FLOORING STRUCTURE AND INSTALLATION PROCESS

Abstract

The method of forming a flooring structure and installing the flooring structure, the method including providing a surface and providing a divider strip having an inverted T-shaped cross-section. The inverted T-shaped divider strip is secured to the surface. A bonding agent is spread from the divider strip to the surface. A flooring section is installed adjacent the divider strip and on the surface.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/672,988, filed on Jul. 18, 2012.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The invention relates to flooring structures for commercial, residential, and public properties, and in particular, to flooring for commercial buildings. More particularly, the invention is directed to a flooring structure and process for installing the flooring structure that utilizes one or more divider strips having an inverted T-shaped cross section and a bonding agent spread along the divider strip, to enable one or more flooring sections to be flush with the divider strip without aesthetically unappealing uneven surfaces.

2. Background Art

The structure and design of floors has changed throughout history. Floor designers have struggled to balance the aesthetic qualities of the floor while maintaining durability. One such example of a floor that includes an aesthetically pleasing design while remaining relatively maintenance free is terrazzo flooring.

Terrazzo flooring is a composite floor that is designed to withstand daily use while generally being maintenance free. Terrazzo flooring generally is comprised of marble chips bond together with cement, and may also include epoxy resin or polymers. The different resins or polymers allow for different color combinations for aesthetic purposes.

When constructing a terrazzo floor, the floor is partitioned into sections with divider strips. The different sections enable different color combinations for different portions. Commonly, the divider strips are “L-shaped” divider strips that each include a horizontal portion that is parallel to the floor and a vertical portion that is perpendicular to the floor, thus comprising an “L” shape. The cement mixture, or epoxy mixture, is poured into the precast sections and leveled. A grinder is then used to grind the cured cement, or epoxy, to match the vertical portion of the divider strip. In this manner, the flooring material is made flush with the uppermost edge of the vertical portion of the divider strip, preventing the formation of a dirt trap, and, additionally, providing protection to the divider strip thus, providing an aesthetically pleasing design in the durable terrazzo floor. Despite the aesthetically pleasing design and durability, including materials and labor, the cost of terrazzo flooring is expensive and the process is time consuming. Additionally, the skilled labor to install terrazzo flooring is increasingly more difficult to find.

In response to the cost and time consuming installation of terrazzo flooring, floor manufacturers have attempted to mimic terrazzo flooring, but with little success. For example, floor manufacturers have utilized other composite materials, such as elastomeric-based materials, that are installed in sections, similar to terrazzo flooring. But after installation, the flooring is displaced from the “L-shaped” divider strip and, thus, is no longer flush with the divider strip. More particularly, the flooring is depressed near the divider strip so that flooring installed opposite the horizontal portion of the “L-shaped” divider strip is displaced below the uppermost edge of the vertical portion of the strip. When this depression occurs, the flooring no longer has the aesthetically pleasing characteristics of a terrazzo floor and the chance of damage to the floor increases. For example, as the floor depresses, the divider strip may be contacted by shoes, carts, or other equipment, damaging the divider strip, and causing further depression. In addition, a person may contact the divider strip causing the person to stumble and/or injure themselves.

These disadvantages of prior art flooring structures make it desirable to develop a flooring structure and installation process that prevents the depression of the floor adjacent the divider strip while mimicking the aesthetically pleasing design of the terrazzo flooring. In this manner, the flooring structure will remain flush with the divider strip minimizing damage to the divider strip and minimizing potential accidents involving users of the floor.

The flooring structure and installation process of the present invention solves the problems associated with prior art flooring structures by utilizing a divider strip having an inverted “T-shaped” cross-section and spreading a bonding agent adjacent to the inverted “T-shaped” divider strip and across portions of the floor. In this manner, the depression of the flooring section adjacent the divider strip is minimized and maintains a visually appealing aspect mimicking the design of the prior art terrazzo flooring. Further, the flooring structure and installation process is more cost effective than traditional terrazzo flooring and other prior art flooring that mimics terrazzo flooring.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Objectives of the present invention include providing a flooring structure and installation process that minimizes depressions of the flooring section adjacent the divider strip.

A further objective of the present invention is to provide a flooring structure and installation process that mimics terrazzo flooring but is more cost effective than traditional terrazzo flooring and other flooring that mimics terrazzo flooring.

The objectives of the present invention are achieved by the method of forming a flooring structure and installing the flooring structure, the method including providing a surface and providing a divider strip having an inverted T-shaped cross-section. The inverted T-shaped divider strip is secured to the surface. A bonding agent is spread from the divider strip to the surface and a flooring section is installed adjacent to the divider strip and on the surface.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

The preferred embodiment of the present invention, illustrative of the best mode in which applicant has contemplated applying the principles, is set forth in the following description and is shown in the drawings, and is particularly and distinctly pointed out and set forth in the appended claims.

FIG. 1 is a fragmentary top perspective view showing a prior art flooring structure grid with “L-shaped” divider strips;

FIG. 2 is a fragmentary top perspective view of the prior art flooring structure grid shown in FIG. 1, with sections of the flooring being installed;

FIG. 3 is a fragmentary top perspective view of the prior art flooring structure grid shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, with additional sections of the flooring installed;

FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken along line 4-4 in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of a portion FIG. 4, showing the depression of the flooring section where the flooring section directly contacts the surface of the floor without the horizontal portion of the “L-shaped” divider strip;

FIG. 6 is a fragmentary top perspective view of the “L-shaped” divider strip used in the prior art flooring structure grid shown in FIGS. 1-3;

FIG. 7 is a sectional view taken along line 7-7 in FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a fragmentary top perspective view of a preferred embodiment flooring structure of the present invention, showing an inverted “T-shaped” divider strip with a bonding agent spread between the divider strips;

FIG. 9 is a fragmentary top perspective view of the preferred embodiment flooring structure shown in FIG. 8, with sections of the flooring being installed;

FIG. 10 is a fragmentary top perspective view of the preferred embodiment flooring structure shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, with additional sections of the flooring installed;

FIG. 11 is a sectional view taken along line 11-11 in FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is an enlarged view of a portion of FIG. 11, showing the flooring portion flush with the inverted “T-shaped” divider strip;

FIG. 13 is a fragmentary top perspective view of an inverted “T-shaped” divider strip of the type used in the preferred embodiment flooring structure of the present invention; and

FIG. 14 is a sectional view taken along 14-14 in FIG. 13.

Similar numerals refer to similar parts throughout the drawings.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

In order to better understand the structure, installation, and function of the preferred embodiment flooring structure and installation process of the present invention, the structure, installation, and function of a prior art flooring structure will be described in detail below.

A prior art flooring structure 10 is shown in FIG. 1. With additional reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, a portion of prior art flooring structure 10 includes a front divider strip 12, a rear divider strip 14, a left divider strip 16, a right divider strip 18, a center divider strip 20, and a cross divider strip 22. Front divider strip 12, rear divider strip 14, left divider strip 16, right divider strip 18, center divider strip 20, and cross divider strip 22 are secured on a surface 50, which is, generally, an unfinished floor, such as concrete, by using a bonding agent.

Front divider strip 12 and left divider strip 16 connect at an intersection 30. Front divider strip 12 generally includes a “V” shaped protrusion at intersection 30. Similarly, left divider strip 16 is formed to complementarily receive the “V” shaped protrusion of front divider strip 12 so as to perpendicularly abut against one another at intersection 30.

Other connection areas include an intersection 32 for front divider strip 12 and cross divider strip 22, an intersection 34 for the front divider strip and right divider strip 18, an intersection 36 for left divider strip 16 and center divider strip 20, an intersection 38 for the center divider strip and the cross divider strip, an intersection 40 for the right divider strip and the center divider strip, an intersection 42 for the left divider strip and rear divider strip 14, an intersection 44 for rear divider strip and cross divider strip, and an intersection 46 for the rear divider strip and the right divider strip. Respective divider strips are formed in a similar fashion as described in intersection 30, for respective intersections 32, 34, 36, 38, 40, 42, 44, and 46.

The grid formed by the interconnected divider strips 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, and 22 define a plurality of open sections 70 for receiving flooring material, as will be described below.

For purposes of convenience and clarity, reference herein is made to the structure of front divider strip 12, with the understanding that such reference is by way of example, and that rear divider strip 14, left divider strip 16, right divider strip 18, center divider strip 20, and cross divider strip 22 include similar structure to the front divider strip.

As shown more clearly in FIGS. 6 and 7, front divider strip 12 includes a horizontal base portion 24 and a vertical divider portion 26, to resemble an “L” shape. In this manner, front divider strip 12 is commonly called an “L-shaped” divider strip. Base portion 24 extends generally parallel to a surface 50 and includes a plurality of openings 28. Openings 28 are generally circular in shape and enable front divider strip 12 to attach to surface 50 utilizing a bonding agent. Further, as a result of openings 28, a flooring section 60 is attached to surface 50 and to front divider strip 12 with a bonding agent (not shown), thus providing a more secure connection for the flooring section as a result of being attached to the surface and to the front divider strip.

Vertical divider portion 26 elevates generally perpendicular to base portion 24 and is a boundary for flooring sections 60. In this manner, flooring sections 60 may be different colors or patterns to provide different aesthetic qualities for when the flooring sections are installed. In addition, flooring sections 60 may each be formed of different materials to provide more durability and/or alter the aesthetic qualities of the flooring.

As more clearly shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, each flooring section 60 is placed or poured into each open section 70 of the prior art flooring structure 10. Each flooring section 60 is secured to base portion 24 and floor 50, utilizing a bonding agent (not shown) and the flooring section is leveled to be flush with vertical portion 26.

Turning to FIGS. 4 and 5, flooring sections 60 are shown abutting vertical divider portion 26. As shown in FIG. 4, flooring section 60 is secured to base portion 24 and surface 50. As a result, flooring section 60 appears to be generally level for this portion. In contrast, as shown in FIG. 5, flooring section 60 abuts vertical divider portion 26 and is secured solely to surface 50. As a result, flooring section 60 depresses beneath vertical divider portion 26 as indicated by D.

Therefore, a need exists in the art for an improved flooring structure, and accompanying method, which can be utilized to minimize the depression in the flooring section 60 caused by use of “L-shaped” divider strips and certain depressable flooring materials. The preferred embodiment flooring structure and installation method accomplishes these needs, and the structure and installation of the flooring structure of the present invention is described in detail below.

Turning now to FIG. 8, a flooring structure of the present invention is shown at 100 secured to surface 50. Flooring structure 100 is constructed of a front divider strip 112, a rear divider strip 114, a left divider strip 116, a right divider strip 118, a center divider strip 120, and a cross divider strip 122. Front divider strip 112, rear divider strip 114, left divider strip 116, right divider strip 118, center divider strip 120, and cross divider strip 122 are secured to surface 50, which is, generally an unfinished floor, such as concrete, with a bonding agent (not shown).

Front divider strip 112 and left divider strip 116 connect at an intersection 130. Front divider strip 112 generally includes a “V” shaped protrusion at intersection 130. Similarly, left divider strip 116 is formed to complementarily receive the “V” shaped protrusion of front divider strip 112 so as to abut against one another at intersection 130.

Other connection areas include an intersection 132 for front divider strip 112 and cross divider strip 122, an intersection 134 for the front divider strip and right divider strip 118, an intersection 136 for left divider strip 116 and center divider strip 120, an intersection 138 for the center divider strip and the cross divider strip, an intersection 140 for the right divider strip and the center divider strip, an intersection 142 for the left divider strip and rear divider strip 114, an intersection 144 for rear divider strip and cross divider strip, and an intersection 146 for the rear divider strip and the right divider strip. Respective divider strips are formed in a similar fashion as described in intersection 130 above, for respective intersections 132, 134, 136, 138, 140, 142, 144, and 146.

The grid formed by the interconnected divider strips 112, 114, 116, 118, 120, and 122 define a plurality of open sections 170 for receiving flooring material, as will be described below.

For purposes of convenience and clarity, reference herein is made to the structure of front divider strip 112, with the understanding that such reference is by way of example, and that right divider strip 118, center divider strip 120, and cross divider strip 122 include similar structure to the front divider strip. Rear divider strip 114 and left divider strip 116 are part of the perimeter of flooring structure 100 and are generally L-shaped as previously described.

As shown more clearly in FIGS. 13 and 14, front divider strip 112 includes a horizontal base portion 124 and a vertical divider portion 126 that forms a structure having a generally inverted “T-shaped” cross-section. It is important to note that base portion 124 extends horizontally outwardly from both sides of vertical divider portion 126, as will be discussed below. Base portion 124 extends generally parallel to surface 50 and includes a plurality of openings 128. Openings 128 are generally circular in shape and enable front divider strip 112 to attach to surface 50 utilizing a bonding agent (not shown), including cement patches or contact adhesive.

As shown in FIGS. 8-10, and in accordance with an important feature of the present invention, prior to attaching flooring section 60 to flooring structure 100 of the present invention, a bonding agent 180, preferably a contact adhesive mixture, is spread outwardly from vertical divider portion 126, across horizontal base portion 124 of the inverted “T-shape”, and onto surface 50, in a manner known as feathering. In this manner, the feathering process eliminates any visually subtle unappealing humps that occurred in prior art flooring structures with inverted “T-shaped” divider strips. Furthermore, upon installation of each flooring section 60 into each open section 170 formed by flooring structure 100, bonding agent 180 secures each of the flooring sections to be flush with the uppermost edge of vertical divider portion 126.

Upon installation of each flooring section 60, each of the flooring sections are attached to surface 50 and to front divider strip 112 with bonding agent 180 that has been feathered outwardly from vertical portion 126, thus providing a more secure connection for the flooring section as a result of being attached to the surface and to the front divider strip. It should be noted that bonding agent 180 may be utilized to secure front divider strip 112 to surface 50.

It is to be understood that flooring structure 100 of the present invention may include “L-shaped” divider strips, similar to divider strip 114 and left divider strip 116, throughout the entire flooring structure. In this manner, bonding agent 180 is feathered outwardly, as described above, on both sides of the “L-shaped” divider strip including the side with horizontal base portion 127, and the side without the horizontal base portion (not shown). It should be noted that an “L-shaped” divider strip is generally used on the outside perimeter of surface 50, thus feathering may not be needed on the side without the horizontal base portion (not shown).

As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, flooring section 60 is generally flush with uppermost edge of vertical divider portion 126 and there is minimal depression as indicated by D. The feathering of bonding agent 180 and extension of base portion in an inverted “T-shape” minimizes the depression D.

The present invention overcomes the prior art deficiencies by minimizing the depression that occurs in flooring surface 60 while maintaining the flooring surface contact with vertical divider portion 126. Further, the disposition of flooring surface 60 relative to uppermost edge of vertical divider portion 126 maintains an aesthetically pleasing design and reduces damages to the divider strips because each flooring section 60 is disposed relative to its respective divider strips. In this manner, users do not trip over exposed divider strips and equipment does not strike divider strips. Even further, the flooring structure of the present invention is cost effective when compared to the prior art.

It is contemplated that bonding agent 180 may be an adhesive, cement, resin, composite or any other known bonding agent well known to those in the art without changing the overall concept or function of the invention. It is even contemplated that bonding agent 180 may be restricted to within horizontal base portion 124, or extend past the horizontal base portion onto surface 50 without changing the overall concept or function of the invention. It is also further contemplated that an “L- shaped” divider strip may be used with bonding agent 180 without changing the overall concept or function of the invention. It is contemplated that openings 128 may include other geometric shapes, or patterns, without changing the overall concept or function of the invention. It is also contemplated that respective divider strips may connect at intersections 130, 132, 134, 136, 138, 140, 142, and 144, by other methods known to those in the art, such as different complementary shapes, snap connections, and bolts without changing the overall concept or function of the invention. It is even further contemplated that a combination of “L-shaped” and inverted “T-shaped” divider strips may be used without changing the overall concept or function of the invention. It is further contemplated that solely “L-shaped” divider strips may be used in flooring structure 100 without changing the overall concept or function of the invention. It is even further contemplated that solely inverted “T-shaped” divider strips may be used in flooring structure 100 without changing the overall concept or function of the invention. It is contemplated that front divider strip 112, rear divider strip 114, left divider strip 116, right divider strip 118, center divider strip 120, and cross divider strip 122, may be comprised of different materials, such as aluminum, composites, and steel without changing the overall concept or function of the invention. It is further contemplated that front divider strip 112, rear divider strip 114, left divider strip 116, right divider strip 118, center divider strip 120, and cross divider strip 122 that each divider strip may be the same material, or each divider strip be a different material, or any combination thereof, without changing the overall concept or function of the invention.

The present invention has been described with reference to a specific structure and method. It is to be understood that this illustration is by way of example and not by way of limitation. Potential modifications and alterations will occur to others upon a reading and understanding of this disclosure, and it is understood that the invention includes all such modifications and alterations and equivalents thereof.

Accordingly, the flooring structure and installation process is simplified, provides an effective, safe, inexpensive and efficient structure and method which achieves all the enumerated objectives, provides for eliminating difficulties encountered with prior art flooring, and solves problems and obtains new results in the art.

In the foregoing description, certain terms have been used for brevity, clearness and understanding; but no unnecessary limitations are to be implied therefrom beyond the requirements of the prior art, because such terms are used for descriptive purposes and are intended to be broadly construed.

Moreover, the description and illustration of the invention is by way of example, and the scope of the invention is not limited to the exact details shown or described.

Having now described the features, discoveries and principles of the invention, the manner in which the flooring structure is used and installed, the characteristics of the construction, arrangement and method steps, and the advantageous, new and useful results obtained; the new and useful structures, devices, elements, arrangements, process, parts and combinations are set forth in the appended claims.

Claims

1. The method of forming a flooring structure and installing said flooring structure, the method comprising the following steps:

providing a surface;

providing an at least one divider strip having an inverted T-shaped cross-section;

securing said divider strip to said surface;

spreading a bonding agent from said divider strip to said surface; and

installing a flooring section adjacent said divider strip and on said surface.

2. The method of forming a flooring structure and installing said flooring structure of claim 1, the method further including forming a grid from at least two said divider strips.

3. The method of forming a flooring structure and installing said flooring structure of claim 1, the method further including said divider strips formed with an opening.

4. The method of forming a flooring structure and installing said flooring structure of claim 1, the method further including spreading said bonding agent in a feathered manner outwardly from said divider strip.

5. The method of forming a flooring structure and installing said flooring structure of claim 4, wherein said bonding agent is a contact adhesive.

6. The method of forming a flooring structure and installing said flooring structure of claim 1, the method further including installing said flooring section mimicking terrazzo flooring.

7. The method of forming a flooring structure and installing said flooring structure of claim 1, the method further including securing said divider strip to said surface with said bonding agent.

8. The method of forming a flooring structure and installing said flooring structure of claim 1, providing said at least one inverted T-shaped divider strip wherein said divider strip includes a vertical portion and a horizontal portion and said flooring section is installed adjacent said vertical portion and onto said horizontal portion.

9. The method of forming a flooring structure and installing said flooring structure of claim 8, the method further including leveling the top of said flooring section with top of said vertical portion of said inverted T-shaped divider strip.

10. The method of forming a flooring structure and installing said flooring structure, the method including:

providing a surface;

providing an at least one divider strip;

securing said divider strip to said surface;

feathering a bonding agent from said divider strip to said surface; and

installing a flooring section adjacent said divider strip and on said surface.

11. The method of forming a flooring structure and installing said flooring structure of claim 10, the method further including forming a grid from at least two said divider strips.

12. The method of fondling a flooring structure and installing said flooring structure of claim 10, the method further including said divider strips formed with an opening.

13. The method of forming a flooring structure and installing said flooring structure of claim 10, wherein said divider strip includes an inverted T-shaped cross-section.

14. The method of forming a flooring structure and installing said flooring structure of claim 10, wherein said bonding agent is a contact adhesive.

15. The method of forming a flooring structure and installing said flooring structure of claim 10, the method further including installing said flooring section mimicking terrazzo flooring.

16. The method of forming a flooring structure and installing said flooring structure of claim 10, the method further including securing said divider strip to said surface with said bonding agent.

17. The method of forming a flooring structure and installing said flooring structure of claim 10, providing at least one divider strip, wherein said divider strip includes a vertical portion and a horizontal portion and said flooring section is installed adjacent said vertical portion and on said horizontal portion.

18. The method of forming a flooring structure and installing said flooring structure of claim 17, the method further including leveling the top of said flooring section with top of said vertical portion of said divider strip.