Abstract: A modular flooring system is disclosed to accommodate non-planar configurations of modular floor mats. Modular mats each have a main central portion and overhanging and underhanging flanges extending therefrom. The outer surfaces of the mats have treads formed thereon, which may be of different grades, such as industrial or pedestrian grade. Each flange contains a plurality of bores, each comprising a recess at opposing mat surfaces connected by a central portion. The recess depth at one mat surface differs from the recess depth at the opposing surface, creating an offset spacing to account for surface tread regardless of mat overlay and configuration. A fastener, having a head and opposite foot, is inserted through aligned bores in adjacent mats and rotated to lock or unlock mats in each configuration. The modular flooring system provides increased utility through enabling planar, stacked, and stepped configurations of the system.

Abstract: A connector pin includes a stem extending between a head and an opposite foot. The stem includes a neck having a plurality of sections which may be planar forming edges. A retention member including a collar and arms extending therefrom is retained around said pin, the inner surface of the collar correspondingly configured to the sections and edges of the neck for a frictional fit. The pin is insertable and retained within a receiver in overlapping mats. Pockets in the receiver hold the retention member arms and prevent rotational motion of the retention member. The pin is selectively movable relative to the retention member by rotational motion by application of force to the pin sufficient to overcome the threshold level of friction holding the sections of the neck at the collar. Locking the pin is achieved when extension members of the pin foot are misaligned with the retention member arms.

Abstract: A connector pin includes a stem extending between a head and an opposite foot. The stem includes a neck having a plurality of sections which may be planar forming edges. A retention member including a collar and arms extending therefrom is retained around said pin, the inner surface of the collar correspondingly configured to the sections and edges of the neck for a frictional fit. The pin is insertable and retained within a receiver in overlapping mats. Pockets in the receiver hold the retention member arms and prevent rotational motion of the retention member. The pin is selectively movable relative to the retention member by rotational motion by application of force to the pin sufficient to overcome the threshold level of friction holding the sections of the neck at the collar. Locking the pin is achieved when extension members of the pin foot are misaligned with the retention member arms.

Abstract: Modular floor tiles include a first surface configured to receive weight. The first surface is supported by primary walls interior to and extending the full height of the tiles, and which may be intersecting to form a grid. Secondary walls of a lesser height support the primary walls, may be non-linear such as circular, and may support either side of vertices of intersecting primary walls. Joining members and corresponding receivers in the sides of tiles are dimensioned to engage one another from adjacent tiles to join the tiles and restrict lateral movement. Fastener(s) in each tile are associated with slots and may be selectively moved between unlocked and locked positions to restrict vertical movement. Some embodiments include cable channels with corresponding cover plates, and inclined portions providing ramps. Any number and combination of tiles may be connected to one another to form a modular flooring system.

Abstract: A method for material handling and mold filling is provided which directs the flow of molten plastic material from an extruder and allocates the molten material to a plurality of nozzles through the use of independently operated, variable valves. The method therefore provides independent streams of molten plastic material having variable temperatures and flow rates or volumes to particular sections or regions of the mold. This independent temperature or flow of molten plastic material facilitates the complete, rapid and accurate filling of the molds, reducing turbulence and other temperature or flow-related imperfections in the finished components. A method of using a multiphase material handling system is also disclosed for expeditious sequential and simultaneous filling and pressing of the mold and extracting the completed component from the system.

Abstract: Modular floor tiles include a first surface configured to receive weight. The first surface is supported by primary walls interior to and extending the full height of the tiles, and which may be intersecting to form a grid. Secondary walls of a lesser height support the primary walls, may be non-linear such as circular, and may support either side of vertices of intersecting primary walls. Joining members and corresponding receivers in the sides of tiles are dimensioned to engage one another from adjacent tiles to join the tiles and restrict lateral movement. Fastener(s) in each tile are associated with slots and may be selectively moved between unlocked and locked positions to restrict vertical movement. Some embodiments include cable channels with corresponding cover plates, and inclined portions providing ramps. Any number and combination of tiles may be connected to one another to form a modular flooring system.

Abstract: A method for material handling and mold filling is provided which directs the flow of molten plastic material from an extruder and allocates the molten material to a plurality of nozzles through the use of independently operated, variable valves. The method therefore provides independent streams of molten plastic material having variable temperatures and flow rates or volumes to particular sections or regions of the mold. This independent temperature or flow of molten plastic material facilitates the complete, rapid and accurate filling of the molds, reducing turbulence and other temperature or flow-related imperfections in the finished components. A method of using a multiphase material handling system is also disclosed for expeditious sequential and simultaneous filling and pressing of the mold and extracting the completed component from the system.

Abstract: A material handling and mold filling system is provided which directs the flow of molten plastic material from an extruder and allocates the molten material to a plurality of nozzles through the use of independently operated, variable valves. The system therefore provides independent streams of molten plastic material having variable temperatures and flow rates or volumes to particular sections or regions of the mold. This independent temperature or flow of molten plastic material facilitates the complete, rapid and accurate filling of the molds, reducing turbulence and other temperature or flow-related imperfections in the finished components. A multiphase material handling system is also disclosed for expeditious sequential and simultaneous filling and pressing of the mold and extracting the completed component from the system.

Abstract: A modular mat comprises mirror image layers. At least one fitting receiver is integrally formed in a central portion of each layer, and at least one aperture is formed in a flange portion of each layer. The layers are congruently mated and affixed such that the fitting receiver of one layer is disposed through a corresponding aperture of the flange of the opposite layer. The outer surfaces of the layers comprise traction elements, which may be of different grades, such as industrial grade on one layer and pedestrian grade on the opposing layer. A floor covering system is also disclosed comprising a plurality of modular mats disposed in partially overlapping and interlocking relation with adjacent mats.

Abstract: A modular mat comprises mirror image layers. At least one fitting receiver is integrally formed in a central portion of each layer, and at least one aperture is formed in a flange portion of each layer. The layers are congruently mated and affixed such that the fitting receiver of one layer is disposed through a corresponding aperture of the flange of the opposite layer. The outer surfaces of the layers comprise traction elements, which may be of different grades, such as industrial grade on one layer and pedestrian grade on the opposing layer. A floor covering system is also disclosed comprising a plurality of modular mats disposed in partially overlapping and interlocking relation with adjacent mats.

Abstract: A modular flooring system is disclosed which is designed to support heavy loads while providing stability and ground protection. The invention contemplates a modular tile with fully integrated connector loops, receiver pins and optional metal cam locks located in the corners of the floor tile or along the tile edges. The tiles contain an overlap edge, which engages with an underlay edge on an adjacent tile. This arrangement allows the tiles to overlap at an angle other than 90 degrees, providing greater strength at the point where adjacent tiles meet. The underlay edge contains a liquid capture channel which traps liquids which may seep between the adjacent tiles. The tiles are also provided with longitudinal recesses which extend through the top and bottom surfaces to the surface below, allowing for ventilation that is critical for grass and turf surfaces. The modular flooring system provides increased strength and stability and protection of the subsurface.