Includes Lock Or Latch Mechanism Patents (Class 52/582.2)
  • Patent number: 8302367
    Abstract: Floor covering comprising a plurality of unit panels (1) laid in a pattern, these panels being provided on their head sides (2, 3) and on their longitudinal sides (4, 5) with locking strips (6, 7) which engage with one another in the assembled position in which unit panels (1) are arranged adjacently within a covering, wherein grooves (19, 20) are provided in the head sides (2, 3) and wherein the grooves (19, 20) of two abutting head sides (2, 3) correspond and form a locking channel (21) intended to accommodate a head tongue (22, 22a-k). The head tongue (22) is preassembled in the groove (20) and projects beyond an end of the groove (20) that faces the longitudinal side (5) of the unit panel (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Inventor: Guido Schulte
  • Publication number: 20120233948
    Abstract: Flooring material including sheet-shaped floor elements with a mainly square or rectangular shape. The floor elements are provided with edges, a lower side and an upper decorative layer. The floor elements are intended to be joined by means of joining members. The floor elements are provided with male joining members on a first edge while a second edge of the floor elements are provided with a female joining member. The male joining member is provided with a tongue and a lower side groove while the female joining member is provided with a groove and a cheek, the cheek being provided with a lip. The floor elements are provided with a male vertical assembly joining member on a third edge while a fourth, opposite, edge is provided with female vertical assembly joining member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2012
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Inventors: Jorgen Palsson, Ake Sjöberg
  • Patent number: 8234831
    Abstract: A locking system for mechanical joining of floorboards (1, 1?) which have a body (30), a lower balancing layer (34) and an upper surface layer (32). A strip (6) is integrally formed with the body (30) of the floorboard (1) and extends under an adjoining floorboard (1?). The strip (6) has a locking element (8), which engages a looking groove (14) in the underside of the adjoining floorboard (1?) and forms a horizontal joint. A tongue (38) and a tongue groove (36) form a vertical joint between upper and lower plane-parallel contact surfaces (43, 45) and are designed in such manner that the lower contact surfaces (45) are on a level between the upper side of the locking element (8) and a plane containing the underside (3) of the floorboard. Also, a floorboard having such a locking system, a floor made of such floorboards, as well as a method for making such a locking system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Välinge Innovation AB
    Inventor: Darko Pervan
  • Patent number: 8220217
    Abstract: A joint for connecting two adjacent flooring panels together in a substantially vertical manner includes a rotatable locking member made of plastic, metal or another resilient material. The rotatable locking member is located within a groove or opening of one flooring panel and the second flooring panel has a tongue shaped to mate with the rotatable locking member. Upon installation, the rotatable member rotates and locks around the back of the tongue via a groove above the tongue. The rotatable locking member includes a resilient arm which is bent away from its initial rest position upon installation, so that when the rotatable locking member locks onto the tongue, the resilient arm is bent providing a biasing force which holds the panel securely in position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: Innovaris AG
    Inventor: Moritz Muehlebach
  • Patent number: 8215069
    Abstract: A swimming pool assembly having a plurality of side wall panels certain adjacent ones of which have juxtaposed apertured edge flanges joined together by compression plates each having planar blade and a first plurality of pre-alignment fasteners extending away from the plane of the blade through aligned apertures in each juxtaposed flange and engaging a flange plate surface opposite the blade to temporarily align the side wall panels. Each compression plate further includes a second plurality of alignment towers passing through additional aligned apertures in each juxtaposed flange terminating in wedge receiving slots. Wedges, upon being forced into respective slots, clamp the flanges tightly together. Adjacent panel flanges may further include FML flat surfaces oriented to compensate for panel flange draft angle whereby adjacent panels when clamped together present generally coplanar pool surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: Separation LLC
    Inventor: Tom Epple
  • Patent number: 8205407
    Abstract: An apparatus forming a assembly includes at least two panels. Each panel has a top surface and a plurality of perimetric edges. Each edge of one panel is adapted for joining any edge of another panel or to rounded edge pieces that connect is a complementary manner to the panels similar to other panels. The apparatus includes at least one connector adapted to secure two panels in adjoined relation. The connector has a first end adapted for engagement with the two adjoined panels, and a second end adapted to be swung into a locked position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Inventor: Michael C. Genova
  • Publication number: 20120151865
    Abstract: Building panels (1, 1?) are shown, which are provided with a mechanical locking system having tongue (30) of magnetic material that could be locked vertically by a magnetic field.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2011
    Publication date: June 21, 2012
    Applicant: Valinge Innovation AB
    Inventors: Darko PERVAN, Jan PETERSON
  • Patent number: 8196365
    Abstract: A construction of an upright panel unit adapted for use in a wall with the panel units abutting end to end in which a pair of spaced facing sheet members on either side of the panel unit have vertical edge portions joined at each end of the panel unit by being sandwiched between an inner bracket member and an outer bracket member, with the outer bracket member having male and female arms engageable and disengageable with an outer bracket member of the end of an adjacent panel unit merely by respective movement of the panel units longitudinally relative to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: Inscape Corporation
    Inventor: David Parshad
  • Publication number: 20120117901
    Abstract: In certain embodiments, a system includes a plurality of curtain wall members positioned in a horizontal array, a first curtain wall member separated from an adjacent second curtain wall member by a gap. The system further includes a gap-filling member positioned in the gap separating the adjacent first and second curtain wall members, the gap filling member comprising one or more vents.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2011
    Publication date: May 17, 2012
    Applicant: Stephen N. Loyd Irrevocable Family Trust
    Inventor: Stephen N. Loyd
  • Patent number: 8161706
    Abstract: The present document describes a clip for securing a tight connection between two modular panels. The connection has a male portion on a first one of the two modular panels, and a female portion on a second one of the two modular panels. The male portion is for being inserted into the female portion upon assembly of the two modular panels side by side. The clip comprises a first flat member having a first pressure edge, and a second flat member having a second pressure edge. The second flat member is fixedly joined to the first flat member. The panels are assembled in an assembly direction. Upon introduction of the first flat member into the male portion, and of the second flat member into the female portion perpendicularly to the assembly direction, the first pressure edge of the first flat member forces the male portion toward the female portion, while the second pressure edge of the second flat member forces the female portion toward the male portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Inventor: Jean-Pierre Gingras
  • Patent number: 8156689
    Abstract: A large-capacity booth for the treatment, in particular for the spraying and/or drying, of workpieces, in particular motor vehicles, rail vehicles, aircraft or watercraft, having at least two opposite booth walls and one booth ceiling is described. The booth walls each have at least two vertical supports composed of open sectional elements, which are connected to one another via wall elements. The booth ceiling has at least two lattice beams extending in a planar manner in the vertical direction and composed essentially of open sectional elements. The lattice beams connect mutually opposite supports of the booth walls in such a way that the booth walls and the booth ceiling stabilize one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: Eisenmann AG
    Inventor: Rainer Benzinger
  • Patent number: 8146317
    Abstract: A portable flooring system has one or more edge attachment members which can be used to quickly connect and secure panels or slats of the flooring system for deployment, installation and use, in one embodiment, the edge attachment elements are ultrasonically welded or otherwise permanently affixed to the flooring panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: Ground Floor Systems, LLC
    Inventors: G. Shane Fletcher, Edward Bindon
  • Publication number: 20120073235
    Abstract: The apparatus mounts a locking element into a groove in an edge of a panel. An advance device feeds a stream of locking elements to a pressing device which mounts the locking elements into the groove on the edge of the panel. The locking elements are fed from a line of locking elements stored on a reel. A separating device cuts the line of locking elements into individual locking elements. The separating device is positioned either upstream of the advancing device or immediately upstream of the pressing device. When the separating device is immediately upstream of the pressing device, a spring is used to flex the stream during the short stoppage when the separating device separates individual locking elements from the line of locking elements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Publication date: March 29, 2012
    Applicant: AKZENTA PANEELE + PROFILE GMBH
    Inventor: Hans-Juergen HANNIG
  • Patent number: 8132371
    Abstract: A connector connecting different components of furniture is disclosed. The connector has a frame and an insert connected to the frame. The insert has a body, at least one prong attached to the body and at least one release mechanism attached to the body. The one or more prongs are sized and configured to fit within one or more recesses in at least one component of furniture. The one or more release mechanisms are attached to the body so that actuation of one or more of the release mechanisms causes one or more prongs to move.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Assignee: Knoll International, S.p.A.
    Inventors: Stefan Golinski, Piero Lissoni, Mark Krusin
  • Publication number: 20120055112
    Abstract: The invention refers to a set of panels, comprising a first panel having a lateral edge on which a first retaining profile is disposed, at least one second panel having a lateral edge on which a second retaining profile is disposed, which can be joined to the first retaining profile, wherein the panels are joined positively along the lateral edges by the retaining profiles in a direction parallel to a laying plane and in a direction perpendicular to the laying plane in the joined and laid state of the panels, a separate locking element associated with the first retaining profile which, during joining of the retaining profiles, moves from an assembly position into a locking position, wherein in a locking position the locking element ensures form closure at least in a direction perpendicular or parallel to the laying plane by a locking projection of the locking element engaging in a locking recess provided on the second retaining profile.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2010
    Publication date: March 8, 2012
    Inventor: Nils-Erik Engstrom
  • Patent number: 8122670
    Abstract: A system for setting tiles uses a number of tile assemblies and joining elements (21a) interconnecting adjacent tile assemblies. Each tile assembly—has a tile member (3a) and a support member. The support member is connected to the underside of the tile member, and is provided with recesses for accommodating parts of the joining elements. The support member has a number of openings and/or projections (12a) extending in a direction perpendicular to a main surface of the tile member. The joining element has an elongate strip-like member provided with openings (30a) and/or projections fitting into corresponding projections and/or openings of the support members of two adjacent tile assemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: Handy Tiling Holding B.V.
    Inventor: Richard Matthee
  • Publication number: 20120042595
    Abstract: A floor panel for a floor covering includes a pair of two opposite sides having coupling parts allowing to couple the floor panel to similar floor panels. The coupling parts, in a coupled condition, provide locking in vertical and horizontal directions. The floor panel has a core including two core material parts provided as a sandwich structure between an upper layer and a bottom layer, and respectively extending up to one of the two sides. A locking element is in the form of an insert located at one of the sides of the coupling parts, and is mounted in the core material part. The locking element is of the type which, in the coupled condition of two of such floor panels, effects a locking in a vertical direction. The two core material parts include a different basic material or a basic material with different properties.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2010
    Publication date: February 23, 2012
    Inventor: Lode De Boe
  • Publication number: 20120036804
    Abstract: Floor panels (1, 1?) are shown, which are provided with a mechanical locking system consisting of a flexible locking element 15 in a locking groove 14 which during a horizontal motion is displaced vertically.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2011
    Publication date: February 16, 2012
    Applicant: Valinge Innovation AB
    Inventor: Darko PERVAN
  • Publication number: 20120031029
    Abstract: Floor panels are provided with a mechanical locking system including a flexible locking element in a locking groove, which during a horizontal motion is displaced vertically.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2011
    Publication date: February 9, 2012
    Applicant: Valinge Innovation AB
    Inventors: DARKO PERVAN, Marcus Bergelin
  • Patent number: 8109048
    Abstract: A photovoltaic (PV) module framing and coupling system enables the attachment of PV modules to a roof or other mounting surface without requiring the use of separate structural support members which attach directly to and span between multiple PV modules in a formed PV array. The inventive apparatus provides a parallel coupling for securely interlocking the outside surfaces of parallel frame members together in a side to side arrangement to form an array with improved structural load distribution. The inventive coupling member may attach to a slot in the frame at substantially any position along the length of the frame thereby enabling the interconnection of adjacent PV modules along both an x and y axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Assignee: Zap Solar, Inc.
    Inventors: John R. West, Christina C. Manansala, Hans-Christoph Haenlein
  • Publication number: 20120023856
    Abstract: A method for the production of grounded panels and to a panel having a core made from a wood material board. The method includes provision of a wood material board, application of a grounding in the form of a synthetic resin layer to at least one topside of the wood material board, application of a coating to an underside, lying opposite the topside of the wood material board, of the wood material board, pressing of the layer build-up consisting of the wood material board, grounding and coating under the influence of pressure and, if appropriate, temperature, division of the grounded and coated wood material board into individual panels, cutting machining of side faces of the panels for the incorporation of connection and locking means, and transport-safe packaging of the grounded panels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2011
    Publication date: February 2, 2012
    Inventors: Roger BRAUN, Norbert KALWA
  • Publication number: 20120017533
    Abstract: Floor panels (1, 1?) are shown, which are provided with a mechanical locking system comprising tongue and grooves provided with protrusions and cavities which are displaceable in relation to each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2009
    Publication date: January 26, 2012
    Applicant: Valinge Innovation Belgium BVBA
    Inventors: Darko Pervan, Christian Boo
  • Publication number: 20120011796
    Abstract: A fastening system for floor panels, which has profiles on small faces of the panels. Opposite retaining profiles match so that similar panels can be interlinked. The panels have opposite first retaining profiles configured so on a panel in first line, a new panel can be locked in second line by attaching the new panel to the installed panel at an angle relative to the installed panel and then swiveling it down into the plane of the installed panel. The panel has opposite second retaining elements that have corresponding hook elements. A hook connection can be established by a hook element of the new panel and hook element of a panel already installed in second line by swiveling the new panel. Every hook connection is associated with an additional locking element that prevents the release of the hook connection in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the installed panels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Publication date: January 19, 2012
    Applicant: AKZENTA PANEELE + PROFILE GMBH
    Inventor: Hans-Jürgen HANNIG
  • Patent number: 8079196
    Abstract: Floor panels are provided with a mechanical locking system including a flexible locking element in a locking groove which during a horizontal motion is displaced vertically.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2011
    Assignee: Valinge Innovation AB
    Inventor: Darko Pervan
  • Patent number: 8061103
    Abstract: There are provided panel assemblies (2) for forming building structures. A panel assembly (2) comprises a panel (3) and a first connector means for forming part of a connector assembly (1) for connecting the panel (3) to a body (5). Said connector assembly (1) comprises said first connector means, a second connector means, one or more securement members (30) and optionally a link member (200). The connector means are arranged such that in use they can be positioned in a connecting configuration in which a channel is defined. The channel having an opening on a facing side of the panel (3) for receiving securement members (30) which can be located to restrict relative movement of the panel (3) and body (5). Also provided are kits for forming building structures, building structures and methods of assembling structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Inventor: Barry Peter McMahon
  • Publication number: 20110271632
    Abstract: Floor panel, which, at least at two opposite sides, includes coupling parts with which two of such floor panels can be coupled to each other; wherein these coupling parts form a horizontally active locking system and a vertically active locking system; wherein the horizontally active locking system comprises a male part in the form of a downwardly directed projection and a female part with a seat open towards the top, which have horizontally active locking surfaces; and wherein the vertically active locking system includes a vertically active locking element, which forms part of an insertion piece provided in the female part; wherein the insertion piece is formed at least of the combination of a bottom part; a back part adjoining thereto and an elastically movable lock-up body directed downward with a free extremity, which lock-up body, by means of a hinge portion, is connected directly or indirectly to the back part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2010
    Publication date: November 10, 2011
    Inventors: Mark Cappelle, Guy Van Hooydonck
  • Publication number: 20110271631
    Abstract: The invention relates to a set of panels, in particular floor panels, comprising a first panel and at least a second panel, wherein the panels are respectively provided with a first edge and with a second edge, wherein the first edge and the second edge are configured to establish a connection between the first and the second panel, the first edge has a lower lip with a step, the second edge has a downwardly open locking groove, which in a connected state of the panels cooperates with the step and ensures a positive-fit connection in a first direction, which lies in a plane of laying, the connection can be established by a relative movement of the panels with respect to each other, perpendicular to, the plane of laying, and wherein a separate clip is provided, which is attached to the first edge or the second edge and has a moveable clip head, which in the connected state of the panels cooperates with a locking surface on the second edge or the first edge, respectively, in order to lock the panels vertically
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2011
    Publication date: November 10, 2011
    Inventor: Nils-Erik Engstrom
  • Patent number: 8051626
    Abstract: The beam has end terminals which can be connected to one another, such that one of the terminals is provided with front projections for guiding in vertical displacement of the other terminal, which has guides with a form which mates with the said projections, one of the terminals also having projecting lower arms to support the other terminal after it has been put into position, thus determining a single area of contact in order to permit disconnection of the supported terminal during dismantling, by turning on the said area of contact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Assignee: Sistemas Technicos de Encofrados, S.A.
    Inventor: José Luis Ubiñana Felix
  • Patent number: 8046957
    Abstract: A stack-on panel assembly for panel-based partition systems includes a connector bracket with a first portion shaped for connection with the top of an associated base panel, and a second portion upstanding from the first portion and having a first latch member. The stack-on panel assembly also includes a stacker panel having a bottom portion shaped for abutting support on top of the base panel, and a vertically extending slot disposed along one side to receive and retain therein the second portion of the connector bracket. A second latch member is disposed within the stacker panel at a location adjacent to the slot, and automatically engages and positively locks with the first latch member on the connector bracket when the stacker panel is lowered into place on top of the base panel to positively, yet detachably, connect the stacker panel on the base panel in a vertically stacked relationship.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Steelcase Inc.
    Inventors: Charles D. Towersey, Gordon F. Chapman, Randall Lee Bixler
  • Patent number: 8042311
    Abstract: Floor panels are provided with a mechanical locking system including a flexible locking element in a locking groove, which during a horizontal motion is displaced vertically.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Assignee: Valinge Innovation AB
    Inventors: Darko Pervan, Marcus Bergelin
  • Publication number: 20110252730
    Abstract: A modular flooring system is disclosed which is designed to support heavy loads while providing stability and ground protection. The invention contemplates a modular tile with fully integrated connector loops, receiver pins and optional metal cam locks located in the corners of the floor tile or along the tile edges. The tiles contain an overlap edge, which engages with an underlay edge on an adjacent tile. This arrangement allows the tiles to overlap at an angle other than 90 degrees, providing greater strength at the point where adjacent tiles meet. The underlay edge contains a liquid capture channel which traps liquids which may seep between the adjacent tiles. The tiles are also provided with longitudinal recesses which extend through the top and bottom surfaces to the surface below, allowing for ventilation that is critical for grass and turf surfaces. The modular flooring system provides increased strength and stability and protection of the subsurface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2010
    Publication date: October 20, 2011
    Applicant: Signature Fencing and Flooring Systems, LLC
    Inventor: Arnon Rosan
  • Patent number: 8011155
    Abstract: A locking system for mechanical joining of floorboards (1, 1?) which have a body (30), a lower balancing layer (34) and an upper surface layer (32). A strip (6) is integrally formed with the body (30) of the floorboard (1) and extends under an adjoining floorboard (1?). The strip (6) has a locking element (8), which engages a looking groove (14) in the underside of the adjoining floorboard (1?) and forms a horizontal joint. A tongue (38) and a tongue groove (36) form a vertical joint between upper and lower plane-parallel contact surfaces (43, 45) and are designed in such manner that the lower contact surfaces (45) are on a level between the upper side of the locking element (8) and a plane containing the underside (3) of the floorboard. Also, a floorboard having such a locking system, a floor made of such floorboards, as well as a method for making such a locking system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Valinge Innovation AB
    Inventor: Darko Pervan
  • Publication number: 20110203214
    Abstract: A locking system for mechanical joining of rectangular floorboards having a body and long and short edges. Said locking system including a tongue and a groove for vertical locking of two joint short edges and for horizontal joining a locking groove formed in the underside of a first one of the short joint edges, and a portion projecting from the second short joint edge having a locking element cooperating with the locking groove. The tongue is arranged on the second short edge. The groove is arranged on the first short edge. The projecting portion is integrally formed with the board, by working of the body of the board.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2011
    Publication date: August 25, 2011
    Applicant: Valinge Innovation AB
    Inventor: Darko Pervan
  • Publication number: 20110197535
    Abstract: There is disclosed apparatus, method and system for mechanically joining abutting construction elements having a first split tongue located at one end of the connector and a second split tongue located at the other end of the connector. The first and second split tongues are adapted to be inserted into and locked onto grooves in abutting construction elements for holding the adjacent construction elements in abutting relationship. In an embodiment the grooves in said construction elements are formed into auxiliary groove containing members adapted to be integrated into an edge or face surface of the construction elements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2010
    Publication date: August 18, 2011
    Inventors: Geoffrey Alan Baker, Nicholas Gizard Vitale
  • Publication number: 20110192107
    Abstract: A concrete component connecting system includes first and second precast components (112, 118) adapted to be arranged in abutting relationship in an assembled configuration, the first and second precast concrete (112, 118) having respective first and second edges (116, 120) which face each other in the assembled configuration. A locking mechanism (122, 126) is also provided including mutually engageable components disposed at the facing edges (116,120). The locking mechanism (122, 126) including a remote actuating means to effect locking of the mutually engageable components (122, 126) at or beyond a third edge of one of the first and second precast components (112, 118), to secure the first and second precast components (112, 118) together. One of the building components may comprise a building panel (12) which is generally planar in form. The building panel (12) has a core (14) which is substantially planar in form with opposite sides and is substantially aligned with the plane of the building panel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2008
    Publication date: August 11, 2011
    Applicant: MACH SYSTEMS PTY LTD
    Inventor: Roger A. Farquhar
  • Patent number: 7984598
    Abstract: A system for connecting modular walls includes a position retention mechanism configured to releasably retain a plurality of wall modules together. In one implementation, the position retention mechanism includes opposing front and back surfaces or walls, and one or more channels formed therebetween. The position retention mechanism is further configured with a plurality of spring tabs positioned within the one or more channels, wherein the spring tabs are configured to lock into a plurality of opposing connector interfaces corresponding to the opposing wall modules, such that the positioning retaining mechanism secures adjacent, opposing wall modules together. The position retention mechanism can further be configured with different surfaces to connect or hold a variety of components of various shapes together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2011
    Assignee: DIRTT Environmental Solutions, Ltd.
    Inventors: Geoff Gosling, Mogens Smed
  • Publication number: 20110173914
    Abstract: The invention relates to a set of panels, preferably of floor panels, consisting of a first panel and at least a second panel with, in each case, a top side and an underside, wherein the first panel comprises at an edge a first retaining profile with a hook directed towards the top side, the second panel comprises at an edge a second retaining profile with a hook directed towards the underside, the first retaining profile and the second retaining profile can be connected by a relative movement directed perpendicular to a plane of laying, and wherein a separate clip is provided, which comprises a clip head, a clip body and a clip base. Moreover, the invention relates to a method for inserting the clip into a retaining profile.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2010
    Publication date: July 21, 2011
    Inventor: Nils-Erik ENGSTROM
  • Patent number: 7980039
    Abstract: A device for connecting and locking two building boards, in particular floor panels, on their longitudinal sides and/or transverse sides in the horizontal and vertical direction through an essentially vertical joining movement. The building boards have a top side and an underside. On their lateral edges to be connected to one another are provided with profiles corresponding to one another. A locking element with a locking projection is provided in the profile of the first building board. The locking projection interacts with a locking depression provided in the profile of the second building board such that the two building boards are automatically locked in the vertical direction with the joining movement. The locking element is embodied in an essentially rigid manner and the locking projection can be brought into the locking depression through a rotary motion of the locking element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: Flooring Technologies Ltd.
    Inventors: Carsten Groeke, Thomas Grafenauer
  • Publication number: 20110167750
    Abstract: Floor panels (1b, 1c) provided with a mechanical locking system made of a separate material in order to reduce snapping resistance during vertical displacement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2010
    Publication date: July 14, 2011
    Applicant: VALINGE INNOVATION AB
    Inventor: Darko PERVAN
  • Publication number: 20110167751
    Abstract: A joint (1) having a first edge (2) and a second edge (3), the first edge (2) being provided with a distal edge (21) and a downwards protruding heel (22). The distal edge (21) is further provided with an upper joint edge (25) beneath which a groove (23) is arranged. The second edge (3) is provided with lower cheek (31) having a distal end (32) at which an upwards protruding lower cheek heel (33) is arranged. The second edge (3) is further provided with an upper joining edge (35) beneath which an undercut (34) is arranged. A moveable locking element (40) is arranged in the space created by the undercut (34). The moveable locking element (40) have a locking tongue (41), a locking tongue leg (42) and a maneuvering leg (43).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2011
    Publication date: July 14, 2011
    Applicant: PERGO AG
    Inventor: Nils-Erik Engstrom
  • Patent number: 7958688
    Abstract: An assembly system for floor and/or wall tiles includes anchors between tiles arranged in a coplanar plane. The anchors are determined from portions curved in the shape of a groove located in the underside of the tiles and matching the side edges of the tiles that guide the curved portions to converge on the edges. When the tiles are put together next to each other head to head and at the point where the corners converge, these curved grooved portions form a channel on the underside of the tiles inside which male elements fit tightly in at least a portion of it to couple and engage at least two adjacent tiles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: Promociones Brial, S.L.
    Inventors: Natividad Vilar Llop, Salvador Llorens Miravet
  • Patent number: 7954294
    Abstract: A building panel (1) has a major plane and is configured to interengage with at least one other adjacent like panel. The panel (1) has two major side surfaces (16) which are parallel to the major plane, and four major edge surfaces (2, 3) forming a perimeter (4) of the panel (1). An over-center camlock mechanism (7) is retractably extendable from each major edge surface (2, 3). Each major edge surface (2, 3) has a recess with an associated recess (17) at each major side surface (16), so that each recess is adjacent to at least one other recess. There is a pin in each recess and any over-center camlock mechanism (7) is latchingly engageable with the pin in any one of the recesses of the adjacent like panel so that the major planes of the two panels, when interengaged, are selectively parallel and coincident or perpendicular.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Assignee: Acermetric Limited
    Inventor: David Eric Appleford
  • Publication number: 20110099932
    Abstract: A panel interlocking system (100) for locking a panel (102) to an opposite panel structure (202) via substantially vertical (104) and horizontal (106) rods positioned generally parallel to a plane defined by the panel (102) and to be embedded therewith in a filler material poured adjacent the panel (102) in a direction toward the panel structure (202). The system (100) includes at least one panel securing bracket (112) having a body (114) with a first end (116) for connecting to the panel (102) and a generally opposite second end (118) for connecting to the rods (104,106).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2008
    Publication date: May 5, 2011
    Inventor: Roger Saulce
  • Publication number: 20110088346
    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: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2010
    Publication date: April 21, 2011
    Applicant: AKZENTA PANEELE + PROFILE GMBH
    Inventor: Hans-Jürgen HANNIG
  • Patent number: 7921618
    Abstract: A modular flooring system that includes a plurality of interlocking floor panels arrangeable into a variety of configurations. In one embodiment, each interlocking floor panel includes tongues and grooves that allow adjacent ones of the panels to connect with one another by the mating of tongues and grooves. A locking mechanism can be provided to one or more of the floor panels for locking the connected panels together. In other embodiments, the modular flooring system includes either integrally formed conduit chases or separately formed conduit chases, or a combination of both.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: Bike Track, Inc.
    Inventors: David K. Lovald, Barry S. McVey, Nancy L. Hoblin
  • Patent number: 7913471
    Abstract: A locking system for mechanical joining of floorboards. For horizontal mechanical joining there is a projecting portion with a locking element which cooperates with a locking groove in an adjacent board. A tongue-and-groove joint for vertical mechanical joining has cooperating upper abutment surfaces and cooperating lower abutment surfaces which are essentially parallel with the principal plane of the floorboards and of which the lower abutment surfaces are positioned essentially outside the outer vertical plane, i.e. displaced relative to the upper abutment surfaces. The tongue is movable at an angle into the groove and the locking element is insertable into the locking groove by mutual angular movement of the boards about the joint edges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: Valinge Innovation AB
    Inventor: Darko Pervan
  • Publication number: 20110036039
    Abstract: A combinatory board includes two boards disposed separately, a fixing element, and a mask cover. The outer surface of each board has a buffering material. Both sides of the fixing element have a fixing arm, respectively. The inner side of each fixing arm is formed with a joining section corresponding to the side of the boards, so that the fixing arms on both sides of the fixing element connect to the two boards. More than one vent hole is formed around the fixing element. Both sides of the mask cover are formed with a set of connecting arm, respectively. The inner side of the connecting arm has a connecting surface corresponding to the outer side of the fixing arm of the fixing element. The outer surface of the mask cover further has another buffering material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2009
    Publication date: February 17, 2011
    Inventor: Chen-Lu Wang
  • Publication number: 20110036046
    Abstract: An insulation roof or floor panel for construction of a composite insulated concrete roof or floor includes two elongated studs, each having a web section and upper and lower flanges, a plurality of deformation resistant elements protruding from the upper flange of the studs and spaced apart along the upper flange of each stud, and an insulation board secured between the two elongated studs. The insulation board has a thickness less than the width of the web section of the studs, with the lower surface of the insulation board against the upper flanges of the studs, thereby establishing a distance between the upper surface of the insulation board and the upper flanges of the studs. Further provided are a composite insulated concrete roof or floor system with enhanced resistance to deformation, constructed using the insulation roof or floor panel, and the method of construction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2010
    Publication date: February 17, 2011
    Inventor: Jose L. Henriquez
  • Publication number: 20110036041
    Abstract: A locking system for floor boards comprises a plurality of floor boards and a plurality of locking devices. Each floor board has two tongues on one lateral side and another tongue and a locking groove on the opposite lateral side. The floor board also has two grooves on its bottom side. The locking device has three protruding gripping extensions. Few locking devices are placed on each floor board before the floor boards are sent to a job site. At the job site, two adjacent floor boards are assembled together by inserting the tongue of one board into a space defined by the locking device and the tongues of the adjacent board. The tongues are further secured in place by compression of flexible buffers located at each protruding gripping extension.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2010
    Publication date: February 17, 2011
    Inventor: David C. Liu
  • Patent number: 7877950
    Abstract: A portable light-emitting stage component including a deck supported by a support portion comprising at least one light-producing element, a first side, a second side substantially parallel the first side, a first end connected to the first side and the second side, and a second end substantially parallel the first end, the second end connected to the first side and the second side. The at least one light-producing element directs light through the deck. The first side includes a first rotatable latch member comprising a first hook. The first side and the axis of rotation of the first rotatable latch member are substantially coplanar or parallel. The second side includes a first receiving member comprising a first post. The support portion includes a protrusion protruding from a side or end selected from the group consisting of the first side, the second side, the first end, and the second end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: TAIT Towers Inc.
    Inventors: James Fairorth, Michael Tait, Adam Davis