Abstract: A method for changing a theme associated with a given space (e.g., restaurant). A wall system includes a wall panel having multiple themes depicted thereon or multiple wall panels each having a theme depicted thereon. Using a series of winches, chain drives, cables and pulleys or the like, the wall panels are moved to change the theme of the space. A ceiling system includes two ceiling panels movable via a series of winches, chain drives, cables and pulleys. Once separated the ceiling panels expose a theme different than that depicted while closed. Audio and/or visual cues may be provided to alert patrons to a theme change.

Abstract: A vinyl floor panel for a flooring system prepared from a blend of a polymer and cork granules. The floor panel includes top and bottom surfaces with a first layer between both surfaces. A printed pattern is located on the top surface. The first layer is prepared from a blend of a polymer polyvinyl chloride and cork granules, where the cork granules are evenly distributed with the polyvinyl chloride throughout the length, width, and thickness of the first layer.

Abstract: A reverse molded fiberboard panel; a wainscot kit comprising a plurality of differently sized reverse molded panels, and a planar finishing or spacer panel, adapted to completely cover any size wall between a wall base board and a wall chair rail; and a method of reverse molding a loose cellulosic mat, in a single pressing step, to provide one or more relatively high density, raised panels without requiring preliminary pressing, or other pre-shaping step, such as scalping. The reverse-molded panels are molded in a conventional, multi-opening fiberboard press, in a single pressing step process, while achieving excellent transfer of mold detail (embossing fidelity) without visually noticeable fiber fracture.

Abstract: Systems, apparatuses, and methods configured for installing a decorative feature having a wave-like appearance. For example, a system for installing the decorative feature can include one or more mounts configured to attach to a support structure and support one or more decorative panels. The system can also include a plurality of decorative panels configured to be disposed within or supported by the mounts. Each decorative panel can have a concave or convex configuration to produce a wave-like appearance.

Abstract: A method of making a modular textile system includes dividing a textile web having a length and a width into a plurality of tile areas including a first tile area, a second tile area, and a third tile area. The textile web includes a plurality of discrete design zones positioned along the width of the textile web. A first design zone includes a motif and a second design zone does not include the motif. The textile web is divided so that the first design zone is apportioned between the first tile area and the second tile area, and the second design zone is apportioned between the second tile area and the third tile area.

Abstract: An artificial stone is disclosed for use in creating a covering for a supporting surface. The artificial stone includes a body for placement on the supporting surface, which is shaped for mating engagement with like stones with intermediate perimeter joints to produce a continuous surface covering. The stone has a facing surface on the body, which facing surface has a contour defining a surface area and is subdivided by at least one simulated joint into a major surface portion and at least one minor surface portion. The major surface portion is free of simulated joints and extends over at least about 60% of the total surface of the facing surface. The stone further includes at least one perimeter recess in the body for generating a gap between the stone and another like stone in mating engagement therewith, which gap is wider than adjacent the adjoining perimeter joint.

Abstract: A textile web includes a plurality of yarns tufted to define a motif that is repeated along the length and width of the textile web. Each occurrence of the motif comprises a design module repeated to form a unitary array of contiguous design modules, with the design modules having various orientations with respect to one another in fixed positions within the unitary array of design modules.

Abstract: The present invention provides a building material in which a coating is applied to a front surface and a side surface is sufficiently adhered to a sealing and method for manufacturing thereof. In a building material in which a coating is applied to a front surface, a coating film on a side surface is removed or reduced by laser irradiation. The part of the side surface in which the coating film has been removed or reduced by laser irradiation has a width of at least 5 mm from a front surface side toward a rear surface side of the building material, or extends over the entire side surface from the front surface side toward the rear surface side of the building material, or is formed more than a part in which coating film is formed.

Abstract: In a method for manufacturing floor panels that have at least a substrate and a top layer provided on the substrate, the top layer including a thermoplastic layer that is translucent or transparent, the method may involve providing the top layer, including the thermoplastic layer, on the substrate. The method may also involve heating at least the thermoplastic layer, and structuring the thermoplastic layer using a mechanical press element.

Abstract: A partition module and system of partition modules provides an aesthetically pleasing partition for an interior space of a building. The front and rear exteriors of the module each include three-dimensional surface patterns configured to coextensively align with patterns on adjacent substantially identical modules to form a collective, dual-sided partition having a seamless visual appearance. The partition module may include a recess sized and shaped to receive a beam for supporting the partition structure and a plurality of alignment projections for self-alignment of the partition modules during construction.

Abstract: A surface covering comprises multiple units adapted to mate with one another and cover a surface. Each said unit comprises at least one primary rotational tessellation element that defines the sides of the unit, has an irregular configuration, includes a face having molded surface irregularities or variations therein, and has at least two pairs of irregularly shaped sides. Preferably, gaps of variable width are defined between visible edges of adjacent units in the surface covering. The surface covering has a natural appearance such that a repeating pattern is not readily apparent. A structural wall unit system is also provided.

Abstract: Methods and systems for decorating at least one bevel surface or other surface of a laminated flooring are described. The bevel surface can be decorated by non-transfer printing such as digital printing. The digital printer can be an ink jet printer such as a piezoelectric drop-on-demand (DOD) printer that allows a color and pattern to be placed on the bevel surface that matches the print design (décor pattern or face design) of the laminated flooring. Other devices are provided such as a device that takes a picture of or scans an image of the print design, and modifies the taken picture or the scanned image so that the edge pattern thereof matches with an edge pattern of the print design.

Abstract: A modular textile system comprises a plurality of distinct, but coordinating, textile tiles, each including at least one design zone, where at least two of the distinct tiles include at least one design zone having substantially the same composition.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the creation, selection, ordering, shipping and constructing of personalized living environments with customized configurations through the use of an architectural process, unitized assemblies, and assembly joineries. The architectural process allows for the initial creation, design and selection of the unitized assembly collections based upon human factors behavioral based criteria. The unitized assemblies are fixed and/or flexible, trade-integrated modules in unitized, shippable configurations designed and incorporated with high touch finished crafts, allowing for dimensional flexibility. The unitized assembly and human factors behavioral analysis combine for an experience blueprint of a homeowner's lifestyle portrait. The assembly joineries, based upon the desired collections selection, provide finishing touches to the unitized assembly, efficient strength to weight ratios, and expressed, stylized configurations in hybrid materials.

Abstract: A crown molding fastener has a connector portion connected to a mount portion. The mount portion has a tail connected to a foot. The foot is connected such as by adhering and/or anchoring to a rear side of crown molding. The connector portion has a base connected to at least one of a wall and a ceiling. The connector portion connects to a clamp. The clamp receives the tail there through and upon pulling the tail a desired amount, a tension is applied between the foot and the clamp such as by providing a resilient tail and/or a spring member between the base and the clamp.

Abstract: A decorative concrete product and method of making the same is provided. The concrete surface carries a unique textural and visual decorative pattern that is troweled over the uncured surface. The decorative pattern strategically conceals any imperfections in the concrete surface. A decorative finishing tool is utilized to create a unique and consistent pattern throughout the exposed surface of the concrete. Unique visual patterns may include any aesthetic design including wood grain, or lightly finished honed or cut stone. The decorative finishing tool may be configured so that varying textures and contours may consistently be imprinted throughout the concrete. Advantageously, the cured concrete retains the durability of a concrete surface while carrying a visually and texturally appealing appearance.

Abstract: A folded slatwall insert is provided. A slatwall cover is illustrated anchored to a typical slatwall and covering at least one slat of the slatwall. A folded slatwall insert as disclosed prevents surface damage to a typical slatwall, allows for rapid and cost effective customization of the aesthetics of the slatwall, and can be used to mount custom graphics to the slatwall.

Abstract: An ornamental filled glass unit (“FGU”) is manufactured by placing a first glass lite in a horizontally supported position and affixing a spacer frame around a periphery of the first surface, providing a space for filling. A first joiner element centered on the first surface, the joiner element having an upward height that slightly exceeds an intended gap between the first lite and a second lite to be placed on the spacer frame. Additional joiner elements may be used, depending upon the area of the first surface. A filler design is built by arranging a plurality of infill elements in the filling space. The second lite is affixed to an adhesive sealant around a top surface of the spacer frame, and to an adhesive on an upwardly-extending surface of each joiner element. The filler design is spatially maintained when the filler space is sealed by the second lite.

Abstract: Surface structured decorative boards (1) having a first and a second opposite edge (1I and 1II respectively). The board (1) include an upper side decorative surface (2) an upper side surface structure and a base layer. The structure is comprised by at least two surface grades (10) forming a decorative surface pattern on said upper side, said pattern being applied in predetermined fixed positions (P) on the first and the second edges (1I and 1II respectively). The first edge pattern positions (PL) and the second edge pattern positions (PR) are matched so that the pattern continues over the first and second edges (1I and 1II respectively) of adjacent boards (1).

Abstract: Systems, apparatuses, and methods configured for installing a decorative feature having a wave-like appearance. For example, a system for installing the decorative feature can include one or more mounts configured to attach to a support structure and support one or more decorative panels. The system can also include a plurality of decorative panels configured to be disposed within or supported by the mounts. Each decorative panel can have a concave or convex configuration to produce a wave-like appearance.

Abstract: A wall or roof covering for mounting on a support surface includes a plurality of panels securable to the support surface. Each panel has a front surface including a covering section with simulated building elements, an opposed rear surface facing the support surface when secured thereto, an upper marginal edge region and an opposed lower marginal edge region overlying the upper marginal edge region of a vertically-adjacent panel. One of the upper marginal edge region and the lower marginal edge region has an inclined receiving slot defined therein, the other one of the upper marginal edge region and the lower marginal edge region has an inclined insertable flange engageable in the inclined receiving slot of the vertically-adjacent panel.

Abstract: Laminated flooring planks include decorative motifs, mechanically embossed-in-registration surface textures, recessed perimeters, and locking mechanisms. By arranging portions of the decorative motifs along edges of a flooring plank, a periodic flooring pattern larger than an individual plank can be formed by placing identical planks adjacent to one another in a horizontal direction and adjacent in a vertical direction.

Abstract: Disclosed is a novel wooden wall or ceiling paneling or flooring manufactured from wine or whiskey cask staves having a desirable patina that emits a scent having a bouquet resembling the wine or whiskey that was aged in the cask, as well as a method to manufacture the wooden paneling or flooring that includes the steps of first straightening the curved cask staves, and then milling the non-stained surface layer of the straightened wine cask staves to a predetermined thickness and hand scrapping or shaving a portion of the stained surface layer of the wine cask stave to remove any splintering that may have occurred during the stave straightening process. The straightened, milled and hand scraped or shaved stave is affixed to a wall or predetermined sub flooring surface with the stained, hand scraped surface layer remaining exposed for viewing or foot traffic and to permit the release of the wine, whiskey or other spirit bouquet into the room.

Abstract: A flooring system comprising a carrying panel with edges, said edges being provided with means for joining. The carrying panel is further being provided with an upper side and a lower side. The flooring system comprises a plurality of panels where each panel is provided with an upper decorative surface. The flooring system comprises panels with at least two of decorative surface selected from the group consisting of a thermosetting composite, a thermoplastic composite, an elastomeric foil, a thermoplastic foil, a metal sheet, a fabric, a mineral and a mineral composite.

Abstract: A method of making a textile pattern includes forming a design module having a substantially square shape, forming a motif from the design module by repeating the design module to form a unitary array of design modules, where the design modules of the unitary array of design modules have various orientations with respect to one another in fixed positions within the unitary array, and repeating the motif along a length and a width of a continuous textile web so that the continuous textile web comprises a first occurrence of the motif and a second occurrence of the motif.

Abstract: A panel includes a metal fabric and fixers, such as two plates, assembled by glue. The metal fabric may be a screen having rod elements and a chain having wire elements. The glue may be constituted from an epoxy resin base and a modified amine hardening agent. The panel may be made by assembling two plates on a fabric by gluing. The panel may also be made by coating two plates with glue, positioning fabric on the rear plate, and positioning the front plate on the fabric and the rear plate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved structure for a steel door which comprises a steel door frame and a steel door panel which is hinged on one side of the steel door frame, wherein the steel door panel comprises a steel-made door panel frame and a door opening defined by the door panel frame, the door opening has an interior portion which is disposed with a plurality of steel guarding members forming graphics, portions other than the guarding members in the door opening form hollowed units; a rear side of the door panel frame is disposed with a glass door panel which corresponds with the door opening, the glass door panel comprises a steel-made glass door panel frame which surrounds a peripheral body of the door opening and is formed on the rear side of the door panel frame, and a glass which is embedded in the glass door panel frame, one side of the glass door panel frame is hinged on one side of the door panel frame, the glass door panel frame is completely hidden behind the rear side of the door

Abstract: A ceiling tile and a method of manufacture, wherein the ceiling tile has contrasting colors of texturized woven yarn and a coating, respectively, wherein individual colors of the yarn and coating are at different depths of surface texture, wherein color contrasts accentuate the surface texture depths to be viewed, and provide a desirable, unpredictable randomness of pattern of the color contrasts.

Abstract: An easily-installed groutless wall tile plank backsplash system includes plural lower tile planks positioned edgewise spaced from each other in a horizontal direction of a wall in a lower plane. Plural upper tile planks have a decorative surface and edge finish, optionally three-dimensional, and are positioned edgewise spaced apart from each other in a second, upper plane. The lower and upper planks are configured such that facing inner edges of two nearest neighbor adjacent lower planks in the lower plane are covered by a single upper plank positioned over the inner edges of the adjacent lower planks in the upper plane. The planks are secured by an adhesive without mechanical fasteners, substantially reducing installation time. In order to custom fit a wall space, the spacing between adjacent upper planks and adjacent lower planks is variable. For emphasis, a lower tile plank can be a large decorative mural tile plank.

Abstract: A decorative structure comprises a frame completely surrounding a space and a front and rear barrier material applied to front and rear surfaces of the frame enclosing the space to form a three dimensional structure. The space located between the front and rear barrier material and the frame, is filled with pieces of waste glass, or other recycled material, which has been processed to have smoothened surfaces and provide a decorative appearance. At least the front barrier material has sufficient transparency so that the decorative appearance of the waste material held behind the barrier is visible.

Abstract: A starter block and a shingle are utilized to form courses that may be positioned in overlapping fashion on a roof to form a roofing covering system. The particular design of the starter block and shingle result in a roofing product that provides increased durability over previous designs. The starter block may be formed with top and bottom surfaces, opposite side surfaces with tapering heights, and a front surface having a greater height than a back surface of the starter block. When the starter block is coupled to a roof deck, a semi-rigid shingle having a generally planar bottom surface may be placed upon the starter block so that a portion of the shingle extends off of the starter block over the back surface thereof and onto the roof deck to facilitate contact between the shingle and the roof deck at a location more proximal to the starter block back surface than if the same back surface had the same height as the front surface.

Abstract: A modular enclosure may include a number of interlocking components, such as panels, that may be interconnected to form sidewalls, roof and/or floor. The panels may be constructed from blow-molded plastic and a first pattern may be disposed on one surface and a second pattern may be disposed on an opposing surface. One or more points of intersection may be located where the first pattern and the second pattern overlie, and a depression may be disposed at the points of intersection. The depressions are preferably sized and configured to increase the strength and/or rigidity of the panel.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a decorative block comprising an open celled constructing block and a support rod suspending one or more ornaments such as art, logos and/or other decorative images or designs as part of a wall is provided.

Abstract: A system and method for changing a theme associated with a given space (e.g., restaurant). A wall system includes a wall panel having multiple themes depicted thereon or multiple wall panels each having a theme depicted thereon. Using a series of winches, chain drives, cables and pulleys or the like, the wall panels are moved to change the theme of the space. A ceiling system includes two ceiling panels movable via a series of winches, chain drives, cables and pulleys. Once separated the ceiling panels expose a theme different than that depicted while closed. Audio and/or visual cues may be provided to alert patrons to a theme change.

Abstract: A wall or roof covering for mounting on a support surface includes a plurality of panels securable to the support surface. Each panel has a front surface including a covering section with simulated building elements, an opposed rear surface facing the support surface when secured thereto, an upper marginal edge region and an opposed lower marginal edge region overlying the upper marginal edge region of a vertically-adjacent panel. One of the upper marginal edge region and the lower marginal edge region has an inclined receiving slot defined therein, the other one of the upper marginal edge region and the lower marginal edge region has an inclined insertable flange engageable in the inclined receiving slot of the vertically-adjacent panel.

Abstract: A method of forming a polymeric building product having a color variation simulating natural building material includes introducing base color pellets having a base color into the barrel and providing a plurality of first colorant shots and second colorant shots. The first and second colorant shots are repeatedly introduced to the base color pellets in an alternating pattern. By repeatedly introducing at least one first colorant shot and at least one second colorant shot to the base color pellets in an alternating pattern, the barrel is in a constant state of purging. As one melted colorant shot is purged and replaced by another melted colorant shot, the melted composition includes streaks in the shape of swirls, wisps, etc., which advantageously creates color variations that simulate natural building material.

Abstract: Simulated stone, masonry, and brick textured products such as siding having a foam backing or with the hollow parts injected with foam or molded with foam in one or more steps, obtained when specially selected materials are properly admixed and formed via molding techniques. The foam backing is applied to the product in either a one or two step process. The foam backing may be used on panels, wall structures, and other products that may have contoured and textured surfaces and may simulate the appearance of conventional building and construction materials including, but not limited to, stone, brick, masonry, concrete, stucco, wood, other conventional building materials, and combinations of any of these materials are disclosed. The foam backing provides improves thermal insulation, improved sound reduction, improved rigidity, and improved dimensional stability.

Abstract: An insulating glass unit having a decorative pattern visible to the unaided eye. The glass unit comprises a pair of glass sheets disposed in a parallel, but spaced apart arrangement, thereby defining a gap between their respective inner surfaces. The glass unit further comprises a frame attached around the periphery of both sheets to form a sealed cavity. A first plurality of dots are disposed within the sealed cavity. Each dot of the first plurality is attached to the inner surface of one of the sheets, and has a height substantially equal to the width of the gap. A second plurality of dots are disposed within the sealed cavity. Each dot of the second plurality is attached to the inner surface of one of the sheets and has a height less than the width of the gap. The dots of the second plurality are arranged so as to form a pattern on the sheet that is visible to the unaided eye.

Abstract: A decorative trim assembly is provided for decorating a building exterior. The assembly includes a plurality of trim modules that may be assembled together to form various trim subassemblies. Each trim module includes a decorative portion and at least one rail portion coupled to the decorative portion. The rail portions have end portions and define channels having heights and widths that permit other rail portions to be inserted and retained therein. Some of the rail portions may be cut to facilitate joining with other rail portions, and screw blocks, angle adapters, and end caps are provided to further facilitate the assembly of various trim modules to one another and to the building's exterior. Additionally, customizable trim modules permit the insertion and removal of various emblems, characters, symbols, or the like from the trim modules.

Abstract: A concrete product is provided having a body including an ornamental surface layer, an intermediate strengthening layer and a concrete substrate layer. The intermediate strengthening layer functions as a buffer between any air bubbles remaining in the concrete substrate layer and the ornamental facing layer following curing of the product.

Abstract: A textile motif comprises an arrangement of substantially square, substantially identical modules variously oriented with respect to one another in fixed positions within the motif. Each module includes at least two visually distinct hues. The motif may be repeated to form an overall textile pattern.

Abstract: Synthetic shingles are made and treated, such that upper surfaces thereof that are to be weather-exposed in the installed condition, are scuffed, abraded, or scraped in such a manner that different visual appearances occur between abraded zones and unabraded (or lesser abraded) depressions, to enhance the natural-appearing materials that the synthetic shingles are designed to resemble. The shingles and the abrading medium have motion relative to each other. The abrading medium may take on various forms, such as a roller, a brush, a pad, etc. Some portions of the upper surface of the shingle remain unabraded, preferably being those portions that are depressed relative to higher portions of the shingle. The shingle may be of a single layer construction, or a multi-layer laminate.

Abstract: A set of moisture proof floorboards and a flooring of such floorboards with a resilient surface layer provided with a decorative groove and/or a sealing means.

Abstract: Methods and systems for decorating at least one bevel surface or other surface of a laminated flooring are described. The bevel surface can be decorated by non-transfer printing such as digital printing. The digital printer can be an ink jet printer such as a piezoelectric drop-on-demand (DOD) printer that allows a color and pattern to be placed on the bevel surface that matches the print design (décor pattern or face design) of the laminated flooring. Other devices are provided such as a device that takes a picture of or scans an image of the print design, and modifies the taken picture or the scanned image so that the edge pattern thereof matches with an edge pattern of the print design.

Abstract: An artificial stone is disclosed for use in creating a covering for a supporting surface. The artificial stone includes a body for placement on the supporting surface, which is shaped for mating engagement with like stones with intermediate perimeter joints to produce a continuous surface covering. The stone has a facing surface on the body, which facing surface has a contour defining a surface area and is subdivided by at least one simulated joint into a major surface portion and at least one minor surface portion. The major surface portion is free of simulated joints and extends over at least about 60% of the total surface of the facing surface. The stone further includes at least one perimeter recess in the body for generating a gap between the stone and another like stone in mating engagement therewith, which gap is wider than adjacent the adjoining perimeter joint.

Abstract: A building panel of the roofing or siding type is disclosed, as well as a building structure having such roofing or siding panels, in which the panels are comprised of two different types of building materials. The composite panel includes at least one layer of synthetic polymeric building material, having adhesively secured thereto at least one layer of asphalt based building material, with outer, upper surfaces of the panel, that would be weather-exposed in the installed condition on a building structure being comprised of the asphalt based building material, and with the synthetic polymeric layer(s) of polymeric building material being weather-protected in the installed condition on a building structure.

Abstract: A panel assembly for decoration glass is disclosed herein, which is to be attached to a side of a pane of transparent glass. The panel assembly includes a panel piece and at least one embedding piece. The panel piece is a thin plate and has at least one through hole. The embedding piece is corresponding to and fitted in the through hole. The embedding pieces are configured as a pattern or a character and have various colors. When the panel assembly is attached to the glass, it gives the glass a vivid appearance. The individual embedding pieces or the whole panel assembly may be replaced with other colors or patterns to make the glass present a diverse appearance.

Abstract: A cementitious masonry block that exhibits the appearance of finished natural stone comprises at least two substantially parallel stacking sides operable to be installed on or over other blocks to form a block wall. At least one hollow cell is formed in the block to provide a void for structural reinforcing. One or more display faces each exhibits a finish applied by natural stone finishing techniques. The block is formed from a cementitious mixture that is substantially homogenous throughout the masonry block and that, when cured, is substantially matched in color or grain, or both, to the natural stone that is being replicated.

Abstract: A ceiling tile and a method of manufacture, wherein the ceiling tile has contrasting colors of texturized woven yarn and a coating, respectively, wherein individual colors of the yarn and coating are at different depths of surface texture, wherein color contrasts accentuate the surface texture depths to be viewed, and provide a desirable, unpredictable randomness of pattern of the color contrasts.

Abstract: A wall board having a shape that can mimic any desired visual representation. For example, a wall board as that disclosed, if desired to be in the shape of a butterfly, will be shaped, either formed during manufacture, or cut, into an outline of a butterfly. The wall board can have added functionality by utilizing pegboard wall board. Further, the wall board disclosed may optionally provide for graphics to illustrate better the desired shape or image. The graphics can be of many varieties, including, but not limited to, laminates of plants, animals, insects, letters, symbols, animated characters, a person or people, inanimate objects, and visual arts substantially conforming to the shape of the wall board; and hand applied colorants, to represent a more realistic image of the desired shaped. Additionally, during installation on a wall, the wall board can include spacers set between the wall and the board, to create a three dimensional appearance of the image coming from the wall.