Abstract: A system for applying a polyurethane coating to a polyolefin floor tile, comprising a conveyor for moving the floor tile past a plurality of treatment devices, including a solvent applicator, a heater, a plasma generator, an applicator, and an ultraviolet light system. The solvent applicator enables the polymer surface to be more responsive to the processes applied by the heater and plasma generator, increasing the energy of the top surface of the floor tile in preparation for the applicator to apply a liquid polyurethane to the top surface while in the energized state. The ultraviolet light system then exposes the polyurethane to ultraviolet light to at least partially cure it.

Abstract: A system for applying a polyurethane coating to a polyolefin floor tile, comprising a conveyor for moving the floor tile past a plurality of treatment devices, including a heater, a plasma generator, an applicator, and an ultraviolet light system. The heater and plasma generator increase the energy of the top surface of the floor tile, and the applicator applies a liquid polyurethane to the top surface while in the energized state. The ultraviolet light system then exposes the polyurethane to ultraviolet light to at least partially cure it.

Abstract: A polymer tile for forming a floor covering, comprising a perimeter wall for providing support and for enclosing a perimeter boundary for the tile. A honeycomb configuration of intermediate wall structure is interconnected between inner portions of the perimeter wall and forms recurring hexagon units of hexagon support walls of common dimension, wherein the hexagon support walls have a height common with a height of the perimeter wall for providing support for a load imposed at a top surface of the tile within an intermediate area. A plurality of ribs of lesser height than the hexagon support walls are disposed in traversing orientation between opposing vertices of the hexagon support walls, and are joined at a central axis of the hexagon units as a common load transfer point to form a tile grid defining a plurality of hexagon support walls reinforced by equilateral triangles of lesser height formed within the hexagon units of the tile.

Abstract: A tile for modular flooring assemblies includes a first, second and third pluralities of support ribs which are disposed to intersect and form an isogrid of equilateral support triangles within the tile. The equilateral support triangles provide more even dispersion of loads placed on the tile, and thereby reduce warping and other damage to the tile. Also disclosed is a novel structure for attaching such tiles.

Abstract: A tile support insert of the present invention is used with a conventional tile having an upper portion formed by a plurality of intersecting cross members, and a lower portion formed by a plurality of spaced support legs. The tile support insert has a core plate with a plurality of openings formed therein for receiving support legs of a conventional tile. The insert prevents the support legs from deforming when a heavy, localized load is placed on the tile. The tile support insert will typically extend upwardly a sufficient distance also to support the interconnecting cross members which form the upper surface of tile. When nested together, the tile and the tile support insert can form a generally contiguous tile which dramatically increases the load bearing capacity of the tile.

Abstract: A basketball backboard pad for protecting basketball players from the sharp edge and corners of a backboard while maintaining the vibration and rebound characteristics of the backboard has a resilient skin and a hollow interior. The backboard pad preferably has a horizontal member and a vertical member integrally attached to and generally perpendicular to the horizontal member. A groove is formed in the members for mating with the edge of the backboard. The skin forms an inner surface that faces towards the edge of the backboard and connects to the backboard. A radius is formed between the inner surface and the rest of the surface for preventing players from handing from the pad and damaging it.