Floor with embedded image and associated method
AssigneeArdex, L.P.
InventorsBruce E. Newbrough, Seth Pevarnik
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A floor includes a substrate and an image, with the image being visible from above the floor. The image is formed on a carrier sheet that is embedded within a coating disposed upon an upper surface of the substrate. The coating is substantially translucent and is highly durable. The carrier sheet becomes substantially invisible when embedded in the coating such that the image remains visible from above the floor and appears to be embedded therein. An associated method is also disclosed.
Claims32
A floor comprising:
- a substrate having an upper surface;
- a substantially translucent and solid coating applied to at least a portion of the upper surface;
- a carrier sheet embedded in the coating, the coating extending through at least a portion of the carrier sheet;
- and
- the carrier sheet including an image, at least a portion of which is visible through the coating from above the floor.
A floor comprising:
- a substrate having an upper surface;
- a substantially translucent and solid coating disposed on at least a portion of the upper surface;
- a carrier sheet covered by the coating;
- the carrier sheet including an image, at least a portion of which is visible through the coating from above the floor;
- and
- wherein the carrier sheet is at least partially translucent.
A floor comprising:
- a substrate having an upper surface;
- a substantially translucent and solid coating disposed on at least a portion of the upper surface;
- a carrier sheet covered by the coating;
- the carrier sheet including an images at least a portion of which is visible through the coating from above the floor;
- and
- wherein the carrier sheet is manufactured at least partially of a cloth.
A method of forming a floor having an image that is visible from above the floor, the method comprising the steps of:
- applying a coating to a substrate;
- providing a carrier sheet that includes the image;
- extending the coating through the carrier sheet;
- and
- curing the coating to retain the carrier sheet embedded in the coating with portions of the coating overlying the carrier sheet.
A method of forming a floor having an image that is visible from above the floor, the method comprising:
- applying a coating to a substrate;
- providing a carrier sheet that includes the image;
- placing the carrier sheet in contact with the coating;
- curing the coating to retain the carrier sheet in contact with the coating;
- and
- making the carrier sheet substantially invisible.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.