ACOUSTICAL VINYL FLOORING WITH SIDE COUPLING ELEMENTS

Abstract

An acoustical vinyl tile having an integral acoustical layer is disclosed. The vinyl tile includes a vinyl portion, an acoustical portion, and an adhesive layer for fixing the vinyl portion to the acoustical portion. The acoustical portion comprises a crumb rubber component and a polyurethane foam component. The acoustical portion can include 10-40% crumb rubber and 60-90% polyurethane foam. The vinyl tile may also include a coupling feature for coupling to an adjacent vinyl tile. The coupling feature may be in the form of interconnecting tongue and groove elements formed along opposite sides of the vinyl tile so that adjacent vinyl tiles can be coupled together. The tongue and groove elements may incorporate integrated mechanical coupling elements such as, for example, interlocking tabs and spaces. In use, the tongue and groove elements may be arranged and configured to be snap-fitted together.

Claims

1. A vinyl tile, comprising: a vinyl portion; an acoustical portion including a rubber component, a polyurethane component, and a binder component; an adhesive layer for fixing the vinyl portion to the acoustical portion; and a coupling feature disposed on a side of the vinyl tile, the coupling feature for positively coupling the vinyl tile to an adjacent vinyl tile.

2. The vinyl tile of claim 1, wherein the acoustical portion comprises 10-40% crumb rubber and 60-90% polyurethane foam.

3. The vinyl tile of claim 1, wherein the binder comprises a polyurethane binder.

4. The vinyl tile of claim 3, wherein the vinyl portion comprises polyvinylchloride.

5. The vinyl tile of claim 1, further comprising a wear layer disposed on a surface of the vinyl portion.

6. The vinyl tile of claim 1, wherein the vinyl portion comprises a vinyl backing layer, a print layer and a clear wear layer.

7. The vinyl tile of claim 6, wherein the vinyl backing layer, the print layer and the clear wear layer are bonded together via hot mold compression.

8. The vinyl tile of claim 1, wherein the coupling feature includes a tongue element or a groove element for engaging a corresponding groove and tongue of an adjacent vinyl tile to couple the vinyl tile to the adjacent vinyl tile.

9. The vinyl tile of claim 8, wherein the tongue and groove elements are formed in the vinyl portion.

10. The vinyl tile of claim 8, wherein the tongue and groove elements incorporate mechanical coupling features so that when the tongue element of the vinyl tile engages the groove element of an adjacent vinyl tile, or when the groove element of the vinyl tile engages the tongue element of the adjacent vinyl tile, the mechanical coupling features lock the vinyl tile to the adjacent vinyl tile.

11. The vinyl tile of claim 10, wherein the tongue and groove elements include corresponding interlocking tabs and spaces.

12. The vinyl tile of claim 8, wherein the tongue and groove elements are arranged and configured to be snap-fitted together.

13. The vinyl tile of claim 1, wherein the adhesive layer is a polyurethane adhesive layer.

14. A method of making a vinyl tile, comprising: providing a vinyl slab portion; providing an acoustical slab portion comprising a mixture of crumb rubber, polyurethane foam and a resin binder; bonding the vinyl slab portion to the acoustical portion; forming one of a tongue element or a groove element into a side of the vinyl tile.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein providing a vinyl slab portion comprises stacking a vinyl backing layer, a print film layer, and a clear wear layer on top of a moldboard and molding the layers together using a hot press.

16. The method of claim 15, further comprising coating the vinyl slab portion with a polyurethane layer.

17. The method of claim 15, wherein providing an acoustical slab portion comprises: mixing the crumb rubber, the polyurethane foam and the resin binder; curing the mixture; cooling the cured mixture to form a cooled roll; and cutting a layer from the cooled roll.

18. The method of claim 14, wherein bonding the vinyl slab portion to the acoustical portion comprises: applying a polyurethane adhesive to a surface of the acoustical slab portion; applying the vinyl slab portion to the adhesive coated surface of the acoustical slab portion; and applying force to the acoustical slab portion and the vinyl slab portion for a predetermined time.

19. The method of claim 17, further comprising pressing the bonded vinyl slab portion and the acoustical slab portion in a press having die, the die cutting the slab into vinyl tiles of a predetermined shape and size.

20. The method of claim 15, wherein the vinyl slab portion comprises polyvinylchloride.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] By way of example, a specific embodiment of the disclosed vinyl tile will now be described, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0017] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of an embodiment of an exemplary vinyl tile according to the disclosure;

[0018] FIG. 2 is a cross-section view of the vinyl tile of FIG. 1;

[0019] FIG. 3A is a partial cross-section view of first and second adjacent vinyl tiles in accordance with FIG. 1 incorporating a side-coupling feature;

[0020] FIG. 3B is a partial cross-section view of adjacent vinyl tiles incorporating an enhanced coupling element for coupling one another;

[0021] FIG. 4 is an exemplary stack-up of layers in a portion of the vinyl tile of FIG. 1;

[0022] FIG. 5 is a schematic of a molding apparatus for forming a portion of the vinyl tile of FIG. 1;

[0023] FIG. 6 is a flow chart illustrating an exemplary method of manufacturing the vinyl tile of FIG. 1;

[0024] FIG. 7 is a flow chart illustrating an exemplary method of manufacturing the vinyl tile of FIG. 1;

[0025] FIG. 8 is a flow chart illustrating an exemplary method of manufacturing the vinyl tile of FIG. 1;

[0026] FIG. 9 is a graph showing impact sound pressure level measurements and ASTM E 989 IIC contour for the exemplary vinyl tile of FIG. 1;

[0027] FIG. 10 is an isometric view of an alternative embodiment of an exemplary vinyl tile according to the disclosure;

[0028] FIG. 11 is a cross-section view of the vinyl tile of FIG. 10;

[0029] FIG. 12 shows the vinyl tile of FIG. 11 applied over a truss-based sub-floor;

[0030] FIG. 13 is a cross-section view of another alternative exemplary vinyl tile according to the disclosure;

[0031] FIG. 14 shows the vinyl tile of FIG. 13 applied over a concrete sub-floor; and

[0032] FIG. 15 is a logic diagram illustrating a method according to the disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] The disclosed vinyl tile comprises a vinyl layer with an integrated sound reducing underlayment permanently attached thereto. The resulting vinyl tile when tested according to ASTM E 2179, ASTM E-492, or ASTM E-1007 and classified using ASTM E 989, meets IIC sound requirements outlined in the International Building Code.

[0034] The disclosed vinyl tile also eliminates the two-step installation process associated with prior vinyl tile flooring systems which require installing an underlayment to the subfloor using a first adhesive, then installing the vinyl tile over the underlayment using a second adhesive. The disclosed tile thus reduces the total time required for installation. In some embodiments, the disclosed vinyl tile includes a combined 60% recycled content. In other embodiments, the disclosed vinyl tile includes an antifungal compound to inhibit the growth of fungus.

[0035] Referring now to FIG. 1, an exemplary vinyl tile 1 includes an upper vinyl portion 2 and a lower acoustical portion 4. The vinyl tile 1 is shown as having a rectangular plank shaped. It will be appreciated, however, that it can be manufactured in any of a variety of desired geometric and non-geometric shapes. Non-limiting examples of such shapes include rectangular planks with a width of 4-inches and a length of 36-inches, rectangular planks with a width of 6-inches and a length of 36-inches, and 18-inch by 18-inch square shapes. It will be appreciated however that the tiles may be manufactured into any size or shape including, for example, tiles of larger dimensions could also be produced.

[0036] The vinyl portion may include a surface wear layer 6 to enhance the wear life of the vinyl portion 2. The surface wear layer 6 may have a thickness of about 0.004 inches to about 0.050 inches. In one embodiment, the surface wear layer may be about 0.008 inches or about 0.012 inches. The surface wear layer 6 may comprise polyvinyl chloride (PVC). In one non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the surface wear layer 6 includes at least 90% PVC.

[0037] The vinyl portion 2 may comprise a polyvinylchloride (PVC) material, while the acoustical portion 4 may, in example embodiments, comprise a combination of crumb rubber and polyurethane. It will be appreciated that the acoustical portion 4 may be formed from any suitable material such as, for example, styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR), thermoplastic rubber (TPR), thermoplastic elastomers (TPE), ethylene-vinyl acetate, polyethylene foam, crosslinked and not crosslinked, etc. The inventor has found that incorporating polyurethane into the acoustical layer, in combination with the crumb rubber component, enhances compatibility between the acoustical portion 4 and the vinyl portion 2. In one non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the acoustical portion 4 comprises about 10-40% crumb rubber, about 60-90% polyurethane foam, and a resin binder. In some embodiments, the crumb rubber component is obtained from recycled tires or sneaker rubber. The polyurethane foam may be an appropriate open cell or closed cell foam. The resin binder may be a polyurethane binder.

[0038] FIG. 2 shows a cross-section of the vinyl tile 1 including vinyl portion 2, adhesive layer 3, acoustical portion 4 and surface wear layer 6. In one embodiment, the vinyl portion 2 has a thickness of between about 3 to 7 millimeters (mm), the acoustical portion 4 may have a thickness of between about 0.5 to 10 mm, and the surface wear layer may be about 0.008 inches or about 0.012 inches. In other embodiments, the vinyl portion 2 may have a thickness of about 3 millimeters (mm), while the acoustical portion 4 may have a thickness of about 3 mm, and the surface wear layer 6 may be about 0.022 inches. These thicknesses are not critical, and other thicknesses may be selected for each portion. As will be described in greater detail later, the acoustical portion 4 is permanently bonded to the vinyl portion 2 using an adhesive that is highly compatible both with the vinyl portion 2 and the acoustical portion 4. Moreover, the acoustical portion 4 may also be highly compatible with the vinyl portion 2 to reduce the chances for delamination and/or degradation of the vinyl portion 2 from the acoustical portion 4 during use. The total thickness of the resulting vinyl tile 1 may be about 5 mm (0.20-inch) and may develop an IIC in accordance with ASTM E 989 of greater than 52.

[0039] FIG. 3A shows partial views of first and second, adjacent exemplary vinyl tiles 1 each including an upper vinyl portion 2 and a lower acoustical portion 4 as previously described. The vinyl tile 1 may include a side-coupling feature 50 formed in the two opposite sides thereof for coupling to an adjacent vinyl tile. The coupling feature 50 may be any now known or hereafter developed coupling feature 50. As shown, the coupling feature 50 may include coupling elements such as, interconnecting tongue and groove elements 51, 52 formed along opposite sides of the vinyl tile 1 so that, in use, adjacent vinyl tiles 1 can be coupled together. In one embodiment, the coupling feature 50 may be formed in the vinyl portion 2 of the tile 1. Alternatively, it is envisioned that the coupling feature 50 may be formed in the lower acoustical portion 4. As will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art, an adhesive (e.g., glue) may be placed within the groove 52 for providing additional coupling. The coupling feature may be formed by any method now known or hereafter developed, for example, the coupling feature may be machined into the vinyl tile. Alternatively, the coupling feature may be molded, bonded, or the like. The coupling feature may be formed in the vinyl tile at any point during the manufacturing process, for example, before or after the vinyl layer is bonded to the acoustic layer.

[0040] Referring to FIG. 3B, the coupling feature 50 may include enhanced coupling elements (e.g., enhanced tongue and groove elements 61, 62) that provides enhanced coupling between adjacent vinyl tiles 1. That is, preferably, the tongue and groove elements 61, 62 may incorporate integrated mechanical coupling elements which prevent adjacent vinyl tiles from drifting apart. In one embodiment, the enhanced coupling elements 61, 62 may be arranged and configured so that they can be snap-fitted together to provide enhance coupling. By integrated mechanical coupling elements, it should be understood that these form a fixed part of the vinyl tile, either by being connected in a fixed manner to the vinyl tile, or by being formed in one piece therewith.

[0041] In one embodiment, the enhanced coupling elements (e.g., enhanced tongue and groove elements 61, 62) include a shape so that adjacent vinyl tiles 1 can be coupled to one another by snapping-together and/or turning after the coupling elements are partially coupled. For example, as shown, the groove element 62 may incorporate an interlocking tab 64 for coupling with a corresponding space 65 formed in the tongue 61. That is, for example, the enhanced coupling elements (e.g., enhanced tongue and groove elements 61, 62) may include interlocking hooks and recesses. Alternatively, and/or in addition, the tongue and groove elements 61, 62 may incorporate corresponding arcuate surfaces, etc., that enable adjacent vinyl tiles 1 to be snap fit together. The enhanced coupling elements (e.g., enhanced tongue and groove elements 61, 62) can be realized in various forms, although the basic forms thereof will be formed by a tongue and a groove.

[0042] Non-limiting examples of the enhanced coupling elements (e.g., enhanced tongue and groove elements 61, 62) include UNICLIC, UNIPUSH and UNIFIT products offered by Unilin; the 2G and 5G products offered by Valinge Innovation AB. Additional information can be found in U.S. Pat. No. 9,290,951, assigned to Unilin Beheer B. V., entitled Floor Panels with Edge Connectors; U.S. Pat. No. 9,528,276, assigned to Valinge Innovation AB, entitled Locking System and Flooring Board; and U.S. Pat. No. 9,567,753, assigned to Valinge Innovation AB, entitled Locking System, Floorboard comprising such a Locking System, as well as Method for Making Floorboards; the entirety of these references is hereby incorporated by reference.

[0043] Although embodiments of the exemplary vinyl tile 1 have been disclosed as including coupling elements for locking adjacent tiles together, it will be appreciated that vinyl tiles according to the disclosure can be manufactured without such coupling elements and may instead be glued or otherwise adhered to a floor structure. Combinations of coupling elements and adhesive arrangements are also contemplated.

[0044] A method for manufacturing the exemplary vinyl tile 1 using a hot press will now be described in relation to FIGS. 4-8. The vinyl portion 2 may include a vinyl backing layer 8, a print film layer 10 applied over the backing layer 8, and a clear wear layer 12 applied over the print film layer 10 (FIG. 4). In one embodiment, the vinyl backing layer 8 is PVC, the print film layer 10 and the clear wear layer 12 are PVC. At step 100 (FIG. 6), the vinyl backing layer 8, print film layer 10, clear wear layer 12 may be stacked in order on top of a moldboard 14. At step 110, a top plate 16 having a desired texture may be placed on top of the assembled layers. This process may be repeated as desired. At step 120 the assembled layers 8, 10, 12 may be placed in a multi-plate hot press 18 (FIG. 5) and molded at a desired temperature and under a desired pressure for a desired time. The temperature may be from about 175 degrees F. to about 325 degrees F. The pressure may be from about 250 psi to about 350 psi. The time may be from about 8 minutes to about 16 minutes. At step 130 the bonded slab may be removed from the press and cooled. At Step 135, if incorporated, the side-coupling feature (tongue and groove elements) may be formed (e.g., cut and profiled). At step 140 a polyurethane or other coating may then be applied to an upper surface of the vinyl portion 2 and cured with ultraviolet light or other appropriate curing technique. At step 150 the bonded and coated vinyl slab (now vinyl portion 2) may be allowed to acclimate at 68 degrees Fahrenheit (+/5 degrees F.) for about 72 hours.

[0045] As previously noted, the acoustical portion 4 may comprise a crumb rubber component, a polyurethane foam component, and a resin binder. In one exemplary embodiment, the base acoustical material may be compounded to consist of 10 to 40 parts crumb rubber, 60 to 90 parts polyurethane foam and a resin binder. At step 200, the mixture may be blended in a mixer until the compound is homogenous. In some embodiments, the crumb rubber and polyurethane may be recycled from post-industrial or post-consumer materials. At step 210 (FIG. 7), the mixture may be introduced into a drum mold. At step 220, heat and pressure may be applied to cure the mixture. In some embodiments, the temperature may be up to about 450 degrees F., the pressure may be up to about 1,200 psi, and the curing time may be up to about 90 minutes. At step 230, the cured mixture may be removed from the mold and allowed to cool as a cured roll. At step 240 layers are cut off the cured roll in a skiving process to obtain an acoustical layer 4 having a thickness of about 0.118-in (3 mm). The acoustical layer 4 may then be cut into slabs of desired size and allowed to acclimate at 68 degrees F. (+/5 degrees F.) for about 48 hours. In some embodiments, the acclimation period could be longer than 48 hours as desired. The acoustical portion 4 may be stored in the same location as the vinyl portion 2 so that the portions acclimate together.

[0046] The vinyl portion 2 and acoustical portion 4 may then be bonded together using a suitable adhesive. At step 300 (FIG. 8), the adhesive may be applied on a double drum mill. The adhesive may be heated on the double drum mill to allow the carrier to flash more quickly. In one embodiment, the adhesive is a polyurethane adhesive, which may prevent any reaction between the acoustical layer 4 and the vinyl portion 2. At step 310, the drum mill is opened to allow the adhesive to flow evenly onto an upper surface of the acoustical portion 4 as the acoustical portion 4 passes under the mill opening. To facilitate this, the acoustical portion 4 may be carried along on an open metal belt conveyer. At step 320, the vinyl portion 2 may be placed onto the adhesive coated surface of the rubber backing and, at step 330, the combined portions may be rolled in a pinch roller to ensure a desired spread and transfer of the adhesive to the adjoining surfaces of the portions 2, 4. In one embodiment, the pinch roller applies a pressure of about 150 psi to the combined portions. At step 340, the bonded slab assembly (containing bonded layers 2, 4) may then be placed on a flat surface. This process may be repeated until a desired quantity of bonded slab assemblies is produced or a maximum height of 38 inches is achieved. At step 350, a top plate may be placed on the assembled stack and weighted. At step 360, the assembled stack may be allowed to acclimate at 68 degrees F. (+/5 degrees F.) for about 48 hours. This acclimation may allow the bonded assembly to equalize any stress in the material prior to cutting to size. This acclimation may also facilitate the dimensional stability of the finished product. At step 370 the acclimated bonded slabs may be inspected and placed in a press, which in one embodiment is a 150-ton clicker press. The press may have a die installed that cuts the slab into vinyl tiles 1 of a predetermined shape and size. Each cut vinyl tile may then be inspected visually for pattern and surface defects. The cut pieces can be placed on a smooth glass surface and inspected for gauge. The cut and inspected vinyl tiles 1 may then be packaged and stored for use.

[0047] Although the method has been described in relation to a hot-press technique, it will be appreciated that the disclosed vinyl tiles 1 may also be manufactured in through an in-line or other lamination line process.

Testing

[0048] Impact Sound Transmission Test and Classification was performed on an exemplary vinyl tile 1 installed over a wood joist floor/ceiling assembly. The specimen was tested in accordance with the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) designation ASTM E492-09, titled Standard Test Method for Laboratory Measurement of Impact Sound Transmission Through Floor-Ceiling Assemblies Using the Tapping Machine. It was classified in accordance with ASTM E989-06, entitled, Standard Classification for Determination of Impact Insulation Class (IIC).

[0049] This method measures the impact sound transmission performance of a floor/ceiling assembly, in a controlled laboratory environment. A standard tapping machine (B & K Type 3207) was placed at four positions on a test floor that forms the horizontal separation between two rooms, one directly above the other. The data obtained was normalized to a reference room absorption of 10 square meters in accordance with the test method.

[0050] The standard also prescribes a single-figure classification rating called Impact Insulation Class, IIC which can be used by architects, builders and code authorities for acoustical design purposes in building construction.

[0051] The IIC is obtained by matching a standard reference contour to the plotted normalized one third octave band sound pressure levels at each test frequency. The greater the IIC rating, the lower the impact sound transmission through the floor-ceiling assembly.

[0052] The test floor consisted of a 100-sq. ft. opening that forms the horizontal separation of the two rooms, one directly above the other. The structural members are open webbed wood floor trusses, 16 inches deep installed 24 inches on center. The sub flooring is -inch-thick plywood. The bridging is a continuous 24 nailed to the bottom chord and the sides of the diagonals with 2-inch-long nails. Single leaf RC-1 acoustical channels (2 inch inch) were spaced 16 inches on center and attached to the bottom chord by screws. The insulation is 5 inches of fiberglass. The ceiling is gypsum board, inches thick, with the long edges located between the joists perpendicular to the acoustical channels. Short edges are staggered by 4 ft. Sheets are fastened to the acoustical channels by means of 1 inch screws located inch away from the edge and 3 inches from the long edges; screws are spaced 6 inches on center. Joints are taped and finished with two layers of compound.

[0053] The exemplary vinyl tile 1 measured 6 inches wide by 36 inches long by 0.20 inches thick. The flooring weighed 0.65 lbs./sq. ft.

Test Results

[0054] The data obtained in the room below the panel normalized to Ao=10 square meters, is as follows:

TABLE-US-00001 Octave Octave Band Band Center Sound Pressure Level Frequency Hz dB re 0.0002 Microbar 100 66 125 60 160 60 200 62 250 63 315 61 400 60 500 56 630 49 800 40 1000 27 1250 22 1600 20 2000 18 2500 17 3150 13 Impact 54 Insulation Class (IIC)

[0055] The 95% uncertainty level for each tapping machine location is less than 3 dB for the octave bands centered in the range from 100 to 400 Hz and less than 2.5 dB for the bands centered in the range from 500 to 3150 Hz.

[0056] For the floor/ceiling construction, the 95% uncertainty limits for the normalized sound pressure levels were determined to be less than 2 dB for the octave bands centered in the range from 100 to 3500.

[0057] FIG. 9 shows the results from testing in which impact sound pressure level and IIC contour are plotted for the exemplary vinyl tile 1. The generally accepted minimum passing limit for a floor ceiling assembly is an IIC of 50 or above. As can be seen, the exemplary vinyl tile 1 exhibited an IIC of 54.

[0058] Referring to FIGS. 10-15, alternate embodiments of an exemplary vinyl tile are disclosed. Similar to the embodiments described above in relation to FIGS. 1-9, the exemplary vinyl tiles described in connection with FIGS. 10-15 may incorporate a side-coupling feature as described above in connection with FIGS. 3A and 3B.

[0059] Similar to the embodiments described above in relation to FIGS. 1-9, the disclosed vinyl tile may include a vinyl layer with an integrated sound reducing underlayment permanently attached thereto. The resulting floor/ceiling assembly including the tile meets one or more of ASTM E 2179, ASTM E 989, ASTM E 492, and ASTM E1007 IIC sound requirements. The disclosed vinyl tile includes a customizable sound reducing underlayment (referred to as an acoustical layer or acoustical portion) that is selected for the particular sub-floor system that includes the floor/ceiling assembly design with this which the tile will be used. The disclosed tile thus provides a desired level of sound dampening that is not achievable with prior standard tiles. The acoustical layer includes a plurality of sub-layers that can be formulated from different materials, and provided in different thicknesses, to provide superior sound dampening characteristics based on the associated sub-floor system that includes the floor/ceiling assembly design. In some embodiments, the disclosed vinyl tile includes recycled content. In other embodiments, the disclosed vinyl tile includes an antifungal compound to inhibit the growth of fungus.

[0060] Referring to FIG. 10, an exemplary vinyl tile 400 includes an upper vinyl portion 402 and a lower acoustical portion 404. Although the vinyl tile 400 is shown as having a rectangular plank shape, it will be appreciated that tiles according to the disclosure can be manufactured in any of a variety of desired geometric and non-geometric shapes. Non-limiting examples of such shapes include rectangular planks with a width of 4-inches and a length of 36-inches, rectangular planks with a width of 6-inches and a length of 36-inches, and 18-inch by 18-inch square shapes.

[0061] The vinyl portion 402 may include a surface wear layer 406 to enhance the wear life of the vinyl portion. The surface wear layer 406 may have a thickness of about 0.004 inches to about 0.050 inches. In one embodiment, the surface wear layer 406 may be about 0.008 inches or about 0.012 inches. The surface wear layer 406 may comprise polyvinyl chloride (PVC). In one non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the surface wear layer 406 includes at least 90% PVC. The vinyl portion 402 may comprise a polyvinylchloride (PVC) material. The acoustical portion 404 may comprise a plurality of layers including a variety of different sound dampening materials, as will be described in greater detail later. The vinyl portion 402 may be bonded to the acoustical portion 404 using a suitable adhesive 408.

[0062] FIG. 11 shows a cross-section of the vinyl tile 400. This exemplary embodiment includes a vinyl portion 402 (with surface wear layer 406) and an acoustical portion 404 that includes first and second sub-layers 404a, 404b. The vinyl portion 402 can be bonded to the first sub-layer 404a by adhesive layer 408, while the first and second sub-layers 404a, 404b can be bonded together by adhesive layer 410. It will be appreciated that in some embodiments the layers may be bonded to each other without adhesive, such as by heat bonding or the like.

[0063] The acoustical portion 404 (including its sub-layers) can be permanently bonded to the vinyl portion 402 using an adhesive layer 408 material that is highly compatible both with the vinyl portion 402 and the first sub-layer 404a. Likewise, the material making up the first sub-layer 404a may be highly compatible with the vinyl portion 402 to reduce the chances for de-lamination and/or degradation of the vinyl portion 402 from the acoustical portion 404 during extended use. The same may be true of the compatibility of the adhesive layer 410 and the first and second sub-layers 404a, 404b to ensure long term durability of the resulting tile 400.

[0064] In the illustrated embodiment, the vinyl portion 402 has a thickness of about 2 millimeters (mm), while the acoustical portion 404 has a combined thickness of about 4 mm. The sub-layers 404a, 404b are shown as having thicknesses of 2 mm each. It will be understood that these thicknesses are merely exemplary, and that different individual layer thicknesses can be used to suit a particular application, as will be explained.

[0065] As previously noted, it is desirable that the actual composition of layers within the tile 400 be variable so as to be customizable to the particular flooring application. That is to say that different sub-floor structures can require different combinations of acoustical portion sub-layer gauges, thicknesses and materials in order to achieve specific construction demands of a particular building. It will be appreciated that modern construction methods include the manufacture of buildings having concrete sub-flooring (six-inch concrete, light concrete, etc.), and a wide variety of different truss-based sub-floor systems (metal trusses, wooden trusses, and combinations thereof). In addition, a single building may include multiple different sub-floor types, each of which can have a different acoustical response. As will be appreciated, in vinyl tiles 400 used with each of these different sub-flooring types may need to include a customized acoustical portion 404 in order to provide desired sound dampening in such buildings.

[0066] Thus, to accommodate these applications, the acoustical portion 404 may include a plurality of sub-layers 404a-404n of sound dampening material. Although the illustrated embodiments include two sub-layers (404a, 404b) it will be appreciated that more than two sub-layers (i.e., up to n sub-layers) as desired to suit the application. In addition, although the illustrated embodiments show individual sub-layers 404a, 404b having respective thicknesses of 2 mm, that other thicknesses may also be used. The individual materials used to form the sub-layers 404a-404n may be formulated to minimize sound impact transmissions at specific frequencies. Likewise, the thicknesses of the sub-layers 404a-404n may be selected to work in combination with the individual sub-layer material types to minimize sound impact transmissions at specific frequencies. By structuring the acoustical layers according to the particular type of sub-floor assembly, sound reduction can be fine-tuned for a particular structure.

[0067] As can be seen in FIG. 11, sound (represented by arrows A) is transmitted through the vinyl portion 402. The sound (represented by arrows B) is then transmitted through the first sub-layer 404a. The sound (represented by arrows C) is finally transmitted through the second sub-layer 404b at a third frequency and magnitude. The resulting tile 400 meets ASTM E 2179 IIC sound requirements. As the sound moves through each layer 402, 404a, 404b, sound at various frequencies is reduced and absorbed.

[0068] A non-limiting exemplary listing of appropriate sub-layer materials include the following:

[0069] 1) Rubber layers;

[0070] 2) Rubber and cork formulated together;

[0071] 3) Rubber and polyurethane (PU) foam formulated together;

[0072] 4) PU Foam and cork formulated together; and the like.

[0073] The above, and other, materials can be provided in a variety of different densities, multiple thicknesses, and may include one or more fiber components.

[0074] Each of the sub-layers 404a-404n may have a thickness in the range of about 0.5 mm to about 5.5 mm. The thickness of the assembled layers (i.e., total thickness of the acoustical portion 404) may be between about 2.5 mm to about 6 mm. As previously noted, the number of sub-layers can be as few as two, but is not limited to several as the requirements are met for a particular need. The layers are bonded together with specific adhesives in various ways depending on the composition of the layers. A non-limiting exemplary listing of such adhesives includes cyanoacrylate, latex, acrylic, epoxy and the like.

[0075] In some embodiments, incorporating polyurethane into one or more of the sub-layers 404a-404n can enhance compatibility between the acoustical portion 404 and the vinyl portion 402. In one non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the acoustical portion 404 comprises about 10-40% crumb rubber, about 60-90% polyurethane foam, and a resin binder. In some embodiments, the crumb rubber component is obtained from recycled tires or sneaker rubber. The polyurethane foam may be an appropriate open cell or closed cell foam, while the resin binder may be a polyurethane binder.

[0076] As noted, different sub-floor systems that includes the floor/ceiling assembly structures transmit sound differently, and thus it can be desirable to customize the individual sub-layers 404a-404n of a vinyl tile 400 to suit the application. FIG. 12 shows the vinyl tile 400 of FIG. 11 applied over a wood truss sub-floor assembly 412. As can be seen, a wood truss sub-floor assembly 412 might be made of a variety of different burling materials, including plywood sheathing 414, wood beams 416, metal fastening plates 418, gypsum board 420 (where the sub-floor forms part of an adjoining ceiling, as in the illustrated embodiment), resilient channels 422, etc. As will be appreciated, wood trusses tend to deflect and require backings that take such flexure into account. Thus, in the FIG. 12 embodiment, the acoustical portion 404 includes a first sub-layer 404a comprising a rubber material, and a second sub-layer 404b comprising a combination of rubber and cork. Each of the sub-layers 404a, 404b of this embodiment are about 2 mm thick, and are adhered together using any of a variety of appropriate adhesives, as previously described.

[0077] FIG. 13 shows an exemplary alternative floor tile 500 that includes a vinyl portion 502, and an acoustical portion 504 adhered thereto using an adhesive layer 508. In this embodiment, the acoustical portion 504 again includes first and second sub-layers 504a, 504b. By contrast to the prior embodiment, however, the first sub-layer 504a comprises a cork and rubber combination, while the second sub-layer 504b comprises a rubber layer. As shown in FIG. 14, this alternative tile may be appropriate for use with a concrete sub-floor 532. Since concrete is more homogenous and rigid than the previously described wooden truss floor assembly 512, it can transmit more sound at some frequencies than others.

[0078] Referring now to FIG. 15, a method for designing, manufacturing, and applying a vinyl tile 400, 500 to suit a particular flooring application will now be described. At step 600, the design of a particular sub-floor system that includes the floor/ceiling assembly to which the vinyl tile 400, 500 will be applied is determined. At step 610, an acoustical portion is designed to include n individual sub-layers where n is a number greater than 1. The number n of individual sub-layers is selected based on the design of the sub-floor. At step 620 each the n sub-layers are selected to comprise a particular material. The particular material selected for each individual sub-layer is based on the design of the sub-floor system that includes the floor/ceiling assembly and the number n of sub-layers. At step 630, each of the n sub-layers are selected to have a particular thickness, where the thickness of each sub-layer is selected based on the design of the sub-floor, the number n of sub-layers and the material of each of the sub-layers. At step 640, the n individual sub-layers are bonded together. At step 650, the bonded sub-layers are bonded to a vinyl tile portion. At step 660, the vinyl tile is applied to the sub-floor.

[0079] While certain embodiments of the disclosure have been described herein, it is not intended that the disclosure be limited thereto, as it is intended that the disclosure be as broad in scope as the art will allow and that the specification be read likewise. Therefore, the above description should not be construed as limiting, but merely as exemplifications of particular embodiments. Those skilled in the art will envision additional modifications, features, and advantages within the scope and spirit of the claims appended hereto.