Abstract: A method of making a mat with a textile surface and an elastomer backing is provided. The method includes mixing elastomer crumbs and a binder, depositing the crumb/binder mixture in a layer (22), placing a textile surface element (34) on the layer to form a mat assembly, and pressing the mat assembly in a press (9) while setting the binder. The elastomer crumbs are consolidated to form an elastomer backing (2) that includes voids between the elastomer crumbs, and the textile surface element is bonded to the elastomer backing to form the upper textile layer (1) of the mat.

Abstract: The present mat has a textile upper surface that has been thermally modified in a patternwise arrangement, such that the patterned areas have an abrasive feel ideal for scraping dirt from footwear. Such abrasive feel, or harsh hand, is due to the thermal modification of the heat-treated yarns, which may result in fibers having a clubbed end or, in extreme cases, a ball of remelted polymer on the end of a fiber stalk or fiber. The yarns may be “thermally modified” by shrinking (in which the filaments decrease in size longitudinally, but are still recognizable as. separate filaments) and melting (in which the yarns are heated beyond their glass transition point, become molten, and, when cooled, produce a fused yarn bundle). Attached to textile upper surface 10 is a flexible and durable backing material (e.g., 6).

Abstract: A surface covering having a decorative show surface and particle backing structure. The show surface is preferably a printed or dyed textile or fabric. The show surface decorative textile is optionally saturated with a protective composition. The backing may be resilient.

Abstract: Carpet tile, carpet tiles, or modular flooring include a carpet face or show surface in overlying relation to a backing of or including adjoined particle elements. In particular, but not exclusively, the carpet tiles incorporate a carpet surface or carpet face, having, for example, a pile or non-pile surface. In one embodiment, the carpet of the carpet tile has a tuft bind or precoat layer, such as a urethane precoat, disposed in overlying relation to a resilient backing formed from a mass, mixture, or slurry, for example, of particles or crumbs, bonded together in adjoined relation by a binder. One or more optional stabilizing and/or backing layers may be included. Methods of making such carpet tiles are also provided.

Abstract: A substantially rectangular mat comprises an upper layer of fabric (31) bonded to a lower backing layer of natural or synthetic rubber (32). The lower backing layer (32) extends beyond the upper fabric layer to form a border strip (33) at first and second opposite edges (43,44) of the mat. The lower backing layer (32) ends flush with the upper fabric layer at third and fourth opposite edges (41,42) of the mat. Each of the third and fourth edges is provided with a moulded strip (15) of synthetic or natural rubber attached to the lower backing layer (32) to form a border strip.

Abstract: A substantially rectangular mat comprises an upper layer of fabric (31) bonded to a lower backing layer of natural or synthetic rubber (32). The lower backing layer (32) extends beyond the upper fabric layer to form a border strip (33) at first and second opposite edges (43,44) of the mat. The lower backing layer (32) ends flush with the upper fabric layer at third and fourth opposite edges (41,42) of the mat. Each of the third and fourth edges is provided with a moulded strip (15) of synthetic or natural rubber attached to the lower backing layer (32) to form a border strip.

Abstract: A floor mat has its lower surface formed with one or more abutments located within its perimeter and extending generally perpendicular to the mat. The abutments are arranged to abut against or to be in close proximity to complementary abutments on a detent which is detachably secured to a floor surface, e.g. a carpet, when the mat covers the detent and thereby to restrict or prevent lateral movement and/or rotation of the mat relative to the detent.