Abstract: Mechanical fasteners having parallel barbs extending vertically from a horizontal planar member to secure layers of a floor covering. When interposed between floor covering layers the barbs penetrate and anchor into a floor covering material. When a consumer desires to separate the layers, and to replace or recycle one or all the layers of the floor covering, he can do so readily by pulling the layers apart, and then securing new layers together with the mechanical fastener.

Abstract: Mechanical fasteners having parallel barbs extending vertically from a horizontal planar member to secure layers of a floor covering. When interposed between floor covering layers the barbs penetrate and anchor into a floor covering material. When a consumer desires to separate the layers, and to replace or recycle one or all the layers of the floor covering, he can do so readily by pulling the layers apart, and then securing new layers together with the mechanical fastener.

Abstract: A raised flooring system and methods of forming components of such a system are disclosed. Systems consistent with embodiments of the present invention utilize thin sheet metal, typically galvanized steel, base plates laid side by side on an existing floor. Attached in a rectilinear pattern to the base plates are stand-offs, which support floor panels forming the raised or false floor (which in turn are typically covered with carpet tile). In addition to supporting the floor panels, the stand-offs form a network of channels where conduit, cables, hoses, pipe and similar materials can be routed. The stand-offs are punched and then formed from thin sheet metal, also typically galvanized steel, and have an overall shape generally that of a truncated cone achieved with four arms that have rolled edges for enhanced load-bearing capacity.

Abstract: Tile segments in desired shapes are out with great precision utilizing a computer-controlled laser and assembled on a previously prepared secondary backing with a sheet of hot melt adhesive material interposed between the assembly of segments and the secondary backing. The hot melt adhesive is then heated to fuse the assembly together while its components are securely held in their desired positions.