Abstract: A modular floor tile is disclosed having a top surface. A plurality of edge surfaces defines a perimeter about the top surface and a support system is disposed at least partially beneath the top surface. A locking system allows for flexible displacement of a laterally extending protrusion having a flexible wall while placing a downward facing protrusion therein and/or allows for flexible displacement of the flexible walls of a downward facing protrusion while placing said downward facing protrusion into the laterally extending protrusion.

Abstract: A modular floor tile is disclosed having a top surface. A plurality of edge surfaces defines a perimeter about the top surface and a support system is disposed at least partially beneath the top surface. A locking system allows for flexible displacement of a laterally extending protrusion having a flexible wall while placing a downward facing protrusion therein and/or allows for flexible displacement of the flexible walls of a downward facing protrusion while placing said downward facing protrusion into the laterally extending protrusion.

Abstract: A modular tile is disclosed having a substantially rigid top surface supported above a ground surface by an understructure. The rigid top surface is defined by sidewalls forming an outer perimeter and four corners. Four modular tiles can be disposed adjacent one another at common adjoining corners. A bottom side of each of the four modular tiles has at least first and second cavities disposed about the corner of the tile. One of two bridge connectors is disposed about the common adjoining corners of the plurality of four modular tiles.

Abstract: A modular floor tile is disclosed having a top surface made of a plurality of rib members defining openings between the rib members. A plurality of edge surfaces defines a perimeter about the top surface and a support system is integrally formed with and disposed at least partially beneath the top surface. The support system is capable of maintaining the top surface elevated above a ground surface when a load is not placed on the top surface. The support system has a primary support member disposed within the openings between the rib members. The primary support member is operably connected to a plurality of arms extending laterally from the structural member to the primary support member and is capable of vertical movement within the opening when a load is applied to the top surface.

Abstract: A modular flooring system includes a plurality of floor tiles situated about a ground surface, with each floor tile having a substantially-flat top surface and a connection interface with opposing engagement surfaces. The flooring system also includes a plurality of removable bridge connectors, with each of the bridge connectors having a plurality of tile interfaces, and with each tile interface having complimentary engagement surfaces configured to engage with the opposing engagement surfaces of the connection interfaces. The tile interfaces of the bridge connectors couple to the respective connection interfaces of any adjacent floor tiles to restrain the relative vertical movement between the adjacent floor tiles while facilitating controlled relative lateral movement between the floor tiles.

Abstract: A modular sub-flooring system for supporting an overlayment above a ground surface includes a plurality of sub-floor tiles situated about a ground surface, with each sub-floor tile having a substantially-flat top surface that is adapted to receive and support an overlayment, and a connection interface with opposing engagement surfaces. The sub-flooring system also includes a plurality of removable bridge connectors, with each of the bridge connectors having a plurality of tile interfaces, and with each tile interface having complimentary engagement surfaces configured to engage with the opposing engagement surfaces of the connection interfaces. The tile interfaces of the bridge connectors couple to the respective connection interfaces of any adjacent sub-floor tiles to restrain the relative vertical movement between the adjacent sub-floor tiles while facilitating controlled relative lateral movement between the sub-floor tiles.

Abstract: A compliant insert for flexibly supporting a synthetic floor tile above a ground surface that includes one or more elongate bodies, with each elongate body having a longitudinal axis oriented parallel to a top surface of the floor tile, a top face having an attachment interface for coupling to a tile support structure extending downward from an underside of the floor tile, and a bottom face of having at least one contact flat for contacting the ground surface and at least one upwardly-directed recess for allowing liquids to flow underneath the insert. Each of the elongate bodies also has a thickness and stiffness sufficient, in an unloaded state, to elevate the support structure a distance above the ground surface.

Abstract: A modular flooring system includes a plurality of floor tiles situated about a ground surface, with each floor tile having a substantially-flat top surface and a connection interface with opposing engagement surfaces. The flooring system also includes a plurality of removable bridge connectors, with each of the bridge connectors having a plurality of tile interfaces, and with each tile interface having complimentary engagement surfaces configured to engage with the opposing engagement surfaces of the connection interfaces. The tile interfaces of the bridge connectors couple to the respective connection interfaces of any adjacent floor tiles to restrain the relative vertical movement between the adjacent floor tiles while facilitating controlled relative lateral movement between the floor tiles.

Abstract: A compliant insert for flexibly supporting a synthetic floor tile above a ground surface that includes one or more elongate bodies, with each elongate body having a longitudinal axis oriented parallel to a top surface of the floor tile, a top face having an attachment interface for coupling to a tile support structure extending downward from an underside of the floor tile, and a bottom face of having at least one contact flat for contacting the ground surface and at least one upwardly-directed recess for allowing liquids to flow underneath the insert. Each of the elongate bodies also has a thickness and stiffness sufficient, in an unloaded state, to elevate the support structure a distance above the ground surface.

Abstract: A modular sub-flooring system for supporting an overlayment above a ground surface includes a plurality of sub-floor tiles situated about a ground surface, with each sub-floor tile having a substantially-flat top surface that is adapted to receive and support an overlayment, and a connection interface with opposing engagement surfaces. The sub-flooring system also includes a plurality of removable bridge connectors, with each of the bridge connectors having a plurality of tile interfaces, and with each tile interface having complimentary engagement surfaces configured to engage with the opposing engagement surfaces of the connection interfaces. The tile interfaces of the bridge connectors couple to the respective connection interfaces of any adjacent sub-floor tiles to restrain the relative vertical movement between the adjacent sub-floor tiles while facilitating controlled relative lateral movement between the sub-floor tiles.

Abstract: A conduit especially suitable for carrying high temperature fluids is disclosed herein and includes an outer casing, a concentric inner core and an intermediate concentric layer of insulation material. The conduit also includes what may be referred to as a pressure relief valve located through the outer casing of the conduit and extending into the concentric layer of insulation material. In the event that the fluid finds its way into this layer of insulation material and in the event it expands, the pressure relief valve provides a readily available passage to the ambient surroundings for the expanding fluid.