Abstract: An entrance mat has a polypropylene greige fiber pad with a trimmed outer peripheral edge and a backing of non-skid plastic material. The backing has longitudinal treads having high friction and tacky properties which prevent creep and folding of the pad on a floor. An edge has a non-skid web secured with an adhesive to the backing and a lip extended over the adhesively secured to the trimmed outer peripheral edge.

Abstract: Methods of forming a printed multicolor synthetic pile fabric having a substrate and pile formed of fibers arranged in random groups extending essentially unifomn-y across the entire width and along the entire length of the fabric are disclosed. The methods can be utilized to form fabrics wherein each of the above-mentioned groups comprises a random number of fibers extending at angles and in directions that randomly vary from the angles and directions of the fibers in adjacent groups. The methods can involve washing griege goods for selected times and at selected temperatures so as to randomly re-orient the fibers forming the flocked surface of the fabric. In preferred embodiments, the fabrics are printed after fiber re-orientation.

Abstract: Processes for tufting substrate or primary carpet backing using conventional double needle bars but in which the needles may be shifted less than a full gauge. Processes of the present invention may employ a conventional double needle bar tufting machine to which is added means for shifting or indexing the hook bar laterally to the machine direction of the substrate being tufted. Timing of shifting of the hook bar may be coordinated with timing of shifting of the needle bar and advance of the substrate through the machine to allow piles to be tufted into the substrate at any desired lateral position with respect to previously tufted piles. The invention creates additional pile color pattern alternatives and eliminates repetitive patterns otherwise necessitated by full gauge shifting. Elimination of repeat color sequences reduces matching color sequences on adjoining edges of adjacent carpet tiles made from such substrate which otherwise accentuate or highlight the seams between carpet tiles.

Abstract: A repeating series of tiles has at least three tiles in a series. Each tile within the series has at least one side capable of interfacing with a side of at least one other tile within the series. Each tile within the series has a different shape in the pile direction than the other tiles within the series such that the last tile within the series is capable of interfacing with the first tile of the next series. Further, each tile within the series has at least one side capable of interfacing with at least one tile within another series in order to have adjoining rows of series of tiles. The present invention further includes both a method for producing and assembling a repeating series of tiles.

Abstract: A repeating series of tiles has at least three tiles in a series. Each tile within the series has at least two sides capable of interfacing with adjacent tiles within the series. Each of the two sides of each tile within the series has a different shape in the pile direction than the other tiles within the series such that the last tile within the series is capable of interfacing with the first tile of the next series. Further, each tile within the series has at least one side capable of interfacing with at least one tile within another series in order to have adjoining rows of series of tiles. The present invention further includes both a method for producing and assembling a repeating series of tiles.

Abstract: The invention provides a process for making a mat particularly a washable dust control mat, having a fabric layer (2) and a rubber backing layer (4) with a border (6) extending beyond the fabric layer (2) using a press which heat-cures the rubber and adheres it to the fabric and employs an inflatable bag (24) to apply pressure by pressing the layers against a heated platen (21), wherein a frame (14) defining the extent of the border (6) is located between the bag and the platen, and wherein the bag applies pressure to the assembled layers including the border portion of the backing layer. The frame (14) can act as a dam for preventing outward movement of the rubber and provide an integral thickened border; in some cases it also provides a guillotine for trimming the rubber during pressing.

Abstract: A loop material suitable for use with a hook-and-loop fastening system, wherein the loop material includes a first fibrous nonwoven web having a first surface and a second surface and includes carded sheath-core bicomponent staple fibers in which the fibers have a sheath-core melting point differential of at least about 20.degree. C. and a length of from about 10 mm to about 65 mm. The first fibrous nonwoven web has a thickness of at least about 0.15 mm and a basis weight of at least about 20 grams per square meter; a pattern on the first surface thereof of continuous bonded areas defining a plurality of discrete unbonded areas formed by the application of heat and pressure, wherein individual fibers within the discrete unbonded areas have at least a portion thereof extending into and bonded within the continuous bonded areas; and a percent bonded area of from about 20 to about 50 percent. If desired, a film layer may be bonded to the second surface of the first fibrous nonwoven web.

Abstract: A low-temperature regenerative type moisture absorbing element of fast moisture absorbing and releasing speed, capable of regenerating at 110.degree. C. or less and having a sufficiently high moisture absorbing and releasing performance in spite of small size is provided. A low-temperature regenerative type moisture absorbing element is mainly composed of high moisture absorbing and releasing polymeric compound with the content of salt type carboxyl group adjusted to a specific amount, and further comprises plural gas passages, of which regeneration temperature is 110.degree. C. or less. It is hence possible to provide a moisture absorbing element of small size, high efficiency, and energy-saving type, being excellent in moisture absorbing and releasing performance, and easily capable of removing absorbed moisture at low temperature which was impossible with the conventional moisture absorbing element.

Abstract: A floor mat having an upper face layer and a base layer, which comprises a plane section and a marginal peripheral section surrounding the plane section, wherein at least a part of the marginal peripheral section contains a belt-like portion which is raised at the side of the upper face layer and extends continuously and substantially in parallel to a marginal peripheral edge thereof; the belt-like portion contains a channel extending longitudinally thereof at the side of the base layer; and the belt-like portion carries at least one convex-concave structure on a wall surface of the channel, with the proviso that, when the convex-concave structure extends transversely of the channel, the convex-concave structure is discontinued on at least a bottom surface of the channel, is disclosed. The floor mat according to the present invention has a sufficient peeling strength obtained by a compression process used for only a short period of time.

Abstract: An entrance mat has a polypropylene greige fiber pad with a trimmed outer peripheral edge and a backing of non-skid plastic material. The backing has longitudinal treads having high friction and tacky properties which prevent creep and folding of the pad on a floor. An edge has a non-skid web secured with an adhesive to the backing and a lip extended over the adhesively secured to the trimmed outer peripheral edge.

Abstract: An auxiliary molded floor mat is produced to fit the carpeted floor compartment area of a van, pickup truck, sport utility vehicle or other vehicle having a floor which is substantially flat and even with a door sill. The floor mat is a one piece composite of a tufted carpet layer, a thermoplastic mid-layer and a non-slip substrate bottom layer. The floor mat has a flat base with raised walls near each of its outside edges which form a tray-like central area. At least one of the raised walls is double walled with a substantially horizontally extending floor engaging peripheral lip. Molding of the composite imparts a desired contoured shape which neatly fits the vehicle's floor compartment area without substantial folds or wrinkles. The tray-like central area of the floor mat catches debris. It is readily cleaned simply by removing the full mat from the vehicle.

Abstract: A protective cover (12) for an automotive carpet mat (14) comprising a shallow tray (16) sized and shaped to extend completely over the automotive carpet mat (14). An assembly (18) is for securing the shallow tray (16) in a hermetically sealed manner to the automotive carpet mat (14), so as to preserve the automotive carpet mat (14) from dirt, wear and tear, to keep moisture out and prevent mildew, while holding mud, sand and liquid spills within the shallow tray (16) from reaching the automotive carpet mat (14) when placed upon a floor (20), in a trunk and in a cargo area of a motor vehicle (22).

Abstract: A method for continuous tone imaging on a mat product having a web material with a three dimensional open structure provides a mat product with a sufficiently clear image. Moreover, it is a specific aspect of the present method to provide a clear image on such a three dimensional structure without negatively affecting the characteristics of the web material having the three dimensional structure. More specifically, the present invention is directed to a method for imaging a flexible high loft matting material which can be used in providing a floor covering mat product. The present invention is also directed to the imaged mat product produced in accordance with this method.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for sealing and bonding the seams and edges of resilient and other types of floors, whereby specially formulated hot-melt sealants/adhesives are applied in molten form at the flooring installation site using a heated gun equipped with a specially designed tip. The hot-melt sealant/adhesive flows into and completely fills the seam and bonds to the edges of the flooring producing a bead of material that extends above the surface of the flooring. The specially designed tip facilitates this process by guiding along easily in the groove of the seam or joint and directing the molten sealant/adhesive accurately into the seam. The tip allows the seam or joint width to be very narrow and enhances sealing and adhesion by imparting heat to the edges of the flooring material. Upon cooling, a spatula knife or other appropriate tool is used to skive off the excess bead of material leaving it flush with the flooring.

Abstract: An entrance matting comprises an upper layer and a lower layer. The upper layer includes a plurality of spaced upstanding strips having slots therebetween. An upper surface of each strip defines transversely extending channels in communication with the slots. Strips of carpet are located in the slots such that the strips collectively define a substantially continuous tread surface. The lower layer defines a plurality of spaced slots intersecting the slots in the upper layer to permit water to drain therethrough.

Abstract: A method to produce a dust control mat with stronger longitudinal borders by co-calendering the rubber backing thereof with narrow strips of carboxylated nitrile rubber prior to formation of the dust control into a unitary product for use as a dust control mop.

Abstract: An article of composite design for attachment to another fabric article, comprising an underlying layer of twill on one side of which an ink portion of the composite design has been screen printed and heat cured. The twill is cut into a desired shape so that the twill and the ink portion form the composite design, the portion of the twill without ink printed thereon forming a substantial portion of the composite design. Methods of making and attaching the composite design are disclosed.

Abstract: One embodiment of the fabric (10) of the present invention includes an upper portion (12), middle portion (20) and lower portion (14), with the upper portion (12) having raised surface construction hydrophobic first yarns (16), the lower portion having hydrophilic (18) second yarns and the middle portion (20) being a region in which ground yarns (22), hydrophobic first yarns (16) and hydrophilic second yarns (18) are integrated. The upper portion (12) further includes at least one channel (24), which is a region free of raised surface construction hydrophobic first yarns (16).

Abstract: An improved adjustable skimmer belt having a belt of two layers at least one of which has an outer surface of non-absorbent oleophilic-oriented hydrophobic loop-type fibers, vertical and horizontal stitching creating a repeating pattern and used to attach the layers, a plurality of apertures transversing the layers following the repeating pattern thereby creating liquid-collecting pockets between the two layers, and a connector and adjustor formed by the pattern and used to cut and adjust or repair the belt as needed.

Abstract: An auxiliary molded floor mat is produced to fit the carpeted floor compartment area of a van, pickup truck, sport utility vehicle or other vehicle having a floor which is substantially flat and even with a door sill. The floor mat is a one piece composite of a tufted carpet layer, a thermoplastic mid-layer and a non-slip substrate bottom layer. The floor mat has a flat base with raised walls near each of its outside edges which form a tray-like central area. At least one of the raised walls is double walled with a substantially horizontally extending floor engaging peripheral lip. Molding of the composite imparts a desired contoured shape which neatly fits the vehicle's floor compartment area without substantial folds or wrinkles. The tray-like central area of the floor mat catches debris. It is readily cleaned simply by removing the full mat from the vehicle.

Abstract: A rental mat in which a pile yarn is tufted onto a base cloth and the total or a part of pile shape is a cut pile. The pile yarn is composed of one BCF nylon twist yarn and one or more nylon monofilament single yarns. The BCF nylon twist yarn and the nylon monofilament single yarns are tufted as one pile yarn under a state of being twisted each other, and are separated and isolated respectively from the twisted state at a part of the cut pile on a mat surface.

Abstract: There is disclosed an electrical component having at least one end for making electrical contact with another component, including a plurality of electrically conductive fibers in a matrix to provide a plurality of electrical point contacts at the at least one end of the electrical component, wherein the matrix is prepared from a composition composed of methyl methacrylate monomer and a trimer of hydroxyethyl methacrylate, diphenylmethane diisocyanate, and hydroxyethyl methacrylate, wherein the electrical component has a laser processed region at least substantially free of the matrix, wherein there is minimal residue generated by the laser processing in removing the matrix from the laser processed region.

Abstract: An adjustable and removable accessory floor mat system for protecting different sizes and shapes of vehicle floors includes first and second flexible, flat mats having flexible walls extending upwardly from predetermined edges of the mats. A plurality of vehicle carpet engaging projections extend downwardly from predetermined areas of lower surfaces of the mats, and the mats are of predetermined dimensions whereby one mat can be positioned at least partially onto the other mat in an adjustable manner to provide a tray-like configuration.

Abstract: A hook and loop closure element in which the loop fabric is backcoated and a plurality of the loops on the loop surface are adhered to the backcoating but the remaining free loops provide an efficient loop connector for engagement by a hook fabric. The loop fabric is backcoated using an embossing roller which has selected embodiments thereon to only emboss selected portions of the loop surface to the backcoating thermoplastic resin.

Abstract: A floor covering for automotive vehicles includes a first surface area layer formed of tuft carpeting or other high quality, esthetically pleasing floor covering material and a second surface area layer formed of needlepunch floor covering or other durable and less costly material. The first and second surface layer portions are provided on a support mounted over a waterproof bottom surface sheet of polyethylene, or the like. One or both of the tuft carpet and needlepunch areas may be adhered to the support via a hot melt film layer. The densities of the materials selected for the layers are determined for durability and strength and may additionally absorb vehicle vibration and provide reduced noise in the vehicle cabin. To this effect, an additional base layer may be provided between the bottom surface layer and the hot melt layer which is formed of high density material for increasing passenger comfort and overall durability of the floor covering material.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of installing wall to wall carpeting of a selected width over an underpad of a selected thickness by attaching hooked tapes of a thickness substantially equal to the thickness of the underpad along the perimeter of the area to be covered by the carpeting. The underside of the carpeting, which is substantially covered with loops, is then attached to the upper surface of the tapes through hook and loop technology. The hooked tape and the underpad are of substantially equal thickness so that the loops on the underside of the carpet will attach to the hooks on the upper surface of the tape. In a further aspect, the underpad has loops substantially covering its lower surface so that the underpad is attached to the floor by a second hooked tape of lower profile than the carpet tape which is used to attach the underpad to the floor.

Abstract: Paired numerals for use on sports clothing incorporate a common design theme throughout the numerals from 00 to 99 in which a left numeral set from 0 to 9 has each number of the set associated with a portion of the overall design theme and a right numeral set from 0 to 9 as each number of the set provided with the remaining portion of the design theme such that the portion of the design which appears in association with any number of the left numeral set compliments the design portion of any number in the right numeral set such that when any number from the left set is placed normally adjacnet and to the left of any number from the right set, the overall design theme will be completed.

Abstract: A tile having a desired pattern is provided. The pattern goes through the tile in the thickness direction. For manufacturing such a tile, e.g. a partition plate 84 is disposed in a pressure forming die 91 so as to divide its inside space into an outer forming space 95 and an inner forming space 96. Light black granules and light red granules are filled respectively in the outer and inner forming spaces 95, 96. Then, the partition wall 84 is taken out from the die 91, and lining granules are filled over the colored granules. Thereafter, they are pressed into one body and burned.

Abstract: Polyester carpets of poly(trimethylene terephthalate) are disclosed which have excellent stain-resistance, texture retention and resistance to crushing. The bulked continuous filament yarn used to make the carpets and the process for making the yarns are also disclosed.

Abstract: A floor covering comprises a plurality of tread strips of substantially resilient material, each tread strip having a wear layer of a material which provides a fibrous tread surface, and a plurality of spacer strips of substantially rigid material arranged interposed between the tread strips whereby each successive pair of tread strips is spaced apart by an assembly of at least two, typically three of said spacer strips arranged to lie side-by-side with connecting means passing through aligned apertures in the strips.

Abstract: A method is provided for inhibiting stiction of suspended microstructures during post-release-etch rinsing and drying. The microstructures are shaped to include additional convex corners at regions of the released portion of the microstructure that can undergo substantial displacement toward the substrate. A stiction-inhibition method also includes incorporating clefts between the microstructure and adjacent field regions at regions of the microstructure which cannot undergo substantial displacement toward the substrate. Methods for inhibiting stiction are also provided wherein high-temperature rinse liquid is used and wherein a high-temperature anneal follows a rinsing step.

Abstract: A method of making a floor covering having decorative inlays therein is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of cutting and removing portions of the floor covering, providing inlays from another floor covering material having substantially the same shapes and sizes as the removed portions, and joining the inlays and floor covering to create a seamless structure. The seamless structure results from the application of a volatile solvent which causes the thermoplastic properties of the materials within the inlays and floor covering to fuse.

Abstract: A flexible clay liner in roll form for use on steep slopes. The liner includes a layer of geotextiles. The geotextiles are stitched together in rows of stitches which extend along the length of the liner. The thread used to make the stitching is a multifilament thread treated with a resin to prevent wicking through the liner. The spacing of the rows of stitches and the frequency of stitches along the rows are sufficient to transfer shear stresses through the bentonite layers, thus preventing the bentonite from becoming a shear plane.

Abstract: A composite elastic layer, which has improved resistance to shear force and functions both as a cushioning material and as a sound proof material, is comprised of a loop pile tufted fabric, which is made from a backing fabric and a plurality of loop piles. An elastomer composition is applied to the pile stratum of the loop pile tufted fabric. The elastomer composition infiltrates into voids between fibers of the loop pile, and forms a solid skin on the fibers of the loop pile. The composite elastic layer reinforces the elastic property of the loop pile, and on the other hand, the fiber of the loop pile also reinforces the tensile strength, especially the resistance to tearing, of the solid skin.

Abstract: A mat adapted to relieve fatigue in a person standing on it without shoes or boots, and formed from fine cell foam having a density of between 1.5 and 2.5 pounds per cubic foot, with thickness between 0.75 and 1.5 inches, and a compression strength at 25% compression of between 10 and 17 p.s.i. The mat has sloping edges and is covered by carpet. When a person in bare or stocking feet stands on the mat, the mat partially compresses but has remaining resiliency such as to produce a swaying motion in the person. This results in increased muscle action and blood circulation in the feet, legs and hips and some spinal movement, reducing fatigue.

Abstract: A modular floor cover for a garage floor, made of a plurality of strips of impermeable ribbed matting. The strips are laterally joined to one-another by elongated moldings. A first series of elongated joiners encloses common bordering edges of adjacent strips of ribbed matting, raising the longitudinal edges by a thickness of a sole member of these moldings. A second series of joiners is placed under all transversal edges of the strips, thereby raising the transversal edges. A basin is formed in a central region of the floor cover to retain water, slush and other fluids falling off a vehicle parked over this floor cover.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method of tufting and molding a carpet module which is sized and shaped to fit the interior of a motor vehicle to form its floor carpeting. The method includes tufting the module in such a manner that selected areas have pile tufts arranged at a lower densities than the selected high density area. This construction provides that the selected high density area has the greater resistance to wear and the remaining areas have selected lesser resistance to wear while the entire module maintains substantially a uniform appearance.

Abstract: An absorbant cloth having an agitating feature. The cloth is formed from a base material which exhibits a high degree of absorbancy. In order to achieve this high degree of absorbancy, the base material preferably exhibits a very large surface area, such as a synthetic lamb's wool. The cloth additionally has one or more areas of a rough, bristled material which is efficient at transmitting mechanical forces from movement of the user's hand to the stain. The bristled material is preferably a synthetic fabric, such as that commonly used for indoor/outdoor carpeting. In a preferred embodiment, the absorbant material and the bristled material are formed in alternating bands.

Abstract: Method of making a layered carpet construction suitable for use for the automotive industry as a "deck lid" wherein the backing of the carpet construction is specially processed to adhere to the backside of the exposed carpet face and a separate layer of foamed material is then secured to the backing.

Abstract: A floor covering comprising a floor covering face layer having a thermoplastic lower backing layer and a thermoplastic contact layer that is fusibly compatible with the lower backing layer is disclosed. The upper surface of the contact layer is fused to the lower backing layer and the lower surface of the contact layer includes a plurality of shallow thermoplastic projections which extend away from the floor covering face layer and which are sufficiently elastic to impart skid resistance to the floor covering.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved wash-cloth having a plurality of pockets for the simultaneous insertion of soap and/or massaging utensils and other medicating items. The pockets can be secured so that any items inserted in the pockets will not be dislocated during use. In addition, the wash-cloth of this invention has gripping handles intergrally knit to the opposing ends of the main body. These handles are held so that wash-cloth can be safely and easily used, particularly by handicapped persons, to effectively clean and massage the back and other difficult to reach areas. One type of massaging utensil is shown and has two apertured balls, which are held together by knotting a length of material that passes through an apertured rod inserted through the aperture of the massaging balls.

Abstract: Artificial lumber module which may be joined with like modules to create artificial lumber of conventional lumber sizes includes an elongate channel; a plurality of dividers integrally formed within the channel and spaced along the channel; and braces integrally formed with and between adjacent dividers. A plurality of the modules may be connected together substantially in parallel with the open side of the channels facing the closed side of adjacent channels in order to form modular lumber of selected sizes.

Abstract: Entrance matting includes a flexible base layer (12) and a flexible upper layer (14) comprising spaced, upstanding strips (16) and defining slots (18) therebetween. Strips of carpet and the like (20) are fixed in the slots (18). The matting is located on a floor at a building entrance with the strips (16, 20) perpendicular to the direction of traffic over the matting for use in scraping dirt and taking moisture from the feet of people entering the building.

Abstract: Method for imparting stain resistance to fibers, especially wool, which is adaptable to current wool processing methods. Steps comprise:A. treating fibers with a mordant;B. treatment with a combination of sulfonated or disulphonated surfactant together with a stain resist (e.g., syntan); andC. providing treatment with a fluorochemical in either step A. or B. in an amount sufficient to improve stain resistant properties. The improved method may be undertaken in the liquor remaining in a dye bath after dyeing fiber (spent bath process). Process pH is acid. Advantage: lowers the proportion of stain resist chemical to wool necessary to impart stain resistance. Tip sealing, using polymethacrylic resin and fluorochemical, may be an added step.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a molded carpet module which is sized and shaped to fit the interior of a motor vehicle to form its floor carpeting. The module is tufted with pile yarn in such a manner that selected areas have pile tufts arranged at a higher density than the remaining areas. This construction provides that the selected areas have a greater resistance to wear while the entire module maintains substantially a uniform appearance.

Abstract: Decorative panel for automobile interiors including method and apparatus of a compression press, and a groove in stationary platen die and a movable platen die with a metal blade edging mounted therein, and the blade edging having a perimeter matching the outer wall of the groove in the stationary platen die section, and the contour of the movable platen die to match the contour of the stationary die and a formed decorative panel with down turned edges of the same perimeter as the groove imbedded in mounting panel stock on closing of the compression press.

Abstract: A golf mat having an artificial grass area with a flat portion and a hill formed in the flat portion. The distance from the top of the hill to the top of the flat portion is at least one half of the length of the blades of grass that make up the grass surface. A second grass surface having grass shorter than that in the first grass surface is separated from the first grass surface by a grass-free area, suitable for advertising.

Abstract: A textile product in the form of a light versatile blanket that is warm and waterproof is disclosed. The blanket comprises a waterproof nylon layer and a soft, smooth acrylic lining layer securably attached to the waterproof layer. The outer surface of the nylon layer is coated with urethane. The waterproof layer and the lining layer are attached by a binding element stitched along the perimeters of the two layers. The blanket may be packaged in a clear or semi-transparent vinyl case.

Abstract: A lightweight warp knitted textile fabric suitable for use as the loop component of a hook-and-loop fastener is formed of a set of ground yarns knitted in a relatively stretchable construction with a set of loop-forming yarns formed in a stitch pattern producing elongated underlap loops extending outwardly from the technical back of the fabric which can be readily interengaged with the hook elements of a mating hook component without any necessity for brushing, napping or mechanically raising the loops. In one embodiment, a second set of loop-forming yarns is formed in a stitch pattern producing elongated loops extending outwardly from the technical face of the fabric which can be adhered to a backing material such as a carpet backing. In another embodiment, filling yarn is inserted weftwise in every fabric course.

Abstract: The floor mat of the present process is a pliable multilayer structure having an upper face layer and a base layer. The base layer has a main body section bordered by an edge section. Preferably, the main body section is relatively thin and the edge section is relatively thick. A surface of the base layer is adapted to confront flooring overlaid by the mat. The edge section has a channel extending longitudinally thereof, and preferably opening from the bottom surface of the edge section. A portion of the main body section can have a channel molded therein such that a portion of the main body section is disposed above the remainder of the main body section to provide a decorative and aesthetically pleasing design in the main body section.