Integral Edge Engaging Spacing Feature On Tile Patents (Class 52/392)
  • Patent number: 7475488
    Abstract: A dual purpose tile spacer and packing shim includes a body having a plurality of arms of equal width, wherein each arm extends radially from a common intersection, and each arm has a bottom edge and a top surface, wherein the respective bottom edges all reside in a common plane and the respective top surfaces do not all reside in a common plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2009
    Inventor: Stephen Symington
  • Publication number: 20080302043
    Abstract: A panelling system preferably for floors is defined by a series of panels each formed of a plurality of tongue and groove main floor plank strips arranged side edge to side edge and cut to a common length with a tongue along one cut edge and a groove along the other. At the edges are attached first and second dividing strips formed also from the flooring planks fastened together to form a common panel member for transportation and installation. Each divider strip includes a ninety degree point extending beyond the sides of the main strips to meet with the points of other strips to fill the spaces between the panels. The strips are fastened by pins from the rear or by a bonded sheet material on the rear. A method for assembly includes re-cutting the tongue or groove along one edge after compression of the main strips together to ensure accuracy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2007
    Publication date: December 11, 2008
    Inventors: Kelly Gibson, Len Hoard
  • Patent number: 7451578
    Abstract: The invention relates to a fastening system (1) for rectangular, tabular panels (2, 3, 10), especially floor panels. Comprising retaining profiles disposed on the small faces of said panels (2, 3, 10). Opposite retaining profiles match said retaining profiles in such a manner that similar panels (2, 3, 10) can be interlinked. The panels are provided with opposite first retaining profiles that are configured in such a manner that on a panel (2, 3, 10) being in first line a new panel (2) can be locked in second line by attaching the new panel (2) to the installed panel (3) at a temporary angle relative to the installed panel (3) and then swiveling it down into the plane of the installed panel (3). The panel further comprises opposite second retaining elements that comprise corresponding hook elements (6, 7).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: Akzenta Paneele + Profile GmbH
    Inventor: Hans-Jürgen Hannig
  • Patent number: 7442423
    Abstract: Engineered tile panels incorporating a hard surface veneer formed from ceramic, glass, and stone layer affixed to the core or substrate which may be assembled gluelessly and which provide uniform grouting gaps upon assembly, is disclosed along with methods therefore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2008
    Assignee: Shaw Industries Group
    Inventor: Robert J Miller
  • Publication number: 20080202053
    Abstract: A tile is for installation with at least another tile on a wall surface having magnetic properties, the tile comprising a rear surface, a front surface and a peripheral edge. The tile rear surface has magnetic properties for magnetic adherence to the surface, and the peripheral edge of the tile defines first and second fastening means, the first fastening means of a given tile for releasable connection to the second fastening means of an adjacent tile.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2007
    Publication date: August 28, 2008
    Inventors: Jean-Paul Guy, Stephane Morin
  • Patent number: 7413374
    Abstract: A portable overlapping secured mat system with uniformly sized plastic mats joined together to form structural support surface for use by persons or equipment. The mats' edges have recessed upper and lower lips with finger projections extending from the upper lips sized to fit into holes of adjacent mats' lower lips securing the mats together when the front edge of the finger projections are moved into a recesses of the back wall of the hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2008
    Inventors: D. Scott Rogers, Ron Houghton
  • Patent number: 7257929
    Abstract: A module includes at least an associated two-layer structure with one first layer being a polymer base layer highly loaded with mineral fillers contributing to the rigidity of the module, and a second layer made from a printed polymer film defining the decorative part of the module, and the protection of the decorative part. An outer surface of a rigidifying base layer is designed to form a spacer means in the form of a plate of dimensions substantially greater than the format of the module, over all or part thereof, to constitute after abutment of the modules and/or edge jointing of the plate edges, a zone for receiving a sealant such as a binder, putty and like bonding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: Geflor
    Inventors: Olivier Ceysson, Olivier Thill, Freddy Bosc
  • Patent number: 7162838
    Abstract: A constructional panel has a generally rectangular central section and two opposed end sections, each having an isosceles trapezoid part, its short edge conjoined to an edge of the central section and its long edge conjoined to a rectangular part, there being oblique edges extending between the long and short edges. The panel is thus bound by one pair of opposed edges of the central section, the oblique edges of the two end sections, one pair of opposed edges of the rectangular part and a further edge of the rectangular part opposed to that edge conjoined to the trapezoid part. The panel edges are configured for connection to the corresponding edges of like panels to build up an area of panelling. Projecting tabs from some edges are received in corresponding receptors on opposed edges and having lock arrangements, whereby the interengaged panels may be locked together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Inventor: Fergus Jonathan Ardern
  • Patent number: 7089708
    Abstract: Panels which are joined at their opposing end faces are used to create a panel assembly. The opposing end faces may be a tongue and groove arrangement or they may consist of matching beveled recesses. In either case, the interrelationship between the opposing end faces is such that, upon assembly, an intervening space is created between adjoining panels. This intervening space eliminates the cantilever force effect associated with known panel assemblies and it results, instead, in a shear force which is evenly distributed over the full extent of the abutting panel faces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2006
    Assignee: Bostock Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Glenn H. Bostock
  • Patent number: 6966161
    Abstract: Vertically joined flooring material comprising floor elements (1) with a mainly triangular, square, rectangular, rhomboidal or polygonal shape, as seen from above. The floor elements (1) are provided with edges (2) which are provided with joining members (20), a lower side (5) and a decorative top surface (3). The flooring material comprises a combination of at least two types of floor elements (1), which types comprises female floor elements (1?) and male floor elements (1?). The female floor element (1?) is provided with a female joining member (21) on at least half of the number of its edges (2) and a male joining member (22) on less than half of the number of its edges (2). The male floor element (1?) is provided with a male joining member (22) on at least two thirds of the number of its edges (2) and a female joining member (21) on less than one third of the number of its edges (2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2005
    Assignee: Pergo (Europe) AB
    Inventors: Jörgen Pálsson, Ingvar Sylegård
  • Patent number: 6925764
    Abstract: The invention relates to a tile for laying in enclosed spaces, and especially but not exclusively for installation in so-called damp rooms, such as bathrooms, toilets, basements, but also entrance halls, conservatories and verandas. The tile according to the invention is characterized in that it consists of at least one decorative plate and one base plate which is fixed to it by foam or by an adhesive, and in that the base plate recedes behind the contour of the decorative plate(s) on at least one side. The invention may further provide a connecting strip for use between adjacent tiles, or a preferably flat heating element located between the decorative plate and the base plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2005
    Inventors: Josef Hrovath, Hugo Lenhard-Backhaus
  • Patent number: 6865856
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a new plastic flooring that is assembled by concave portions and convex portions. The plastic flooring provides space between the concave portions and convex portions. The space absorbs the heat expansion of the plastic flooring such that the deformation of the plastic flooring is prevented. Also, the space stores an adhesive on a bottom floor such that crevices between the plastic flooring are prevented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2005
    Assignee: LG Chem, Ltd.
    Inventors: Young-Gi Kim, Sung-Chan Park, Han-Chul Jang
  • Patent number: 6851237
    Abstract: A wood floor system comprises a plurality of parallel rows of floorboards laid end-to-end, and each of the floorboards includes a compression nub extending along a side surface thereof, adjacent the top surface. These compression nubs affirmatively engage an opposing side surface of an adjacent floorboard row, thereby sealing, or isolating, the top surface of the floor from the side surfaces of the floorboard rows. This uniformly distributes expansion and contraction forces throughout the floor, due to uniform spacing between the floorboard rows. The isolation of the upper floorboard surface from the side surface also prevents undesired downward migration or flow of liquid finishing solution, which can have serious adverse affects for a wood floor. The invention reduces the total volume of finishing solution necessary for finishing the floor, and it also reduces “overwood” during floor installation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2005
    Assignee: Robbins, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Niese, Paul Elliott
  • Patent number: 6808777
    Abstract: An arrangement which comprises: first and second panel-shaped pieces of flooring for joining together, said pieces resting on a sub-floor and having profiles along mutually meeting edge portions which, on the first piece, consist of a groove and a projection located thereunder, and on the second piece a tongue insertible in the groove, and also a recess accommodating the projection; wherein said projection, at its outer, free edge, is of greater thickness transversely of the plane of extent of the flooring piece than at its inner edge connected with remaining parts of the piece; and wherein the underside of the projection lies flush with the remainder of the underside of the flooring piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2004
    Assignee: AB Golvabia
    Inventors: Kjell Andersson, Roger Davidsson
  • Patent number: 6799402
    Abstract: The invention relates to a floor with strips each defining a length and width and along the side and end edges provided with either end tongue or groove. The floor is laid in groups each including a number of tongue and groove assembled strips fastened to a subfloor by means of at least one fastener such as a screw or nail which is driven into the subfloor via at least one stepped transverse hole designed with at least one step in the respective strip and resting against the at least one step with a fastener head covered by a cover plug in the transverse hole. In mounted position, the plug is so stuck that it cannot be stepped down into the transverse hole by e.g. a spike heel which will not be able to damage or break the plug either, as the plug is made of a strong and durable metal such as e.g. bronze or steel. The length of each strip is longer than the width of the strip multiplied by the number of strips in a group. The strips engage each other in a strong and at the same time beautiful braided pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2004
    Assignee: Faxe Design A/S
    Inventors: Per Faxe, Steen Mandsfelt Eriksen
  • Patent number: 6794001
    Abstract: A floor surface is described which involves a plurality of planks joined together using a 2-part adhesive system. Pre-applied adhesives on one or more floor panels are further described as well as methods of installing the floor panels to form a floor surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2004
    Assignee: Mannington Mills, Inc.
    Inventors: Hao A Chen, Yuhong Hu, Tianjian Huang, Richard Judd, Isaac Rufus
  • Patent number: 6769835
    Abstract: A floor board is arranged to be connectable to other similar boards to form a floor. The floor board includes a first female coupler extending along a first edge of the board, wherein the first female coupler comprises a first coupling element having a groove and a surface extending obliquely from the groove and away from a wall of the groove so as to form a stop. The floor board also includes a first male coupler extending along a second edge of the board, wherein the first male coupler comprises a second coupling element having a V shape portion and a portion disposed in a recess formed in the board, wherein an outer V-leg of the second coupling element is deformable in the direction of an Inner V-leg, and wherein the second coupling element in its non-deformed state is complementary to the shape of the groove of the first coupling element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2004
    Assignee: Tarkett Sommer AB
    Inventor: Per-Eric Stridsman
  • Patent number: 6751917
    Abstract: A floor tile structure, provided that a surface layer and a bottom layer are attached respectively on the upper and the lower surfaces of the soft double-sided adhesive tape with pressure sensitivity, wherein the surface layer is possibly made of ceramic, rock, metal or other hard material and the periphery is a smooth cross-section; and, the bottom layer is a hard adhesive layer, wherein the continuous periphery is concave relative to the periphery and the other opposite continuous periphery is complementarily convex; further, the concave periphery is buried in the inner edge of the periphery of the surface layer and the convex periphery is protruded to the outer edge of the periphery of the surface layer; as for the two floor tiles with the above-mentioned structure, with the adhesive layer in the convex site on the bottom layer being attached with the concave periphery on the bottom layer of the other floor tile, the tiles can be laterally apposed to pave on the working floor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2004
    Inventor: Chen-Chi Mao
  • Publication number: 20040093819
    Abstract: The invention consists of a back liner panel with pre-formed ribs to secured to a substrate to receive properly shaped tiles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2002
    Publication date: May 20, 2004
    Inventor: Donald Ritzer
  • Patent number: 6718714
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a removable and replaceable flooring matrix capable of providing various environmental cues for the safety of disabled persons. The flooring matrix may be installed and de-installed in sections, called sectionals, that are securely attached to the ground or an anchor box by two-part fasteners. In operation, one part of the two-part fastener, or ground anchor, engages an anchor box or the ground, while the other part of the two-part fastener, or matrix anchor, engages the flooring matrix sectional. Sectionals are interchangeable in part due to beveled edges, which create discernible pathways at the perimeter of each sectional for providing a pathway for the wheels of wheelchairs and the like. Flooring matrix sectionals may display a variety of detectable warnings or other environmental cues to alert disabled persons of conditions or hazards, or assist in their transgress.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2004
    Inventor: Phil Montgomery, Sr.
  • Patent number: 6711869
    Abstract: A process is proposed for laying and mechanically jointing floorboards provided with tongue and groove engagements on all sides for horizontal attachment. The process involves a) jointing of a number of boards and making them engage on their transverse sides n order to lay a first row on the floor of a room, b) jointing of a first board for a second row and making it engage with one or two boards in the first row using the tongue and groove joint on the longitudinal side for the purpose of starting a second row, c) pushing the tongue (or groove) of a second board into the groove (or tongue) on the transverse side of the first board in the second row, with movement from the longitudinal side towards the boards in the first row, and d) making the second board engage with one or two boards in the first row.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2004
    Assignee: Kronotec AG
    Inventor: Detlef Tychsen
  • Patent number: 6694689
    Abstract: Modular flooring systems and methods using at least one free-lay support module. The free-lay support module includes a baseplate and a frame member having a first arm and a second arm that meet and form an angle. Replaceable wear surface modules with or without a backing structure fit within the baseplate. The top of frame partially overlays the replaceable wear surface modules that my be carpet, carpet tile, vinyl flooring, wood flooring, wood parquet flooring or a variety of other materials. In still another embodiment, this invention provides for a free-lay support module that is self-contouring or self-leveling. In yet another embodiment this invention provides a replaceable wear surface modular flooring structure utilizing floor grid members having a “horizontal arm” and a “vertical arm”, each of which are in the form of an open U-shaped channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2004
    Assignee: Interface, Inc.
    Inventors: Graham Scott, David D. Oakey
  • Patent number: 6688061
    Abstract: New direct laminated floor, of the kind that contain, on their surface, cellulose sheets impregnated in polymerizable resins, on which some characteristics have been drawn and where, once pressed and mechanized, the finished strips have an offset/sunk area on the peripheral edge and the optic/tactile texture of the surface corresponds and adapts to the characteristics drawn on the cellulose sheets. For application in the construction industry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2004
    Assignee: Industrias Auxiliares Faus, S.L.
    Inventor: Eugenio Cruz Garcia
  • Patent number: 6670019
    Abstract: In an arrangement for jointing together adjacent pieces of floor covering material, mutually facing edge portions of the pieces in a joint are profiled such that the one piece has a groove-shaped accommodation space in which a corresponding bead-shaped projection on the other piece may be accommodated. The one piece has a flocking which is disposed for holding together adjacent pieces. The profiling has, besides the accommodation space and the projection, mutually facing surfaces on both pieces, at least one of these surfaces being flocked. The flocking or flockings are located outside the defining surfaces of the accommodation space and the projection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2003
    Assignee: AB Golvabia
    Inventor: Kjell Andersson
  • Patent number: 6667109
    Abstract: A decorative medallion consists of two pieces that may be assembled about a mounted fixture. The medallion pieces are decorated with surface ornamentation to add to their visual appeal. A first piece of the medallion includes at a first end an overlapping member whose outline follows prominent features in the surface ornamentation, and at a second end an underledge designed to receive the overlapping member of the second piece. The second piece similarly includes an underledge that is designed to receive the overlapping member of the first piece. The respective overlapping members have recessed edges that are shaped to include one or more alignment features, such as protrusions and concave receiving portions. The underledges are shaped to slideably mate with the corresponding alignment features of the respective overlapping members, and thus, include various corresponding concave receiving portions and protrusions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2003
    Assignee: Style Solutions, Incorporated
    Inventor: Kent T. Julliard
  • Patent number: 6647685
    Abstract: A tool for the spacing of tiles during installation includes a central body with radially projecting prongs that are fitted between adjacent tiles to control the spacing thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Assignee: Space-It-Rite
    Inventors: Joseph L. Annarella, Robert Grzybowski, John F. Dumelle
  • Patent number: 6640513
    Abstract: A combination floor structure includes multiple main boards, and multiple connecting boards. Each of the main boards is a rectangular plate, and has four corners each formed with a recessed portion which has a central position protruded with a locking lug which has a center formed with a locking recess. Each of the connecting boards has an outer periphery formed with multiple connecting recesses each of which may allow insertion of the locking lug of the main board, so as to lock and position the locking lug of the main board. Each of the connecting recesses has a center protruded with a connecting lug that may be inserted into and locked in the locking recess of the main board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Inventor: Chen Chung Ku
  • Publication number: 20030196397
    Abstract: A wood floor system comprises a plurality of parallel rows of floorboards laid end-to-end, and each of the floorboards includes a compression nub extending along a side surface thereof, adjacent the top surface. These compression nubs affirmatively engage an opposing side surface of an adjacent floorboard row, thereby sealing, or isolating, the top surface of the floor from the side surfaces of the floorboard rows. This uniformly distributes expansion and contraction forces throughout the floor, due to uniform spacing between the floorboard rows. The isolation of the upper floorboard surface from the side surface also prevents undesired downward migration or flow of liquid finishing solution, which can have serious adverse affects for a wood floor. The invention reduces the total volume of finishing solution necessary for finishing the floor, and it also reduces “overwood” during floor installation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2003
    Publication date: October 23, 2003
    Applicant: Robbins, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Niese, Paul Elliot
  • Publication number: 20030192274
    Abstract: A floor tile structure, provided that a surface layer and a bottom layer are attached respectively on the upper and the lower surfaces of the soft double-sided adhesive tape with pressure sensitivity, wherein the surface layer is possibly made of ceramic, rock, metal or other hard material and the periphery is a smooth cross-section; and, the bottom layer is a hard adhesive layer, wherein the continuous periphery is concave relative to the periphery and the other opposite continuous periphery is complementarily convex; further, the concave periphery is buried in the inner edge of the periphery of the surface layer and the convex periphery is protruded to the outer edge of the periphery of the surface layer; as for the two floor tiles with the above-mentioned structure, with the adhesive layer in the convex site on the bottom layer being attached with the concave periphery on the bottom layer of the other floor tile, the tiles can be laterally apposed to pave on the working floor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2002
    Publication date: October 16, 2003
    Inventor: Chen-Chi Mao
  • Patent number: 6619002
    Abstract: A flooring system including resin channels having webs and legs mounted on joists with their webs resting on the edges of the joists and their legs straddling the sides of the joists, and a plurality of adjacent resin tiles each having a plate with inner flanges extending downwardly from the plate with slots in the inner flanges receiving pins on the legs of the channels, and outer flanges located outwardly of the inner flanges which rest on the webs of the channels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2003
    Inventor: Frederick M. Pettit
  • Patent number: 6609348
    Abstract: A repeating series of tiles has at least three tiles in a series. Each tile within the series has at least two sides capable of interfacing with adjacent tiles within the series. Each of the two sides of each tile within the series has a different shape in the pile direction than the other tiles within the series such that the last tile within the series is capable of interfacing with the first tile of the next series. Further, each tile within the series has at least one side capable of interfacing with at least one tile within another series in order to have adjoining rows of series of tiles. The present invention further includes both a method for producing and assembling a repeating series of tiles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2003
    Assignee: Mannington Carpets, Inc.
    Inventor: Peter Desai
  • Patent number: 6601357
    Abstract: The present invention concerns an adhesive bonded thermoplastic coating for the underside of a floor that will add significant moisture resistance, wear resistance, transverse crack resistance, and make a better looking, more marketable product. The plastic coated vehicular trailer floor has a plurality of wood planks having a top surface, a bottom surface and a first and second side surfaces, the plank having a width that is less than the lateral width of the floor, each plank being formed by a plurality of boards arranged side-by-side, each board being formed of a plurality of segments joined end-to-end to one another by shaped coupling portions. The planks are arranged side by side such that at least one of the first and second side surfaces faces one of the second or first side surfaces of adjacent planks. Each of the planks has a planar polymer layer formed of an un-reinforced polymer, being bonded to the bottom surface of the planks with an adhesive layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2003
    Inventor: George Tunis
  • Publication number: 20030091780
    Abstract: In an arrangement for jointing together adjacent pieces (1, 2) of floor covering material, mutually facing edge portions of the pieces (1, 2) in a joint are profiled such that the one piece (1) has a groove-shaped accommodation space (5) in which a corresponding bead-shaped projection (6) on the other piece (2) may be accommodated. The one piece has a flocking (9) which is disposed for holding together adjacent pieces. The profiling has, besides the accommodation space (5) and the projection (6), mutually facing surfaces (7, 8) on both pieces (1, 2, respectively), at least one of these surfaces being flocked (9). The flocking (9) or flockings (9) are located outside the defining surfaces of the accommodation space (5) and the projection (6).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 1999
    Publication date: May 15, 2003
    Inventor: KJELL ANDERSSON
  • Patent number: 6543196
    Abstract: A flooring device for aligning and laying tiles. The flooring device includes a panel having an upper surface and a lower surface. The panel is flexible. The upper surface has a plurality of recesses therein bounded by ridges. A plurality of tiles each has a shape substantially identical to the recesses. Each of the tiles is positionable in one of the recesses. Each of the tiles has an upper edge, a bottom edge and a peripheral edge extending between the upper and bottom edges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2003
    Inventor: Manual A. Gonzales
  • Patent number: 6536178
    Abstract: Vertically joined flooring material comprising floor elements (1) with a mainly triangular, square, rectangular, rhomboidal or polygonal shape, as seen from above. The floor elements (1) are provided with edges (2) which are provided with joining members (20), a lower side (5) and a decorative top surface (3). The flooring material comprises a combination of at least two types of floor elements (1), which types comprises female floor elements (1′) and male floor elements (1″). The female floor element (1′) is provided with a female joining member (21) on at least half of the number of its edges (2) and a male joining member (22) on less than half of the number of its edges (2). The male floor element (1″) is provided with a male joining member (22) on at least two thirds of the number of its edges (2) and a female joining member (21) on less than one third of the number of its edges (2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Assignee: Pergo (Europe) AB
    Inventors: Jörgen Pålsson, Ingvar Sylegård
  • Publication number: 20030019174
    Abstract: There is provided a flooring system for hardwood floors comprised of a plurality of elongated slats wherein the slats are held in position by a plurality of connectors, each connector having a base secured to a substrate, a vertical portion extending upwardly from the base, and a generally horizontal portion extending into a groove formed in a side wall of the elongated slat. The system permits the slats to be installed with a minimum of labor and also permits removal of the slats and their later re-use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2001
    Publication date: January 30, 2003
    Inventor: Manuel Bolduc
  • Publication number: 20020189183
    Abstract: A polymeric floor tile of elongated shape having a top surface molded to simulate a section of wood flooring with a plurality of staggered boards. The tile is adhesive-free, made possible by novel mating interlocks formed so as to lie below the linear edges defining the top tile surface. A decorative layer of wood grain may be applied to the top surface during or after molding to enhance simulation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2001
    Publication date: December 19, 2002
    Inventor: Thomas E. Ricciardelli
  • Patent number: 6470641
    Abstract: An assembly device without visible screws for assembly of two parallel wooden slats comprises an intercalated fixing element engaged in two positioning grooves arranged side by side in the side faces. The fixing element comprises a metal slide having: a base part equipped with an oblong aperture extending longitudinally in the central part for the screw to pass through, two securing wings oriented in opposite directions from one another and designed to press in the grooves when the screw is tightened, and a screw head whose external dimension is greater than the visible second gap which is arranged above the grooves between the upper edges of the two wooden slats.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2002
    Inventor: Didier Faure
  • Publication number: 20020112429
    Abstract: A wood floor system comprises a plurality of parallel rows (10a, 10b . . . 10z) of floorboards (10) laid end-to-end, and each of the floorboards (10) includes a compression nub (20) extending along a side surface (13) thereof, adjacent the top surface ( ). These compression nubs (20) affirmatively engage an opposing side surface (14) of an adjacent floorboard row (10a), thereby sealing, or isolating, the top surface of the floor from the side surfaces (13, 14) of the floorboard rows (10a, 10b . . . 10z). This uniformly distributes expansion and contraction forces throughout the floor, due to uniform spacing between the floorboard rows (10a, 10b . . . 10z). The isolation of the floorboard upper surface from the side surfaces (13, 14) also prevents undesired downward migration or flow of liquid finishing solution (28), which can have serious adverse affects for a wood floor. The invention reduces the total volume of finishing solution necessary for finishing the floor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2001
    Publication date: August 22, 2002
    Applicant: Robbins, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Niese, Paul Elliott
  • Patent number: 6418690
    Abstract: The specification discloses an outdoor deck surface unit in which a plurality of boards, suitable for outdoor use, are secured to an underlying substrate. The deck units cover an area of from about 2 to about 6 square feet, such that they are large enough that an entire deck surface can be created relatively quickly, but are sufficiently small that a deck surface unit can be readily lifted, moved, placed and handled by a single individual.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2002
    Inventors: Charles E. Wheatley, Colin G. Carr
  • Patent number: 6408584
    Abstract: A pre-fabricated wood underlayment and tile system comprising, in layers, wood underlayment, layer of adhesive, and a layer of vinyl or ceramic tile with a plastic film protectant that is peeled away after installation which provides a pre-fabricated panel to be attached to any flat surface such as a floor or a wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2002
    Inventor: Rhonda Annette Rodriguez
  • Patent number: 6401415
    Abstract: New direct laminated floor, of the kind that contain, on their surface, cellulose sheets impregnated in polymerisable resins, on which some characteristics have been drawn and where, once pressed and mechanised, the finished strips have an offset/sunk area on the peripheral edge and the optic/tactile texture of the surface corresponds and adapts to the characteristics drawn on the cellulose sheets. For application in the construction industry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2002
    Assignee: Industrias Auxiliares Faus, S.L.
    Inventor: Eugenio Cruz Garcia
  • Patent number: 6397544
    Abstract: A repeating series of tiles has at least three tiles in a series. Each tile within the series has at least two sides capable of interfacing with adjacent tiles within the series. Each of the two sides of each tile within the series has a different shape in the pile direction than the other tiles within the series such that the last tile within the series is capable of interfacing with the first tile of the next series. Further, each tile within the series has at least one side capable of interfacing with at least one tile within another series in order to have adjoining rows of series of tiles. The present invention further includes both a method for producing and assembling a repeating series of tiles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2002
    Assignee: Mannington Carpet, Inc.
    Inventor: Peter Desai
  • Publication number: 20020007606
    Abstract: A floor tile, in particular a laminate panel, parquet element, veneer floor element, ready-to-lay parquet element or such like comprises an edge profile on at least two opposite edges in the form of a modified groove and tongue joint for the purpose of connecting adjacent tiles, with a coincident arrangement consisting of one groove (22,122,26,126) and one tongue (20,120,30,130) on each of at least two edges, of which the tongue on one edge of a first tile and the groove in an associated edge of a second tile rise obliquely upwards from the bottom of the tile. The edge profiles are contrived directly in the support material of the floor tile, the groove (26,126) in the first tile is disposed directly above its tongue (20,120) and the lower wall of this groove falls off towards the back end (28,128) of the groove by the same degree as the tongue (20,120) on the first tile rises upwards.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2001
    Publication date: January 24, 2002
    Inventors: Volker Kettler, Bernd Schneider, Wolfgang Wienstroer
  • Publication number: 20010042349
    Abstract: A trim for sealing joints between a horizontal surface and a vertical surface against water penetration has an elongated body with a front-side and a back-side. The front-side has a curvature having a convex part and a concave part that together forming a continuous curvature to channel the flow of water away from the joint. The back-side has at least two recesses for an adhesive-sealant application, where the first recess is used for adhering to the vertical wall and the second is used adhering to the joint. The trim can be made of ceramic or plastic.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2001
    Publication date: November 22, 2001
    Inventor: Tara Chand Singhal
  • Patent number: 6318794
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a flooring panel for a transport vehicle, comprising a wood core, the wood core including a plurality of wooden strip elements bonded together and having a bottom surface, and a reinforced composite layer applied to the bottom surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2001
    Assignee: Planchers Leclair Inc.
    Inventor: Jacques Bérubé
  • Patent number: 6311443
    Abstract: This invention provides an apparatus, method, and system to arrange a deck or balcony with the use of pre-manufactured deck panels. The deck panels are inexpensive, easy to install, remove, or add to, and only requires common framing hardware.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2001
    Inventor: Robert Allazetta
  • Patent number: 6263633
    Abstract: The invention relates to horizontally and vertically linked paving stones (10). According to the invention, projections (18) and recesses (19) are provided in the area of the bottom part (16) of the paving stones (10) used for a paved surface in order to link said paving stones horizontally and vertically. These projections and recesses engage with each other with a positive fit so as to interlock adjacent stones in a horizontal and vertical direction. The paving stones (10) are characterised in that the width of the joints (32) formed between adjacent paving stones (10) increases in a downward direction so as to form a gap which diverges downwards. This means that the material used for filling the joints can be introduced efficiently and reliably as far as the underside.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2001
    Assignee: SF-Kooperation GmbH Beton-Konzepte
    Inventor: Gerhard Hagenah
  • Patent number: 6253513
    Abstract: A plurality of tile panels suited for dry execution for a wall surface. Each tile panel is integrally formed by bonding a plate onto a back surface of a tile and a plurality of restriction blocks are disposed on coupling pieces of at least two opposite side edges of the plate in a tightly attached manner. The restriction blocks are positioned on the side edges of the plate so as to not overlap with each other when the tile panels are aligned vertically and horizontally. The coupling pieces protrude beyond a tile bonding range on the plate. Rivet holes, a nail hole, and a screw hole for an adjuster bolt are provided in each of the restriction blocks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2001
    Assignee: Daiei Corporation CO, LTD
    Inventor: Yasunori Saida
  • Patent number: 6182414
    Abstract: A wooden floorboard assembly has a foamed plastic layer, a carpet layer disposed on the foamed plastic layer, at least a first and a second wooden floorboards. The first wooden floorboard has a first wooden plate, a first hook-and-loop-type fastener pad adhered on a bottom of the first wooden plate, and the first wooden plate having a first protruded portion and a first recessed portion. The second wooden floorboard has a second wooden plate, a second hook-and-loop-type fastener pad adhered on a bottom of the second wooden plate, and the second wooden plate having a second protruded portion and a second recessed portion. The first recessed portion of the first wooden plate engages with the second protruded portion of the second wooden plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2001
    Inventor: Chin-Chih Huang