Abstract: Floorboards with a surface of flexible fibers for laying a mechanically joined floating floor, and methods for manufacturing and providing floorings containing such floorboards. For example, floorboards including a surface layer and a core, for making a floating flooring, which floorboards are mechanically lockable and which along their edge portions have pairs of opposing connectors for locking similar, adjoining floorboards to each other both vertically and horizontally, wherein the surface layer comprises flexible resilient fibers.

Abstract: A recoiling energy absorbing system has an upper impact surface that is exposed to percussive impact. An energy absorbing layer is positioned below or inside the upper impact surface. The energy absorbing layer includes one or more thermoformed energy absorbing modules. At least some of the modules are provided with one or more energy absorbing units that extend from an upper platform. Several of the energy absorbing units are provided with a flexible wall that extends from the upper platform. A lateral reinforcement member secures the energy absorbing units to prevent them from splaying. The energy absorbing units at least partially absorb energy generated by an impacting object due to the flexible wall bending inwardly or outwardly and recoiling nondestructively after single or multiple impacts to its un-deflected configuration.

Abstract: A recoiling energy absorbing system has an outer shell that is exposed to percussive impact. An energy absorbing layer is positioned inside the outer shell. The energy absorbing layer includes one or more thermoformed energy absorbing modules, at least some of the modules being provided with one or more energy absorbing units that extend from an upper basal layer. At least some of the energy absorbing units are provided with a flexible wall that extends from the upper basal layer. The energy absorbing units at least partially absorb energy generated by an impacting object due to the flexible wall bending inwardly or outwardly and recoiling nondestructively after single or multiple impacts to its undeflected configuration.

Abstract: The invention relates to a floor panel comprising a carrier layer, a wear layer made of a soft/resilient material, and at least two opposite pairs of locking edges, where at least the locking edges of one pair are designed as form-fitting edges and in such a way that two floor panels can be connected by means of these formfitting edges, and where the form-fitting edges each display a horizontal locking surface which, in connected state, together counteract separation of the floor panels in a direction lying in the floor plane and perpendicular to the form-fitting edges, where each form-fitting edge displays a joint-sealing area in the area of the soft/resilient wear layer, and where the horizontal locking surfaces and the joint-sealing areas are coordinated in such a way that, in connected state of two floor panels, initial compression of the joint-sealing areas against each other can be produced and, as a result, a tightly sealed joint in the area of the soft/resilient wear layer.

Abstract: One embodiment of a safety surfacing tile comprises a top surface; a plurality of series of first members supporting the top surface and extending across a transverse length of the safety surfacing tile; a plurality of series of second members supporting the top surface and extending across a length of the safety surfacing tile perpendicular to the transverse length; and a grid of voids formed by the intersecting first and second members on an underside of the top surface, wherein the grid of voids absorbs impact energy from an object impacting the top surface.

Abstract: An artificial surface divider comprising a floor having a plurality of pads spaced apart from one another, the plurality of pads being mounted to a longitudinal housing having an overhang at least partially defining a longitudinal channel and a longitudinal gap that is open to the longitudinal channel, the longitudinal gap extending between an edge of the overhang and a floor of the longitudinal housing, where a longitudinal dimension of the artificial surface divider is the dominant dimension.

Abstract: A mat with puzzle function is a four-sided pad. Each side has a tooth part with a succession of teeth. At least two cutting lines divide the mat into four blocks, in such a way that each block has an assembling part with the complementary shape to connect with others. The block of each mat can engage with another block of the mat to form a puzzle mat set.

Abstract: The ceramic tiled floor includes tiles provided along at least one edge with grooves, and tongued strips, complementary to the grooves adapted to connect adjacent tiles, so as to give the entire floor stability and planarity.

Abstract: A flooring system is constructed on a base. The flooring system includes a permeable barrier layer, a porous underlayment, an impermeable sealing layer, and a flooring. The barrier layer is configured to cover the base. The underlayment overlies the barrier layer, with the barrier layer preventing binding of the underlayment to the base while permitting fluid to pass between the base and underlayment. The underlayment presents a top face, and the sealing layer coats the top face of the underlayment. The flooring is fixed relative to the top face of the underlayment.

Abstract: An underlayment panel includes a top surface and a bottom surface. A plurality of projections define drainage channels. A plurality of drain holes arranged through the panel provide fluid communication between the top surface and the bottom surface.

Abstract: A unitary safety surface tile is provided. The tile may interlock with at least one other tile. The tiles may be configured for disposing on a base of loose fill and for receiving a covering of loose fill. The tiles may include a plurality of hollow inverted pyramidal shaped pockets. Each of the pockets may connect to at least two other pockets along a top edge of each pocket. Each of the pockets may engage the base of loose fill and/or receive the covering of loose fill. Each of the pockets may include one or more apertures for allowing passage of fluid through each of the pockets. Each tile may further include a plurality of edges. The edges may border the plurality of pockets. Each of at least two of said plurality of edges may be adapted for engaging at least one edge of at least one other tile.

Abstract: A basic insulation covering for arrangement between a subfloor and walkable floor coverings that can be laid thereover is described. The arrangement comprising a plug-in connector at at least two sides of the basic insulation covering elements for smooth and expansive connection of the basic insulation covering elements, the plug-in connector having a structured or profiled surface at least in sections on at least one side on borders of the plug-in connector that engage in one another.

Abstract: A flexible interlocking floor tile having a dual construction with an interlocking mechanism allows for easy installation of multiple tiles. The dual construction can include recycled material and new material. The tile also includes an adequate support at the corner of the tile when assembling multiple tiles. The tile has a single interlocking structure or groove to keep the entire tile joint tight with other tile joints, instead of interrupted interlocking structure which can lead to functional and aesthetic flaws in the entire floor. The single continuous interlocking structure allows for a one-step easy removal of any excess material or flashing from the tile after the molding process.

Abstract: A flooring system may comprise a top floor layer, a subfloor, and/or an underlayment material disposed between the sub-floor and the top floor layer. The top floor layer may include a plurality of luxury vinyl tiles, configured such that respective tile joints may be formed between adjacent luxury vinyl tiles. The underlayment material may comprise a cross-linked, polyolefin foam. The composition of the underlayment material may be such that the tile joints between the adjacent luxury vinyl tiles may bend by less than about 45 degrees over a twelve hour period when 3.1 pounds per square inch (psi) of pressure is applied. The underlayment material may have a compressive creep of less than fifty percent of an original thickness associated with the underlayment material at a load of 3.1 psi and/or a compressive strength of more than 15 psi.

Abstract: Modular floor tiles and modular floors are described herein. A modular floor tile may include a top surface layer, a plurality of edge surfaces, an interlocking mechanism for attachment to adjacent tiles, and a support system. The support system may additionally include a first rigid level and at least one resilient support member disposed under the top surface layer, the at least one resilient support member extending to a distance further from the top surface layer than the first rigid level. The at least one resilient support member may be compressible toward the top surface layer. A modular floor may include a plurality of interlocking tiles connected to one another. A method of forming a modular floor that includes an interlocking modular tile is also disclosed.

Abstract: A support membrane designed to be arranged with a covering that can be applied to bearing areas such as floors or even under and on concrete screeds for a floor is provided. Said membrane can also be used in the composition of ceilings and in the composition of residential walls. The membrane includes a base layer made of fibers and designed to be arranged directly on the bearing area so as to absorb sound waves and to level the irregularities of the bearing area, a vapor barrier-anchoring membrane, and optionally an underlay designed to receive the covering and provide an anchor for the finishing products. Said support membrane is characterized in that the vapor barrier-anchoring membrane thereof is applied in liquid form by hot-melting directly on the base layer and on the underlay whenever the latter is used.

Abstract: A flooring system having a top floor layer, a sub-floor, and an underlayment material disposed between the sub-floor and the top floor layer is disclosed. The underlayment material may include a cross-linked, polyolefin foam having a moisture vapor transmission rate of less than about 3.0 lb/1000 ft2/24 hr, and an average sound pressure level of less than about 15 dB over a range of about 300 Hz to about 1000 Hz. Foam density, gel fraction, and resin blend may combine to provide an underlayment material having such reflective sound and moisture vapor barrier properties.

Abstract: Structures are described that create spaces while installing anchor sheet and attachment piece subfloors, but which allow for the expansion and contraction of anchor sheets after installation. The structures may be used on either the attachment pieces, anchor sheets or both. In one embodiment, the structure is a deformable margin; in another embodiment, the structure is a pull-away strip.

Abstract: Modular floor tiles and modular floors are described herein. A modular floor tile may include a top surface layer, a plurality of edge surfaces, an interlocking mechanism for attachment to adjacent tiles, and a support system. The support system may additionally include a first rigid level and at least one resilient support member disposed under the top surface layer, the at least one resilient support member extending to a distance further from the top surface layer than the first rigid level. The at least one resilient support member may be compressible toward the top surface layer. A modular floor may include a plurality of interlocking tiles connected to one another. A method of forming a modular floor that includes an interlocking modular tile is also disclosed.

Abstract: A flexible interlocking floor tile having a dual construction with an interlocking mechanism allows for easy installation of multiple tiles. The dual construction can include recycled material and virgin or new material. The tile also includes an adequate support at the corner of the tile when assembling multiple tiles. The tile has a single interlocking structure or groove to keep the entire tile joint tight with other tile joints, instead of interrupted interlocking structure which can lead to functional and aesthetic flaws in the entire floor. The single continuous interlocking structure allows for a one-step easy removal of any excess material or flashing from the tile after the molding process.

Abstract: A modular plastic floor tile has a body of a first polymer compound and features overmolded onto the body from a second polymer compound. The compounds may be different from each other in hardness and/or color. The features may include skins on support member cores disposed below the tile lower surface. The skins adhere to the bottom and at least a portion of the sidewall of the support member core.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sound-insulating and vibration-isolating rubber pad and a method for installing a sound-insulating and vibration-isolating floor using same in which lower pad protrusions can be inserted into a plurality of insertion holes formed in a lower water-proof plywood because the lower pad protrusions are formed in the center of an upper surface of a lower pad body of a sound-insulating and vibration-isolating rubber pad, so that the lower water-proof plywood and an upper pad are integrally connected above a lower pad, and a vibration-isolating function may be achieved in a stable manner because the lower pad, the lower water-proof plywood, and the upper pad are integrally connected, thereby providing a sound-insulating effect that can remarkably reduce inter-floor noise.

Abstract: A flooring system is constructed on a base. The flooring system includes a permeable barrier layer, a porous underlayment, an impermeable sealing layer, and a flooring. The barrier layer is configured to cover the base. The underlayment overlies the barrier layer, with the barrier layer preventing binding of the underlayment to the base while permitting fluid to pass between the base and underlayment. The underlayment presents a top face, and the sealing layer coats the top face of the underlayment. The flooring is fixed relative to the top face of the underlayment.

Abstract: An acoustic configuration (1) for acoustic insulation, with the configuration includes a floor covering (5) attached to a floating floor with elastic skates (4) resting on a substrate (3) (10), the floating floor including skates (4) that are substantially elastic. The floating floor consists of a modular assembly of prefabricated rigid panels (2) with a density of 0.5 to 6, positioned edge to edge with an element of position adjustment that is either male or female, with the skates being homogeneous one-piece elements attached inside the panel, and with the total seat surface ratio Sta of the skates on the substrate on the total surface area Stp of the panel, Sta/Stp being 0.03 to 0.08. In one variant, shims are interposed between the skates and the panel. In the implementation method, a layer of fibrous insulation can be interposed between the substrate and the floating floor.

Abstract: A locking system for mechanical joining of floorboards including horizontal joining of a first and a second joint edge portion of a first and a second floorboard respectively at a vertical joint plane and vertical joining of the first and second joint edge portions, the tongue, the tongue groove, the locking element and the locking groove have a configuration that allows insertion of the locking element into the locking groove by inward angling of the second floorboard towards the first floorboard while maintaining contact between the joint edge portions, and the tongue, the tongue grove, the locking element and the locking groove have a configuration that allows insertion of the locking element into the locking groove by a substantially vertical snap action.

Abstract: A modular floor tile comprising a base substrate and top layer having a first land with a support surface and first and second perimeter portions each defining a second land with a surface recessed relative to the support surface, the first perimeter portion defining a recess and the opposing second perimeter portion defining a lug, whereby two tiles join together by the recess receiving a lug of a second tile, and the support surface supporting footwear remote from the second land to avoid scuffing against the joined lug and recess so the top layer is not delaminated from the base substrate.

Abstract: Sound muffling flooring underlay tile systems using sonic foam-enhanced underlay board may comprise a sound-muffling tile assembly for installation underneath a floor surface to help minimize sound transfer between living areas and to provide increased insulation. The sound-muffling tile assembly may comprise a flooring base member, a cushioning film layer, and a fastener for securing the flooring base member to the cushioning film layer. In one embodiment of the present invention, the cushioning film layer may comprise a foam substance comprising an open-cell structure. In addition to actively dampening sound waves that travel through the open-cell structure of the foam substance, the cushioning film layer provides a floated surface for the floor above the sound-muffling tile assembly when installed.

Abstract: This invention provides a flooring apparatus comprising: (a) a flooring plate; (b) a plurality of columns extending from an underside of the flooring plate, wherein at least some of the columns deform when the flooring plate is subjected to a pressure equal to or greater than a critical buckling pressure; and (c) a matrix material in at least partial contact with the columns. The present disclosure includes many variations of such apparatus, such as various column designs, material selection criteria, and end-use considerations. This invention also provides a flooring system for mitigating injuries associated with falls, the system comprising a plurality of flooring apparatus each provided in accordance the present disclosure. The flooring system can include one or more types of modular tiles, or any other configuration (such as mats).

Abstract: A sound control mat, comprising: a resilient layer of extruded polymer monofilaments, and a fiberglass scrim adhered to the resilient layer. A floor assembly employing the foregoing sound control mat is disclosed.

Abstract: A compliant insert for flexibly supporting a synthetic floor tile above a ground surface that includes one or more elongate bodies, with each elongate body having a longitudinal axis oriented parallel to a top surface of the floor tile, a top face having an attachment interface for coupling to a tile support structure extending downward from an underside of the floor tile, and a bottom face of having at least one contact flat for contacting the ground surface and at least one upwardly-directed recess for allowing liquids to flow underneath the insert. Each of the elongate bodies also has a thickness and stiffness sufficient, in an unloaded state, to elevate the support structure a distance above the ground surface.

Abstract: The invention relates to a floor covering as is frequently used in houses and apartments. The floor covering has on its underside a layer of thermoplastic material. This layer is connected in a fixed manner to the floor covering. The floor covering consists of wood, wood derivatives and/or synthetic materials. In order to produced said floor covering, the thermoplastic material is heated and applied, or rolled onto the underside of the floor covering. The latter exhibits excellent sound-proofing properties.

Abstract: Modular floor tiles and modular floors are described herein. A modular floor tile may include a top surface layer, a plurality of edge surfaces, an interlocking mechanism for attachment to adjacent tiles, and a support system. The support system may additionally include a first rigid level and at least one resilient support member disposed under the top surface layer, the at least one resilient support member extending to a distance further from the top surface layer than the first rigid level. The at least one resilient support member may be compressible toward the top surface layer. A modular floor may include a plurality of interlocking tiles connected to one another. A method of forming a modular floor that includes an interlocking modular tile is also disclosed.

Abstract: Floor panel of the type comprising a hard top layer forming a decorative surface, from which, together with other identical or similar floor panels, a floor covering can be formed, wherein this floor panel includes at least one sound-absorbing layer which is integrated into the floor panel and is located between other layers of this floor panel.

Abstract: A laminate flooring system includes planks with tile patterns thereon, the tiles of a plank being separated by a precisely formed and positioned interior bevel. The edges of the plank have a bevel as well. The width of the edge bevel is precisely determined and selected such that when two planks are placed adjacent to each other, the adjacent edge patterns combine to form a bevel whose with and appearance is the same as the interior bevels between the tiles of a single plank.

Abstract: The invention comprises an improved floor covering product. The floor covering product comprises a floor covering material having a face surface and a back surface. On the back surface of the floor covering material is a layer of polyurethane having a cure index of between approximately 70 and 90. A method of using the floor covering product is also disclosed.

Abstract: An anchoring device is disclosed comprising a generally horizontal top element made of a resilient material embedded with a high-strength material and being of varying thicknesses throughout and having a generally downward extending element of a variety of shapes extending downwardly from the underside thereof. The high-strength material may be of any high-strength material, such as metal, rigid high-strength plastic, or fiberglass, for example and may be embedded as a solid or as particulate material. When used as a particulate, the high-strength material may be embedded in select areas as required to customize the anchor. Where desired, the generally downwardly extending element may also comprise a high-strength material of either solid or particulate form.

Abstract: The apparatus and method for forming a tunable crumb rubber floor pad and flooring system using the pad. The method including the steps of; determining a pad design angle to provide a floor performance; cutting strips of pad material from a relatively thin sheet of recycled crumb rubber to form strips of pad material having two angled sides cut at the pad design angle, chopping the strips into pads wherein each pad has two angled walls and two straight walls. The pads are then stapled to a plywood subfloor.

Abstract: A tray substrate for a modular tile flooring system is disclosed that allows installation of medallion floating tiles into the flooring system. This tray substrate is designed to be a smaller medallion type tray substrate installed amongst larger tray substrates in a shape that is twisted at an angle to the grout lines of the other tiles. This is known as a medallion which is inserted in the layout.

Abstract: A studded plate (1) of layer (2) of a polymeric material where an adhesive material (3,4) in the form of a woven or non-woven material is attached on each side of the layer (2).

Abstract: A flooring system having a top floor layer, a sub-floor, and an underlayment material disposed between the sub-floor and the top floor layer is disclosed. The underlayment material may include a cross-linked, polyolefin foam having a moisture vapor transmission rate of less than about 3.0 lb/1000 ft2/24 hr, and an average sound pressure level of less than about 15 dB over a range of about 300 Hz to about 1000 Hz. Foam density, gel fraction, and resin blend may combine to provide an underlayment material having such reflective sound and moisture vapor barrier properties.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a shock absorbing base flooring section comprising a primary deck comprising interconnection means to interconnect at least two base flooring sections and comprising shock absorption means attached under said primary deck, a subfloor attached under said primary deck and provided adjacent to the shock absorbing means, the subfloor having a thickness lower than the height of said shock absorption means.

Abstract: A modular floor system comprises modular floor panels and zippers that are fabricated in a manufacturing facility and subsequently installed in a facility. By virtue of being fabricated in the manufacturing facility the modular floor is subsequently installed in the sports facility with minimal labor and cost, while providing superior performance.

Abstract: An elevated platform system includes a base support structure and a plurality of fiber reinforced polymer composite panels. The base support structure includes pilings secured to a ground surface and attachment cradles coupled to the pilings. The attachment cradles are in electrical continuity with the ground surface. The fiber reinforced polymer composite panels include a panel body portion, fibrous material surrounding the panel body portion, a non-conductive matrix forming at least a portion of an outer-most layer of the fiber reinforced polymer composite panel, and an electrically-conductive layer at least partially embedded in the non-conductive matrix. The fiber reinforced polymer composite panels are coupled to the attachment cradles, such that the electrically-conductive layer of the fiber reinforced polymer composite panel is in electrical continuity with the ground surface.

Abstract: Floor covering (01) material, consisting of Natural Stones, i.e. Marble, Granite, Limestone, Onyx, Travertine and Sandstone, in format of tile slabs, in which the thickness is between 4 mm and 35 mm, in which at the two opposite edges or sides are jointed together and interlocked by mechanical locking means, by connecting or inserting (A6 to A5) and connecting or pressing downward (A8 to A9) using Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) couplings, connecting in the form of a tongue and a groove which will prevent shifting of two interlocked tiles and or slabs into the opposed direction of each section tile or slab, with an integrated backing layer consisting of cork and/or syntactic foam material, The invention relates to a natural stone core tile slab, allowing for an installation without the use of cement, adhesives or grout, provided with such a mechanical locking system jointed to the core (A4) according to the invention.

Abstract: A portable floor panel has at least one absorption layer and at least one load-distributing layer laminated thereto and forming therewith a circumferential edge in turned formed with notches and teeth oriented such that notches and teeth of adjacent panels fit with one another.

Abstract: Floor panel of the type comprising a hard top layer forming a decorative surface, from which, together with other identical or similar floor panels, a floor covering can be formed, wherein this floor panel includes at least one sound-absorbing layer which is integrated into the floor panel and is located between other layers of this floor panel.

Abstract: An acoustical flooring underlayment for placement between a subfloor and a finished floor, includes a mat having an upper surface, an opposite lower surface and including a plurality of corrugations creating a plurality of depressions in the upper surface. A layer of foam is applied to the upper surface and constructed and arranged to fill the depressions for creating a generally planar top surface configured for accommodating the finished floor.

Abstract: An apparatus including an impact surface and a plurality of spaced apart stiffening columns extending from an underside of the flooring plate. The columns remain substantially rigid up to a predetermined critical pressure and then buckle as the pressure increases. The columns are at least partially surrounded by a resilient underlayment. Deflection stops may extend from the flooring plate to prevent over-buckling and/or permanent deformation of the stiffening columns. In some examples, the deflections stops may assist the floor in providing a substantially rigid surface at very high pressures.

Abstract: Modular floor tiles and modular floors are described herein. A modular floor tile may include a top surface layer, a plurality of edge surfaces, an interlocking mechanism for attachment to adjacent tiles, and a support system. The support system may additionally include a first rigid level and at least one resilient support member disposed under the top surface layer, the at least one resilient support member extending to a distance further from the top surface layer than the first rigid level. The at least one resilient support member may be compressible toward the top surface layer. A modular floor may include a plurality of interlocking tiles connected to one another. A method of forming a modular floor that includes an interlocking modular tile is also disclosed.

Abstract: A flooring material having a textile pad substructure with a density of greater than 10 pounds per cubic foot is provided. The textile pad has reinforcement and binding fibers. The binding fibers are thermoplastic and are used to bind the reinforcement fibers together. The pad is created by heating and compressing a fibrous textile batt so that it has a density of greater than 13 pounds per cubic foot.