Non-skid underlayment

Abstract

Described are flooring systems which include an underlayment material that has a non-skid surface. The non-skid performance may arise from frictional properties, as opposed to adhesive properties. Such a flooring system may include a top flooring layer, a subfloor, and an underlayment material disposed between the subfloor and the top flooring layer. Methods for a non-skid underlayment are disclosed herein, as well as methods of manufacture. The underlayment material may comprise at least one layer and a non-skid surface for engaging the subfloor, the surface comprising thermoplastic rubber.

1 . A flooring system, comprising:
 a top flooring layer;   a subfloor; and   an underlayment material disposed between the subfloor and the top flooring layer, wherein the underlayment material comprises:
 at least one layer; and 
 a non-skid surface disposed on the layer for engaging the subfloor, the surface comprising thermoplastic rubber. 
   
     
     
         2 . The flooring system of  claim 1 , wherein the layer of the underlayment material is a cross-linked polyolefin foam. 
     
     
         3 . The flooring system of  claim 2 , wherein the cross-linked polyolefin foam is produced from a resin composition comprising a blend of polyethylene and polypropylene. 
     
     
         4 . The flooring system of  claim 1 , wherein the layer of the underlayment material is a non-cross-linked foam. 
     
     
         5 . The flooring system of  claim 4 , wherein the non-cross-linked foam is a polyolefin foam. 
     
     
         6 . The flooring system of  claim 4 , wherein the non-cross-linked foam consists essentially of polyethylene. 
     
     
         7 . The flooring system of  claim 1 , further comprising a non-woven layer laminated to the layer of the underlayment material. 
     
     
         8 . The flooring system of  claim 1 , wherein the surface is on both surfaces of the underlayment material. 
     
     
         9 . A flooring system, comprising:
 a top flooring layer;   a subfloor; and   an underlayment material disposed between the subfloor and the top flooring layer, wherein the underlayment material comprises:
 at least one polyolefin layer; 
 a non-woven layer; and 
 a non-skid surface disposed on the polyolefin layer for engaging the subfloor, the surface comprising thermoplastic rubber. 
   
     
     
         10 . The flooring system of  claim 9 , wherein the at least one polyolefin layer is a cross-linked polyolefin foam. 
     
     
         11 . The flooring system of  claim 10 , wherein the cross-linked polyolefin foam comprises a blend of polyethylene and polypropylene. 
     
     
         12 . The flooring system of  claim 9 , wherein the at least one polyolefin layer is a non-cross-linked polyolefin foam that consists essentially of polyethylene. 
     
     
         13 . The flooring system of  claim 9 , wherein the underlayment material includes at least one of an anti-microbial additive, a flame retardant additive, and an adhesion promoter. 
     
     
         14 . The flooring system of  claim 9 , wherein at least one polyolefin layer is partially debossed. 
     
     
         15 . A method, comprising:
 placing an underlayment material between a subfloor and a top flooring layer, wherein the underlayment material comprises a non-skid surface for engaging the subfloor, the surface comprising thermoplastic rubber.   
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein the thermoplastic rubber provides a frictional resistance to movement for the underlayment material relative to at least one of the subfloor and the top flooring layer. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein the thermoplastic rubber does not provide an adhesive resistance to movement for the underlayment material relative to at least one of the subfloor and the top flooring layer. 
     
     
         18 . An underlayment material for placing between a subfloor and a top flooring layer, wherein the underlayment material comprises:
 a non-skid surface for engaging the subfloor, the surface comprising thermoplastic rubber.   
     
     
         19 . The underlayment material of  claim 18 , wherein the underlayment material comprises a film that has been treated with the surface laminated to a foam layer. 
     
     
         20 . The underlayment material of  claim 19 , wherein the film is a polyethylene film or a polypropylene film.