Method of Making A Modular Synthetic Floor Tile Configured For Enhanced Performance

Abstract

A method for enhancing the performance characteristics of a modular synthetic floor tile, which includes configuring a plurality of structural members to define an upper contact surface with a plurality of openings in the upper contact surface of the floor tile, configuring each of the structural members to comprise a thickness sufficient to support a load about the upper contact surface and with a contact flat having a smooth surface and a width between 0.03 and 0.08 inches, and configuring the upper contact surface with a dry static coefficient of friction of at least 0.6 and an abrasion index no greater than 20.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]The present application is a continuation in-part application, which claims the benefit of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11 / 732,714, filed Apr. 3, 2007, which claims the benefit of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11 / 244,723, filed Oct. 5, 2005, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60 / 616,885, filed Oct. 6, 2004.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present invention relates generally to synthetic floor tiles, and more particularly to a modular synthetic floor tile in which its elements are designed and configured to enhance the performance characteristics of the floor tile through optimization of various design factors.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION AND RELATED ART[0003]Numerous types of flooring have been used to create multi-use surfaces for sports, activities, and for various other purposes. In recent years, the technology in modular flooring assemblies or systems made of a plurality of modular floor tiles has become quite advanced and...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0013]In light of the problems and deficiencies inherent in the prior art, the present invention seeks to overcome these by providing a unique floor tile and flooring system designed to provide an increase of traction without the abrasiveness of prior related floor tiles and systems. Rather than providing raised nubs or an abrasive aggressive texture to increase traction about the contact surface of the floor tile, the present invention increases traction by enhancing or increasing the coefficient of friction about the contact surface while simultaneously maintaining low abrasiveness or a low abrasion index about the contact surface. The coefficient of friction of any given floor tile manufacture in accordance with the present invention may be enhanced or increased by str...

Problems solved by technology

Unlike traditional flooring made from asphalt, wood, or concrete, modular synthetic flooring systems present certain unique challenges.

However, such nubs or protrusions, while providing somewhat of an improvement in traction over the same surface without such nubs, significantly increases the abrasiveness of the contact surface, and therefore the likelihood of injury in the event of a fall.

In addition, the existence of nubs or protrusions creates irregular or uneven surfaces that may actually reduce traction depending upon their configuration and size.

However, this only marginally improves traction, primarily because the texture, although seemingly aggressive, is unabl...

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