Abstract: The invention relates to a sorptive textile composite comprising an air-permeable support for adsorber particles that, on one side, is provided with an air-permeable lining having an adhesive layer. The support is a nonwoven, into which loose adsorber particles are introduced, and the nonwoven, at least on one side, is lined with an air-permeable nonwoven.

Abstract: The present invention relates a method of making a coated cellulosic textile, whereby a silk peptide is polymerized with a building block to develop a silk peptide/building block nanoparticle, said nanoparticle then being used to coat the textile. The resultant textile exhibits a high level of wrinkle recovery angle and/or tear strength, all without the use of N-methylol compounds, including ureas and formaldehydes.

Abstract: The present invention provides new types of synthetic turf. The synthetic turf includes a pile fabric having a backing (1) and tufts (2) projecting therefrom. In one embodiment, at least a number of the tufts are made of a composite yarn formed by at least one fibrillated yarn (6) together with a number of individual filament yarns (7), in particular with so-called monofilament or monotape yarns. The fibrillated yarn and the individual filament yarns are preferably made of polyethylene so that the synthetic turf is sliding-friendly. In another embodiment, at least a number of the tufts are made of a composite yarn formed by monotape yarns twisted together with a number of the monofilament yarns. The monofilament and monotape yarns are preferably made of polyethylene so that the synthetic turf is sliding-friendly.

Abstract: A recreational surface such as an artificial turf playing field includes a pile fabric having a backing and a multiplicity of generally upstanding pile elements, and an infill overlying the backing and being interspersed between the upstanding pile elements. The infill advantageously includes resilient particles as well as particles of a rubber coated hard granular material such as rubber coated sand. The particles of rubber and the particles of rubber coated sand may be mixed together or they may be applied separately in different courses or layers in which the relative proportions of the two types of particles differ. Also disclosed is a method of designing and constructing such a recreational surface in which the properties of the recreational surface are specified according to the intended use of the recreational surface.

Abstract: According to one aspect of a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a carpet for vehicles comprises a surface skin layer 2 and a sound absorption layer 3 made of a nonwoven fabric integrally bonded to the surface skin layer 2 via an adhesive resin layer 4. The adhesive resin layer 4 is constituted by an air permeable resin layer formed by melting thermoplastic resin powder having a particle diameter of not smaller than 320 ?m but not larger than 1,000 ?m. An adhered amount of the thermoplastic resin powder is 180 to 500 g/m2. Air permeability of the entire carpet in a thickness direction thereof is 10 to 26 cm3/cm2·sec. With this structure, excellent sound absorption performance can be exerted against noise entering into an inside space of a vehicle from the above side, such as, the roof, doors, or windows, as well as noise entering from the lower side.

Abstract: A synthetic grass assembly for installation on a supporting soil substrate includes a pile fabric with a flexible sheet backing and rows of upstanding synthetic ribbons representing grass blades, extending upwardly from an upper surface of the backing. An infill layer of two distinct graded courses of particulate material is disposed interstitially between the upstanding ribbons upon the upper surface of the backing and of a depth less than the length of the ribbons. A bottom course of intermixed hard sand and resilient rubber granules with substantially identical particle size distribution characteristics is installed upon the backing and a top course exclusively of resilient rubber granules is placed upon the bottom course.

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 primary carpet backing is provided for use in the formation of a tufted carpet which eliminates or reduces the need for a latex adhesive layer or the use of a secondary backing. The external surfaces of a woven or non-woven fibrous mat are coated with thermoplastic polymer particles having a lower melting temperature than the fibers of the mat. The mat possesses sufficient openings between fibers to be capable of undergoing tufting. Following tufting the tufted mat is heat treated so as to melt the thermoplastic polymer particles and to create a bond between the tufted carpet yarn fibers and the primary backing mat.

Abstract: A playing surface structure (100) comprises, a surface carpet layer (102), a resin impregnated textile layer (104), a random pile layer (108) comprising a compact resin loaded fibre stratum (109) and a layer of stratified fibrous material (110). The surface carpet layer (102) overlays the textile layer (104), the textile layer (104) overlays the random pile layer (108), and the layer of stratified fibrous material (110) is overlain by the random pile layer (108). A method of construction of a playing surface is also disclosed.

Abstract: A synthetic-grass flooring may include a substrate with multiple filiform formations extending upwards from the substrate to simulate natural-grass cover or turf. End portions of the filiform formations may be curled to bestow upon the filiform formations a general tree-like conformation. The synthetic-grass flooring may be manufactured as a finished product in a factory. A particulate filling material or infill may be retained on the substrate by the curly ends of the filiform formations.

Abstract: A durable and wear resistant synthetic sports field having at least one strip having a plurality of fibrillated polypropylene strands tufted within a multilayer backing material. The strands are tufted in a wide variety of pile heights, patterns, gauges, and stitch patterns depending upon end use. The multiplayer backing material has a top mesh polypropylene layer at least three layers of a backing material coated with a secondary coating used to contain the ends of the plurality of strands. The strips are placed onto a fine aggregate layer placed over a coarse aggregate layer and a geotextile fabric. The geotextile fabric is placed onto a compacted and leveled subgrade. A ground rubber infill, with or without sand particles and diatomaceous earth, is introduced onto the strips. In alternative arrangements, a series of perforated drains and drain tiles may be introduced to the coarse aggregate layer to promote drainage.

Abstract: A playing surface structure includes a resin impregnated textile layer (1) having a resin bonded layer of particulate rubber (7) adherent to its undersurface and overlying a fibrous random pile mat (8) incorporating a random pile layer (9) and a relatively compact, resin impregnated backing layer (10).

Abstract: A simulated clay tennis surface has a first region tufted with synthetic ribbons of a first height, and a second region tufted with synthetic ribbons higher than those of the first region. A granular infill material is applied to a depth which covers the ribbons in the first region, but leaves the tips of the ribbons of the second region visible to form court markings of a contrasting color to the infill material.

Abstract: An object of the invention is to provide a holding and sealing mat material of a catalytic converter for purifying an exhaust gas which can prevent inorganic fibers from flying in all directions from a surface of the holding and sealing mat material, and can keep a working environment at a time of assembling good. In the holding and sealing mat material of a catalytic converter for purifying an exhaust gas, which is arranged between a catalyst carrier and a shell covering the catalyst carrier from the outside thereof, the holding and sealing mat material includes a mat-like material consisting of inorganic fibers and being formed in a mat shape and a binder of 0.5 to 20 weight % of an organic binder or an inorganic binder, which is attached to the mat-like material, wherein a filling bulk density of the holding and sealing mat material after being assembled is within a range between 0.1 and 0.

Abstract: The invention relates to an artificial grass lawn suitable for sports fields, which artificial grass lawn consists of a base layer, on which first artificial grass fibres are disposed. In accordance with the invention, the artificial grass lawn is characterized in that said base layer comprises a material having damping properties, which is present thereon and/or therein. Thus the properties of a natural grass field are approximated very closely, and also the style of play on the sports field is positively affected. Furthermore, the artificial grass field thus obtained is substantially free of maintenance and of injury.

Abstract: A synthetic grass structure comprises a sheet substrate with a plurality of filiform formations extending from the substrate so as to simulate natural grass cover and a particulate filling material or infill consisting of a substantially homogeneous mass of a granular plastic material dispersed between the filiform formations so as to keep them in a substantially upright condition. The infill forms a layer of thickness not greater than 40 millimeters, has a grain size smaller than 5 millimeters, and consists of plastic material with a value of elastic return such that the structure has a KA value of 35-50, which enables its use for making athletics tracks.

Abstract: An artificial grass surface (10) suited for bordering a runway (12) of an airfield in order to reduce the presence of birds in the airfield. The artificial grass surface (10) includes a pile fabric (14) having a plurality of pile elements (20) extending from a backing mat (18) and resembling grass. A water barrier (24) is provided for preventing water from percolating to the compacted soil surface. An infilled particulate material (22) is dispersed among the pile elements (20). A stabilizer is provided to resist dislodgment of the infilled particulate material (22) at the edges of the runways by the thrust of jet engines and to keep the particulate material (22) in the pile elements (20) when the edges of the runways are vacuumed to remove silt.

Abstract: A synthetic-grass structure for laying on a subfloor comprises a sheet substrate with a plurality of filiform formations extending upwards from the substrate to simulate natural grass cover and a particulate filling material or infill dispersed between the filiform formations in such a way as to maintain the filiform formations in a substantially upright condition. The infill includes a substantially homogeneous mass of a granular material selected from polyolefin-based materials and vinyl-polymer-based materials, preferably recycled ones.

Abstract: A material to reduce the effects of trauma received from the impact of a projectile. One embodiment is a needle-punched, non-woven material including at least one type of ballistic fibers selected and oriented to provide a cushioning effect and maintain a high compressive restitution constant. A percentage of the fibers are oriented with at least their ends lying approximately perpendicular to the fabric plane and/or oriented to lie in a waveform generally along or parallel to the fabric plane. This enables the ends of the fibers lying perpendicular to the fabric plane to cushion the impact from the projectile by dissipating energy through compressional resistance, and the fibers along the fabric plane to reduce energy through dispersal along fiber lines, thereby reducing the trauma resulting from an impact.

Abstract: A playing surface structure includes a resin impregnated textile layer (1) having a resin bonded layer of particulate rubber (7) adherent to its undersurface and overlying a fibrous random pile mat (8) incorporating a random pile layer (9) and a relatively compact, resin impregnated backing layer (10).

Abstract: An infilled artificial surface has natural grass-like play characteristics due to the use of two distinct groups of fibers extending upwardly from a backing, and a stabilizing fill material residing on the backing, with a first upper group of fibers simulating grass plants and extending above the infill and a second lower group of preferably texturized fibers extending upward from the backing to the top of, but not above, the fill. With this structure, substantially all of the fill material is stabilized within the vertical level of the second lower group of fibers. This second group of fibers “locks” the fill material in place and helps to promote consistent and uniform play characteristics which closely simulate natural grass, with a “foot feel” of natural turf. This structure also improves the durability of this playing surface, compared to prior infilled surfaces.

Abstract: An infill layer for use in an artificial turf system is provided. The artificial turf system may include a pile fabric having a turf backing and a plurality of turf fibers extending upwardly from the turf backing. The infill layer may include particulate material disposed upon an upper surface of the turf backing and between the turf fibers. The infill layer may advantageously comprise ceramic support material in one or more courses. The ceramic support material may also be combined with other hard particles and/or with resilient particles in the infill layer. Alternatively, recycled support material or support material having a substantially consistent size and shape may be used instead of ceramic support material.

Abstract: A playing surface structure (100) comprises, a surface carpet layer (102), a resin impregnated textile layer (104), a random pile layer (108) comprising a compact resin loaded fibre stratum (109) and a layer of stratified fibrous material (110). The surface carpet layer (102) overlays the textile layer (104), the textile layer (104) overlays the random pile layer (108), and the layer of stratified fibrous material (110) is overlain by the random pile layer (108). A method of construction of a playing surface is also disclosed.

Abstract: A filled synthetic sports playing surface is provided comprising, generally, a synthetic grass having fibers secured to a backing fabric. The backing fabric may have single, composite or multiple layers. The fibers can be formed from polyolefins, their co-polymers, or polyamides, and may be monofilament or slit film type yarns. The top dressing comprises natural soil or a synthetic soil or may be a mix of natural soil or synthetic soil with conventional infill material, such as resilient particles, mineral particles coated with a resilient layer or other types of infill materials. Alternatively, the top dressing may include an absorbent material treated with a coloring agent. The filled fabric generally described above may be installed over a drainage system and can have an irrigation system, particularly for an indoor field, in order to simulate wet weather conditions, provide for more realistic game play and manage other aspects of the field.

Abstract: A synthetic turf comprises a backing with a plurality of pile filaments secured to the backing and extending upwardly therefrom and filled with particulate fill material. The fill material comprises a lower ballast layer of gravel residing on the backing and an upper layer of resilient particles above the lower layer. The lower layer of gravel provides weight and stability to hold down the synthetic turf without migrating to the surface. The upper layer provides cushioning and uniform resilience for the synthetic turf while the pile filaments create a grass-like appearance for the playing surface.

Abstract: An impact absorbing surface covering adapted for use with a high impact traffic area is provided. A shock pad of post industrial, recycled closed cell foam is used in conjunction with an impervious wear surface, such as rubber, sprayed polyurethane, or artificial turf, in order to provide a durable, impact absorbent area, which can be easily adapted to varying shapes and sizes in a seamless manner to create an economical and resilient alternative for indoor/outdoor, commercial or recreational use. A method for installing an impact absorbing surface covering is also provided in which shock pads comprised of foam, fabric, and mesh layers are positioned on the ground, cement, or a floor, and are covered by a substantially impervious wear surface, thereby creating a non-purous, impact-absorbent, product with an extended life span.

Abstract: The airport marking system of the present invention includes a multi-pigmented artificial turf segment having a backing with base fibers and marking fibers, wherein the marking fibers are visually different than the base fibers. The different marking fibers are adaptable to define a plurality of different shapes and patterns. The different marking fibers of the turf of the present invention define: (i) one or more characters including numbers and letters; (ii) a character having a border around it; (iii) a plurality of parallel lines; (iv) a dashed line; (v) a plurality of parallel lines and a plurality of intersecting lines perpendicular to the parallel lines; (vi) a plurality of chevrons; (vii) a plurality of parallel lines disposed at an angle relative to a side of the area; (viii) a plurality of checkered four sided shapes; (ix) one or more arrows; and (x) an arrow adjacent to a character.

Abstract: In order to provide leather with the desired cushioning properties and desirable soft handling properties, especially a grained leather with a grain structure on its upper surface, or a split leather with a surface finish, even if this leather is of minimal thickness, a foam layer is created on the non-visible underside surface of the leather. This foam layer is formed by applying a liquid plastic material containing means to create the foam and is subsequent solidified by removal of the solvent.

Abstract: A synthetic grass assembly for installation on a supporting soil substrate includes a pile fabric with a flexible sheet backing and rows of upstanding synthetic ribbons representing grass blades, extending upwardly from an upper surface of the backing. An infill layer of two distinct graded courses of particulate material is disposed interstitially between the upstanding ribbons upon the upper surface of the backing and of a depth less than the length of the ribbons. A bottom course of intermixed hard sand and resilient rubber granules with substantially identical particle size distribution characteristics is installed upon the backing and a top course exclusively of resilient rubber granules is placed upon the bottom course.

Abstract: A synthetic turf surface for golf courses, tennis courts and other grass-surfaced game playing fields is formed of a synthetic grass carpet having a flexible base sheet with closely spaced-apart upright, blade-like strands of plastic material forming a dense grass-like surface. The carpet is supported upon a cushioning underpad which is formed of a thick, molded sheet of open cell, expanded bead polypropylene. The resiliently compressible polypropylene underpad combined with the synthetic grass carpet closely simulates the feel of a natural grass covered playing field surface.

Abstract: The tufted surface covering includes a base formed from particles of a thermosetting polymer compound mixed with a particle binding agent causing a portion of the particles to bind together to form a self supporting web. The base is tufted with a tufting material. Thermosetting vulcanized natural and/or synthetic rubber compounds are employed. The polymer layer is tufted with a tufting material and heated to a temperature of from about 110° C. to about 220° C. at an elevated pressure of up to two tons per square inch, to cause the particles to bind together at elevated temperature and pressure to anchor and seal the tufts in place. Cross-linking agents and polar polymer containing compounds may be employed as particle binding agents. In another aspect of the invention, a second layer of particles of a thermosetting polymer mixed with a particle binding agent may be joined together with the particles of the first layer at elevated temperature and pressure.

Abstract: A synthetic grass surface comprising widely spaced rows of ribbons and the ribbons having a length about twice as long as the spacing between the rows of ribbons. A particulate material is laid on a matrix of the synthetic grass, and the thickness of the particulate material is as least two-thirds the length of the ribbons.

Abstract: An improved mat is formed with a biodegradable plastic body constituted by a combination of a particular natural rubber latex formation and a particular synthetic rubber formulation, a combination of the two formations having a short shelf life but its individual components having a satisfactorily long shelf life, the mat thus produced having physical characteristics equal or superior to known mats with non-biodegradable plastic bodies.

Abstract: A wood panel formed by cutting a layer from a laminated blank formed by bonding wood pieces of various colors, shapes, textures, or grain patterns to create artistic effects in the completed panel through use of several alternative construction techniques, and techniques for providing enhancing modifications and low-stress means for mounting the completed panels.

Abstract: A synthetic grass surface includes widely spaced rows of ribbons projecting from a flexible backing sheet. Thermal regulating means are attached to the backing sheet in the spaces between the rows of the ribbons. A relatively thick infill layer is disposed on the top of the backing sheet, thereby burying the thermal regulating means and holding the ribbons upright. The infill layer may include a growing medium for plant growth. In one embodiment, electric cables are integrated into the synthetic grass surface in order to heat the surface for de-icing or to maintain plant root warmth. In another embodiment, perforated flexible pipes are integrated into the synthetic grass surface to moisten the surface, thereby cooling the surface when the moisture evaporates. The thermal regulating system of the invention is energy-efficient and economical to install and operate.

Abstract: A blow molded structure comprising a body made out of a first polymeric material and an integrally molded, coextruded living hinge made out of a second, more flexible polymeric material. A method of making a blow molded article having a coextruded living hinge.

Abstract: The present invention includes a safety system for airports and airfields. The present invention includes a method for installing an aesthetically pleasing artificial turf that retards birds and other animals and a sub-surface that supports the weight of an aircraft, enhances water drainage and enables the accessibility of airport vehicles to all parts of a runway or taxiway. The present invention also includes the sub-surface being adapted to slow the motion of a runway airplane. The present invention further includes a repelling artificial turf, which includes the artificial or synthetic fibers as well as stiff fibers or fibers otherwise uncomfortable for an animal or bird to land on, walk on or lay on.

Abstract: A synthetic grass assembly for installation on a supporting soil substrate includes a pile fabric with a flexible sheet backing and rows of upstanding synthetic ribbons representing grass blades, extending upwardly from an upper surface of the backing. An infill layer of two distinct graded courses of particulate material is disposed interstitially between the upstanding ribbons upon the upper surface of the backing and of a depth less than the length of the ribbons. A bottom course of intermixed hard sand and resilient rubber granules with substantially identical particle size distribution characteristics is installed upon the backing and a top course exclusively of resilient rubber granules is placed upon the bottom course.

Abstract: A decorative composite stone material, the finished face of which is more durable and requires less maintenance than previous composite stone products. The decorative component of the aggregate material is specifically limited to a hard aggregate of enhanced aesthetic appeal, specifically, to granules of quartz or other transparent or semi-transparent material having a Mohs index of at least 7, naturally occurring or synthetic. The granules of quartz are adjustably coated with a metallic, ceramic, plastic or other film, mixed with a binder, cast, and cured. In the surface finishing step, granules close to the surface are ground to create an exposed facet through which light passes in and out, the coating providing reflective properties that add color, sparkle, glitter, metallic or other visual effect to the hard composite stone surface without compromising the hardness and durability of the product.

Abstract: A monolithic surfacing system is capable of being applied to almost any stable, compacted base which is capable of supporting the weight of the system. The system provides an economical solution to the cracking and degradation which is experienced with conventional artificial surfaces which are exposed to the elements or extended wear. The surfacing system includes a bottom layer comprised of a pile fabric having a flexible backing and a plurality of upstanding pile elements. Each of the pile elements has an upper and a lower end. The pile elements are in-filled with a quantity of in-fill material which is sufficient to form a layer of substantially uniform density extending from the flexible backing of the bottom layer to substantially the upper end of the pile elements. A quantity of binder is added to the system, and a top layer comprising a wear coating having an upper and a lower surface is applied to the in-fill material and binder.

Abstract: A synthetic grass surface comprising widely spaced rows of ribbons and the ribbons having a length about twice as long as the spacing between the rows of ribbons. A particulate material is laid on a matrix of the synthetic grass, and the thickness of the particulate material is as least two-thirds the length of the ribbons. The strips of ribbons are attached by strips of bonding material applied to the back of the matrix or mat. The strips of bonding material are spaced apart and leave areas of mat which are uncoated, thereby providing improved drainage.

Abstract: A backing or an intermediate layer for a surface covering is described which comprises a fused recycled material, wherein the material comprises a thermoplastic material, for instance, a vinyl material from a vinyl backed carpet or vinyl backed carpet manufacturing waste or both. Surface coverings containing the backing or intermediate layer of the present invention are also described as well as methods of making the backing or intermediate layer and methods of making the surface coverings containing the backing or intermediate layer of the present invention.

Abstract: The improved top dressed synthetic turf according to the patent invention provides thatch like fibers to retain top dressing and particularly the rubber or resilient particles in the dressing. The grasslike surface is formed by polyethylene co-polymer slit fibers more than two inches in height tufted through a fiberglass reinforced backing. The thatch zone fibers are dense and texturized so that they will contract to only about one inch in height after curing.

Abstract: This invention relates to a cushioned floor covering article wherein the mat includes a tufted carpet placed on the top side of a foam rubber sheet and at least one foam rubber protrusion integrated within at least a portion of the bottom side of the foam rubber sheet. Such an article provides effective removal of moisture, dirt, and debris from the footwear of pedestrians through the utilization of a carpet pile component. Furthermore, the utilization of a foam rubber backing also allows for either periodic heavy duty industrial-scale laundering in such standard washing machines or periodic washing and drying in standard in-home machines, both without appreciably damaging the inventive floor covering article, such as a floor mat. Additionally, the presence of integrated foam rubber protrusions within the mat structure provides an effective cushioning effect for pedestrian comfort as well as a means to prevent slippage of the article from its contacted surface.

Abstract: The present invention provides for an article of manufacture, such as a floor covering, formed by an improved process for recycling waste polymeric material comprising a mixture of waste polymeric material wherein the waste polymeric material includes from about 0 to 40 percent aliphatic polyamide material; granulating and densifying the chopped mixture into fragments smaller than the original size of the waste polymeric material; and extruding the ground mixture at a temperature that does not exceed the temperature at which the largest portion of polymer based material decomposes.

Abstract: An artificial turf is disclosed which comprises an outer artificial grass layer having a generally uniform exterior playing surface. A deflection layer is disposed below the artificial grass layer. The deflection layer has a prescribed height to provide resiliency for absorbing impact shocks from foot traffic and playing on the artificial grass layer. The deflection layer has a plurality of interstices providing open passages for water drainage; and loose particles are dispersed into the interstices of the deflection layer up to a prescribed level to provide stability and enhance shock absorption so that the deflection layer deflects when the artificial grass is impacted to assist in absorbing the impact and maintain normal playing action of the playing surface of the artificial grass layer.

Abstract: A first pattern of bumps and a second pattern of bumps are formed on a substrate (10) with bumps (14,15). During a transfer process, only the bumps (14) of the first pattern of bumps are transferred to pad extensions (20) of a device (17). The bumps (15) of the second pattern of bumps are not affected by this process and can be later transferred to a second device.

Abstract: A coated synthetic resin tile comprising a base portion and a veneer said base comprising a moisture impervious material such as a thermoset or thermoplastic resin. A filler of up to about 10% calcium carbonate having a 2 (two) sigma particle size between about 5.11 and 6.18 microns and an aluminum trihydrate flame retardant of about 60%-70% having a two (2) sigma particle size of between about 42.38 and 58.72 microns and an aluminum trihydrate of about 20%-40% having a two (2) sigma particle size of between about 8.26 and 9.68 microns to provide a class A flame spread rating. The veneer comprising a layer selected from the group consisting of an acrylic impregnated wood veneer and a hardwood veneer having a vinyl upper layer bonded to said base portion with a polyurethane adhesive.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a three-dimensionally reinforced ablative/insulative composite that includes a high density fabric-based ablative layer and a low density resin-based insulative layer that is chemically bound to the ablative layer. This composite further includes stitches of a temperature-resistant thread which extend through the ablative layer and form reinforcing loops within the insulative layer. These loops are preferably chemically and mechanically bound to the insulative layer.

Abstract: This invention relates to a cushioned floor covering article wherein the mat includes a tufted carpet placed on the top side of a foam rubber sheet and at least one foam rubber protrusion integrated within at least a portion of the bottom side of the foam rubber sheet. Such an article provides effective removal of moisture, dirt, and debris from the footwear of pedestrians through the utilization of a carpet pile component. Furthermore, the utilization of a foam rubber backing also allows for either periodic heavy duty industrial-scale laundering in such standard washing machines or periodic washing and drying in standard in-home machines, both without appreciably damaging the inventive floor covering article, such as a floor mat. Additionally, the presence of integrated foam rubber protrusions within the mat structure provides an effective cushioning effect for pedestrian comfort as well as a means to prevent slippage of the article from its contacted surface.