposed side edges for most of the width of the rubber slab and a plurality of parallel spaced wires extending between the opposed end edges for most of the length of the rubber slab. The reinforcing wire is not less than number ten gauge wire.

Abstract: A helmet, such as for equestrian sports, includes an outer shell formed by an upper dome and a lower ring attached to a bottom edge of the upper dome by screws. The assembled arrangement is particularly strong but is adapted to facilitate molding and further has a traditional equestrian helmet appearance. A removable faceguard includes legs shaped to upwardly fit into downwardly-open cavities formed within the ring, and includes latches pivoted to the legs for snap-attachment to lateral surfaces within the cavities. The latches are made of a material optimized for durability and resiliency, and are preferably of a material different than the faceguard itself.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a fastener including a rigid fastener body formed of two sections attached together and shaped so as to be insertable into a hole in a mat. The body being formed so that the fastener body is not rotatable when fitted into the hole. A flange extends at the head of the body. The fastener body can be used to secure mats one to another by fitting within aligned holes of overlapping mats simultaneously. A rigid locking rod is fit within a longitudinal bore within the fastener body, the rod having an enlarged head section, a longitudinal shaft midbody section and a foot section. The rod is in contact with the bore, but can be rotated upon the application of torque to the rod relative to the body to position a flanged end of the locking rod to either be extended out to engage against the mat about the hole or to be recessed. The flanged end of the body and the extended flanged end of the rod lock the mats in together.

Abstract: A reconstituted leather product and process for making. The reconstituted leather product can be finished to have the look and feel of real leather and physical properties equivalent thereto. The process is essentially dry and involves reducing leather materials to fibers, preferably not longer than one inch. The process further involves blending these fibers with synthetic fibers, a resin and optionally other additives, forming the mixture into a mat, curing the mat and pressing the mat into a reconstituted leather product.

Abstract: A reconstituted leather product and process for making. The reconstituted leather product can be finished to have the look and feel of real leather and physical properties equivalent thereto. The process is essentially dry and involves reducing leather materials to fibers, preferably not longer than one inch. The process further involves blending these fibers with synthetic fibers, a resin and optionally other additives, forming the mixture into a mat, curing the mat and pressing the mat into a reconstituted leather product.

Abstract: A multiplicity of closely spaced thermoplastic polymer filaments are extruded from an elongated orifice plate through a draft protected free-fall zone onto a rotating cylinder surface, landing between about 30.degree. before and after upper dead center of rotation. Filament extrusion velocity and cylinder rotational velocity are coordinated to pile the filament into a mat continuum of accumulated filament laps. Filament temperature and viscosity are coordinated to provide thermoplastic bonding at the filament lap crossings to integrate the continuum. The rotating cylinder carries the matted continuum over an arc of about 150.degree. to 210.degree. to about lower dead center of rotation where the mat peels from the cylinder surface. After separation from the cylinder surface, the mat is supported by a transitional air jet on to a horizontal run surface of a traveling endless belt for consolidated support until the lap crossing bond joints are securely set.

Abstract: A multiplicity of closely spaced thermoplastic polymer filaments are extruded from an elongated orifice plate through a draft protected free-fall zone onto a rotating cylinder surface, landing between about 30.degree. before and after upper dead center of rotation. Filament extrusion velocity and cylinder rotational velocity are coordinated to pile the filament into a mat continuum of accumulated filament laps. Filament temperature and viscosity are coordinated to provide thermoplastic bonding at the filament lap crossings to integrate the continuum. The rotating cylinder carries the matted continuum over an arc of about 150.degree. to 210.degree. to about lower dead center of rotation where the mat peels from the cylinder surface. After separation from the cylinder surface, the mat is supported by a transitional air jet on to a horizontal run surface of a traveling endless belt for consolidated support until the lap crossing bond joints are securely set.

Abstract: The floor mat of the present process is a pliable multilayer structure having an upper face layer and a base layer. The base layer has a main body section bordered by an edge section. Preferably, the main body section is relatively thin and the edge section is relatively thick. A surface of the base layer is adapted to confront flooring overlaid by the mat. The edge section has a channel extending longitudinally thereof, and preferably opening from the bottom surface of the edge section. A portion of the main body section can have a channel molded therein such that a portion of the main body section is disposed above the remainder of the main body section to provide a decorative and aesthetically pleasing design in the main body section.