Patents by Inventor Keith N. Gray

Keith N. Gray 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).

  • Patent number: 9402496
    Abstract: Connectors for joining adjacent modular floor covering units. The connectors include a film and an adhesive layer coated on one side of the film. To install tiles using the connectors, a first tile is placed on the floor and a connector is positioned so that the adhesive layer faces upward and does not contact the floor. The connector is typically positioned so that only a portion of the adhesive layer adheres to the underside of the tile, leaving the remainder of the connector extending from the underside of the tile. Tiles are then positioned adjacent the first tile so that a portion of the connector adheres to the adjacent tiles. In this way, the connectors span adjacent tile edges. The tiles are assembled on a underlying flooring surface without the need to attach them to the floor surface. Rather, the tiles are linked to each other with the connectors, so that the tiles create a floor covering that “floats” on the underlying floor surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2016
    Assignee: Interface, Inc.
    Inventors: Graham A. H. Scott, David D. Oakey, John P. Bradford, Keith N. Gray
  • Patent number: 9085902
    Abstract: Connectors for joining adjacent modular floor covering units. Embodiments of the connectors include a film and an adhesive layer coated on one side of the film. To install tiles using the connectors, a first tile is placed on the floor and a connector is positioned so that the adhesive layer faces upward and does not contact the floor. The connector is typically positioned so that only a portion of the adhesive layer adheres to the underside of the tile, leaving the remainder of the connector extending from the underside of the tile. One or more tiles are then positioned adjacent the first tile so that a portion of the connector adheres to the adjacent tiles. In this way, the connectors span adjacent tile edges. The tiles are assembled on an underlying flooring surface without the need to attach them to the floor surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2015
    Assignee: Interface, Inc.
    Inventors: Graham A. H. Scott, David D. Oakey, John P. Bradford, Keith N. Gray, Craig Cochran
  • Publication number: 20130263553
    Abstract: Connectors for joining adjacent modular floor covering units. Embodiments of the connectors include a film and an adhesive layer coated on one side of the film. To install tiles using the connectors, a first tile is placed on the floor and a connector is positioned so that the adhesive layer faces upward and does not contact the floor. The connector is typically positioned so that only a portion of the adhesive layer adheres to the underside of the tile, leaving the remainder of the connector extending from the underside of the tile. One or more tiles are then positioned adjacent the first tile so that a portion of the connector adheres to the adjacent tiles. In this way, the connectors span adjacent tile edges. The tiles are assembled on an underlying flooring surface without the need to attach them to the floor surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2013
    Publication date: October 10, 2013
    Inventors: Graham A.H. Scott, David D. Oakey, John A. Bradford, Keith N. Gray, Craig Cochran
  • Publication number: 20130232900
    Abstract: Connectors for joining adjacent modular floor covering units. The connectors include a film and an adhesive layer coated on one side of the film. To install tiles using the connectors, a first tile is placed on the floor and a connector is positioned so that the adhesive layer faces upward and does not contact the floor. The connector is typically positioned so that only a portion of the adhesive layer adheres to the underside of the tile, leaving the remainder of the connector extending from the underside of the tile. Tiles are then positioned adjacent the first tile so that a portion of the connector adheres to the adjacent tiles. In this way, the connectors span adjacent tile edges. The tiles are assembled on a underlying flooring surface without the need to attach them to the floor surface. Rather, the tiles are linked to each other with the connectors, so that the tiles create a floor covering that “floats” on the underlying floor surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2013
    Publication date: September 12, 2013
    Applicant: Interface, Inc.
    Inventors: Graham A.H. Scott, David D. Oakey, John P. Bradford, Keith N. Gray
  • Patent number: 8468771
    Abstract: Connectors for joining adjacent modular floor covering units. Embodiments of the connectors include a film and an adhesive layer coated on one side of the film. The connectors can have a conductive component that allows electrical continuity to be maintained between adjacent tiles. In yet another embodiment, the connectors can be equipped as radio frequency identification tags by including radio frequency transponders. To install tiles using the connectors, a first tile is placed on the floor and a connector is positioned so that the adhesive layer faces upward and does not contact the floor. The connector is typically positioned so that only a portion of the adhesive layer adheres to the underside of the tile, leaving the remainder of the connector extending from the underside of the tile. One or more tiles are then positioned adjacent the first tile so that a portion of the connector adheres to the adjacent tiles. In this way, the connectors span adjacent tile edges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: Interface, Inc.
    Inventors: Keith N. Gray, Connie D. Hensler, Chung-Hsien Zah, Susan F. Fezer, Horace Eddie Bradley, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8468772
    Abstract: Certain embodiments utilize carpet tiles of varying sizes and/or shapes that are connected together using connectors to form a carpet tile installation. In some instances, the carpet tiles used in the carpet tile installation have different colors, patterns, shapes, and/or styles. In some embodiments, carpet tiles of a standard size and shape, such as one-half square meter carpet tiles, are partitioned into carpet tile fractions. In certain embodiments, these carpet tile fractions are used in conjunction with larger carpet tiles in a carpet tile installation. In other embodiments, these carpet tile fractions may be connected to other carpet tile fractions to form a combination carpet tile that is then used in a carpet tile installation. Among other things, the use of different sized and/or shaped carpet tiles increases the randomness or diversity and/or improves other aspects of the appearance of the floor coverings formed by the carpet tile installations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: Interface, Inc.
    Inventors: David D. Oakey, Graham A. H. Scott, John P. Bradford, Keith N. Gray
  • Patent number: 8434282
    Abstract: Connectors for joining adjacent modular floor covering units. The connectors include a film and an adhesive layer coated on one side of the film. To install tiles using the connectors, a first tile is placed on the floor and a connector is positioned so that the adhesive layer faces upward and does not contact the floor. The connector is typically positioned so that only a portion of the adhesive layer adheres to the underside of the tile, leaving the remainder of the connector extending from the underside of the tile. Tiles are then positioned adjacent the first tile so that a portion of the connector adheres to the adjacent tiles. In this way, the connectors span adjacent tile edges. The tiles are assembled on a underlying flooring surface without the need to attach them to the floor surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Assignee: Interface, Inc.
    Inventors: Graham A. H. Scott, David D. Oakey, John P. Bradford, Keith N. Gray
  • Patent number: 8381473
    Abstract: Connectors for joining adjacent modular floor covering units. The connectors include a film and an adhesive layer coated on one side of the film. To install tiles using the connectors, a first tile is placed on the floor and a connector is positioned so that the adhesive layer faces upward and does not contact the floor. The connector is typically positioned so that only a portion of the adhesive layer adheres to the underside of the tile, leaving the remainder of the connector extending from the underside of the tile. Tiles are then positioned adjacent the first tile so that a portion of the connector adheres to the adjacent tiles. In this way, the connectors span adjacent tile edges. The tiles are assembled on a underlying flooring surface without the need to attach them to the floor surface. Rather, the tiles are linked to each other with the connectors, so that the tiles create a floor covering that “floats” on the underlying floor surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Interface, Inc.
    Inventors: Graham A. H. Scott, David D. Oakey, John P. Bradford, Keith N. Gray
  • Publication number: 20130014460
    Abstract: Connectors for joining adjacent modular floor covering units. The connectors include a film and an adhesive layer coated on one side of the film. To install tiles using the connectors, a first tile is placed on the floor and a connector is positioned so that the adhesive layer faces upward and does not contact the floor. The connector is typically positioned so that only a portion of the adhesive layer adheres to the underside of the tile, leaving the remainder of the connector extending from the underside of the tile. Tiles are then positioned adjacent the first tile so that a portion of the connector adheres to the adjacent tiles. In this way, the connectors span adjacent tile edges. The tiles are assembled on a underlying flooring surface without the need to attach them to the floor surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2012
    Publication date: January 17, 2013
    Applicant: Interface, Inc.
    Inventors: Graham A.H. Scott, David D. Oakey, John P. Bradford, Keith N. Gray
  • Patent number: 8220221
    Abstract: Connectors for joining adjacent modular floor covering units. Embodiments of the connectors include a film and an adhesive layer coated on one side of the film. The connectors can have a conductive component that allows electrical continuity to be maintained between adjacent tiles. In yet another embodiment, the connectors can be equipped as radio frequency identification tags by including radio frequency transponders. To install tiles using the connectors, a first tile is placed on the floor and a connector is positioned so that the adhesive layer faces upward and does not contact the floor. The connector is typically positioned so that only a portion of the adhesive layer adheres to the underside of the tile, leaving the remainder of the connector extending from the underside of the tile. One or more tiles are then positioned adjacent the first tile so that a portion of the connector adheres to the adjacent tiles. In this way, the connectors span adjacent tile edges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: Interface, Inc.
    Inventors: Keith N. Gray, Connie D. Hensler, Chung-Hsien Zah, Susan F. Fezer, Horace Eddie Bradley, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20110107720
    Abstract: Certain embodiments utilize carpet tiles of varying sizes and/or shapes that are connected together using connectors to form a carpet tile installation. In some instances, the carpet tiles used in the carpet tile installation have different colors, patterns, shapes, and/or styles. In some embodiments, carpet tiles of a standard size and shape, such as one-half square meter carpet tiles, are partitioned into carpet tile fractions. In certain embodiments, these carpet tile fractions are used in conjunction with larger carpet tiles in a carpet tile installation. In other embodiments, these carpet tile fractions may be connected to other carpet tile fractions to form a combination carpet tile that is then used in a carpet tile installation. Among other things, the use of different sized and/or shaped carpet tiles increases the randomness or diversity and/or improves other aspects of the appearance of the floor coverings formed by the carpet tile installations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2010
    Publication date: May 12, 2011
    Applicant: INTERFACE, INC.
    Inventors: David D. Oakey, Graham A.H. Scott, John P. Bradford, Keith N. Gray
  • Publication number: 20100251641
    Abstract: Connectors for joining adjacent modular floor covering units. The connectors include a base or film and one or more attachment members. As an exemplary use of a connector to install tiles, a first tile is placed on the floor and a connector is positioned so that an attachment member faces upward and attaches to the first tile. One or more other tiles are then positioned adjacent the first tile so that the same or other attachment members of the connector attach to the adjacent tiles. In certain embodiments, an attachment member comprises projections that form a mechanical connection with the undersides of the tiles. For example, a connector may comprise a plastic unit with raised ridges that interact with corresponding indentations on the undersides of the tiles. A connector can also or alternatively form a connection with tiles and/or the underlying floor surface by having a high coefficient of friction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2010
    Publication date: October 7, 2010
    Applicant: Interface, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin C. Gallagher, Keith N. Gray, Robert Henry Foletta
  • Patent number: 7757457
    Abstract: Connectors for joining adjacent modular floor covering units. Embodiments of the connectors include a film and an adhesive layer coated on one side of the film. The connectors can have a conductive component that allows electrical continuity to be maintained between adjacent tiles. In yet another embodiment, the connectors can be equipped as radio frequency identification tags by including radio frequency transponders. To install tiles using the connectors, a first tile is placed on the floor and a connector is positioned so that the adhesive layer faces upward and does not contact the floor. The connector is typically positioned so that only a portion of the adhesive layer adheres to the underside of the tile, leaving the remainder of the connector extending from the underside of the tile. One or more tiles are then positioned adjacent the first tile so that a portion of the connector adheres to the adjacent tiles. In this way, the connectors span adjacent tile edges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: Interface, Inc.
    Inventors: Chung-Hsien Zah, Connie D. Hensler, Keith N. Gray, Susan F. Fezer, Horace Eddie Bradley, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20100176189
    Abstract: Connectors for joining adjacent modular floor covering units. Embodiments of the connectors include a film and an adhesive layer coated on one side of the film. The connectors can have a conductive component that allows electrical continuity to be maintained between adjacent tiles. In yet another embodiment, the connectors can be equipped as radio frequency identification tags by including radio frequency transponders. To install tiles using the connectors, a first tile is placed on the floor and a connector is positioned so that the adhesive layer faces upward and does not contact the floor. The connector is typically positioned so that only a portion of the adhesive layer adheres to the underside of the tile, leaving the remainder of the connector extending from the underside of the tile. One or more tiles are then positioned adjacent the first tile so that a portion of the connector adheres to the adjacent tiles. In this way, the connectors span adjacent tile edges.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2010
    Publication date: July 15, 2010
    Applicant: Interface, Inc.
    Inventors: Keith N. Gray, Connie D. Hensler, Chung-Hsien Zah, Susan F. Fezer, Horace Eddie Bradley, JR.
  • Patent number: 7721502
    Abstract: Connectors for joining adjacent modular floor covering units. The connectors include a film and an adhesive layer coated on one side of the film. To install tiles using the connectors, a first tile is placed on the floor and a connector is positioned so that the adhesive layer faces upward and does not contact the floor. The connector is typically positioned so that only a portion of the adhesive layer adheres to the underside of the tile, leaving the remainder of the connector extending from the underside of the tile. Tiles are then positioned adjacent the first tile so that a portion of the connector adheres to the adjacent tiles. In this way, the connectors span adjacent tile edges. The tiles are assembled on a underlying flooring surface without the need to attach them to the floor surface. Rather, the tiles are linked to each other with the connectors, so that the tiles create a floor covering that “floats” on the underlying floor surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Assignee: Interface, Inc.
    Inventors: Graham A. H. Scott, David D. Oakey, John P. Bradford, Keith N. Gray, Craig Cochran
  • Publication number: 20100024329
    Abstract: Connectors for joining adjacent modular floor covering units. Embodiments of the connectors include a film and an adhesive layer coated on one side of the film. The connectors can have a conductive component that allows electrical continuity to be maintained between adjacent tiles. In yet another embodiment, the connectors can be equipped as radio frequency identification tags by including radio frequency transponders. To install tiles using the connectors, a first tile is placed on the floor and a connector is positioned so that the adhesive layer faces upward and does not contact the floor. The connector is typically positioned so that only a portion of the adhesive layer adheres to the underside of the tile, leaving the remainder of the connector extending from the underside of the tile. One or more tiles are then positioned adjacent the first tile so that a portion of the connector adheres to the adjacent tiles. In this way, the connectors span adjacent tile edges.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2009
    Publication date: February 4, 2010
    Applicant: INTERFACE, INC.
    Inventors: Keith N. Gray, Connie D. Hensler, Chung-Hsien Zah, Susan F. Fezer, Horace Eddie Bradley, JR.
  • Publication number: 20090094919
    Abstract: Connectors for joining adjacent modular floor covering units. The connectors include a film and an adhesive layer coated on one side of the film. To install tiles using the connectors, a first tile is placed on the floor and a connector is positioned so that the adhesive layer faces upward and does not contact the floor. The connector is typically positioned so that only a portion of the adhesive layer adheres to the underside of the tile, leaving the remainder of the connector extending from the underside of the tile. Tiles are then positioned adjacent the first tile so that a portion of the connector adheres to the adjacent tiles. In this way, the connectors span adjacent tile edges. The tiles are assembled on a underlying flooring surface without the need to attach them to the floor surface. Rather, the tiles are linked to each other with the connectors, so that the tiles create a floor covering that “floats” on the underlying floor surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2008
    Publication date: April 16, 2009
    Inventors: Graham A.H. Scott, David D. Oakey, John P. Bradford, Keith N. Gray
  • Patent number: 7464510
    Abstract: Connectors for joining adjacent modular floor covering units. The connectors include a film and an adhesive layer coated on one side of the film. To install tiles using the connectors, a first tile is placed on the floor and a connector is positioned so that the adhesive layer faces upward and does not contact the floor. The connector is typically positioned so that only a portion of the adhesive layer adheres to the underside of the tile, leaving the remainder of the connector extending from the underside of the tile. Tiles are then positioned adjacent the first tile so that a portion of the connector adheres to the adjacent tiles. In this way, the connectors span adjacent tile edges. The tiles are assembled on a underlying flooring surface without the need to attach them to the floor surface. Rather, the tiles are linked to each other with the connectors, so that the tiles create a floor covering that “floats” on the under lying floor surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2008
    Assignee: Interface, Inc.
    Inventors: Graham A. H. Scott, David D. Oakey, John P. Bradford, Keith N. Gray
  • Publication number: 20080213529
    Abstract: Connectors for joining adjacent modular floor covering units. Embodiments of the connectors include a film and an adhesive layer coated on one side of the film. The connectors can have a conductive component that allows electrical continuity to be maintained between adjacent tiles. In yet another embodiment, the connectors can be equipped as radio frequency identification tags by including radio frequency transponders. To install tiles using the connectors, a first tile is placed on the floor and a connector is positioned so that the adhesive layer faces upward and does not contact the floor. The connector is typically positioned so that only a portion of the adhesive layer adheres to the underside of the tile, leaving the remainder of the connector extending from the underside of the tile. One or more tiles are then positioned adjacent the first tile so that a portion of the connector adheres to the adjacent tiles. In this way, the connectors span adjacent tile edges.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2008
    Publication date: September 4, 2008
    Applicant: Interface, Inc.
    Inventors: Keith N. Gray, Connie D. Hensler, Chung-Hsien Zah, Susan F. Fezer, Horace Eddie Bradley
  • Publication number: 20040258870
    Abstract: A re-configurable floor covering and method of assembly that includes modular units that may be easily assembled in a variety of designs and that may be easily disassembled. This modular design provides flexibility in use and maintenance, as well as in removal and re-use. The modular units may be assembled so that adjacent units are linked.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2003
    Publication date: December 23, 2004
    Inventors: David D. Oakey, Keith N. Gray, Graham A. H. Scott, John Bradford