System and method for floor covering installation
2 claims: 2 independent, 0 dependent
- 1REIVINDICAÇÕES 1. Conector para conectar ladrilhos modulares, cada ladrilho possuindo um lado de baixo, o conector compreendendo:a. uma película;b. um adesivo em um lado de uma película, em que o adesivo é capaz de formar uma união com os lados de baixo dos ladrilhos, de modo que quando um conector transpõem bordas adjacentes de ladrilhos adjacentes de modo que o adesivo entra em contato com os lados de baixo de ladrilhos adjacentes, o adesivo impede o movimento relativo entre os ladrilhos adjacentes;e c. um componente condutivo localizado na película. 2. Conector, de acordo com a reivindicação 1, em que o componente condutivo está localizado no mesmo lado da película que a camada de adesivo. 3. Conector, de acordo com a reivindicação 1, em que o componente condutivo compreende cobre. 4. Instalação de cobertura de piso, compreendendo: a. vários ladrilhos, cada ladrilho possuindo um lado de baixo e bordas, posicionados em uma superfície dé assoalho;e b. conectores posicionados para transporem bordas adjacentes de pelo menos alguns ladrilhos adjacentes, os conectores compreendendo: i. uma película;ii. um adesivo em um lado de uma película, em que o adesivo entra em contato com os lados de baixo dos pelos menos alguns ladrilhos adjacentes;e iii. um componente condutivo que entra em contato com os lados de baixo dos pelos menos alguns ladrilhos adjacentes. 5. Instalação de cobertura de assoalho, compreendendo: a. um substrato intermediário posicionado em uma superfície de assoalho, mas não conectado à superfície de assoalho;b. vários ladrilhos, cada ladrilho possuindo um lado de baixo e bordas, em que os ladrilhos são posicionados na parte de cima do substrato intermediário, mas não conectados ao substrato intermediário;e c. conectores posicionados para transporem bordas adjacentes dos pelos menos alguns ladrilhos adjacentes, os conectores compreendendo: i. uma película do conector;e ii. um adesivo em um lado de uma película, em que o adesivo entra em contato com os lados de baixo dos pelos menos alguns ladrilhos adjacentes. 6. Sistema de assoalho, como definido na reivindicação 5, em que o substrato intermediário compreende uma película de forração. 7. Sistema de assoalho, de acordo com a reivindicação 6, em que a película de forração compreende material polimérico. 8. Sistema de assoalho, de acordo com a reivindicação 6, em que a película de forração é impermeável à umidade. 9. Sistema de assoalho, de acordo com a reivindicação 6, em que a película de forração compreende um primeiro lado e um segundo lado, cada lado possuindo um coeficiente de fricção, em que o coeficiente de fricção do primeiro lado é maior do que o coeficiente de fricção do segundo lado. 10. Sistema de assoalho, de acordo com a reivindicação 9, em que os ladrilhos são posicionados na parte de cima do segundo lado da película de forração. 11. Sistema de assoalho, de acordo com a reivindicação 6, em que a película de forração possui uma espessura entre cerca de 25,4 micrômetros e cerca de 40 micrômetros (1/1000 polegadas e cerca de 40/1000 polegadas). 12. Sistema de assoalho, de acordo com a reivindicação 5, em que o substrato intermediário compreende um acolchoado. 13. Sistema de assoalho, de acordo com reivindicação 12, em que o acolchoado compreende pelo menos um dentre espuma, borracha, cortiça, tecido entrelaçado, tecido não-trançado, ou tecido com feltro. 14. Sistema de assoalho, de acordo com a reivindicação 12, em que o acolchoado é impermeável à umidade. 15. Sistema de assoalho, de acordo com a reivindicação 5, em que o substrato intermediário compreende uma película de forração posicionada na superfície do assoalho e um acolchoado posicionado na parte de cima da película de forração. 16. Sistema de assoalho, de acordo com a reivindicação 15, em que pelo menos um dentre a película de forração e o acolchoado é impermeável à umidade. 17. Sistema de assoalho, de acordo com a reivindicação 5, em que o substrato intermediário compreende um acolchoado composto compreendendo uma primeira camada ligada com uma segunda camada, em que a primeira camada compreende um acolchoado e a segunda camada é mais rígida do que a primeira camada. 18. Sistema de assoalho, de acordo com a reivindicação 17, em que pelo menos um componente de segurar se projeta a partir de um lado da segunda camada. 19. Sistema de assoalho, de acordo com a reivindicação 18, em que a superfície do assoalho compreende uma superfície com tapete e o acolchoado composto é posicionado na parte de cima da superfície com tapete de modo que pelo menos um componente de segurar engate com a superfície com tapete. 20. Conector para conectar ladrilhos modulares, cada ladrilho possuindo um lado de baixo, o conector compreendendo: a. uma película;b. um transponder de radiofrequência ligado à película;e c. um adesivo em um lado de uma película, onde o adesivo é capaz de formar uma união com os lados de baixo dos ladrilhos de modo que, quando um conector transpõem bordas adjacentes de ladrilhos adjacentes de modo que o adesivo entre em contato com os lados de baixo dos ladrilhos adjacentes, o adesivo impede o movimento relativo entre os ladrilhos adjacentes. 21. Conector, de acordo com a reivindicação 20, em que o transponder de radiofrequência é impresso na película. 22. Conector, de acordo com a reivindicação 20, em que o transponder de radiofrequência é embutido na película. 23. Instalação de cobertura de piso, compreendendo: a. vários ladrilhos, cada ladrilho possuindo um lado de baixo e bordas, posicionados em uma superfície de assoalho;e b. conectores posicionados para transporem bordas adjacentes de pelo menos alguns ladrilhos adjacentes, os conectores compreendendo: i. uma película;ii. um transponder de radiofrequência ligado à película;e iii. um adesivo em um lado de uma película, em que o adesivo entra em contato com os lados de baixo dos pelos menos alguns ladrilhos adjacentes. 24. Instalação de cobertura de piso, de acordo com a reivindicação 23, em que um dos conectores transpõem cantos adjacentes de dois ou mais ladrilhos. 25. Instalação de cobertura de piso, de acordo com a reivindicação 23, em que um dos conectores transpõem cantos adjacentes de quatro ladrilhos. 26. Instalação de cobertura de piso, de acordo com a reivindicação 23, em que um dos conectores transpõem menos do que todos as interseções nas quais cantos de quatro ladrilhos adjacentes se encontram. 27. Instalação de cobertura de piso, de acordo com a reivindicação 23, em que um dos conectores transpõem cada interseção na qual cantos de quatro ladrilhos adjacentes se encontram. 28. Instalação de cobertura de piso, de acordo com a reivindicação 23, em que os conectores posicionados para transporem bordas adjacentes de pelo menos alguns ladrilhos adjacentes são espaçados uns dos outros para formar um arranjo regularmente espaçado. 29. Método para cobrir um piso, o método compreendendo: a. posicionar vários ladrilhos adjacentes uns aos outros em uma superfície de assoalho, cada ladrilho possuindo um lado de baixo e bordas;e b. posicionar conectores para transporem bordas adjacentes de pelo menos alguns ladrilhos adjacentes, os conectores compreendendo: (i) uma película;(ii) e um transponder de radiofrequência adjacente à película, e (iii) um adesivo em um lado de uma película;em que o adesivo entra em contato com os iados de baixo dos pelos menos alguns ladrilhos adjacentes. 30. Método para cobrir um piso, de acordo com a reivindicação 29, em que posicionar conectores para transporem bordas adjacentes de pelo menos alguns ladrilhos adjacentes adicionalmente compreende posicionar pelo menos alguns dos conectores para transporem cantos adjacentes de dois ou mais ladrilhos. 31. Método para cobrir um piso, de acordo com a reivindicação 29, em que posicionar conectores para transpor bordas adjacentes de pelo menos alguns ladrilhos adjacentes compreende posicionar pelo menos alguns dos conectores para transporem cantos adjacentes de quatro ladrilhos. 32. Método para cobrir um piso, de acordo com a reivindicação 29, em que posicionar conectores para transporem bordas adjacentes de pelo menos alguns ladrilhos adjacentes compreende posicionar pelo menos alguns dos conectores para transporem cada uma de algumas interseções nas quais cantos de quatro ladrilhos adjacentes se encontram. 33. Método para cobrir um piso, de acordo com a reivindicação 29, em que posicionar conectores para transporem bordas adjacentes de pelo menos alguns ladrilhos adjacentes compreende posicionar pelo menos alguns dos conectores para transporem cada interseção na qual cantos de quatro ladrilhos adjacentes se encontram. 34. Método para cobrir um piso, de acordo com a reivindicação 29, em que posicionar conectores para transporem bordas adjacentes de pelo menos alguns ladrilhos adjacentes adicionalmente compreende espaçar pelo menos alguns dos conectores um do outro para formar uma grade. 35. Método, de acordo com a reivindicação 29, em que um transponder de radiofrequência de um ou mais conectores opera utilizando uma frequência diferente de um transponder de radiofrequência em outros dos conectores. 36. Método, de acordo com a reivindicação 29, em que cada um dos conectores compreende vários transponders de radiofrequência operando em diferentes frequências. 37. Método para utilizar transponders de radiofrequência em uma cobertura de piso, o método compreendendo: formar uma cobertura de piso por (a) posicionar vários ladrilhos adjacentes uns aos outros em uma superfície de assoalho, cada ladrilho possuindo um lado de baixo e bordas;e (b) posicionar conectores para transporem bordas adjacentes de pelo menos alguns ladrilhos adjacentes, cada conector compreendendo: (i) uma película;(ii) e um transponder de radiofrequência;e (iii) um adesivo em um lado de uma película;em que o adesivo entra em contato com os lados de baixo dos pelos menos alguns ladrilhos adjacentes;e utilizar uma leitora de radiofrequência para ler um ou mais transponders de radiofrequência. 38. Método, de acordo com a reivindicação 37, adicionalmente compreendendo identificar uma localização de cada transponder de radiofrequência. 39. Método, de acordo com a reivindicação 38, adicionalmente compreendendo determinar um mapa de transponders de radiofrequência. 40. Método, de acordo com a reivindicação 37, em que os conectores formam uma grade. 41. Método, de acordo com a reivindicação 37, adicionalmente compreendendo determinar uma posição de uma pessoa ou peça de equipamento utilizando a leitora de radiofrequência. 42. Método, de acordo com a reivindicação 37, adicionalmente compreendendo rastrear um movimento de pessoa ou equipamento utilizando a leitora de radiofrequência. 43. Método, de acordo com a reivindicação 37, adicionalmente compreendendo guiar uma pessoa ou uma peça de equipamento para uma localização utilizando a leitora de radiofrequência. 44. Método, de acordo com a reivindicação 37, em que a leitora de radiofrequência é colocada em uma máquina de limpeza. 45. Método, de acordo com a reivindicação 44, em que a leitora de radiofrequência é programada com uma sequência de números de transponder de radiofrequência e utilizada para guiar a máquina de limpeza de acordo com a sequência. 46. Método, de acordo com a reivindicação 45, em que os números de transponder de radiofrequência correspondendo às localizações de tráfego mais elevado aparecem com mais frequência na sequência do que números de transponder de radiofrequência correspondendo às localizações de trafego mais baixo. 47. Método, de acordo com a reivindicação 37, em que a leitora de radiofrequência é colocada em um robô utilizado para localização ou navegação de equipamento. 48. Método, de acordo com a reivindicação 37, adicionalmente compreendendo gravar informação de histórico de localização a cerca da leitora de radiofrequência por gravar os transponders de radiofrequência lidos pela leitora de radiofrequência. 49. Método, de acordo com a reivindicação 48, em que a leitora de radiofrequência é utilizada com um dispositivo de limpeza e a informação de histórico de localização compreende informação de um histórico de limpeza. 50. Método, de acordo com a reivindicação 48, em que o histórico de localização é armazenado na leitora de radiofrequência para posterior transferência para o sistema de controle. 51. Método, de acordo com a reivindicação 48, em que a leitora de radiofrequência transmite para um sistema de controle o transponder de radiofrequência do conector que ela lê. 52. Método, de acordo com a reivindicação 37, adicionalmente compreendendo gravar informação de localização e tempo em relação à leitora de radiofrequência. 53. Método, de acordo com a reivindicação 52, adicionalmente compreendendo utilizar a informação de localização e de tempo para determinar informação a cerca de fluxo de tráfego. 54. Método, de acordo com a reivindicação 52, adicionalmente compreendendo utilizar a informação de localização e de tempo para determinar por quanto tempo uma leitora de radiofrequência esteve em uma área. 55. Método para instalar transponders de radiofrequência em uma edificação, o método compreendendo: (a) posicionar vários ladrilhos de cobertura de piso adjacentes uns aos outros em uma superfície de piso na edificação, cada ladrilho possuindo um lado de baixo, bordas e cantos;e (b) posicionar, sob cantos dos ladrilhos de ladrilho justaposto, montagens de transponder de radiofrequência compreendendo: (i) uma película;(ii) um transponder de radiofrequência adjacente à película;e (iii) um adesivo em um lado de uma película, em que o adesivo entra em contato com os lados de baixo dos pelos menos alguns ladrilhos adjacentes. 56. Método para instalar um arranjo plano de transponders de radiofrequência regularmente espaçados em uma edificação, o método compreendendo: (a) posicionar vários ladrilhos de cobertura de piso adjacentes uns aos outros em uma superfície de piso na edificação, cada ladrilho possuindo um lado de baixo, bordas e cantos;e (b) posicionar, sob e próximo de cantos de ladrilho justapostos regularmente espaçados dos ladrilhos, montagens de transponder de radiofrequência, compreendendo: (i) uma película;(ii) um transponder de radiofrequência ligado à película;e (iii) um adesivo em um lado de uma película, em que o adesivo entra em contato com os lados de baixo dos pelos menos alguns ladrilhos adjacentes. 57. Método, de acordo com a reivindicação 56, em que as montagens de transponder de radiofrequência são posicionadas próximas de todas as localizações possuindo quatro cantos justapostos. 58. Método, de acordo com a reivindicação 56, em que as montagens de transponder de radiofrequência são posicionadas próximas de menos do que todas as localizações possuindo quatro cantos justapostos. 59. Método para estabelecer um arranjo de transponders de radiofrequência em localizações conhecidas em uma edificação, o método compreendendo: (a) instalar um arranjo plano de transponders de radiofrequência regularmente espaçados em uma edificação, o método compreendendo: (i) posicionar vários ladrilhos de cobertura de piso adjacentes uns aos outros em uma superfície de piso na edificação, cada ladrilho possuindo um lado de baixo, bordas e cantos;e (i) posicionar, sob e próximo de cantos de ladrilho justapostos, regularmente espaçados, montagens de transponder de radiofrequência compreendendo: (1) uma película;
- 2(2) um transponder de radiofrequência ligado à película; e (3) um adesivo em um lado da película, em que o adesivo entra em contato com os lados de baixo dos cantos de ladrilho; e (b) percorrer o arranjo de transponders de radiofrequência regularmente espaçados com uma leitora de radiofrequência e criar uma coleção de dados correlacionando informação de identificação em relação aos transponders de radiofrequência e as localizações destes transponders de radiofrequência dentro da edificação. 60. Conector para conectar ladrilhos modulares, cada ladrilho possuindo um lado de baixo, o conector compreendendo:a. uma película;b. um adesivo em um lado de uma película, em que o adesivo é capaz de formar uma união com os lados de baixo dos ladrilhos de modo que, quando um conector transpõem bordas adjacentes de ladrilhos adjacentes de modo que o adesivo entre em contato com os lados de baixo dos ladrilhos adjacentes, o adesivo impede o movimento relativo entre os ladrilhos adjacentes;e c. um sensor químico para monitorar conteúdo de umidade de um piso subjacentes. 61. Método, de acordo com a reivindicação 60, em que o sensor químico é configurado para proporcionar informação para um transponder de radiofrequência. 62. Método, de acordo com a reivindicação 60, em que o sensor químico é configurado para transmitir um sinal sem uso de fios se o conteúdo de umidade estiver acima de um nível predeterminado. 63. Conector para conectar ladrilhos modulares, cada ladrilho possuindo um lado de baixo, o conector compreendendo: a. uma película;b. um adesivo em um lado de uma película, em que o adesivo é capaz de formar uma união com os lados de baixo dos ladrilhos de modo que, quando um conector transpõem bordas adjacentes de ladrilhos adjacentes de modo que o adesivo entra em contato com os lados de baixo de ladrilhos adjacentes, o adesivo impede movimento relativo entre os ladrilhos adjacentes;e c. um sensor de pressão. 64. Método, de acordo com a reivindicação 63, em que o sensor de pressão é configurado para proporcionar informação para um transponder de radiofrequência. 65. Método, de acordo com a reivindicação 63, em que o sensor de pressão é configurado para transmitir um sinal sem uso de fios se a pressão estiver acima de um nível predeterminado. 66. Conector para conectar ladrilhos modulares, cada ladrilho possuindo um iado de baixo, o conector compreendendo: a. uma película;b. um adesivo em um lado de uma película, em que o adesivo é capaz de formar uma união com os lados de baixo dos ladrilhos de modo que, quando um conector transpõem bordas adjacentes de ladrilhos adia11 centes de modo que o adesivo entra em contato com os lados de baixo dos ladrilhos adjacentes, o adesivo impede o movimento relativo entre os ladrilhos adjacentes;e c. um sensor capaz de perceber um ou mais entre pressão, umi5 dade, pH, e temperatura. 67. Método, de acordo com a reivindicação 66, em que o sensor é configurado para proporcionar informação para um transponder de radiofrequência. 68. Método, de acordo com a reivindicação 66, em que o sensor 10 é configurado para transmitir um sinal sem uso de fios se o sinal estiver acima ou abaixo de um nível predeterminado. 1/17 ο c\
Independent claims2
149 paragraphs, as filed
(54) Title: SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR INSTALLATION (57) Summary: FLOOR COVERAGE (30) Unionist Priority: 03/27/2007 us 60 / 920,368 (73) Holder (s): Interface, Inc.
(72) Inventor (s): Chung-Hsien Zah, Connie D. Hensler, Horace Eddie Bradley, JR., Keith N. Gray, Susan F. Fezer (74) Attorney (s): Dannemann .Siemsen, Bigler & Ipanema Moreira (86) International Order: pct us2008058361 of 27/03/2008 (87) International Publication: wo 2008 / 119003de 02/10/2008
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Descriptive Report of the Invention Patent for SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR INSTALLING FLOOR COVERAGE.
Cross Reference with Related Orders
This order claims the benefit of Provisional Order US 60 / 920,368, filed on March 27, 2007. The contents of which are incorporated into this document by this reference.
Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to systems and method for installing floor coverings, particularly including carpet tile and other modular floor coverings.
Background of the Invention
Floor coverings have been in use since before recorded human history. The first materials were undoubtedly animal skins or plant materials such as leaves or trunk. Subsequently, floor coverings were manufactured, such as by intertwining or tying a variety of naturally occurring fibers, including sisal and cotton. Beginning in the twentieth century, such fiber-covered floor coverings also began to be manufactured from man-made fibers.
While the first floor coverings were limited in size to the size of an animal's skin, the rear floor coverings expanded to cover all floors in the room. Such wall-to-wall installations for wide carpet flooring began to be widely used in the twentieth century. Standard installations of such materials use one or a small number of pieces of wide carpet upholstery to cover all floors in the room. This type of wall-to-wall floor covering is usually connected with the floor in some way.
Subsequently, modular floor coverings used smaller, uniformly sized modules or tiles, both on solid surface floor coverings, such as vinyl tiles, and on fabric-covered floor coverings, commonly called carpet tiles. As explained in US Patent Application Publication 2004/0258870 for ReConfigurable Modular Floor Covering, filed on August 11, 2003 (incorporated by reference), tiles can be installed as area rugs that do not cover the entire floor surface. However, the vast majority of tiles are used in wall-to-wall installations. Tiles have traditionally been installed in aligned rows and columns, with the strings of each tile aligned with the edges of adjacent tiles (conventional method of installing carpet tiles). The conventional carpet tile has historically been a product that aims to imitate the appearance of a large rug and to hide or at least de-emphasize the fact that the product was modular. Achieving this result has required, at a minimum, that the tiles or carpet modules be placed in a floor installation with the same orientation as the modules had at the time they were produced (that is, in a monolithic way). However, designers of fabric-covered modular floors have recently begun to design floors and floor installations that do not seek to mask, but instead emphasize, the modularity of the floor. For example, while still installed in aligned rows and columns, the modules are installed facing a room with each tile position rotated 90 ° in relation to each adjacent tile. In addition, carpet tiles have been developed that can be installed randomly without considering the rotational position or orientation as described in US Patent 6,908,656, which is incorporated by reference in this document.
However, modules are not always installed in aligned rows and columns. For example, tiles are also installed in aligned columns that do not form aligned rows of modules so that a tile column appears to be displaced up or down relative to the adjacent tile columns (ashlar installation method). In other installations, the tiles are installed in aligned rows that do not form aligned columns, but instead alternate columns (brick laying installation method).
While floor covering modules are generally relatively substantial in size and weight, which facilitates the maintenance of the modules in the positions they are placed when the floor covering is mounted, it is desirable to provide a device to additionally resist the movement of the module . This has traditionally been accomplished by fixing the modules close to the underlying surface of the floor in various ways.
The modules are often placed next to the floor by first applying a layer of adhesive to the underlying surface of the floor and then positioning the tiles on the top of the adhesive. With this method, the adhesive typically comes into contact with the entire surface area of the underside of the floor modules, which increases material costs and often leads to difficulty in repositioning the tiles if they are positioned incorrectly. This is a particular problem when installing standardized modules that must be matched at the seams. In addition, when the tiles are eventually removed, the glue remains on the floor surface and this glue sometimes retains parts of the tiles removed. The glue (and any floor material held by the glue) must be removed from the floor to create a smooth surface before installing new tiles. This adds both cost and time to the installation process.
The modules can also be installed by pre-applying adhesive along the entire underside (or any part) of the module. For example, the adhesive can be applied in a relatively narrow strip across each underside of the module and covered, before installing the module, with a plastic film or strip of paper that is peeled just before the module is installed. However, again, this method involves connecting the modules directly to the floor and can result in the consequent deficiencies discussed above.
The modules have also been installed using double-sided adhesive tape, whereby one side of the tape is positioned on the back of the module and the other side of the tape is positioned on the floor to thereby hold the module close to the floor. The double-sided tape has also been positioned between and across the entire adjacent carpet and the edges of the carpet tile. However, as with the adhesive, double-sided tape can be relentless with regard to repositioning the tile and can also carry a residue on the floor when removing the tiles. In addition, the tape has a low tensile strength and is relatively inelastic and therefore is able to stretch and not recover its shape. This can result in gaps formed between adjacent tiles.
In addition to direct attachment to the floor, the modules have also been indirectly attached to the underlying surface of the floor, such as with mechanical fasteners or bases covered with adhesive. For example, fastening tape fasteners of the type velcro fastening tape have been used, whereby a sheet of velcro fastening tape is secured close to the floor and the other sheet of velcro fastening tape is provided at the rear of the modules. The velcro fixing tape on the modules then engages with the velcro fixing tape on the floor to hold the modules on the floor. Adhesive covered bases have also been used. For example, a foam base pre-coated on both sides with a release paper has been used. During installation, the release paper is removed from both sides of the base to expose the adhesive, and the base is bonded with the floor. The carpet tiles are then positioned on top of the base and held in place by the adhesive. While these systems and methods can improve installers' ability to reposition tiles, they significantly increase the material cost of the installation. In addition, with these installation methods, tiles are more likely to move in relation to each other and thereby create gaps in the installation.
There are other installation methods by which the tiles are not directly or indirectly connected to the floor. For example, one-sided adhesive tape, such as sealing tape, has been used to hold adjacent tiles together. The tiles are positioned face down and the tape is secured along the entire adjacent edges of the tiles. The tiles must then be carefully turned to expose their surfaces of use without breaking the connection between adjacent tiles. This method requires a significant amount of time to position the tape on the tiles as well as a significant investment of material to fasten adjacent tile edges together across all seams. Furthermore, such adhesive tape is relatively fragile, making it challenging to position the tape as desired on the underside of the tiles, and, as with double-sided adhesive tape, suffers from low tensile strength and lack of elasticity, making it likely to permanently stretch when subjected to tension and thereby create permanent gaps between adjacent tiles.
Regardless of the installation method, tiles are often inadvertently installed on surfaces that have a high moisture content and a high pH. If the carpet tile is installed directly on the floor with a high moisture content, then an odor can result due to the moisture captured between the floor surface and the tile. Traditionally, to combat this problem, a sealant can be applied close to the floor surface before adhering the tile to the floor.
In addition, carpet tiles have been manufactured with a back padding, which is desirable for comfort. Traditionally, the padding layer is directly connected with the carpet tile so that if the carpet tile is subsequently removed or replaced, the padding is necessarily removed with the tile.
While there are methods for installing floor coverings, there is a need for a system and method that reduces both the time and material costs required to install the modules on a stable floor covering.
Summary of the Invention
The embodiments of this invention address the problems of previous methods of modular floor installation by providing systems and methods that reduce the time and material costs required to install a floor covering. Connectors are used to join adjacent floor covering units. Connectors are particularly useful when installing modular floor covering units (tiles). In one embodiment, the connectors include a film and a layer of adhesive coated on one side of the film. To install the tiles using the connectors, a first tile is placed on the floor in a position determined by conventional tile installation methods. A connector is positioned so that the adhesive layer is facing upwards and does not come into contact with the floor. The connector is typically positioned so that only a portion of the adhesive layer sticks to the underside of the tile. The tiles are then positioned adjacent to the first tile so that a portion of the connector adheres to the adjacent tiles. In this way, the connectors span the adjacent edges of the adjacent tiles. The tiles are mounted on an underlying floor surface without the need to connect them with the floor surface. Instead, the tiles are connected with each other to the connectors, so that the tiles create a floor covering that floats on the underlying floor surface.
Connectors do not have to be positioned along the entire adjacent edges or even across all adjacent tile edges in the installation. Instead, the connectors are sized so that, when positioned in the installation, they do not extend along the entire length of the adjacent edges. In addition, while any number of connectors can be used in any number of locations between adjacent tiles, the benefits of this invention can be fully achieved by placing the connectors in strategic locations within the assembly (such as in some of the corners where four tiles meet ). This is in contrast to prior art installation methods that required stabilizing material to be placed along the entire edges of adjacent tiles so that all adjacent tile edges in the installation were stabilized.
The relatively minimal size and number of connectors required to stabilize a tile installation can result in a significant reduction in material costs compared to prior art tile installation methods. In addition, the use of connectors significantly reduces tile installation time by avoiding the need to prepare a floor prior to installation. Instead of an installer applying a layer of adhesive next to the floor and then going back to position the tiles on the adhesive layer, with the connectors, the installer positions and holds it as it moves forward. In addition, given the adhesive that can come off used in the connectors and the limited surface area of the tiles that comes in contact with the connectors, the tiles can be easily repositioned if necessary. In addition, because the tiles do not interact with the underlying floor, they are easily removable from the floor and leave the underlying floor with little or no residual adhesive when removed. Consequently, the floor does not require a new finish before it is covered with another floor covering.
Additionally, the connectors can be adapted to conduct electricity. When conductive connectors are secured to the tiles, electrical continuity is maintained through adjacent tiles. This makes it possible to conduct electricity through the tiles for use with security systems, voice and data transmission, electromagnetic membranes, location tracking and tracking, path encounter (for example, when a person walks on the floor, the floor is lit up some way in which it helps the person and find his way), and several other alternatives.
The installation can be expressed through the use of a dispenser that holds the connectors and that preferably also produces individual connectors in a ready-to-pick way. The dispenser may also have a mechanism for separating the connectors from a release layer or from other connectors. The dispenser can be secured to an installer's belt or leg and can include connectors on a roll, connectors on a roll of release material, connectors on fan-folded release material, or individual connectors, as examples. The dispenser can be refilled or designed for single use.
Preferably, the dispenser has a housing for release material on a strip supporting the connectors at successive intervals along the length of the strip. The dispenser also has an opening to present the connectors to the user and can also have an actuator to control the release and presentation of a connector through the opening to the user. The dispenser can also have one or more fixing members such as a drawstring or leg strap to hold the dispenser close to the user. During the installation of the carpet, the dispenser is secured with the carpet installer using a connecting member so that the installer can move around the room to install carpet tiles using the dispensed connectors. To purchase a connector, the carpet tile installer moves the actuator to cause a connector to be released from the release material and presented through the opening where it can be easily picked up. The connector can then be attached to one or more carpet tiles. Another embodiment provides a dispenser with a housing having an opening for the connectors to exit and an actuator actuated by hand movement from a first position to a second position that is closer to a desired location on the floor surface and closer to the opening than the first position. The dispenser opening can be within hand reach of the second position of the actuator, so that a first part of a user's hand can come into contact with the opening and at the same time a second part of the user's hand comes into contact with the actuator in its second position. This allows a user to easily pick up a connector presented from the opening after moving the actuator from the first position to the second position.
In another embodiment of the invention, a stack of connectors, each having adhesive on one side, are joined or otherwise fixed together. The individual connectors in the connector stack can be joined or clamped together in a variety of ways. For example, the adhesive on the adhesive side of a connector can be fixed so that it can be released with an opposite side of the adjacent connector that can be coated with a coating that can be released to prevent the adhesive from forming a permanent or difficult to bond to separate. Generally, the adjacent connectors in a stack are oriented in a similar direction and aligned. As another example, a release layer can separate adjacent connectors, with the adhesive layer of a first connector attached to a release material and the opposite side of a second connector also attached to release material. As yet another example, the stack of connectors can be successive connectors fixed on a single strip of material that can be folded loose so that adjacent connectors on the strip overlap each other in the stack, that is, material that can be released folded in a fan. . A stack of connectors can also be included inside a dispenser that helps a user to remove an individual connector from the stack of connectors. During carpet installation, a carpet installer can use a pile of connectors by removing an individual connector from the pile and attaching it to the underside of the carpet edge.
Another embodiment of the invention provides a connector having a film with a layer of water-based adhesive or synthetic polymer-based adhesive. The adhesive may have low or no volatile organic content and may be resistant to plasticizer.
Another embodiment of the invention provides an intermediate substrate between the connected tiles and the underlying floor surface. For example, a film and / or pad can be positioned on the floor before installing the tile. The film and / or padding is preferably moisture resistant and serves as a barrier to prevent moisture present in the existing floor from coming into contact with the tiles. The film and / or padding thus eliminates the need for traditional drying and barrier coatings. The padding additionally provides comfort underfoot and eliminates the need to use carpet tiles with back padding. Instead, carpet tiles with a hard back can be installed over the quilt to provide the desired quilt characteristics. If the tile becomes dirty or worn, it can be removed without removing the upholstery. In this way, the padding can remain on the floor and be reused.
Yet another embodiment of an intermediate substrate provides a composite padding suitable for installing carpet on carpet, where new carpet tiles are placed on top of existing carpet tiles or carpeted from wall to wall. The new tiles can be installed using the connectors described above. This embodiment provides temporary or permanent replacement of carpet laying at a reduced cost, as the current tiles or carpet does not need to be removed before installing new carpet tiles. In addition, the new tiles can be removed without damage to the existing tiles or from laying the wall-to-wall carpet.
Regardless of the type of intermediate substrate used (if any), in one embodiment, all tiles placed above the intermediate substrate are connected together using the connectors revealed in this document. In this way, none of the layers in the installation are connected to any other layer in the installation (for example, the intermediate substrate is not connected to the floor and the laying of carpet or tiles is not connected to the intermediate substrate). In this way, the floor can be easily removed without requiring cleaning and preparation before installing a subsequent floor covering.
The connector may have signs of alignment to facilitate the installation of carpet tiles. Such clues include markings, colors, and objects such as lattices, dot lines, blocks, and segments and quadrants with various colors.
Another embodiment of the invention provides a method for installing carpet tiles using adhesive connectors on one side. An installer places a carpet tile near or in the desired installation position on a floor surface with the underside of the tile being on the floor surface. The installer uses one hand to lift an edge, corner, or other part of the tile and the other hand to fix an adhesive side of the connector to the edge or another part of the underside of the tile part so that an exposed part of the connector extends beyond the edge of the tile. The installer then places a second tile adjacent to the first and fixes the underside of the second tile to the exposed part of the connector. A dispenser can provide the connector for the installer with the adhesive side up and in a convenient location for the part of the carpet tile to which the connector is to be attached.
Brief Description of Drawings
Figure 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a connector and a release layer of this invention.
Figure 1A is a perspective view of an embodiment of a conductive connector.
Figure 2 is a perspective view of another embodiment of connectors and a release layer of this invention.
Figure 3 is a top plan view of yet another embodiment of connectors of this invention.
Figure 4 is a schematic view of an embodiment of a connector dispenser of this invention.
Figure 5 is a plan view from below of a tile installation according to this invention.
Figure 6 is a plan view from below of a subset of the tiles in Figure 5.
Figure 7 is a plan view from below of another tile installation according to this invention.
Figure 8 is a bottom plan view of a subset of the tiles in Figure 7.
Figure 9 is a schematic side view of an embodiment of a connector of this invention attached to an edge of the tile.
Figure 10 is a perspective view of a connector dispenser.
Figure 11 is an exploded perspective view of the connector dispenser of Figure 10.
Figure 12 is a side view of the connector dispenser of figure 10.
Figure 13 is a side view of the connector dispenser of figure 10 with the front cover of the housing removed.
Figure 14 is a side view of the drive housing for the connector dispenser of Figure 10.
Figure 15 is a front view of the drive housing for the connector dispenser of figure 10.
Figure 16 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a film positioned between a carpet tile and a floor surface.
Figure 17 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a foil and padding positioned between the carpet tile and a floor surface.
Figure 18 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a quilt positioned between a carpet tile and a floor surface.
Figure 19 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a quilting compound of this invention.
Figure 20 is a cross-sectional view of the composite padding of Figure 19 positioned between the existing tile or rug and a new rug or tile.
Fig. 21 is a top plan view of an embodiment of a connector radio frequency transponder.
Detailed Description of Drawings
The embodiments of this invention relate to systems and methods for installing floor coverings. Those skilled in the art will understand that the systems and methods described in this document can be used in various floor covering installations. However, applicants have found that the connectors described in this document are particularly useful in any type of installation (including wall and area rug installations) of modular floor covering units (hereinafter, referred to as tiles). The tiles can be of various colors and textures in a range of sizes and formats. For example, individual tiles can be in a format that simulates planking of wood or shapes of ceramics and other tiles, including, but not limited to, hexagons, squares, rectangles, triangles and other shapes. In addition, the tiles can be provided in various textures. The tiles of this invention can typically be conventional carpet tiles with fabric faces (including, but not limited to, tufted, glued and printed faces), but they could also be other modular materials, including woven and non-woven flooring, solid vinyl , ceramics, leather, or any other suitable material. The tiles are preferably installed on a generally flat surface, including, but not limited to plywood, laminates, linoleum, vinyl tiles, hardwood and concrete. However, as discussed below, the tiles can also be installed on an intermediate substrate, including filler and wide carpet, located between the tiles and the underlying floor.
Figure 1 illustrates an embodiment of a connector 20 of this invention. The connector 20 includes a film 22 and an adhesive layer 24 coated on one side of the film 22. A release layer 26 is placed on top of the adhesive layer 24 to protect the underlying adhesive. During use, the release layer 26 is removed from the connector 20 to expose the adhesive layer 24. As will be described in more detail below, the connector 20 is then positioned so that the adhesive layer 24 contacts the underside of adjacent tiles to span the adjacent edges of the tiles and thereby connect the tiles together to form a floor covering. In this way, the tiles are mounted on an underlying floor surface without the need to fix them close to the floor, so that the tiles create a floor covering that floats on the underlying floor surface.
The film 22 can be of any suitable material, but, to facilitate quick floor installations according to this invention, it is preferably made of material that is relatively rigid, so that a connector positioned partially in contact with the underside of a tile will protrude beyond the edge of the tile in approximately the same plane as the underside of the tile. This facilitates the proper positioning of the part of the connector that protrudes to make appropriate contact with an adjacent tile. This is typically more rigid than most adhesive tapes that will significantly curl or curl down from the underside of a tile with which part (but not all) of a length of such adhesive tape is fixed. At the same time, the film 22 from which the connectors of this invention are manufactured must be flexible enough to facilitate the manipulation of the connectors on a roll if desired and to allow the connectors to conform to the floor or to the irregularities of the tile.
The film 22 must also resist shrinkage, which can result in warping of adjacent tiles, and exhibit a relatively high tensile strength to withstand stretching under foot traffic and rolling loads. For example, materials that exhibit a tensile strength between 160 to 270 mega pascals (MPa) in the machine direction and 165 to 210 MPa in the machine direction have been seen to be particularly suitable for this application. In addition, the percentage by which the material can be stretched or stretched before breaking should also be relatively high to prevent breaking and failure of the connector when subjected to tensile forces. For example, it is preferable, but not required, that the material used is capable of being stretched from 120 to 120% of its dimension in the direction of the machine and from 150 to 170% of its direction transverse to the machine before breaking.
Polymeric materials, cardboard and other materials including fabrics and metals that are suitably rigid, thin, strong, water resistant and inexpensive can also be used for film 22. However, film 22 is preferably a synthetic polymer material, such as a polyolefin, a polyamide, or a polyester, and more preferably, poly (ethylene terephthalate) polyester (PET). These materials are relatively inexpensive, will conform to the underlying floor in use, and will resist corrosion. While not necessary, it is preferable that the film material is recyclable.
The film 22 preferably has a thickness between 0.001 and 0.038 centimeters (0.0005 and 0.015 inches), inclusive, and more preferably between 0.008 and 0.025 centimeters (0.003 and 0.01 inches), inclusive, and even more preferably it is 0.013 centimeters (0.005 inches). The film 22 may also have, but does not have to, a base layer (not shown in the figures), such as an acrylic coating, applied next to the same side on which the adhesive layer 24 is to be applied to promote adhesion between the film 22 and the adhesive layer 24. Film 22 can be corona treated on one or both sides to increase surface tension and promote adhesion between film 22 and adhesive 24 without the use of adhesion-promoting coatings.
The film 22 can have any shape, including, but not limited to, a circular shape or any rectilinear shape such as a square or triangle. A square shape is suitable for most installations. In addition, the size of the film 22 may depend on the size of the tiles being installed. However, as a general rule, the surface area of the film 22 can be as small as 1%, and preferably between 2 to 5% of the surface area of the tiles on which the connectors are to be installed. It was found that a surface area of the connector above 58.05 square centimeters (nine square inches) does not significantly contribute to the stability of a tile installation of 116,129 square centimeters (18 square inches) or 50 square centimeters. Thus, connectors 20 desirably should be, but need not be, no larger than about 7.62 centimeters (three inches) by 7.72 centimeters (three inches) to conserve materials and limit spending.
While the adhesive layer 24 can be any adhesive that exhibits certain desirable attributes for use in this invention, the specific type or amount of adhesive used in the connector can always depend on the tile with which the connector 20 is intended for use. Some carpet tiles have back coatings containing plasticizers to increase flexibility and / or change other characteristics of the back coatings. Plasticizers have a tendency to migrate and can migrate into certain connector adhesives. This migration can weaken the adhesive properties of the connectors making them less effective. Water-based adhesives (instead of solvent-based adhesives) with little or no volatile organic content (VOC) can be resistant to the plasticizer and thus are generally preferred in cases where resistance to plasticizer migration is desired (ie in facilities carpet tiles containing plasticizer). Acrylic adhesives, including those sold by 3M under the identification numbers 9465, 6032, 6035 and 6038, and in particular 9465 (which is mainly an acrylate terpolymer) and 6032 (a sticky acrylate copolymer), are suitable. In addition, adhesive 24 is preferably, but not necessarily, resistant to water and typical carpet cleaning detergents. It is also preferable to use an adhesive that can be removed.
The adhesive layer 24 on all connectors 20 must adhere well to the back of the tiles. However, the adhesion next to the tile should not be so strong as to prevent removal and repositioning of the tile in relation to connector 20, if necessary. If the intensity of adhesion of the tile with the adhesive (that is, the amount of force required to separate the adhesive layer 24 from the backing of the tile, which can be measured using the ASTM D-3330 test (usually referred to as the test 90 degrees peel off) is very strong, the adhesive layer 24 will peel off the film and remain with the tile, thereby destroying the connector. Thus, the intensity of adhesion between the adhesive layer 24 and the tile should not be stronger than this between the adhesive layer 24 and the film 24.
The bond strength is preferably between 54.73 to 1094.54 newton / meter (5 to 100 ounces / inch), even at room temperature. The preferred bond strength may depend on the backing of the tile. For example, the strength of adhesion between the adhesive and the tiles with a hard backing, such as, for example, those made of PVC, polyurethane, or polyolefin, is preferably 547.27 to 766.18 newton / meter (50 up to 70 ounces / inch). The strength of adhesion between adhesives and tiles having a backing of fabric, such as, for example, an interlaced polypropylene or backing of felt, is preferably 109.45 to 656.73 newton / meter (10 to 60 ounces) /inch). In addition, the bond strength between the adhesive and the tiles with a padded back is preferably 437.82 to 656.73 newton / meter (40 to 60 ounces / inch), and the bond strength between the adhesive and tiles with bitumen backs preferably 109.45 to newton / meter (10 to 20 ounces / inch). It is preferable that the bond strength between a tile and the adhesive at elevated temperatures remains within ± 15% of the bond strength at room temperature.
The amount of adhesive (i.e., the thickness of the adhesive layer) provided on each connector 20 may depend on both the size of the connector 20 and the tile to be used with the connector 20. However, it is preferable that, while the amount of adhesive should allow the connector to contact sufficiently and engage with the underside of the tile to obtain the adhesion intensities shown above, it should not be so much that the adhesive migrates beyond the interface of the tile. connector 20 with the tile to contact the underlying floor. In this way, the floor covering installation will remain unsecured close to the underlying floor to facilitate eventual removal of the modular units. A connector 20 with an adhesive thickness of 12.7 to 254 micrometers (0.0005 to 0.010 inches), and more preferably, 50.8 to 2.03.2 micrometers (0.002 to 0.008 inches), was seen as suitable for most applications.
For tiles having an interlaced back or knitted fabric, typically more adhesive will be needed to penetrate the cavities formed in the back lining and thereby provide sufficient interface between the tile and the adhesive. Connectors having an adhesive layer 24 that has a thickness of 122 to 203.2 micrometers (0.005 to 0.008 inches), is preferred for tiles having fabric backing. For tiles having a relatively flat back surface or with shallow reliefs, such as tiles with a hard back, less adhesive, preferably with a thickness in the range of 50.8 to 76.2 micrometers (0.002 to 0.003 inches), it can be used .
All adhesives contemplated for use in the connectors must also have sufficient resistance to the course exit to prevent the tiles from moving in relation to the connectors or in relation to each other and thereby creating gaps between adjacent tiles after installation.
Although not shown in the figures, it is possible to provide either a logo or other design elements on the connectors 20. For example, a logo can be applied with paint on the side of the film to which the adhesive is to be applied. In this way, the ink, which typically has a high VOC content, is captured between the film and the adhesive, preventing any unwanted ink emission. In addition, when the connector is positioned on the release paper, the logo is also protected by the film. This prevents the logo from being accidentally scratched or otherwise removed from the connector.
It may be useful to print or otherwise provide signs of alignment on the connectors (not shown in the figures) to facilitate the installation of the tiles. The installer then only needs to align the edges of the tile (or other parts of the tile) with the signs to ensure that the connectors are placed optimally between adjacent tiles. Any indications that indicated to the installer where the tiles should be placed on the connectors can be used. For example, the connectors can be provided with lattices, dividing lines parallel and transversal to the edges of the connectors, points, blocks, etc. In addition, different parts of the connectors can be colored (such as by dividing the connectors into quadrants and giving a different color to each quadrant) to indicate the proper placement of the carpet tile.
Chemical sensors can be placed on connectors 20 to monitor the moisture content of the underlying floor. Without the moisture content rising above a predetermined level, the sensors transmit a signal without using wires. In this way, the moisture content of the floor can be monitored and corrective measures specifically targeted to the problem areas adopted.
In addition, pressure sensors can also be associated with connectors 20. For example, if someone falls on the floor, the pressure sensor would alert a control system (such as via wireless signaling) that the pressure in a given area of the floor exceeded a predetermined level. In this way, the sensor acts as a guide for the precise location of high pressure. Such technology could be particularly useful in homes for the elderly or hospitals, where healthcare professionals need constant assurance that their patients are safe (ie, that they have not fallen and cannot rise).
In yet another embodiment, the connectors can be equipped as radio frequency identification (RFID) tags because they include radio frequency transponders. A radio frequency transponder is any type of radio transmitter and / or receiver that is activated when it receives a radio frequency signal. Transponders can be incorporated into or otherwise connected with a connector in any way. One or more transponders can be printed on one or more connectors used in an installation, as examples, a transponder could be printed on either side of the film or on an ornament that is attached to the film of a connector. However, it is not necessary to have a transponder on each connector in an installation. Various configurations can be used including those shown in the Figures.
Figure 21 is a top plan view of a radio frequency transponder embodiment of a connector 320. The connector 320 may comprise a film with an adhesive layer that incorporates or otherwise attaches with a sheet 322 that contains or otherwise mode has one or more radio frequency transponders. Alternatively, the components of a transponder can be directly incorporated or otherwise connected to the connector film. In certain embodiments, a radio frequency transponder is attached to the connector film, meaning that the radio frequency transponder is directly or indirectly (for example, as part of a 322 sheet or through any other intermediates) connected or positioned adjacent to the connector film . The sheet 322 may additionally comprise an adhesive layer or a face (paper or polymer) with an adhesive layer. The radio frequency transponder comprises a coupling element 324 that is joined or otherwise used with an integrated circuit chip 328. The coupling element 324 may comprise a conductive material such as copper or aluminum shaped like a spiral or otherwise act as an antenna. The radio frequency transponder can also comprise a bridge 326 that connects the ends of the coupling element 324 to complete a communication channel and form a circuit. The 328 integrated circuit chip is an electronic microchip that can be readable and / or that can be recorded.
While figure 21 represents a High Frequency (HF) transponder incorporated in a connector 220, an ultra-high frequency (UHF) transponder or any other type of transponder could be used instead, for example, connector 220 could comprise a transponder that has a single layer of conductive material or that extends from opposite sides of an integrated circuit chip to form formats that are mirror images of each other. Radio transponder components can be embedded, printed, or incorporated as part of a connector in any other way. The components of the radio transponder can be passive, passive MEM, semi-active, active, or employ any other information technique. The components may or may not include batteries and / or software to control efficiency. One or more of the components of the radio transponder may comprise metal, organic polymers, or any other material. Radio transponder components may include, but are not limited to, RFID components manufactured by Alien Technology Corporation, Avery Dennison Corporation, Texas Instruments Incorpored, Omron Corporation, and UPM Raflatac, among others.
Alignment indicia 330 (including, but not limited to lattices, lines, dots, blocks and segments and quadrants with various colors) can be provided on connector 320 to provide guidance for an installer wishing to position connector 320 on a corner or edge of a carpet tile. A connector can be positioned in a corner, on an edge, or simply on the back of a tile. In a multi-tile installation, some connectors can span the edges of adjacent tiles and others can simply be placed on the backs of the tiles, that is, each fixing to a single tile.
Connectors comprising radio frequency transponders offer RFID capability and can be positioned in any layout while installing on a floor surface. The connectors can be positioned to create a smart floor covering that has components normally spaced apart from each other. For example, the connectors can be juxtaposed tile corners, evenly spaced, as shown in figures 5, 6, 7 and 8. A benefit of certain embodiments is the creation of an array of regularly spaced radio frequency transponders that can send, store and / or receive information without requiring any additional installation beyond what is already required to use the connectors to hold the tiles. Such an arrangement can be used to create an xy grid or other map of regularly arranged components. For example, a robotic device can be moved over the grid to identify relative positions of the tags relative to each other. These relative positions can be used to map the positions of the transponders in the array. A map can also be created if the connectors are positioned irregularly. A map can be generated, for example, using a location and mapping simulation (SLAM) technique. In any case, such a map can be used with or incorporate a floor plan and / or a mapping program so that the mapping of radio transponders can be used to identify the physical location of one or more radio transponder readers. As a transponder reader travels, it can record the sequence of radio transponders it reads and send (for example, via wireless transmission) this information to a tracking station that monitors the location in real time of the equipment or the person transporting the reader. In a multi-connector installation, radio frequency transponders from different connectors can operate at the same frequency or at a different frequency. For example, in one embodiment, transponders in a facility vary from high to low frequency. The information can be sent on different channels, each associated with a particular component of the radio frequency transponder. A radio frequency reader may additionally comprise a recorder that sends information that is recorded on one or more radio frequency transponders. For example, it could send information identifying whether the emptying occurred or the date the emptying occurred. As another example, it could send position information relating to the relative position or the transponder map receiving the information, for example, x, y or x, y, z coordinates. This information could be provided when the transponder is read by other reading devices.
Generally, connectors equipped with radio transponders can facilitate a number of extensive functions, including tracking, verification, tracing, positioning and authentication. Only as an example, connectors equipped with RFID technology can be used to locate the position of people, items, or equipment, for example, tracking the location of a firefighter or the firefighter's equipment. They could also be used to plot traffic parameters for people or equipment or to guide the equipment to precise locations to perform specific functions.
In one application, radio frequency transponders serve as a mapping function to guide equipment equipped with a radio frequency component reader. For example, a reader can be placed in a vacuum cleaner or another cleaning machine. The reader can be programmed with a sequence of unique transponder numbers that are on the connectors in an environment. When a robotic vacuum cleaner is programmed and activated in this way, the radio frequency transponders on the connectors in the environment can be read by the reader of the robotic vacuum cleaner and used to guide the vacuum cleaner towards the connectors so that the transponder numbers of the connectors appear in a sequence programmed. In this way, the entire floor can be automatically cleaned or otherwise maintained. The transponder numbers of connectors positioned in high traffic areas can appear more frequently in the sequence to ensure that these areas are more completely clean. Several radio frequency transponder readers can be used, including readers offered by APSX, LLC® and Skyetek, Inc.®
In another embodiment, other types of robots are equipped with a reader. The reader can be programmed with a sequence of transponder numbers to take the robot to various locations. For example, the reader on a robot in a hospital can be programmed to guide the robot along a designated path so that the robot can leave medication in environments and perform other tasks. In addition to connectors equipped with a radio frequency transponder providing a map that a robot can follow to reach a desired location, the connectors can help to precisely position the robot (or other equipment not manually operated). For example, if a robot needs to recharge from a power source, a connector with a transponder could be positioned directly adjacent to the power source. In this way, the connector would guide the robot and properly position the robot in relation to the power source for recharging.
In another embodiment, a shopping cart can be equipped with a reader. The buyer can indicate the desired products, and the radio frequency transponders on the connectors would take the cart to the desired locations in the store. Reading devices can be used in a variety of other contexts, including, but not limited to shopping centers, museums, hospitals, entertainment venues and together or otherwise facilitating global positioning systems.
Transponders can be used to monitor the location and / or movement of equipment. In one embodiment, hospital equipment is equipped with a reader. The location of each piece of equipment in the hospital can be determined when your reader reads a connector transponder number, which is different from other connector transponder numbers. In another embodiment, the movement of equipment, such as a vacuum cleaner, can be monitored to determine whether an area has been cleaned or not. For example, the reader on a vacuum cleaner (manually or robotically powered) can store (to be transferred at a later time) or transmit (via wireless communication) the connector transponder numbers it reads in a control system. an environment. If a transponder number on a connector in the environment is not read, then the vacuum cleaner obviously has not cleaned in the vicinity of the connector. In this way, information about the cleaning history of an environment can be recorded.
In a similar way, transponders on connectors and transponder readers on trolleys and / or shopping baskets can be used to gather information about traffic flow in a store. In this way, information about where people go in the store, how long they stay in certain areas, etc., is gathered and can be used for various purposes, including designing the store design to better accommodate traffic flows and the customer demand. Similarly, a shopping cart equipment with a reader could include a display that displays advertisements and other information to buyers based on the areas where they are, where they have been, and / or the areas they have stayed in the longest.
A floor surface equipped with a radio frequency transponder provides several potential benefits. In addition to facilitating maintenance monitoring, locating equipment and people, and robotic navigation, among other things described in this document, it can be used to provide additional security and warranty benefits in a home, workplace, or another installation.
A radio frequency transponder and / or other RFID components can be printed directly or as part of a modular tile, for example, RFID components made of metal, polymer, organic polymer, or any other material, could be directly printed on the back surface of the modular tiles or any other component material. In one embodiment, radio frequency transponders are printed on one or more of the modular tiles near an edge or corner of each tile. When the tiles are installed, the connectors can be positioned to adhere with the modular tiles in locations that cover or otherwise protect the radio frequency transponders.
A floor covering installation can also be equipped with both sensors, such as chemical or pressure sensors, as well as radio frequency transponders. The sensors can record information for radio transponders and the information can be collected by a radio transponder reading device, for example, as part of the maintenance program. For example, a sensor can detect moisture content information and record this information on a nearby radio transponder. A connector can comprise one or more sensors and / or one or more radio transponder components.
Figure 1A illustrates an embodiment of a connector having conductive properties (hereinafter referred to as a conductive sensor). The entirety of this disclosure is to be understood as applying to conductive connectors 150 as well as to connectors 20.
As with connector 20 described above, the conductive connector
150 includes a film 156 and an adhesive layer 154 on one side of the film 156. The conductive connector 150 additionally includes a conductive component 152 secured next to the film 15. For example, the conductive component 152 can be secured next to the film 15 with adhesive. Alternatively, conductive component 152 can be secured to film 15 using any transformation process, including, but not limited to, laminating, molding, ultrasonic welding, etc. In this particular embodiment, the conductive component 152 is a rectangular strip (for example, 2.54 cm (1 inch) wide) of conductive material, such as copper foil, that passes through the width of the conductive connector 150. While this embodiment features a rectangular conductive component 152 of copper foil positioned in the center of a conductive connector 150, those skilled in the art will understand that the conductive component can be manufactured from any conductive material, can be of any shape and size, and can be positioned anywhere on the connector as long as, when positioned to connect adjacent tiles, electrical continuity can be maintained between adjacent tiles. In addition, the conductive component could be on the adhesive side 154 of the film 156, as shown, or on the opposite side (provided that devices to ensure conductivity between the underside of the tile and the conductive element are provided).
Conductive connectors 150 can be used to connect adjacent tiles, as described above. Most carpet tiles contain conductive materials, such as inorganic fillers such as carbon, calcium oxide, calcium carbonate, barium sulfate, etc. Thus, when a conductive connector 150 is used to hold adjacent tiles so that conductive component 152 contacts both tiles, an avenue is provided by which electricity can be transmitted through adjacent carpet tiles to form a conductive surface. The formation of a conductive surface allows the transmission of electricity through the floor. This electricity can be used for various applications.
For example, in one embodiment, conductive connector 150 may be an electromagnetic film made of a piezoelectric material that produces an electrical charge when pressure is exerted on it (i.e., when someone is walking on the tiles). Then, a device can receive and process the emitted signal and provide an alert to them by monitoring the device that a person is walking on the tiles. This type of device has significance for security purposes and may allow, for example, monitoring access to a restricted environment. Based on the signal that is produced when a person walks on the carpet tile, it is possible to identify who is walking on the carpet based on the person's step. The system can then determine whether the person has access to the restricted area or whether the person is an intruder. In addition, due to the fact that walking on carpet tiles generates electricity, it is contemplated that such electricity can be harnessed and used to meet the energy needs of a building. It is conceivable that a building could eventually become self-sustaining in terms of its energy needs using this technology.
In another embodiment, the conductive connector 150 allows the transmission of electricity through the floor for voice and data communication. When the entire floor surface is conductively connected, conductive connectors can serve as an antenna for transmitting or receiving information. Alternatively, conductive connectors can act as a protection to prevent isolated wireless signals from entering or leaving an area.
Returning to figure 1, the release layer 26 can be any material compatible with the adhesive so that the release layer 26 is not adhered with the adhesive to prevent its removal from the connector. Brown paper having a low-energy coating, such as a polymer coating (for example, polymeric silicone), on at least one side, has been seen to be particularly suitable for this application. However, withdrawable materials suitable for use in this invention are widely available commercially, such as from 3M, and readily known to those skilled in the art.
The 20 d! And preference connectors are provided for the installation site as individual units already fully or partially cut to the desired shape and size for use in the installation. While each connector 20 can be manufactured separately, manufacturing savings can be obtained by first making a film sandwich 22, the adhesive layer 24, the release layer 26 larger than the intended size of the connector, and then cutting the connectors 20 from this sandwich. The adhesive layer 24 can be coated on the desired film 22, after which the release layer 26 is positioned in contact with the adhesive layer 24 to form the sandwich. In another manufacturing embodiment, the adhesive layer 23 is first applied along with the release layer 26, after which the film 22 is positioned on the release layer 26 to form the sandwich.
The resulting sandwich can of course then be cut into connectors 20 of the desired size and shape. However, a series of connectors 20 are preferably provided in a single release layer 26. For example, several pre-cut or perforated connectors 20 can be positioned consecutively along a strip of release layer 26. For ease of handling and storage, this strip can be rolled up so that the connectors are positioned on the outside (see figure 2) or on the inside of the roll or folded between consecutive connectors 20 in an accordion shape. In addition, several connectors 20 can be provided on a release layer sheet 26. The film 22 can be provided with perforations 28 (see figure 3) or can be fully cut to the desired shape and size for ease of removal from release layer 26 (not shown) during installation. The ideal number of connectors 20 provided on a strip or sheet of release material will obviously vary depending on the size of the installation.
The provision of the connectors 20 in a strip or sheet of release material was verified as facilitating the removal of the connectors 20 from the release layer 26 and thus reducing the installation time. With respect to the connectors 20 provided on a strip of release material (as shown in figure 2), installation can also be accelerated through the use of a connector dispenser that holds at least one strip coiled or folded in the form of an accordion connector. 20 and which preferably also provides a mechanism for separating the connectors 20 from the release layer 26. The dispenser, which, for example, can be designed as a backpack or mounted on the installer's belt, preferably includes the structure to support at least one roll of connectors 20 (and preferably more).
In one embodiment of such a dispenser (see figure 4), a roll of release material supporting the connectors 20 is housed in a box 30 made from any sufficiently rigid material, such as, for example, plastic, metal, or cardboard . The box of preference includes three openings 32, 34, 36 through which the strip of release material is fed. The strip of release material is fed through the first opening 32, in which a projection 38 is positioned. The release material is then fed back into the box 30 through a second opening 34 and out of a third opening 36. In use, the installer pulls the strip of release material extending from the third opening 36. This, in turn, advances from the roller parts of the release layer 26 supporting the connectors 20. As the release layer 26 extends over the projection 38, the connector 20, which is relatively rigid, is unable to conform to the shape and path over the projection 38. Instead, the front edge of the connector disengages from release layer 26, after which the installer can easily hold the disengaged edge to remove connector 20 entirely from release layer 26. Obviously, the more connectors the dispenser is able to support, the less times the installer must recharge the dispenser during installation. This can be especially beneficial during large installations.
In another embodiment of such a dispenser (see figures 10 through 13), dispenser 70 includes a housing 72 that holds the connectors on a roll of release material 74. An actuator 76 is moved from an upper location or home position to down along a slotted path 78 in the housing to activate the release of a single connector from the roll of release material 74. The dispenser 70 separates a connector from a release material and produces an individual connector in a ready-to-pick manner, so that user exposure next to the connector sticker is limited. Specifically, housing 72 has an opening 80 for presenting the connectors at a location close to the final location of a user's hand after moving the actuator 76 along the slot 78 to activate the connector release. Thus, moving actuator 76 from the start position to an end position along the linear path of slot 78 causes an individual connector to be released (or partially released) from the release material and presented through opening 80 to the user in a convenient location for the user's hand to pick up. Once the user's hand releases actuator 76, actuator 76 returns to its initial position at the top of slot 78. The initial position of the actuator 76 is preferably located in a convenient location for the user, so that when the dispenser 70 is connected with the user's anatomy, the actuator 76 will be conveniently located for the user's hand, limiting the amount required for a user to pick up and move the actuator 76.
The dispenser 70 can be secured to the installer's belt with a belt clip 82 and to the installer's leg with a strap (not shown) through the openings 84 in a leg support 86 connected with the housing 72. Support for Leg 86 has a curved shape and is made of a relatively flexible material (for example, rubber), so that when a strip through the openings 84 is stretched around the installer's leg, leg support 86 forms a padding conforming to the shape of the leg between the leg and the enclosure 72. Alternatively, the leg support 86 and the enclosure 72 can be one piece. The dispenser may have several fastening members (for example, belt loops, strap openings, straps, fasteners, etc.) to hold the dispenser close to a user.
Figure 11 is an exploded perspective view of connector dispenser 70. Drive module 88 with rotating chain 90 is installed next to a drive member (shown in figures 14 and 15), which drives the pickup roller 96 and a driving member (also shown in figures 14 and 15) that drives the measuring roll 98. These rods 96, 98 are also connected and rotate on the pickup rod 92 and on the measuring roll rod 94, respectively. One or both of these rods can use a ratchet friction clutch to allow one to stay at an accelerated speed with respect to the other. When mounted and in use, when the actuator 76 moves along the slot 78, the rotation chain 90 of the drive assembly 88 rotates and causes both the take-up roller 96 and the measuring roller 98 to rotate. This causes the release layer 104 to travel around pin 116, which in turn causes the relatively flexible release material to curve around the curve of pin 116 and the relatively rigid connectors to release from the release and project through opening 80. The tensioning device or capstan assembly 102 fits adjacent to the measuring roller 98 when assembled. The tensioning device 102 is a pair of spring loaded rollers designed to push against the measuring roller 98 and in use keeps the release material 104 firmly against the measuring roller 98.
The roll of release material 74 fits onto the shaft or pin 106 with release material 104 extending to a tip portion 108. When the dispenser is assembled, the roll of release material 74 is loaded by inserting roll 74 into the pin 106 and by feeding the release material 104 in an appropriate path through the dispenser 70 ending with the tip 108 connected with the take-up roller 96. Tip 108 can connect with pickup roller 96 through tip inserted 108 into slot 110 of pickup roller 96, using an adhesive on tip 108 to adhere tip 108 to the perimeter of pickup roller 96, or any other proper technique.
When a roll 74 is properly inserted into a dispenser 70, a first connector on roll 74 can be readily presented. This first connector can be spaced a predetermined distance from tip 108, so that when tip 108 is inserted into slot 110 of take-up roller 96, the first connector is in an appropriate position. In other words, the first connector is positioned on the release material following a front and tip 110 with predetermined length. Subsequent connectors are spaced along the release material 104 throughout the rest of the roll 74. In most cases, the distance between the connectors along the strip of release material will be relatively constant between the connectors.
After the actuator 74 causes the first connector to be presented from opening 80, the release material 104 has advanced so that the next connector is ready to be presented. Thus, the dispenser 70 is self-aligning due to the fact that the movement of the actuator will normally advance the release material 104 slightly more than the length of a connector, placing the next connector to be presented in the appropriate position. Adjustment screw 112 allows a user to fine tune or otherwise adjust the initial position of the actuator, thereby lengthening or shortening the distance the actuator is moved. This change is reflected in a change in the amount of movement of the release material 104 along the path when the actuator is moved from the start position to the end position.
Figure 13 is a side view of the connector dispenser 70 with the cover removed which further illustrates the path of the release material 104. As shown, the path of the release material 104 begins on the roll 74, extends along the curved part 114 until a sharp curve around the free rotation rod 116 located near the opening 80, extends between the measuring roll 98 and the tensioning device 102 upwards to the perimeter of the pick-up roller 96. In use, moving the actuator 76 causes both the take-up roller 96 and the measuring roller 98 to rotate predetermined quantities. This rotation, in turn, causes the release material 104 to advance a predetermined distance along the path described above. Generally, the release material will advance a sufficient distance to allow a connector in the release material 104 to separate or partially separate from the release material 104 and project from opening 80 for the user to pick up and use.
Figure 12 is a side view of connector dispenser 74 with the cover in place. Generally, the dispenser casing will have two parts that allow the casing to be opened for loading and removing connector rolls in the release material. The two parts can be connected by a joint and opened in a clamshell way. A latch 118 holds the two parts of housing 72 together allowing a user to quickly and easily refill dispenser 70 when needed. The positioning of the latch also allows a user to refill dispenser 70 without separating dispenser 70 from its position on the user's body.
Figures 14 and 15 illustrate drive module 88 of connector dispenser 70. Actuator 76 of the dispenser is connected with a chain link 90 within drive module 88 so that movement of actuator 76 along the path of the actuator 78 causes chain 90 to rotate along its path within drive module 88. The rotation of the chain 90 in turn causes the drive member of the measuring roller 118 and the drive member of the take-up roller 120 to rotate. As described above, the rotation of these drive members 118, 120 and their drive rollers associated 96, 98 causes movement of the release material 104 within the dispenser 70. One or both of the drive members may use a ratchet member to ensure that the drive member rotates in only one direction, that is, the direction corresponding to the forward movement of the release material 104 along its path within the dispenser 70 .
The drive members 118, 120 can be connected with their respective rollers 96, 98 in any suitable way. For example, the drive members may have six-point hexagonal profiles that are associated with twelve-point hexagonal inserts on the rollers. This six-point, twelve-point connection facilitates the alignment of these components together during assembly or during the repositioning of a dispenser cover 70 after reloading.
In addition, as the chain moves with the movement of the actuator, the spring-driven members 122 rotate causing a spring (not shown) within the spring box 100 to wrap and retain energy. After the user moves the actuator 76 from its initial position to its final position and releases his hand from the actuator, the spring unwinds causing the chain 90 to rotate in the opposite direction and thus causing the linked actuator 76 to return to its initial position when along the way 78. The tensioning device 124 keeps the chain 90 safe on its way inside the drive module 88. The housing 126 encloses the internal parts of the drive module 88.
Various alternative designs of the dispenser are possible. For example, the dispenser can be changed to multiple locations. In addition to being secured close to a user's belt and leg, the dispenser can be secured with a strap between the user's knees, mounted close to the user's arm or wrist, used as a backpack, secured with straps across the shoulders of a user, I or connected, secure, hanging, or touching any suitable part of the user's anatomy. Typically, the location of the dispenser will provide the user with convenient access to the connectors being dispensed.
Alternatively, the dispenser can be used separately from the user's anatomy. For example, the dispenser can be on the floor or can be connected with a kneeling pad on which the user kneels. The dispenser can be hung from the ceiling or walls or can be connected with a zip line. The dispenser can also be part of or include all packaging in which the dispenser is shipped. As another alternative, the dispenser can dispense more than one connector at a time, or it can dispense with a grid of connected dispensers.
The release of the connector from the release material can also be performed by alternative devices, other than those described above. In addition to causing the release by passing the release material around a sharp curve, several other mechanisms are contemplated. For example, the release can be activated by the user by holding a connector and removing it from the release material. In such cases, the dispenser can dispense the release material with the connector attached for the user to remove. For example, the dispenser may contain a stack of fan-folded release material having a connector on each folded part. An opening in such a dispenser allows a user to pick up and remove release material containing a connector and then remove the connector and discard the release material.
As another example, a dispenser may have a continuous roll of connectors without any release material. Such a dispenser may have a cutting member near the opening to separate a predetermined or user-determined amount of the connector roll for use as an individual connector. The back of a connector roll that is rolled up without release material as a backing can have a release liner.
As another example, connectors can be stacked inside a dispenser individually, so that each connector has the release material covering all or part of its adhesive side, so that it will not adhere to other connectors in the stack. The release material may have a weak adhesive on it so that adjacent connectors on the pile are held together in a pile (that is, the adhesive sticks so that it can be removed with the non-adhesive side of adjacent tiles).
As yet another alternative, the connectors can be stacked inside the dispenser so that the adhesive side of each connector connects with the adjacent connector. For example, a silicone or polyfluoro release liner such as acrylic, polyolefin, polyamide, or polyester, can be applied next to the non-adhesive side of each tile so that the adhesive sides of adjacent tiles can be joined together so that they can be bonded together. removed with non-adhesive sides.
Connector batteries can be used with or without a dispenser. In some cases, it may be convenient for an installer to simply hold a stack of connectors by removing one connector at a time for use. The connectors on the stack can be connected in several ways, such as those described above.
A dispenser of the present invention can also be configured to dispense connectors directly on the carpet tile without a user touching the connector. For example, the dispenser may have a corner into which a corner of the carpet tile can be placed. Once the carpet tile is in place, the dispenser is activated by the user or automatically by noticing the presence of the tile to dispense a connector in the corner of the tile. A similar design can be used to directly join a connector to the edge (instead of the corner) of a carpet tile. Alternatively, the dispenser can be designed to roll under a corner of the carpet tile as the tile is located on the floor. Once in the appropriate position, the dispenser dispenses a connector directly on the carpet tile. The rolling action can also cause the dispenser to eject a connector.
The dispenser of the present invention can also be configured to advance the release material while maintaining the connectors in various ways. In addition to an actuator that the user controls, the advancement of the release material can be controlled by the user by pulling the release material, the user pulling the connector, an electric motor, user movement (for example, the user swinging side by side kneeling pillow), or by any other suitable technique or device.
A dispenser according to the present invention will typically, but not always, dispense connectors in a convenient orientation for the user or carpet tile installer. Preferably, the connectors will be dispensed with the adhesive side up so that the user is not required to turn or rotate the connector before applying or positioning it. The dispenser can also have a counter and display for control and display the number of connectors remaining in the release material. The dispenser can have an opening so that a user can keep the remaining connectors inside the dispenser.
In another embodiment of this invention, the release material 26 can be omitted entirely. Instead, the connectors 20 can be stacked on top of each other, with the adhesive layer 24 of a connector 20 coming into contact with the film 22 of the connector 20 positioned above it in the stack. Then, the installer simply peels a connector 20 from the stack during installation.
In a method for installing tiles using connectors, a first tile is placed on the floor in a position determined by conventional tile installation methods. A connector 20 is peeled from the release layer 26 (or from a stack of connectors 20) and positioned so that the adhesive layer 24 faces upwards away from the underlying floor. The connector 20 is positioned so that only a part of the adhesive layer 24 sticks to the underside of the tile, leaving the rest of the connector 20 extending from the underside of the tile. A tile or tiles are then positioned adjacent to the first tile so that a portion of the connector 20 sticks to adjacent tiles. In this way, the connector crosses the adjacent edges of the adjacent tiles.
Any number of connectors 20 can be used to connect adjacent tiles in an installation. However, to create a stable floor covering, the connectors do not have to be positioned along the entire edges of adjacent tiles or even across all adjacent tile edges. Instead, unlike the adhesive tape that was used to hold adjacent tiles together across the entire adjacent tile edges, the connectors 20 of this invention need only extend over a very limited length of adjacent edges. For example, the tiles of a floor covering installation where only 5% to 10% of adjacent tile edges are stabilized with connectors 20 have been verified to exhibit planar stability (measured by countersinking and / or waving the tiles) and dimensional stability (measured by the slope of the tiles), as well as the ability to retain their relative positions in the installation when subject to the movement of people, rotation traffic and pressures applied during cleaning and maintenance.
Figure 5 shows an embodiment of a conventional installation (that is, in columns and aligned rows) of tiles. For discussion purposes, the positioning of the connectors is discussed in relation to a basic unit 40 with four tiles 41 to 44, as shown and arranged in figure 6. The tiles 41 to 44 are preferably connected with a central connector 46 in the corners where they cross. In addition, the corner of each diagonal tile from the central connector 46 is also connected with adjacent tiles with a connector 20. In this way, only a total of two tile connectors (the central connector 46 plus a quarter of a connector on each one of the four diagonal corners of the tile) needs to be used to install the basic unit 40 of four tiles 41 to 44. Analyzing this further, each of the four tiles 41 to 44 extract their stability from, on average, only one half of the surface area of a connector.
Figure 7 illustrates the possible placement of a connector in a tile installation installed as a brick (or ashlar installation, if figure 7 is rotated ninety degrees). For ease of discussion, the preferred positioning of the connectors 20 is discussed in relation to a basic unit of four tiles 61 to 64, as shown and arranged in figure 8. As with tiles 41 through 44, a total of only two tile connectors (1/2 of a connector per tile) need to be used to install the four-tile base unit 60 through 64.
Figures 5 to 8 illustrate some of the countless possibilities for placing a connector to install tiles. The connectors 20 can be positioned at any location between adjacent tiles, so that any given tile in the installation can come into contact with only one connector and as many as possible given the size of the tile and the connectors 20. In addition to placement in the intersecting tile corners, the connectors 20 can be positioned to span the adjacent edges of only two tiles. In addition, differently shaped and sized 20 connectors can be useful in a single installation. For example, in addition to the rectangular connectors shown in Figure 5, triangular-shaped connectors can be useful at the edge of an installation, such as where the tiles lean against a wall.
In addition to placing connectors 20 in place, it is also possible to pre-position connectors 20 at desired locations during manufacture. For example, the release material 26 in the connectors 20 can be perforated. During manufacture, a part of the release material 26 can thus be removed along the perforation to expose a part of the adhesive layer 24. This part of the connector 20 can then be glued to the underside of the edge of a tile 50 as discussed above (see figure 9). The adhesive on the remainder of connector 20 is still protected by the remaining release material 26. To prevent connector 20, which extends from tile 50, from interfering with the packaging of tile 50 for shipping, it may be preferred to bend connector 20 along the back of the perforation (in direction A) so that the underside of the connector 20 is flush with itself. During installation, the installer only needs to extend connector 20 from the edge of tile 50, remove the remaining release layer 26, and install tiles 50 as discussed above.
Because the tiles are not joined to the floor, they do not need to be placed directly on an underlying floor surface. Instead, the connectors 20 of this invention work equally well with tiles positioned on an intermediate substrate positioned between the tiles and the floor. Such intermediate substrates can serve to protect the floor from damage, such as caused by liquids spilled on tiles40
Children who escape through the seams of the tile. In addition, the intermediate substrates can serve as a moisture barrier present in the existing floor and thereby eliminate the need for sealants and barrier coatings. Because the intermediate substrate does not need to be adhered to the floor surface, it can be removed with minimal cleaning and replacement costs.
One embodiment of an intermediate substrate is a sheet or film 202 that can be positioned on the floor 206 before installing the tile and thus between the floor 206 and the tiles 200, as shown in figure 16. The film 202 can be manufactured from any suitable material and preferably, but not necessarily, is non-porous and not permeable to moisture. In addition, film 202 is preferably insensitive to highly alkaline conditions and preferably does not emit volatile organic compounds in excess of 350 micrograms / cm<sup>2</sup>. Film 202 preferably, but not necessarily, is flexible to conform to irregularities in floor 206. Film 202 can be manufactured from any number of materials, including polymeric materials such as polyethylene, polypropylene, or PVC. A suitable film 202 may also contain, but is not limited to, certain polyolefins, polyesters, polyamides and cellulose-based polymers.
Although film 202 can have any thickness, in one embodiment, the thickness is between 25.4 micrometers to 40 micrometers (1/1000 inches to 40/1000 inches) and more preferably between 50.8 micrometers to 54 micrometers (2 / 1000 inches up to 10/1000 inches). Preferably, but not necessarily, the liner film has antimicrobial properties in its natural state, but if not, the film can, but does not have to be treated with chemical antimicrobial agents to prevent the development of bacteria or other microbiological organisms. In addition, the ignition capacity of the lining film preferably will not have a negative effect in relation to the rating of ignition or smoke generation of the tile.
It may be desirable to increase the coefficient of friction on at least one side of film 202 to provide anti-slip properties for film 202. Preferably, but not necessarily, the coefficient of friction on at least one side of film is greater than 0.55 . For example, one side of the film 202 may be manufactured from resin materials with sticky surface characteristics. For example, film 202 may have a relatively smooth side (side 208 in figure 16) and an opposite side with a higher coefficient of friction (side 206 in figure 16). Film 202 can be positioned so that side 206 is positioned towards floor 204. When so positioned, the friction between floor 204 and side 206 of film 202 prevents film 202 (and thus the carpet or carpet tiles positioned on it) from moving relative to floor 204, even with pedestrian traffic heavy or other movement on the tiles positioned above. While side 208 can also be provided with surface characteristics to increase its coefficient of friction, it is preferably relatively smooth in order to prevent film 202 from sticking to tile 200 or another liner.
In an alternative embodiment, an intermediate substrate between the tiles and the floor is a pad or foam platform positioned on the floor prior to installing the tile. Padding provides comfort for the feet and can eliminate the need to use carpet tiles with a padded back. Instead, tiles with a hard back can simply be installed on a padded upholstery platform. In addition, the padding serves as a barrier to moisture present on the existing floor.
Quilting can be made from any natural or synthetic material, or mixtures thereof, that provide a quilting effect, such as elastic compounds that can be compressed. For example, quilting can be made from foam, rubber, cork, and woven fabric, and felt and nonwoven fabrics. The quilting can be manufactured from pure or recycled polymeric material and preferably, but not necessarily, is manufactured 100% from recycled materials. If the padding is a foam material, the foam can be open cell or closed cell foam and can be made from any suitable polymer, including, but not limited to, polyvinyl chloride, polyurethane and polyolefins. Interwoven, non-interwoven or felt quilts can be manufactured from natural or synthetic materials, including, but not limited to, wool, cotton, linen, hemp, Kenaf, sugar cane, and other naturally occurring cellulosic derivatives. polyamides, polyesters, polyolefins and mixtures thereof. If not braided, the quilt can be formed by needle drilling or without binding agents or by a process of forming continuous heat-sealed filaments. If braided, the quilt can be formed by weaving, knitting, etc. The padding can be reinforced with fibers (eg fiberglass) for dimension stability and tear resistance. While not necessary, the pad preferably has the same characteristics as the 202 film (for example, moisture resistance, low VOC content, conforming to the floor, etc.).
Depending on the properties of resistance to the padding unit, it may be desirable to install the padding with the film 202. In the embodiment of figure 17, the film 202 is placed directly on the surface of the floor 204. The padding 210 is then placed on top of film 202 and tile 200 is placed on top of pad 210. Adjacent tiles can be held in place using connectors 20, which optionally can be conductive connectors 150, as described above.
In another embodiment shown in figure 18, the pad 210 is used without the 202 film. In this embodiment, the pad 210 is placed directly on the surface of the floor 204. The tile 200 is then placed on top of the pad 210. Adjacent tiles then they can be secured together with connectors 20 or conductive connectors 150, as described above. As with film 202, it may be desirable to provide a higher coefficient of friction for at least one side of the pad 210 to prevent relative movement between the pad and the film (see figure 17) or the pad and the floor ( see figure 18).
The pad 210 can be of any thickness. However, it is preferable that the thickness of the padding does not exceed the thickness of the back of the tile so that when compressed, the padding does not compress below the back of the tile so as to cause a tripping hazard.
Regardless of the type of intermediate substrate used (if any), in one embodiment, all tiles placed above the intermediate substrate are connected using the connectors shown in this document. In this way, none of the layers in the installation are connected to any other layer in the installation (for example, the intermediate substrate is not connected to the floor and the carpet or the tiles are not connected to the intermediate substrate). In this way, the floor can be easily removed without requiring cleaning and preparation before installing a subsequent floor covering.
Yet another embodiment of an intermediate substrate is a composite pad particularly well suited for installing new carpet or carpet tiles on existing carpet or carpet tiles wall to wall without having to remove the existing carpet or carpet tiles.
An embodiment of a compound pad 216 is illustrated in figure 19. In the embodiment shown in figure 19, compound pad 216 includes a semi-rigid layer 220 joined with a pad 226. Semi-Rigid means any structure that has some flexibility, so that it can be curved to some degree. Padding 226 may have, but does not have to, features similar to the ones disclosed above in relation to padding 210. The semi-rigid layer 220 can be made of any material. A synthetic polymeric material, such as polyolefin, polyamide, or polyester, may be particularly suitable in this application.
The semi-rigid layer 220 has a first side 222 and a second side 224. The second side 224 is provided with holding components, such as teeth 218, which protrude from the second side 224. While teeth 218 are revealed to be formed in one piece with the semi-rigid layer 220, they need not be. Instead, the holding components can be fixed in any way (such as with adhesive, fasteners, fixed, or any other chemical or mechanical fastening device) with the second side 224 of the semi-rigid layer 220.
The first side 222 is joined to the pad 226. If the pad 226 is preformed, the semi-rigid layer 220 can be molded on the preformed pad 226. Alternatively, if a foam material is used to manufacture the pad 226, the foam can be deposited directly on the first side 22 of the pre-formed semi-rigid layer 220. Alternatively, each of the pad 226 and the semi-rigid layer 220 can be preformed and subsequently glued or otherwise attached together.
As shown in the embodiment of figure 20, the composite pad 216 can be placed on top of the existing carpet or tiles 212. Preferably, the composite pad 216 is positioned so that the holding components 218 penetrate within a part of the carpet or existing tiles 212 to prevent relative movement between the composite pad 216 and the existing carpet or tile 212. The new carpet or carpet tile 214 is then placed on top of the pad 226.
The use of composite pad 216 allows a new carpet or carpet tile to be positioned over the existing carpet or tiles without first removing the existing carpet or tiles. The new carpet tiles can then be secured together with connectors 20 or conductive connectors 150, as described above. In the embodiment shown in figure 20, none of the layers (i.e., the existing carpet or tile 212, the composite pad 216, and the new carpet or carpet tile 214) are affixed to each other. Thus, the installation of new tiles does not have to be permanent but instead, it can be easily removed. In addition, the holding components 218 are preferably, but not necessarily, designed so as not to damage the face of the existing carpet or tiles. Thus, a new tile installation can be removed without changing the appearance or usability of the existing carpet or tiles.
The connectors of this invention improve the current systems or methods of tile installation. Connectors use less material as well as cheaper materials than traditional installation systems. In addition, the use of connectors significantly reduces tile installation time (more than 50% of the time for adhesive systems) by eliminating the need to prepare a floor prior to installation. Instead of applying a layer of adhesive next to the floor and then redoing these steps to position the tiles on the adhesive layer, with the connectors, the installer positions and holds it as it moves forward. In addition, given the adhesive that can be released used on the connectors and the limited surface area of the tiles that comes in contact with the connectors, the tiles can be easily repositioned if necessary. Additionally, due to the fact that the tiles do not interact with the underlying floor, they are easily removable from the floor and leave the underlying floor intact upon such removal. Consequently, the floor does not require a new finish before it is covered with another floor covering.
The embodiment described above is illustrative and not limiting. Various variations of the structures illustrated in the drawings and materials described above are possible and within the scope of this invention as defined by the claims.
18 sheets
Sheet 1 Sheet 2 Sheet 3 Sheet 4 Sheet 5 Sheet 6 Sheet 7 Sheet 8 Sheet 9 Sheet 10 Sheet 11 Sheet 12 Sheet 13 Sheet 14 Sheet 15 Sheet 16 Sheet 17 Sheet 18
Every citation, both ways
| Document | Relation | Office | Cited during |
|---|---|---|---|
| US9988760B2 | Cited by | United States of America | Applicant |
| US9691240B2 | Cited by | United States of America | Applicant |
119 members in 15 offices
Priority claims9
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| 60920368 | United States of America | – | |
| 92036807 | United States of America | P | |
| 92036807 | United States of America | P | |
| 2008058361 | United States of America | W | |
| 2008058361 | United States of America | W | |
| 2008058361 | – | – | – |
| 60920368 | – | – | – |
| US20070920368P | – | – | – |
| WO2008US58361 | – | – | – |
Members119
| Document | Office | Kind | |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA2421763A1 | Canada | A1 | |
| WO0225004A2 | World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) | A2 | |
| AU9626801A | Australia | A | |
| WO0225004A3 | World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) | A3 | |
| MXPA03002223A | Mexico | A | |
| EP1325202A2 | European Patent Office (EPO) | A2 | |
| CA2495101A1 | Canada | A1 | |
| WO2004016848A2 | World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) | A2 | |
| AU2003265409A1 | Australia | A1 | |
| WO2004016848A3 | World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) | A3 | |
| US2004093811A1 | United States of America | A1 | |
| US2004258870A1 | United States of America | A1 | |
| BR0313495A | Brazil | A | |
| EP1552071A2 | European Patent Office (EPO) | A2 | |
| US2005229534A1 | United States of America | A1 | |
| JP2005538760A | Japan | A | |
| US2006010804A1 | United States of America | A1 | |
| AU2005295322A1 | Australia | A1 | |
| CA2583532A1 | Canada | A1 | |
| WO2006044928A2 | World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) | A2 | |
| US2006107617A1 | United States of America | A1 | |
| EP1325202A4 | European Patent Office (EPO) | A4 | |
| WO2006044928A3 | World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) | A3 | |
| MX2007004405A | Mexico | A | |
| EP1799935A2 | European Patent Office (EPO) | A2 | |
| KR20070068368A | Republic of Korea | A | |
| CN101084350A | China | A | |
| JP2008517190A | Japan | A | |
| US2008213529A1 | United States of America | A1 | |
| AU2008230828A1 | Australia | A1 | |
| CA2679004A1 | Canada | A1 | |
| WO2008119003A2 | World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) | A2 | |
| BRPI0518165A | Brazil | A | |
| HK1114890A1 | Hong Kong, China | A1 | |
| US7464510B2 | United States of America | B2 | |
| WO2008119003A3 | World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) | A3 | |
| US2009094919A1 | United States of America | A1 | |
| CN100536729C | China | C | |
| EP2129735A2 | European Patent Office (EPO) | A2 | |
| CN101614066A | China | A | |
| US2010024329A1 | United States of America | A1 | |
| CN101646737A | China | A | |
| KR20100014594A | Republic of Korea | A | |
| US7721502B2 | United States of America | B2 | |
| JP2010523841A | Japan | A | |
| US2010176189A1 | United States of America | A1 | |
| US7757457B2 | United States of America | B2 | |
| AU2005295322B2 | Australia | B2 | |
| EP2258908A2 | European Patent Office (EPO) | A2 | |
| EP2258909A2 | European Patent Office (EPO) | A2 | |
| EP2258908A3 | European Patent Office (EPO) | A3 | |
| EP2258909A3 | European Patent Office (EPO) | A3 | |
| WO2010144897A1 | World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) | A1 | |
| AU2011200866A1 | Australia | A1 | |
| JP2011094478A | Japan | A | |
| US2011107720A1 | United States of America | A1 | |
| EP2374855A2 | European Patent Office (EPO) | A2 | |
| EP2374856A2 | European Patent Office (EPO) | A2 | |
| EP2374857A2 | European Patent Office (EPO) | A2 | |
| EP2374855A3 | European Patent Office (EPO) | A3 | |
| EP2374856A3 | European Patent Office (EPO) | A3 | |
| EP2374857A3 | European Patent Office (EPO) | A3 | |
| JP4945452B2 | Japan | B2 | |
| CA2583532C | Canada | C | |
| US8220221B2 | United States of America | B2 | |
| CN101614066B | China | B | |
| US2013014460A1 | United States of America | A1 | |
| EP2554616A2 | European Patent Office (EPO) | A2 | |
| US8381473B2 | United States of America | B2 | |
| CN103074985A | China | A | |
| US8434282B2 | United States of America | B2 | |
| US8468771B2 | United States of America | B2 | |
| US8468772B2 | United States of America | B2 | |
| EP2554616A3 | European Patent Office (EPO) | A3 | |
| AU2013206537A1 | Australia | A1 | |
| CN101646737B | China | B | |
| JP2013177809A | Japan | A | |
| US2013232900A1 | United States of America | A1 | |
| US2013263553A1 | United States of America | A1 | |
| AU2011200866B2 | Australia | B2 | |
| AU2014201289A1 | Australia | A1 | |
| EP2258909B1 | European Patent Office (EPO) | B1 | |
| JP5489980B2 | Japan | B2 | |
| AU2008230828B2 | Australia | B2 | |
| EP2752535A1 | European Patent Office (EPO) | A1 | |
| DK2258909T3 | Denmark | T3 | |
| EP2374856B1 | European Patent Office (EPO) | B1 | |
| ES2479491T3 | Spain | T3 | |
| KR101417048B1 | Republic of Korea | B1 | |
| BRPI0809431A2This record | Brazil | A2 | |
| KR20140119768A | Republic of Korea | A | |
| DK2374856T3 | Denmark | T3 | |
| ES2512742T3 | Spain | T3 | |
| JP5616803B2 | Japan | B2 | |
| PL2374856T3 | Poland | T3 | |
| AU2013206537B2 | Australia | B2 | |
| KR20150023921A | Republic of Korea | A | |
| JP5735037B2 | Japan | B2 | |
| KR101537917B1 | Republic of Korea | B1 | |
| KR101538611B1 | Republic of Korea | B1 |
4 legal events, as the office reported them to INPADOC
Over the term
Point at a mark for the eventEvents
| Event | Code | |
|---|---|---|
| Others concerning applications: alteration of classificationB15K | B15K | |
| Patent application refused [chapter 9.2 patent gazette]B09B | B09B | |
| Patent application refused [chapter 9.2 patent gazette]B09B | B09B | |
| Application suspended after technical examination (opinion) [chapter 7.1 patent gazette]B07A | B07A |
Numbers
- Publication
- PI0809431
- Publication, DOCDB
- PI0809431
- Publication, EPODOC
- BRPI0809431
- Application
- 9431
- Application, DOCDB
- PI0809431
- Application, EPODOC
- BR2008PI09431
Titles2
- Portuguese
- SISTEMA E MÉTODO PARA INSTALAÇÃO DE COBERTURA DE PISO
- English
- SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR INSTALLING FLOOR COVERAGE
Classification
- CPC, 17
- E04F15/02
- A47G27/0475
- A47G27/0481
- B65H37/005
- B65H2701/1922
- C09J2203/314
- G01S1/68
- G01S5/0027
- E04F2201/07
- C09J7/38
- C09J7/22
- Y10T428/2848
- Y10T428/16
- Y10T156/109
- Y10T428/23993
- B65H2401/21
- C09J7/29
- IPC, 6
- C09J7 02
- A47G27 04
- B65H37 00
- E04F15 02
- C09J7 22
- C09J7 38
