A load distributing and absorbing system that lies below a superstructure material which is exposed to percussive forces. The load distributing and absorbing system is interposed between the superstructure material and a foundation. The system has a barrier layer that lies below the superstructure material and an underlayment infrastructure positioned below the barrier layer. Included in the underlayment infrastructure are hat-shaped absorbing members.

In one embodiment, a method of forming a product used in covering an edge, comprising: providing a molding agent between a first surface of a first material and a second surface of a second material; forming, at one end portion corresponding to each of the first material and the second material and the molding agent, a predefined geometric shape that is different than an opposing end of each of the first material and the second material; and persistently maintaining the predefined geometric shape by curing the molding agent.

A load distributing and absorbing system that lies below a barrier layer that is exposed to percussive and/or point-applied forces. The load distributing and absorbing system has one or more load distributing and absorbing tiles. At least some of the tiles have an underlayment infrastructure positioned below a barrier layer. The underlayment infrastructure includes one or more hat-shaped absorbing members. Each has a ceiling primarily for load distribution and a curvilinear wall primarily for load absorption extending from the ceiling. A transition feature is provided to smoothly graduate from one height and type of load distributing and absorbing tile to a load distributing and absorbing tile of another type and height. He system distributes and absorbs forces applied to the barrier layer over a broad area when applied either on a seam between adjacent tiles or within a tile.

A load distributing and absorbing system that lies below a barrier layer that is exposed to percussive and/or point-applied forces. The load distributing and absorbing system has one or more load distributing and absorbing tiles. At least some of the tiles have an underlayment infrastructure positioned below a barrier layer. The underlayment infrastructure includes one or more hat-shaped absorbing members. Each has a ceiling primarily for load distribution and a curvilinear wall primarily for load absorption extending from the ceiling. A transition feature is provided to smoothly graduate from one height and type of load distributing and absorbing tile to a load distributing and absorbing tile of another type and height. He system distributes and absorbs forces applied to the barrier layer over a broad area when applied either on a seam between adjacent tiles or within a tile.

The present invention is a fiber self-cleaning system. The fiber self-cleaning system of the present invention includes interlocking mats containing bores for receiving cleaning tubes, cleaning tubes for mounting with the mat bores having an open top, beveled interior chamber and at least one transverse side opening, fiber groups mounted within the beveled interior chamber of the cleaning tubes, a water and vacuum line operatively connected to the cleaning tubes to introduce water, chemicals and air to the fiber groups or to apply a vacuum force to the fiber groups, and a pump operatively connected to the cleaning tubes to introduce or suction out water, chemicals and dirt from the fiber groups.

A load distributing and absorbing system that lies below a superstructure material which is exposed to percussive forces. The load distributing and absorbing system is interposed between the superstructure material and a foundation. The system has a barrier layer that lies below the superstructure material and an underlayment infrastructure positioned below the barrier layer. Included in the underlayment infrastructure are hat-shaped absorbing members.

The present invention is a fiber self-cleaning system. The fiber self-cleaning system of the present invention includes interlocking mats containing bores for receiving cleaning tubes, cleaning tubes for mounting with the mat bores having an open top, beveled interior chamber and at least one transverse side opening, fiber groups mounted within the beveled interior chamber of the cleaning tubes, a water and vacuum line operatively connected to the cleaning tubes to introduce water, chemicals and air to the fiber groups or to apply a vacuum force to the fiber groups, and a pump operatively connected to the cleaning tubes to introduce or suction out water, chemicals and dirt from the fiber groups.