Having Mortise With Internal Space Patents (Class 52/592.4)
  • Patent number: 11976470
    Abstract: Provided is a hard floor panel having a top side and a bottom side and having side edges along the panel sides for floating installation to form a floor panel composite. At least two floor panels are joined together in each case, the opposite side edges being provided with tongue-and-groove profiles, a tongue and a joining surface is provided in a first side edge and a groove and a joining surface is provided in a second opposite side edge. The tongue of the first side edge has an upper side and a lower side. A projection with a contact surface is provided on the lower side of the tongue. The joining surface of the first side edge extends from the upper side of the floor panel towards the upper tongue side and the joining surface is beveled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2024
    Assignee: Flooring Technologies Ltd.
    Inventor: Marcel Zorn
  • Patent number: 11952784
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a panel and to a covering including a plurality of such panels. The present invention particularly relates to floor panels, and more in particular to laminated floor panels, hardwood floor panels, solid wood floor panels, or PVC based floor panels. The invention proposes a coupling of the tongues of different adjacent panels that are arranged on the short side of those panels by a tongue of a further panel that is arranged on the long side of that panel. Compared to prior art panels, an improved coupling between the short sides of adjacent panels can be achieved, reducing the likelihood that these panels become detached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2024
    Assignee: i4F Licensing NV
    Inventor: Antonio Giuseppe Perra
  • Patent number: 11946261
    Abstract: The invention relates to a panel, in particular a floor panel, interconnectable with similar panels for forming a covering. The invention also relates to a covering consisting of mutually connected floor panels according to the invention. The invention further relates to a method of assembling multiple floor panels for forming a covering.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2024
    Assignee: i4F Licensing NV
    Inventors: Eddy Alberic Boucké, Johan Christiaan Rietveldt
  • Patent number: 11866955
    Abstract: A genset enclosure includes a skid platform, a plurality of gusset members, a plurality of roof supports, and a first and second plurality of sidewall panels. The gusset members are spaced along an outer perimeter of the skid platform and are coupled to the skid platform using fasteners. The gusset members are arranged in opposed pairs positioned on opposite lateral ends of the skid platform. Each gusset member defines a first portion extending upwardly from the skid platform normal to an upper surface of the skid platform and a second portion disposed at an upper end of the first portion and extending normal to the first portion and toward a centerline of the skid platform. The gusset members support the plurality of roof supports and the first and second plurality of sidewall panels to form an enclosed volume.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2024
    Assignee: Cummins Power Generation Inc.
    Inventors: Shashikant Ramdas More, Atin Tandon, Abdullah Caner Demirdogen
  • Patent number: 11834844
    Abstract: A panel configured to be used for constructing a floor covering that includes a plurality of such panels. A combination of locking elements is used on the flanks of the coupling profiles on the sides of the panel that provides for replacing the well-known tongue and groove coupling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2023
    Assignee: i4F Licensing NV
    Inventor: Antonio Giuseppe Perra
  • Patent number: 11828072
    Abstract: A panel (1) having a blade or slab shape, preferably made of a plastic material for producing a floor or wall covering, said panel (1) comprising two pairs of opposite sides defining four edges, two edges of which comprise male coupling means (2), and two edges comprise complementary female coupling means (3), the kinematics of assembling of two adjacent panels (1) being vertical, characterized in that: the male coupling means (2) comprise two parallel grooves extending along the edge and opening onto a bottom face of the panel (1), so as to define an internal male groove (2a), an external male groove (2b), an internal male stud (2c), and an external male stud (2d); the female coupling means (3) comprise two parallel grooves extending along the edge and opening on an upper face of the panel (1), so as to define a female internal groove (3a), a female external groove (3b), a female internal stud (3c), and a female external stud (3d); the male coupling means (2) comprise two lugs (4) and/or notches (5) and t
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2023
    Assignee: Gerflor
    Inventors: Fabien Carpentier, Michel Wengryn
  • Patent number: 11828073
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a panel and to a covering including a plurality of such panels. The present invention particularly relates to floor panels, and more in particular to laminated floor panels, hardwood floor panels, solid wood floor panels, or PVC based floor panels. The invention proposes a coupling of the tongues of different adjacent panels that are arranged on the short side of those panels by a tongue of a further panel that is arranged on the long side of that panel. Compared to prior art panels, an improved coupling between the short sides of adjacent panels can be achieved, reducing the likelihood that these panels become detached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2023
    Assignee: i4F Licensing NV
    Inventor: Antonio Giuseppe Perra
  • Patent number: 11788567
    Abstract: A set of panels including a first panel with a first main plane and a second panel with a second main plane with a second main surface. The first and second main planes are essentially perpendicular in a locked position. The first and the second panel include a locking device for locking a first edge of the first panel to a second edge of the second panel. The locking device includes an edge groove wherein the edge groove includes a tongue, which is configured to cooperate with a tongue groove of the first panel, in a locked position, for locking the first and the second edges in a first direction which is perpendicular to the first main plane. A first groove surface of the edge groove cooperate with second main surface to lock the first and second panel in a second direction which is perpendicular to the second main plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2023
    Assignee: VALINGE INNOVATION AB
    Inventor: Peter Derelöv
  • Patent number: 11781578
    Abstract: In as first aspect of the invention, this is achieved by a joining system for furniture parts comprising female coupling recess formed in a first furniture part, a male coupling tongue projecting from an adjoining second furniture part, said female coupling recess being adapted to receive the male coupling tongue, said male coupling tongue comprising a first locking element configured for a snap joint interlocking engagement with a matching second locking element in said female coupling recess, the male coupling tongue being configured to be more flexible than the female coupling recess. The joining system comprises an upper guiding surface arranged on a first side of the female coupling recess on the first furniture part, forming an essentially non-resilient guide for the male coupling tongue upon insertion thereof, limiting movement of said male coupling tongue in a direction towards said first side of the female coupling recess.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2023
    Assignee: VILOX AB
    Inventor: Bobby Markovski
  • Patent number: 11753820
    Abstract: A interlocking modular block system for structure assembly includes a solid prestressed concrete post having a square cross-sectional shape, a first hollow cuboid shaped block having a triangular cutout on each of its two opposing sides, a second hollow cuboid shaped block having the triangular cutouts on each of its two opposing sides, a first hollow cubic shaped block with a triangular prism shaped protrusion on each of three consecutive walls, configured to join three walls, a second hollow cubic shaped block with a triangular prism shaped protrusion on each of two opposing walls, configured to join two colinear walls, a third hollow cubic shaped block with a triangular prism shaped protrusion on one wall, configured to terminate a wall, and, a fourth hollow cubic shaped block with a triangular prism shaped protrusion on each of two consecutive walls, configured to join two perpendicular walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2023
    Assignee: New Century International LLC
    Inventor: Alex De La Cruz
  • Patent number: 11708698
    Abstract: A panel can have a face surface having a length and a width. The panel can include a first tongue that extends along the length and a second tongue that extends along the width. The panel can further include first front and back legs that extend along the length of the panel and define a first groove therebetween and second front and back legs that extends along the width of the panel and define a second groove. At least one of the first tongue or the first back leg has a longitudinal dimension that is greater than the length of the face surface; or at least one of the second tongue or the second back leg can have a longitudinal dimension that is greater than the width of the face surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2023
    Assignee: COLUMBIA INSURANCE COMPANY
    Inventor: Anthony Drevet
  • Patent number: 11585362
    Abstract: A connecting element for a mechanical joint includes a base part, and a connector part protruding from the base part. The connector part includes a protrusion portion, and a contacting portion extending from the protrusion portion to a direction of the first end of the base part such that a gap is formed between the contacting portion and the front surface of the base part and such that a bottom of the gap is formed by the protrusion portion. The contacting portion includes a front surface which is parallel to the portion of the front surface of the base part in the area of the gap and a back surface facing toward the front surface of the base part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2023
    Inventor: Harry Jåfs
  • Patent number: 11505946
    Abstract: A construction element is provided for forming a corner of a surface of a building, the surface including wall panels attached to framing studs. The construction element includes: a corner-forming surface that that is shaped to extend, in a cross-sectional view, between two separate wall panels, such that ends of the corner-forming surface, as viewed in the cross-sectional view, substantially match respective corners of the wall panels; and a fastener strip that, in a state in which the corner-forming surface is in its installed position with respect to the framing studs, is substantially parallel to one or more of the framing studs, such that a fastener can attach the fastener strip to one or more of the studs without passing through the wall panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2022
    Inventor: Donald Kew Woo
  • Patent number: 11441309
    Abstract: A wall panel includes a first and second planar skins and a core disposed therebetween. A first and second lateral edge extends between the skins. The second lateral edge comprises a female receiver. The first lateral edge comprises a male extension extending therefrom. The female receiver is formed in the core and has a depth equal to or greater than a length of the male extension. The male extension is formed from the core comprises a first parallel surface extending parallel to and offset from the first planar skin and a second parallel surface extending parallel to and offset from the second planar skin. A first tapered portion comprises a first tapered surface extending at an angle relative to a longitudinal axis from the first parallel surface to a rounded end, and a second tapered surface extending at the angle from the second parallel surface to the rounded end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2022
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2022
    Assignee: Signature Wall Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Wiljo E. Asiala, Jr., Kenneth Staten
  • Patent number: 11407250
    Abstract: A method for producing a material board, which has a structured, colored surface, assigns image data to a colored digital image of a colored original surface. The image data is used to produce a first image data set and at least one second image data set, which are each assigned to different color channels of the colored digital image. A colored surface is produced on a base carrier using the at least one second image data set but without using the first image data set. The colored surface of the base carrier is pressed by use of a structured pressing surface of a pressing tool, in order to obtain the material board with the structured, colored surface. The structured pressing surface is assigned to the first image data set.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2022
    Assignee: HUECK RHEINISCHE GMBH
    Inventor: Berthold Thoelen
  • Patent number: 11225799
    Abstract: A lap siding product with a unique shiplap joint that spaces abutting pieces of siding correctly from each other without installer measurements. The shiplap joint comprises a bottom element and a top element. A lap siding panel or board has a bottom element shiplap joint at one end, and a top elements shiplap joint at the other end. The corresponding ends of two lap siding panels or boards (i.e., one bottom element and one top element) together form the unique shiplap joint of the present invention. An engineered “stop” on the underside of the top element spaces the pieces of siding correctly, without requiring measurement during installation. This also eliminates the need for caulk, pan flashing or joint covers in the joint between the pieces of siding or cladding. The shape of the joint also reduces the intrusion of water, and re-directs water down and out from behind the siding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2022
    Assignee: LOUISIANA-PACIFIC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Paul Merrick, Larry Lampart, Lance Olson
  • Patent number: 11156002
    Abstract: A lap siding product with a unique shiplap joint that spaces abutting pieces of siding correctly from each other without installer measurements. The shiplap joint comprises a bottom element and a top element. A lap siding panel or board has a bottom element shiplap joint at one end, and a top elements shiplap joint at the other end. The corresponding ends of two lap siding panels or boards (i.e., one bottom element and one top element) together form the unique shiplap joint of the present invention. One or more drainage channels or grooves help re-direct water from the joint, and at least one of the channels or grooves also provides a visual element for proper spacing. An engineered “stop” on the underside of the top element also helps space the pieces of siding correctly, without requiring measurement during installation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2021
    Assignee: LOUISIANA-PACIFIC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Paul Merrick, Larry Lampart, Lance Olson
  • Patent number: 11130595
    Abstract: A twisted strap transfers loads generated by an aircraft passenger floor from the floor to an aircraft fuselage. The twisted strap may be formed of carbon fiber reinforced plastic, fiberglass reinforced plastic, or metal, such as aluminum, stainless steel, or titanium alloy. The twisted strap has first and second ends configured to be twisted between 40 to 120 degrees relative to the other whenever connected to a seat track and a forward-aft extending fuselage stiffener, respectively. In at least one form, the twisted strap has a length ranging from 15 to 30 inches, a width of 1 to 2 inches, and thickness of 0.1 to 0.5 inch. Each end incorporates apertures for accommodating separate connectors spaced at least four-to six diameters apart along the length of the twisted strap, and the twisted strap is configured to accommodate minimums of 9 G's of force in tension and 1.5 G's in compression.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2021
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Paul B. Diep, Bernhard Dopker
  • Patent number: 10932421
    Abstract: A modular anti-soil-compaction apparatus, comprising a matrix of substantially flat, modular panels (100), each panel (100) comprising two opposing faces surrounded by edges, at least one aperture (104,105) passing through the faces, and modular panel connection means located on at least one pair of edges; each panel (100) being engageable with at least one adjacent panel (100) by respective connection means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2021
    Assignee: GREENBLUE URBAN LTD.
    Inventor: Dean Bowie
  • Patent number: 10717472
    Abstract: A floor structure is assembled from a plurality of extruded aluminum planks that extend laterally across the bed of a truck floor positioned on an undercarriage of a center beam and cross beams. The planks each have one or more ribs on their underside to strengthen the floor structure and provide a mechanical means for connecting adjacent planks together. Each plank is configured with a female end rib and a male end rib that interlock to restrain movement relative the adjacent planks in all directions except the lateral direction. Side rails are attached to the floor structure at the edges of the plank bed to prevent movement of the planks in the lateral direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2020
    Assignee: Knapheide Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: John Wiberg, Manoj Patil, Justin Steele, Richard Baze, Lance Jones, Lance Gronewold
  • Patent number: 10544594
    Abstract: A lap siding product with a unique shiplap joint that spaces abutting pieces of siding correctly from each other without installer measurements. The shiplap joint comprises a bottom element and a top element. A lap siding panel or board has a bottom element shiplap joint at one end, and a top elements shiplap joint at the other end. The corresponding ends of two lap siding panels or boards (i.e., one bottom element and one top element) together form the unique shiplap joint of the present invention. An engineered “stop” on the underside of the top element spaces the pieces of siding correctly, without requiring measurement during installation. This also eliminates the need for caulk, pan flashing or joint covers in the joint between the pieces of siding or cladding. The shape of the joint also reduces the intrusion of water, and re-directs water down and out from behind the siding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2020
    Assignee: LOUISIANA-PACIFIC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Paul Merrick, Larry Lampart, Lance Olson
  • Patent number: 10422131
    Abstract: A rigid insulating panel comprising an insulating material core with an R-value of at least 2.5 (hr·ft2·° F.)/BTU·in. The insulating material core has opposed first and second surfaces, a pair of spaced-apart longitudinal edges, and a pair of spaced-apart lateral edges extending between the pair of longitudinal edges. At least one of the pair of longitudinal edges and the pair of lateral edges comprises connecting members including a tongue and groove assembly with an inner groove and an outer tongue separated by a substantially S-shaped median wall. The tongue and groove assembly is engageable with the tongue and groove assembly of an adjacent insulating panel to provide a flexible interconnection therebetween. The rigid insulating panel also comprises at least one membrane covering one of the first surface and the second surface. An assembly method for insulating a concrete surface of a building using an assembly of insulating panels is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2019
    Assignee: GROUPE ISOLOFOAM INC.
    Inventors: Daniel Imbeau, Michel Labonté
  • Patent number: 9453346
    Abstract: The present technology relates to connection joints for surface coverings which includes but is not limited to floor coverings and building panels. Embodiments of the present technology include connection joints that are strong and allow for the use of less material than is needed for tongue and groove connection joints. In embodiments related to floor coverings, these advantages are accomplished by reducing total thickness of a floor plank while increasing the thickness of the wear layer relative to the overall thickness of the floor plank and still be able to maintain a structurally strong connection joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Assignee: Best Woods Inc.
    Inventor: Paul Yau
  • Patent number: 9133625
    Abstract: A sheathing element for covering a preexisting physical structure comprising a first planar portion disposed at an angle to a second planar portion, a longitudinally extending slot located centrally along a longitudinally extending edge of the first planar portion or the second planar portion, and a longitudinally extending tongue located centrally along a longitudinally extending edge of the first planar portion or the second planar portion such that the longitudinally extending tongue of a first sheathing element fits within the longitudinally extending slot of a second sheathing element in a grippable yet releasable manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2015
    Assignee: MOULURE ALEXANDRIA MOULDING
    Inventors: Tong Mingyong, Fuzhong Liu
  • Patent number: 9068357
    Abstract: The invention relates to mechanical connecting means, in particular for panels, which can be connected together in a positive fit in two spatial directions which are perpendicular to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2015
    Assignee: Kaindl Flooring GMBH
    Inventor: Gerhard Duernberger
  • Patent number: 8935899
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a semi product for building panels or structural elements comprising several wood lamellas (5) fixed by distance elements (4), a building panel with such a semi product and a method of producing the semi product and the building panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: Valinge Innovation AB
    Inventors: Marcus Bergelin, Darko Pervan, Hans Brännström, Agne Pålsson
  • Patent number: 8863473
    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: December 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Fritz Egger GmbH & Co.
    Inventor: Jurgen Weber
  • 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: 8728603
    Abstract: A floor panel in the form of a multilayer, rectangular laminate with a soft core (10) of plastic, a décor film (12) on the upper side of the core (10), a transparent finishing layer (14) and a transparent lacquer layer (16) applied on the finishing layer (16), as well as a back-pull layer (18) on the back of the core (10), with a lockable tongue and groove connection at least at two mutually opposite edges of the panel (20, 22).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Ulrich Windmöller Consulting GmbH
    Inventor: Ulrich Windmöller
  • Patent number: 8495849
    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: July 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Assignee: Valinge Innovation AB
    Inventor: Darko Pervan
  • Patent number: 8490361
    Abstract: A large-area protective covering system for installation in a staggered or grid configuration is provided comprised of a plurality of essentially identical large area panels with honeycomb internal structures which have locking systems on the sides and ends for locking the panels in place. The panels, once locked together have little movement along their x, y or z axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Covermaster Inc.
    Inventors: Bob Curry, Ken Curry
  • Patent number: 8387327
    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: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: Valinge Innovation AB
    Inventor: Darko Pervan
  • Patent number: 8341916
    Abstract: A joint for 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 a layer of polymer. The panels are joined to one another by use of the joining means where the polymer forms a seal in the joint preventing penetration of water into the joint wherein a highly water resistant unit of a plurality of panels is formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Pergo (Europe) AB
    Inventors: Ake Sjoberg, Hakan Wernersson, Krister Hansson, Magnus Nilsson, Nils-Erik Engström, Sven Kornfalt
  • Patent number: 8316606
    Abstract: A fastening system for panels and trim having a fastening element including a reveal edge and a serpentine edge. A projection and a recess is disposed adjacent to each other on the same serpentine edge. The fastening element guides and connects adjacent panel faces into a flush horizontal alignment with each other. Panels with the fastening element on each side may be combined together in a multiple course structure. The fastening element accommodates dimensional changes in adjacent wood panels from moisture and temperature fluctuations by allowing for expansion both with the elimination of the gap in the serpentine edge expansion area and with the compression of the expansion relief aperture adjacent to the expansion bulge in the recess of the adjacent panel. An expansion relief aperture on the projection of a fastening element can receive a trim fastener for applying perimeter trim with a hidden fastener onto many structurally different panel designs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Siewert Cabinet & Fixture Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Rick W. Siewert, Mark A. Gilbertson
  • Patent number: 8117795
    Abstract: Flooring panels having a tongue and groove locking mechanism. The tongue-and-groove configuration principle are provided at the areas being connected. The sides of the groove diverge from the groove base and converge at the end away from the groove base. The opening width of the groove is greater than the foremost area of the tongue in the direction of insertion. The tongue exhibits wedge-shaped areas that diverge from front to back which areas exhibit an undercut in the back area of the tongue that conforms to the groove cross-section. The undercut's borders, adjoining the wedge-shaped areas, converge at the same angle as the groove sides toward a connecting bridge that is part of the component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Inventor: Franz Knauseder
  • 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: 8071193
    Abstract: The invention relates to a floor panel in the form of a multilayer, rectangular laminate with a soft core (10) of plastic, a décor film (12) on the upper side of the core (10), a transparent finishing layer (14) and a transparent lacquer layer (16) applied on the finishing layer (16), as well as a back-pull layer (18) on the back of the core (10), with a lockable tongue and groove connection at least at two mutually opposite edges of the panel (20, 22).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: Ulrich Windmoller Consulting GmbH
    Inventor: Ulrich Windmöller
  • Patent number: 8065851
    Abstract: A composite wood panel having a first and a second longitudinal edge comprising an essentially parallel first surface and second surface, a core, a spacer integrally formed in or attached in the core on at least the longitudinal edges wherein the spacer extends from an edge a pre-determined distance whereby upon placing one panel adjacent to a second panel a spacer of the first panel will abut a spacer of or an edge of a second panel thereby forming at least a first aperture between the adjacent panels wherein an aperture is located between adjacent edges of the panels. A spacer can push into its panel upon linear expansion of a panel. The spacer can be, e.g., a tongue, edge profile, or separate spacing material. Methods for making and using panels are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2011
    Assignee: Huber Engineered Woods LLC
    Inventors: Christopher R. Scoville, Joel F. Barker, David R. Willis, Feipeng Liu, Jeffrey W. Hanna, Nian-hua Ou
  • Patent number: 7989044
    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: April 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: Pergo AG
    Inventors: Ake Sjoberg, Sven Kornfalt
  • Patent number: 7913473
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for laying and mechanically connecting panels in rows parallel to one another. The method includes forming a super panel comprising a first plurality of panels in a first panel row, to be newly laid, the super panel being formed by connecting together second pairs of locking elements in adjacent panels of the first panel row. The method also includes connecting the super panel to a second plurality of panels in an already laid second panel row by working in sections, beginning at an end of the super panel, by utilizing a torsional flexibility of the super panel to engage the first pair of locking elements. During the connecting, the first plurality of panels do not move relative to each other along the second pair of edges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: Interglarion Limited
    Inventor: Leonhard Schitter
  • Patent number: 7866110
    Abstract: Floor panels (1, 1?) are provided with a mechanical locking system including a flexible locking element 15 in a locking groove 14 which during a horizontal motion is displaced vertically.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Assignee: Valinge Innovation AB
    Inventor: Darko Pervan
  • Patent number: 7861483
    Abstract: The invention relates to a panel, with a tongue on a longitudinal and a transverse edge, projecting beyond said longitudinal or transverse edge, with essentially parallel tongue surfaces and a groove on the opposing longitudinal or transverse edge, enclosed by lateral panel sections, corresponding to the tongue of an adjacent panel with essentially parallel groove edges. In order to lock two adjacent panels such as to run into each other, a projecting locking element is provided on at least one tongue surface at least in parts and in each region of (a) panel section(s) corresponding to said locking element(s) for connected panels a recess(es) is provided, whereby the region (B) of the tongue with the locking element and/or at least one of the regions of the tongue and the panel sections which are in contact on introducing the tongue into the groove, before the locking element clips into the recess, have an elastic embodiment such that said elasticity is greater than the elasticity of the locking element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Inventor: Dirk Dammers
  • Patent number: 7827754
    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: July 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Assignee: Unilin Beheer B.V., besloten vennootschap
    Inventors: Stefan Simon Gustaaf Moriau, Mark Gaston Maurits Cappelle, Bernard Paul Joseph Thiers
  • Patent number: 7810297
    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 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: UNILIN BEHEER B.V., besloten vennootschap
    Inventors: Stefan Simon Gustaaf Moriau, Mark Gaston Maurits Cappelle, Bernard Paul Joseph Thiers
  • Patent number: 7802409
    Abstract: A concrete structure system formed of pre-cast concrete may form a wall having a decorative surface treatment. The structure system may include a column portion and a panel portion. The column portion may include a slot for receiving a panel portion of an adjacent structure. The column portion may also include an opening for receiving a substantially rigid member for supporting the column portion in an upright position. The substantially rigid member may be embedded in or attached to a footing for supporting the structure. Various different techniques for attaching the substantially rigid member and/or column portion to the footing are disclosed can be used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2010
    Assignee: Intellectual Property Management, LLC
    Inventor: Gale J. Stott
  • Patent number: 7721505
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a novel way of building walls using lightweight lava blocks without mortar in a three step procedure, fabricating the light weight lava block, setting the block and then filling the block with a lava and cement mixture or slurry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Inventor: Ken Detjen
  • Patent number: 7721504
    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: January 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Assignee: Flooring Industries Limited, SARL
    Inventors: Bernard Paul Joseph Thiers, Mark Gaston Maurits Cappelle
  • Publication number: 20090308014
    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: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2009
    Publication date: December 17, 2009
    Inventor: Moritz MUEHLEBACH
  • Patent number: 7631470
    Abstract: In a heliport of the present invention, a plurality of long deck materials are arranged and joined to form a planar member having an approximately plane structure. The planar member is placed on a structure such as a space framework that can float on water, or on another floating structure. The planar member can serve as a top surface of a heliport surface or as a foundation for the heliport.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2009
    Assignee: Aero Facility Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Motomi Kinoshita
  • Patent number: 7632561
    Abstract: Floor covering, consisting of hard panels, with a laminated structure, whereby at least at the upper surface a printed decorative layer with a wood pattern is present, with thereupon a transparent layer of synthetic material in which impressions are formed, wherein the impressions substantially follow the wood pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2009
    Assignee: Flooring Industries Limited, Sarl
    Inventor: Bernard Paul Joseph Thiers