EP1838937A1

EP1838937A1 - Self-locking tile for floor coverings

Info

Publication number: EP1838937A1
Application number: EP05824531A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Thierry Debise; Dominique Couturier; Richard Bottet
Original assignee: Gerflor SAS
Current assignee: Gerflor SAS
Priority date: 2005-01-20
Filing date: 2005-12-09
Publication date: 2007-10-03
Also published as: FR2880906B1; FR2880906A1; WO2006077297A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a tile for floor coverings, said tile comprising either male or female assembly means on the peripheral edges thereof, for assembly and locking. Said tile is characterised in that it consists of a composite of four layers (1, 2, 3, 4) which are assembled and superimposed by any type of connection means. Said composite comprises: a first decorative exposed external layer (1); a third layer (3) comprising alternating projecting tongues (3a) and notches (3b) with the same profile, on at least one of the peripheral edges thereof, said tongues projecting past a second layer (2) and being provided with connection means (5) which are oriented in a targeted manner; a second layer (2) which is arranged above the third layer (3) and has the same configuration as that of the finished tile without any projections and thus that of the first layer (1), said second layer comprising, on at least one side, regions (2a) provided with connection means (5) which are oriented in a targeted manner and are complementary to those arranged on the third layer; and a fourth layer (4) which covers the third layer and comes into contact with the floor, absorbing the irregularities thereof. The third layer has the same configuration as the fourth layer.

Description

SELF-LOCKING SLAB FOR FLOOR COVERINGS

The invention relates to the technical sector of floor coverings from slabs intended to be placed on a support support on the ground, or on a planned floor, and in particular self-locking slabs incorporating male-female assembly means. female allowing their connection and holding.

The concept of making slabs of flooring arranged with means of assembly, in particular in male-female connections, and locking, is known in itself.

The profiles of the slabs are arranged on edges with complementary male-female assembling configurations supplemented by means of retention type anchor and grooving to ensure a locking position and held in flatness. The solutions described in the following patents, for example, are cited: WO 01.96688, WO 00.06854, WO 01.53628, WO 98.24995, WO 94.26999, FR 2.785.633, WO 01.66876, WO 96.27719 and WO 98.38401. In view of the latching and locking functions sought, all the profiles identified and described in these patents remain complex to produce, require manufacturing operations for the execution of complex forms of assembly, or expensive molds to design in case casting slabs.

Moreover, one of the problems encountered, for this type of floor tiles, is the holding of the slabs between them in the different directional planes, and more particularly in the laying of the fourth slab of a modular assembly slabs requiring the covering of floor surfaces by at least four slabs arranged side by side and adjacent two by two.

The applicant was therefore interested, from the problems posed and the concepts of existing floor tiles, in the search for a new solution, of simple design, easy to install, and in particular of the fourth slab, and which meets the requirements of durability and self-locking.

The solution found by the applicant meets these objectives.

According to a first characteristic, the slab for floor coverings, of the type comprising on its peripheral edges assembly means, either male or female, in complementarity of assembly and locking, is remarkable in that it consists of a composite of four layers assembled and superimposed together by any means of connection, a first apparent external layer of decorations, a third layer comprising, on at least one of its peripheral sides, an alternation of overflowing tabs and notches of the same profile said tabs being overflowing with a second layer and being arranged with oriented linking means, and in that the second layer is superimposed on the third layer, and is in the configuration of the finished slab without overflow and the first layer, and said second layer comprising, on at least one side, zones including means of connection oriented complete to those established on the third layer, and a fourth layer covering the third layer coming into contact and contact with the ground and absorbing ground differences, third layer being of identical configuration to that of the fourth layer.

According to another characteristic, the second layer, in the case of angle slabs, comprises a surface corresponding to the finished slab without overflow and on two consecutive sides at the location of the overflow tongues of the third layer of the oriented connection means. complementary.

According to another characteristic, the second layer, in the case of interior slabs on all four sides, comprises a surface corresponding to the finished slab without overflow and, on each side, at the location of the overflowing tongues of the third layer, the complementary oriented linkage means.

According to another characteristic, the oriented connection means are set to oriented serrations by allowing sliding in the same plane in the direction of movement of the assembly and blocking, in the opposite direction, during disassembly in the same plane.

These and other characteristics will be apparent from the rest of the description.

For fixing the object of the invention illustrated in a nonlimiting manner to the figures of the drawings where:

- Figure 1 is a sectional view of the four-layer composite slab according to the invention. - Figure 2 is a top view of the second layer with representation of the connection areas in the frame of a slab allowing assembly on all four sides.

FIG. 3 is a view from above of the third layer with representation of the tongues provided with the connecting zones and fitting on the second layer, and zones of notches in the framework of a slab allowing assembly on four sides; .

FIG. 4 is a view from above showing the assembly of the second and third layers, as illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3. FIG. 5 is a view from above showing the assembly of a second and third layer, as part of the assembly of corner slabs.

- Figure 6 is a schematic bottom view illustrating the assembly of four slabs according to the invention. FIG. 7 is a schematic view illustrating the configuration of the oriented connection zones.

In order to make the object of the invention more concrete, it is now described in a nonlimiting manner illustrated in the figures of the drawings.

The self-blocking slab, constituting a floor covering, designed according to the invention is referenced as a whole by (D) and is of square or rectangular shape. This slab and a set of slabs resulting may be placed on any media, new or renovation. The new supports are based on hydraulic, slab and concrete screed, wood-based, pre-fabricated panels, plaster or other. Renovated supports are, for example, tiling, parquet flooring, needle-punched carpet, plastic floors, linoleum, painted concrete, resin casting or others. The interlocking slab can be converted into a so-called "corner" slab on two sides, a "border" slab on three sides, and an "interior" slab on four sides located in the interior. interior arrangement of the surface to be covered.

According to the invention, each slab, whatever its position, is made according to a multi-layer composite structure including four layers or layers (1, 2, 3, 4) superimposed and interconnected by any connecting means, bonding by example. The apparent upper surface layer (1) is of geometry and dimensions corresponding to the geometry and dimensions of the finished slab. The two intermediate layers (2 - 3) are arranged with oriented connecting means (5) as will be described later, the layer (2) having a dimensional configuration similar to the layer (1). The layer (4) bearing on the ground is of different dimensional configuration of the layers (1 and 2) and similar to the layer (3). FIG. 1 shows the multilayer structure of the slab.

The upper layer (1) is made of any material, plastic or otherwise, and defines a rigid panel. The intermediate layer (2), adjacent to the intermediate layer (3) and to the surface layer (1), is formed by defining a rigid panel that can be made of plastic, polyvinyl chloride or a composite material, or based on of wood, or other constitution. This intermediate layer (2), as it integrates into a corner slab or border, or inside a surface, is arranged on at least two consecutive sides, or three or four, and the along its periphery with profiled zones (2a) including oriented and unidirectional connection means (5). These zones (2a) have a configuration, for example, trapezoidal, as illustrated in Figure 2 for example. The connecting means (5) are adhesively bonded, glued or otherwise. Said connecting means (5) thus have a trapezoidal complementary configuration to integrate perfectly in the receiving zones (2a) in extension of the layer (2). In practice, the connecting means (5) are supported and are adhesive on the inner face (la) facing the layer (1) at defined positioning locations after application of the layer (2) on the layer (1). As it appears in FIG. 2, each side of the layer (2) is arranged with two receiving zones (2a) connecting means (5), with one zone located in corner connection and another located in the length. As shown in FIG. 2, an alternation with receiving zones (2a) means (5) and solid portions along peripheral edges which also have a trapezoidal appearance are defined. Thus, the configuration of the layers (1 and 2) forming panels is closely related. With regard to the layers (3 and 4), these also have complementary profiles with overflow zones integrating unidirectional oriented connecting means (5), these panel layers being integrated with the preceding layers (1 - 2). to define the male-female interlocking and connecting assembly parts. More particularly, the lower layer (4) intended to be facing the support or ground, and whose function is in particular to absorb the ground differences, is made in the form of a panel from a foam of very low density. The dimensions and shapes of this layer (4) are identical to those of the layer (3) which will be described later.

According to whether it is a slab of angles, edge or interior, the layer (4) has, on at least two of its consecutive sides, or three or four depending on its destination, and alternately, tabs in projections (4a) and intermediate cuts (4b). The tongues (4a) project from the longitudinal edge of the corresponding slab and over a depth (pi) equal to or substantially the depth (p2) of the receiving zone of the connecting means (5) established on the layer (2). ). Some tabs (4al) have a trapezoidal profile. The peripheral edge of the slab is in the median plane of the height of the trapezoidal shapes. The tongues (4al) are in the intermediate parts of the sides of the slab to constitute. Other tongues (4a2) in overflow are in corner connection, and more particularly those which, on the following side of the slab, have the cutouts formed on the layer (2), as it appears in the drawings. In this situation, the end profile of the tongue (4a2) is established along a half length of the inclined side of the hexagonal base, so as to connect without overflow with the next intermediate cut (4b). In the case of corner slabs, the layer (4) has, at an angle, a shape corresponding to a half length of the defined trapezoidal base. The layer (3) intermediate has a profile identical to that of the layer (4) being adhesively bonded and secured in any appropriate manner. For this purpose, said layer (3) has, on at least two of its consecutive sides, or three or other according to its destinations, and alternately, tabs (3a) protruding and intermediate cuts (3b). The tongues (3 a) are projecting with respect to the longitudinal edge of the corresponding slab over a depth (pi) equal to or substantially equal to the depth (p2) of the receiving zone of the connecting means (5) arranged on the layer (2). ). Some tabs (3al) have a trapezoidal profile and are in the intermediate portion of the sides of the slab to be formed. Other tongues (3a2) in overflow are in corner connection, and more particularly those which, on the following side of the slab, have the cutouts formed on the layer (2) as it appears at drawings. In this situation, the end profile of each tongue (3a2) concerned is established along a half length of the inclined face of the hexagonal base so as to connect perfectly with the next intermediate cut (3b). The adhesion means (5) are arranged on said tongues (3 a) and are fixed by gluing and the like on the internal faces facing the tabs (4a) of the layer (4). The set of four layers (1, 2, 3, 4) of the slab is secured by any appropriate means, gluing, adhesives and others. FIG. 5 shows the assembly of the layers (2 - 3) in order to highlight the position of the tongues and connecting means (5) arranged from the layers (2 and 3). In this figure, for reasons of clarity and understanding, the layers 1 and 4 have not been added.

According to an important feature of the invention, the connecting means (5) oriented are established in the form of a band with a base (5a) and a serration (5b) oriented unidirectionally inside the slab. Thus, as shown in FIG. 7, a firm connection of two consecutive slabs to one another is presented for the presentation of one slab towards the other, a male-female connection of the connecting means (5) which are identical and which to one another after sliding installation in the direction of approach and jointing of the slabs. On the other hand, the removal in the same plane is not possible and it is necessary to lift one of the plates to release the locking between the tongues (3 a) of the receiving cavities formed on the layer (2) of their respective connecting means. The solution proposed by the invention is very simple and highly effective in laying and restraint. In addition, the slabs according to the invention fit together regardless of the direction of the installation. Without departing from the scope of the invention, it can be envisaged that the connecting means (5) are directly shaped by molding with the layers (2 and 3) receiving, or be reported and cut out being, for example, in an elastomeric material .

By its design in layers or layers, the slab is particularly solid.

The slabs are of square section and / or rectangular. The product obtained can thus have the configuration of a parquet board of great length designed under the same conditions.

Claims

R E V E N D I C A T IO N S

-1- Slab for floor coverings, of the type comprising on its peripheral edges means of assembly, either male or female, in complementarity of assembly and locking, characterized in that it is constituted by a composite of four assembled layers (1, 2, 3, 4) and superimposed therebetween by any connecting means, a first outer apparent layer (1) of decorations, a third layer (3) comprising, on at least one of its peripheral sides, a alternating tabs (3a) in overflow and indentations (3b) of the same profile, said tabs being in overflow of a second layer (2) and being arranged with connection means (5) oriented, and in that the second layer (2) is in superposition of the third layer (3), whose configuration is that of the finished slab without overflow and of the first layer (1), said second layer comprising, on at least one side, zones ( 2a) including means of liai its (5) oriented complementary to those established on the third layer, and a fourth layer (4) covering the third layer coming into contact and contact with the ground and absorbing ground differences, said third layer being identical in configuration to that of the fourth layer.

-2- tile for flooring according to claim 1, characterized in that the second layer (2), in the case of angle slabs, comprises a surface corresponding to the finished slab without overflow and on two consecutive sides to the location of the tabs in overflow of the third layer of complementary oriented connection means.

Flooring tile according to claim 1, characterized in that the second layer, in the case of interior slabs of the four sides, comprises a surface corresponding to the finished slab without overflow and, on each side, at the location of the overflowing tabs of the third layer, the complementary oriented connection means.

-4- tile for flooring, according to claim 1, characterized in that the connecting means (5) oriented are set with serrations (5b) oriented allowing a sliding in the same plane in the direction of movement of the mounting and blocking, in the opposite direction, during disassembly in the same plane.

Flooring tile according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the zones (2a) formed on the second layer (2) and receiving the connecting means (5) have a configuration of trapezium, said connecting means (5) being also in trapezium in extension of the layer (2).

Flooring tile according to one of Claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the side or sides of the second layer, depending on the position of the slab, at an angle, at the edge or inside, is arranged on at least one of its sides with two receiving zones (2a) connecting means (5) with a zone situated in corner connection and another situated in the length, with an alternation of said zones (2a) receiving means (5) and solid portions along the peripheral edge or edges which have a trapezoidal appearance.

Floor tile tile according to one of Claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the layer (4) has at least two of its consecutive sides, or three or four depending on its destination, and alternately projecting tongues (4a) and intermediate cuts (4b), and in that the tongues (4a) are projecting from the singing longitudinal section of the corresponding slab and over a depth (pi) equal to or substantially equal to the depth (p2) of the receiving zone of the connecting means (5) established on the layer (2), and in that certain tongues (4a 1) have a trapezoidal profile, and in that other overflow tongues (4a2) are in corner connection, and more particularly those which, on the following side of the slab, have the cutouts formed on the layer (2) .

-8- tile for flooring, according to claim 7, characterized in that the peripheral edge of the slab is in the median plane of the height of the trapezoidal shapes, and in that the tongues (4al) are in the intermediate parts of the sides of the slab to be formed, and in that the end profile of the tongue (4a2) is established along a half length of the inclined side of the hexagonal base, so as to connect without overflow with the intermediate cut (4b) next.

Flooring tile according to one of Claims 7 and 8, characterized in that, in the case of corner tiles, the layer (4) has an angle corresponding to one half length of the trapezoidal base.

Floor tile tile according to one of Claims 7 to 9, characterized in that the intermediate layer (3) has a profile identical to that of the layer (4) being adhesively bonded and secured, and in that said layer (3) has, on at least two of its consecutive sides, or three or other according to its destinations, and alternately, protruding tongues (3a) and intermediate cuts (3b), and in that the tongues (3a) protrude from the longitudinal edge of the corresponding slab to a depth (pi) equal to or substantially greater than the depth ( p2) of the receiving zone connecting means (5) disposed on the layer (2).

-11- Slab for flooring according to claim 10, characterized in that some tongues (3al) have a trapezoidal profile and are in the intermediate portion of the sides of the slab to be formed, and in that other tongues (3a2) are in connection with angles, and more particularly those which, on the following side of the slab, have the cutouts formed on the layer (2), and in that the end profile of each tongue (3a2) concerned is established along a half length of the inclined pan of the hexagonal base so as to connect with the next cut.

-12- Slab for flooring according to any one of claims 10 and 11, characterized in that the adhesion means (5) are arranged on said tongues (3a) and are fixed by gluing and others on the faces internal facing tabs (4a) of the layer (4).

Flooring tile according to one of Claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the connecting means (5) oriented are established in the form of a band with a base (5a) and a serration (5b) oriented unidirectionally inside the slab.