Carpet Tile, and Carpet Covering Made of Such Carpet Tiles

Abstract

Carpet tile which includes a base layer having a top side and a bottom side, wherein preferably pile yarns are provided on the top side of the base layer, and a backing layer fixedly connected to the bottom side of the base layer. The backing layer constitutes a bottom surface of the carpet tile, wherein on the bottom surface of the carpet tile an adhesive is applied, and wherein the adhesive imparts adhesive properties to the bottom surface which are sufficient to allow the bottom surface to be attached to a suitable support surface, as well as to be detached from the same support surface onto which it has been attached previously.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is the United States national phase of International Application No. PCT/EP2021/050204 filed Jan. 7, 2021, and claims priority to The Netherlands Patent Application Nos. 2024618 filed Jan. 7, 2020 and U.S. Pat. No. 2,026,578 filed Sep. 30, 2020, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a tile, in particular a carpet tile, and to a tile covering consisting of a plurality of such tiles, in particular carpet covering consisting of a plurality of such carpet tiles. The invention also relates to a method of producing such a tile.

Description of Related Art

Historically, carpet tiles have been widely used in areas that are prone to intensive wear and tear, because of their flexibility. Recently, carpet tiles have become more fashionable as it closely resembles the qualities of a real carpet. Carpet tiles can suit the requirement of any flooring for both residential and commercial areas in high traffic areas. Carpet tiles are produced in a variety of sizes and styles and are especially advantageous in covering intricately shaped floor spaces.

Apart from the above advantages, carpet tiles have some drawbacks when used as a floor covering. For instance, carpet tiles are usually provided with a rubber backing layer, which backing layer may lose its initial dimensions easily over time so that the carpet tile becomes disfigured, which leads to the edges of the carpet tile curling upwards, which compromises its intended flat orientation parallel to the support surface as well as its coplanar orientation with neighbouring carpet tiles. This curling effect may be exacerbated when the tile is regularly cleaned with water or any other liquid agents.

Moreover, the known tiles are commonly installed as floated loose lay floor covering, without using glue, which may lead to undesired displacement of the tiles with respect to their supporting surface.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the invention to provide an improved tile, in particular a carpet tile, to overcome at least one of the drawbacks mentioned above.

In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to a first aspect provides a tile, in particular a carpet tile, comprising: a base layer having a top side and a bottom side, and at least one adhesive layer, affixed, either directly or indirectly, to the bottom side of the base layer, wherein at least one adhesive layer constitutes the lowest layer of the tile (at least in installed state) and/or wherein at least one adhesive layer defines at least a part of the bottom surface of the tile (at least in installed state), and wherein the adhesive layer imparts adhesive properties sufficient to allow the tile to be releasably attached to a suitable support surface. Preferably, pile yarns are provided on one or more parts of, or the entire, top side of the base layer, which qualifies this type of tile as carpet tile.

A significant advantage of the tile, in particular the carpet tile, is that, due to the adhesive on its bottom surface, the tile can be expediently attached to a support surface in a stable and durable manner, which avoids any unwanted shifting of the tile once it is correctly installed on the support surface. Furthermore, the tile can be vertically detached from the support surface in a practical manner in order to correct a positioning of the tile, or to replace a fouled or damaged tile. Furthermore, the (carpet) tile has an improved dimensional stability and allows for an optimum flat laying of the tile.

In the context of the invention, the suitable support surface includes any support surface which allows for the adhesive to have an adhesive interaction with it. Such a support surface can be made of wood, plastic, concrete etc. The suitable support surface is preferably non-porous and substantially flat, and constitutes for instance a floor, a wall, or a ceiling.

It is preferred in the (carpet) tile according to the invention, that the adhesive properties of the adhesive of the adhesive layer apply at room temperature (20° C.), or at least at a temperature range of 15 to 25° C.

As such, the adhesive properties apply to the most common temperature in which the (carpet) tile is intended to be used. For broader applications, it is advantageous when the adhesive properties apply at a temperature range of 0° C. up to 50° C.

The adhesive layer may be a continuous or discontinuous layer. The adhesive layer may be formed by a plurality of interconnected and/or distant adhesive zones, such as adhesive spots or adhesive strips. It is imaginable that a plurality of adhesive layers is applied. Here, it is imaginable that at least two adhesive layers are applied (parallel) on top of each other and/or are situated in a same plane.

It is advantageous in the (carpet) tile according to the invention, that the adhesive of the adhesive layer is present on edges and/or corners of the bottom surface of the (carpet) tile, and preferably on at least 50% of the total bottom surface of the (carpet) tile.

As such, the adhesive of the adhesive layer specifically counteracts the curling at corners and edges of the tile.

In a further preferred embodiment of the tile according to the invention, the adhesive of the adhesive layer is configured to achieve a moderate adhesive strength to a suitable support surface which is lower than 15 MPa, preferably lower than 10 MPa.

Such moderate adhesive strength accomplishes that the (carpet) tile when attached onto a suitable support surface, has an attractive peeling strength which allows an average user to remove a (carpet) tile from the support surface to which it is attached, with moderate effort.

It is advantageous in the (carpet) tile according to the invention, that the adhesive properties of the bottom surface apply for a period of at least 5 years, preferably at least 10 years.

It is especially preferred in the (carpet) tile according to the invention, that the adhesive used in the adhesive layer is a pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA), preferably of a detachable type.

Pressure sensitive adhesives (PSA) are ready-to-use adhesives and are viscous. In general they are applied as a film to a flexible material. The special feature of these adhesives is that they do not solidify to form a solid material, but remain viscous. As such they have a special place within the group of adhesives that bond via a physical mechanism. For manufacturing pressure sensitive adhesive systems, the adhesives can be dissolved in organic solvents (e.g. natural rubbers, acrylates), can be present as aqueous dispersions (e.g. acrylate dispersions) or can be solvent-free melts (pressure sensitive melts).

The basic formulation of a PSA comprises a base polymer, an adhesive resin and a plasticiser, with optional additives to confer special properties.

The actual adhesion when using pressure sensitive adhesives arises due to intermolecular interactions. Typically, in pressure sensitive adhesives there is still a viscous liquid state in the final bond. As such, the viscosity of the PSA has a direct effect on the adhesive strength. An important distinction can be made in this context between detachable and permanent adhesives.

The group of pressure sensitive adhesives having a lower viscosity, has consequently a low adhesive strength, such that and the adhered object can be detached again after use. These PSA types are tacky and have unlimited open time which means that they can be bonded to another substrate virtually permanently.

Further in the (carpet) tile according to the invention, it is preferable that the adhesive of the adhesive layer is a warm melt pressure sensitive adhesive and/or a hot melt pressure sensitive adhesive (HMPSA), preferably of a detachable type.

Hot melt pressure sensitive adhesives (HMPSA) are a specific type of PSA, and are based on thermoplastic adhesives. Likewise, a HMPSA is characterised by the fact that they do not fully set, and remain permanently sticky. This allows for an excellent adhesive bond even when the glue is cold. The required contact pressure is the key to creating a sufficient coat between the objects to be joined by the HMPSA.

A HMPSA retains the ability to form a serviceable bond under light pressure at room temperature. A preferred example of an HMPSA is a polyacrylate based PSA.

With particular preference in the (carpet) tile according to the invention, the adhesive comprises one or more types of thermoplastic elastomers such as styrenic block copolymers (SBC), ethylene vinyl-acetates (EVA), polyacrylates, and/or amorphous poly-olefins (APO).

These highly suitable thermoplastic elastomers can be modified by various types of tackifiers (natural and synthetic resins) in order to attain the specific adhesion performances required.

In the context of the invention, the HMPSA preferably comprises one or more types of SBCs. Such a HMPSA is permanently tacky at room temperature and offer good bonding strength under a light finger pressure.

In a preferred embodiment of the tile, in particular the (carpet) tile, according to the invention, at least one additional layer is situated in between the base layer and the adhesive layer. This additional layer may be a backing layer fixedly connected to the bottom side of the base layer, wherein the applied adhesive layer, preferably PSA layer, is applied onto a bottom side of the backing layer, but wherein said adhesive layer, in particular said PSA layer may also be incorporated within said additional layer.

Here, it is preferred that the backing layer comprises or consists of an elastic layer, which preferably has a foam structure having open and/or closed cells.

As such, the elastic properties of the backing layer allows the tile to adapt to any irregularities on the support surface onto which it is applied. Furthermore, the foam structure of the backing layer may further promote the attachment and detachment characteristics of the bottom surface of the tile.

Preferably, the additional layer, in particular backing layer, is at least partially made of nylon 6 (or polycaprolactam), being a semicrystalline polyamide, in particular nylon 6 fibers. More preferably, this layer is a perforated and/or open layer and allows the adhesive layer, during production, to penetrate the additional layer, and which may even allow to use said adhesive layer to glue the perforated and/or open additional layer to the base layer. A suitable adhesive in this case is e.g. a polyacrylate based PSA. The perforated and/or open layer is typically formed by a woven and/or non-woven layer.

Alternatively, the additional layer (or the backing layer), in particular the elastic layer preferably comprises at least one material selected from the group consisting of: ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), polyurethane (PU), polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polystyrene (PS), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), rubber, or mixtures thereof.

Furthermore, the elastic layer may comprise a filler, in particular, talc, chalk, wood, and/or calcium carbonate.

Typically, the elastic layer has a thickness situated in between 0.1 and 6 mm.

It is conceivable that the elastic backing layer defines (together with the adhesive layer) a lower surface of the tile. In this case it is advantageous in case a plurality of (superficial) suction holes is formed in at least a lower surface of said elastic layer allowing the tile to be quickly attached to a support surface and removed therefrom. Preferably, the elastic backing layer is made from an anisotropic material. Preferably, a plurality of superficial suction holes is formed in at least a lower surface of said elastic layer, wherein the superficial suction holes are open in a direction facing away from the base and substantially closed in a direction facing the base. These superficial suction holes hence define isolated cavities. Typically, the superficial suction holes together define a void footprint (void surface area), wherein material at the lower surface of the elastic layer in between said superficial suction holes define a material footprint (solid surface area). Preferably, the surface area ratio between the void footprint and the material footprint is at least 4, preferably at least 5, more preferably at least 6, thereby allowing the tile to be quickly and relatively firmly attached to a support surface, while easy removal of the tile from said support surface is maintained. A significant advantage of the tile, in particular the carpet tile, according to the invention is that, due to the quick-release adhesive backing structure, the tile is configured to become quickly attached to a support surface in a stable and durable manner, while the tile can also be detached from said support surface in a quick and easy manner without leaving any residue behind. These properties provide the tile, in particular the carpet tile, good dimensional stabilities, good lay flat characteristics, and a flexibility to easily attach and detach the tile to or from a, preferably non-porous and substantially flat, support surface, such as a floor, wall, or even a ceiling. The lower surface of the elastic layer is not provided with any glue, and is preferably free of glue or other chemical adhesives. The adhesive properties of the lower surface of the elastic layer are caused by the presence of small suction holes (micro-holes, shell-shaped cavities, and/or hemispherical micro-spaces having a suction effect). During installation a tile to be installed is pushed onto a support surface, which will force air to escape from the suction holes, wherein circumferential edges of the suction holes, and/or elastic material of the lower surface situated in between the suction holes, create a substantially air-tight seal between the lower surface of the elastic layer and the support surface. Upon release of the downward force exerted to the tile installed, a vacuum (sub-atmospheric pressure) will be generated within the suction holes, causing the tile to be pulled towards and held against the support surface. Hence, the tiles will be significantly less susceptible for curling and will become stabilized with respect to the support surface until the suction force is exceeded by exerting an opposite pulling force to the tile e.g. during de-installation. Since no chemical adhesive (glue) is used, the tile according the invention may be efficiently produced in an in-line production method. The tile according to the invention is preferably a carpet tile, wherein the pile yarns can be made from a number of natural or synthetic fibres. Many types of yarn are made differently though, wherein there are typically two main types of yarn: spun and filament. The yarns may be made of nylon but other suitable synthetic yarns such as polyester, polypropylene, acrylic or blends thereof can be employed. The carpet tile may be either rigid or flexible. It is also conceivable that the base is free of any yarn or fibres.

The elastic layer is designed to exhibit a “stiff-adhere, soft-release”-principle, which can be understood in a simple way as follows. When pulled in a stiff direction, less elastic energy can be stored in the material (much like a stiff spring can store less energy compared to a soft spring), leading to lower energy release rate to drive random crack-like flaws induced by support surface roughness. On the other hand, much more elastic energy can be stored in the material when pulled in the soft direction, especially when the material is strongly anisotropic, leading to much higher energy release rate to drive the support surface roughness induced crack-like flaws.

Preferably, the substantially entire lower surface of the elastic layer is provided with suction holes. This will commonly improve and increase that overall suction effect which can be realized during installation of the tile onto a support surface. Although the size of the suction holes may be uniform, wherein the suction holes may for example be stamped, punched and/or mechanically applied into the lower surface of the elastic layer, it is commonly advantageous that the size of the suction holes varies throughout the entire lower surface of the elastic layer, which allows, for example, that the elastic layer is formed by an elastic foam. The elastic foam may have closed cells (cavities) and/or open cells (cavities). In a foam, typically cells with different sizes are present. In one embodiment, the elastic layer is made from a foam material composed of ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), which is a copolymer of ethylene and vinyl acetate, rubber, polyurethane (PU), polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polystyrene (PS), (plasticized) polyvinylchloride (PVC), or mixtures thereof. The elastic layer may optionally include other components, such as a filler, such as chalk, talc, sand, fibre, wood, mineral, and/or carbon; a foaming agent, such as azodicarbonamide, a crosslinking agent, such as dicumyl peroxide, a foaming agent, such as zinc oxide; and/or a colouring agent. Preferably, the elastic layer of the tile according to the present invention provides a rubber foam-like material with regard to softness and flexibility. The material has low-temperature toughness, stress-crack resistance, waterproof properties, air-tight sealing properties, and foam recovery after compression.

The backing layer may comprise, for example, a non-woven sheet, a woven sheet, a non-woven polyester sheet, a polypropylene sheet, a glass fibre scrim or tissue sheet or combinations thereof.

It is further preferred in the (carpet) tile according to the invention, that an intermediate core layer is present between the base layer and the backing layer. Preferably, the intermediate core layer is either rigid or flexible, and comprises at least one material of the group of materials consisting of: wood, in particular MDF or HDF; a polymer, in particular PVC, PE, PP, or PU; a mineral, such as magnesium oxide and/or calcium carbonate; or mixtures thereof. The thickness of the intermediate core layer is preferably at least 3 millimetre. It is also conceivable that the base layer as such constitutes a core layer, which is either rigid or flexible, and preferably comprises at least one material of the group of materials consisting of: wood, in particular MDF or HDF; a polymer, in particular PVC, PE, PP, or PU; mineral, such as magnesium oxide, or mixtures thereof. It is imaginable, and even preferable, that at least one reinforcement layer, such as at least one glass fiber layer, is present within said core layer.

It is particular advantageous that the (carpet) tile according to invention has flexible properties as a whole.

As such, the flexibility of the (carpet) tile allows for a user to easily detach an attached (carpet) tile from a support surface.

Typically, the (carpet) tile according to the invention has an overall thickness between 5 and 15 mm.

It is further preferred in the (carpet) tile according to the invention, that the tile has two, preferably opposite, side edges which are respectively provided with interconnecting profiles such as a tongue and a groove profile, wherein preferably the profiles are an integral part of the backing layer material, and/or of an intermediate core layer when such is included in the (carpet) tile.

More preferably, the interconnecting profiles allow for a coupling of two (carpet) tiles by a vertical and/or an angling movement of the respective side edges. It is imaginable, and even preferable, that an adhesive, preferably a pressure sensitive adhesive, more preferably a hot melt pressure sensitive adhesive, is applied onto one or more interconnecting profiles. This will improve the mutual connection of adjacent tiles.

In a particular embodiment of the (carpet) tile according to the invention, a removable protective film is attached onto a bottom surface of the adhesive layer of the (carpet) tile.

In order to protect the adhesive prior to use, in particular during transportation and storage, a removable protective film may temporarily be attached to the adhesive on the bottom surface of the (carpet) tile. This protective film is for instance formed by a peel-off liner which is commonly made of paper and/or plastic. The protective film is removed before installation of the tile.

Preferably the (carpet) tile according to the invention comprises an additional thermoplastic layer securing the base layer to the backing layer.

In the (carpet) tile according to the invention, the base layer may alternatively comprise a decorative layer and optionally a transparent wear layer covering said decorative layer. This decorative layer of the tile according to the invention may be at least partially be formed by at least one tile, preferably a tile which is at least partially made of a material chosen from the group consisting of: sliceable natural stone, marble, concrete, limestone, granite, slate, glass, and ceramics. Alternatively, the tile according to the invention may comprise a decorative substrate affixed, either directly or indirectly, onto a top side of the base layer. The decorative substrate typically comprises a print layer and a protective layer covering said print layer. The print layer may be formed by either a printed thermoplastic, in particular PVC based, film or by an ink layer applied (printed) onto the top side of the base layer and/or onto a primer applied (directly or indirectly) onto the base layer. As said, the decorative substrate preferably comprises at least one decorative layer and at least one transparent wear layer covering said decorative layer. The decorative substrate may additionally comprise at least one back layer situated in between said decorative layer and the core, wherein said back layer is preferably made of a vinyl compound. A lacquer layer or other protective layer may be applied on top of said wear layer. This will typically provide the tile an improved scratch resistance. A finishing layer may be applied in between the decorative layer and the wear layer. The decorative layer will be visible and will be used to provide the panel an attractive appearance. To this end, the decorative layer may have a design pattern, which can, for example be a wood grain design, a mineral grain design that resembles marble, granite or any other natural stone grain, or a colour pattern, colour blend or single colour to name just a few design possibilities. Customized appearances, often realized by digital printing during the tile production process, are also imaginable. The decorative substrate may also be formed by a single layer.

In case the tile is a carpet tile or carpet-like tile, the base layer is preferably provided with pile yarns projecting upwardly therefrom. The pile yarns can be made from a number of natural or synthetic fibres. Many types of yarn are made differently though, wherein there are typically two main types of yarn: spun and filament. The yarns may be made of nylon but other suitable synthetic yarns such as polyester, polypropylene, acrylic or blends thereof can be employed. The carpet tile may be either rigid or flexible. It is also conceivable that the base is free of any yarn or fibres. The pile yarns may consist of loop piles. It is however also possible that the pile yarns consist of cut piles, twisted piles or any other suitable pile yarns in for example a level- or multilevel configuration. The loop piles are possibly synthetic yarns, such as nylon, polyester, polypropylene, acrylic or blends thereof. In the shown embodiment, the loop piles are tufted in the carpet base. The carpet base preferably also comprises a backing sheet, which can for example be a non-woven sheet, a woven sheet, a non-woven polyester sheet, a polypropylene sheet, a glass fibre scrim or tissue sheet or combinations thereof. The backing sheet typically acts as support structure (holding structure) for holding the yarns. To more efficiently bond the tufts in position on the carpet base, and in particular on the backing sheet, preferably a pre-coat layer is applied. This pre-coat layer can for example be a latex layer.

It is imaginable that the a part of a top side of the base layer is provided with pile yarns, while another part of the top side of the base layer is provided with at least one decorative substrate preferably comprises at least one (flat/2D) decorative layer and at least one transparent wear layer covering said decorative layer. This will lead to a hybrid tile, which is partially a carpet tile and partially a floor tile (floor panel or floor plank).

It is further preferred that the (carpet) tile according to the invention, has one of the following shapes: square, rectangular, pentagonal, hexagonal, octagonal.

Preferably, the adhesive layer covers the substantially entire bottom side of the base layer. This will commonly improve the (releasable) bond between the adhesive layer and a supporting surface, and hence between the panel and the supporting surface, such as a subfloor. This also allows the bottom side of the adhesive layer to have a limited adhesive strength (or release strength) per square centimetre. Consequently, this will allow to apply a lower tear strength between the adhesive layer and the base layer to prevent delamination or tearing of the tile when trying to release to the tile from a supporting surface, such as a subfloor, which makes it easier to produce a reliable and durable tile. Preferably, the adhesive strength of a bottom side of the adhesive layer is at least 170 g/cm in case an adhesive layer with a thickness in the range of 0.5 and 1 millimetre would be used. Preferably, the bottom side of the adhesive layer forms an even surface, meaning a (substantially) flat surface, which will increase the surface area of the interface formed between the adhesive layer and a supporting surface, such as a subfloor.

The adhesive layer may be a film or a coating, but it is also conceivable to apply thicker adhesive layers, e.g. with a thickness of at least 0.5 millimetre, preferably at least 1 millimetre, more preferably at least 1.5 millimetre. Even several millimetres would be imaginable in this case. The relatively thick adhesive layer may either be solid or foamed. Preferably, the adhesive layer is either relatively rigid or is a resiliently compressible layer. In this latter case, the adhesive layer may be considered as an elastic layer.

As addressed above, the adhesive layer typically acts as pressure sensitive adhesive. Here, the adhesive layer is preferably configured to impart polar or covalent force driven adhesive properties when a load or pressure is exerted to said adhesive layer.

In a preferred embodiment already addressed above, a plurality of superficial suction holes is formed in at least a lower surface of the adhesive layer, wherein the superficial suction holes are open in a direction facing away from the base layer and substantially closed in a direction facing the base layer. Preferably, the superficial suction holes together define a void footprint, wherein material at the lower surface of the adhesive layer in between said superficial suction holes define a material footprint, wherein the ratio between the void footprint and the material footprint is at least 4, preferably at least 5, more preferably at least 6, thereby allowing the tile to be quickly attached to a support surface and removed therefrom. Here, the adhesive layer is typically configured to impart polar vacuum driven adhesive properties when a load or pressure is exerted to said adhesive layer.

Preferably, the adhesive layer is a hydrophobic layer. This prevents absorption of water or moisture by the adhesive layer which would affect the bonding properties of the adhesive layer.

Preferably, the adhesive layer is partially cured or solidified or entirely cured or solidified. Preferably, the adhesive layer is fused with the base layer. In this latter case additional layers or components to affix the adhesive layer to the base layers are not needed.

Preferably, the adhesive layer and/or the base layer comprises an antimicrobial substance; and/or wherein the adhesive layer and/or the base layer is coated with an antimicrobial agent. The one or more incorporated antimicrobial agents inhibit(s) bacterial, fungal, microbial and other pathogen or non-pathogen growth and typically migrates to the tile surface in the course of time, thereby establishing a concentration gradient that controls the growth of microorganisms on contact with the tile surface. Preferably, the antimicrobial agent is selected from (i) organic or organometallic antimicrobial substances such as halogenated phenyl ethers, halogenated salicylanilides, sesquiterpene alcohols, halogenated carbanilides, bisphenolic compounds, general phenols, formaldehyde, quaternary ammonium compounds, pyridine derivatives and hexachlorophene, and/or from (ii) inorganic antimicrobials substance including silver, zinc, or copper in glass or ceramic matrices, wherein the antimicrobial agent preferably comprises 2,4,4′-trichloro-2′-hydroxydiphenyl ether. Said antimicrobial agent may also be a chemical selected from the group consisting oftriclosan, ortho phenyl phenol, diiodomethyl p-tolylsulfone, zinc pyrithiones, sodium pyrithiones, azoles, such as propiconazoles, poly(hexamethylene biguanide) hydrochloride, 3,4,4′trichlorocarbanilide, barium mono hydrate and silver, copper or zinc in zeolite or amorphous glass powder.

It is imaginable that the adhesive layer covers at least one side wall, and preferably at least two and/or each side wall, of the base layer, wherein said at least one side wall connects to the bottom side of the base layer, and wherein, preferably, a removable protective film is attached onto the adhesive layer covering the substantially entire side of the adhesive layer facing away from the base layer. This allows the tiles not only be bonded to a support surface, but also allows adjacent tiles to be bonded together by means of the adhesive layer.

Preferably, the adhesive layer comprises at least one rubber-based adhesive and/or at least one acrylate-based adhesive comprising at least one (meth)acrylate compound chosen from the group consisting of: polyurethane acrylate, polyester acrylate, epoxy acrylate, epoxy urethane acrylate, and mixtures thereof. Natural polymers, including their derivatives, are an interesting field because of their regeneration and excellent biodegradability. For example, dimer acid can be obtained by the conversion of unsaturated fatty acids by a combination of pressure, temperature and catalyst. The characteristics of dimer acid, highly branched and saturated hydrocarbon, provided polyester polyols with properties such as hydrophobicity, hydrolytic resistance and good thermo-oxidative stability. This allows the design of a unique class of polyurethane acrylate (PUA) having a relatively low glass transition temperature (Tg), flexibility, hydrolytic and thermo-oxidative stability, high adhesion both to low surface-energy adherends and to high surface energy adherends, and excellent flow properties with efficient substrate wetting. Hydrogenated castor oil (HCO) may also be used to synthesize PUA for its flexibility and good flow properties.

A second aspect of the invention is related to a (carpet) tile covering consisting of a plurality of neighbouring tiles according to the first aspect of the invention.

It is further preferred in the (carpet) tile covering that the respective adjacent edges of neighbouring tiles are interconnected to each other.

A third aspect of the invention is related to a method of producing a tile, in particular a carpet tile, according to the invention, comprising the steps of:

• • a) providing a base layer having a top side and a bottom side, wherein, preferably pile yarns are provided on at least a part of the top side of the base layer,
  • b) affixing, either directly or indirectly, an adhesive layer to the bottom side of the base layer, wherein the adhesive layer is configured to impart adhesive properties sufficient to allow the tile to be releasably attached to a suitable support surface, wherein the adhesive layer preferably covers the substantially entire bottom side of the base layer, and
  • c) realizing a connection between a removable protective film and a bottom surface of the adhesive layer.

The protective film is also referred to as a release film or a release liner. Typically the protective film is at least partially composed of a paper and/or polymer material.

It may be advantageous that step c) is executed prior to step b). This means the a laminate of the protective film and the adhesive layer is prepared first, after which this laminate is affixed to the base layer. Here, during step c) the adhesive layer is preferably applied in initially liquid state onto the protective film, after which the adhesive layer is at least partially cured and/or at least partially solidified. In case of a partial curing or solidifying, the adhesive layer is typically still tacky to some extent which property can be used to affix the adhesive layer to the base layer, wherein preferably heat and/or ultraviolet (UV) radiation is used to further cure and/or solidify the adhesive layer. It is also imaginable that the adhesive layer is entirely cured and solidified prior to affixing the adhesive layer to the base layer. In case the adhesive layer is a warm melt or hot melt pressure sensitive adhesive, the adhesive layer may be heated to some extent to make the adhesive layer more tacky (more sticky) to bond the adhesive layer to the base layer. These bonding methods are also referred to as fusing as no intermediate layer and/or separate glue have to be used.

Further preferred embodiments of the invention are presented in the non-limitative set of clauses presented below:

1. Tile, in particular a carpet tile, comprising:

• • a base layer having a top side and a bottom side, wherein pile yarns are provided on at least a part of the top side of the base layer, and
  • at least one adhesive layer, affixed, either directly or indirectly, to the bottom side of the base layer, wherein the adhesive layer defines at least a part of a bottom surface of the tile, and wherein the adhesive layer imparts adhesive properties sufficient to allow the tile to be releasably attached to a suitable support surface.

2. Tile according to clause 1, wherein the adhesive properties of the adhesive layer apply at least at room temperature.

3. Tile according to one of the preceding clauses, wherein the adhesive of the adhesive layer is present on edges and/or corners of the bottom surface of the tile, and preferably on at least 50% of the total bottom surface of the tile.

4. Tile according to one of the preceding clauses, wherein the adhesive layer achieves a moderate adhesive strength to a suitable support surface which is lower than 15 MPa, preferably lower than 10 MPa.

5. Tile according to one of the preceding clauses, wherein the adhesive properties of the adhesive layer apply for a period of at least 5 years, preferably at least 10 years.

6. Tile according to one of the preceding clauses, wherein the adhesive of the adhesive layer is a pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA), preferably of a detachable type.

7. Tile according to one of the preceding clauses, wherein the adhesive of the adhesive layer is a hot melt pressure sensitive adhesive (HMPSA), preferably of a detachable type.

8. Tile according to one of the preceding clauses, wherein the adhesive of the adhesive layer comprises one or more types of thermoplastic elastomers such as styrenic block copolymers (SBC), ethylene vinyl-acetates (EVA), polyacrylates, and/or amorphous poly-olefins (APO).

9. Tile according to one of the preceding clauses, wherein the tile comprises at least one backing layer situated in between the base layer and the adhesive layer, wherein said backing layer preferably comprises or consists of an elastic layer, which preferably has a foam structure having open and/or closed cells.

10. Tile according to clause 9, wherein the backing layer is a perforated and/or open layer, preferably a nylon based layer, and wherein the adhesive layer is at least partially penetrated into said backing layer.

11. Tile according to clause 10, wherein the backing layer is glued onto the base layer by means of the penetrated adhesive layer.

12. Tile according to one of clauses 9-11, wherein the backing layer comprises at least one material selected from the group consisting of: ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), polyurethane (PU), polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polystyrene (PS), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), rubber, or mixtures thereof.

13. Tile according to one of clauses 9-12, wherein an intermediate core layer is present between the base layer and the backing layer.

14. Tile according to clause 13, wherein the intermediate core layer is either rigid or flexible, and comprises at least one material of the group of materials consisting of: wood, in particular MDF or HDF; a mineral; a polymer, in particular PVC, PE, PP, or PU; mineral, or a mixture thereof.

15. Tile according to one of the preceding clauses, which has flexible properties as a whole.

16. Tile according to one of the preceding clauses, having an overall thickness between 5 and 15 mm.

17. Tile according to one of the preceding clauses, wherein the tile has two, preferably opposite, side edges which are respectively provided with interconnecting profiles such as a tongue and a groove profile, wherein preferably the profiles are an integral part of the backing layer material, and/or of an intermediate core layer when such is included in the carpet tile.

18. Tile according to clause 17, wherein the interconnecting profiles allow for a coupling of two carpet tiles by a vertical and/or an angling movement of the respective side edges.

19. Tile according to one of the preceding clauses, wherein a removable protective film is attached onto the adhesive on the bottom surface of the carpet tile.

20. Tile according to one of the preceding clauses, which comprises an additional thermoplastic layer securing the base layer to the backing layer.

21. Tile according to one of the preceding clauses, wherein the base layer comprises a decorative layer and optionally a transparent wear layer covering said decorative layer.

22. Tile according to one of the preceding clauses, which has one of the following shapes: square, rectangular, pentagonal, hexagonal, octagonal.

23. Tile according to one of the preceding clauses, wherein the adhesive layer is a foamed layer.

24. Tile according to one of the preceding clauses, wherein the thickness of the adhesive layer is at least 0.5 millimetre, preferably at least 1 millimetre, more preferably at least 1.5 millimetre.

25. Tile according to one of the preceding clauses, wherein the adhesive strength of a bottom side of the adhesive layer is at least 170 g/cm.

26. Tile according to one of the preceding clauses, wherein the adhesive layer is configured to impart polar force driven adhesive properties when a load or pressure is exerted to said adhesive layer.

27. Tile according to one of the preceding clauses, wherein the adhesive layer is formed by a pressure sensitive adhesive layer.

28. Tile according to one of the preceding clauses, wherein the adhesive layer is a hydrophobic layer.

29. Tile according to one of the preceding clauses, wherein the adhesive layer is a resiliently compressible layer.

30. Tile according to one of the preceding clauses, wherein a plurality of superficial suction holes is formed in at least a lower surface of the adhesive layer, wherein the superficial suction holes are open in a direction facing away from the base layer and substantially closed in a direction facing the base layer.

31. Tile according to clause 30, wherein the superficial suction holes together define a void footprint, wherein material at the lower surface of the adhesive layer in between said superficial suction holes define a material footprint, wherein the ratio between the void footprint and the material footprint is at least 4, preferably at least 5, more preferably at least 6, thereby allowing the tile to be quickly attached to a support surface and removed therefrom.

32. Tile according to clause 30 or 31, wherein the adhesive layer is configured to impart polar vacuum driven adhesive properties when a load or pressure is exerted to said adhesive layer.

33. Tile according to one of the preceding clauses, wherein the adhesive layer is at least partially cured.

34. Tile according to one of the preceding clauses, wherein the adhesive layer is fused with the base layer.

35. Tile according to one of the preceding clauses, wherein the adhesive layer and/or the base layer comprises an antimicrobial substance; and/or wherein the adhesive layer and/or the base layer is coated with an antimicrobial agent.

36. Tile according to clause 35, wherein the antimicrobial agent is selected from (i) organic or organometallic antimicrobial substances such as halogenated phenyl ethers, halogenated salicylanilides, sesquiterpene alcohols, halogenated carbanilides, bisphenolic compounds, general phenols, formaldehyde, quaternary ammonium compounds, pyridine derivatives and hexachlorophene, and/or from (ii) inorganic antimicrobials substance including silver, zinc, or copper in glass or ceramic matrices, wherein the antimicrobial agent preferably comprises 2,4,4′-trichloro-2′-hydroxydiphenyl ether.

37. Tile according to one of the preceding clauses, wherein the adhesive layer covers at least one side wall of the base layer, wherein said side wall connects to the bottom side of the base layer, and wherein, preferably, a removable protective film is attached onto the adhesive layer covering the substantially entire side of the adhesive layer facing away from the base layer.

38. Tile according to one of the preceding clauses, wherein the panel is free of pile yarns.

39. Tile according to one of the preceding clauses, wherein the adhesive layer covers the substantially entire bottom side of the base layer.

40. Tile according to one of the preceding clauses, wherein a bottom side of the adhesive layer forms an even surface.

41. Tile according to one of the preceding clauses, wherein the adhesive layer comprises at least one rubber-based adhesive and/or at least one acrylate-based adhesive comprising at least one acrylate compound chosen from the group consisting of: polyurethane acrylate, polyester acrylate, epoxy acrylate, epoxy urethane acrylate, and mixtures thereof.

42. Tile covering consisting of a plurality of neighbouring tiles according to one of the clauses 1-41.

43. Tile covering according to clause 42, wherein the respective adjacent edges of neighbouring tiles are interconnected to each other.

44. Method of producing a tile, in particular a carpet tile, according to one of the clauses 1-41, comprising the steps of:

• • a) providing a base layer having a top side and a bottom side, wherein, preferably pile yarns are provided on at least a part of the top side of the base layer,
  • b) affixing, either directly or indirectly, an adhesive layer to the bottom side of the base layer, wherein the adhesive layer is configured to impart adhesive properties sufficient to allow the tile to be releasably attached to a suitable support surface, wherein the adhesive layer preferably covers the substantially entire bottom side of the base layer, and
  • c) realizing a connection between a removable protective film and a bottom surface of the adhesive layer.

45. Method according to clause 44, wherein step c) is executed prior to step b).

46. Method according to clause 45, wherein during step c) the adhesive layer is applied in initially liquid state onto the protective film, after which the adhesive layer is at least partially cured.

47. Method according to one of clauses 44-46, wherein step b) is realized by fusing the adhesive layer onto the base layer, preferably by means of thermal treatment and/or UV irradiation of at least the adhesive layer.

48. Method according to one of clauses 44-47, wherein during step b) the adhesive layer is applied in an at least partially cured state.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will be further explained with reference to the appended figures, wherein:

FIG. 1 shows a cross-sectional view of a first possible embodiment of a tile according to the invention;

FIG. 2 shows a cross-sectional view of a second possible embodiment of a tile according to the invention;

FIG. 3 shows a third possible embodiment of a tile according to the invention;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view indicated by section A-A in FIG. 3; and

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view indicated by section B-B in FIG. 3.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 shows a tile (101), in particular a carpet tile (101), comprising a base layer (102) and a backing layer (103) attached to a lower side of said base (102). The base layer (102) of the shown embodiment is a primary carpet base (102) having pile yarns (104) projecting upwardly therefrom. The pile yarns (104) shown consist of loop piles (104). It is however also possible that the pile yarns (104) consist of cut piles, twisted piles or any other suitable pile yarns in for example a level- or multilevel configuration. The loop piles (104) are possibly synthetic yarns, such as nylon, polyester, polypropylene, acrylic or blends thereof. In the shown embodiment, the loop piles (104) are tufted in the primary carpet base (102). The primary carpet base (102) comprises a primary backing sheet (105), which can for example be a non-woven sheet, a woven sheet, a non-woven polyester sheet, a polypropylene sheet, a glass fibre scrim or tissue sheet or combinations thereof. To bond the tufts in position on the base layer (102), and in particular on the primary backing sheet (105), a pre-coat layer (106) is applied. This pre-coat layer (106) can for example be a latex layer (106). This pre-coat layer (106) can possibly form part of the backing layer (103). The backing layer (103) comprises an elastic layer (107). The elastic layer (107) defines a bottom surface of the tile (101). The elastic layer (107) comprises a plurality of cells (108), which are merely schematically shown in the figures. The cells (108) can have air or a gas trapped inside.

The diameter size of the cells (108) is for example situated between 5 μm to approximately 1 mm. The elastic layer (107) has for example a thickness situated between 0.1 and 6 mm. In the shown embodiment is the elastic layer (107) made of a foam material and/or comprise a foaming agent. The bottom surface of the elastic layer (107) has an air-tight sealing effect. Furthermore, the bottom surface of the elastic layer (107) is provided with an adhesive layer (109) which allows the bottom surface of the tile to be attached to a suitable support surface, as well as to be detached from the same support surface onto which it has been attached. Optionally, the elastic layer (107) and the adhesive layer (109) may be integrated and form a single elastic, adhesive layer.

The backing structure (103) furthermore comprises another internal adhesive layer (110). This adhesive layer (110) is for example a solventless, hot melt adhesive layer (110) disposed on the pre-coat layer (106). A releasable liner (110) may be used to initially protect the adhesive layer (109) prior to use.

FIG. 2 shows a tile (201), in particular a carpet tile (201), comprising a base layer (202) projecting upwardly therefrom. The carpet tile (201) furthermore comprises a backing layer (203) attached to a lower side of the base layer (202). The backing layer (203) comprises an elastic layer (207) defining a bottom surface of the tile (201), onto which a pressure sensitive adhesive layer (209) is provided which allows the bottom surface of the tile to be attached to a suitable support surface, as well as to be detached from the same support surface onto which it has been attached. Optionally, the elastic layer (207) and the adhesive (209) layer may be integrated and form a single elastic, adhesive layer.

The elastic layer (207) is of a comparable type as in FIG. 1, having a foam structure including cells (208). The pile yarns (204) shown in this embodiment consist of cut pile yarns (204). The cut pile yarns (204) can for example comprise nylon or other suitable material implemented in a PVC or hot-melt adhesive (206) which is laminated to a primary backing sheet (205), which can also be referred to as reinforcement layer (205). The primary carpet base (202) can possibly furthermore comprise a fibrous face wear surface secured to the primary backing sheet (205), wherein the primary backing sheet (205) preferably has a fibrous back surface. The backing structure (203) comprises furthermore an intermediate layer (211), situated in between the base (202) and the elastic layer (203). The intermediate layer (211) may act as backing layer, and is either rigid or flexible, and comprises at least one material of the group of materials consisting of: wood, in particular MDF or HDF; a polymer, in particular PVC, PE, PP, or PU; mineral, or mixtures thereof. A releasable liner (210) may be used to initially protect the adhesive layer (209) prior to use.

FIG. 3 shows a tile (301), in particular a panel (301), more in particular a floor panel (301) or wall panel (301) according to the invention. The tile (301) is interconnectable with similar tiles (301) for forming a floor covering. The tile (301) comprises a base (302) and a backing structure (303) attached to a lower side of said base (302). The backing structure (303) comprises an elastic layer (307) defining a lower surface of the tile (301), that is provided with an adhesive layer (not visible) as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, to allow for both an easy attachment onto and detachment from a support surface.

Furthermore, the tile (301), and in particular the backing structure (303), comprises an intermediate core layer (312), situated in between the base (302) and the elastic layer (303). The intermediate layer (312) is either rigid or flexible, and comprises at least one material of the group of materials consisting of: wood, in particular MDF or HDF; a polymer, in particular PVC, PE, PP, or PU; mineral, or mixtures thereof. The thickness of the intermediate core layer (312) is for example at least 3 millimetre. The base (302) may comprise a top structure comprising a decorative layer, which may be printed onto the base layer, on top of which a protective layer may be applied. The base (302) can for example be a primary carpet base having pile yarns projecting upwardly therefrom, for example as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. The intermediate core layer (312) comprises an upper side (313) and a lower side (314). The core layer (312) is integrally connected with a first pair of opposite edges, in particular a first edge (315) and a complementary second edge (316), located at the long lateral sides of the tile (301). The core layer (312) is also integrally connected with a second pair of opposite edges, in particular a third edge (317) and a complementary fourth edge (318), located at the short sides of the tile (301) in this exemplary embodiment. A benefit of the presence of the intermediate layer (312) as shown in FIG. 3 is that mutual locking of adjacent tiles (301) is enabled. Locking of adjacent tiles (301) in a first direction, perpendicular to a plane of the tile (301), and also a locking of the tiles (301) in a second direction, parallel to the plane of the tile (301), can herewith be realized. Furthermore, the change of curling or disfiguring of tiles (301) is reduced. The shown tile (301) has a rectangular shape. It is, however also possible that the tile (301) comprises a square, pentagonal, hexagonal or octagonal shape.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view indicated by section A-A in FIG. 3. In this cross-section, the shape of the complementary first edge (315) and second (316) edge are shown in detail. The first edge (315) comprises a sideward tongue (329) which is integrally connected to the core layer (312). By means of the vertical dashed line the border between the sideward tongue (329) and the core layer (312) is visualised. A front region (329A) of the sideward tongue (329) is provided with a rounded bottom surface (320). An outer end of the rounded bottom surface (320) adjoins an inclined locking surface (321). An opposite end of the rounded bottom surface (320) adjoins a bearing surface (322) making part of a back region (329B) of the sideward tongue (329). The second edge (316) comprises an upper lip (323) and a lower lip (324) defining a recess (325). Both lips (323, 324) are integrally connected to the core (312). By means of the vertical dashed line the border between the lips (323, 324) and the core (312) is visualised. As shown in FIG. 3, the width of the upper lip (323) is substantially smaller than the width of the lower lip (324). The recess (325) has a shape which is complementary to the shape of the sideward tongue (329). More in particular, a top surface (326) of a back region (324a) of the lower lip (324) has a (complementary) rounded shape, configured to co-act with the rounded front region (329a) of the sideward tongue (329), while a front region (324b) of the lower lip (324) is provided with a upwardly protruding shoulder (327), configured to co-act with the bearing surface (322) of the sideward tongue (329). A lower surface (328) of the upper lip (323) is inclined and corresponds to the locking surface (321) of the sideward tongue (329). Locking at the first edge (315) and the second edge (316) of adjacent tiles (301) by insertion of the sideward tongue (329) of a tile (301) to be coupled into the recess (325), wherein said tile (301) is initially held in an inclined position. After insertion of the sideward tongue (329) into the recess, the tile (301) to be coupled will be pivoted (angled) in downward direction about an axis parallel to the first edge (315) until both tiles (301) are positioned in the same—commonly horizontal—plane, wherein the locking surface (321) of the sideward tongue (329) will engage the locking surface of the upper lip (328), and wherein at least a bottom front part is accommodated substantially form-fittingly in the recess (325), and wherein the bearing surface (322) is supported by the shoulder (327). Locking at the first edge (315) and the second edge (316) leads to locking of the connected tiles (301) in both horizontal direction and vertical direction. The angling down locking principle of the first and second edges (315, 316) is a relatively easy locking principle which facilitates mutual coupling of tiles at these edges (315, 316) tremendously.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view indicated by section B-B in FIG. 3. In this cross-section, the shape of the complementary third edge (317) and second (318) edge are shown in detail. The third edge (317) comprises an upward tongue (339), an upward flank (330) and an upward groove (331) formed between upward tongue (339) and upward flank (330). The upward tongue (339) is connected to the core (312) by means of a bridge (332), which is preferably resilient to some extent. A side (339a) of upward tongue (339) facing toward upward flank (330) extends in the direction of the normal N1 of the upper side (313) of the core (312). The tangent R1 and the normal N1 of the upper side (313) of the core (312) are thus directed toward each other (converging orientation), wherein the angle enclosed by R1 and N1 is preferably between 0 and 10 degrees in this exemplary embodiment. Due to the converging orientation of the upward flank (330) and the side (339a) of the upward tongue (339) facing toward to the upward flank (330), the upward groove is a closed groove, which is only accessible to a complementary counterpart by deformation of the upward tongue (339) and/or bridge (332). Another side (339b) of upward tongue (339) facing toward upward flank (330) forms an aligning edge enabling facilitated realization of a coupling to an adjacent tile (301). As shown, this side (339b) functioning as aligning edge is directed away from the normal N1 of upper side (313) of the core (312). An upper side (339dd of upward tongue (339) does however extend in the direction of the normal N1 of the upper side (313) of the core (312), and runs inclining downward in the direction of the side (339e) of upward tongue (339) facing away from upward flank (330). This chamfering provides the option of giving the complementary fourth edge (318) a more robust and therefore stronger form. A part of the side (339e) of upward tongue (339) facing away from upward flank (330) is oriented substantially vertically and is moreover provided with an outward bulge (333). A lower part (330a) of upward flank (330) is oriented diagonally, while an upper part (330b) of upward flank (330) is shown to be substantially vertical and forms a stop surface for fourth edge (318). In between the inclined part (330a) and the substantially vertical part (330b) of the upward flank an additional coupling element, in particular an additional bulge (334), is provided. A lower wall part (331a) of upward groove (331) is oriented substantially horizontally in this exemplary embodiment. The fourth edge (318) is substantially complementary to third edge (317). The fourth edge (318) comprises a downward tongue (345), a downward flank (346) and a downward groove (347) formed in between downward tongue (345) and downward flank (346). The downward tongue (345) is connected to the core (312) by means of a bridge (348), which is preferably resilient to some extent. A side (345a) of downward tongue (345) facing toward downward flank (346) lies in the direction of the normal N2 of the lower side (413) of the core (312). This means that a tangent R2 of side (345a) of downward tongue (345) and the normal of the lower side (314) of the core (312) are mutually converging, wherein the angle enclosed by R2 and N2 is preferably between 0 and 10 degrees in this exemplary embodiment. More preferably, the inclination of R1 is identical to the inclination of R2; hence, R1 and R2 are preferably parallel. Due to the converging orientation of the downward flank (346) and the side (345a) of the downward tongue (345) facing toward to the downward flank (346), the downward groove (347) is a closed groove, which is only accessible for the upward tongue (339) of an adjacent tile (301) by deformation of the downward tongue (345) and/or bridge (348), as a result of which the entrance of the downward groove can be widened (temporary). A side (345b) of the downward tongue (345) facing away from downward flank (346) is diagonally oriented, but has a flatter orientation than the complementary side (330a) of upward flank (330), whereby a gap (air space) will be formed in the coupled position, which will generally facilitate coupling between two tiles (301). The inclining side (345b) of downward tongue (345) also functions as aligning edge for the purpose of further facilitating coupling between two tiles (301). Another side (345c) facing away from downward flank (346) takes a substantially vertical form, though is provided with a small cavity (349) configured to co-act with the additional bulge (334) of another tile (301). A top part of the side (345c) facing away from downward flank (346) forms a complementary stop surface for stop surface (330b) of upward flank (330) (of an adjacent tile). Downward flank (346) is oriented substantially vertically and is provided with a recess (340) adapted to receive the outward bulge (333) of the upward tongue (339) (of an adjacent tile).

The above-described inventive concepts are illustrated by several illustrative embodiments of carpet tiles and non-carpet tiles. It is conceivable that individual inventive concepts may be applied without, in so doing, also applying other details of the described example. It is not necessary to elaborate on examples of all conceivable combinations of the above-described inventive concepts, as a person skilled in the art will understand numerous inventive concepts can be (re)combined in order to arrive at a specific application.

It will be apparent that the invention is not limited to the working examples shown and described herein, but that numerous variants are possible within the scope of the attached claims that will be obvious to a person skilled in the art.

The verb “comprise” and conjugations thereof used in this patent publication are understood to mean not only “comprise”, but are also understood to mean the phrases “contain”, “substantially consist of”, “formed by” and conjugations thereof.

Claims

1-46. (canceled)

47. A tile, in particular a carpet tile, comprising:

a base layer having a top side and a bottom side, wherein pile yarns are provided on at least a part of the top side of the base layer, and

at least one adhesive layer, affixed, either directly or indirectly, to the bottom side of the base layer, wherein the adhesive layer defines at least a part of a bottom surface of the tile, wherein the adhesive layer imparts adhesive properties sufficient to allow the tile to be releasably attached to a suitable support surface, wherein the adhesive layer covers the substantially entire bottom side of the base layer, wherein a bottom side of the adhesive layer forms an even surface.

48. The tile according to claim 47, wherein the adhesive of the adhesive layer is present on edges and/or corners of the bottom surface of the tile, and preferably on at least 50% of the total bottom surface of the tile.

49. The tile according to claim 47, wherein the adhesive of the adhesive layer is a pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA), preferably of a detachable type.

50. The tile according to claim 47, wherein the tile has two, preferably opposite, side edges which are respectively provided with interconnecting profiles such as a tongue and a groove profile, wherein preferably the profiles are an integral part of the backing layer material, and/or of an intermediate core layer when such is included in the carpet tile.

51. The tile according to claim 47, wherein a removable protective film is attached onto the adhesive layer on the bottom surface of the carpet tile and/or on the bottom side of the adhesive layer.

52. The tile according to claim 47, wherein the base layer comprises a decorative layer and optionally at least one transparent wear layer covering said decorative layer.

53. The tile according to claim 47, wherein the adhesive strength of a bottom side of the adhesive layer is at least 170 g/cm.

54. The tile according to claim 47, wherein the adhesive layer is configured to impart polar force driven adhesive properties when a load or pressure is exerted to said adhesive layer.

55. The tile according to claim 47, wherein the adhesive layer is formed by a pressure sensitive adhesive layer.

56. The tile according to claim 47, wherein the adhesive layer is a hydrophobic layer.

57. The tile according to claim 47, wherein a plurality of superficial suction holes is formed in at least a lower surface of the adhesive layer, wherein the superficial suction holes are open in a direction facing away from the base layer and substantially closed in a direction facing the base layer.

58. The tile according to claim 57, wherein the superficial suction holes together define a void footprint, wherein material at the lower surface of the adhesive layer in between said superficial suction holes define a material footprint, wherein the ratio between the void footprint and the material footprint is at least 4, preferably at least 5, more preferably at least 6, thereby allowing the tile to be quickly attached to a support surface and removed therefrom.

59. The tile according to claim 57, wherein the adhesive layer is configured to impart polar vacuum driven adhesive properties when a load or pressure is exerted to said adhesive layer.

60. tile according to claim 47, wherein the adhesive layer is at least partially cured.

61. The tile according to claim 47, wherein the adhesive layer and/or the base layer comprises an antimicrobial substance; and/or wherein the adhesive layer and/or the base layer is coated with an antimicrobial agent.

62. The tile according to claim 1, wherein the adhesive layer covers at least one side wall of the base layer, wherein said side wall connects to the bottom side of the base layer, and wherein, preferably, a removable protective film is attached onto the adhesive layer covering the substantially entire side of the adhesive layer facing away from the base layer.

63. The tile covering consisting of a plurality of neighbouring tiles according to claim 47.

64. A method of producing a tile, in particular a carpet tile, according to claim 1, comprising the steps of:

a) providing a base layer having a top side and a bottom side, wherein, preferably pile yarns are provided on at least a part of the top side of the base layer,

b) affixing, either directly or indirectly, an adhesive layer to the bottom side of the base layer, wherein the adhesive layer is configured to impart adhesive properties sufficient to allow the tile to be releasably attached to a suitable support surface, wherein the adhesive layer preferably covers the substantially entire bottom side of the base layer, and

c) realizing a connection between a removable protective film and a bottom surface of the adhesive layer.

65. The method according to claim 64, wherein during step c) the adhesive layer is applied in initially liquid state onto the protective film, after which the adhesive layer is at least partially cured.

66. The method according to claim 64, wherein during step b) the adhesive layer is applied in an at least partially cured state.