Floor element with guiding means

SWEDEN (12) PATENT (13) C2 <11) 517 009 (51)

International class ⁷

E04F 15/04 (19) SE

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PATENT AND REGISTRATION (45) (41) (22) (24) (62) (86) (86)

Patent filed Application widely available The patent application was submitted on expiration date

Tribal application number

2002-04-02

2001-01-06

1999-07-05

1999-07-05 (21) Patent Application Number 9902559-5

Application received as:

(83)

International filing day Filing date for European patent application Deposit of micro-organism Swedish patent application completed international patent application with number □ converted European patent application with number (30) Priority information (73) PATENTHAVARE Perstorp Flooring AB, Strandridaregatan 8 231 25 Trelleborg SE Göran Mårtens AB Floor elements with controls (56) PUBLICATIONS ABOUT:

EP Al 0 652 340 (E04F 15/04), DE A 2 DE Al 3 306 609 (E04F 15/02), GB A 1 (57) SUMMARY:

(72) INVENTOR (74) REPRESENTATIVE (54) TITLE

101 782 (E04F 15/10), 212 983 (E04F 15/10)

Floor element (1), which is substantially disc-shaped with triangular, square, rectangular, rhomboidal or polygonal design as seen from above. The floor elements (1) are provided with edges (2), an underside (7) and a decorative upper layer (3). The floor elements (1) which are intended to be joined via groove and spring are, at least at two opposite edges (2), preferably at all edges (2) provided with holes (4). The holes (4) extend inwardly from the edge (2) substantially parallel to the decorative upper layer (3). The holes (4) are arranged at a predetermined distance from the decorative upper layer (3) and at a predetermined distance from a nearest corner between two connecting edges (2), the holes (4) being adapted to receive each part of a guide member (6).

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The numbers in brackets indicate international identification code, INID code. Letters in clamps indicate international document code.

S 'PRV Patent uses the following document codes for its patents code clear text code clear text

A widely available patent application

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B5 corrected layout letter *

C patent *

Cl Patent *

C2 patent

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C5 Patent Patent *

C8 corrected front page to patent step

E patent in amended version

E8 corrected front page to patent in amended version

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L widely available

T1 translation of the requirements of European patent application

T2 correction of translation of the requirements of European patent application T3 translation of European patent

T4 translation of European patent in amended form T5 corrected translation of European patent

T8 corrected translation of European patent publication T9 corrected translation of European patent publication published under previous legislation

ZNationskoder

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517 009

The present invention relates to floor elements which are joined by means of groove, spring and separate controls.

Prefabricated board-shaped floor elements, which at the edges are provided with groove and spring, are now commonplace. As these are very easy to add, this can be done also be done by the normally handy. Such flooring elements may, for example, consist of solid wood, wood fiber board or chipboard. These are usually provided with a surface layer, such as lacquer or some form of laminate. The boards are usually laid together by gluing together through groove and spring. Normally, this type of flooring is laid by laying down the boards so that the cross joints do not coincide. Therefore, there has been no reason to accurately control the boards' longitudinal placement. Without this possibility, the design of designs is considerably difficult. An example where it would be desirable to lay a floor where both transverse and longitudinal joints completely coincide is when laying completely square floor elements. This is very difficult as rulers or a very good eye dimension and great craftsmanship are required to achieve a successful end result. Moreover, it is very easy to disrupt already laid floor elements from their position when new ones are added. Even in so-called transhipment, there is sometimes a desire for cross joints to coincide completely over, for example, one or every third cross joint. This desire is most often seen when floor elements with different decorations are used to create a decorative effect in larger floor areas. This request applies to both square and rectangular floor elements.

By the present invention, the above problems have been solved whereby a patterned floor, even with complex patterns, can easily be laid with great accuracy even by the usual hand. The invention thus relates to floor elements which are substantially disc-shaped with triangular, square, rectangular, rhomboidal or polygonic design as seen from above. The floor elements are provided with edges, an underside and a decorative upper layer. The floor elements are intended to be joined via groove and spring. The invention is characterized in that the floor elements are, at least at two opposite edges, preferably at all edges provided with holes, which holes extend inwardly from the edge substantially parallel to the decorative upper layer. The holes are positioned at a predetermined distance from the upper decorative layer and at a predetermined distance from a nearest corner between two connecting edges. The holes are intended to receive each part of a guide.

The holes preferably extend perpendicularly from the edge where the holes are applied. Alternatively, the holes extend parallel to the edge closest to the edge where the holes are applied. In cases where the corners of the floor elements are at right angles, they extend

009

517 the holes preferably perpendicular from the edge where they are applied and parallel to the edge which connects to the edge where they are applied.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the floor element has four edges which have the same length. Each edge is suitably provided with each a hole group of two holes. The holes have, in each hole group, been arranged with a mutual distance of N and that the distance between the holes and its nearest corner between two connecting edges is N / 2, the length of the edge being 2N.

According to a second embodiment of the invention, the floor element has two opposite edges of greater length than the two remaining edges. The two shorter edges are suitably provided with a two hole aperture group each. The holes have, in each hole group, been arranged with a mutual distance of N and that the distance between the holes and its nearest corner between two connecting edges is N / 2, the length of the edge being 2N. The two long edges are each provided with a hole group of three or more holes, the outermost holes being arranged at a distance L / 2 from the nearest corner between two connecting edges, while the distance between two adjacent holes, arranged on the two long edges. is L where the length of the long edge is an integer greater than 3L, and preferably less than 30L.

Alternatively, the two long edges are each provided with a hole group of three or more holes, the outermost holes of which are arranged at a distance L / 2 from the nearest nearest corner between two connecting edges. The distance between two adjacent holes arranged on the two long edges is L, 2L, 3L, 4L, 5L or combinations thereof. The length L is in both cases suitably the length N.

The holes are suitably provided with an inner gripping edge. The holes are then preferably provided with an inner gripping edge by milling a groove from the underside. This groove is then perpendicular to the hole and thus parallel to the edge where the hole, which is crossed by the groove, is arranged. Alternatively, the holes may be provided with an inner ΐ gripping edge by, after drilling, a step of greater diameter than the holes is milled at a predetermined depth.

The actuators are then suitably provided with each of two ends, each of which is provided with one or more resilient projections. These projections are intended, when mounted, to engage with the gripping edges of the holes.

The invention is further illustrated with the aid of the attached figures which show different embodiments of a floor covering material according to the present invention, wherein:

Figure 1a shows, from above, an embodiment of a floor element 1 with a square surface.

Figure 1b shows the embodiment of Figure 1a seen from the side.

517 009

Figure 2 shows, from above, a second embodiment of a rectangular surface floor element 1.

Figure 3 shows, from above, a further embodiment of a floor element 1 with rhomboidal surface.

Figure 4 shows, as seen from above, another embodiment of a floor element 1 with hexagonal surface.

Figure 5 shows, from above, another embodiment of a rectangular surface floor element 1.

Figure 6 shows, from the top view, an embodiment of the invention where square floor elements according to Figure 1 and rectangular floor elements according to Figure 5 together form a so-called pattern layout.

Figure 7 shows, from above, an embodiment of the invention where square floor elements according to Figure 1 constitute a so-called pattern layout.

Figure 8 shows, from the top view, an embodiment of the invention where rectangular floor elements according to figure 2 constitute a so-called pattern layout.

Figure 9 shows, from above, an embodiment of the invention in which rectangular floor elements according to figure 5 constitute a so-called pattern layout.

Figure 10 shows, from above, an embodiment of the invention in which rhomboid floor elements according to figure 2 constitute a so-called pattern layout.

Figure 11 shows, from above, an embodiment of the invention where rhomboid floor elements according to Figure 2 and hexagonal floor elements according to Figure 4 together form a so-called pattern layout.

Figure 12 shows, in cross-section, parts of two floor elements 1 and a controller 6 according to an embodiment of the invention.

Figure 13 shows, in cross-section, parts of two floor elements 1 and a controller 6 according to a second embodiment of the invention.

517 009

Figure 14 shows, in cross-section, parts of two pieces of floor element 1 and a controller 6 according to a further embodiment of the invention.

Figure 15 is a bottom view of parts of the floor element 1 shown in Figure 13.

Thus, Figure 1a shows, from above, an embodiment of a floor element 1 with a square surface, while Figure 1 b shows the embodiment of Figure 1a seen from the side. The floor element 1 is provided with edges 2, an underside 7 and a decorative upper layer 3. The floor element 1 is also provided with groove 11 and spring 12. The floor element 1 is provided with holes 4 at each edge 2, which holes 4 extend inwards from the edge. 2 substantially parallel to the decorative upper layer 3. The holes 4 are intended to receive each part of a guide 6 (Fig. 12). The holes 4 extend perpendicularly from the edge 2 where the holes 4 are applied. The holes 4 extend further parallel to the edge 2 which most closely connects to the edge 2 where the holes 4 are applied. Floor element 1 is provided at each edge 2 with a hole group of two holes 3. The holes 4, in each hole group, are arranged with a mutual distance of N. The distance between each hole 4 and its nearest corner between two connecting edges 2 is N / 2. The length of the edge 2 is thereby 2N.

Figure 2 is a top view of a second embodiment of a rectangular surface floor element 1. The floor element 1 is provided with edges 2, an underside 7 and a decorative upper layer 3. The floor element 1 is also provided with groove 11 and spring 12. The floor element 1 is provided with holes 4 at each edge 2, which holes 4 extend inwards from the edge. 2, substantially parallel to the decorative upper layer 3. The holes 4 are intended to receive each part of a guide 6 (Fig. 12). The holes 4 extend perpendicularly from the edge 2 where the holes 4 are applied. The holes 4 extend further parallel to the edge 2 which most closely connects to the edge 2 where the holes 4 are applied. The two shorter edges 2 are each provided with a hole group of two holes 4, which holes 4 in each hole group are arranged with a mutual distance of N. The distance between the holes 4 and its nearest corner between two connecting edges is N / 2, where the edge 2 length is 2N. The two long edges 2 are each provided with a hole group of five holes 4. The outer holes 4 are arranged at a distance L / 2 from the respective nearest corner between two connecting edges 2, while the distance between two adjacent holes 4, arranged on the two long holes the edges 2, are L. The length of the long edge 2 is 5L. The length L is equal to the length N.

Figure 3 shows, from above, another embodiment of a floor element 1 with rhomboidal surface. The floor element 1 is provided with edges 2, an underside 7 and a decorative upper layer 3. The floor element 1 is also provided with groove 11 and spring 12. The floor element 1 is provided with holes 4 at each edge 2, which holes 4 extend inwards.

009

517 from the edge 2 substantially parallel to the decorative upper layer 3. The holes 4 are intended to receive each part of a guide 6 (Fig. 12). The holes 4 extend perpendicularly from the edge 2 where the holes 4 are applied.

According to an alternative embodiment, the holes extend parallel to the edge 2 which most closely connects to the edge 2 where the holes 4 are applied. This hole orientation facilitates certain forms of pattern making.

Floor element 1 is provided at each edge 2 with a hole group of two holes 3. The holes 4, in each hole group, are arranged with a mutual distance of N. The distance between each hole 4 and its nearest corner between two connecting edges 2 is N / 2nd The length of the edge 2 is thereby 2N.

Figure 4 shows, from above, a further embodiment of a floor element 1 with hexagonal surface. The floor element 1 is provided with edges 2, an underside 7 and a decorative upper layer 3. The floor element 1 is also provided with groove 11 and spring 12. The floor element 1 is provided with holes 4 at each edge 2, which holes 4 extend inwards from the edge. 2, substantially parallel to the decorative upper layer 3. The holes 4 are intended to receive each part of a guide 6 (Fig. 12). The holes 4 extend perpendicularly from the edge 2 where the holes 4 are applied. Floor element 1 is provided at each edge 2 with a hole group of two holes 3. The holes 4, in each hole group, are arranged with a mutual distance of N. The distance between each hole 4 and its nearest corner between two connecting edges 2 is N / 2nd The length of the edge 2 is thereby 2N.

Figure 5 shows, from above, another embodiment of a rectangular surface floor element 1. The floor element 1 is provided with edges 2, an underside 7 and a decorative upper layer 3. The floor element 1 is also provided with groove 11 and spring 12. The floor element 1 is provided with holes 4 at each edge 2, which holes 4 extend inwards &lt;from the edge 2 substantially parallel to the decorative upper layer 3. The holes 4 are intended to receive each part of a guide 6 (Fig. 12). The holes 4 extend perpendicularly from the edge 2 where the holes 4 are applied. The holes 4 extend further parallel to the edge 2 which most closely connects to the edge 2 where the holes 4 are applied. The two long edges 2 are each provided with a hole group of eight holes 4. The outer holes 4 are arranged at a distance L / 2 from the nearest corner between two connecting edges 2, while the distance between two adjacent holes 4, arranged on the two long holes the edges 2, are L and 3L respectively. The length of the long edge 2 is thereby 12L. The length of the short edge is 2L.

The floor element 1 can also, as shown in Figure 2, be provided with holes 4 on the two short edges 2. These edges 2 are then provided with each a hole group of two holes 3. The holes 4 are then arranged with a mutual distance of L. The distance between each hole 4 and its nearest corner between two connecting edges 2 is L / 2. The length of the short edge 2 is as before 2L.

517 009

Figure 6 shows, from above, an embodiment of the invention in which square floor elements 1 according to figure 1 and rectangular floor elements 1 according to figure 5 together form a so-called pattern layout. For the sake of clarity, note 11 and spring 12 are not shown. The square floor elements 1 are completely in agreement with the one shown in figure 1. The rectangular floor elements 1 are substantially in accordance with that shown in Figure 5, however, the short edges 2 are also provided with holes 4 arranged in a manner consistent with the edges of the square floor element 1. Thus, the laying can be initiated by the fact that five square floor elements 1 are mounted together by means of one or two controllers 6 (Fig. 12) per floor element 1 so that a rectangular unit is formed. This can then be mounted against a rectangular floor element 1 by means of one or more controls 6 so that a part corresponding to 2L (see Fig. 5) of the long edge 2 of the rectangular floor element 1 is released. Alternatively, the square floor elements 1 can be mounted directly against the rectangular floor element 1 without first being mounted together. Another rectangular floor element 1 can then, at an angle, be added to the already mounted floor elements 1. Also here, one or more controllers are used to position the floor elements 1. Additional square floor elements 1 are mounted to the already laid floor elements 1 until a square consisting of twenty-five pieces of square floor elements 1 is provided. Then, two more rectangular floor elements 1 are mounted at an angle so that the four rectangular floor elements 1 together form a frame around the square floor elements 1. Controls 6 are primarily used to position the rectangular floor elements 1 to each other as they indicate the main shape of the pattern. However, controls 6 should also be used at least when laying every first row of square floor elements 1. The arrows illustrate how additional floor elements 1 are added to the already laid.

The floor elements 1 usually comprise a body coated with an upper decorative layer 3. The body usually consists of wood shavings or wood fibers bonded together with resin or glue. Since the wood material in the frame is moisture sensitive, it may be advantageous to surface treat the area closest to the joint if the floor will be exposed to much moisture. This coating may conveniently comprise resin, wax, or any varnish. It is not necessary to coat the joint if it is to be glued, since the adhesive itself will protect the body against moisture ingress. The decorative upper layer 3 consists of a decorative paper impregnated with melamine-formaldehyde resin. On top of this, one or more layers of so-called overlay paper consisting of α-cellulose impregnated with melamine-formaldehyde resin may possibly be placed. In order to improve the wear properties, some or all of the layers can be sprinkled with hard particles of, for example, α-alumina, silicon carbide or silica in connection with the impregnation. The underside 7 may conveniently be coated with lacquer, or a surface layer of paper and resin.

517 009 P

<img file="SE517009C2_D0003.tif" />

Figure 7 shows, from above, an embodiment of the invention in which the square floor elements of Figure 1 constitute a so-called pattern layout. The square floor elements 1 are in complete agreement with the one shown in Figure 1. Thus, laying can be started by assembling square floor elements 1 by means of one or two controllers 6 (Fig. 12) per floor element 1 so that a unit is formed. The floor elements 1 can be mounted so that both longitudinal and transverse joints coincide or that longitudinal or transverse joints are displaced IN, that is, half the side of the floor element. Controls 6 are primarily used to position the rows against each other so that coincident cross joints coincide completely over the entire surface of the floor without curves being formed. It is not necessary to use controls 6 in each floor element 1. However, control means 6 should also be used at least when laying outer rows of square floor elements 1.

Figure 8 shows, from above, an embodiment of the invention where rectangular floor elements according to Figure 2 constitute a so-called pattern layout. For the sake of clarity, note 11 and spring 12 are not shown. The rectangular floor elements 1 are in full agreement with the one shown in figure 2. Thus, the laying can be started by assembling two or more rectangular floor elements 1 into a row by means of one or two controllers 6 (Fig. 12) per floor element 1 so that a unit is formed. Additional rows can then be added to this first row. At least one controller 6 per row is used. If only a few taps are used, they should be placed near the portion of the pattern that appears most clearly, which is illustrated in Figure 8 with a number of darker floor elements 1 arranged in a pattern that can be likened to a transition point. However, it is advantageous to use full set of controls 6 at least when laying the first row of square floor elements 1.

Figure 9 shows, from above, an embodiment of the invention where rectangular floor elements according to Figure 5 constitute a so-called pattern layout. For the sake of clarity, note 11 and spring 12 are not shown. The laying procedure is essentially in line with what is illustrated with figure 8. However, the floor is laid so that the cross joints coincide over every third row. The arrow illustrates how the next pattern-bearing floor element 1 is added to the already laid.

Figure 10 shows, from above, an embodiment of the invention where rhomboid floor elements according to figure 3 constitute a more advanced design. However, the holes 4 (Fig. 3) are arranged parallel to the edge 2 which is adjacent to the edge 2 where the holes 4 are mounted. For the sake of clarity, Note 11 and Spring 12. are not shown. Six dark-patterned rhomboid floor elements 1 are assembled by means of guides 6 to form the shape of a six-pointed star. Thereafter, a row of roboid floor elements 1 with a lighter pattern can be laid by means of guides 6 around the already mounted floor elements 1. Arrows illustrate how additional floor elements 1 are added to the already laid.

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Figure 11 further shows, as seen from above, an embodiment of the invention in which rhomboid floor elements according to figure 2 and hexagonal floor elements according to figure 4 together form an advanced design. However, the holes 4 (Fig. 3) of the rhomboid floor elements 1 are arranged parallel to the edge 3 which is most adjacent to the edge 3 where the holes 4 are mounted. For the sake of clarity, note 11 and spring 12 are not shown. The floor elements 1 are gradually joined together by means of controls 6. Arrows illustrate how additional floor element 1 is added to the already laid.

Figure 12 shows, in section, parts of two pieces of floor element 1 and a controller 6 according to one embodiment of the invention. The floor elements 1 are provided with edges 2, underside 7 and decorative upper layers 3. The floor elements 1 are intended to be joined via groove 11 and spring 12. The floor elements 1 are provided at the edges 2 with holes 4, which holes 4 extend inwards from the edge 2 mainly parallel to the decorative top layer 3. The holes are positioned at a predetermined distance from the decorative upper layer 3 and at a predetermined distance from a nearest corner (Fig. 1) between two connecting edges 2. The holes 4 are intended to receive each part of a guide 6.

Figure 13 shows, in cross section, parts of two pieces of floor element 1 and a controller 6 according to a second embodiment of the invention. The floor elements 1 are provided with edges 2, underside 7 and decorative upper layers 3. The floor elements 1 are intended to be joined via groove 11 and spring 12. The floor elements 1 are provided at the edges 2 with holes 4, which holes 4 extend inwards from the edge 2 mainly parallel to the decorative top layer 3. The holes are positioned at a predetermined distance from the decorative upper layer 3 and at a predetermined distance from a nearest corner (Fig. 1) between two connecting edges 2. The holes 4 are intended to receive each part of a guide 6. The holes 4 are provided with an inner gripping edge 4 'which is formed by milling a groove 4 from the underside 7. See also Figure 15. The groove 4 is perpendicular to the hole 4 and thus parallel to the edge 2 where the hole 4, which is crossed by the groove 4, is arranged. The controller 6 is provided with two ends 6 ', each of which is provided with a plurality of resilient projections 60 which are intended, when mounted, to engage the gripping edges 4' of the holes 4.

Figure 14 shows, in section, parts of two pieces of floor element 1 and a controller 6 according to a further embodiment of the invention. The floor elements 1 are provided with edges 2, underside 7 and decorative upper layers 3. The floor elements 1 are intended to be joined via groove 11 and spring 12. The floor elements 1 are provided at the edges 2 with holes 4, which holes 4 extend inwards from the edge 2 mainly parallel to the decorative top layer 3. The holes are disposed at a predetermined distance from the decorative upper layer 3 and at a predetermined distance.

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from a nearest corner (Fig. 1) between two connecting edges 2. The holes 4 are intended to receive each part of a guide 6. The holes 4 are provided with an inner gripping edge 4 'which is provided by, after drilling, a step with a diameter larger than the holes 4 are milled at a predetermined depth. The controller 6 is provided with each of two ends 6 ', each of which is provided with a resilient projection 60 which is intended, when mounted, to engage the gripping edges 4' of the holes 4 '.

Figure 15 shows, as seen from below, parts of the floor element 1 shown in Figure 13. The holes 4 are provided with an inner gripping edge 4 'which is provided by milling a groove 4 from the underside 7. See also Figure 13. The groove 4 is perpendicular to the hole. 4 and thus parallel to the edge 2 where the hole 4, which is crossed by the groove 4, is arranged.

The invention is not limited by the embodiments shown, since these can be varied in different ways within the scope of the invention. For example, it is extremely advantageous to use adhesives when the floor elements 1 are to be joined together, even when embodiments of holes 4 gripping edges 4 'and guiding means 6 with resilient projections 70 are used. The primary task of these is to position the floor elements 1 against each other so that slips can be avoided and that an exact pattern layering can easily be achieved even by the non-skilled floor layman without the need for special tools.

The floor elements 1 also usually comprise a body coated with an upper decorative layer 3. The body usually consists of wood shavings or wood fibers bonded together with resin or glue. Since the wood material in the frame is moisture sensitive, it may be advantageous to surface treat the area closest to the joint if the floor will be exposed to much moisture. This coating may conveniently comprise resin, wax, or any varnish. It is not necessary to coat the joint if it is to be glued, since the adhesive itself will protect the body against moisture ingress. The decorative upper layer 3 consists of a decorative paper impregnated with melamine-formaldehyde resin. On top of this, one or more layers of so-called overlay paper consisting of α-cellulose impregnated with melamine-formaldehyde resin may possibly be placed. In order to improve the wear properties, some or all of the layers can be sprinkled with hard particles of, for example, α-alumina, silicon carbide or silica in connection with the impregnation. The underside 7 may conveniently be coated with lacquer, or a surface layer of paper and resin.

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