Patents by Inventor Cheryl Forster
Cheryl Forster has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Patent number: 8955268Abstract: A modular tile configured to interlock with multiple tiles to form a modular floor covering over a floor. The tile includes a top surface having a periphery defining side walls extending downward from the top surface, the side walls having a coupling portion configured to couple with other tiles adjacent thereto to form the modular floor covering. The tile also includes a bottom side, opposite the top surface, having a support grid including an array of downward extending polymeric post structures, at least some of the post structures including at least one resilient end portion configured to be positioned against the floor to facilitate controlled deflection of the post structures. The post structures may comprise primary and secondary post structures, with the secondary post structures limiting the deflection of the primary post structures.Type: GrantFiled: November 26, 2013Date of Patent: February 17, 2015Assignee: Connor Sport Court International, LLCInventors: Mark L. Jenkins, Jeremiah Shapiro, Cheryl Forster, Vaughn W. North, David L. Stott
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Publication number: 20140215950Abstract: A modular tile configured to interlock with multiple tiles to form a modular floor covering over a floor. The tile includes a top surface having a periphery defining side walls extending downward from the top surface, the side walls having a coupling portion configured to couple with other tiles adjacent thereto to form the modular floor covering. The tile also includes a bottom side, opposite the top surface, having a support grid including an array of downward extending polymeric post structures, at least some of the post structures including at least one resilient end portion configured to be positioned against the floor to facilitate controlled deflection of the post structures. The post structures may comprise primary and secondary post structures, with the secondary post structures limiting the deflection of the primary post structures.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 26, 2013Publication date: August 7, 2014Inventors: Mark L. Jenkins, Jeremiah Shapiro, Cheryl Forster, Vaughn W. North, David L. Stott
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Patent number: 8596023Abstract: A modular tile configured to interlock with multiple tiles to form a modular floor covering over a floor. The tile includes a top surface having a periphery defining side walls extending downward from the top surface, the side walls having a coupling portion configured to couple with other tiles adjacent thereto to form the modular floor covering. The tile also includes a bottom side, opposite the top surface, having a support grid including an array of downward extending polymeric post structures, at least some of the post structures including at least one resilient end portion with a radial end surface configured to be positioned against the floor to facilitate controlled deflection of the post structures. The post structures may comprise primary and secondary post structures, with the secondary post structures limiting the deflection of the primary post structures.Type: GrantFiled: May 27, 2010Date of Patent: December 3, 2013Assignee: Connor Sport Court International, LLCInventors: Mark L. Jenkins, Jeremiah Shapiro, Cheryl Forster, Vaughn W. North, David L. Stott
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Patent number: 8424257Abstract: A modular tile configured to interlock with multiple tiles to form a modular floor covering over a floor. The tile includes a top surface having a periphery defining side walls extending downward from the top surface, the side walls having a coupling portion configured to couple with other tiles adjacent thereto to form the modular floor covering. The tile also includes a bottom side, opposite the top surface, having a support grid including an array of downward extending polymeric post structures, at least some of the post structures including at least one resilient end portion with a radial end surface configured to be positioned against the floor to facilitate controlled deflection of the post structures. The post structures may comprise primary and secondary post structures, with the secondary post structures limiting the deflection of the primary post structures.Type: GrantFiled: April 4, 2011Date of Patent: April 23, 2013Inventors: Mark L. Jenkins, Jeremiah Shapiro, Cheryl Forster, Vaughn W. North, David L. Stott
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Patent number: 8407951Abstract: A modular synthetic floor tile comprising: (a) an upper contact surface; (b) a plurality of openings formed in the upper contact surface, each of the openings having a geometry defined by structural members configured to intersect with one another at various intersection points to form at least one acute angle as measured between imaginary axes extending through the intersection points, the structural members having a smooth, planar top surface forming the contact surface, and a face oriented transverse to the top surface; (c) a transition surface extending between the top surface and the face of the structural members configured to provide a blunt edge between the top surface and the face, and to reduce abrasiveness of the floor tile; and (d) means for coupling the floor tile to at least one other floor tile.Type: GrantFiled: April 3, 2007Date of Patent: April 2, 2013Assignee: Connor Sport Court International, LLCInventors: Thayne Haney, Mark Jenkins, Cheryl Forster, Jeremiah Shapiro, Dana Hedquist
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Patent number: 8397466Abstract: A grid-top floor tile for outdoor use includes a polymer tile having a grid-type top surface with multiple levels, such as a bi-level surface having an upper lattice and a lower lattice oriented generally transverse to the upper lattice. The multiple levels of the surface are preferably integrally formed with one another and provide drainage gaps therethrough. In a bi-level surface configuration, the lower lattice has a top surface below a top surface of the upper lattice, so as to draw residual moisture below the top surface of the upper lattice. The tile further includes a support structure, configured to support the tile on a support surface and provide drainage pathways beneath the top surface. The tile still further comprises various reinforcement members on each of the loop and pin connectors used to interlock the tiles when forming a flooring assembly.Type: GrantFiled: October 5, 2005Date of Patent: March 19, 2013Assignee: Connor Sport Court International, LLCInventors: Mark L. Jenkins, Jeremiah Shapiro, Cheryl Forster
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Publication number: 20120085043Abstract: A modular tile configured to interlock with multiple tiles to form a modular floor covering over a floor. The tile includes a top surface having a periphery defining side walls extending downward from the top surface, the side walls having a coupling portion configured to couple with other tiles adjacent thereto to form the modular floor covering. The tile also includes a bottom side, opposite the top surface, having a support grid including an array of downward extending polymeric post structures, at least some of the post structures including at least one resilient end portion with a radial end surface configured to be positioned against the floor to facilitate controlled deflection of the post structures. The post structures may comprise primary and secondary post structures, with the secondary post structures limiting the deflection of the primary post structures.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 4, 2011Publication date: April 12, 2012Inventors: Mark L. Jenkins, Jeremiah Shapiro, Cheryl Forster, Vaughn W. North, David L. Stott
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Patent number: 7849642Abstract: A method and apparatus providing a tile configured to form a modular floor covering including an array of substantially identical tiles. The tile includes a top surface, bottom side, front and rear sides and first and second lateral sides. The top surface includes an elongated shape and the bottom side includes a support grid. The front and rear sides are defined along a longitudinal length of the elongated shape. The front side includes at least one first hinge member and the rear side includes at least one complementary second hinge member configured to be engageable with the at least one first hinge member of an adjacently positioned tile. The first and second lateral sides define a width of the elongated shape with the first and second lateral sides including a respective tab and slot coupling portion each having a coupling length at least one-third the width of the elongated shape.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 2005Date of Patent: December 14, 2010Assignee: Connor Sport Court International, Inc.Inventors: Cheryl Forster, Mark Jenkins, Tyler Laitinen
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Publication number: 20100236176Abstract: A modular tile configured to interlock with multiple tiles to form a modular floor covering over a floor. The tile includes a top surface having a periphery defining side walls extending downward from the top surface, the side walls having a coupling portion configured to couple with other tiles adjacent thereto to form the modular floor covering. The tile also includes a bottom side, opposite the top surface, having a support grid including an array of downward extending polymeric post structures, at least some of the post structures including at least one resilient end portion with a radial end surface configured to be positioned against the floor to facilitate controlled deflection of the post structures. The post structures may comprise primary and secondary post structures, with the secondary post structures limiting the deflection of the primary post structures.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 27, 2010Publication date: September 23, 2010Inventors: Mark L. Jenkins, Jeremiah Shapiro, Cheryl Forster, Vaughn W. North, David L. Stott
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Patent number: 7748177Abstract: A modular tile configured to interlock with multiple tiles to form a modular floor covering over a floor. The tile includes a top surface having a periphery defining side walls extending downward from the top surface, the side walls having a coupling portion configured to couple with other tiles adjacent thereto to form the modular floor covering. The tile also includes a bottom side, opposite the top surface, having a support grid including an array of downward extending polymeric post structures, at least some of the post structures including at least one resilient end portion with a radial end surface configured to be positioned against the floor to facilitate controlled deflection of the post structures. The post structures may comprise primary and secondary post structures, with the secondary post structures limiting the deflection of the primary post structures.Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 2005Date of Patent: July 6, 2010Assignee: Connor Sport Court International, Inc.Inventors: Mark L. Jenkins, Jeremiah Shapiro, Cheryl Forster, Vaughn W. North, David L. Stott
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Publication number: 20090235605Abstract: A method for enhancing the performance characteristics of a modular synthetic floor tile, which includes configuring a plurality of structural members to define an upper contact surface with a plurality of openings in the upper contact surface of the floor tile, configuring each of the structural members to comprise a thickness sufficient to support a load about the upper contact surface and with a contact flat having a smooth surface and a width between 0.03 and 0.08 inches, and configuring the upper contact surface with a dry static coefficient of friction of at least 0.6 and an abrasion index no greater than 20.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 19, 2008Publication date: September 24, 2009Inventors: Thayne Haney, Mark L. Jenkins, Cheryl Forster, Jeremiah Shapiro, Dana Hedquist, Amy Haney Cardall
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Publication number: 20070289244Abstract: A modular synthetic floor tile comprising: (a) an upper contact surface; (b) a plurality of openings formed in the upper contact surface, each of the openings having a geometry defined by structural members configured to intersect with one another at various intersection points to form at least one acute angle as measured between imaginary axes extending through the intersection points, the structural members having a smooth, planar top surface forming the contact surface, and a face oriented transverse to the top surface; (c) a transition surface extending between the top surface and the face of the structural members configured to provide a blunt edge between the top surface and the face, and to reduce abrasiveness of the floor tile; and (d) means for coupling the floor tile to at least one other floor tile.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 3, 2007Publication date: December 20, 2007Inventors: Thayne Haney, Mark Jenkins, Cheryl Forster, Jeremiah Shapiro, Dana Hedquist
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Publication number: 20070163195Abstract: An integrated edge and corner ramp piece for a floor tile includes an elongate edge ramp section, and a corner ramp section. The edge ramp section has a high side wall, a low side, and a substantially planar edge ramp surface extending therebetween. The corner ramp section integrally extends from an end of the edge ramp section, and has an apex disposed adjacent the high side wall, a low side, and a corner ramp surface extending therebetween. Connectors are disposed along the high side wall, and are configured to releasably interconnect the edge and corner ramp piece to the floor tile.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 21, 2006Publication date: July 19, 2007Inventors: Mark Jenkins, Jeremiah Shapiro, Cheryl Forster
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Publication number: 20070044412Abstract: An interlocking polymer floorboard tile (10) comprises an elongate rectangular plank having a length (L) that is at least four times its width (w). The elongate tile includes a top surface (12), a perimeter wall (26) and lattice-type support structure (28) supporting the top surface, and interlocking structure of loops (16) and pins (18) configured to mate and interlock with pins of adjacent similar tiles to form a floor covering resembling a natural wood plank floor. The top surface (12) may include a wood grain pattern imprinted thereon, to enhance the appearance of a natural wood plank.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 24, 2004Publication date: March 1, 2007Inventors: Cheryl Forster, Jason Carling, Frank Jugler, Mark Jenkins, Brad Andes, Jeremiah Shapiro
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Publication number: 20060070314Abstract: A grid-top floor tile for outdoor use includes a polymer tile having a grid-type top surface with multiple levels, such as a bi-level surface having an upper lattice and a lower lattice oriented generally transverse to the upper lattice. The multiple levels of the surface are preferably integrally formed with one another and provide drainage gaps therethrough. In a bi-level surface configuration, the lower lattice has a top surface below a top surface of the upper lattice, so as to draw residual moisture below the top surface of the upper lattice. The tile further includes a support structure, configured to support the tile on a support surface and provide drainage pathways beneath the top surface. The tile still further comprises various reinforcement members on each of the loop and pin connectors used to interlock the tiles when forming a flooring assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 5, 2005Publication date: April 6, 2006Inventors: Mark Jenkins, Jeremiah Shapiro, Cheryl Forster
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Publication number: 20050223666Abstract: A method and apparatus providing a tile configured to form a modular floor covering including an array of substantially identical tiles. The tile includes a top surface, bottom side, front and rear sides and first and second lateral sides. The top surface includes an elongated shape and the bottom side includes a support grid. The front and rear sides are defined along a longitudinal length of the elongated shape. The front side includes at least one first hinge member and the rear side includes at least one complementary second hinge member configured to be engageable with the at least one first hinge member of an adjacently positioned tile. The first and second lateral sides define a width of the elongated shape with the first and second lateral sides including a respective tab and slot coupling portion each having a coupling length at least one-third the width of the elongated shape.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 11, 2005Publication date: October 13, 2005Inventors: Cheryl Forster, Mark Jenkins, Tyler Laitinen
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Publication number: 20050214475Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 14, 2005Publication date: September 29, 2005Inventors: Cheryl Forster, Jason Carling
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Publication number: 20050193669Abstract: A modular tile configured to interlock with multiple tiles to form a modular floor covering over a floor. The tile includes a top surface having a periphery defining side walls extending downward from the top surface, the side walls having a coupling portion configured to couple with other tiles adjacent thereto to form the modular floor covering. The tile also includes a bottom side, opposite the top surface, having a support grid including an array of downward extending polymeric post structures, at least some of the post structures including at least one resilient end portion with a radial end surface configured to be positioned against the floor to facilitate controlled deflection of the post structures. The post structures may comprise primary and secondary post structures, with the secondary post structures limiting the deflection of the primary post structures.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 24, 2005Publication date: September 8, 2005Inventors: Mark Jenkins, Jeremiah Shapiro, Cheryl Forster, Vaughn North, David Stott
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Patent number: D618368Type: GrantFiled: July 26, 2006Date of Patent: June 22, 2010Assignee: Connor Sport Court International, Inc.Inventors: Mark Jenkins, Jeremiah Shapiro, Cheryl Forster
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Patent number: D656250Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 2010Date of Patent: March 20, 2012Assignee: Connor Sport Court International, LLCInventors: Cheryl Forster, Mark Jenkins, Tyler Laitinen