Keys, Mortises, Or Key And Mortise On Opposed Edges Or Faces Patents (Class 52/592.1)
  • Patent number: 7543418
    Abstract: The invention relates to a panel element comprising a use side, a counter draw opposite the use side, a first side having a tongue, and a second side, which is opposite the first side and which has a slot that is complementary to the tongue. The tongue has a connecting element, which extends essentially perpendicular to the use side and whose cross-section has a first flank and a second flank that is located opposite the first flank. The cross-section of the connecting element has a center line running perpendicular to the use surface. In a first section (45) of the connecting element (4), when viewing in the direction of the use side (11), the slope of the first flank (41) and of the second flank (42) points outward from the center line (44) and the slope of the second flank (42) points toward the center line (44). The distance between the first flank (41) and the second flank (42) decreases perpendicular to the center line (44).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2009
    Assignee: Weitzer Parkett GmbH & Co. K.G.
    Inventor: Wilfried Weitzer
  • Patent number: 7517427
    Abstract: Means for installation of panels, the panels comprising a core, a decorative upper surface and edges provided with joining means for positioning the panels towards one another. Predetermined portions of the edges are provided with an encapsulated agent which is made present on the edges of the surface elements before assembly and which encapsulation is ruptured by means of assembly making the agent available to the core. The surface elements are hereby joined to one another by use of the joining means wherein a unit of a plurality of surface elements is formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2009
    Assignee: Pergo (Europe) AB
    Inventors: Ake Sjoberg, Sven Kornfalt
  • Patent number: 7516588
    Abstract: Floorboards with a mechanical locking system that allows movement between the floorboards when they are joined to form a floating floor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2009
    Assignee: Valinge Aluminium AB
    Inventor: Darko Pervan
  • Publication number: 20090077919
    Abstract: An elongated flooring board for use in forming a warp-resistant hardwood surface that can be repeatedly refinished, adhesively bonded to concrete or nailed to a subfloor. The flooring board is comprised of an upper hardwood layer and a plurality of lower softwood layers adhesively bonded together and to the upper layer. The hardwood upper layer is at least 7 mm. in thickness and the lower softwood layers collectively define a thickness of at least about 15 mm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2007
    Publication date: March 26, 2009
    Inventor: Rimoun Fam
  • Patent number: 7506481
    Abstract: A building board made of OSB (oriented strand board) which can be laid on beams, which are spaced apart parallel to one another, in order to form a subfloor in a residential or commercial building and which has two mutually opposite longitudinal edges and two mutually opposite transverse edges running at right angles to the longitudinal edges. One longitudinal edge and one transverse edge in each case has a tongue and the opposite longitudinal edge and transverse edge has a groove corresponding to the tongue, via which a plurality of building boards can be connected to one another and locked in the vertical direction in relation to one another. The tongue and the groove on the longitudinal edge are designed such that two boards which are connected to one another at the longitudinal edges are also locked in a horizontal direction in relation to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2009
    Assignee: Kronotec AG
    Inventor: Thomas Grafenauer
  • Patent number: 7497058
    Abstract: Flooring panel or wall panel and a use thereof in a wet room. The panel is provided with a locking means in the form of groove (6) and tongue (7) forming a tongue/groove joint for assembling of the panels. The groove (6) and the tongue (7) are preferably made of water tight material and formed with a snap-together joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2009
    Assignee: Pergo (Europe) AB
    Inventor: Göran Mårtensson
  • Publication number: 20090038253
    Abstract: Flooring panel or wall panel and a use thereof in a wet room. The panel is provided with a locking means in the form of groove (6) and tongue (7) forming a tongue/groove joint for assembling of the panels. The groove (6) and the tongue (7) are preferably made of water tight material and formed with a snap-together joint.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2008
    Publication date: February 12, 2009
    Applicant: Pergo (Europe) AB
    Inventor: Goran Martensson
  • Patent number: 7487622
    Abstract: A frame for an interlocking system for floor or wall tiles has a base frame with a lid surrounding its perimeter. The lid serves to fill the gap between frames after the tiles are installed, as well as provide lateral stability to the tiles. The bottom of the base frame has an array or grid of support legs. On at least one side of the perimeter, the base frame has a plurality of bosses or slotted connectors extending outwardly from the base frame, which can be used to make connection with the support legs of another base frame. A filler, or divider, frame, of a given shape, e.g. “+” or “#”, is used to guide the placement of the tiles onto the base frame, as well as fill the gap between the tiles. Notches are formed on the base frame to securely engage the filler frame. One set of notches are formed through the surface of the base frame's planar body, white the other set of notches are formed on the inside surface of the lid of the base frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2009
    Inventor: Dennis H. Wang
  • Patent number: 7484338
    Abstract: The invention relates to a locking system for mechanical joining of floorboards (1) constructed from a body (30), a rear balancing layer (34), and an upper surface layer (32). A strip (6), which is integrally formed with the body (30) of the floorboard and which projects from a joint plane (F) and under an adjoining board (1), has a locking element (8) which engages a locking groove (14) in the rear side of the adjoining board. The joint edge provided with the strip (6) is modified with respect to the balancing layer (34), for example by means of machining of the balancing layer under the strip (6), in order to prevent deflection of the strip (6) caused by changes in relative humidity. The invention also relates to a floorboard provided with such a locking system, as well as a method for making floorboards with such a locking system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2009
    Assignee: Valinge Innovation AB
    Inventors: Darko Pervan, Tony Pervan
  • Patent number: 7485358
    Abstract: The invention concerns a subfloor which is provided between a hard base (11) and a floor such as a laminate or parquet floor resting on the latter, whereby this subfloor is composed of laterally connecting mats (9, 10) having a core (1) made of a synthetic foam provided with an underlay (2) and a top layer (3) made of a synthetic foil, whereby this underlay (2) and top layer (3) represent a flap (4, 5) which extends over the side edge of said core (1), so that this flap (4, 5) overlaps with the mat (9, 10) connecting onto this side edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2009
    Assignee: Pregis Innovative Packaging Inc.
    Inventor: Johan Benaets
  • Patent number: 7484337
    Abstract: A floor panel including structure for releasably connecting at least two panels. A tongue is formed extending in the longitudinal direction of the side edge and corresponding recess is formed opposite it. The recess comprises a top lip and a bottom lip, and the bottom lip forms a shoulder with a front shoulder side. The shoulder blocks the panels in the transverse direction. An undercut is adjoined by a recess, with a bearing region which corresponds to the shoulder, and a wall, which, with the front shoulder side in the installed state, is located opposite the latter. Form-fitting elements are formed on the wall and the front shoulder side that, in the installed state, engage one inside the other and bring about locking in the vertical direction. An underside of the tongue and a top side of the bottom lip runs parallel to the top side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2009
    Assignee: Kronotec. AG
    Inventor: Hendrik Hecht
  • Publication number: 20090019804
    Abstract: Size tailorable tracks useful for connecting a first construction element (e.g., a transition molding) to a second construction element (e.g., a surface of a subfloor). In certain non-limiting embodiments, tracks which are scored during the manufacturing process to form weakened break junctions at which sections of the tracks may be separated by hand (e.g., typically “on site”) without the use of a cutting device. In certain additional, non-limiting embodiments, methods of using size tailorable tracks as well as track manufacturing systems, machines, and methods.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2008
    Publication date: January 22, 2009
    Applicant: Zamma Corporation
    Inventor: Peter Spielman
  • Patent number: 7472520
    Abstract: A building block arrangement configured for constructing residential, industrial and commercial structures comprises a first layer of building blocks and a second layer of building blocks. The first layer of building blocks includes two spaced apart rows of building blocks whereby a space is provided between adjacent side faces of the building blocks of the first layer. The second layer of building blocks includes two spaced apart rows of building blocks whereby a space is provided between adjacent side faces of the building blocks of the second layer. The space includes communicative horizontal and vertical portions such that that the space at least partially isolates an interior wall portion from an exterior wall portion. The second layer of building blocks is positioned on top of the first layer of building blocks. The second layer of building blocks spans across at least a portion of the space in the first layer of building blocks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2009
    Inventors: Steve Eugene Everett, Jay Dean Everett
  • Patent number: 7467499
    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: June 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2008
    Assignee: Unilin Beheer B.V., besloten vennootschap
    Inventors: Stefan Simon Gustaaf Moriau, Mark Gaston Maurits Cappelle, Bernard Paul Joseph Thiers
  • Patent number: 7467502
    Abstract: Walls and other structures can be made from blocks assembled from relatively light-weight standard panels that fit together like a puzzle. The blocks are held together without the use of mortar. Each block is formed of six rectangular panels fitted together by sliding capturable elements into cooperating receiving grooves. All of the panels have a common thickness and each panel has two parallel faces. Three types of panels are involved in making the block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2008
    Inventor: Hamdi R Syla
  • Publication number: 20080302044
    Abstract: Floor laying system (10) for joining together floorboards (12), comprising grooves (16) made in opposing side edges of the boards, and a separate profiled rail (14), which is disposed between the side edges of the boards and couples together the boards and which has legs (18) projecting to opposite sides from a central section of the rail, which legs are designed to lockingly engage in the grooves (16) in the respective opposing side edges of the floorboards (12). The legs (18) of the profiled rail (14) delimit a channel-shaped cavity which can accommodate at least one line element. The profiled rail (14) has legs (18), which supportively bear against diagonally opposing bevelled faces (30, 34) of the grooves (16) in two adjacent boards (12), in addition to which a slot (36) running substantially parallel with the top and bottom sides of the respective board opens into the groove (16) to form a resilient tongue (37).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2008
    Publication date: December 11, 2008
    Inventor: Roy Johansson
  • Patent number: 7451578
    Abstract: The invention relates to a fastening system (1) for rectangular, tabular panels (2, 3, 10), especially floor panels. Comprising retaining profiles disposed on the small faces of said panels (2, 3, 10). Opposite retaining profiles match said retaining profiles in such a manner that similar panels (2, 3, 10) can be interlinked. The panels are provided with opposite first retaining profiles that are configured in such a manner that on a panel (2, 3, 10) being in first line a new panel (2) can be locked in second line by attaching the new panel (2) to the installed panel (3) at a temporary angle relative to the installed panel (3) and then swiveling it down into the plane of the installed panel (3). The panel further comprises opposite second retaining elements that comprise corresponding hook elements (6, 7).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: Akzenta Paneele + Profile GmbH
    Inventor: Hans-Jürgen Hannig
  • Publication number: 20080276557
    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: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2007
    Publication date: November 13, 2008
    Inventor: Antonio RAPAZ
  • Patent number: 7416363
    Abstract: A joint for flat rigid parts comprises projections, which are embodied on the mating sides of the parts in the form of bulbous breadths at the edge thereof and necks at the basis thereof, and complementary joggles, which are embodied in the form of bulbous slots corresponding to the bulbous breadths of the projections and gradually changing into grooves corresponding to the projections necks. The surfaces of the projections edges and the surfaces of the slots bottoms mating therewith are embodied in the form of cones, wherein the peaks of the conical surfaces of the projections edges and of the slats bottoms are arranged an the opposite sides with respect to the connecting parts. The radius of curvature of the guiding lines of the conical surfaces of the projections edges and of the slots bottoms can be embodied in such a way that they tend to infinity; at least one connecting part can be embodied in the form of a through-thickness composite part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2008
    Inventor: Vitaly Ivanovich Kozhuev
  • Patent number: 7415801
    Abstract: The waterproof decking is decking made from extruded panels for forming a watertight deck assembly. First side, second side, and intermediate panels are provided, each having complementary edges for mating with other corresponding panels. One edge of the first side and intermediate panels is provided with a drainage gutter and the tongue or groove of a tongue and groove connection, with mating edges of the second side and intermediate panels being provided with the mating tongue or groove configuration. The decking includes a depending drip rail which serves to wedge tightly against the opposite wall of the gutter of the adjoining panel to prevent relative motion between the two, and also to prevent capillary flow of liquid across the underside of the panel where it could leak into the area below. Additional sealing may be provided along the tongue and groove joints.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2008
    Inventors: Karl Zeng, Bobby Reed
  • Patent number: 7406801
    Abstract: The watertight decking is assembled from extruded panels to form a watertight deck assembly. First side, second side, and intermediate panels have complementary edges mating with other corresponding panels. One edge of the first side and intermediate panels has a drainage gutter and the tongue or groove of a tongue and groove connection, with mating second side and intermediate panel edges having the mating tongue or groove. A depending drip rail wedges tightly against the opposite gutter wall of the adjoining panel to prevent relative motion between the two, and also to prevent capillary flow of liquid across the underside of the panel where it could leak into the area below. Additional sealing may be provided along the tongue and groove joints. A second, lower wall opposite the upper wall defines a series of conduits therebetween, and also strengthens the panels and provides a finished appearance for the underside.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Inventors: Karl Zeng, Bobby Reed
  • Publication number: 20080148674
    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: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2008
    Publication date: June 26, 2008
    Inventors: Bernard Paul Joseph Thiers, Mark Gaston Maurits Cappelle
  • Publication number: 20080148673
    Abstract: A flooring system for radiant heating includes a top floor portion and a subfloor portion. The top portion is releasably connectable to the subfloor portion in a vertical direction substantially perpendicular to a walking surface of the top portion. The top portion includes a bottom side and top channel portion downwardly depending from the bottom side. The subfloor portion includes a top side and a bottom channel portion extending upwardly from the top side. The top channel portion and the bottom channel portion bound a channel for receiving a heating conduit. The channel extends longitudinally relative to the top floor portion and the subfloor portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2006
    Publication date: June 26, 2008
    Inventor: James KELLER
  • Publication number: 20080141611
    Abstract: The present invention provides a 100% bamboo plank with an interlocking system and associated manufacturing methods. In one embodiment, the 100% bamboo plank comprises first, second, and third layers of 100% bamboo, wherein the layers are laminated together. The layers are independently preconditioned to control moisture content therein. Each layer can be preconditioned by alternately elevating and lowering the moisture content in a plurality of sequential cycles before the layers are laminated together. The middle layer is oriented so its grain is substantially perpendicular to the edges of the plank. The plank had joinery portions formed along the edges, and joinery includes an asymmetric upper joinery member and lower joinery member arrangement for, and at least a portion of the upper joinery member and lower joinery member portions are formed in the second layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2007
    Publication date: June 19, 2008
    Applicant: Teragren LLC
    Inventors: Yongjin Chen, David Knight
  • Patent number: 7386963
    Abstract: A locking system for mechanical joining of floorboards has a locking groove which is formed in the underside of and extends in parallel with the first joint edge at a distance from the joint plane, and a portion projecting from the lower part of the second joint edge and below the first joint edge and integrated with a body of the board. The projecting portion supporting at a distance from the joint plane a locking element cooperating with the locking groove and thus positioned entirely outside the joint plane seen from the side of the second joint edge, the projecting portion having a different composition of materials compared with the body of the board. The projecting portion presents at least two horizontally juxtaposed parts, which differ from each other at least in respect of the parameters material composition and material properties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2008
    Assignee: Valinge Innovation AB
    Inventor: Darko Pervan
  • Publication number: 20080134607
    Abstract: Floor panels (1, 1?) are shown, which are provided with a mechanical locking system having a flexible tongue (30) in a displacement groove (40), which during a vertical folding motion is displaced. Moreover, a tongue blank (50), a production method and an installation method are shown.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2005
    Publication date: June 12, 2008
    Applicant: VALINGE INNOVATION AB
    Inventors: Darko Pervan, Niclas Hakansson, Per Nygren
  • Patent number: 7377082
    Abstract: A panel for constructing patio rooms, and the like, has a reinforcing offset I-beam extending along a first edge of the insulative board. A second lateral edge of the board has a reduced thickness portion which fits into the open side of the I-beam and forms two pockets which accommodate the engagement of two sets of spring fingers which positionally locate and secure adjacent panels together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Inventor: Richard D. Edwards
  • Patent number: 7377081
    Abstract: An arrangement of building elements capable of a snap-fastening interconnection comprises an element, especially the tongue, consisting of a different material from the other building elements. An MDF/HDF panel, is initially milled along the longitudinal and/or transverse sides, and the resulting groove is then provided and/or foam-filled with extrudates. Finally, the free ends of the extrudates are milled to form the profile of the tongue. Alternatively, or additionally, a groove may also be milled into the extrudates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: Kaindl Flooring GmbH
    Inventor: Herbert Ruhdorfer
  • Patent number: 7367167
    Abstract: A block according to the present invention is a block comprising a base body part, a first protruding part, and a second protruding part, which are integrally formed with each other. The base body part has a left lower side face, a right lower side face, a left upper side face, and a right upper side face formed as respective sloping faces. The first protruding part has a lower surface thereof formed by first to third left-hand sloping faces, an upper surface thereof formed by fourth to sixth left-hand sloping faces, and a left side surface thereof formed by seventh and eighth left-hand sloping faces. The second protruding part has a lower surface thereof formed by first to third right-hand sloping faces, an upper surface thereof formed by fourth to sixth right-hand sloping faces, and a right side surface thereof formed by seventh and eighth right-hand sloping faces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2008
    Assignee: Hokusei Shoji Corporation
    Inventor: Hiroshi Takayanagi
  • Patent number: 7364383
    Abstract: The present invention provides a ground flooring device, system and method which includes connectable slats or panels having connection means which allow a series of slats to be quickly assembled, rolled up for storage or transport, and unrolled for deployment. The connection means can comprise specially adapted hinge members provided on the edges of the panels for flexible, yet secure attachment. The slats can be secured in a series, and a series of slats can be secured in multiple rows to create a solid, manipulable floor readily deployable on ground areas of virtually any shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2008
    Assignee: Ground Floor Systems, LLC
    Inventors: G. Shane Fletcher, Edward W. Bindon
  • Publication number: 20080086971
    Abstract: A frame includes an aluminum-extruded body having top, middle, and bottom sections, which are integrally connected together in a vertical direction. The top section forms a top channel having two spaced racks mounted thereto by webs respectively. Each web defines a slit. The bottom section forms a bottom cannel having two spaced side wall extending therefrom, and each side wall forms a rib. The top and bottom sections are connected by the middle section therebetween and sideways extend beyond the middle section to form a slot for receiving and holding a slide rail therein. The ribs and the slits are formed and positioned in such a way that the ribs of the frame are slidably engageable with the slits of an identical frame positioned just under the frame so as to expand the frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2006
    Publication date: April 17, 2008
    Applicant: LIH YANN INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Po Lin Liao
  • Patent number: 7343717
    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: July 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignee: Flooring Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Bernard Paul Joseph Thiers, Mark Gaston Maurits Cappelle
  • Publication number: 20080053029
    Abstract: A locking system for mechanically joining a plurality of panels or components of an article of construction without the need for glue or other adhesive is provided. The panels are preferably solid hardwood flooring panels. Each panel includes first and second locking members spaced beneath its outer surface. The first locking member is at one side edge of the panel and has two spaced-apart flexible arm portions, at least one arm portion including a first latching member. Preferably, the first latching member is a rib extending outward from the arm portion. The second locking member is at another side edge and includes a channel recessed within the side edge. The channel is sized to receive the arm portions without them having to contact the channel unless deflected within the channel. The second locking member also includes a second latching member positioned and adapted to engage the first latching member. The second latching member is preferably a slot abutting the channel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2006
    Publication date: March 6, 2008
    Inventor: Michael B. Ricker
  • Patent number: 7337588
    Abstract: The invention relates to a panel (1) with connecting means (3, 4, 7, 9) which make a positive connection with a further panel (2) possible. A panel (1) comprises as connecting means laterally a groove (3) formed by two rigid flanks. One of the two rigid flanks (6) is longer than the other one. The longer rigid flank (6) comprises a recess (7). The other panel comprises laterally a tongue (4). The tongue (4) comprises on an under- or top side a lug (9). The lug (9) and the recess (7) are so arranged that the lug (9) is able to engage with the recess (7). The side of the tongue comprising the lug comprises a slope (12), so that when the panels are in the joined state, as a result of the slope (12) a spacing remains between the slope (12) and the longer rigid flank (6). The two panels may be connected to one another gluelessly without the exertion of force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2008
    Inventor: Maik Moebus
  • Publication number: 20070289246
    Abstract: To fabricate a joint in a panel, a groove is generated and the panel is bent along the groove. The panel includes a first skin, second skin, and core. The core is sandwiched between the first skin and the second skin. The groove passes through the first skin and at least a portion of the core. The groove includes a set of tabs and a corresponding set of slots. The set of tabs intermesh with the set of slots in response to bending the panel along the groove.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2007
    Publication date: December 20, 2007
    Inventor: Chad D. Schmitz
  • Publication number: 20070289245
    Abstract: A hurricane proof roof made of interlocking composite panels to form a super strong barrier on your house, and watertight seal. The composite with a tensile strength of 4000 PSI is with able to stand repeated punishment from flying debris at tremendous velocity and suffer only minor indentation. Because of its low profile and strength it can't be bent upward, so even the strongest winds can't get hold of it in an attempt to lift it off.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2006
    Publication date: December 20, 2007
    Inventor: Mark Clay Welch
  • Patent number: 7275350
    Abstract: Floorboards for installation of floors in herringbone pattern are formed with two opposite sides inverted relative to each other. The invention further comprises methods for producing and making floorings comprising such floorboards, as well as fitting pieces and sets of parts for such floorings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2007
    Assignee: Valinge Innovation AB
    Inventors: Darko Pervan, Tony Pervan
  • Patent number: 7251919
    Abstract: A structural member includes side walls, a top wall connecting a top region of the side walls, a bottom wall connecting side wall bottoms and extending beyond the side walls to form wings each having one portion of a connector for connecting members to one another, a span connected to the side walls, and truss configurations each connected to the span and the bottom wall and respectively to one side wall. Side walls, top wall, and span define an upper interior chamber and span, truss configurations, and bottom wall define a lower interior chamber. Each truss configuration has a vertical wall and two intermediate walls. An assembly of members interlock with one another in series by connecting a first portion of the connector with a second portion of another member. These interlocked members form a structure for receiving concrete as a base for a ribbed concrete slab.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Inventor: Manuel A. Ray
  • Patent number: 7251916
    Abstract: Panels or boards comprise laterally mounted locking elements that can be inter-connected laterally in a positive fit, without the use of adhesive. The locking elements are designed to be connected in an initial position in which the panels are interlocked at least in one direction in a positive fit and a certain amount of play occurs in the common joint of the two panels. The panels may then be shifted, in a parallel direction relative to the common joint, to final position in which there is no play in the common joint and the panels are interconnected without the use of adhesive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Assignee: M. Kaindl
    Inventors: Karl-Heinz Konzelmann, Maik Moebus
  • Patent number: 7249445
    Abstract: A floor covering includes hard panels having a laminated structure. The panels have an upper surface with a printed decorative layer including a wood pattern. A transparent layer of a synthetic material extends over the printed decorative layer and includes a plurality impressions. The impressions substantially follow the wood pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2007
    Assignee: Flooring Industries Ltd.
    Inventor: Bernard Paul Joseph Thiers
  • Patent number: 7243471
    Abstract: Face plates 11 and 12 of a hollow shape member 10 are abutted against face plates 21 and 22 of a hollow shape member 20. Grooves 18 formed to said face plates 11 and 12 at the abutted region receive projections 28 formed to said face plates 21 and 22. A connecting plate 14 orthogonal to said face plates 11 and 12 is provided to the hollow shape member 10. There is no connecting plate orthogonal to face plates 21 and 22 disposed on the end of the hollow shape member 20. Friction stir welding heat causes the face plate 21 (22) to move toward the thickness direction of hollow shape members 10 and 20, but such movement is suppressed by the groove 18 and projection 28. Thereby, the abutted region is welded flatly. Since the hollow shape member 20 requires no connecting plate corresponding to plate 14, the welded members are light in weight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2007
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Masakuni Ezumi, Kazushige Fukuyori
  • Patent number: 7225591
    Abstract: A two-ply flooring plank is disclosed having two layers or “plies” with a bottom layer having a grain that runs generally transverse to a top layer or “cross-ply” to provide dimensional stability to the plank. The bottom layer includes a number of strips secured to the bottom of the top layer. The bottom layer strips are also placed with gaps between the individual strips of the second layer to allow flexibility of the flooring plank, which allows the flooring to more easily conform to irregularities in a subfloor upon which the flooring plank is mounted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2007
    Assignee: Hangzhou Dazhuang Floor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hai Lin, Xufeng Xu
  • Patent number: 7222465
    Abstract: A board suitable for installation on the side of a building has a front surface suitable for exposure to the weather, a rear surface, an upper end and a lower end, wherein the board has a stacking foot at either the upper end or lower end of the board, and has a stacking notch at the other of the upper end or lower end, with the stacking notch and the stacking foot enabling two of the boards to be stacked together with the stacking foot of each of the boards nested in the stacking notch of the other board, thereby providing stability for the stacked boards.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Assignee: Owens-Corning Fiberglas Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Christine M. Watson, Brian J. Guhde, Donn R. Vermilion, Thomas E. Grace, Sr., Chris W. Cicenas, Joshua D. Dickman
  • Patent number: 7188456
    Abstract: A tongue and groove cladding panel is described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2007
    Assignee: Kaindl Flooring GmbH
    Inventor: Franz Knauseder
  • Patent number: 7185469
    Abstract: The present invention is a new and novel modular raised wall paneling system and method of manufacture that is economical, labor non-intensive, and can be easily constructed for a variety of room configurations and dimensions. The modular raised wall paneling system of the present invention comprises a plurality of individual panel sections having a joint there between, wherein a panel section includes a recess portion forming the appearance of a raised panel thereon. In a preferred embodiment of the invention the panel sections include along opposed longitudinal edges a tongue and a groove such that the panel sections can be disposed in parallel side-by-side mating relationship such that the tongue of one panel section is received in the groove of an adjacent panel section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Assignee: Advantage Architectural Products, Ltd.
    Inventor: Gary Schaffeld
  • Patent number: 7171791
    Abstract: Floorboard and openable locking system therefor comprise an undercut groove on one long side and projecting tongue on an opposite long side of the floorboard. The undercut groove has a corresponding upwardly directed inner locking surface at a distance from its tip. Tongue and undercut groove are formed to be brought together and pulled apart by pivoting motion with a center close to the intersection between the surface planes and common joint plane of two adjoining floorboards. The undercut is produced by at least two disk-shaped cutting tools with rotary shafts inclined relative to each other to form first an inner part of the undercut portion of the groove and then a locking surface positioned closer to the opening of the groove. Installation method for a floor of such boards, manufacturing method for manufacturing the undercut groove and a wedge-shaped tool for laying of the floorboards is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Assignee: Valinge Innovation AB
    Inventor: Darko Pervan
  • Patent number: 7168217
    Abstract: Interconnectable panels having tongue-and-groove connections are mechanically connected to each other by first moving two panels into an intermediate position and then pivoting one panel with respect to the other. The underside of the tongue of one panel has a depression, while the groove of another panel has a protruding lower lip. The lower lip has a projection that fits in the depression when the two panels are in the intermediate position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Fritz Egger GmbH & Co.
    Inventor: Jürgen Weber
  • Patent number: 7162838
    Abstract: A constructional panel has a generally rectangular central section and two opposed end sections, each having an isosceles trapezoid part, its short edge conjoined to an edge of the central section and its long edge conjoined to a rectangular part, there being oblique edges extending between the long and short edges. The panel is thus bound by one pair of opposed edges of the central section, the oblique edges of the two end sections, one pair of opposed edges of the rectangular part and a further edge of the rectangular part opposed to that edge conjoined to the trapezoid part. The panel edges are configured for connection to the corresponding edges of like panels to build up an area of panelling. Projecting tabs from some edges are received in corresponding receptors on opposed edges and having lock arrangements, whereby the interengaged panels may be locked together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Inventor: Fergus Jonathan Ardern
  • Patent number: 7162846
    Abstract: A joint structure for a liquid or semi-liquid sealant is provided to facilitate the sealing engagement of plural structural members without having sealant protruding from the joint in a visible area. The joint structure comprises a first structural member having a channel with a first wall, a second wall generally opposite the first wall and a third wall connecting the first and second walls. The third wall is disposed at an acute angle to the first wall and at an obtuse angle to the second wall. A second structural member has a tongue portion for matably engaging the channel of the first structural member. The tongue portion has a first wall, a second wall generally opposite the first wall, and a third wall connecting the first and second walls. The third wall is disposed at an obtuse angle to the first wall and at an acute angle to the second wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Adam Joe Shuttleworth, Robert Eugene Lorentzen
  • Patent number: 7152379
    Abstract: A two-ply flooring plank is disclosed having two layers or “plies” with a bottom layer having a grain that runs generally transverse to a top layer (i.e., “cross-ply”) to provide dimensional stability to the plank. The bottom layer includes a number of strips secured to the bottom of the top layer. The bottom layer strips are also placed with gaps between the individual strips of the second layer to allow flexibility of the flooring plank, which allows the flooring to more easily conform to irregularities in a subfloor upon which the flooring plank is mounted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2006
    Assignee: Hangzhou Dazhuang Floor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hai Lin, Xufeng Xu, Ping Sheng Zhang, Hai Ping Cao