Having Mortise With Internal Space Patents (Class 52/592.4)
  • Patent number: 7624552
    Abstract: The invention concerns hard panels for floor coverings, which are provided, at least on two opposite edges, with coupling parts made in one piece with the panels wherein similar panels may be coupled together to form a floor covering, wherein these coupling parts 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 parts comprise a tongue and a groove. A lip which is situated on the bottom side of the groove is longer than a lip located on the top side of the groove. The edge which is provided with the tongue is made elastically flexible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2009
    Assignee: Flooring Industries Limited, Sarl
    Inventors: Bernard Paul Joseph Thiers, Mark Gaston Maurits Cappelle
  • Patent number: 7603826
    Abstract: The invention relates to panels comprising coupling means which permit the panels to be interconnected by form fit. A first panel comprises a projecting edge positioned laterally on its underside as the coupling element. A second panel comprises a projecting edge positioned laterally on its upper side as the coupling element. One of the aforementioned edges has a first projecting locking element which engages in a corresponding first cavity or recess of the other edge when the two panels are joined together. The panels comprise additional coupling elements which lock the panels by form fit in a vertical direction, in relation to the surface of said panels. The coupling elements are configured in such a way that one panel can be connected to the other panel by form fit, by lowering the former in relation to the latter. Two panels of the aforementioned type can be interconnected without adhesive in a particularly rapid manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2009
    Assignee: Kronospan Technical Company Ltd
    Inventor: Maik Moebus
  • 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: 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
  • Publication number: 20080209841
    Abstract: The invention relates to panels (1, 2) that can be interlinked without using glue. In the interlinked state of the panels, a cord (3) runs along the upper side of and between the panels. Said cord widens downwards and rests on the upper side of a spring (5) that forms the coupling element of a panel. The widening is preferably asymmetric. The inventive panels especially allow to provide a wall covering or a ceiling covering in an especially simple manner. The cord consists of a compressible material and prevents water from entering the gap between the panels. The design also compensates for effects related to expansion and shrinkage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2005
    Publication date: September 4, 2008
    Applicant: KRONOSPAN TECHNICAL COMPANY LTD.
    Inventors: Christian Leopolder, Maik Moebus
  • Publication number: 20080196347
    Abstract: A combinable floor board includes a square body made of plastic. The body is provided with an L-shaped upper connecting side extending from an upper section of two adjacent sides, and an L-shaped lower connecting side extending from a lower section of other two adjacent sides. The upper and the lower connecting side have the same width. The upper connecting side has a plurality of female fitting members, and the lower connecting side has a plurality of male fitting members to correspond to the female fitting members. Thus, one floor board can be assembled with another floor board by fitting together the upper connecting side with the lower connecting side. So a large number of the floor boards can be assembled on a large area of the ground with fastness, convenience and a decent appearance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2007
    Publication date: August 21, 2008
    Inventor: Larry Yaw
  • Patent number: 7398622
    Abstract: A connector (15) for connecting modules together comprises plastic connector member (16), an expander rod (17) and a threaded expander rod displacer (18). The connector member (16) has spaced dovetail style enlargements (19) on one side and a full length dovetail enlargement (20) on the other side. The connector member (16) is designed to slide in the confronting slots with the wasted sections (21) of the expander (17) located inside each of the sections (19). Once in position the threaded expander rod displacer (18) is used to axially displace the expander (17) to force the enlarged sections of the expander (17) into the sections (19) thus engaging the slot and at the same time biasing the modules together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2008
    Inventor: Richard A Walker
  • Patent number: 7377079
    Abstract: The invention relates to two panel elements which are flexibly connected to one another, at least one profiled lateral edge being provided on each of the panel elements for the flexible connection which, as connecting edges, have a suitable bearing and contact surface for an adhesive strip connecting the panel elements, so that the swivel axis is in the area of the adhesive strip. To prevent a transparent effect in the joint area, the connecting edges have a further profiling which enters a form-locking connection when the connecting edges are turned on one another. Furthermore, the invention comprises the method and the facility for producing the flexibly connected panel elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: W. Lehbrink GmbH & Co. KG, Maschinenfabrik
    Inventor: Hans-Jürgen Burow
  • 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
  • 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: 7150135
    Abstract: The invention concerns a device for assembling longitudinal edges of panels, laths or wainscots (1), consisting of at least a male part (2) equipping a longitudinal edge of said panels, laths or wainscots (1) and of at least a female part (3) with matching shape provided on the other longitudinal edge of said panels, laths or wainscots (1). Said device is characterised in that it provides force distribution and the longitudinal edges bearing the male (2) and female (3) parts extend along parallel oblique planes. The invention is particularly suited for the building sector, in particular for floor covering, wall sheathing and ceiling panelling, particularly in the form of panels, laths or wainscots of different materials, such as wood, skin materials, synthetic materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2006
    Assignee: Espace Production International EPI
    Inventor: Arnaud Becker
  • Patent number: 7093399
    Abstract: The invention concerns hard panels for floor coverings, which 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 comprise a tongue and a groove. A lip which is situated on the bottom side of the groove is longer than a lip located on the top side of the groove. The edge which is provided with the tongue is made elastically flexible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2006
    Assignee: Flooring Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Bernard Paul Joseph Thiers, Mark Gaston Maurits Cappelle
  • Patent number: 6993877
    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: October 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2006
    Assignee: Unilin Beheer B.V., Besloten Vennootschap
    Inventors: Stefan Simon Gustaaf Moriau, Mark Gaston Maurits Cappelle, Bernard Paul Joseph Thiers
  • Patent number: 6968663
    Abstract: The invention concerns hard panels for floor coverings, which 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 comprise a tongue and a groove. A lip which is situated on the bottom side of the groove is longer than a lip located on the top side of the groove. The edge which is provided with the tongue is made elastically flexible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2005
    Assignee: Flooring Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Bernard Paul Joseph Thiers, Mark Gaston Maurits Cappelle
  • Patent number: 6936332
    Abstract: The friction stir welding technique disclosed avoids occurrence of a dent in adjoining region extending to a level beneath the joined surfaces. At end portions of the frame members to be joined, thickened parts, which project toward the rotary body joining tool, are provided. The Two adjoining thickened parts form a trapezoid shape. The rotary body joining tool has a small-diameter tip portion and a larger diameter portion, and is inserted in the thickened parts. When the rotary body joining tool has been inserted small-diameter tip end first to a level where the larger diameter portion of the rotary body joining tool overlaps the thickened part, the rotary body is rotated and moved along the joining region. Even when a gap exists between two thickened parts, a desirable joining can be carried out. After the joining, the remaining parts of the thickened parts can be machined to form a smooth surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2005
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Kinya Aota, Masakuni Ezumi, Yasuo Ishimaru, Hisanori Okamura, Isao Funyuu, Akihiro Satou
  • Patent number: 6931803
    Abstract: A modular building system includes a plurality of extruded plastic beams that are stacked and interlocked using a tongue and groove interengagement. Plastic connecting components are provided for interlocking the horizontal beams to a vertical column.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2005
    Inventors: Gary Davis, Wayne Catlett
  • Patent number: 6918215
    Abstract: A floor panel is provided for use in a sub-floor application. The floor panel has an upper member and a lower member. The upper member is made from a sheet floor material and the lower member is made from a waterproof sheet material. The lower member has a series of projections extending away from the floor panel and located adjacent to an underlying surface when the panel is in use. The projections allow moisture to drain between the floor panels and the underlying surface and also permit air circulation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2005
    Assignee: Longlac Wood Industries Inc.
    Inventor: Robert K. Smith
  • Patent number: 6898913
    Abstract: The invention relates to a locking system for mechanical joining of floorboards (1, 1?) which have a body (30), a lower balancing layer (34) and an upper surface layer (32). A strip (6) is integrally formed with the body (30) of the floorboard (1) and extends under an adjoining floorboard (1?). The strip (6) has a locking element (8), which engages a looking groove (14) in the underside of the adjoining floorboard (1?) and forms a horizontal joint. A tongue (38) and a tongue groove (36) form a vertical joint between upper and lower plane-parallel contact surfaces (43, 45) and are designed in such manner that the lower contact surfaces (45) are on a level between the upper side of the locking element (8) and a plane containing the underside (3) of the floorboard. The invention also relates to a floorboard having such a locking system, a floor made of such floorboards, as well as a method for making such a locking system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Assignee: Valinge Aluminium AB
    Inventor: Darko Pervan
  • Patent number: 6865856
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a new plastic flooring that is assembled by concave portions and convex portions. The plastic flooring provides space between the concave portions and convex portions. The space absorbs the heat expansion of the plastic flooring such that the deformation of the plastic flooring is prevented. Also, the space stores an adhesive on a bottom floor such that crevices between the plastic flooring are prevented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2005
    Assignee: LG Chem, Ltd.
    Inventors: Young-Gi Kim, Sung-Chan Park, Han-Chul Jang
  • Publication number: 20040237447
    Abstract: The invention concerns hard panels for floor coverings, which 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 comprise a tongue and a groove. A lip which is situated on the bottom side of the groove is longer than a lip located on the top side of the groove. The edge which is provided with the tongue is made elastically flexible.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2004
    Publication date: December 2, 2004
    Inventors: Bernard Paul Joseph Thiers, Mark Gaston Maurits Cappelle
  • Publication number: 20040237448
    Abstract: The invention concerns hard panels for floor coverings, which 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 comprise a tongue and a groove. A lip which is situated on the bottom side of the groove is longer than a lip located on the top side of the groove. The edge which is provided with the tongue is made elastically flexible.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2004
    Publication date: December 2, 2004
    Inventors: Bernard Paul Joseph Thiers, Mark Gaston Maurits Cappelle
  • Patent number: 6804926
    Abstract: Rectangular floor panels, a fastening system for joining the panels, and a method for laying and interlocking the panels are disclosed. The panels are provided complementary, form-fitting retaining profiles extending over the length of the sides. The complementary edges of the panels allow two adjacent panels to be positively joined such that displacement of the panels away from one another is prevented, while enabling articulation of the panels with respect to one another at the joint location. The method of installation provides for installing a new panel to a first row and a panel in a second row by first joining the new panel to the panel of the second row at its short side, followed by pivoting the new panel upwards out of the plane of the laid panels along its long side, along with at least the adjacent end of the first panel in the second row, into an inclined position, and sliding the new panel into the retaining profile of the panels in the first row.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2004
    Assignee: Akzenta Paneele + Profile GmbH
    Inventor: Ralf Eisermann
  • Patent number: 6769219
    Abstract: Panel elements are provided comprising several interconnecting panel elements of the same type. The panel elements comprise a groove formed by an upper groove cheek and a lower groove cheek and a tongue. The tongue comprises a rib oriented in a longitudinal direction of the tongue, and the groove comprises a retaining channel for receiving the rib of an adjoining panel element. The tongue cooperates with the groove of an adjoining same-type panel element such that the two panel elements, when married, are safeguarded against parting forces acting in both axis oriented perpendicular to the side of the two panel elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2004
    Assignee: Hulsta-Werke Huls GmbH & Co.
    Inventors: Richard Schwitte, Ansgar Mensing
  • Patent number: 6711865
    Abstract: A modular construction unit including an assembly of a multiplicity of interlocking blocks, at least one of the blocks including, on at least one male end, a male element adapted to be introduced partially and held in place in a concave female element provided in another one of said blocks. The male element has at one end thereof, a first part having in section an essentially circular form of a selected diameter Z and a locking part having in section an essentially square form of larger section to create at longitudinal ends of the first part protruding planes S1 and S2, the length of sides of the square form being essentially equal to the diameter Z of the first part and. The female element has an opening having in section an essentially square form and creating a protruding plane P1, the length of sides of the square form being essentially equal to the diameter Z of the first part, as well as at least one cavity having a section larger than the section of the opening and creating a protruding plane P2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2004
    Assignee: Pitchoon Ltd.
    Inventor: Daniel Chaudoreille
  • Publication number: 20040035078
    Abstract: Floorboards consisting of a core and a surface layer with decorative joint edge portions which are formed by removing the surface layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2003
    Publication date: February 26, 2004
    Inventor: Darko Pervan
  • Patent number: 6682254
    Abstract: A guiding means at a joint between boards, the joint comprising groove and tongue preferably intended to be joined by means of glue. The tongue includes at least one guiding wedge. A fitting clearance between the tongue and the groove includes a first fitting clearance and a second, guiding, fitting clearance. The second, guiding, fitting clearance is obtained through the guiding wedges which are arranged parallel to the extension of the joint. The first fitting clearance comprises the main part of the fit and the second, guiding fitting clearance comprises a smaller part of the fit. The first fitting clearance is in the range 0.1-1 mm, while the second, guiding, fitting clearance is in the range 0.01-0.2 mm. The tongue of the joint is provided with at least one equalizing recess so that at least one equalizing cavity is formed in the joint, which equalizing cavity receives surplus glue used during the joining.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2004
    Assignee: Pergo (Europe) AB
    Inventors: Ola Olofsson, Ulf Palmblad, Leif Johansen
  • Patent number: 6675544
    Abstract: A composite wood panel having a first and second longitudinal edge, wherein the first edge includes a groove and the second edge includes a tongue for interlocking and engaging the complementary edges of an adjacent tongue and groove wood panel. The groove has two sides and a base transverse thereto, and the tongue has two side walls and a head extending outward from the second longitudinal edge, thereby forming a juncture between the side walls of the tongue and the second longitudinal edge. A shoulder is located at the juncture between one side wall of the tongue and the second longitudinal edge. Upon assembly of two complementary wood panels as described above, a novel tongue and groove joint is formed wherein the shoulder will abut the first longitudinal edge, thus preventing the tongue from being completely introduced into the complementary groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2004
    Assignee: J.M. Huber Corporation
    Inventors: Nian-hua Ou, Jianhua Pu
  • Patent number: 6672030
    Abstract: In a method of laying floor panels having circumferential tongues, receiving grooves, locking grooves and locking lips, a first row of floor panels is joined through interlocking engagement of the shorts sides. The connection of the floor panels of each subsequent row of floor panels is implemented through attachment along their shorts sides as well as attachment of their long sides with the long sides of each preceding row of floor panels, by using wedges by which neighboring floor panels can be reliably pushed together in longitudinal and transverse directions, while at least partially engaging, without play, the locking lips with the locking grooves as well as the tongues in the receiving grooves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Inventor: Johannes Schulte
  • Patent number: 6647689
    Abstract: A panel, particularly a floor-covering panel, is provided that has separate horizontal and vertical locking structures. The panel has a first side edge and a second side edge. The first side edge has a groove and a locking lip, and the second side edge has a tongue and a locking tongue. The first side edge of one panel interlocks with the second side edge of another panel without adhesives or fasteners such that the tongue and groove form a joint that provides a vertical interconnection lock and the locking lip and locking tongue form a joint that provides a horizontal interconnection lock. Advantageously, one or more first side edge surfaces opposite surfaces of the second edge locking tongue have a space between them. The separate horizontal and vertical locking structures reduces, if not prevents, damage to the locking structures during joining of panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Assignee: E.F.P. Floor Products GmbH
    Inventors: Stefan Pletzer, Jürgen Weber, Johann Heitzinger
  • Patent number: 6640515
    Abstract: Disclosed is a friction stir welding technique which avoids occurrence of a dent, in a joining region, extending to a level beneath the joined surfaces. At end portions of the frame members to be joined, at the joining region, thickened parts which project toward the rotary body joining tool are provided. Two adjoining thickened parts, of adjacent members to be joined, can form a trapezoid shape. The rotary body joining tool has a small-diameter tip portion and a larger diameter portion. The rotary body joining tool is inserted in the thickened parts. In a state where the rotary body joining tool has been inserted small-diameter tip end first, to a level where the larger diameter portion of the rotary body joining tool overlaps the thickened part but does not extend below the upper surface of the non-thickened surfaces of the members joined, the rotary body is rotated and moved along the joining region. Even when a gap exists between two thickened parts, a desirable joining can be carried out.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Kinya Aota, Masakuni Ezumi, Yasuo Ishimaru, Hisanori Okamura, Isao Funyuu, Akihiro Satou
  • Patent number: 6584747
    Abstract: A floor tile, in particular a laminate panel, parquet element, veneer floor element, ready-to-lay parquet element or such like comprises an edge profile on at least two opposite edges in the form of a modified groove and tongue joint for the purpose of connecting adjacent tiles, with a coincident arrangement consisting of one groove and one tongue on each of at least two edges, of which the tongue on one edge of a first tile and the groove in an associated edge of a second tile rise obliquely upwards from the bottom of the tile. The edge profiles are contrived directly in the support material of the floor tile, the groove in the first tile is disposed directly above its tongue and the lower wall of this groove falls off towards the back end of the groove by the same degree as the tongue on the first tile rises upwards.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Assignee: HW-Industries GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Volker Kettler, Bernd Schneider, Wolfgang Wienstroer
  • Patent number: 6526719
    Abstract: A panel connection, particularly for flooring panels, having a groove (34) that is embodied at a side edge (3); a tongue (32) that is embodied at a side edge (4); a depression (35) that is embodied in the groove (34) and has an interlocking surface (17); an interlocking element (33) that is embodied at the tongue (32) and has an interlocking surface (27); and fitting surfaces (12, 22), which are embodied in the groove (34) and at the tongue (32) and serve as abutments for the interlocking surfaces (17, 27). The properties of interlocking and orientation stability are improved in that the groove (34) has fitting surfaces (14, 15), which extend parallel to the top side (5), in the region of the groove bottom (7), and the tongue (32) has fitting surfaces (24, 25), which extend parallel to the top side (9), in the region of the end surface (8), with the fitting surfaces (14, 24; 15, 25) resting against one another in the interlocked state of the connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2003
    Assignee: E.F.P. Floor Products GmbH
    Inventors: Stefan Pletzer, Martin Steinwender, Jürgen Weber
  • Patent number: 6510665
    Abstract: The invention relates to a locking system for mechanical joining of floorboards (1, 1′) which have a body (30), a lower balancing layer (34) and an upper surface layer (32). A strip (6) is integrally formed with the body (30) of the floorboard (1) and extends under an adjoining floorboard (1′). The strip (6) has a locking element (8), which engages a looking groove (14) in the underside of the adjoining floorboard (1′) and forms a horizontal joint. A tongue (38) and a tongue groove (36) form a vertical joint between upper and lower plane-parallel contact surfaces (43, 45) and are designed in such manner that the lower contact surfaces (45) are on a level between the upper side of the locking element (8) and a plane containing the underside (3) of the floorboard. The invention also relates to a floorboard having such a locking system, a floor made of such floorboards, as well as a method for making such a locking system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2003
    Assignee: Valinge Aluminum AB
    Inventor: Darko Pervan
  • Patent number: 6505452
    Abstract: The invention relates to a fastening system for panels whose edges are provided complementary holding profiles which match one another in such a manner that further panels can be fastened to the free edges of a previously placed panel. The holding profiles of at least the long edges are configured as complementary positive-fit profiles, one of the profiles having a projection with a convex bottom edge, and the other profile having a recess with a concave bottom edge, such that the profiles may be interconnected by a pivoting motion. Such complementary design of the profiles enables the positive-fit profiles of the long edges of two panels to form a common joint which, when the panels are laid, enables bidirectional pivoting of the panels with respect to one another about a pivot axis that is parallel to the joined long edges of the panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2003
    Assignee: Akzenta Paneele + Profile GmbH
    Inventors: Hans-Jurgen Hannig, Ralf Eisermann
  • Patent number: 6497079
    Abstract: A panel connection, particularly for flooring panels, having a groove (35) that is formed at a side edge (5); a tongue (32) that is formed at a side edge (6); a depression (39) that is formed in the groove (35) and has an interlocking surface (16); an interlocking groove (34) that is formed at the tongue (32) and has an interlocking surface (26); and fitting surfaces (14, 24), which are formed the groove (35) and at the tongue (32) and serve as abutments for the interlocking surfaces (16, 26). The properties of interlocking and orientation stability are improved in that a recess (40), which is formed by a facing surface (11) that extends perpendicular to the top side (3) and a fitting surface (12) that extends parallel to the top side (3), is provided in the region of the side edge (5). An upper lip (30), which is formed by a facing surface (21) that extends perpendicular to the top side (4) and a fitting surface (22) that extends parallel to the top side (4), is provided in the region of the side edge (6).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2002
    Assignee: E.F.P. Floor Products GmbH
    Inventors: Stefan Pletzer, Martin Steinwender, Jürgen Weber
  • Patent number: 6438919
    Abstract: The invention relates to flat and/or elongated building components (1, 2), preferably wooden, and a structure connecting these components (1, 2) in accordance with the groove and tongue principle. Two legs (3, 4) forming a groove (5) branch off from a front face of one of the components (1), and a tongue (6) branching off from a front face of the other component (2) can be inserted into the groove (5). Locking elements (7, 8) hold the components (1, 2) in an assembled position. In accordance with the invention, the locking elements are configured as triangular projections (7) and cavities (8) in facing or adjacent surfaces of the groove and/or tongue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2002
    Assignee: M. Kaindl
    Inventor: Franz Knauseder
  • Patent number: 6397548
    Abstract: A tongue and groove profile for a construction panel wherein the tongue protrudes and extends outwardly from a first edge of the panel to a head portion. A shoulder portion of the tongue has two radiused convex or concave sides which intersect and merge with the first edge of the panel. A groove is formed in a second edge of the panel and extends inwardly into the second edge forming a cavity. The groove has a head portion which extends into a neck which expands into a shoulder which has two radiused concave or convex sides so that the tongue will fit into the groove. The radiused sides expand to form an opening in the second edge of the panel. The tongue of one panel can fit in interlocking relationship into the a groove of a second panel to form a joint between the two panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2002
    Assignee: APA-The Engineered Wood Association
    Inventors: Michael L. Martin, Eugene E. Zellner
  • Patent number: 6347911
    Abstract: Flexible elastomer wrap panels stretched and clamped encircling submerged pilings, risers and pipelines are coated to resist degradation by any form of marine life, and incorporate an interior pile-facing felt layer impregnated with a corrosion inhibiting and biocidal gel, providing long term protection for pilings and like submerged objects. The wrap panels present radial rib-strakes protruding outward from the piling and extending along the piling in a longitudinal direction, either vertically, parallel to the vertical axis of the piling or pipe, or slanting helically, reducing or eliminating aeolian vibration induced by flowing ocean currents causing vortex formation. In some embodiments, the wrap panels and strakes incorporate a marine growth inhibiting filler material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2002
    Assignee: Slickbar Products Corp.
    Inventors: Russell M. Blair, C. Peter Ziehl, Anthony E. J. Strange, Michael F. Maucieri
  • Patent number: 6345481
    Abstract: An article that is suitable for use in surface coverings, such as laminate floorings, wherein the article has at least one interlocking edge of a first profile and at least one interlocking edge of a second profile. The interlocking edges provide the ability to interlock adjacent articles without the need for an adhesive, and yet form a substantially gapless seam between the articles. The articles may be joined and unjoined from each other a plurality of times without any substantial deterioration of the interlocking edge profiles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2002
    Assignee: Premark RWP Holdings, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas John Nelson
  • Patent number: 6332733
    Abstract: A joint for two flat structural members, in particular floor panels, wherein a groove and tongue joint joining the two flat structural members is provided functionally separate from a twistlock locking the two flat structural members. The twistlock is formed on one of the structural members, the is spaced apart from the groove and tongue joint, and engages with a correspondingly formed engaging element of the other structural member. The locking is preferably formed both at the longitudinal edges and at the front edges of a rectangular structural member, such as a floor panel. The locking allows for a joint of the floor panels to occur in flat position, i.e. without twisting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2001
    Assignee: Hamberger Industriewerke GmbH
    Inventors: Peter Hamberger, August Hipper
  • Publication number: 20010045070
    Abstract: Autoclaved aerated concrete panels, and method of making and using such panels, specifically for the construction of residential homes, where the panels feature first and second faces having widths of at least two feet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2001
    Publication date: November 29, 2001
    Inventor: Christopher M. Hunt
  • Patent number: 6250037
    Abstract: End portions of face plates 111 and 112 of a frame member 110 are connected by a rib 116A. To protrusion chips 117b1 and 117b2 end portions of face plates 101 and 102 of another frame member 100 are overlapped. The corners between the rib 116A and the rear face of the face plates 111 and 112 are in the form of the corners circular arc 131 which protrudes into a hollow portion 119 of the frame member 110. Both end portions of the circular arc 131b1 are connected to the rib 116A and the face plates 111 and 112 by two smooth recessed circular arcs 132b1 and 133b1. Accordingly, since a flow-out of metal does not occur from this portion, the cross-section can be small and a light weight structure can be obtained. A structural body formed of hollow frame members which are joined by friction stir welding provides a light weight structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2001
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Masakuni Ezumi, Akihiro Satou, Kazusige Fukuyori, Takeshi Kawasaki
  • Patent number: 6247281
    Abstract: A wall plank structure composed of an upper panel, a lower panel and an interconnecting layer interconnected therebetween and made of PU foaming agent. Two lateral sides of the upper and lower panels are respectively formed with left and right side walls which are continuously bent and respectively formed with a projection and a recess in the same direction for inserting with each other. The inner sides of the opposite left and right side walls of the upper and lower panels are disposed with adjoining layers formed of films for adjusting the distance between the upper and lower panels as necessary in the manufacturing procedure so as to obtain various thicknesses of the wall plank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2001
    Inventor: Gary Lin
  • Patent number: 6240693
    Abstract: An interlocking and insulating form pattern assembly used in creating a wall structure for receiving a poured concrete. A first elongate form structure has a substantially rectangular configuration with a height, a length and a width. The first form structure includes a plurality of interiorly and arcuately formed walls which define in combination a first and second pluralities of interconnecting and vertically and longitudinally spaced and parallel extending concrete filling passageways. Tongue and groove portions are extend from first and second sides of each form structure and at least along selected oppositely facing surfaces so as to provide a stacking arrangement of a plurality of form structures to establish a desired height of the wall structure. The stacking arrangement sets upon a footing and receives a poured concrete to fill the vertically and longitudinally extending concrete filling passageways of the forms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2001
    Inventors: Gary L. Komasara, Vincent T. Alvaro
  • Patent number: 6216409
    Abstract: In cross section, the tongue of a cladding panel has on its bottom face and the bottom lip of the groove has on its top face, respectively, a second raised portion projecting downward and a complementary second recess shaped so that the second raised portion of the tongue on one panel inter-engages with the second recess of the groove of an adjacent panel when one panel is turned relative to the other, to form second element of clipping the tongue into the groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2001
    Inventors: Valerie Roy, Alain Roy
  • Patent number: 6209278
    Abstract: Flooring panel with two connection members whose sides face each other for attachment to other flooring panels of the same type. A first connection member has an upper projection, a lower projection, and groove between them. A second connecting member features a tongue for insertion in the groove of an adjacent connection member. In order to achieve good assembly as well as economical production of the panels, provision is made for a lower protuberance, lower indentation, lower auxiliary protuberance, and lower auxiliary indentation on the lower projection of the first connection member. The profile thus created is fitted to a corresponding profile on the lower side of the tongue which has an upper indentation, an upper protuberance, an upper auxiliary indentation, and an upper auxiliary protuberance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2001
    Assignee: Kronotex GmbH
    Inventor: Detlef Tychsen