Having Integral Key Patents (Class 52/589.1)
  • Patent number: 8833026
    Abstract: A floor covering formed by a plurality of panels each having two opposite edges arranged to couple adjacent panels to each other. The coupling parts include a tongue and a groove, as well as locking parts preventing the drifting apart of two such adjacent panels. A separately manufactured insert is provided between at least two of the coupled panels, and the tongue and groove. The insert comprises at least two portions functioning as fixed spacing elements with a first portion between the upper side of the tongue and the lower side of the upper lip, and a second portion between the locking parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Flooring Industries Limited, SARL
    Inventors: Pieter Devos, Mark Cappelle
  • Patent number: 8826622
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing floor panels, wherein boards of laminate material are formed by means of a press treatment and wherein these boards are divided into several panels, from which the actual floor panels are formed. In a press treatment of the method, at least one impression is provided in the board, which at least is employed as a guiding groove for guiding the aforementioned board or the subsequently obtained panels in further treatments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: Flooring Industries Limited, Sarl
    Inventors: Mark Cappelle, Lode De Boe
  • Patent number: 8813454
    Abstract: A panel coupling assembly includes a panel having a side edge with an activating portion. An intermediate coupling member is displaceable with respect to the panel and a base coupling and is provided with a sleeve portion facing the activating portion of the panel. A guide guides the intermediate coupling member from a non-assembled condition to an assembled condition. The guide is configured such that upon displacing the panel with respect to the base coupling member in the panel fixing direction, the activating portion of the panel presses onto the sleeve portion and the intermediate coupling member is displaced in at least a direction extending transversely to the panel fixing direction. A fixing element is engageable to the intermediate coupling member to form a locking member that couples the panel and the base coupling member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Spanolux N.V.-Div. Balterio
    Inventors: Bruno Paul Louis Vermeulen, Jan Eddy De Rick
  • Patent number: 8806832
    Abstract: A vertical joint system for substrates is formed with joints Jm and Jf which engaged by relative motion in a direction perpendicular to major surfaces and of the substrate. The joints are configured to enable relative rotation of up to 3 degrees (i.e. clockwise or anticlockwise) while maintaining engagement of the joints. The joints Jm and Jf are further configured to form two locking planes, one on each of the inner and outer most sides of the joint. Engagement about the locking planes is provided by transverse outward extending surfaces Cm1, Cm2, Cf1 and Cf2. The surface Cf1 and Cf2 overhang the surfaces Cm1 and Cm2. At least one surface in each pair of engaging surfaces: Cf1 and Cm1; and, Cf2 and Cm2 is smoothly curved. The joints Jm and Jf can be further arranged to provide a third locking plane parallel to and between the locking planes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Inotec Global Limited
    Inventor: Richard William Kell
  • Patent number: 8800150
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing floorboards with a surface layer and a core involves joining a surface layer formed of flexible and resilient fibers to a core to form a floor element having a surface layer of flexible and resilient fibers, such that the flexible and resilient fibers are exposed on an outermost surface of the floorboards, cutting the surface layer of the floor element to form a cut line, and machining a joint edge with a set of rotary milling tools to provide at least part of an upper joint edge of a floorboard. At least a portion of the machining of the joint edge occurs at the cut line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Valinge Innovation AB
    Inventor: Darko Pervan
  • Publication number: 20140215952
    Abstract: Floorboards for making a floating floor have a core (30) which includes at least two layers of material (L1, L2), which are arranged at different distances from the surface layer (31), and which differ in respect of material properties or material composition. Semi manufactures for making such floorboards are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2014
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Applicant: VALINGE INNOVATION AB
    Inventor: Darko PERVAN
  • Patent number: 8793958
    Abstract: Hard panels formed from a wood-based material and having a decorative layer for floor coverings are provided, at least on two opposite edges, with coupling devices made in one piece with the panels wherein similar panels may be coupled together to form a floor covering, wherein these coupling devices provide for an interlocking in a direction perpendicular to the plane of coupled panels, as well as in a direction perpendicular to the edges concerned and parallel to the plane of coupled panels. These coupling devices are constituted of a tongue and a groove. The top side of the tongue has a protrusion that cooperates with a meshing recess located in the lower side of the upper lip of the groove of the coupling devices, and a portion extending generally parallel with the plane of the panel to form a contact surface cooperating with the lower side of the upper lip of the groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Flooring Industries Limited, Sarl
    Inventors: Bernard Theirs, Mark Cappelle
  • Patent number: 8793957
    Abstract: An improved cellular building block including a middle beam and two legs. The cellular building block having the first leg coupled to the middle beam such that the leg is perpendicular to the middle beam and a second leg coupled to the middle beam such that the leg is perpendicular to the middle beam and spaced apart from the first leg, the first leg and the second leg having an inside edge and an outside edge. Having at least one barb located on the inside edge of the first leg and on the inside edge of the second leg and further configured to lock into a recess. The cellular building blocks connect in a two dimensional or three dimensional pattern and a produce a structured material that holds itself together and exhibits beneficial characteristics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Inventor: Paul Wennberg
  • Patent number: 8789334
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: Unilin Beheer B.V., besloten vennootschap
    Inventors: Stefan Simon Gustaaf Moriau, Mark Gaston Maurits Cappelle, Bernard Paul Joseph Thiers
  • Publication number: 20140202111
    Abstract: A modular building block assembly comprises a modular building block having a first load-bearing surface with a key. There is a recess in the key. The recess has a shoulder disposed therein and side walls extending from the shoulder to a mouth thereof. A reinforcement rod extends into the recess and a coupling for connecting vertically aligned reinforcement rods is disposed in the recess. The vertically aligned reinforcement rods each threadedly engage the coupling. A locking plate engages the coupling to prevent the coupling from rotating relative to the locking plate. The locking plate sits within the recess and rotation of the locking plate within the recess is prevented by the side walls of the recess.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2014
    Publication date: July 24, 2014
    Applicant: Coobs Canada Ltd.
    Inventor: James Joseph Drew
  • Patent number: 8782990
    Abstract: This specification describes a tray substrate for tile flooring that can be used in narrow grout line modular floating tile assemblies. The tray is preferably made of plastic and has vertical tray edges around the top of the tray substrate with upward and downward tabs protruding from the sides of the tray substrate wherein some of the tabs are at least partially recessed under the surface of the tray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: CoMc, LLC
    Inventor: Yu Lin Tang
  • Patent number: 8782989
    Abstract: This specification describes a tray substrate for tile flooring that can be used in modular floating tile assemblies. The tray is made of plastic and has vertical tray edges recessed under the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: CoMc, LLC
    Inventor: Yu Lin Tang
  • Publication number: 20140196398
    Abstract: A masonry building includes a lower horizontal member; two vertical members erected upward on the lower horizontal member; a wall body made up of a plurality of blocks connected consecutively in a lateral direction and vertical direction between the two vertical members on the lower horizontal member; and a dry-type, upper horizontal member supported by an upper end of the wall body and joined to the two vertical members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2012
    Publication date: July 17, 2014
    Applicant: ASAHI KASEI HOMES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Shinji Nakata, Shinichi Yokoyama, Akira Yazaki, Masaharu Kurachi
  • Publication number: 20140196397
    Abstract: An innovative masonry block, such as a CMU, has a core of insulative material with masonry cladding, such as concrete, on lateral sides, and anchor elements, such as rigid bar members, may extend from the core to hold the cladding to the core. The core may also include a drain aperture extending from top to bottom, as well as a sloped top surface that serves to direct water to the drain. A plurality of such blocks can make a wall or other building structure having a pathway for water to travel through and out of the stacked blocks.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2014
    Publication date: July 17, 2014
    Inventors: Tom Sourlis, Gary R. Johnson
  • Patent number: 8752352
    Abstract: A covering from mechanically interconnectable elements, wherein at least one of the elements is a panel, wherein the elements have on their confronting sides a complementary profiling and can be locked together via said profiling. The locking is caused by at least one tongue element which is connected to one of the elements in an articulated manner and which can be pivoted during the joining motion behind a locking edge of the adjacent element, said locking edge extending essentially in the horizontal direction. The tongue element is in part connected to a core of the element by means of an elastic material and is a one-piece component of the element prior to the joining motion, wherein the one-piece connection between the tongue element and the element is configured as a predetermined breaking site which is provided to fail, in particular break, when the tongue element is pivoted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Inventor: Guido Schulte
  • Publication number: 20140157713
    Abstract: A vacuum insulation panel assembly having upper, lower, and first and second side vacuum insulation panels. The upper vacuum insulation panel has an aperture formed therethrough and an edge forming an overlap joint. The lower vacuum insulation panel also has an aperture formed therethrough and an edge forming an overlap joint. The first and second side vacuum insulation panels have an arcuate, half-cylindrical shape with a top edge forming an overlap joint configured to engage the overlap joint of the upper vacuum insulation panel, a bottom edge forming an overlap joint configured to engage the overlap joint of the lower vacuum insulation panel, and first and second side edges forming overlap joints configured to engage the overlap joints of the first and second side edges of the other side vacuum insulation panel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2012
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Applicant: AMTROL LICENSING INC.
    Inventors: Christopher Gary Kampf, Christopher A. Van Haaren
  • Patent number: 8733065
    Abstract: Floor panels are provided with a mechanical locking system having small local protrusions which reduce displacement along the joint when the panels are laying flat on the sub floor and locked vertically and horizontally.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Valinge Innovation AB
    Inventor: Darko Pervan
  • Patent number: 8726595
    Abstract: An irregularly-shaped building unit includes a front surface, a rear surface opposite of the front surface, and an outer contour surface that extends generally perpendicularly from the front surface to the rear surface. The outer contour surface is irregularly shaped. A plurality of mating sides are disposed on the outer contour surface, where at least two mating sides intersect with a major axis, and at least two mating sides intersect with a minor axis. The major axis and the minor axis are generally perpendicular to each other. Each mating side is a centered rotation about the respective axis that the mating side intersects with.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Keystone Retaining Wall Systems LLC
    Inventor: Thomas S. Riccobene
  • Patent number: 8726602
    Abstract: A flexible interlocking floor tile having a dual construction with an interlocking mechanism allows for easy installation of multiple tiles. The dual construction can include recycled material and new material. The tile also includes an adequate support at the corner of the tile when assembling multiple tiles. The tile has a single interlocking structure or groove to keep the entire tile joint tight with other tile joints, instead of interrupted interlocking structure which can lead to functional and aesthetic flaws in the entire floor. The single continuous interlocking structure allows for a one-step easy removal of any excess material or flashing from the tile after the molding process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Johnsonite Inc.
    Inventor: Patrick DeLong
  • Patent number: 8703299
    Abstract: A plywood flooring including a plywood as a substrate, where the plywood is heat-compressive treated in a density of 0.6 to 1.0 g/cm3 and is impregnated with a synthetic resin having a viscosity of 100 to 20,000 cp, which has both of the advantages of reinforced floorboards and the advantages of plywood floorboards.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: LG Hausys, Ltd.
    Inventors: Sung-Ha Park, Jae-Wan Sung
  • Patent number: 8689513
    Abstract: Floor covering (10) including panels (12,14; 112) having a core (24) of a plastic material and at least one cover layer (28,30) covering the upper side of the core, the panels being provided with complementary and mutually engaging locking profiles (20,22; 120) at their connected lateral edges (16,18). For forming a groove between two connected panels (12,14; 112) at least one of these panels is provided with a milled-out portion (60,160) at the upper side of its lateral edge, with the cover layer (28,30) excavated completely over the width of the milled-out portion (60,160) so that the bottom (62,162) of the milled-out portion (60,160) is formed by the material of the core.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Ulrich Windmöller Consulting GmbH
    Inventor: Ulrich Windmöller
  • Patent number: 8683753
    Abstract: The subject of the invention is an enclosure for secondary distribution modular switchgears, applicable in protecting switchgears both against adverse weather conditions and against unauthorized inspections of high, medium and low voltage switch gear, and also against accidental access by unauthorized persons, or by wild animals and birds. The inventive enclosure containing a base-frame (3) to which the enclosure walls are attached and which is provided with a roof cover is characterized in that the base frame (3) is formed by a metal truss and contains two extreme base-frame modules, the left one (20) and the right one (23,) and at least one middle module (21 and/or (22) which are connected with one another by means of a pair of permanent connections formed by a socket (27a) and a prong (27b) and fastening and earthing plates (28a, 28b).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: ABB Technology AG
    Inventors: Lukasz Bachorz, Jerzy Flis, Bartosz Kopczynski, Jerzy Obojski, Michal Wielgos, Mariusz Wilniewczyc
  • Publication number: 20140026513
    Abstract: A panel connection system comprising a fixing plate and a locking member, the fixing plate having a surface with a raised central portion which is flanked by first and second protrusions, wherein the locking member is configured to receive the central portion of the fixing plate. A plurality of panels with shoulder portions have recesses which are cooperatively received by the protrusions such that the shoulder portions of the panels are adjacent the central portion. The locking member has a recess which cooperatively secures with the central portion to secure the panels to the fixing plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2012
    Publication date: January 30, 2014
    Applicant: OLIVER JAMES FURNITURE LIMITED
    Inventor: Gary James Bishop
  • Patent number: 8631624
    Abstract: A modular flooring assembly including a flooring component adhered to a tray substrate is described. The modular flooring assembly may be interconnected with additional modular flooring assemblies to form a modular floor suitable for most flooring applications. The flooring component may be tile or wood or other materials commonly used in flooring applications. Convention fill-in grout or a snap-in grout may be used with the modular flooring assemblies. One suitable snap-in grout is a right angle grout member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Assignee: CoMc, LLC
    Inventors: Jonathan McIntosh, Nicole C. Sperling
  • Patent number: 8631625
    Abstract: Hard panels formed from a wood-based material and having a decorative layer for floor coverings are provided, at least on two opposite edges, with coupling devices made in one piece with the panels wherein similar panels may be coupled together to form a floor covering, wherein these coupling devices provide for an interlocking in a direction perpendicular to the plane of coupled panels, as well as in a direction perpendicular to the edges concerned and parallel to the plane of coupled panels. These coupling devices are constituted of a tongue and a groove. The top side of the tongue has a protrusion that cooperates with a meshing recess located in the lower side of the upper lip of the groove of the coupling devices, and a portion extending generally parallel with the plane of the panel to form a contact surface cooperating with the lower side of the upper lip of the groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Assignee: Flooring Industries Limited, Sarl
    Inventors: Bernard Paul Joseph Thiers, Mark Gaston Maurits Cappelle
  • Patent number: 8627631
    Abstract: Hard panels formed from a wood-based material and having a decorative layer for floor coverings are provided, at least on two opposite edges, with coupling devices made in one piece with the panels wherein similar panels may be coupled together to form a floor covering, wherein these coupling devices provide for an interlocking in a direction perpendicular to the plane of coupled panels, as well as in a direction perpendicular to the edges concerned and parallel to the plane of coupled panels. These coupling devices are constituted of a tongue and a groove. The top side of the tongue has a protrusion that cooperates with a meshing recess located in the lower side of the upper lip of the groove of the coupling devices, and a portion extending generally parallel with the plane of the panel to form a contact surface cooperating with the lower side of the upper lip of the groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2014
    Assignee: Flooring Industries Limited, Sarl
    Inventors: Bernard Paul Joseph Thiers, Mark Gaston Maurits Cappelle
  • Patent number: 8615954
    Abstract: An improved solar panel attachment system for a roof and method for its use include a pedestal that has a plurality of protrusions and keyways located along its bottom wall surface and extending along the length of the pedestal. The pedestal is placed into a paddy of foam adhesive laid along a roof underlayment and the keyways receive and engage with the expanding adhesive for bonding the pedestal directly to the roof without the need for mechanical fastening. The protrusions provide spacing between the bottom wall surface and the roof so that an adequate amount of foam adhesive resides between these wall surfaces and those structures. Attaching means are secured to the top wall surface so that the pedestal may be used to securely mount (or secure) a solar panel or other object to a roof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Inventor: Timothy Michael Graboski
  • Patent number: 8615955
    Abstract: A locking system for mechanical joining of floorboards constructed from a body, a rear balancing layer and an upper surface layer. A strip, which is integrally formed with the body of the floorboard and which projects from a joint plane and under an adjoining board has a locking element which engages a locking groove in the rear side of the adjoining board. The joint edge provided with the strip is modified with respect to the balancing layer, for example by means of machining of the balancing layer under the strip, in order to prevent deflection of the strip caused by changes in relative humidity. Also, a floorboard provided with such a locking system, as well as a method for making floorboards with such a locking system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Valinge Innovation AB
    Inventors: Darko Pervan, Tony Pervan
  • Patent number: 8615953
    Abstract: A panel having a core and at least two opposite edges with coupling parts at two opposite edges. The coupling parts of the panels can be coupled to each other by means of a downward movement, such that a locking is obtained in the plane of the panels and perpendicular to the edges, as well as perpendicular to the plane of the panels. The coupling parts at the two edges comprise locking parts ensuring locking in the direction perpendicular to the plane of the panels, and at least one of these locking parts forms part of a flexible portion made in one piece with the core. The flexible portion is bendable at least in the plane of the panel. The panel includes at least one support portion which forms a support against bending of the flexible portion in a direction transverse to the plane of the coupled panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Flooring Industries Limited, SARL
    Inventor: Mark Cappelle
  • Patent number: 8601758
    Abstract: Interlocking construction blocks are provided, having a tongue and groove configuration, attachable together by pressing the tongue of one block into a groove of another block. Multiple blocks may be adapted to be interlocked together forming a structure, such as a wall. Blocks comprise first and second opposing sidewalls integrally connected together by first and second pairs of opposing connecting walls. The first and second sidewalls comprise a lower portion integrally connected to an upper portion. The lower portion comprises a pair of opposing lower portion sidewalls integrally connected to a pair of opposing lower end walls. The upper portion comprises a planar top surface, a pair of opposing upper portion sidewalls and a pair of opposing upper portion end walls integrally connected via upper portion angular walls. The upper portion sidewalls, upper portion end walls and upper angular walls may have a beveled or tapered surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: Samobi Industries, LLC
    Inventor: Salvador M. Biadora
  • Publication number: 20130312357
    Abstract: A building block (100) comprises a first mating portion and a second mating portion which are complementary. The first mating portion comprises a mating protrusion (140) which defines an axially extending through bore (144) and the second mating portion comprises an axially extending mating receptacle (180) which is complementary to the mating protrusion (140). The mating protrusion (140) and the mating receptacle (180) are in communication via the through bore (144), and a fastener anchoring device (146) adapted for engaging with an engagement means (920) of a fastener (900) is formed inside the through bore (144). The through bore (144) is adapted to permit axial insertion of the engagement means (920) of the fastener (900) into the mating protrusion (140).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2011
    Publication date: November 28, 2013
    Applicant: VALUE CHAIN NETWORK (HONG KONG) LIMITED
    Inventor: Chi Kin LIN
  • Patent number: 8590251
    Abstract: A tile is provided for covering surfaces in the form of one or more metallic plates. A substratum is to be placed on the surface to be covered. At least one metal plate has folds forming male and female shaped elements to be connected with those of adjacent tiles to form a substantially continuous coverage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Intersider Acciai S.p.A.
    Inventor: Ferdinando Bandera
  • Publication number: 20130283710
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a connector assembly comprises: a connector; and a pair of side collectors, each comprising a connector engagement region having a size and geometry to mate with the connector so as to hold ends of two adjacent panels together; and a panel engagement region comprising a receiving area and having a size to attach onto an edge of the panel; and a clip, wherein the clip has a base that can be attached to a support, an engagement, and a stem extending therebetween, wherein the engagement has an extension projecting from a side of the engagement, wherein the panel engagement region further comprises an opening in a joint wall on a side of the panel engagement region opposite the receiving area, wherein the opening is configured to receive the extension of the engagement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2013
    Publication date: October 31, 2013
    Applicant: SABIC INNOVATIVE PLASTICS IP B.V.
    Inventors: Michael Matthew Laurin, Matthew Frank Niemeyer, Scott Michael Davis, Charlie Woodrow Wood, Przemyslaw Olszynski
  • Patent number: 8544231
    Abstract: The invention relates to a floor panel (1) which is designed as a multi-ply laminate and comprises at least one plastic support (30), a décor layer (31) applied to a top face of the plastic support, a transparent covering (32) applied to the décor layer, and a backing layer (33) applied to the lower face of the elastic support, the panel having pairs of opposite lateral edges (3, 4; 5, 6) comprising complementary holding profiles. The holding profiles of at least one of the two lateral edge pairs are designed as form-locking complementary hook-type profiles and comprise a receiving hook (9) which faces the top face (2) of the floor panel, and a locking hook (10) arranged on the opposite lateral edge, which faces the lower face (7) of the floor panel. The locking hook (10) comprises a snap-in element (12, 13, 14) on a distal lateral face (11), said snap-in element being associated with a complementary snap-in element (22, 23, 21) on a proximal lateral face (20) of the hook profile having the receiving hook.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: Akzenta Paneele & Profile GmbH
    Inventor: Hans-Juergen Hannig
  • Patent number: 8516766
    Abstract: A panel for decorating spaces has a first structural element and a second structural element connected with one another, wherein the first structural element on lateral sides is provided with pins, while the second structural element on a back side is provided with shaped slots with a depression corresponding to the pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Inventor: Viacheslav Maratovich Kuznetsov
  • Patent number: 8499519
    Abstract: Floor panel, more particularly a laminate floor panel, wherein this floor panel comprises a decor, a top layer on the basis of synthetic material, and an underlying substrate (13), whether or not composed of several layers or parts, wherein the floor panel (1), in the surface over which the decor (10) extends, is provided with embossed portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Flooring Industries Ltd
    Inventors: Laurent Meersseman, Christian Vandevoorde, Bernard Thiers
  • Patent number: 8495848
    Abstract: Floor panels (2) are shown with a discontinuous surface (31) layer and core (30), which are mechanically connectable to each other along one pair of adjacent edges, said floor panels comprising at least two floor elements (1, 1?), which are connected with glue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Assignee: Valinge Innovation AB
    Inventors: Darko Pervan, Christian Boo, Mattias Sjostrand, Tony Pervan
  • Patent number: 8490359
    Abstract: An assembly of blocks for use in yard and garden environments includes a plurality of discrete blocks each having a body portion and a joining portion, the joining portion having a plurality of angled teeth. The teeth of a first one of the plurality of blocks interlock with the teeth of a second one of the plurality of blocks such that the first and second blocks are connected together and arranged perpendicular relative to one another so that the plurality of blocks has an L-shaped configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Inventors: Joan M. Perotti, Mark C. Schmidt
  • Patent number: 8490360
    Abstract: Floor panels are shown with discontinuous surface layers, which are mechanically connectable to each other along one pair of adjacent edges, said floor panels comprising at least two floor elements whereof at least one of the floor elements is non rectangular.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Valinge Innovation AB
    Inventors: Darko Pervan, Christian Boo, Mattias Sjostrand
  • Patent number: 8484924
    Abstract: A panel, in particular a floor panel, with a core consists of a wood material or a wood material-plastic mixture. A top side and a bottom side are provided. The panel has on a first lateral edge a lower locking element, which includes a first arm that is arranged on the bottom side of the panel and that projects over the first lateral edge. A first hook element with an undercut is arranged on an outer end of the first arm. The panel has on a second lateral edge that is opposite to the first lateral edge an upper locking element with a second arm that is arranged on the top side of the panel and that projects over the second lateral edge. A second hook element, which has at least one locking nose, is arranged on an outer end of the second arm, such that two identically designed panels can be connected and locked to one another in the horizontal direction and in the vertical direction after the locking nose of one panel is snapped into the undercut of a second panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: Flooring Technologies Ltd.
    Inventor: Roger Braun
  • Patent number: 8464489
    Abstract: Floor panels are shown with discontinuous surface layers, which are mechanically connectable to each other along one pair of adjacent edges, said floor panels comprising at least two floor elements whereof at least one of the floor elements is non rectangular.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignee: Valinge Innovation AB
    Inventors: Darko Pervan, Christian Boo, Mattias Sjostrand
  • Patent number: 8464490
    Abstract: This application relates to a light-weight, multi-purpose construction panel. The panel may be formed, for example, from molded plastic. Each panel includes a substantially planar deck on a first side thereof and a second side comprising alternating male and female sleeves arranged in honeycomb-like compartments defined by a plurality of wall elements. A pair of panels may be releasably coupled together with their respective second sides facing inwardly to form a construction assembly. When a pair of panels is coupled together, the male sleeves of one panel matingly fit within the females sleeves of the other panel, and vice versa. Each panel may also include guide tubes which are aligned when the panels are coupled together. A plurality of channels may be formed in the deck on the first side of the panel and spaced-apart apertures may be arranged in the channels in alignment with the guide tubes for insertion of fasteners therein or to allow water drainage through the assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Inventor: Antonio Rapaz
  • Patent number: 8443566
    Abstract: An improved cellular building block including a middle beam and two legs. The cellular building block having the first leg coupled to the middle beam such that the leg is perpendicular to the middle beam and a second leg coupled to the middle beam such that the leg is perpendicular to the middle beam and spaced apart from the first leg, the first leg and the second leg having an inside edge and an outside edge. Having at least one barb located on the inside edge of the first leg and on the inside edge of the second leg and further configured to lock into a recess. The cellular building blocks connect in a two dimensional or three dimensional pattern and a produce a structured material that holds itself together and exhibits beneficial characteristics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Inventor: Paul Wennberg
  • Patent number: 8438814
    Abstract: Hard panels formed from a wood-based material and having a decorative layer for floor coverings are provided, at least on two opposite edges, with coupling devices made in one piece with the panels wherein similar panels may be coupled together to form a floor covering, wherein these coupling devices provide for an interlocking in a direction perpendicular to the plane of coupled panels, as well as in a direction perpendicular to the edges concerned and parallel to the plane of coupled panels. These coupling devices are constituted of a tongue and a groove. The top side of the tongue has a protrusion that cooperates with a meshing recess located in the lower side of the upper lip of the groove of the coupling devices, and a portion extending generally parallel with the plane of the panel to form a contact surface cooperating with the lower side of the upper lip of the groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: Flooring Industries Limited, SARL
    Inventors: Bernard Paul Joseph Thiers, Mark Gaston Maurits Cappelle
  • Patent number: 8429870
    Abstract: A plank, and system and method for joining surface-covering planks, which includes a disengageable connector(s) for detachably connecting multiple planks simultaneously are described. A plank can include a tongue-profiled edge and an opposite rib-profiled edge, and a disengageable connector can have a groove that can be mated with the tongue on one side edge of the plank, and also has a rib-receiving portion that alternatively can be mated with a downward extending rib on the opposite side edge of the plank. The plank can have a variety of designs on the other edges of the plank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: Mannington Mills, Inc.
    Inventors: Hao A. Chen, John M. Whispell
  • Patent number: 8375673
    Abstract: A paneling system is provided herein that concerns interconnecting panels with opposite connecting sides of substantially tongue in groove joint couplings and opposing adjacent connecting sides that are of substantially hook-joint coupling. The hook joint hinders lateral motion while permitting movement in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the interconnected panels to provide ease of installment and removal. The hook joints also provide proper alignment and spacing between panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Inventor: John M. Evjen
  • Patent number: 8375672
    Abstract: The rectangular floor panel comprises a core of timber material, a decorative layer on the top and pairs of opposite side edges with complementary form-fitting hooked profiles. A receiving hook facing the lower side of the floor panel and a retaining hook located on the opposite side edge and facing the top side of the floor panel. The receiving and retaining hooks are provided with a distal side surface, one having at least one projecting interlocking element and another having an associated receiving pocket. The retaining hook is lockable with the receiving hook by vertical movement. The interlocking element and the top side of the floor panel are separated by at least one gap corresponding to one third the total thickness of the floor panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Akzenta Paneele + Profile GmbH
    Inventor: Hans-Juergen Hannig
  • Patent number: 8365494
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Unilin Beheer B.V., Besloten Vennootschap
    Inventors: Stefan Simon Gustaaf Moriau, Mark Gaston Maurits Cappelle, Bernard Paul Joseph Thiers
  • Publication number: 20130025213
    Abstract: The present invention is a structural member made of composite material, characterized by comprising a body which is made of a composite material with at least one type of fiber and at least one type of resin; and at least one connection member which is one piece with said body in order to provide connection to another structural member with the same characteristics. The present invention also relates to modular structures like buildings produced using said structural members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2011
    Publication date: January 31, 2013
    Applicant: Renco Kompozit Teknolojileri Sanayi ve Ticaret Lim
    Inventor: Sedat Cetindag
  • Publication number: 20120324816
    Abstract: Aspects relate to improved floor boards. Certain embodiments may be laid and fixed without the need for fixing with adhesive or nails. Example floor boards are convenient for use and simple in structure, and after a decorative strip is adopted, it further has the advantage of good decorative effects. In one embodiment, a floor board includes a four-sided surface board connected to a four-sided base board. In one embodiment, positions of board-shaped hooking tongues on two edges of the base board body and positions of board-shaping hooking tongues on two other edges of the base board body are arranged in a staggered manner, and the positions of buckles on two edges of the base board body and the positions of buckles on two other edges of the base board body are arranged in a staggered manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2010
    Publication date: December 27, 2012
    Applicant: HONG KONG MEI LI SHENG FLOORING CO., LIMITED
    Inventor: Huanwen Huang