US Patent 7346967 Process for producing a floor covering

A process is provided for producing a multi-layered flat fibrous structure, especially a floor covering, having a surface or wear layer, a base or carrier layer and optionally further layers. The base or carrier layer is first produced from a multi-layered non-woven fabric in a mechanical non-woven formation device. Elements forming the surface or wear layer are then applied to the base or carrier layer. Before application, a distribution of the elements which differ in terms of their geometrical shape is standardized in such a way that the surface or wear layer is substantially repeat-free. The elements forming the surface or wear layer are then joined at least to the base or carrier layer.