Abstract: A multi-component floor mat has a base or frame layer, intended to be positioned on the floor, that is dimensioned to accommodate a flexible textile mat or rug top layer portion that is releasably held in place on or in the base or frame layer by an attachment coupling feature associated with one or both portions, thereby allowing for the easy removal or replacement of the textile top layer of the mat and its economical laundering.

Abstract: A permeable mat provides a two-state mat; one in which the mat has an impervious layer when laid flat during use, so water gets captured by an upper fabric layer. And a second state in which the mat becomes permeable when it is rolled and tumbled in the washer and drier, to allow the through-flow of air and water to effectively clean and dry the mat. A pattern of permeable elements may be included as part of the rubber backing to improve washing and drying by allowing easier passage through the mat by water and washing chemicals, allowing water drainage through the rubber layer during spinning cycle, reducing the need for very high spinning forces and speeds, allowing for air flow through the mat layers, improving drying time and efficiencies and lowering the structure of the mat unit, thereby allowing for better unrolling and tumbling during washing cycles.

Abstract: A system and method offer a garment provider the ability to automatically scan and track garments at multiple locations without adding processing stations. Various embodiments of this invention allow garment providers to achieve greater processing efficiencies and implement reporting and tracking protocols to provide customers with important data regarding garments in their program with a higher level of confidence. This invention is implemented in various embodiments with a system and/or method for tracking clothes and other textile articles utilizing multiple RFID reading modules throughout the system or method to achieve greater accuracy for reporting and tracking the items. One aspect of various embodiments of this invention is the reading of RFID tags on articles being dried in a commercial dryer. The movement of the articles induced by the action of the dryer provides for increased exposure of the RFID tags on the articles for more reliable detection.

Abstract: A mat system is made up of multiple mat modules with interlocking features that allow for separate mat modules to be assembled into different patterns or shapes to cover larger areas as an area mat, define long pathways such as in hallways and customize the shape of the mat may be used to better fit the specific location. The mat modules are secured to each other to provide larger mat systems with a safer and better-looking transition. The mat modules are constructed such that there is a first connecting arrangement and a second connecting arrangement. When the mat modules are assembled, the first connecting arrangement on one mat module will assemble to the second connecting arrangement and an adjacent mat module to provide a secure and seamless connection between the mat modules. These connecting features can be integral to the mat modules or separate pieces.

Abstract: A permeable mat provides a two-state mat; one in which the mat has an impervious layer when laid flat during use, so water gets captured by an upper fabric layer. And a second state in which the mat becomes permeable when it is rolled and tumbled in the washer and drier, to allow the through-flow of air and water to effectively clean and dry the mat. A pattern of permeable elements may be included as part of the rubber backing to improve washing and drying by allowing easier passage through the mat by water and washing chemicals, allowing water drainage through the rubber layer during spinning cycle, reducing the need for very high spinning forces and speeds, allowing for air flow through the mat layers, improving drying time and efficiencies and lowering the structure of the mat unit, thereby allowing for better unrolling and tumbling during washing cycles.

Abstract: A system and method offer a garment provider the ability to automatically scan and track garments at multiple locations without adding processing stations. Various embodiments of this invention allow garment providers to achieve greater processing efficiencies and implement reporting and tracking protocols to provide customers with important data regarding garments in their program with a higher level of confidence. This invention is implemented in various embodiments with a system and/or method for tracking clothes and other textile articles utilizing multiple RFID reading modules throughout the system or method to achieve greater accuracy for reporting and tracking the items. One aspect of various embodiments of this invention is the reading of RFID tags on articles being dried in a commercial dryer. The movement of the articles induced by the action of the dryer provides for increased exposure of the RFID tags on the articles for more reliable detection.

Abstract: A multi-component floor mat has a base or frame layer, intended to be positioned on the floor, that is dimensioned to accommodate a flexible textile mat or rug top layer portion that is releasably held in place on or in the base or frame layer by an attachment coupling feature associated with one or both portions, thereby allowing for the easy removal or replacement of the textile top layer of the mat and its economical laundering.

Abstract: A mat system is made up of multiple mat modules with interlocking features that allow for separate mat modules to be assembled into different patterns or shapes to cover larger areas as an area mat, define long pathways such as in hallways and customize the shape of the mat may be used to better fit the specific location. The mat modules are secured to each other to provide larger mat systems with a safer and better-looking transition. The mat modules are constructed such that there is a first connecting arrangement and a second connecting arrangement. When the mat modules are assembled, the first connecting arrangement on one mat module will assemble to the second connecting arrangement and an adjacent mat module to provide a secure and seamless connection between the mat modules. These connecting features can be integral to the mat modules or separate pieces.