Columbia Insurance Company

Shaw Industries Group, Inc.

Anthony Drevet

Philippe Erramuzpe

Shawn Liao

Felix Herrera

Jing Ouyang

Jordan Deurloo

Chris Burns

Christopher K Andrews

Patrick Sterling Eckman

An improved decorative article that may be used as a decorative flooring panel. The decorative article comprises a laminated structure having a core layer and a top layer. The core layer includes separate upper and lower sections with different compressibility resistances, such that the upper section of the core layer exhibits a lower compressibility resistance than the compressibility resistance of the lower section. In some embodiments, for example, the upper and lower sections of the core layer may be foamed layers having different porosities and densities. In some disclosed embodiments, the top layer above the core layer may comprise a coating, a wear layer, and a décor layer. According to some embodiments, a plurality of holes may extend through the top layer, or through only a portion of the top layer, to further improve acoustic performance of the decorative article.

Acoustic decorative article with multilayered porosity base

The disclosed panels generally comprise a protective layer composed of a paper impregnated with a melamine resin. The protective layer may be incorporated into a panel comprising a rigid composite core, such as a plastic composite core or a mineral composite core. Disclosed are also methods for manufacturing the panels.

Composite panels having a melamine impregnated protective layer

A continuous process of forming a magnesium oxide-based product. The process includes preparing a feedstock, transferring the feedstock to a continuous curing process occurring at elevated temperatures and pressures, and drying the product of the continuous curing process. The process can further include lamination processes occurring after drying or in conjunction with curing. The continuous process reduces costs and times associated with traditional processes.

Magnesium oxide based products and continuous process production thereof

Composite panels and methods for making the same

A panel can have a face surface having a length and a width. The panel can include a first tongue that extends along the length and a second tongue that extends along the width. The pane can further include first front and back legs that extend along the length of the panel and define a first groove therebetween and second front and back legs that extends along the width of the panel and define a second groove. At least one of the first tongue or the first back leg can a longitudinal dimension that is greater than the length of the face surface; or at least one of the second tongue or the second back leg can have a longitudinal dimension that is greater than the width of the face surface.

Panel locking system and panels therefor

An apparatus can comprise a basin that is configured to hold water. A heating source can be configured to heat the water in the basin to a temperature within a select range. A water-permeable substrate can extend across an upper surface of the basin, the water-permeable substrate simulating a subfloor (or other material upon which a covering material is positioned). Samples can be placed on the water-permeable substrate for a select duration to determine effects of moisture exposure from underneath, e.g., the subfloor.

Devices, systems, and methods for testing surface covering materials

A panel can have a face surface having a length and a width. The panel can include a first tongue that extends along the length and a second tongue that extends along the width. The panel can further include first front and back legs that extend along the length of the panel and define a first groove therebetween and second front and back legs that extends along the width of the panel and define a second groove. At least one of the first tongue or the first back leg has a longitudinal dimension that is greater than the length of the face surface; or at least one of the second tongue or the second back leg can have a longitudinal dimension that is greater than the width of the face surface.

Growing community of inventors

Chattanooga, TN, United States of America

Anthony Drevet