Abstract: A concrete building panel has a slab and a plurality of ribs and beams. A series of horizontal holes in the end ribs are spaced at a selected constant spacing such that adjacent panels, may be fastened together through them. In one type of panel, the slab is separated from the ribs to provide an air gap. Connections between holes in two adjacent concrete wall panels are made by a hollow conduit having an abutment at either end to engage the concrete wall panels. Other connections between adjacent panels involve a stitch with legs which extend through holes in the beams. Other connections involve a space made by vertical channels of horizontally adjacent panels. A plate fitted into the space aligns the adjacent panels and may extend upwards to align upper panels. Load bearing horizontal holes through the ribs are reinforced with reinforcing bar in the concrete arranged in generally triangular shapes.

Abstract: A combination floor pad includes at least one base pad, and a plurality of composite base boards fixed on the base pad. Thus, the base boards can be securely locked in the base pad rigidly and stably, thereby preventing the base boards from being detached or loosened from the base pad. In addition, the base boards can be closely secured by the side ribs and the positioning ribs, so that dirt or dust is not deposited between the base boards easily, thereby facilitating the user cleaning the base boards.

Abstract: A foundation protector for a foundation wall prevents moisture being retained in the foundation wall and also provides drainage for surface water so that water does not rest against the surface of the foundation wall. The foundation protector has a smooth exterior surface so that it remains attached to the foundation if earth subsidence occurs. The foundation protector includes a waterproof dimpled sheet with spaced-apart protrusions and an outer waterproof membrane which covers recesses formed by the protrusions and provides a substantially smooth exterior surface.

Abstract: The invention is a method for encapsulating rubber mats to provide an extremely cost-effective and a more durable, alternative to flooring traditionally composed of multiple layers of rubber. Such proposed flooring can withstand frequent traffic of heavy animals while ensuring a high degree of animal safety and problem-free mobility. Use of such durable flooring via encapsulating rubber mats of the present invention may be suitable to a diverse array of situations requiring a hard wearing material, such as zoos, veterinary hospitals, animal transport trailers, quality stall systems, healthcare, arena footing, supermarkets, gymnasiums and schools, as well as other commercial, institutional and sporting uses.

Abstract: An athletic floor assembled on a foundation having a capacity to absorb vibration, eliminate dead spots, and remain stable and resistant to the damaging effects of moisture which comprises discrete sections of reproducible subflooring constructions which are separated from each other so there are gaps between every section which prevents the ripple effect transmission of vibration forces which combines a wood nailing bed underlayment engaged inside the open face of a c-channel support system in which such engaged components are held in fixed elevation over the foundation and supported on strips of resilient material, and further comprising anchoring clips having a vertical riser member and engagement tabs at a top and which are engaged to the channels inside deflexure slot aperture cut in the channels and engaged to the foundation by fastening tab means at the bottom end and adapted to permit the entire floor construction to experience slidable vertical deflexure movement as limited by the limits of the defle

Abstract: The invention provides a lightweight vehicle flooring assembly, wherein a carrier layer (1) has a layered structure. This structure comprises a honeycomb-like core layer (7) which can be made of a suitably impregnated cardboard material and which is connected on both sides to a stiffening layer (8, 9). The inner stiffening layer (8) is made of an SMC-material, whilst the outer stiffening layer (9) is made of a needled, preferably open-celled or porous nonwoven, also suitably impregnated against humidity and dirt. The structure of the carrier layer (1) and, in particular, the sequence of the layers: skin, honeycomb structure, nonwoven is of particular significance for the mechanical stability of the carrier layer (1). The carrier layer (1) is provided with an inner and an outer lining, the inner lining comprising a PU-foam spring layer (10) and a rubber or latex mass layer (11).

Abstract: A soundproof flooring system for overlying a sub floor includes a resilient soundproof membrane laying down on the sub floor. Elongated supports disposed generally parallel and spaced relationship relative to each other lay down on the membrane in alternate fashion with elongated spacers. Each support includes an elongated channel with a core slip encased therein. The plywood slip has a rib with an outer surface protruding out from the channel to support and secure the finish floor thereto. Each spacer slightly protrudes out upwardly from the rib outer surfaces of the plywood slips to support the finish floor thereon. The wood planks of the finish floor are transversely secured to the plywood slips using a bonding agent with staples or cleats.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device for transitioning between a first floor covering and a second floor covering wherein the transition device includes an elongated core and a covering. The elongated core has a top, a bottom, opposing sides and opposing ends. The covering is attached to the elongated core and covers the top and opposing sides of the elongated core. The present invention also provides method for manufacturing the transition device. In addition, the present invention provides a system having an elongated core and a covering as described above. A first floor covering is attached to the floor and abuts one side of the transition device. Similarly, a second floor covering is attached to the floor and abuts the other side of the transition device.

Abstract: A resilient floor includes a plurality of parallel spaced rows of sleeper assemblies, or substructure members, supported by pads over a base, with a wear layer of floorboards secured to the rows of substructure members. The substructure members include an elongated lower panel with a pair of spaced rows of pads secured along the bottom surface of the panel, and corresponding rows of nailing strips secured to the top surface of the panel, to which the wear layer is secured. The panel may also include an middle row of designations, such as holes, for locating anchors to anchor the panel to the base, if it is desired to anchor the floor. Compared to other resilient floors the substructure members of this invention simplify and reduce installation and handling time, resulting in reduced labor costs. The structure itself also provides high strength and durability, but with reduced quantity and cost of material.

Abstract: A cushion block for using in a build-up surface formed by strips is disclosed to have two male coupling devices at one end, two female coupling devices at an opposite end corresponding to the male coupling devices, a retaining device protruded from one side thereof and adapted to secure the strip to the corresponding side of the cushion block, and a deformable body connected between the male coupling devices and the female coupling device. The male and female coupling devices are so made such that multiple cushion blocks are connectable in a line in a linking direction by engaging the male coupling devices of one cushion block into the female coupling devices of another. The deformable body is deformable in the linking direction to compensate expansion of the strips due to absorption of moisture.

Abstract: A combination floor pad includes at least one base pad, and a plurality of composite base boards fixed on the base pad. Thus, the base boards can be securely locked in the base pad rigidly and stably, thereby preventing the base boards from being detached or loosened from the base pad. In addition, the base boards can be closely secured by the side ribs and the positioning ribs, so that dirt or dust is not deposited between the base boards easily, thereby facilitating the user cleaning the base boards.

Abstract: A shock absorbing safety floor comprising tile minimizes injury by absorbing the energy created when a portion of a diver's body impacts the bottom or sides of the pool. By absorbing a portion of the energy at impact, the floor decreases the amount of energy absorbed by the diver's body thereby subsequently minimizing injury to the diver. The shock absorbing safety floor compresses to absorb the energy.

Abstract: An athletic floor assembled on a foundation having a capacity to absorb vibration, eliminate dead spots, and remain stable and resistant to the damaging effects of moisture which comprises discrete sections of reproducible subflooring constructions which are separated from each other so there are gaps between every section which prevents the ripple effect transmission of vibration forces which combines a wood nailing bed underlayment engaged inside the open face of a c-channel support system in which such engaged components are held in fixed elevation over the foundation and supported on strips of resilient material and further comprising anchoring clips having a vertical riser member and engagement tabs at a top and which are engaged to the channels inside deflexure slot aperture cut in the channels and engaged to the foundation by fastening tab means at the bottom end and adapted to permit the entire floor construction to experience slidable vertical deflexure movement as limited by the limits of the deflex

Abstract: A floor panel having a structural core and a finished surface layer disposed on a top side of the structural core. A substantially water-impervious sheet having a plurality of projections for providing an air gap between the core and a concrete foundation is affixed to a bottom side of the structural core. The finished surface may be carpet, carpet underlayment, or a finished wood or wood-like surface. The floor panel minimizes the effort required to construct a sub-floor whilst dealing with moisture problems typically encountered in installing wooden sub-floors over a concrete foundation.

Abstract: An impact and energy absorbing product for floors, walls, panels, crash mats and other flat surfaces. More particularly, the invention teaches the usage of coiled springs in conjunction with polymeric materials or metals such as titanium or steel, to help absorb and dissipate forces of humans and other objects coming in contact with said flat surfaces. Depending upon the exact environment in which the same are to be used, the coiled springs may be constructed of polymers or metals such as titanium or steel—lightweight, yet durable materials to accomplish the purposes of the invention. In the preferred mode of attachment, an insert is fitted to each end of each spring, with a flared insert then placed into a molded female slot upon a flat surface to hold the spring in place. Thus, a floor or wall surface may comprise a series of female slots such that multiple springs can easily slide therein.

Abstract: A combination floor pad having composite base boards includes at least one base pad, and multiple base boards fixed on the base pad. The base pad has a surface provided with two adjacent side ribs, and provided with multiple positioning ribs arranged longitudinally and transversely in a staggered manner, thereby forming multiple receiving spaces in the base pad for insertion and placement of the base boards. Thus, each of the base boards may be securely locked in the base pad rigidly and stably, thereby preventing each of the base boards from being detached or loosened from the base pad.

Abstract: Panels (16) for use with access flooring (10) having a thick, resilient pad (20) bonded directly to and covering the entire surface of the panel (16). The pad (20) acts like the backing layer of a conventional floor treatment by absorbing impact and attenuation sound. A reinforced face cloth module (22) having only a face layer (24) and a stabilizing layer (26) is used to cover the pad (20) to protect the pad from wear and to provide an attractive floor treatment. The reinforced face cloth module (22) can be detachable or bonded directly to the pad. Alternatively, hook and loop fasteners can affix the pad to the face cloth module.

Abstract: An underlayment material is disclosed for use as an underlayment in a non-textile flooring system. The underlayment material comprises a thin, flexible layer of polyurethane foam and a thin, flexible substrate layer bonded to one side of the layer of polyurethane foam. In a preferred embodiment, the underlayment material is a mechanically frothed polyurethane foam. In another preferred embodiment, the substrate layer is a layer of non-woven spun bonded polyester fibers. In another preferred embodiment, the underlayment material has a thickness of between about 0.05 and 0.125 inches, and most preferably, about 0.085 inches. In still another preferred embodiment, the foam has a fine cell structure and a density of between 10 and 30 pounds per cubic foot, and most preferably about 20 pounds per cubic foot. In still another preferred embodiment, the foam has a compression set of between about 5% and 25%, and most preferably about 10%.

Abstract: A hidden dual loading spring-type floor board fastening mount structure comprised of a plurality of wooden floor boards, fastening mounts, and lengths of soft padding. Each wooden floor board has a tongue and a groove respectively formed along its long and short sides, with the fastening mount having a first tang and a second tang projecting upward from its top surface that enables engagement to the wooden floor boards. The fastening mount has a T-shaped slide block extending from one side and a T-shaped recess formed in its other side. In the invention herein, since the T-shaped slide block of the fastening mount is inserted into the T-shaped recess of another fastener mount and, furthermore, two in-line stays are postured against the two spring holes of another fastener mount, the two adjacent fastener mounts are interconnected into a flexibly extendible and retractable, tie member-form, floor board fastening mount structure, which effectively facilitates the installation of the wooden floor boards.

Abstract: A ladder-shaped subassembly for use in assembling a subfloor for an athletic floor that is anchored, resilient, ventilatable, and DIN certifiable. Long nailing strips form the long members of the ladder-shape while shorter transverse anchor strips secured below the long members form the rung members of the ladder shape. The anchor strips have resilient pads secured to their lower face. The ladder-shaped subassemblies are positioned on a base so that the long members are abutting and the long members of the subassemblies are spaced apart from each other approximately the same distance as they are spaced from each other on the subassembly thereby creating an open channel through which ventilating air can flow between the flooring above the subassemblies and the base below the subassemblies. Anchors engage the anchor strips so as to permit the downward flexure of the floor but limit the upward rebound of the floor.

Abstract: A modular prefabricated deck system which includes a plurality of rectangular flooring modules. Each module may include a plurality of laminations, such as a decorative upper element, and a lower support element for supporting the module upon the underlying joist structure of the deck. Additionally, each module may include interlocking structure for engaging adjacent modules upon installation.

Abstract: A wood floor assembly includes wood floors, joint bases, soft pads, and U-shaped clips. The wood floor has a first elongated side protruded with an insertion flange, and a second elongated side recessed with an insertion groove. The insertion flange has a bottom edge recessed with a first insertion snap groove, and the insertion groove has a bottom edge recessed with a second insertion snap groove. The joint base has a first side protruded with an insertion block and a second side recessed with an insertion recess. The joint base has a top face protruded with a first locking plate and a second locking plate. The first locking plate is formed with a first locking hook portion and a second locking hook portion. The U-shaped clip is clamped and positioned two adjacent joint bases.

Abstract: A spacer plate for use in making a hollow floor has a plurality of truncated cone-shaped spacer elements extending from one side of the plate, and distributed in a row wise and column wise arrangement, for supporting the spacer plate from an underfloor, and also formed in the spacer plate are grooves formed in the same side of the plate as the spacer elements for holding a pipe conducting a heating or cooling medium, with the grooves surrounding at least a half of the circumference of the pipe to securely hold the pipe in place on the plate, so that the heating or cooling medium conducted through the pipe can come into heat exchange relationship not only with an upper floor laid on top of the spacer plate but also with air conducted through space existing between the spacer plate and the underfloor.

Abstract: A floorboard system includes a plurality of floorboards, wherein each of the floorboards is a rectangular floorboard provided with long edges and short edges and having a floorboard body provided with an integrated long edge locking system and an integrated short edge locking system for mechanical joining, both vertically and horizontally, the floorboards, along the long edges thereof and along the short edges thereof. The long edge locking system differs from the short edge locking system in respect of at least one of material composition and material properties. And, at least one of the long edge locking system and the short edge locking system includes a separate element which is integrally connected with the floorboard body at the factory and is made of a material other than that included in the floorboard body.

Abstract: Methods for creating relatively wide surface coverings and surface covering components by seaming together relatively narrow surface coverings and surface covering components are disclosed. The surface coverings are seamed together with a barely visible or invisible seam by lining up two sheets together and taping them together on one surface at the seam. In one embodiment, the taped surface is the top surface of a surface covering, i.e., the surface that includes the design. The sheets can include thermoplastic polymers. The taped surface is placed downward, and a gluing surface is exposed. The gluing surface is the surface on the two surface coverings to be joined that are in contact with each other. The gluing surface can either be exposed by raising the taped region or by lowering one or both sides adjacent the taped region. A suitable adhesive is applied to the gluing surface, and the raised region is lowered or the lowered sides are raised to the original height.

Abstract: A substrate for use in a flooring system which has a subfloor and a decorative upper layer. The substrate is made in a continuous sheet which has a bottom surface, a top surface, side surfaces and end surfaces. The top surface and the oppositely facing bottom surface are essentially parallel to each other and are spaced apart by the thickness of the substrate. Voids are provided in the substrate, the voids are provided between particles of rubber or other similar material. When the substrate is positioned between the subfloor and the decorative top layer, the particles of rubber provide the strength required to prevent deformation of the substrate in the direction of the thickness and the voids contribute to the sound dampening characteristics required to provide decibel reduction across the thickness of the substrate.

Abstract: Floor panel of the type comprising a hard top layer (3) forming a decorative surface, from which, together with other identical or similar floor panels (1), a floor covering can be formed, wherein this floor panel (1) includes at least one sound-absorbing layer (4) which is integrated into the floor panel (1) and is located between other layers of this floor panel (1).

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for laying and mechanically joining building panels, especially thin, hard, floating floors. Adjacent joint edges (3, 4) of two panels (1, 2) engage each other to provide a first mechanical connection locking the joint edges (3,4) in a first direction (D1) perpendicular to the principal plane of the panels. In each joint, there is further provided a strip (6) which is integrated with one joint edge (3) and which projects behind the other joint edge (4). The strip (6) has an upwardly protruding locking element (8) engaging in a locking groove (14) in the rear side (16) of the other joint edge (4) to form a second mechanical connection locking the panels (1, 2) in a second direction (D2) parallel to the principal plane of the panels and at right angles to the joint. Both the first and the second mechanical connection allow mutual displacement of joined panels (1, 2) in the direction of the joint.

Abstract: A releasable bonding system especially suited for releasably bonding impermeable floor coverings (6) such as vinyl and linoleum in tile and sheet form to a floor surface (5). On preparing a suitable surface (5), a quantity of a first water-based adhesive (4) is applied, into which a porous intermediate membrane (7) can then be laid and brushed over carefully. Once a convenient area of the porous intermediate membrane (7) has been laid, a second adhesive (2) may be applied, into which the impermeable covering (6) can then be laid and rolled in the usual manner. The second adhesive (2) dries through the porous intermediate membrane (7) to the floor surface (5). At a time of replacement or repair, when the floor covering is removed (6), the porous intermediate membrane (7) is also removed, leaving an undamaged floor surface (5) with an adhesive residue which may either be washed away to remove it or have fresh adhesive applied over it.

Abstract: A ladder-shaped subassembly for use in assembling a subfloor for an athletic floor that is anchored, resilient, ventilatable, and DIN certifiable. Long nailing strips form the long members of the ladder-shape while shorter transverse anchor strips secured below the long members form the rung members of the ladder shape. The anchor strips have resilient pads secured to their lower face. The ladder-shaped subassemblies are positioned on a base so that the long members are abutting and the long members of the subassemblies are spaced apart from each other approximately the same distance as they are spaced from each other on the subassembly thereby creating an open channel through which ventilating air can flow between the flooring above the subassemblies and the base below the subassemblies. Anchors engage the anchor strips so as to permit the downward flexure of the floor but limit the upward rebound of the floor.

Abstract: A stair safety cushion, whereof the top plane has softness and the bottom plane has anti-shock ability, is make to bond the bottom plane having anti-shock ability to stairs by an industrial twin adhesive with strong stickiness and is paved beyond the stair edge to combined with stairs securely and not easy to separate such that harm resulted from that children, the aged, and persons who act inconveniently fall over stairs is reduced.

Abstract: An above-grade decking system having a plurality of deck members overlying a plurality of joists with clip member connectors connecting the deck members to the joists. The present decking system is particularly adapted for use with concrete composite materials that are shaped into construction materials and textured to resemble wood or stone products. The clip members are shaped to hold the deck members onto the joists. The clip members fit into slots in the deck members and are attached to the joists using commonly available connectors. The deck members can be shaped and configured to fit together with the clip members therebetween.

Abstract: A shock absorber for a sports floor assembly. The shock absorber has a base portion and a nodule portion. The base portion is formed of an elastomeric material. The nodule portion extends a distance from one side of the base portion and has a first layer formed of an elastomeric material with a durometer Shore hardness substantially equal to the durometer Shore hardness of the base portion. The nodule portion has a second layer formed of an elastomeric material having a durometer Shore hardness less than the durometer Shore hardness of the base portion and the first layer of the nodule portion.

Abstract: A hardwood floor structure includes a piece of sponge, a plurality of plastic E-shaped racks with apertures and ribs extending upward, and a plurality of rectangular floor boards composed of an upper portion, an intermediate portion having a protruding flange extending from two adjacent lateral sides and a recess on another two adjacent lateral sides such that the protruding flange is configured and sized to engage with said recess, and a lower portion having an inclined upper edge along a longitudinal side, an inclined lower edge along another longitudinal side, and a shoulder above the inclined lower edge. The ribs on the E-shaped racks have an enlarged head with an inclined surface forming a lower projection to be positioned on the shoulder of a respective one of said floor board. The rib has an upper projection at the other side to be positioned on the inclined upper edge of a respective floor board.

Abstract: A decorative wood surface system having permanent decorative marking wherein the marking is made with a decorative strip inserted between pieces of interlocking wood surface such that the decorative strip conforms to the interlocking pieces and engages with them. Typically, the interlocking wood surface system is tongue and groove hardwood, and the decorative strip is a brass, steel, aluminum, plastic or resin strip adapted such that is conforms to the tongue and groove, and engages with it to provide a permanent decorative wood surface.

Abstract: A wood floor structure includes a pad layer composed of a plurality of pads and each pad has at least two taper-shaped protrusions extending from each side thereof. Each pad has a rod extending from a top surface thereof. A plurality of wood strips each have at least one hole defined in a bottom thereof so as to receive said rod in said at least one hole.

Abstract: A two-ply flooring plank is disclosed having two layers or “plies” with a bottom layer having a grain that runs generally transverse to a top layer (i.e., “cross-ply”) to provide dimensional stability to the plank. The bottom layer includes a number of strips secured to the bottom of the top layer. The bottom layer strips are also placed with gaps between the individual strips of the second layer to allow flexibility of the flooring plank, which allows the flooring to more easily conform to irregularities in a subfloor upon which the flooring plank is mounted.

Abstract: A wooden floor board includes a board body and a connector. The board body has two lengthwise ditches formed in the bottom surface. In a preferred form, each lengthwise ditch has a cone-shaped section formed in the innermost section. The elongate connector has two lengthwise upright insert members at two opposite lengthwise sides to engage one of the two lengthwise ditches of two neighborin board bodies. The connector is laid under two neighboring board bodies en assembling the wooden floor boards into a complete floor of a room. Any board body of the complete floor may easily be pried up with a tool like a screwdriver if it is broken and has to be replaced with a new one.

Abstract: A parquet panel assembled of rectangular shaped wood strips as inlays and the panel is formed to have irregular end edges such that alternate rows of inlay strips are staggered in such a way that a staggered edge of one panel will interleave with the staggered edge of an adjacent panel with sufficient precision that the seams between panels are not detectable and a former which enables the positioning and joining of the inlay strips with the requisite precision needed to assemble the panel.

Abstract: A locking system for mechanical joining of floorboards, in which immediately juxtaposed upper parts of taco adjacent joint edges of two joined floorboards together define a joint plane perpendicular to a principal plane of the floorboards, the locking system providing a joining of the two joint edges perpendicular to the joint plane, the locking system including a locking groove which is formed in an underside of and extends in parallel with a first of the two joint edges at a distance from the joint plane and a portion projecting from a lower part of a second of the two joint edges and below the first joint edge and integrated with a body of the board, the projecting portion supporting at a distance from the joint plane a locking element cooperating with the locking groove, the projecting portion being located entirely outside the joint plane seen from a side of the second joint edge, and the projecting portion having a material composition other than that of the body of the board, tie projecting portion inc

Abstract: A floor system composed of a finished flooring preferably secured to a subfloor, a plurality of shock absorber members are fixed to the bottom surface of the floor surface at spaced intervals and in which each of the shock absorber members includes an elastomeric base member provided with a cavity which accommodates an insert member for adjusting the cushioning ability of the base member.

Abstract: A pad for a hardwood floor which has an upper layer of floorboards and a lower subfloor, and a plurality of the pads supporting the subfloor and floorboards in spaced relation above a base, each of the pads including horizontally oriented triangular openings defined by angled legs, to optimize the restoring force of the pads and thereby extend the useful life of the hardwood floor.

Abstract: An elongated member suitable for flooring, decking, or seating, having a top plate formed as an extrusion of plastic material, wherein the top plate includes ribs constituted by protruding parts of parallel, spaced, elongated friction elements co-extruded therewith, the friction elements being formed of plastic having distinctly greater softness or flexibility than the main parts of the top plate and suitable for providing a non-slip surface. The member may include an elongated support formed as a relatively rigid extrusion of plastic material having a base plate with upstanding side walls and a central support portion, the top plate overlying the support and having edge formations engaging the side walls. Alternatively, the top plate and support may be formed integrally by extrusion, or the top plate may be part of a plank cover having integrally formed ribs for spacing the top plate above a plank.

Abstract: A resilient floor includes a plurality of parallel spaced rows of sleeper assemblies, or substructure members, supported by pads over a base, with a wear layer of floorboards secured to the rows of substructure members. The substructure members include an elongated lower panel with a pair of spaced rows of pads secured along the bottom surface of the panel, and corresponding rows of nailing strips secured to the top surface of the panel, to which the wear layer is secured. The panel may also include an middle row of designations, such as holes, for locating anchors to anchor the panel to the base, if it is desired to anchor the floor. Compared to other resilient floors the substructure members of this invention simplify and reduce installation and handling time, resulting in reduced labor costs. The structure itself also provides high strength and durability, but with reduced quantity and cost of material.

Abstract: The invention relates to an antistatic floor covering, especially a laminate floor with a counteracting coating on the back and/or with a damping substrate made from a binding agent plus fillers which is, or can be, attached to the back of the floor covering in an at least partial manner.

Abstract: The flooring includes a treading layer extending in a given plane, and supporting formations extending from the treading layer along respective directions of extension, in which at least some of the supporting formations extend with their respective direction of extension, which is oblique with respect to the given plane of the treading layer. The supporting formations include first supporting formations in the form of a first array of ribs, which are substantially parallel to one another and extend from said treading layer with their respective directions of extension, which are oblique with respect to the given plane of the treading layer, and second supporting formations include a second array of ribs, which extend from the treading layer in a substantially orthogonal direction with respect to the given plane of the treading layer and are set crosswise with respect to the first array of ribs.

Abstract: The specification discloses an outdoor deck surface unit in which a plurality of boards, suitable for outdoor use, are secured to an underlying substrate. The deck units cover an area of from about 2 to about 6 square feet, such that they are large enough that an entire deck surface can be created relatively quickly, but are sufficiently small that a deck surface unit can be readily lifted, moved, placed and handled by a single individual.

Abstract: Foams made from a ternary blend of a alkenyl aromatic polymer such as polystyrene, an &agr;-olefin polymer such as polyethylene, and a compatibilizer, are used as acoustical insulation in building constructions. These foams exhibit an unusual combination of low creep and low dynamic stiffness. They are especially useful in floating floor installations.

Abstract: A pre-fabricated wood underlayment and tile system comprising, in layers, wood underlayment, layer of adhesive, and a layer of vinyl or ceramic tile with a plastic film protectant that is peeled away after installation which provides a pre-fabricated panel to be attached to any flat surface such as a floor or a wall.

Abstract: A prefabricated underlay material (1) for location between upper surface of a load-bearing floor (8) and a continuous surface material (9), which underlay material comprises a substantially flexible sheet material (2) and dampening projections (3) formed of porous resilient material on one surface of the sheet material and distributed along the surface. Dampening projections (3) comprise strips (13) of foamed polymer or polymer mixture bonded to a first surface (11) of the sheet material without deformation of the surface thereof, which strips are located continuous, or intermittently continuous, with intervals (S) and are either principally straight or substantially undulating.