Abstract: A system for attaching siding to an exterior wall through use of a fastener guide strip that is held within or against the nailing hem of a siding panel so as to allow the panel to slide along the guide strip during thermally induced expansion and contraction of the panel.

Abstract: The invention relates to a locking system for mechanical joining of floorboards (1, 1?), a floorboard having such a locking system and a flooring made of such floorboards. The locking system has mechanical cooperating means (36, 38; 6, 8, 14) for vertical and horizontal joining of adjoining floorboards. The means for horizontal joining about a vertical plane (F) comprise a locking groove (14) and a locking strip (16) which is located at opposite joint edge portions (4a, 4b) of the floorboard (4). The locking strip (6) projects from the joint plane (F) and has an upwards projecting locking element (8) at its free end. The locking groove (14) is formed in the opposite joint edge portion (4a) of the floorboard at a distance from the joint plane (F). The locking groove (14) and the locking element (8) have operative locking surfaces (10, 11).

Abstract: A locking system for mechanical joining of floorboards includes horizontal joining of a first and a second joint edge portion of a first and a second floorboard respectively at a vertical joint plane; vertical joining of the first and second joint edge portions; wherein the tongue, the tongue groove, the locking element and the locking groove have a configuration that allows insertion of the locking element into the locking groove by inward angling of the second floorboard towards the first floorboard while maintaining contact between the joint edge portions, and wherein the tongue, the tongue grove, the locking element and the locking groove have a configuration that allows insertion of the locking element into the locking groove by a substantially vertical snap action.

Abstract: The roofing system is a system that allows for numerous shingles to be attached to the roof of a house without using nails, releasably interlocking the shingles to each other and also attaching the shingles to the surface of the roof. The roofing system includes a single foundation layer of hook and loop fastening material affixed to the roof, and a plurality of shingles releasably attached to the foundation layer. The shingles are overlapped onto each other in rows and held both to each other and the foundation layer. The shingles may additionally laterally overlap each other to provide a greater level of resistance to the elements.

Abstract: A roofing shingle for enhanced wind/rain durability embodies two transverse lines of adhesion. A first discontinuous line of adhesive joins the butt edge of an overlying shingle to the underlying shingle. Secondly, a band of sealant adjacent the top edge of an underlying shingle seals against an overlying shingle to prevent penetration by wind driven rain to the roof deck. A reduced headlap is thereby permitted, thereby either reducing shingle size or extending shingle coverage. Exposed portions of the sealant band improve the erosion resistance of underlying shingles.

Abstract: A roof shake which simulates a conventional wooden shake includes an exposure portion, a toplap portion, a headlap portion, a butt end, an upper edge, an upper surface, and a lower surface. The shake tapers from the butt end to the upper edge. The exposure portion of the shake includes at least one cavity which functions as an insulative chamber and may be filled with insulative material.

Abstract: The slating of a new roof or the re-slating of an existing roof is carried out by attaching batten rails to the roof, and providing a clip for attachment to the underside of a slate that is to be mounted thereon. The batten rail and the clip mechanically interlock so as to secure the slate to the building.

Abstract: A shingle system, mountable to a support surface, includes overlapping shingle assemblies. Each shingle assembly comprises a support bracket, having upper and lower ends, secured to a shingle body. The upper end has an upper support portion, extending away from the shingle body, and an upper support-surface-engaging part, engageable with a support surface so that the upper edge of the shingle body is positionable at a first distance from the support surface to create a first gap therebetween. The lower end has a lower support portion extending away from the lower surface. The support brackets create: (1) a second gap between shingle bodies of the first and second shingle assemblies, and (2) an open region beneath the first shingle assembly fluidly coupling the first and second gaps.

Abstract: A multi-ribbed, standing seam structural roof panel with double ribs which can be attached directly to building framing to create a structural rated building panel with shear values which also serves as waterproofing panel.

Abstract: The invention relates to a locking system for mechanical joining of floorboards (1, 1?), a floorboard having such a locking system and a flooring made of such floorboards. The locking system has mechanical cooperating means (36, 38; 6, 8, 14) for vertical and horizontal joining of adjoining floorboards. The means for horizontal joining about a vertical plane (F) comprise a locking groove (14) and a locking strip (16) which is located at opposite joint edge portions (4a, 4b) of the floorboard (4). The locking strip (6) projects from the joint plane (F) and has an upwards projecting locking element (8) at its free end. The locking groove (14) is formed in the opposite joint edge portion (4a) of the floorboard at a distance from the joint plane (F). The locking groove (14) and the locking element (8) have operative locking surfaces (10, 11).

Abstract: A lineal for framing openings in buildings that may provide a finished appearance to the opening being framed. The lineal may be comprised of a nailing hem and an overhang. The lineal may additionally comprise a channel portion. The lineal with a channel portion may be manufactured as a one-piece or two-piece unit. The two-piece unit may have a portion that slides onto or snaps into the channel portion. The lineal may have insulation applied to its underside.

Abstract: A roof tile support element that fits between roof tiles and a roofing surface to provide support for the roof tiles, which is compatible with a broad range of roof tiles, is adjustable during installation, and that allows individuals to walk confidently on a tile roof without breaking tiles.

Abstract: A wall system for a structure including elongate furring strips having a multiplicity of transversely oriented air passages. The elongate furring strips are arranged on a first envelope layer of a wall and covered with a second envelope layer. The furring strips space the first and second envelope layers apart, forming a plurality of enclosed cavities or air spaces. The cavities are in fluid communication with each other through the air passages in the furring strips, and may be in fluid communication with the outside atmosphere. Air is thusly enabled to circulate from the outdoors through substantially all portions of the cavities, promoting drying of the first and second envelope layers, which may be sheathing and finish siding.

Abstract: Floor covering, including hard floor panels which, at least at the edges of two opposite sides, are provided with coupling parts, cooperating which each other, substantially in the form of a tongue and a groove, wherein the coupling parts are provided with integrated mechanical locking elements which prevent the drifting apart of two coupled floor panels in a direction (R) perpendicular to the related edges and parallel to the underside of the coupled floor panels, and provide a snap-action coupling.

Abstract: A roof system with rows of superimposed tiles (1) comprising rafters (4) and parallel horizontal shingles (2) fixed to the rafters, each shingle (2) consisting of a shaped section having an upper planar support surface (2c) partly present on a catching wing (2b) projecting upwards, in the direction of the slope of the roof, whereon is engaged, further down, at least a hook (1a), open downwards, formed on the low marginal part of the bottom surface (1b) of each tile of an upper row. The invention is characterized in that it comprises a rail (3) fixed, in the direction of the slope, on the upper surface of each rafter (4), said rail (3) being provided, on its top surface, with elements (3a, 3b) maintaining in place each shingle (2).

Abstract: A floorboard system includes a plurality of floorboards, wherein each of the floorboards is a rectangular floorboard provided with long edges and short edges and having a floorboard body provided with an integrated long edge locking system and an integrated short edge locking system for mechanical joining, both vertically and horizontally, the floorboards, along the long edges thereof and along the short edges thereof. The long edge locking system differs from the short edge locking system in respect of at least one of material composition and material properties. And, at least one of the long edge locking system and the short edge locking system includes a separate element which is integrally connected with the floorboard body at the factory and is made of a material other than that included in the floorboard body.

Abstract: The invention relates to a locking system for mechanical joining of floorboards (1, 1?), a floorboard having such a locking system and a flooring made of such floorboards. The locking system has mechanical cooperating means (36, 38; 6, 8, 14) for vertical and horizontal joining of adjoining floorboards. The means for horizontal joining about a vertical plane (F) comprise a locking groove (14) and a locking strip (16) which is located at opposite joint edge portions (4a, 4b) of the floorboard (4). The locking strip (6) projects from the joint plane (F) and has an upwards projecting locking element (8) at its free end. The locking groove (14) is formed in the opposite joint edge portion (4a) of the floorboard at a distance from the joint plane (F). The locking groove (14) and the locking element (8) have operative locking surfaces (10, 11).

Abstract: A steel roofing panel support system is disclosed herein. The system generally includes a support element positioned on a roof surface, the support being configured to support at least a portion of a steel roof panel to be placed thereon. The support element may be cut from a block of expanded polystyrene such that the support is substantially wedge-shaped. A support element as disclosed herein may also be used in installations of steel panels over existing wood shakes or other roof surfaces.

Abstract: A roof panel clip that extends ten feet in length rather than the usual prior art one to two inches, enabling the clip to span the distance between two purlins to support roof panels over these distances. The extended length of the clip enables it to provide greater strength against uplift loads than that which was possible with the older narrower clips and this continuous clip can be installed more quickly than a series of the ususal smaller clips used to cover the same span.

Abstract: A J-channel is provided with a retainer which biases an inserted siding panel against a cantilevered end of an outer face of the J-channel. The retainer has an engagement tab biased from a wall member which is preferably connected to an inner face of the J-channel member. An engagement tab and an inwardly directed lip at the cantilevered end of the outer face preferably retained an inserted panel therebetween.

Abstract: The invention relates to a strip for a building board (2), exhibiting a board body (S) which is formed with a gripping stud (24). The strip (10) extends from the body (S) and from which are formed gripping elements (26, 28), which are bent round the gripping stud (24) for mechanical fastening of the strip (10) to the body (S), as well as a locking element (12) for enabling mechanical joining of the board (2) to similar boards.

Abstract: Adjacent rows of flat, panel-shaped components disposed below one another, overlapping in a shingle-like way, form a covering of a roof or a facade. The components are preferably designed as photovoltaic elements. Disposed under the components in each case in the region between adjacently situated vertical rows is a section forming an upwardly open channel in order to receive and drain water running off next to the components. The section has sawtooth-shaped lateral parts on which the components are borne in their shingle-like configuration. By means of the lateral parts, a clearly defined support for the components is formed, and by means of the sections draining the water, seals between the components can be dispensed with even in horizontal direction.

Abstract: A roofing shingle for enhanced wind/rain durability embodies two transverse lines of adhesion. A first discontinuous line of adhesive joins the butt edge of an overlying shingle to the underlying shingle. Secondly, a band of sealant adjacent the top edge of an underlying shingle seals against an overlying shingle to prevent penetration by wind driven rain to the roof deck. A reduced headlap is thereby permitted, thereby either reducing shingle size or extending shingle coverage. Exposed portions of the sealant band improve the erosion resistance of underlying shingles.

Abstract: A siding attachment strip and method are provided for retaining a plurality of siding panels to a building structure. The siding attachment strip includes an elongate body, one or more mounting holes, and a plurality of siding top edge clips spaced along the elongate body according to a predetermined siding panel size. A siding top edge clip of the plurality of siding top edge clips is capable of engaging a nailing slot in a siding panel. The siding top edge clip includes a plurality of prongs extending therefrom. A prong of the plurality of prongs includes a substantially right-angled bend in a middle region of the prong. The siding attachment strip further includes a plurality of prong slots formed in the elongate body and spaced from and corresponding to the plurality of siding top edge clips.

Abstract: The strip includes an elongated body having a pair of parallel sidewalls, an upper surface between sidewalls and a lower surface between sidewalls adapted to engage a water barrier on a wood roof. A plurality of spaced, inverted channels are formed along the body from the lower surface and terminate generally midway between the upper and lower surfaces. The channels extend between the body sidewalls and provide drainage perpendicular to the length of the body. The upper surface may be planar or be stepped. A plurality of spaced recesses with preset fasteners are disposed along the upper body surface.

Abstract: This relates to a locking system for mechanical joining of floorboards (1, 1′), a floorboard having such a locking system and a flooring made of such floorboards. The locking system has mechanical cooperating structure (36, 38; 6, 8, 14) for vertical and horizontal joining of adjoining floorboards. The means for horizontal joining about a vertical plane (F) comprise a locking groove (14) and a locking strip (16) which is located at opposite joint edge portions (4a, 4b) of the floorboard (4). The locking strip (6) projects from the joint plane (F) and has an upwards projecting locking element (8) at its free end. The locking groove (14) is formed in the opposite joint edge portion (4a) of the floorboard at a distance from the joint plane (F). The locking groove (14) and the locking element (8) have operative locking surfaces (10, 11).

Abstract: A fastener-free composite roofing product comprising a roofing material and an interply material attached to the roofing material, wherein the interply material includes an adhesive coating on one side. The interply material is attached adjacent to an edge of the roofing material to permit a major portion of the interply material to be folded away from the roofing material for application to a roof. The adhesive is effective to secure the roofing product to the roof without the use of nails or other fasteners. The roofing material may be a roofing shingle or roll roofing, and the interply material is comprised of a water resistant material.

Abstract: An assemblage of sheet metal roof covering pieces is utilized in a novel process to recover and stiffen a deteriorated roof without the necessity for extensive removal of the original roof covering, the deteriorated roof structure further stiffened by spaced stiffening ribs that also serve to fix in interlocked engagement the sheet metal roof covering pieces. Included in the assemblage are interlocking valley pans that are sequentially compressed between the ribs and then fastened with the valley pans then bridged by curved sheet metal caps that are also interlocked. The resulting structure has the pleasing appearance of an Oriental tile roof.

Abstract: The invention concerns a roof system with rows of superimposed tiles (1) comprising rafters (4) and parallel horizontal shingles (2) fixed to the rafters, each shingle (2) consisting of a shaped section having an upper planar support surface (2c) partly present on a catching wing (2b) projecting upwards, in the direction of the slope of the roof, whereon is engaged, further down, at least a hook (1a), open downwards, formed on the low marginal part of the bottom surface (1b) of each tile of an upper row. The invention is characterized in that it comprises a rail (3) fixed, in the direction of the slope, on the upper surface of each rafter (4), said rail (3) being provided, on its top surface, with elements (3a, 3b) maintaining in place each shingle (2).

Abstract: A roof batten made of plastic which inhibits the pooling of water by permitting water that may accumulate beneath concrete roof tiles or other lug mounted tiles, to pass through the batten. The batten has spaced upper and lower skins of sheet plastic connected by a series of spaced struts disposed normal to the skins. The struts are preferably uniformly spaced apart. The battens will range in length from about eighteen inches to preferably three feet, but can be realistically used in lengths up to six feet. The plastic used permits the battens to be nailed, screwed, or stapled to the roof sheathing for use.

Abstract: An apparatus for the attaching of shingles to a roof and especially to the hip, ridge, and barge rafter edge portions of a shingled roof. The device can provide both a mounting guide to aid the user to achieve an in-line installation of conventional roofing shingles as well as a user determined uniform rise of the shingles so mounted to achieve a desired visual depth or thickness to the roof. The device features an elongated base strap for mounting to the roof line and a plurality of shingle fasteners mounted to the base strap at distances optimal for the shingles being used. Use of adhesives and mechanical mounts for the attached shingle further aids in maintaining a secure mount of the attached shingles in high winds and inclement weather.

Abstract: An elevated batten system according to the present is designed to eliminate the need to install the vertical and horizontal battens in separate steps. By attaching pads or blocks to the underside of the horizontal battens during assembly, the function of the vertical strips is contained in the resulting batten assembly itself.

Abstract: A covering arrangement (10) for a building has parallel elongate supports (14) and covering parts (16) arranged thereon. The covering parts comprise a core (22) and, connected thereto, upper covering elements (24) and lower planar covering elements (26), with the result that a sandwich is formed. The covering parts (16) furthermore have an elongate, striplike form and in the installed position are arranged transversely to the supports (14), extending at least from one support (14) to a neighbouring support (14). In order to increase the resistance to wind loads, it is proposed that a longitudinal border region (30) of a covering part (16) comprises a connecting device (68) and the opposite longitudinal border region (34) of a neighbouring covering part (16) has a connecting device (70) complementary thereto, by means of which the two covering parts (16) are firmly connected to each other.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for laying and mechanically joining building panels, especially thin, hard, floating floors. Adjacent joint edges (3, 4) of two panels (1, 2) engage each other to provide a first mechanical connection locking the joint edges (3,4) in a first direction (D1) perpendicular to the principal plane of the panels. In each joint, there is further provided a strip (6) which is integrated with one joint edge (3) and which projects behind the other joint edge (4). The strip (6) has an upwardly protruding locking element (8) engaging in a locking groove (14) in the rear side (16) of the other joint edge (4) to form a second mechanical connection locking the panels (1, 2) in a second direction (D2) parallel to the principal plane of the panels and at right angles to the joint. Both the first and the second mechanical connection allow mutual displacement of joined panels (1, 2) in the direction of the joint.

Abstract: An improved roof and method wherein each course of slate is underlaid with an interlayment material layer such that the interlayment material acts as a base to the through joints, resulting in a reduction in the amount of slate used by approximately 40% to 50%. The slate meets side to side (the through joint), the underlaying interlayment material providing sufficient waterproofing to protect the roof as well as being of lighter weight and a more economical slate roof than the slate which it replaces.

Abstract: Apparatus for installing siding over a wall composed of spaced apart studs and for forming an interlock of the siding and for providing easy installation and for resistance to high winds and for allowing waters to drain therefrom comprising an upside down U-shaped receiving member for being clipped on a first siding plank and connected to a second U-shaped receiving member with the second U-shaped receiving member being faced for receiving a second siding plank for creating the desired over lap relationship between the first and second siding planks. One form of the apparatus has a substantially U-shaped aperture formed therein for avoiding the studs when clipped on a siding plank. Another form of the apparatus has a second up side down U-shaped receiving member for being clipped on factory created end joints which may meet at any location on the wall without regard to the studs to form a joint.

Abstract: A roofing system includes first and second pluralities of shingles, which include central planar portions. Shingles of each plurality are arranged such that their respective central planar portions are substantially co-planar. Each shingle of the first plurality is adjacent at least one shingle of the second plurality. The central planar portions of shingles of the first plurality are displaced with respect to central planar portions of shingles of the second plurality by a separation distance. Adjacent shingles may be installed such that opposite surfaces of their central planar portions are exposed to view. A surfacing shingle may include a central planar portion and several edge portions. The shingles may be used in a ventilated roofing system, which includes a surfacing structure coupled to a roofing substrate. The surfacing structure is elevated with respect to the substrate such that an airspace is disposed between the substrate and the underside of the surfacing structure.

Abstract: A locking system for mechanical joining of floorboards, in which immediately juxtaposed upper parts of taco adjacent joint edges of two joined floorboards together define a joint plane perpendicular to a principal plane of the floorboards, the locking system providing a joining of the two joint edges perpendicular to the joint plane, the locking system including a locking groove which is formed in an underside of and extends in parallel with a first of the two joint edges at a distance from the joint plane and a portion projecting from a lower part of a second of the two joint edges and below the first joint edge and integrated with a body of the board, the projecting portion supporting at a distance from the joint plane a locking element cooperating with the locking groove, the projecting portion being located entirely outside the joint plane seen from a side of the second joint edge, and the projecting portion having a material composition other than that of the body of the board, tie projecting portion inc

Abstract: A panel structure for a building panel system to cover an exterior wall of a building. The panel structure comprises identical frame members fixed to the back surface of the panel, one along at least two of its edges. The frame members have mounting portions projecting away from the panel, each two opposed hook. The mounting portions of frame members extending along opposed edges of the panel are in longitudinal mirror symmetry to each other, so the panel structure does not have a specific orientation.

Abstract: A siding system including an improved siding strip and a starter strip for assisting in attaching a first siding strip to a side of a dwelling or other stable mounting structure is provided. The siding strip includes at least one integral portion having the simulated appearance of grout or chinking. When two or more siding strips are placed adjacent to each other, this integral portion remains exposed such that the appearance of grout or chinking between the siding strips is simulated. The starter strip is provided with a C-shaped channel that receives a fastener portion or other part of a first siding strip in snap-fit engagement. As a result of this engagement, the starter strip may be inverted to begin installation of the siding strips at the top of a wall or other stable mounting structure while fully retaining its functionality.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of laying and mechanically joining panels, especially floor panels. In a first step a first panel is already located in a first row. A second panel is positioned in a second row in a first position in relation to the first panel. A third panel is now brought into the second row and into the first position in relation to the first panel. In this position, there is a mutual distance between the adjacent edges of the second and third panel. In a second step the second and third panel are angled into the third mutual position in relation to the first panel. Thereby, the second and third panel each achieve the possibility of easy displacement in the third direction in relation to the first panel. In a third step one or both of the second and third panel are moved in relation to the first panel. By this displacement the second and third panel get in a second position in relation to each other.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and a device for reinforcing and securing the roof of a building by particular placement of a plurality of shingle straps in a manner effective to provide controlled separation of parts of the shingles while maintaining an intact roof surface covering. In a particular embodiment a reinforcing strap is installed upon or formed integral with a roofing shingle of non-uniform thickness. Appropriate placement of the shingle straps results in a roof which is able to withstand extreme forces, e.g. wind speeds up to about 150 MPH, such as those encountered in a strong hurricane. The method and device may be used to retrofit existing buildings, without requiring partial or total removal of the roof.

Abstract: Batten elements are made of plastic or metal, such as galvanized steel, galvalume, or aluminum. Several alternate embodiments of battens are shown, along with a schematic illustration of a punch process for making the metal battens of the present invention. The batten elements all include holes or tunnels for the drainage of water through the batten elements. The alternate embodiments are shown in cross section or end view.

Abstract: A splicing member for joining horizontally adjacent and abutting siding panels installed on a structure has a declination being substantially planar and extending downwardly and slightly outwardly, a top lock, and a bottom lock. In certain preferred embodiments, the top lock is a flange connected to an upper edge of the declination forming a downwardly opening U-shaped channel which receives a portion of horizontally adjacent siding panels to which the splicing member is attached. In certain preferred embodiments, the bottom lock is a shoulder extending inwardly and substantially horizontally from a lower edge of the declination. When installed, the splicing member is positioned behind two horizontally adjacent and abutting siding panels and a fastener or weld rigidly secures the siding panels and the splicing member to one another. A splicing member having multiple declinations to fixedly secure horizontally adjacent siding panels to one another and having multiple declinations is also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for laying and mechanically joining building panels, especially thin, hard, floating floors. Adjacent joint edges (3, 4) of two panels (1, 2) engage each other to provide a first mechanical connection locking the joint edges (3, 4) in a first direction (D1) perpendicular to the principal plane of the panels (1, 2). In each joint, there is further provided a strip (6) which is integrated with one joint edge (3) and which projects behind the other joint edge (4). The strip (6) has an upwardly protruding locking element (8) engaging in a locking groove (14) in the rear side (16) of the other joint edge (4) to form a second mechanical connection locking the panels (1, 2) in a second direction (D2) parallel to the principal plane of the panels (1, 2) and at right angles to the joint. Both the first and second mechanical connections allow mutual displacement of joined panels (1, 2) in the direction of the joint.

Abstract: A siding panel is formed of a one-piece enclosure delimiting an insulation chamber. An insulating material is disposed in the insulation chamber. The one-piece enclosure defines a male engagement section and a female engagement section, which are engageable with respective engagement sections of adjacent siding panels. In a siding panel system, the panels are thus interlockingly engaged in a stacked relationship. In forming the one-piece enclosure, a suitable plastic material or the like can be formed using a mandrel or other suitable forming tool, or the enclosure can be formed by extrusion or molding to form a seamless enclosure. The insulating material is blown in through a hole formed in an interior surface of the siding panel or through the sides and is selected to obtain a desired R-value for the siding panels.

Abstract: A plurality of shingles and straps are installed in a manner effective for reinforcing and securing a roof to provide controlled separation of parts of the shingles while maintaining an intact roof surface covering. Appropriate placement of the shingle straps results in a roof which is able to withstand extreme forces, e.g. wind speeds up to about 150 MPH, such as those encountered in a strong hurricane. The method and device may be used to retrofit existing buildings, without requiring partial or total removal of the roof.

Abstract: An alignment and spacer apparatus includes an elongated body member that extends longitudinally along and laterally from a longitudinal axis. The elongated body member has an arcuate surface and a flat surface facing opposite the arcuate surface. The arcuate surface curves about the longitudinal axis and has a longitudinally extending crown. Further, the body member includes at least one stop tab that projects from the arcuate surface to define a stop tab surface. The stop tab surface extends laterally and perpendicularly relative to the longitudinal axis and at least a portion of the stop tab surface protrudes above the crown. Also described is a siding panel installation system for installing siding panels on a support structure which includes a plurality of elongated body members. Each body member includes a sequence of stop tabs that are spaced equidistantly apart from one another and project from the arcuate surface.

Abstract: An edge lock is provided for use in a flooring system having a plurality of floor panels. The edge lock mechanically and releasably locks together adjacent edges of pairs of adjacent floor panels during assembly of the flooring system, and when said adjacent floor panels are laying flat on a subfloor with upper corner portions of said adjacent edges being mutually spaced apart, the edge lock includes a lock for forming a first mechanical connection for locking the adjacent edges to each other in a vertical direction, and for forming a second mechanical connection for locking the adjacent edges to each other in a horizontal direction at right angles to the edges. The lock includes a locking groove extending parallel to and spaced from a first one of the adjacent edges of one of the adjacent floor panels and being open at a rear side of the one adjacent floor panel, and a flexible and resilient locking strip integrated with another of the adjacent floor panels.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for laying and mechanically joining building panels, especially thin, hard, floating floors. Adjacent joint edges (3, 4) of two panels (1, 2) engage each other to provide a first mechanical connection locking the joint edges (3, 4) in a first direction (D1) perpendicular to the principal plane of the panels. In each joint, there is further provided a strip (6) which is integrated with one joint edge (3) and which projects behind the other joint edge (4). The strip (6) has an upwardly protruding locking element (8) engaging in a locking groove (14) in the rear side (16) of the other joint edge (4) to form a second mechanical connection locking the panels (1, 2) in a second direction (D2) parallel to the principal plane of the panels and at right angles to the joint. Both the first and the second mechanical connections allow mutual displacement of joined panels (1, 2) in the direction of the joint.