Abstract: A composite structure for use in tiling surfaces is disclosed. The composite structure can include a fiber matrix impregnated with a water-activated setting material. The composite structure can be wet and then compressed between a tile and an application surface. The composite structure can cure to provide a support surface for the tile.

Abstract: An article having a printed image and an embossed in register (EIR) layer is disclosed, the article having a longitudinal axis and a transverse axis that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The article comprises a substrate having a first side. The printed image is positioned on the first side of the substrate. The printed image comprises at least one identifier. The printed image is positioned between the EIR layer and the substrate. The printed image has a pattern, and the EIR layer has a corresponding pattern that is aligned with the pattern of the printed image along the longitudinal axis and the transverse axis.

Abstract: A system for printing on a substrate can comprise a conveyor that is configured to move the substrate along a substrate movement axis. The system can further comprise at least one print head array. Each print head array has a plurality of print heads, each print head having a respective orientation axis. The plurality of print heads can have at least a first print head and a second print head, wherein the orientation axis of the first print head is angularly offset from the orientation axis of the second print head. The first print head can be offset from the second print head along the substrate movement axis.

Abstract: A composite structure for use in tiling surfaces is disclosed. The composite structure can include a fiber matrix impregnated with a water-activated setting material. The composite structure can be wet and then compressed between a tile and an application surface. The composite structure can cure to provide a support surface for the tile.

Abstract: A decorative article includes a sheet having a full thickness, a first surface, and a second surface opposite the first surface. Across at least a first region of the sheet, the second surface of the sheet defines a plurality of grooves, each groove extending along a first axis. The plurality of grooves are configured to permit the first region of the sheet to conform to an application surface. Each groove of the plurality of grooves has, along a second axis that is transverse to the first axis, an operative width of at least 1 mm across which a depth of the groove is no less than ? of the full thickness of the sheet. The sheet includes, between adjacent grooves of the plurality of grooves, respective areas defined by the full thickness of the sheet, said full thickness being at least 0.5 mm along the second axis.

Abstract: A method for determining an edge profile of a custom decorative article to be installed in an installation area is disclosed, the installation area having a perimeter having a plurality of corners. A computing device receives data indicative of a plurality of coordinates corresponding to the plurality of corners of the perimeter of the installation area. Based on at least first, second, and third coordinates respectively corresponding to first, second, and third corners of the plurality of corners of the perimeter of the installation area, the computing device determines dimensional and/or geometric characteristics of a pair of opposed portions of the edge profile that, in an installed position, are configured to meet to form a corner of the custom decorative article when installed at the second corner of the perimeter of the installation area.

Abstract: A method for determining an edge profile of a custom decorative article to be installed in an installation area is disclosed, the installation area having a perimeter having a plurality of corners. A computing device receives data indicative of a plurality of coordinates corresponding to the plurality of corners of the perimeter of the installation area. Based on at least first, second, and third coordinates respectively corresponding to first, second, and third corners of the plurality of corners of the perimeter of the installation area, the computing device determines dimensional and/or geometric characteristics of a pair of opposed portions of the edge profile that, in an installed position, are configured to meet to form a corner of the custom decorative article when installed at the second corner of the perimeter of the installation area.

Abstract: A system for printing on a substrate can comprise a conveyor that is configured to move the substrate along a substrate movement axis. The system can further comprise at least one print head array. Each print head array has a plurality of print heads, each print head having a respective orientation axis. The plurality of print heads can have at least a first print head and a second print head, wherein the orientation axis of the first print head is angularly offset from the orientation axis of the second print head. The first print head can be offset from the second print head along the substrate movement axis.

Abstract: Acoustic articles, decorative elements, and system containing the same can include a decorative element having a first side and an opposing second side, and an acoustic article coupled to the opposing second side of the decorative element. The acoustic article can include an entangled fiber structure. The acoustic article can have a thickness of at least 0.4 mm, and can compress less than 25% of the thickness thereof when subjected to a pressure of 2 lbf/in2.

Abstract: Acoustic articles, decorative elements, and system containing the same can include a decorative element having a first side and an opposing second side, and an acoustic article coupled to the opposing second side of the decorative element. The acoustic article can include an entangled fiber structure. The acoustic article can have a thickness of at least 0.4 mm, and can compress less than 25% of the thickness thereof when subjected to a pressure of 2 lbf/in2.

Abstract: An article having a printed image and an embossed in register (EIR) layer is disclosed, the article having a longitudinal axis and a transverse axis that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The article comprises a substrate having a first side. The printed image is positioned on the first side of the substrate. The printed image comprises at least one identifier. The printed image is positioned between the EIR layer and the substrate. The printed image has a pattern, and the EIR layer has a corresponding pattern that is aligned with the pattern of the printed image along the longitudinal axis and the transverse axis.

Abstract: Described is a composite made from a woven fabric, a non-woven fabric, or a knitted face fabric and a non-woven fabric. The woven fabric, the non-woven fabric, or the knitted face fabric is needle punched such that fibers protrude into the non-woven fabric. The woven fabric, the non-woven fabric, or the knitted face fabric has a first polymer having a first melting point and a second polymer having a second melting point being higher than the first melting point. The nonwoven backing material comprises a third polymer having a third melting point and a fourth polymer having a fourth melting point being higher than the third melting point. The woven fabric, the non-woven fabric, or the knitted face fabric is further bonded to the nonwoven backing material applying heat to at least partially melt or soften the first polymer and the third polymer such that they bond together.

Abstract: An article having a printed image and an embossed in register (EIR) layer is disclosed, the article having a longitudinal axis and a transverse axis that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The article comprises a substrate having a first side. The printed image is positioned on the first side of the substrate. The printed image comprises at least one identifier. The printed image is positioned between the EIR layer and the substrate. The printed image has a pattern, and the EIR layer has a corresponding pattern that is aligned with the pattern of the printed image along the longitudinal axis and the transverse axis.

Abstract: Acoustic articles, decorative elements, and system containing the same can include a decorative element having a first side and an opposing second side, and an acoustic article coupled to the opposing second side of the decorative element. The acoustic article can include an entangled fiber structure. The acoustic article can have a thickness of at least 0.4 mm, and can compress less than 25% of the thickness thereof when subjected to a pressure of 2 lbf/in2.

Abstract: Described is a composite made from a woven fabric, a non-woven fabric, or a knitted face fabric and a non-woven fabric. The woven fabric, the non-woven fabric, or the knitted face fabric is needle punched such that fibers protrude into the non-woven fabric. The woven fabric, the non-woven fabric, or the knitted face fabric has a first polymer having a first melting point and a second polymer having a second melting point being higher than the first melting point. The nonwoven backing material comprises a third polymer having a third melting point and a fourth polymer having a fourth melting point being higher than the third melting point. The woven fabric, the non-woven fabric, or the knitted face fabric is further bonded to the nonwoven backing material applying heat to at least partially melt or soften the first polymer and the third polymer such that they bond together.

Abstract: A method for determining an edge profile of a custom decorative article to be installed in an installation area is disclosed, the installation area having a perimeter having a plurality of corners. A computing device receives data indicative of a plurality of coordinates corresponding to the plurality of corners of the perimeter of the installation area. Based on at least first, second, and third coordinates respectively corresponding to first, second, and third corners of the plurality of corners of the perimeter of the installation area, the computing device determines dimensional and/or geometric characteristics of a pair of opposed portions of the edge profile that, in an installed position, are configured to meet to form a corner of the custom decorative article when installed at the second corner of the perimeter of the installation area.

Abstract: A method for determining an edge profile of a custom decorative article to be installed in an installation area is disclosed, the installation area having a perimeter having a plurality of corners. A computing device receives data indicative of a plurality of coordinates corresponding to the plurality of corners of the perimeter of the installation area. Based on at least first, second, and third coordinates respectively corresponding to first, second, and third corners of the plurality of corners of the perimeter of the installation area, the computing device determines dimensional and/or geometric characteristics of a pair of opposed portions of the edge profile that, in an installed position, are configured to meet to form a corner of the custom decorative article when installed at the second corner of the perimeter of the installation area.

Abstract: A surface covering element can have a rigid core. The rigid core can include at least one densified fiber batt. The rigid core can have a first surface and an opposed second surface that are spaced apart along a first axis. The rigid core can have a plurality of edges that define a periphery of the rigid core. The plurality of edges can include at least a first edge and an opposed second edge that are spaced along a second axis that is perpendicular to the first axis. The first edge can include a tongue, and the second edge can define a groove.

Abstract: A composite structure for use in tiling surfaces is disclosed. The composite structure can include a fiber matrix impregnated with a water-activated setting material. The composite structure can be wet and then compressed between a tile and an application surface. The composite structure can cure to provide a support surface for the tile.

Abstract: A surface covering element can have a rigid core. The rigid core can include at least one densified fiber batt. The rigid core can have a first surface and an opposed second surface that are spaced apart along a first axis. The rigid core can have a plurality of edges that define a periphery of the rigid core. The plurality of edges can include at least a first edge and an opposed second edge that are spaced along a second axis that is perpendicular to the first axis. The first edge can include a tongue, and the second edge can define a groove.