U.S. patent application number 10/500557 was filed with the patent office on 2005-06-02 for modular flooring system with framed tiles.
This patent application is currently assigned to SARL GRAU. Invention is credited to Grau, Jean-Pierre.
Application Number | 20050115181 10/500557 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 27619396 |
Filed Date | 2005-06-02 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050115181 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Grau, Jean-Pierre |
June 2, 2005 |
Modular flooring system with framed tiles
Abstract
A flooring system includes tiles (7) , at least a series of
identical and rigid slab framing modules (1, 8) in at least one
plane, the framing modules of the series being complementary so as
to be placed relative to one another to form an exposed grid of the
slabs (7) and elements for removably assembling together the
modules, designed to impose a relative orientation of said modules
and link them rigidly in one plane at least and to enable, once the
flooring system is installed, to remove any one of the framing
modules by manipulating only the framing module and, if required,
only the adjacent slab(s) and or modules adjacent thereto.
Inventors: |
Grau, Jean-Pierre; (Cosnac,
FR) |
Correspondence
Address: |
YOUNG & THOMPSON
745 SOUTH 23RD STREET
2ND FLOOR
ARLINGTON
VA
22202
US
|
Assignee: |
SARL GRAU
8 BOULEVARD VOLTARIRE
BRIVE
FR
19100
|
Family ID: |
27619396 |
Appl. No.: |
10/500557 |
Filed: |
June 30, 2004 |
PCT Filed: |
January 7, 2003 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/FR03/00025 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
52/390 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04F 2201/0505 20130101;
E04F 15/18 20130101; E04F 2015/0205 20130101; E04F 15/082 20130101;
E04F 15/06 20130101; E04F 2201/0511 20130101; E04F 2201/042
20130101; E04F 2201/0517 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
052/390 |
International
Class: |
E04F 013/08 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jan 9, 2002 |
FR |
02/00213 |
Claims
1. Modular floor covering comprising: tiles (7), at least one
series of identical tile-framing modules (1, 8) which are rigid in
at least one plane, the framing modules of the one or more series
being complementary so as to be able to be placed with respect to
one another to form an exposed grid for framing the said tiles (7)
which has openings of dimensions at least substantially identical
to those of the tiles, means for detachable assembly of the framing
modules with one another, adapted to impose a relative orientation
of the said modules and to connect them rigidly in at least one
plane, wherein the means for detachable assembly are adapted to
allow, once the floor covering has been laid, any one of the
framing modules to be removed by manipulating only the said framing
module and/or the single tiles and/or single modules which are
adjacent to it.
2. Covering as claimed in claim 1, wherein the assembly means are
adapted to allow, once the covering has been laid, a first framing
module to be dissociated from the framing modules which are
adjacent to it by simply displacing the said first module in a
vertical direction.
3. Covering as claimed in claim 1, wherein the framing modules (20,
23) of at least one series have a general shape of a straight
strip.
4. Covering as claimed in claim 3, comprising square or rectangular
tiles, wherein it comprises a first series of identical modules
(21, 22) having a general shape of a straight strip of any width
and of a length at least substantially equal to a first side of the
tiles, and a second series of identical modules (20, 23) having a
general shape of a straight strip of a length at least
substantially equal to the sum of the other side of the tiles and
the width of a module of the first series, or to twice this
sum.
5. Covering as claimed in claim 1, wherein the framing modules of
at least one series have a general shape of a strip which is not
straight, adapted to define at least one angle characteristic of an
opening of the grid or a curved portion characteristic of an
opening of the grid.
6. Covering as claimed in claim 5, wherein it comprises tiles (7)
having the shape of a polygon, and wherein the framing modules (1,
8) of at least one series have a shape adapted to each frame at
least one polygon vertex of a tile.
7. Covering as claimed in claim 6, comprising square tiles (7) or
rectangular tiles, wherein the framing modules (1) of at least one
series each comprise at least two orthogonal straight strips (2,
3).
8. Covering as claimed in claim 7, wherein the framing modules of
at least one series each comprise a first straight strip of any
width and of a length at least substantially equal to a first side
of the tiles, and a second orthogonal straight strip of a length at
least substantially equal to the sum of the other side of the said
tiles and the width of the first strip, the first strip being
fixed, by a longitudinal end, to the centre of a lateral face of
the second strip.
9. Covering as claimed in claim 7, wherein the framing modules (1)
of at least one series each comprise two first facing parallel
straight strips (3, 4), of any width and of the same length at
least substantially equal to one side of the tiles (7) and each
fixed orthogonally, by a longitudinal end (3a, 4a), on a lateral
face of a third straight strip (2), facing two sections of this
third strip delimiting two end portions of the same length and a
central portion of the said third strip, the central portion having
a length at least substantially equal to twice the length of an end
portion, the said third strip (2) having a total length at least
substantially equal to the sum of the combined widths of the first
and second strips and twice the other side of the said tiles.
10. Covering as claimed in claim 1, wherein it comprises a single
series of identical and complementary framing modules (1, 8).
11. Covering as claimed in claim 3, wherein the means for
detachable assembly of two adjacent framing modules, assembled with
one another at at least one point, called the assembly point,
comprise at least one rigid element (60, 106) formed of two
portions (62, 63, 107, 108), called legs, one (62, 107) of the said
legs being intended to fit under one (20, 100), first, of the
framing modules, into a corresponding lower receptacle (69, 116a)
of the said first module extending from the assembly point, the
other (63, 108) of the said legs being intended to fit under the
other (21, 101), second, of the framing modules, into a
corresponding lower receptacle (83) of the said second module
extending from the assembly point.
12. Covering as claimed in claim 11, wherein each lower receptacle
(69, 116a) for receiving one leg of the assembly element extends
mainly in a longitudinal direction of the strip (20, 100).
13. Covering as claimed in claim 11, wherein the element(s) for
assembly of two orthogonal straight strips of two adjacent framing
modules (20, 21) each consists(consist) of a right-angle piece
(60).
14. Covering as claimed in claim 11, wherein the element(s) for
assembly of two aligned straight strips of two adjacent framing
modules (20, 23) each consists(consist) of a straight bar or a
straight plane plate (73).
15. Covering as claimed in one of claims 11 claim 11, wherein it
comprises means for detachable locking of the assembly means, such
as two fixing screws, each passing through a lateral edge of a
framing module and one leg of the assembly element and capable of
preventing relative displacement of the framing modules and the
assembly element.
16. Covering as claimed in claim 1, wherein: the means for
detachable assembly of each framing module comprise at least one
jointing structure (26) intended to fit, in a vertical direction,
into a mating jointing structure (25) of an adjacent framing
module, each framing module comprises only male-type jointing
structures or only female-type jointing structures, the covering
comprises at least two series of complementary framing modules, a
first series of framing modules with male-type jointing structures,
and a second series of framing modules with mating female-type
jointing structures.
17. Covering as claimed in claim 16, wherein the mating jointing
structures (25, 26) are adapted to define, when they are fitted
together, a horizontal common bore (27, 28) intended to receive a
rod (29) in order to prevent their relative displacement.
18. Covering as claimed in claim 16, wherein the jointing structure
(35) of a framing module (8bis) comprises a vertical tenon (36)
intended to fit into a mating vertical mortice (37) of the mating
jointing structure (34) of the adjacent framing module (1bis).
19. Covering as claimed in claim 18, wherein the tenon (36) is in
an elastically deformable material and has at least one horizontal
shoulder (38) defining a head (61) of the tenon intended to fit
with force into a mating head (60) of the mortice (37) in order to
prevent the vertical relative displacement of the mating jointing
structures (34, 35).
20. Covering as claimed in claim 1, wherein the framing modules (1)
comprise one or more metal profiles (14, 5), each having an upper
receptacle (59) for receiving a decorative lamina (6).
21. Covering as claimed in claim 20, wherein each metal profile
(18) incorporates lower elastic damping means (19) defining an area
for supporting the framing module (1bis) on a floor (57).
22. Covering as claimed in claim 21, wherein each metal profile
(18) comprises at least one lower receptacle for receiving a strip
(19) made of synthetic material of the rubber or injection-moulded
foam type, projecting from the profile (18) in the vertical
direction.
23. Covering as claimed in claim 1, wherein each tile (7) is formed
of a plurality of superposed elementary sheets, including at least
a lower take-up sheet (17) and an upper finishing sheet (16,
15).
24. Covering as claimed in claim 23, wherein each lower take-up
sheet is chosen from a sheet made of compressed particules
material, rubber, cardboard, rigid foam.
25. Covering as claimed in claim 23, wherein each upper finishing
sheet is chosen from a terracotta tile, a ceramic tile, a stone
tile, a sheet made of synthetic fibres such as a sheet of carpet, a
sheet made of synthetic material of the PVC type, a sheet made of
natural fibres of the type called sisal or coir or seagrass, a
sheet of solid wood or laminate, an aluminium sheet, a stainless
steel sheet, a tempered glass tile, a combination of a tempered
glass tile and a decorative intermediate sheet chosen from a piece
of cloth, a piece of wallpaper, a sheet made of natural fibres of
the type called sisal or coir or seagrass or wicker or rattan, a
sheet made of synthetic fibres of the carpet type, etc.
26. Covering as claimed in claim 1, wherein it comprises square
tiles (7) having a width at least substantially equal to 50 cm.
27. Covering as claimed in claim 1, wherein the framing modules (1)
comprise one or more strips (2, 3, 4), each having an at least
substantially constant width of between 1 cm and 25 cm, preferably
between 5 cm and 15 cm, in a transverse direction.
28. Covering as claimed claim 1, wherein each tile (7) and each
framing module (1) has an at least substantially constant thickness
of between 15 and 20 mm in the vertical direction.
29. Covering as claimed in claim 1, wherein the means for
detachable assembly of two adjacent framing modules, assembled with
one another at at least one point, called the assembly point,
comprise at least one rigid element (60, 106) formed of two
portions (62, 63, 107, 108), called legs, one (62, 107) of the said
legs being intended to fit under one (20, 100), first, of the
framing modules, into a corresponding lower receptacle (69, 116a)
of the said first module extending from the assembly point, the
other (63, 108) of the said legs being intended to fit under the
other (21, 101), second, of the framing modules, into a
corresponding lower receptacle (83) of the said second module
extending from the assembly point.
Description
[0001] The invention relates to a modular floor covering with tiles
and exposed modules for framing the said tiles and contributing
towards the aesthetic appearance of the covering. The invention
relates in particular to a modular covering, of which the various
constituent elements are designed so that their relative
positioning, and in particular the alignment and relative
orientation of the said elements, are automatic, imposed,
invariable and do not require the use of any measuring
instrument.
[0002] The invention concerns in particular a modular floor
covering comprising tiles, complementary framing modules being able
to be placed with respect to one another so as to form an exposed
grid for framing the tiles, and means for assembly of the framing
modules with one another in an orientation which is imposed by the
shape of the said modules and/or the structure of the said assembly
means.
[0003] The inventor has found that it would be desirable to be able
to associate various types of framing modules, such as laminas made
of wood or laminate or else metal laminas, and any types of
tiles--such as terracotta tiles, ceramic tiles, etc., or tiles made
of carpet or other synthetic material such as PVC, or tiles made of
natural fibres (coir, sisal, seagrass, etc.), or else tiles made of
glass. Such a covering would allow anyone to compose, from elements
produced and marketed industrially, a unique floor covering
according to their own tastes.
[0004] The inventor has found furthermore that it would be
desirable to have a modular floor covering which is easy to
maintain and whose aesthetic appearance can be modified as desired
according to the changing fashions or personal tastes.
[0005] FR 2,449,762 describes a flooring comprising modular
elements forming a rigid and continuous basic network, tiles and
finishing strips. The modular elements comprise, on the one hand,
"slotted joints" for attaching the elements to one another, and, on
the other hand, "transverse ribs" or fins for supporting the tiles.
Each modular element is in the form of a "branch" and has
longitudinal "joints" for connecting it to two other aligned
elements, and lateral "joints" for connecting it to two other
perpendicular elements. The longitudinal "joints" comprise, at one
of the longitudinal ends of the branch, a longitudinal tongue
provided with lower teeth and, at the other longitudinal end of the
branch, a mating longitudinal cavity provided with holes for
receiving such teeth. The lateral "joints" comprise, at the middle
part of one side of the branch, a lateral tongue provided with
teeth and, at the middle part of the other side of the branch, a
lateral cavity provided with holes for receiving the teeth of a
longitudinal tongue. Thus, each modular element possesses a
male-type fastening and a female-type fastening at its longitudinal
ends, and a male-type fastening and a female-type fastening at the
middle part of its sides, which enable construction of a rigid
basic network in all planes. Moreover, each tile, borne by the fins
of the modular elements which are adjacent to it, is fixed to the
floor by mortar, so that the network itself is also fixed to the
floor. Such a flooring is laid permanently and its aesthetic
appearance cannot be modified once installed.
[0006] EP 178,241 described a flooring which can be dismantled,
consisting of filler plates which fit between the arms of crosses
formed by connecting elements. Each connecting element has a
central cutout, with a thickness equal to half the thickness of the
flooring and a length equal to the width of the elements, and two
cutouts formed at each of its ends, these cutouts being arranged
alternately, one on one face and the other on the opposite face so
as to enable connection by end-to-end fitting of the elements. Each
connecting element furthermore comprises a rib along each of its
lateral edges, which is intended to fit horizontally into a mating
lateral groove made in the edge of the adjacent filler plate. The
filler plates and connecting elements are thus rigidly fixed to one
another. Once installed, such a flooring cannot undergo any
aesthetic modification of shape, materials, etc., without being
totally dismantled. Moreover, it is laborious to maintain. In
addition, the presence of lateral mounting grooves in the filler
plates limits the choice of material usable for the production of
the said plates, and in particular necessitates the use of thick
rigid plates, thereby excluding tiles of carpet, natural fibres,
etc.
[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 5,438,809 and DE-200 01 412 U1 have different
aims from that of the invention and propose floorings or coverings
which, like the prior floorings described above, necessitate the
use of particular tiles and/or are difficult to maintain and can,
where necessary, only be totally dismantled. In particular, U.S.
Pat. No. 5,438,809 aims to propose a flooring which can be laid on
any floor, without the need for providing a finishing layer. The
flooring units, which each comprise a plane and rigid support
plate, a plurality of decorative tiles and a compressible frame,
are assembled by keys in the form of laths. Each key is fitted
between two adjacent units into corresponding grooves made in the
lateral edges of the support plates of the said units.
[0008] The invention aims to overcome these disadvantages. In
particular, the invention aims to propose a modular floor covering
comprising tiles and exposed modules for framing the said tiles, in
which the tiles may be of any type, and in particular of
terracotta, ceramic, silica mortar, glass, carpet, PVC, natural
fibres, wood, laminate, etc. The invention also aims to propose a
method of laying a modular covering which allows the use of any
types of tiles. In particular, an object of the invention is to
allow the use of known tiles of standard dimensions, shapes and
materials.
[0009] An object of the invention is to propose a floor covering,
the maintenance and repair of which are easy and can be carried out
by a person without particular aptitude or competence.
[0010] The invention also aims to propose a covering and a method
of laying the said covering which allow subsequent aesthetic
modifications of the covering by a person without particular
aptitude or competence.
[0011] It also aims to propose such a floor covering which is ready
to lay and the laying of which is simple, quick, automatic and does
not require any fixing material of the adhesive or cement type, or
any tool, with the possible exception of a screwdriver and/or a saw
for cutting to the required dimensions an element intended to be
laid along the edge of a wall.
[0012] Another object of the invention is to propose such a floor
covering which can be produced industrially at costs which are low
and compatible with marketing to the general public.
[0013] Hereinbelow, the various constituent parts of the covering
according to the invention are described as being laid on the
floor, in an absolute system of reference defined by the floor and
a direction orthogonal to the said floor called the vertical
direction. An element or plane which is horizontal is an element or
plane at least substantially parallel to the floor once the
covering is laid.
[0014] A strip denotes an element having a main dimension, in a
horizontal plane, considerably greater than the others, which
defines a longitudinal direction of the strip. This longitudinal
direction may be straight or curved; the lateral edges of the strip
may be equally either straight or curved or indented, for example.
At any point of the strip, a transverse direction of the said strip
which is orthogonal to the longitudinal and vertical directions at
this point may be defined. A lateral element of a part is an
element extending mainly in a plane orthogonal to its transverse
direction at an end of the said part.
[0015] The invention relates to a modular floor covering comprising
tiles and at least one series of identical tile-framing modules
which are rigid in at least one plane (which is at least
substantially parallel to the floor when the covering is laid), the
framing modules of the one or more series being complementary so as
to be able to be placed with respect to one another to form an
exposed grid for framing the said tiles which has openings of
dimensions at least substantially identical to those of the said
tiles, wherein it comprises means for detachable assembly of the
framing modules with one another, adapted to impose a relative
orientation of the said modules and to connect them rigidly in at
least one plane (horizontal), so as to make it possible to produce
a rigid framing grid automatically (that is to say without having
to define or adjust the relative position of the modules visually
or by means of a measuring instrument).
[0016] According to the invention, the means for detachable
assembly are adapted to allow, once the floor covering has been
laid, any one of the framing modules of the covering to be removed
by manipulating only the said module and/or the single modules
and/or single tiles which are adjacent to it. In particular, in an
advantageous version of the invention, the means for detachable
assembly are adapted to allow any one of the modules to be removed
without having to dismantle or even manipulate another module,
including the modules which are adjacent to it (and with which it
is directly assembled). It is thus possible to replace a damaged
framing module or one whose aesthetic appearance is old-fashioned
without having to dismantle the covering totally.
[0017] Advantageously and according to the invention, the assembly
means are adapted to allow, once the covering has been laid, a
first framing module to be dissociated from the framing modules
which are adjacent to it by simply displacing the said first module
in a vertical direction.
[0018] Advantageously and according to the invention, the floor
covering comprises a single series of framing modules, which are
both identical and complementary. It should be noted that, in one
version of the invention comprising at least two different series
of framing modules (the modules of the same series being
identical), the modules of one series are complementary to the
modules of the other (one or more) series in order to form a frame
for each of the tiles.
[0019] In a version of the invention with tiles which are square or
more generally polygonal, the framing modules of at least one
series have a general shape of a straight strip. In particular, in
one version of the invention, the framing modules of all the series
have a general shape of a straight strip.
[0020] In a preferred version of the invention having square or
rectangular tiles, the floor covering comprises a first series of
identical modules having a general shape of a straight strip of any
width and of a length at least substantially equal to a first side
of the tiles (dimension in a first direction: length or width for
rectangular tiles, side for square tiles), and a second series of
identical modules having a general shape of a straight strip of a
length at least substantially equal to the sum of twice the width
of a module of the first series and twice the other side of the
tiles (dimension in a second direction orthogonal to the first
direction: width or length for rectangular tiles, side for square
tiles). In a variant, the length of the modules of the second
series is at least substantially equal to the sum of the width of a
module of the first series and the dimension of the tiles in the
second direction. It should be noted that in these two versions,
the means for detachable assembly are adapted to allow the modules
either to be aligned or an angle of 90.degree. to be imposed
between them, depending on the two adjacent modules in
question.
[0021] In a variant, advantageously and according to the invention,
the framing modules of at least one series have a general shape of
a strip which is not straight, adapted to define at least one angle
characteristic of an opening of the grid (formed by the framing
modules) or a curved portion characteristic of an opening of the
grid. By "strip which is not straight" is meant a strip of curved
longitudinal direction--or having at least one curved portion--or a
rectilinear strip formed of a plurality of--at least two--straight
strips having non-parallel straight longitudinal directions or else
a strip having one or more curved portions and one or more
rectilinear portions. An angle characteristic of the opening is an
angle of a polygonal envelope of the opening. In the same way, by
"curved portion characteristic of the opening" is meant a portion
of an envelope curve of the opening. This is in order to exclude,
in the case of tiles with indented edges for example (the
dimensions of the teeth being considerably less than the main
dimensions of the tile), the angles or curves formed by the teeth
of the tile.
[0022] Thus, in this variant of the invention, and in the case of
polygonal tiles, the framing modules of at least one series
comprise at least two straight strips, the longitudinal directions
of which define an interior angle of the said polygon. In other
words, the shape of the framing modules is adapted to frame at
least one polygon vertex of a tile, that is to say to follow a
contour portion of a tile which comprises two consecutive sides of
the tile (or a fraction of the said sides extending from their
point of intersection called the vertex). In the case of square or
rectangular tiles, the framing modules of at least one series each
preferably comprise at least two orthogonal straight strips. In
particular, the framing modules each comprise two single orthogonal
straight strips, or, in a variant, three straight strips, of which
one is orthogonal to the other two.
[0023] In a version of the invention in which the floor covering
comprises square or rectangular tiles, the framing modules of at
least one series each comprise two orthogonal straight strips, one,
first, of any width and of a length at least substantially equal to
a first side of the tiles (width or length), and the other, second,
of a length at least substantially equal to the sum of the width of
the first strip and the other side of the tiles (second side
orthogonal to the first side: length or width), the first strip
being fixed, by a longitudinal end, to the centre of a lateral face
of the second strip so as to define the shape of a T.
[0024] In a variant, advantageously and according to the invention,
the framing modules of at least one series each comprise two first
mutually facing parallel straight strips of the same length and of
any width (preferably of the same width), each fixed orthogonally,
by a longitudinal end, on a lateral face of a third straight strip,
facing two sections of this third strip delimiting two end portions
of the same length and a central portion of the said third strip,
the central portion having a length at least substantially equal to
twice the length of an end portion, so that the framing module has
the shape of a double T or a H. The length of the two first strips
is at least substantially equal to one side (length or width) of
the tiles; that of the third strip is at least substantially equal
to the sum of the combined widths of the first and second strips
and twice the other side (width or length) of the said strips.
[0025] Advantageously and according to the invention, the means for
detachable assembly of two adjacent framing modules, assembled with
one another at at least one point, called the assembly point,
comprise at least one rigid element formed of two portions, called
legs, one of the said legs being intended to fit under one, first,
of the framing modules, into a corresponding lower receptacle of
the said first module extending from the assembly point, the other
of the said legs being intended to fit under the other, second, of
the framing modules, into a corresponding lower receptacle of the
said second module extending from the assembly point.
[0026] In particular, in the case of two adjacent framing modules
each comprising at least one straight strip intended to be
assembled, by one of its longitudinal ends, with a longitudinal end
of a straight strip of the other module, the said strips defining
between them an assembly angle which is not zero and differs from
180.degree. (corresponding to an angle characteristic of an opening
of the grid; that is to say at least substantially equal to
90.degree. in the case of square or rectangular tiles), the
assembly element comprises an angle piece formed of two plane
plates or two straight bars (which each correspond to a leg of the
element) defining between them an angle corresponding to the said
assembly angle. Each of the two strips has, at its longitudinal
assembly end, a lower recess or groove extending in the
longitudinal direction of the strip and forming a receptacle for
receiving one of the plates or bars of the angle piece.
[0027] In the case of two adjacent framing modules, each comprising
at least one straight strip intended to be assembled, by one of its
longitudinal ends, with a longitudinal end of a straight strip of
the other module so that the two strips are aligned (they form
between them an angle of zero or equal to 180.degree.), the
assembly element comprises at least one straight bar or straight
plane plate. The said strips each have, at their longitudinal
assembly end, a lower recess or groove extending in the
longitudinal direction of the strip and forming a receptacle for
receiving a portion of the said bar or plate (each portion, for
example each half, of the plate or bar defining a leg of the
assembly element). In a variant, the two recesses or grooves are
offset, and the assembly element comprises two non-aligned parallel
bars or plates connected to one another at one of their
longitudinal ends.
[0028] In the case of two adjacent framing modules, one of which
comprises at least one first straight strip intended to be
assembled, by one of its longitudinal ends, with a lateral edge of
a second straight strip of the other module at a point of the said
edge called the assembly point, tne said first and second strips
defining between them an assembly angle which is not zero and
differs from 180.degree. (corresponding to an angle characteristic
of an opening of the grid; that is to say at least substantially
equal to 90.degree. in the case of square or rectangular tiles),
the assembly element comprises an angle piece formed of two plane
plates or two straight bars defining between them an angle
corresponding to the said assembly angle. The first strip has a
lower recess or groove extending in its longitudinal direction to
its longitudinal assembly end and forming a receptacle for
receiving one of the plates or bars of the angle piece. The second
strip has a transverse lower notch in its lateral edge at the level
of the assembly point, continued by a lower recess or groove
extending in its longitudinal direction and forming a receptacle
for receiving the other plate or bar of the angle piece. In the
case of square tiles, the assembly angle is equal to 90.degree. and
the angle piece is a right-angle piece.
[0029] In the case of two adjacent framing modules each comprising
at least one straight strip intended to be assembled, by one of its
lateral edges, with a lateral edge of a strip of the other module
so that the two strips are parallel and juxtaposed, the assembly
element comprises at least two parallel straight bars or plane
plates (each forming a leg of the said element) connected to one
another at one of their longitudinal ends by a bottom. The strips
each have, in their lateral edge, at their assembly point, a
transverse lower notch for receiving the said bottom, and a lower
recess or groove extending in their longitudinal direction from the
said assembly point and forming a receptacle for receiving one of
the said bars or plates.
[0030] The fact that the various recesses or grooves for receiving
the legs of the assembly element extend in the longitudinal
direction of the strips is particularly advantageous in the case of
strips produced from extruded metal profiles, as will be explained
below. The said recesses or grooves are in this case defined by the
actual shape of the profile.
[0031] In a preferred version of the invention, the floor covering
furthermore comprises means for detachable locking of the means for
assembly of two adjacent framing modules, capable of preventing
relative displacement of the framing modules and the assembly
element. To this end, each of the legs of the assembly element
preferably comprises a plate or plate portion (extending, once the
adjacent framing modules are assembled, in the longitudinal
direction of the strip of the framing module receiving the said
leg) having at least one threaded hole intended to cooperate with a
coaxial threaded hole passing through a lateral edge of the framing
module facing the receptacle for receiving the said plate, in order
to fix each of the framing modules on the assembly element by means
of a fixing screw (passing through the lateral edge of the said
module and the leg of the facing assembly element) accessible from
the said lateral edge of the said framing module. Thus, according
to the invention, to remove a framing module from the floor
covering, one or more tiles adjacent to the said module is(are)
removed to gain access to the screws for fixing the module on the
various assembly elements to which it is coupled, the said screws
are removed, then the said framing module is lifted in order to
dissociate it from the said assembly elements. It is not necessary
to dismantle or even manipulate the adjacent framing modules.
[0032] In a variant according to the invention:
[0033] the means for detachable assembly of each framing module
comprise at least one jointing structure intended to fit, in a
vertical direction, into a mating jointing structure of an adjacent
framing module,
[0034] each framing module comprises only male-type jointing
structures or only female-type jointing structures,
[0035] the covering comprises at least two series of complementary
framing modules, a first series of framing modules with male-type
jointing structures, and a second series of framing modules with
mating female-type jointing structures.
[0036] The covering furthermore preferably comprises means for
detachable locking of the means for assembly of two adjacent
framing modules, capable of preventing relative displacement of the
mating jointing structures of the said modules.
[0037] In particular, the mating jointing structures are adapted to
define, when they are fitted together, a horizontal common bore
intended to receive a rod in order to prevent their relative
displacement. In a variant (or optionally in combination), the
jointing structure of a framing module comprises a vertical tenon
intended to fit into a mating vertical mortice of the mating
jointing structure of the adjacent framing module. The tenon is in
this case preferably produced in an (at least slightly) elastically
deformable material and has at least one horizontal shoulder
defining a head of the tenon intended to fit with force into a
mating head of the mortice in order to prevent the vertical
relative displacement of the mating jointing structures.
[0038] Advantageously and according to the invention, the framing
modules comprise one or more metal profiles, each having an upper
receptacle for receiving a decorative lamina such as a wooden
lamina, a lamina made of laminate, a metal lamina, a silica mortar,
ceramic or terracotta lamina, or else a lamina made of carpet, PVC
. . . By "laminate" is meant a material composed of sawdust
amalgamated by means of an adhesive and forming a rigid lamina on
which is adhesively bonded at least one sheet of decorative paper,
such as a photograph representing the appearance of the wood,
coated with a protective layer of resin or wax. Such a material,
the cost of which is less than that of unhewn wood, is particularly
solid and resistant; it is commonly used to produce parquet
floors.
[0039] The metal profile gives the framing module mechanical
strength compatible with the working loads intended to be supported
by the said module. Moreover, it allows easy and accurate
industrial production of the module: profiles of great length are
produced by extrusion then cut to the required dimensions to form
module strips. The decorative lamina is preferably adhesively
bonded on the profile at the factory, so that the module is
delivered in its final version ready to be laid.
[0040] Advantageously and according to the invention, each metal
profile incorporates lower elastic damping means defining an area
for supporting the framing module on the floor. These means absorb
the noise which could be generated by the impact of the framing
module on the floor following mechanical stress such as that caused
by a person stepping on the said module. Thus, each metal profile
comprises, for example, at least one lower receptacle for receiving
a strip made of slightly elastic synthetic material of the rubber
or other injection-moulded or profiled foam type, projecting from
the profile in the vertical direction. Such lower receptacles of
the profile may also serve to receive and hide electric cables.
[0041] It should be noted that the covering optionally comprises
means for fixing at least one framing module to the floor, such as
a fixing collar having at least one horizontal tab screwed into the
floor.
[0042] Advantageously and according to the invention, each tile is
formed of a plurality of superposed elementary sheets, including at
least a lower take-up sheet and an upper finishing sheet. The
thickness (dimension in the vertical direction) of the lower
take-up sheet is chosen in accordance with the thickness of the
upper finishing sheet and the thickness of the framing modules, so
that the total thickness of the tile is at least substantially
equal, preferably exactly equal, to the thickness of the framing
modules.
[0043] Each lower take-up sheet is chosen from a sheet made of
compressed particules material, rubber, cardboard, rigid foam, etc.
(this list is not limiting). The take-up sheet is preferably in an
acoustically insulating material and/or one capable of absorbing
the mechanical shocks to which the tile is subjected. Depending on
the applications, the chosen material is thermally insulating or,
in contrast, conductive (notably in the presence of a heated
floor). In all cases, it is the least expensive possible.
[0044] Each upper finishing sheet is chosen from a terracotta tile,
a ceramic tile, a stone tile, a sheet made of synthetic fibres such
as a sheet of carpet, a sheet made of synthetic material of the PVC
type, a sheet made of natural fibres of the type called sisal or
coir or seagrass, a sheet of solid wood or laminate, an aluminium
sheet, a stainless steel sheet, a tempered glass tile, a
combination of a tempered glass tile and a decorative intermediate
sheet chosen from a piece of cloth, a piece of wallpaper, a sheet
made of natural fibres of the type called sisal or coir or seagrass
or wicker or rattan, a sheet made of synthetic fibres of the carpet
type, etc. A translucent or transparent upper sheet (made of glass
for example) may optionally be associated with lighting means such
as flexible luminescent tubes.
[0045] Advantageously and according to the invention, the floor
covering comprises square tiles with sides at least substantially
equal to 50 cm (standard tiles). The framing modules comprise one
or more strips, each having an at least substantially constant
width (dimension in the transverse direction) of between 1 cm and
25 cm, preferably between 5 cm and 15 cm, preferably substantially
equal to 12.8 cm. Each tile and each framing module has an at least
substantially constant thickness of between 10 and 25 mm,
preferably of between 15 and 20 mm, in the vertical direction.
[0046] To install a floor covering according to the invention,
complementary framing modules are juxtaposed and assembled with one
another so as to produce an exposed rigid grid for framing tiles,
defining openings for receiving the said tiles. In particular, at
least one rigid assembly element is arranged between each module
and an adjacent framing module, by inserting a first leg of the
said element into the corresponding receptacle of one of the
framing modules and the second leg into the corresponding
receptacle of the other framing module. Where appropriate, each of
the two modules is fixed on the assembly element(s) connecting the
two modules by means of fixing screws. In a variant, each framing
module is assembled with at least one adjacent framing module by
vertically fitting together their mating jointing structure(s) and,
where appropriate, installing locking means.
[0047] Advantageously and according to the invention, the position
of the rigid grid--produced by the framing modules--is manually
adjusted relative to at least one wall delimiting the floor to be
covered. At least one of the framing modules may optionally be
fixed to the floor, by adhesive bonding or by means of a fixing
collar having at least one horizontal tab screwed into the floor
(such a collar is preferably disposed on the end of a framing
module adjacent to a wall, so as to allow the said collar to be
concealed by the skirting or quarter-round bead). A lower part of
the tiles not contributing to the aesthetic appearance of the
covering, such as the lower take-up sheets, may also be adhesively
bonded to the floor.
[0048] The invention also relates to a floor covering and a method
of laying the said covering, characterised by some or all of the
characteristics mentioned above and below, in combination.
[0049] Other objects, characteristics and advantages of the
invention will become apparent on reading the following description
which refers to the appended figures showing preferred embodiments
of the invention given purely as non-limiting examples, in
which:
[0050] FIG. 1 is a plan view of two embodiments of floor coverings
according to the invention,
[0051] FIG. 2 is a schematic view in (vertical) cross-section of a
portion of a framing module and of a tile according to the
invention,
[0052] FIG. 3 is a schematic view in (vertical) cross-section of a
portion of another embodiment of a framing module and of a tile
according to the invention,
[0053] FIG. 4 is a schematic perspective view of portions of two
framing modules assembled perpendicularly by a first embodiment of
assembly means according to the invention,
[0054] FIG. 5 is a schematic perspective view of portions of two
framing modules assembled parallel by a first embodiment of
assembly means according to the invention,
[0055] FIG. 6 is a schematic perspective view of portions of two
framing modules assembled perpendicularly by a second embodiment of
assembly means according to the invention,
[0056] FIG. 7 is a schematic perspective view of portions of two
framing modules assembled parallel by a second embodiment of
assembly means according to the invention,
[0057] FIG. 8 is a schematic view in horizontal section of mating
jointing structures of two adjacent framing modules according to
the invention,
[0058] FIG. 9 is a schematic view in vertical section of the
jointing structures of FIG. 8,
[0059] FIG. 10 is a schematic view in vertical section of another
embodiment of jointing structures of two adjacent framing modules
according to the invention,
[0060] FIG. 11 is a plan view of another embodiment of a floor
covering according to the invention.
[0061] FIG. 1 illustrates a first embodiment of a floor covering
according to the invention, comprising exposed framing modules 1,
8, 10, and square tiles 7. The outline of the framing module 1 is
drawn in bold lines in order to allow the said module to be clearly
delimited. It has the general shape of a double T, produced from
three strips 2, 3 and 4: the strips 3 and 4 are welded and/or
adhesively bonded and/or fixed orthogonally to the strip 2 by any
suitable means, at one of their longitudinal ends 3a, 4a, on a
lateral face of the said strip 2. The strips 3 and 4 are positioned
relative to the strip 2 so as to produce a component symmetrical
with respect to a transverse plane separating the strip 2 into two
equal parts (transverse plane of symmetry of the said strip 2), and
in such a way that the two symmetrical portions of the module each
have the shape of a T, overall symmetrical with respect to a
longitudinal (vertical) plane separating the strips 3 and 4,
respectively, into two half-strips of equal width. In a variant,
T-shaped framing modules (each corresponding to one of the
above-mentioned portions of the double T) may be used.
[0062] The strips may be made entirely of metal, preferably with
cutouts so as to lighten the structure of the floor covering. They
may also be full laminas, made of wood or laminate. In a preferred
version, the strips have multiple components: they are produced
from metal, preferably aluminium, profiles and have an upper
decorative lamina adhesively bonded or fixed by any suitable means
on the metal profile. The material of the decorative lamina is
chosen in accordance with the desired aesthetic effect. The metal
profiles serve as a support for the decorative lamina, and also
allow a seal to be produced between the said lamina and the floor.
This characteristic is useful especially in the case of a
decorative lamina made of wood or laminate which is particularly
sensitive to moisture, not only to preserve the said lamina once
the floor covering has been laid, but also to allow the covering to
be laid on a floor which has just been formed and is still
relatively moist. In the absence of the metal profile, such a
lamina made of wood or laminate can only be laid on a perfectly dry
floor or support. Consequently, the drying times of the said floor
must be strictly adhered to and the time it takes to produce the
covering may be considerably increased, especially in the case of a
floor comprising a screed with a relatively high water content such
as a screed formed on a heated floor of the electrical radiant type
or other hydraulic floor (such a screed requires a drying time
varying from 1 to 8 months depending on the ambient humidity). The
presence of the metal profile supporting and protecting the
decorative lamina allows the framing modules to be laid on a floor
which is still relatively moist, and thus permits a considerable
reduction in the time taken to produce the floor and the floor
covering.
[0063] The profiles used have typically an outside width of 12.8
cm. They preferably comprise vertical lateral flanges 5 (see FIG.
2) with a width of 0.15 cm, defining a receptacle 59 for receiving
a decorative lamina 6 with a width of 12.5 cm, made of wood,
laminate, metal . . . . The vertical lateral flanges 5, which are
flush with the surface of the decorative lamina 6 (surface of the
finished floor, which is also level with the upper faces of the
tiles 7), advantageously protect the upper edges of the decorative
lamina 6. In a variant, the metal profiles consist of a single base
for supporting the decorative laminas. The length of the strips 3
and 4 is at least substantially equal to the size of the tile 7, 50
cm in the example, which is the standard size of the known square
tiles. The length of the strip 2 is at least substantially equal to
125.6 cm. Metal profiles of great length, typically of the order of
7 m, are machined (extruded), then cut at the factory to the
above-mentioned lengths; the rails thus obtained are welded to form
framing modules. In the same way, laminas of laminate or wood of
great length are respectively manufactured or converted, then cut
to the desired lengths and adhesively bonded on the aluminium
rails. In a variant, the laminas and profiles of great length are
assembled prior to cutting. Each framing module is delivered
finished, ready to be laid on the floor. The laying of the floor
covering according to the invention does not require any operation
for adhesively bonding elements to one another, so that the total
laying time is reduced by the usual adhesive-bonding and drying
times of the known adhesively bonded coverings. Such a framing
module has a total weight less than that of a module made of solid
wood or entirely of metal, for an equivalent mechanical strength
and life.
[0064] FIG. 1 also illustrates another embodiment of the invention,
comprising straight framing modules 20, 21, 22, 23, 221, 222. Each
of these framing modules comprises a single straight strip. The
modules 21, 22, 221, 222 have a length substantially equal to 50 cm
(size of the tile), and a width of the order of 12.8 cm. The
modules 20 and 23 have a length at least substantially equal to
125.6 cm, and a width of the order of 12.8 cm. Such modules are
particularly easy to pack and store.
[0065] FIG. 2 illustrates a cross-section of the strip 2 (or of the
strips 3 and 4) of the framing module 1 and of a portion of the
tile 7 adjacent to the said strip. The metal profile of the said
strip 2 has two vertical lateral flanges 5 (only one of which is
illustrated in FIG. 2) and a lower web 14, defining a receptacle 59
for receiving the lamina 6. A lamina 13 made of elastic and/or
acoustically and/or thermally insulating synthetic material, such
as a lamina made of rubber, is adhesively bonded on the lower face
of the web 14, so as to absorb the shocks of the profile on the
floor which could occur in the absence of the said insulating
lamina when a person walks on the strip, and thus absorb the
subsequent noise generated, and/or acoustically insulate a room
situated on a storey below the room in which the floor covering is
laid, and/or thermally insulate the profile and the decorative
lamina 6 from the floor 43 on which the covering is laid (called
the rough floor). It should be noted that the said insulating
lamina 13 is advantageously adhesively bonded on the profile prior
to cutting of the latter to the desired lengths to produce the
framing modules. In a variant, the insulating lamina and the
profile have complementary dovetail structures for their assembly.
The total thickness (dimension in the vertical direction) of the
strip 2 thus obtained is about 20 mm.
[0066] The tile 7 consists of a take-up sheet 17 made of compressed
particules material with a thickness of 4 to 6.5 mm, a decorative
sheet 16, such as a square of wallpaper or a sheet made of woven or
adhesively bonded natural or synthetic fibres (sisal, coir,
seagrass, cloth, carpet . . . ) with a thickness of 0.5 to 3 mm,
and a sheet 15 made of tempered glass with a thickness of about 13
mm, so that the tile 7 has a thickness of the order of 20 mm,
preferably exactly equal to that of the framing modules. The sheets
are superposed on one another during the laying of the floor
covering, the take-up sheet being laid directly on the floor in the
grid opening delimited by the adjacent framing modules previously
laid. It is not necessary to adhesively bond the said sheets. It is
thus easy to remove a tile in order to replace it, if damaged or
broken, or for aesthetic purposes (replacing the decorative sheet
16 alone or the whole tile, according to the fashions and changing
personal tastes or for the purpose of matching the floor covering
with a new wallpaper or new furniture). It should be noted that it
is possible to combine different tiles (finished floor 44 of
carpet, glass, terracotta . . . ) in the same room, and thus to
create any possible ambience and design. The only condition to this
diversity is to design tiles with the same total thickness,
corresponding at least substantially, preferably exactly, to the
thickness of the framing modules. Since the finishing sheets are
chosen from known standard sheets, a limited range of lower take-up
sheets, with thicknesses predefined according to the existing
finishing sheets, may be proposed.
[0067] FIG. 3 illustrates another embodiment of framing modules and
tiles according to the invention. The framing module 1bis, seen in
cross-section, comprises a metal support profile comprising two
vertical lateral flanges 5bis and a lower web 18, the cross-section
of which advantageously has cutouts in places so as to lighten the
profile without affecting its mechanical strength. The web 18
comprises lower receptacles 58 for receiving longitudinal strips 19
made of rubber or other slightly elastic and/or insulating
material, making it possible in particular to absorb the vertical
shocks to which the framing module is subjected. The embodiment
illustrated comprises four insulating strips of ovoidal shape in
contact with the rough floor 57; any other shapes and distributions
of the insulating strips are in accordance with the invention. In
the same way, the section of the web of the metal profile used to
produce the framing modules is not limited to that illustrated. It
should also be noted that the cutouts of the web of the metal
profile may be used for running electric cables.
[0068] The tiles 7bis each comprise a lower sheet 56 made of rubber
having a thickness of the order of 2 mm, a take-up sheet 24 made of
compressed particules material with a thickness of 10 to 15 mm, and
a carpet sheet 23 with a thickness of 3 to 8 mm, these three
elements combining to give a tile with a thickness of 20 mm.
[0069] The floor covering according to the invention may be laid
floating or, in a variant, adhesively bonded. Floating laying is
preferred for its speed (no time needed for adhesive bonding of the
elements or drying of the adhesive). Moreover, it facilitates
subsequent changing of a tile and/or a framing module. The framing
modules are laid and assembled successively: a first module is
laid, then a second which is assembled with the first, then a third
which is assembled with the second and/or the first, and so on to
produce a rigid grid covering the whole room, without worrying
about the relative position of the modules, which is automatically
adjusted by their shape and the structure of their assembly means.
The modules 1, 8, 10 in the shape of a double T may be arranged in
staggered form or, in a variant, aligned facing one another.
[0070] Next, the tiles are arranged, by vertical embedding, in the
openings produced by the framing modules, which have geometrical
shape(s) and dimensions identical to those of the tiles, except for
a clearance of less than 1 mm (preferably less than 0.5 mm),
allowing the fitting of the tiles. The tiles are laid directly on
the floor and are preferably neither adhesively bonded to the
floor, nor fixed or adhesively bonded to the modules which frame
them. Consequently, each tile can be laid or removed without having
to displace the adjacent framing modules.
[0071] What are called end framing modules, situated along the edge
of the walls of the room to be covered, are where necessary cut to
the required dimensions by means of a saw, so as to allow each of
the said modules to be fitted between the wall and the framing
module(s) which is/are adjacent to it.
[0072] What are called end tiles, situated along the edge of the
walls of the room, are where necessary cut to the dimensions of the
areas on the floor which are delimited by the end framing modules
and the adjacent wall. Customary peripheral skirtings (or
quarter-round beads) are arranged on the end edges of the end tiles
and end framing modules, and are adhesively bonded on the adjacent
walls. The laying procedure is simple and quick, the relative
positioning of the framing modules taking place without the
possibility for error. It may be carried out by anyone, requiring
no particular aptitude.
[0073] According to a first embodiment of the means for detachable
assembly, illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5, the framing module 20
comprises two opposite longitudinal lower receptacles 69, 68 made
in the metal profile of the said module along its lateral edges 52,
53. Since the metal profile is produced by extrusion, the
receptacles 68, 69 are designed with the same shape as the profile
and extend over the entire length of the framing module. The
adjacent framing module 21, disposed perpendicularly to the module
20, is preferably produced from the same metal profile; it has a
lateral lower receptacle 83 extending longitudinally along its
lateral edge 80, and a similar receptacle 84 along its opposite
lateral edge 81. The framing module 20 furthermore has, in the
region 20a where the modules 20 and 21 are assembled, two notches
67, 82 cut out of its lateral edge 52 and spaced by a distance
corresponding substantially to the distance separating the two
lateral receptacles 83, 84 of the adjacent module 21 (distance
slightly less than the width of the module 21). The means for
detachable assembly of the modules 20 and 21 furthermore comprise
two right-angle pieces 60, 61, each formed of two plane plates
extending in orthogonal planes (these planes are vertical when the
right-angle piece is observed in its final assembly position). The
plate (or leg) 62 of the right-angle piece 60 is intended to fit
vertically into the receptacle 69 of the framing module 20; the
plate (or leg) 63 of the said right-angle piece is intended to fit
vertically into the notch 67 of the module 20 and the receptacle 83
of the module 21. The plate 62 has a hole 64 for receiving a fixing
screw and intended to cooperate with a hole 66 made in the edge 52
of the module 20; the plate 63 of the right-angle piece has a hole
65 for receiving a fixing screw and intended to cooperate with a
hole 85 made in the edge 80 of the module 21. The right-angle piece
60 associated with the above-mentioned fixing screws makes it
possible to produce a rigid connection between the modules 20 and
21 on a first side of the longitudinal end 21a of the module 21.
The right-angle piece 61 is identical to that described above and
makes it possible to produce a similar connection between the
modules 20 and 21 on the other side of the longitudinal end 21a of
the module 21. The module 20 has three other pairs of notches cut
out of its lateral edges 52, 53 in the assembly regions 20b, 20c,
20d in order to allow it to be fixed to the framing modules 22,
222, 221 by means of right-angle pieces.
[0074] The module 20 is additionally joined at its longitudinal end
54 to the longitudinal end 55 of the adjacent identical module 23.
For this purpose, it has a first lateral hole 77 made in its
lateral edge 52 close to the longitudinal end 54, and a second hole
made in its lateral edge 53 in alignment with the first hole. The
hole 77 thus opens onto the receptacle 69; the opposite hole (not
designated) opens onto the receptacle 68. The module 23, produced
from the same metal profile, similarly comprises two longitudinal
lower receptacles 79, 86 along its lateral edges 71, 72. It has,
close to its longitudinal end 55, a first hole 78 made in the
lateral edge 71 and opening onto the receptacle 79, and a second
hole (not designated) made in the lateral edge 72 and opening onto
the receptacle 86. The means for assembly of the modules 20 and 23
furthermore comprise a first plate 73 interposed between the two
modules and fitted partly into the receptacle 69 of the module 20
and partly into the receptacle 79 of the module 23, and a second
plate 74 fitted partly into the receptacle 68 of the module 20 and
partly into the receptacle 86 of the module 23. The plate 73
comprises two holes 75, 76 intended to cooperate respectively with
the holes 77 and 78 for receiving a fixing screw; the plate 74
likewise comprises two holes intended to cooperate respectively
with the holes (not designated) passing through the lateral edges
53 and 72.
[0075] The module 20 is therefore associated with two plates 73, 74
for fixing it to the module 23 by its longitudinal end 54, two
identical plates at its other longitudinal end, and eight
right-angle pieces 60, 61 for fixing it to the modules 21, 22, 221,
222. To dismantle such a module, all that is required is to remove
the tiles which are adjacent to it (six tiles in total), unscrew
the twelve fixing screws passing through its two lateral edges (the
screws are accessible horizontally from the space initially
occupied by the removed tiles), then lift the said framing module.
The framing module 22 is associated with four right-angle pieces.
To dismantle such a module, all that is required is to remove the
two tiles which are adjacent to it, unscrew the four fixing screws
passing through its two lateral edges (the screws are accessible
horizontally from the location of the removed tiles), then lift the
said framing module.
[0076] A second embodiment of the means for detachable assembly
according to the invention is illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7. For
fixing it to a perpendicular straight framing module 101, the
straight framing module 100 comprises two lateral flanges 115, 116,
extending horizontally beyond its lateral edge 103 at a distance
from the floor (that is to say from the lower surface of the module
in contact with the floor). Each flange 116, 115 thus defines a
lower receptacle 116a, 115a. It should be noted that these flanges
form an integral part of the metal profile of the module 100. The
extruded metal profile used to produce the said module comprises
initially, running on from the lateral edge 103, a single flange
extending over the entire length of the profile. This flange is
then cut out at various points corresponding to the future assembly
regions of each of the modules produced from the profile, in order
to form in particular the flanges 115 and 116 of the module 100
shown. The module 101, preferably produced from the same metal
profile, has two lateral horizontal flanges 104, 105. The means for
assembly of the module 100 and the module 101 furthermore comprise
two right-angle pieces 106, 113, each formed of two plane plates
extending in the same plane. The plate (or leg) 107 of the flat
right-angle piece 106 is intended to fit under the lateral flange
116 of the framing module 100; the plate (or leg) 108 of the said
right-angle piece is intended to fit under the lateral flange 105
of the adjacent framing module 101. The longitudinal ends 128, 129
of the lateral flanges 116, 105 are cut slantwise, at 45.degree.,
so as to be able to butt against one another when the modules are
assembled. The plate 107 of the flat right-angle piece 106 has a
vertical hole 109 for receiving a fixing screw and intended to
cooperate with a vertical hole 112 made in the flange 116 of the
module 100; the plate 108 of the said right-angle piece has a
vertical hole 110 for receiving a fixing screw and intended to
cooperate with a vertical hole 111 made in the flange 105 of the
module 101. The flat right-angle piece 106, associated with the two
above-mentioned fixing screws, makes it possible to impose the
relative orientation of the two modules 100, 101, and to connect
them rigidly to one another on a first side of the longitudinal end
of the module 101. The right-angle piece 113 produces a similar
connection on the other side of the longitudinal end of the said
module 101.
[0077] The framing module 100 is additionally connected, by one of
its longitudinal ends, to a module 130 having two opposite
horizontal lateral flanges 124, 125. The framing module 100 has two
similar flanges 127, 126, running on from the flanges 116, 123,
respectively. The means for assembly of the modules 100 and 130
furthermore comprise a first plate 119 interposed between the two
modules and fitted partly under the flange 127 of the module 100
and partly under the flange 124 of the module 130, and a second
plate 120 fitted partly under the flange 126 of the module 100 and
partly under the flange 125 of the module 130. The plate 119.
comprises two holes 121, 122 intended to cooperate, respectively,
with holes 117, 118 passing vertically through the flanges 127, 124
for receiving a fixing screw; the plate 120 likewise comprises two
holes intended to cooperate respectively with two holes (not
designated) passing through the lateral flanges 126, 125. The
plates 119, 120 and associated screws produce two rigid connections
of the modules 100 and 130 on each side, laterally, of the said
modules.
[0078] The tiles associated with such modules each comprise a
take-up sheet, made of compressed particules material for example,
the area of which corresponds to the area on the floor delimited by
the outer edges of the lateral flanges of the adjacent framing
modules. The thickness of this take-up sheet is chosen such that
the sheet is flush with the level of the upper horizontal surface
of the said flanges. A finishing sheet of greater dimensions is
laid on this take-up sheet; it rests likewise on the lateral
flanges of the adjacent framing modules so as to cover the said
flanges totally. To dismantle such a module, all that is required
is to remove the tiles which are adjacent to it (it is possible to
remove merely the finishing sheets of the said tiles . . . ),
remove the screws for fixing the said module to the flat plates and
right-angle pieces with which it is associated (the screws are
accessible vertically from the locations of the removed finishing
sheets), and lift the module.
[0079] According to a third embodiment of the means for detachable
assembly, illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9, the framing module 1
comprises, at the free longitudinal end 12 of its strip 3, a
recessed jointing structure 26, called a female jointing structure,
formed in particular of lower grooves 31 made, in the longitudinal
direction, in the web 14 of the metal profile of the said strip 3
and defining ribs 32. The said ribs 32 are traversed in the
transverse direction by a bore 27. The web 14 of the metal profile
thus has at its end 12 an alternate arrangement, in the transverse
direction, of teeth (or ribs) 32 and grooves 31, surmounted by the
decorative lamina 6, the end transverse face 6a (also called the
longitudinal end) of which runs on vertically from the end face 32a
of the teeth 32, so as to conceal the jointing structure 26.
[0080] The adjacent framing module 8 possesses a mating jointing
structure 25, called a male jointing structure, projecting, in the
transverse direction of its strip 46, from the lateral face 45 of
the said strip (or more precisely from its metal profile 47 on
which the structure 25 is welded). The jointing structure 25 has an
alternate arrangement, in the longitudinal direction of the strip
46, of ribs 30--intended to fit into the grooves 31 of the
neighbouring module 1--and of grooves 33--intended to receive the
ribs 32 of the module 1--. The ribs 30 are penetrated by a bore 28
of the same section as the bore 27 of the structure 26. The
fitting-together of the two mating structures may take place in the
longitudinal direction of the strip 3 of the module 1 (which
corresponds to the transverse direction of the strip 46 of the
module 8) if there is sufficient space in the surrounding area, or
else in the vertical direction: to this end, the structure 26 of
the strip 1 is positioned above and vertically in line with the
structure 25 of the structure 25 of the strip 8. The bores 26 and
27 are produced in such a way that they coincide to form a single
horizontal common cylindrical bore when the two jointing structures
are assembled, and when the end faces 32a and 6a, respectively of
the profile 14 and of the decorative lamina 6 of the module 1, are
butting against the face 45 of the profile 47. The said common bore
is intended to receive a rod 29, in order to securely fasten the
two structures (and therefore the two adjacent modules). A thread
is machined in any one of the ribs 30 or 32, and the rod used is a
screw (or a rod threaded over at least part of its body, for
example over a length of the order of the width of the threaded rib
30). In a variant, the bores 26 and 27 are smooth and the rod used
is a gudgeon or other pin.
[0081] According to a fourth embodiment of the means for detachable
assembly according to the invention, illustrated in FIG. 10, the
module 1bis has, at the longitudinal end 12bis of one of its
strips, a recessed jointing structure 34, called a female
structure, comprising a vertical mortice 37 (or vertical bore) made
in a thickness of its metal profile 18 and set back, in the
longitudinal direction, from the end faces 6a and 18a,
respectively, of the decorative lamina and of the metal profile of
the said strip. The mortice is intended to receive a tenon 36 of a
male jointing structure 35 projecting in the transverse direction
from the strip 46bis of the adjacent framing module 8bis
(projecting structure). The tenon 36 is formed at a distance from
the lateral face 45bis of the said strip 46bis which is adapted so
that the end faces 6a and 18a of the module 1bis are butting
against the said face 45bis when the jointing structures are fitted
together. In a variant, the tenon is formed at a distance from the
lateral face 45bis which is adapted so that there is a clearance
between the faces 6a, 18a and 45bis which facilitates the fitting
together of the structures 34 and 35, the said clearance being
chosen to be minimal and preferably less than 0.5 mm. The mortice
37 is preferably equipped with shoulders 39 on which mating
shoulders 38 of the tenon 36 are intended to rest. The shoulders 38
and 39 prevent any vertical relative displacement of the jointing
structures once the latter are fitted into one another. The fitting
together of the structures 34 and 35 takes place vertically by
positioning the end 12bis of the module 1bis above and facing the
jointing structure 35 of the module 8bis, and by inserting the
tenon 36 into the mortice 37. Given the shape of the tenon 36 and
mortice 37 defining a head 61 of the tenon and a mating head 60 of
the mortice, the person who installs the floor covering has to
exert a certain pressure on the end 12bis of the module 1bis to
enable the fitting together, by tapping on the said end using his
foot or any suitable object (small mass for example). Moreover, it
is preferable for at least one of the jointing structures,
preferably the tenon 36, to be designed in a slightly flexible and
elastic material to facilitate the fitting together of the
structures and guarantee the effectiveness of the locking means
(shoulders 38 and 39). It should be noted that jointing structures
made of aluminium (in the case of profiles 18 and 47bis made of
aluminium) are in accordance with the invention. It should be noted
that such a framing module can be removed without the need to
remove an adjacent tile.
[0082] In these (third and fourth) embodiments with jointing
structures, each framing module comprises only jointing structures
of the same type, that is to say either male (projecting and/or
with a tenon) or female (recessed and/or with a mortice), whether
it is a matter of lateral jointing structures or end jointing
structures (at the longitudinal ends). To dismantle a framing
module having only female structures, all that is required is to
lift the said module in order to uncouple its jointing structures
from the mating jointing structures of the adjacent modules (it is
not necessary to manipulate the said adjacent modules), after first
removing, where appropriate, the adjacent tiles and the rods for
locking the said jointing structures. To dismantle a framing module
having only male structures, it is advisable first to dismantle the
modules (with female jointing structures) which are adjacent to
it.
[0083] The floor covering according to the invention can be laid on
any floor: concrete flooring, screed, wooden flooring, etc. It is
not necessary for the floor to be perfectly smooth. A rough or
uneven flooring can be covered with the covering according to the
invention, provided that the height does not exceed 5 mm over 2
m.
[0084] FIG. 11 illustrates another embodiment of the invention
comprising framing modules 40 with four strips forming a peripheral
frame of a tile 41. Such modules are each associated with at least
four assembly elements (not shown) for connecting them to four
adjacent modules. Each decorative lamina has a mitre at each of its
ends for joining it to the neighbouring orthogonal lamina. In a
variant, it has straight ends.
[0085] It goes without saying that the invention may have numerous
variants from the embodiments described above and shown in the
figures.
[0086] In particular, the framing modules may have a different
shape from those described and illustrated, provided that this
shape and/or the assembly means allow them to be positioned in a
simple and systematic manner with respect to one another, without,
in particular, having to measure a distance or a relative angle,
and allow the construction of a rigid grid for receiving the
tiles.
[0087] Moreover, the tiles may be of any geometrical shape, and in
particular polygonal. In the case of hexagonal tiles, each framing
module comprises, for example, five strips, four of which are of
the same length, two strips of the same length being fixed to each
longitudinal end of the fifth strip so as to form angles of
120.degree. between them and with the said fifth strip. In a
variant, octagonal tiles may be associated with square tiles to
form a covering according to the invention. The corresponding
framing modules are, for example, formed of 2 symmetrical portions
defining, with respect to one another, on one of their lateral
faces, a right angle corresponding to a vertex of a square tile,
and each defining, on their other lateral face two angles
corresponding to two consecutive vertices of an octagonal tile. A
floor covering with round tiles, etc. may also be envisaged. It
should be noted, however, that such coverings are of higher cost
than those with square or rectangular tiles, since, for the
production of a framing module, they require a greater number of
operations for cutting and/or welding profiles and decorative
laminas.
* * * * *