U.S. patent application number 11/918035 was filed with the patent office on 2009-02-26 for modular floor covering with framed tiles with individual demounting of the framing modules.
Invention is credited to Jean-Pierre Grau.
Application Number | 20090049796 11/918035 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 35266822 |
Filed Date | 2009-02-26 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090049796 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Grau; Jean-Pierre |
February 26, 2009 |
Modular Floor Covering With Framed Tiles With Individual Demounting
of the Framing Modules
Abstract
A modular floor covering includes tiles, and at least one series
of framing modules (2) and elements for the detachable connection
of the framing modules (2) to one another and/or to an underlayer
which has been laid on the floor. The elements are of the type that
permits individual demounting of each framing module (2) by
displacement of the framing module (2) vertically in relation to
the floor, without demounting either the adjacent framing modules
or the adjacent tiles (1).
Inventors: |
Grau; Jean-Pierre; (Lissac,
FR) |
Correspondence
Address: |
YOUNG & THOMPSON
209 Madison Street, Suite 500
ALEXANDRIA
VA
22314
US
|
Family ID: |
35266822 |
Appl. No.: |
11/918035 |
Filed: |
April 6, 2006 |
PCT Filed: |
April 6, 2006 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/FR2006/000756 |
371 Date: |
October 9, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60670286 |
Apr 12, 2005 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
52/762 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04F 2201/08 20130101;
E04F 2201/0138 20130101; E04F 15/18 20130101; E04F 15/105 20130101;
E04F 15/06 20130101; E04F 2201/06 20130101; E04F 2201/05 20130101;
E04F 2201/095 20130101; E04F 15/041 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
52/762 |
International
Class: |
E04B 5/23 20060101
E04B005/23 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Apr 6, 2005 |
FR |
0503433 |
Claims
1-18. (canceled)
19. A modular floor covering comprising: tiles; at least one series
of framing modules which are adapted to be capable of being
positioned and connected in relation to one another so as to form a
flat lattice for framing the said tiles which has frame spaces of
dimensions which are at least substantially identical to those of
the tiles, the said framing modules being rigid at least in the
plane of the said lattice; means for detachable connection of the
framing modules to one another and/or to an underlayer which is
laid on the floor; wherein the means for detachable connection are
adapted to bring about relative immobilisation of each framing
module in relation to the associated connecting means and/or to the
underlayer, at least in one longitudinal direction of the framing
module, the said relative immobilisation being brought about by
vertical displacement, in relation to the floor, of the said
framing module at the time of connection; the means for detachable
connection are of the type that permits individual demounting of
each framing module by displacement of the said framing module
vertically in relation to the floor, without demounting either the
adjacent framing modules or the adjacent tiles.
20. A covering as claimed in claim 19; wherein the said means for
detachable connection comprise, for each pair of adjacent framing
modules which are connected to one another at a connecting point,
at least one rigid connecting element made up of at least two
connecting branches, at least one being adapted to fit into a
corresponding receiving housing in one, the first, of the framing
modules extending from the connecting point, at least one other
connecting branch of the said rigid connecting element being
adapted to fit into a corresponding receiving housing in the other,
the second, of the framing modules extending from the connecting
point; and in which, for each connecting element, at least one
connecting branch is adapted to fit vertically into a lower
receiving housing in the corresponding framing module, wherein, for
each connecting element, at least one connecting branch, which is
referred to as an "end branch" and is intended to be fitted
vertically into a lower receiving housing, which is referred to as
an "end housing" and is situated at a longitudinal end of a framing
module, and the said end housing have paired shapes which are
adapted to bring about, when the end branch is fitted into the end
housing, relative immobilisation of the connecting element in
relation to the framing module, at least in one longitudinal
horizontal direction of the end branch.
21. A covering as claimed in claim 20, wherein the said means for
detachable connection are adapted so that the said longitudinal
horizontal direction of the said end branch corresponds to a
longitudinal direction of the framing module.
22. A covering as claimed in claim 20, wherein the connecting
branches of each connecting element and the corresponding housings
for receiving the said connecting branches have paired shapes and
dimensions which are adapted to bring about relative immobilisation
of the connecting element in relation to each of the framing
modules connected by the said connecting element in any horizontal
direction.
23. A covering as claimed in claim 20, wherein the said paired
shapes which bring about longitudinal horizontal immobilisation
comprise vertical lateral faces which have shapes of regular
surfaces with a vertical axis which are not entirely flat.
24. A covering as claimed in claim 20, wherein said covering
comprises, for at least one connecting branch which is intended to
be fitted vertically into a lower receiving housing, means for
relative vertical automatic holding which are adapted: to bring
about relative holding of the connecting branch in relation to the
receiving housing in the vertical direction, merely by reason of
the putting in place and relative connection of the framing modules
and/or the laying of the floor covering; but to allow manual
relative demounting, solely under the effect of displacement in the
vertical direction, of the connecting branch in relation to the
receiving housing.
25. A covering as claimed in claim 24, wherein the means for
vertical automatic holding are chosen from among the following:
means for magnetic fixing having permanent magnets; means for
reversible high-speed fixing of the hook-and-loop type; bonding
means; means for automatic mechanical locking.
26. A covering as claimed in claim 25, wherein, for at least one
connecting branch which is intended to be fitted vertically into a
lower receiving housing, the means for vertical automatic holding
comprise means for the relative vertical automatic mechanical
locking of at least one vertical lateral inner face of the lower
receiving housing in relation to the connecting branch, the said
means for relative vertical automatic mechanical locking being
adapted to be automatically brought into the active locking
position merely by reason of the putting in place and relative
connection of the framing modules and/or the laying of the floor
covering, and to be capable of being unlocked manually by simple
displacement in the vertical direction of the framing module.
27. A covering as claimed in claim 26, wherein the means for
relative vertical automatic mechanical locking are locking means
with an elastic locking component or components.
28. A covering as claimed in claim 26, wherein at least one lower
housing for receiving a connecting branch of this kind belonging to
a rigid connecting element, which branch is intended to be fitted
vertically into the said lower receiving housing, is delimited by a
vertical lateral inner face formed by a lateral edge wall of the
corresponding framing module, and wherein the said means for
relative vertical automatic mechanical locking are adapted to lock
the said vertical lateral inner face of the lower receiving housing
in relation to the connecting branch.
29. A covering as claimed in claim 26, wherein the elastic locking
components are of the type having paired embossed
portions--especially a paired horizontal rib and groove (or paired
horizontal ribs and grooves)--which cooperate elastically with one
another.
30. A covering as claimed in claim 20, wherein each rigid
connecting element is made up of a piece made of moulded synthetic
material.
31. A covering as claimed in claim 20, wherein said covering
comprises a single series of framing modules in the general shape
of identical straight strips which are connected in twos at right
angles, and wherein, for each pair of framing modules which are
connected to one another, the longitudinal end of a first framing
module is connected laterally in the median part of a second
framing module, the longitudinal end of the first framing module
having, on each side, a lower housing for receiving an end branch,
the said lower receiving housings and end branches extending
parallel to the longitudinal direction of the first framing module
and orthogonally to that of the second framing module, each end
branch extending in a manner projecting outwards in the transverse
direction in relation to the lateral edge wall of the second
framing module.
32. A covering as claimed in claim 20, wherein each lower housing
for receiving a connecting branch which is intended to be fitted
vertically into the said receiving housing extends mainly in a
longitudinal direction of the strip of the framing module in which
the said lower receiving housing is provided.
33. A covering as claimed in claim 20, wherein at least one rigid
connecting element comprises two orthogonal connecting branches,
the two lower housings for receiving the said two connecting
branches being each delimited by a vertical inner face formed by a
lateral edge wall of the corresponding framing module.
34. A covering as claimed in claim 20, wherein the said means for
relative vertical automatic holding are adapted to bring about the
relative fixing of an upper face of the connecting branch in
relation to an opposite upper inner face of the receiving
housing.
35. A covering as claimed in claim 19, wherein said covering
comprises means for the detachable connection of each framing
module to an underlayer which has been laid on the floor, and
wherein the said means for detachable connection comprise at least
one longitudinal beading strip which is integral with the framing
module or the said underlayer, the said beading strip being adapted
to be capable of being inserted vertically in a paired groove
provided in a recessed manner in said underlayer or in said framing
module respectively, the shapes and dimensions of the beading strip
in relation to the paired groove being adapted so that the framing
module is held rigidly in position longitudinally and vertically in
relation to the underlayer when the beading strip is inserted in
the groove, but so that said beading strip can be extracted from
the groove by simple vertical displacement solely of the framing
module in relation to the underlayer.
36. A covering as claimed in claim 35, wherein the underlayer is
made up of a paving of underlayer tiles joined in twos along their
adjacent edges that have a non-rectilinear contour, the shapes and
dimensions of the underlayer tiles being adapted so that their
joining edges extend under the said framing modules.
37. A covering as claimed in claim 21, wherein the connecting
branches of each connecting element and the corresponding housings
for receiving the said connecting branches have paired shapes and
dimensions which are adapted to bring about relative immobilisation
of the connecting element in relation to each of the framing
modules connected by the said connecting element in any horizontal
direction.
38. A covering as claimed in claim 27, wherein at least one lower
housing for receiving a connecting branch of this kind belonging to
a rigid connecting element, which branch is intended to be fitted
vertically into the said lower receiving housing, is delimited by a
vertical lateral inner face formed by a lateral edge wall of the
corresponding framing module, and wherein the said means for
relative vertical automatic mechanical locking are adapted to lock
the said vertical lateral inner face of the lower receiving housing
in relation to the connecting branch.
Description
[0001] The invention relates to a modular floor covering with tiles
and visible modules for framing the said tiles, the said framing
modules contributing to the aesthetic appearance of the
covering.
[0002] WO-03060256 describes a modular floor covering with framed
tiles which makes it possible to combine framing modules of various
types, such as slats made of wood or of stratified material or even
metal slats, and tiles of all types--such as floor tiles made of
terracotta, ceramics, etc.--or tiles made of moquette or other
synthetic material such as PVC, or tiles made of natural fibres
(coconut, sisal, rattan, etc.), or even tiles made of glass.
[0003] The floor covering described in this document includes means
for the detachable connection of the framing modules to one
another, which means are adapted to impose a relative orientation
of the said framing modules and connect them rigidly, at least
within the plane of the framing lattice formed by the said framing
modules, and to make it possible, once the floor covering has been
laid, to remove any one of the framing modules by handling only the
said framing module and/or only the tiles and/or modules adjacent
to it. In particular, the connecting means may be adapted to make
it possible, once the covering has been laid, to separate a first
framing module from the framing modules which are adjacent to it by
displacement of the said first module in a vertical direction.
However, it is first necessary to take out the facing tiles in
order to be able to gain access to the screws for fitting the
squares.
[0004] A known floor covering of this kind enables anyone to make
up a unique floor covering, which is personalised according to his
tastes, from elements which have been manufactured and marketed on
an industrial scale. It makes it possible to use known tiles of
standard dimensions, shapes and materials. It is ready to lay, and
laying it is simple, rapid and automatic and does not require any
sealing material of the glue or cement type, nor any tool, apart
from a screwdriver and a saw with a view to cutting to the required
dimensions an element which is intended to be laid at the border of
a wall. Its maintenance and repair are simple and can be carried
out by someone without any special ability or competence. It
likewise allows subsequent aesthetic modifications to the covering
by someone without any special ability or competence, at will and
according to the way in which fashions or individual tastes
evolve.
[0005] Moreover, this known floor covering can be manufactured on
an industrial scale and at cost prices which are relatively low and
compatible with marketing to the general public.
[0006] Yet within the various variants of embodiment of a known
floor covering of this kind which are described by WO-03060256, it
is necessary, as regards the connecting means, to provide a
relatively large number of different parts and/or a relatively
large number of machinings, a fact which puts a strain on the cost
price of the said floor covering. Moreover, the putting of the
floor covering in place still requires the use of tools for
connecting the farming modules to one another. Moreover, the
demounting of each framing module necessitates interfering with the
adjacent facing tiles and/or the adjacent framing modules.
[0007] The general object of the invention is therefore to propose
a floor covering such as has been mentioned above, but in which the
means for connecting the framing modules to one another are
improved, both in terms of cost price and of ease and speed of use,
while at the same time obtaining high-quality, rigid connection
which especially prevents any relative movement of the framing
modules in relation to one another.
[0008] The object of the invention is, more particularly, to
propose a floor covering of this kind which can be produced with
the aid of framing modules which are all identical and can be
manufactured from standard elements, which are available on the
market in large quantities and at low prices, by means of the
lowest possible number of machinings.
[0009] The object of the invention is also to propose a floor
covering of this kind in which the demounting of one or more
framing modules can likewise be carried out rapidly without a tool,
in an extremely simple manner and without the risk of mistakes, by
any non-specialised person.
[0010] Throughout what follows, the various pieces making up the
covering according to the invention will be described as laid on
the floor, in an absolute frame of reference defined by the floor
and a direction orthogonal to the said floor, which is referred to
as the "vertical direction". A horizontal element or plane is an
element or plane which is at least substantially parallel to the
floor once the covering has been laid.
[0011] A "branch" designates an element having a main dimension, in
the horizontal plane, which is very much greater than the others
and which defines a longitudinal direction of the branch. This
longitudinal direction may be straight or curved; the lateral faces
or lateral edges of the branch may equally well be straight or
curved or winding or broken up or indented, etc. At any point on
the branch, it is possible to define a direction, transverse to the
said branch, which is orthogonal to the longitudinal and vertical
directions at the said point. A "lateral element" of a branch is an
element which extends mainly in a plane orthogonal to its
transverse direction.
[0012] The invention relates to a modular floor covering
comprising:
[0013] tiles;
[0014] at least one series of framing modules which are adapted to
be capable of being positioned and connected in relation to one
another so as to form a flat lattice for framing the said tiles
which has frame spaces of dimensions which are at least
substantially identical to those of the tiles;
[0015] means for the detachable connection of the framing modules
to one another and/or to an underlayer which is laid on the
floor,
[0016] wherein the means for detachable connection are of the type
that permits individual demounting of each framing module by
displacement of the said framing module vertically in relation to
the floor, without demounting either the adjacent framing modules
or the adjacent tiles.
[0017] According to a first variant, the invention relates to a
modular floor covering comprising:
[0018] tiles;
[0019] at least one series of framing modules which are adapted to
be capable of being positioned and connected in relation to one
another so as to form a flat lattice for framing the said tiles
which has frame spaces of dimensions which are at least
substantially identical to those of the tiles;
[0020] means for the detachable connection of the framing modules
to one another which comprise, for each pair of adjacent framing
modules which are connected to one another at a connecting point,
at least one rigid connecting element made up of at least two
connecting branches, at least one being adapted to fit into a
corresponding receiving housing in one, the first, of the framing
modules extending from the connecting point, at least one other
connecting branch on the said rigid connecting element being
adapted to fit into a corresponding receiving housing in the other,
the second, of the framing modules extending from the connecting
point; and in which, for each connecting element, at least one
connecting branch is adapted to fit vertically into a lower
receiving housing in the corresponding framing module,
[0021] wherein, for each connecting element, at least one
connecting branch, which is referred to as an "end branch" and is
intended to be fitted vertically into a lower receiving housing,
which is referred to as an "end housing" and is situated at a
longitudinal end of a framing module, and the said end housing have
paired shapes which are adapted to bring about, when the end branch
is fitted into the end housing, relative immobilisation of the
connecting element in relation to the framing module, at least in
one longitudinal horizontal direction of the end branch.
[0022] The floor covering according to the invention therefore
comprises, in this first variant, tiles, framing modules and rigid
connecting elements. As a result of the invention, the simple
putting of the end branch in place in the corresponding receiving
housing gives rise to relative immobilisation in the longitudinal
horizontal direction, and therefore to the holding of the framing
module in relation to the connecting element in the said
longitudinal horizontal direction.
[0023] Advantageously and in accordance with the invention, the
said means for detachable connection are adapted so that the said
longitudinal horizontal direction of the said end branch (the
shapes of which are paired with those of the corresponding end
housing and adapted so as to bring about longitudinal horizontal
immobilisation) corresponds to a longitudinal direction of the
framing module. Moreover, advantageously and in accordance with the
invention, the connecting branches of each connecting element and
the corresponding housings for receiving the said connecting
branches have paired shapes and dimensions which are adapted to
bring about relative immobilisation of the connecting element in
relation to each of the framing modules connected by the said
connecting element in any horizontal direction, that is to say in
the horizontal plane.
[0024] Advantageously and in accordance with the invention, the
said paired shapes (of the end branch and of the corresponding end
housing) which bring about longitudinal horizontal immobilisation
comprise vertical lateral faces which have shapes of regular
surfaces with a vertical axis which are not entirely flat. In
particular, the vertical lateral faces of the end branch and of the
end housing are not entirely flat parallel to the longitudinal
direction of the framing module, so that they bring about relative
mechanical immobilisation of the end branch in relation to the end
housing in the longitudinal direction of the framing module.
[0025] Furthermore, in accordance with another important aspect of
the invention, a covering according to the invention comprises, for
at least one connecting branch--especially an end branch--which is
intended to be fitted vertically into a lower receiving
housing--especially an end housing
[0026] means for relative vertical automatic holding which are
adapted:
[0027] to bring about relative holding of the connecting branch in
position in relation to the receiving housing in the vertical
direction, merely by reason of the putting in place and relative
connection of the framing modules and/or the laying of the floor
covering;
[0028] but to allow manual relative demounting, solely under the
effect of a displacement in the vertical direction, of the
connecting branch in relation to the receiving housing.
[0029] Advantageously and in accordance with the invention, the
said means for vertical automatic holding are chosen from among the
following: means for magnetic fixing having permanent magnets;
means for reversible high-speed fixing of the hook-and-loop
(Velcro.RTM.) type; bonding means--especially of the double-sided
adhesive type, whether repositionable or not; means for automatic
mechanical locking. More particularly, advantageously and in
accordance with the invention, for at least one such connecting
branch which is intended to be fitted vertically into a lower
receiving housing, the means for vertical automatic holding
comprise means for the relative vertical automatic mechanical
locking of at least one vertical lateral inner face of the lower
receiving housing in relation to the connecting branch, the said
means for relative vertical automatic mechanical locking being
adapted to be automatically brought into the active locking
position merely by reason of the putting in place and relative
connection of the framing modules and/or the laying of the floor
covering, and to be capable of being unlocked manually by simple
displacement of the framing module in the vertical direction
(without demounting or displacement of the adjacent framing modules
or of the adjacent tiles).
[0030] Thus, in a floor covering according to this first variant of
the invention, the connection of the framing modules to one another
is, at the same time, extremely simple and rapid, since all that is
required is to fit each connecting branch into the corresponding
receiving housing, and also extremely efficient and reliable as a
result, on the one hand, of the horizontal immobilisation resulting
from the said paired shapes of the connecting branches and
corresponding receiving housings and, on the other hand, of the
means for automatic holding--especially locking--, the whole
arrangement holding the various framing modules in position in
relation to one another after connection, without the possibility
of relative movement. And the connection has great rigidity,
especially as a result of each connecting branch having shapes and
dimensions which are perfectly matched, apart from clearance, to
those of the receiving housing into which it is fitted. Likewise,
in a covering according to the invention, the means for the
detachable connection of the framing modules to one another may be
produced in a very simple, inexpensive manner while at the same
time obtaining connection which is rigid, reliable, simple and
rapid to implement.
[0031] Moreover, it is possible to remove any one of the modules in
an extremely simple and rapid manner, manually and without a tool,
without having to demount or even handle another module, including
the modules which are adjacent to it (and to which it is directly
connected), and even without having to demount the adjacent
tile(s). It is thus possible to replace a framing module which has
been damaged or is of outmoded aesthetic appearance, by demounting
only the said framing module and without having to demount the rest
of the covering, in particular without having to demount the latter
completely.
[0032] The said means of vertical automatic holding--especially
locking--may be produced in any forms which make it possible to
activate them in a holding--especially locking--position when faces
on the lower receiving housing and on the connecting branch,
respectively, are brought into contact with, and opposite, one
another.
[0033] Advantageously and in accordance with the invention, the
means for relative vertical automatic locking are locking means
with an elastic locking component or components. These elastic
locking components are adapted to be brought into engagement
automatically merely when the framing module is put in place, that
is to say when each connecting branch is inserted in the
corresponding receiving housing.
[0034] Advantageously and in accordance with the invention, a lower
receiving housing for a connecting branch of this kind belonging to
a rigid connecting element, which branch is intended to be fitted
vertically into the said lower receiving housing, is delimited by a
vertical lateral inner face formed by a lateral edge wall of the
corresponding framing module, and the said means for relative
vertical automatic locking are adapted to lock the said vertical
lateral inner face of the lower receiving housing in relation to
the connecting branch.
[0035] Advantageously and in accordance with the invention, the
elastic locking components are of the type having paired embossed
portions--especially a paired horizontal rib and groove (or paired
horizontal ribs and grooves)--which cooperate elastically with one
another. The paired embossed portions may have any shapes which are
suitable for bringing about relative vertical locking by elastic
engagement and for allowing unlocking solely under the effect of
vertical displacement and as a result of elastic deformation. In
one advantageous mode of embodiment, the said elastic locking
components comprise at least one series of horizontal ribs which
are integral with a vertical face of the connecting branch, and one
series of horizontal grooves which are integral with the
corresponding vertical face of the corresponding lower receiving
housing. As a variant, ribs may be provided which are integral with
the vertical faces of the receiving housing, while ribs are
provided on the vertical phase of the connecting branch. The paired
embossed portions may thus also form, at the same time, successive
horizontal ribs and grooves. It is also possible to provide, for
example, a single horizontal rib which is integral with a vertical
face, the connecting branch cooperating with a single horizontal
rib which is integral with the corresponding opposite vertical
phase of the vertical face of the receiving housing. In order to
permit their elastic relative cooperation, the paired embossed
portions may themselves be elastic in flexion, that is to say
capable of deforming in flexion in order to enable them to pass
opposite each other when relative vertical locking or unlocking
displacement occurs. As a variant or a combination, at least one of
the opposed vertical faces may be elastically deformable, at least
partially, in order to allow transverse displacement which enables
the paired embossed portions to pass opposite each other. For
example, the connecting branch may be provided with a central
aperture which allows flexion of its lateral vertical face that
carries the embossed locking portions.
[0036] A covering according to the invention is, moreover,
advantageously characterised in that each rigid connecting element
is made up of a piece made of moulded synthetic material. The
manufacture of moulded rigid connecting elements of this kind is
simple and inexpensive.
[0037] The said paired shapes which make it possible to bring about
horizontal immobilisation may be made up, for example, of at least
one shoulder which is formed between a portion of greater width,
which extends in a laterally projecting manner over a vertical
lateral face, and a portion of lesser width on a connecting branch,
the said shoulder being adapted to bear against a paired shoulder
formed between a clearance of greater width in the receiving
housing and a portion of lesser width on said receiving
housing.
[0038] Furthermore, a covering according to the invention is also
advantageously characterised in that it comprises a single series
of framing modules in the general shape of identical straight
strips which are connected in twos at right angles, and in that,
for each pair of framing modules which are connected to one
another, the longitudinal end of a first framing module is
connected laterally in the median part of a second framing module,
the longitudinal end of the first framing module having, on each
side, a lower housing for receiving an end branch, the said lower
receiving housings and end branches extending parallel to the
longitudinal direction of the first framing module and orthogonally
to that of the second framing module, each end branch of the first
framing module extending in a manner projecting outwards in the
transverse direction in relation to the lateral edge wall of the
second framing module. This results in a covering which is
extremely inexpensive to manufacture, especially because all the
modules are identical, and is extremely simple to lay, since all
the modules are connected in twos in an identical manner by a
single manoeuvre of relative engagement.
[0039] Advantageously and in accordance with the invention, each
lower housing for receiving a connecting branch which is intended
to be fitted vertically into the said receiving housing extends
mainly in a longitudinal direction of the strip of the framing
module in which the said lower receiving housing is provided.
[0040] More particularly, at least one rigid connecting element
comprises, advantageously and in accordance with the invention, two
orthogonal connecting branches, the two lower housings for
receiving the said two connecting branches each being delimited by
a vertical inner face formed by a lateral edge wall of the
corresponding framing module.
[0041] Advantageously and in accordance with the invention, the
floor covering comprises square facing tiles, with a size which is
at least substantially equal to 50 cm or 40 cm or 30 cm (standard
tiles). The framing modules comprise one or more strips each having
a width (dimension in the transverse direction) which is at least
substantially constant and is between 1 cm and 25 cm, preferably
between 5 cm and 15 cm, and is, for example, substantially equal to
12.5 cm. Each tile and each framing module have a thickness in the
vertical direction which is at least substantially constant and is
between 10 and 25 mm, preferably between 15 and 20 mm.
[0042] Advantageously and in accordance with the invention, each
framing module comprises a main core and, added on along each side
of the said core, a rigid edge section forming the edge of the
framing module. An added-on edge section of this kind makes it
possible to produce the housings for receiving the connecting
branches easily, and that just as much with framing modules made up
of a core of solid material as for framing modules having a core
made up of a metal section. It also makes it possible to form the
lateral longitudinal upper arrises of the framing modules from
wear-resistant material, and to personalise the aesthetic
appearance of the edges of the framing modules in a simple and
economical manner.
[0043] Advantageously and in accordance with the invention, each
edge section is preferably made up of a material which is chosen
from among the following: metallic materials, synthetic materials
and wood. The main core is also made up, advantageously and in
accordance with the invention, of a material which is chosen from
among the following: metallic materials, synthetic materials,
composite materials and wood. Among the synthetic materials which
may advantageously be used, mention may be made, in particular, of
PVC. The edge sections are preferably pieces which are derived from
extrusion. The core may also be a profiled piece which is derived
from extrusion, or a solid piece made, for example, of fibre-based
and/or wood-based composite.
[0044] In order to install a floor covering according to the first
variant of the invention, the framing modules are juxtaposed with,
and connected to, one another in such a way as to produce a rigid
lattice for the visible framing of tiles which defines frame spaces
for receiving the said tiles. In particular, on each framing module
affixed, rigid connecting elements are fitted beforehand by
inserting a first branch of each connecting element in the
corresponding receiving housing provided in the median part and/or
at the longitudinal end of the framing module.
[0045] The invention thus extends to a method of laying a floor
covering according to the invention. The invention therefore
relates to a method which is characterised in that the various
framing modules are put in place and connected in relation to one
another by fitting each rigid connecting branch which is integral
with a framing module into the receiving housing in another
adjacent framing module, by which means relative immobilisation of
the connecting element in relation to the framing module in which
the said receiving housing is provided, is brought about, at least
in one longitudinal horizontal direction of the connecting branch.
Moreover, the said means for relative vertical automatic
holding--especially locking--are automatically brought into the
active position of relative vertical automatic holding--especially
locking.
[0046] Advantageously and in accordance with the invention:
[0047] each framing module to be laid is equipped beforehand with
all the elements for connecting the said framing module to the
other adjacent framing modules which are to be laid subsequently,
with the exception of the elements for connecting the said framing
module to be laid to each adjacent framing module which has been
laid on the floor beforehand, already equipped with its connecting
elements;
[0048] each framing module is put in place and connected by
engaging the receiving housings in the said framing module over the
connecting branches which have been connected beforehand to each
adjacent framing module which has been laid on the floor
beforehand, by which means each connecting branch is immobilised
horizontally in relation to the corresponding receiving housing. In
this variant, fitting is carried out by vertical displacement
solely of the framing module to be put in place, in relation to the
other framing modules which have already been laid beforehand.
[0049] As a variant, each framing module is, advantageously and in
accordance with the invention, equipped beforehand in its median
part and on each side with rigid connecting elements, in such a way
that each of the said rigid connecting elements has a connecting
branch projecting outwards in the transverse direction in relation
to the lateral edge wall of the framing module, the said connecting
branch being capable of being fitted into a receiving housing in
the longitudinal end of another adjacent framing module when the
latter is laid.
[0050] In a second variant, the invention relates to a modular
floor covering comprising:
[0051] facing tiles;
[0052] at least one series of framing modules which are adapted to
be capable of being positioned and connected in relation to one
another so as to form a flat lattice for framing the said facing
tiles which has frame spaces of dimensions which are at least
substantially identical to those of the facing tiles;
[0053] wherein said floor covering comprises means for the
detachable connection of each framing module to an underlayer which
has been laid on the floor, and in that the said means for
detachable connection comprise at least one longitudinal beading
strip which is integral with the framing module or the said
underlayer, the said beading strip being adapted to be capable of
being inserted vertically in a paired groove provided in a recessed
manner in said underlayer or in said framing module respectively,
the shapes and dimensions of the beading strip in relation to the
paired groove being adapted so that the framing module is held
rigidly in position longitudinally and vertically in relation to
the underlayer when the beading strip is inserted in the groove,
but so that said beading strip can be extracted from the groove by
simple vertical displacement solely of the framing module in
relation to the underlayer.
[0054] Advantageously and in accordance with the invention, the
underlayer is made up of a paving of underlayer tiles joined in
twos along their adjacent edges that have a non-rectilinear
contour, the shapes and dimensions of the underlayer tiles being
adapted so that their joining edges extend under the said framing
modules. The connection of the framing modules thus makes it
possible to lock the underlayer tiles in place. In particular,
advantageously and in accordance with the invention, since each
framing module straddles the joining edges of at least two adjacent
underlayer tiles, the said means for the detachable connection of
the said framing module comprise at least two paired beading strips
and grooves, one for each of the said adjacent underlayer tiles,
for connecting the said framing module to each of the said
underlayer tiles. For this reason, in particular, the covering
according to the invention is compatible for laying on a floor
which is irregular to a greater or lesser extent, the underlayer
tiles being held in position in relation to one another via framing
modules which thus prevent relative movements of said tiles,
especially in the vertical direction. It should also be noted that
the beading strips engaged in the grooves can be adapted to bring
about relative immobilisation in the longitudinal direction of the
framing modules, and not merely holding in the vertical
direction.
[0055] According to one particularly advantageous mode of
embodiment, the adjacent underlayer tiles have indented joining
edges. The facing tiles of the covering which form its free upper
surface and are framed by the framing modules may be integral with
the underlayer tiles, or made up of a single piece with the latter,
or bonded to the latter. As a variant, the facing tiles are simply
laid on the underlayer tiles, between the framing modules which are
connected onto said underlayer tiles by the longitudinal beading
strips.
[0056] In any case, in a covering according to the invention (and
this is the case in both variants), the means for connecting the
framing modules are devoid of screws, nuts, bolts and rivets, and
the connecting method can be carried out manually without a tool.
The same applies to the demounting of a framing module. The means
for connecting a covering according to the invention are adapted to
make it possible, once the covering has been laid, to separate a
single framing module from the framing modules which are adjacent
to it, optionally after manually separating--especially
unlocking--the means for automatically holding--especially
locking--each connecting branch in relation to the corresponding
receiving housing. It should be noted, in this regard, that the
demounting of a framing module is carried out by relative
displacement of said framing module solely in the vertical
direction, so as to separate and take out each connecting branch
which has been fitted in vertically, from the corresponding
receiving housing in the said framing module. No other relative
displacement is necessary in order to carry out demounting. In
other words, demounting results solely from relative displacement
solely in the vertical direction of the framing module. In
particular, it is not necessary to demount or displace either the
adjacent framing modules or even the adjacent facing tiles. For
example, the framing module can be extracted vertically with the
aid of ordinary suction cups.
[0057] Furthermore, in the different variants of the invention, the
means for the detachable connection of each framing module are
adapted to bring about longitudinal horizontal relative
immobilisation of the said framing module merely under the effect
of vertical displacement, in relation to the floor, of the said
framing module when it is connected.
[0058] The invention also relates to a floor covering and a method
of laying the said covering, which are characterised in combination
by all or some of the features mentioned hereinabove and
hereinbelow.
[0059] Other aims, features and advantages of the invention will
become apparent on reading the following description which refers
to the appended drawings representing preferred modes of embodiment
of the invention which are given solely by way of non-limitative
examples, in which drawings:
[0060] FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic view from above of part of a floor
covering according to the first variant of the invention, during
the connecting of the framing modules in accordance with a first
mode of embodiment of the connecting elements;
[0061] FIG. 2 is a diagrammatic view in perspective illustrating
two framing modules with a solid core, belonging to a covering
according to the first mode of embodiment of the invention, during
connection;
[0062] FIG. 3 is an exploded diagrammatic view in perspective of a
framing module with a solid core, belonging to a covering according
to the first mode of embodiment of the invention;
[0063] FIGS. 4 and 5 are views, which are similar to FIGS. 2 and 3
respectively, of a floor covering which is in accordance with the
first mode of embodiment of the invention but has framing modules
with a profiled core;
[0064] FIG. 6 is a diagrammatic view in section along the line
VI-VI in FIG. 8;
[0065] FIG. 7 is a diagrammatic view in section along the line
VII-VII in FIG. 8;
[0066] FIG. 8 is a diagrammatic view in section along a horizontal
plane VIII-VIII, illustrating the fitting of a connecting element
according to the first mode of embodiment of the first variant of
the invention, having framing modules with a solid core;
[0067] FIGS. 9 and 10 are diagrammatic views in perspective
illustrating a connecting element according to a second mode of
embodiment of the first variant of the invention;
[0068] FIG. 11 is a diagrammatic view from below of a framing
module according to the second mode of embodiment of the
invention;
[0069] FIG. 12 is a view in transverse section of the framing
module in FIG. 11;
[0070] FIG. 13 is a diagrammatic view in perspective of a portion
of floor covering according to a third mode of embodiment
corresponding to the second variant of the invention, during
fitting;
[0071] FIG. 14 is a diagrammatic three-quarter view in perspective
from below of a framing module according to the third mode of
embodiment of the invention; and
[0072] FIG. 15 is a diagrammatic view, in transverse vertical
section, of a framing module according to the third mode of
embodiment of the invention.
[0073] The floor covering according to the invention comprises
facing tiles 1, framing modules 2 and, in the first variant of the
invention, rigid, detachable-connection elements 3, 83 which permit
the detachable rigid connection of the framing modules to one
another, so as to form a rigid, flat lattice for framing facing
tiles which has frame spaces with dimensions which are at least
substantially identical to those of the said facing tiles. The
general features of a floor covering of this kind are well-known in
themselves, especially from WO-03060256, so that only those
features which are specific to the invention are described
below.
[0074] In the second variant of the invention, the covering
comprises means 100, 101 for the detachable connection of each
framing module 2 to an underlayer which has been laid on the
floor.
[0075] The covering preferably comprises, in the modes of
embodiment represented, a single series of framing modules, all
having the general shape of identical straight strips which are
connected in twos at right angles, the longitudinal end of a first
framing module being connected laterally in an at least
substantially median part of a second framing module.
[0076] Each framing module 2 comprises a main core 5, 6 in the form
of a rectangular straight strip, which is rigid at least in a
horizontal plane, mainly determines the general dimensions of the
framing module, and has a rectangular upper flat face 7 which may
optionally receive at least one facing layer 8 which forms the
visible upper flat face 9 of said framing module 2.
[0077] The core 5, 6 is a piece which may be made up of a material
chosen from among the following: metallic materials (especially
aluminium or steel alloys), rigid synthetic materials (rigid
materials based on polymers, especially PVC), composite materials
(slats of agglomerated natural or synthetic particles and/or
fibres, reconstituted wood, etc.), wood, etc. When the core 5, 6
itself has an upper flat face of satisfactory aesthetic appearance,
the facing layer may be omitted. The core 5, 6 may be made up of an
integrally-produced piece in the form of a sheet or an extruded
section.
[0078] Each framing module 2 also comprises, along each of its
longitudinal sides, a rigid edge section 9 forming the edge of the
said framing module. Each rigid edge section 9 is either added on,
preferably bonded or fixed in position by elastic-engagement
components, along the corresponding lateral edge of the core 5, 6,
or is made up of a single piece with said core 5, 6 (cf. second
mode of embodiment, FIGS. 9 to 12). The rigid edge sections 9 are
preferably made up of a material chosen from among the following:
metallic materials (especially aluminium or steel alloys), rigid
synthetic materials (rigid materials based on polymers, especially
PVC), and wood. Each edge section 9 has a free outer vertical
lateral edge wall 15 which constitutes the lateral edge wall of the
framing module 2.
[0079] Each rigid connecting element 3, which is intended to
rigidly link together and connect two framing modules 2, comprises
at least two rigid connecting branches, one of which is adapted to
fit into a corresponding receiving housing in a first framing
module 2, while the other is adapted to fit into a corresponding
receiving housing in the adjacent second framing module. Each
connecting branch has peripheral vertical faces, including two
opposed vertical lateral faces. Moreover, each connecting branch is
longer than it is high, and longer than it is wide.
[0080] Each connecting branch 10, 11 is straight or has more or
less winding shapes and/or projections, bosses, cavities, recesses,
shoulders, ribs, ridges, etc. on its vertical lateral faces. The
peripheral vertical faces of at least one connecting branch of each
connecting element are adapted to permit the vertical fitting of
the connecting branch into a receiving housing of paired shapes and
dimensions in the corresponding framing module. Thus, the
peripheral vertical faces of each connecting branch and of the
receiving housing are, overall, regular surfaces which are
cylindrical (in the purely mathematical meaning of the term) and
have a vertical axis. Overall, each connecting branch 10, 11
preferably has the general shape of an elongated
parallelepiped.
[0081] The shapes and dimensions of at least one vertically
fitted-in connecting branch 10 of a connecting element are adapted
to bring about horizontal immobilisation with the receiving housing
which has paired shapes and dimensions and into which said branch
is fitted, at least in the longitudinal direction of the said
connecting branch 10. In order to obtain horizontal immobilisation
of this kind, at least in the longitudinal direction, between a
vertically fitted-in connecting branch and the corresponding
receiving housing, in the examples of embodiment represented, the
connecting branch 10 has a widened end portion 60 forming a
shoulder 62 which extends vertically and transversely (that is to
say, orthogonally to the longitudinal direction of the branch) in a
manner projecting laterally in relation to a portion 61 of lesser
width on the said connecting branch. Each receiving housing 12 in
the framing module which is intended to receive a connecting branch
10 of this kind has, in the same way, a widened end portion forming
a shoulder 65 which extends vertically and transversely in a manner
projecting laterally in relation to a portion 64 of lesser width in
the said receiving housing. The shapes and dimensions of the
connecting branch 10 are paired with those of the corresponding
receiving housing 12, so that the shoulder 62 on the connecting
branch and the shoulder 65 in the receiving housing come into
contact with one another and bring about mechanical immobilisation
in the horizontal direction orthogonal to the said shoulders 62,
65, and in the direction of removal of the receiving housing in
relation to the connecting branch. Moreover, the other vertical
faces, which are in contact, of the connecting branch 10 and of the
corresponding receiving housing 12 bring about relative mechanical
immobilisation of the said connecting branch and receiving housing
in the other horizontal directions.
[0082] In a first mode of embodiment of the invention, each rigid
connecting element 3 comprises two orthogonal connecting branches,
namely a connecting branch which is referred to as the "end branch"
10, and a connecting branch which is referred to as the "edge
branch" 11. The end branch 10 is linked rigidly at right angles in
the median part of the edge branch 11, and extends on only one side
of said edge branch 11. The rigid connecting element 3 is therefore
in the general shape of a T. The end branch 10 is adapted to be
capable of being inserted in a lower receiving housing 12 provided
at the longitudinal end 14 of a framing module 2, on one side of
the said longitudinal end 14. Each end receiving housing 12 is
provided between the lateral edge wall 15 formed by the edge
section 9, and the core 5, 6 of the framing module. The end branch
10 and the end housing 12 have paired shapes which are adapted to
bring about relative immobilisation in the longitudinal horizontal
direction as described above, at least in the direction which
prevents the axial removal of the connecting branch 10 from the
framing module.
[0083] The rigid connecting element 3 is advantageously made up of
a piece made of moulded rigid synthetic material, for example
polyamide, PVC or some other thermoplastic material.
[0084] In order to form the lower end receiving housing 12 and to
permit the vertical insertion of the end branch 10 in the said
receiving housing 12, the edge section 9 has a clearance 32 at the
end of its tubular part, said clearance 32 extending over a length
which corresponds to that of the receiving housing 12 and of the
end branch 10. Thus, the end branch 10 can be introduced into the
receiving housing 12 via the lower opening, which is left by the
said clearance 32 and thus presented by the receiving housing 12,
that is to say by a vertical movement from the bottom upwards of
the end branch 10 and/or a vertical movement from the top downwards
of the receiving housing 12.
[0085] In order to form the housing 13 for receiving the edge
branch 11, the edge section 9 has a clearance 36 in its tubular
part, said clearance 36 extending over a length which corresponds
to that of the receiving housing 13 and of the edge branch 11.
Thus, the edge branch 11 can be introduced into the receiving
housing 13 via the lower opening, which is left by the said
clearance 36 and thus presented by the receiving housing 13, that
is to say by a vertical movement from the bottom upwards of the
edge branch 11 and/or a vertical movement from the top downwards of
the receiving housing 13. A slot 34 is provided through the edge
wall 15, starting from its lower edge, for the passage of the end
branch 10 which extends in a manner projecting orthogonally to the
said edge wall 15. It should be noted that the said slot 34
immobilises the connecting element, in the longitudinal direction
of the edge branch 11, in both directions, so that the said edge
branch 11 does not have to be provided with a shoulder such as the
shoulder 62 on the end branch 10. The same applies to the receiving
housing 13. Moreover, in certain variants of embodiment, the
housing 13 for receiving an edge branch 11 can be adapted to have
vertical faces at its longitudinal ends and be matched in length,
apart from clearance, to the length of said edge branch 11, in
order to bring about relative horizontal immobilisation parallel to
the longitudinal direction of the edge branch 11.
[0086] The width of the edge branch 11 corresponds, apart from
clearance, to that of the receiving housing 13, that is to say to
the distance which separates the inner face 24 of the edge wall 15
formed by the section 9 from the vertical wall 22 of the core 5, 6
which extends opposite the said inner face 24. Thus, when the edge
branch 11 is inserted between the inner face 24 of the edge wall 15
and the vertical wall 22 of the core 5, 6 opposite, the vertical
face 35 of the edge branch 11 comes into contact with said vertical
wall 22 of the core 5, 6, and the vertical face 27 of the edge
branch 11 comes into contact with the inner face 24 of the edge
wall 15.
[0087] The fact that each receiving housing 12, 13 has a width
which corresponds, apart from clearance, to that of the
corresponding branch 10, 11, obtains relative immobilisation of the
branch 10, 11 in relation to the corresponding framing module in
any horizontal direction, particularly preventing any horizontal
translation and also any rotation in an axis parallel to the plane
of the vertical faces which are in contact.
[0088] In the mode of embodiment of the invention which is
represented in FIGS. 6 to 8, the connecting element 3 is in the
general shape of a T (with the said paired shapes bringing about
horizontal immobilisation), and is made of a material which is
magnetic (ferromagnetic or paramagnetic), that is to say is
sensitive to permanent magnetisation. Small bars 4 made up of
permanent magnets are bonded under the horizontal inner upper face
of the receiving housings 12, 13 in such a way that the connecting
element 3 is held in place vertically by the magnetised small bars
4 as soon as the latter come into contact with the horizontal upper
face of said connecting element 3. When the means for vertical
holding are thus of the magnetic type, demounting can be obtained
manually by exerting a vertical relative force of a higher value
than the force of magnetic attraction linking each connecting
branch to its receiving housing.
[0089] According to other variants which are not represented, the
magnetised small bars may be replaced by strips for reversible
high-speed fixing operations, for example of the hook-and-loop
(Velcro.RTM.) type, of which one strip is bonded under the inner
upper face of the receiving housing, while the other is bonded to
the upper face of the corresponding branch of the connecting
element 3, or else by adhesive strips with a double adhesive face,
or any other equivalent means for holding and/or locking the
connecting element in relation to the receiving housings in the
vertical direction. In these latter variants, the T-shaped
connecting elements may be made of synthetic material and not of
magnetic metallic material.
[0090] In the case of those modes of embodiment of the invention
which have been represented, in which the core is made up of a
section 5 made of metallic alloy, each rigid edge section 9 is
preferably made up of a section made of tubular aluminium alloy
which has a rectangular straight transverse section which may be
manufactured by extrusion and machined to form housings 12, 13 for
receiving the connecting branches of the connecting elements. In
the case of those modes of embodiment of the invention which have
been represented, in which the core is made up of a solid sheet 6,
the lateral edges of the latter have clearances, and the edge
section 9 is made up of a corner iron which likewise has clearances
so as to form a lower opening permitting the insertion of the
branches 10, 11 from the bottom upwards in the receiving housings
12, 13.
[0091] At each of its longitudinal ends 14, each framing module 2
has two end receiving housings 12, one on each side. Along each of
its lateral edges, each framing module 2 also has, in the
substantially median part, two edge receiving housings 13. The said
two edge receiving housings 13 are spaced apart by a distance that
corresponds to the distance which separates two end receiving
housings 12 situated at the same longitudinal end 14 of an adjacent
framing module 2. Each framing module 2 is thus able to receive
eight connecting elements 3 for its orthogonal connection to four
other adjacent framing modules, one on each side in the median
part, and one at each of its longitudinal ends 14. For each pair of
adjacent framing modules, connection is brought about by two
connecting elements 3.
[0092] The laying of a floor covering according to the invention is
extremely simple, since all that is required is to put in place and
connect the various framing modules in relation to one another,
orthogonally in twos, by vertically fitting each rigid connecting
branch which is integral with a framing module into the lower
receiving housing of another, adjacent framing module, by which
means the means for automatic locking are automatically brought
into the active locking position. More particularly, all that is
required is to engage each receiving housing 12, 13 vertically from
the top downwards over the corresponding connecting branch of a
framing module which has been laid on the floor beforehand, until
the means for automatic locking are activated.
[0093] With this first preferred mode of embodiment, each framing
module to be laid is equipped beforehand with all the elements 3
for connecting this framing module to the other, adjacent framing
modules which are to be laid subsequently, that is to say, which
have not already been laid on the floor beforehand. The receiving
housings 12, 13 of the framing module to be laid which make it
possible to connect the said framing module to be laid with those
which have already been laid on the floor beforehand, must be left
free to receive the branches 10, 11 of the rigid connecting
elements with which the adjacent framing modules laid beforehand
are already equipped.
[0094] It should be noted that the laying of the various framing
modules is carried out solely by a vertical movement of the framing
module from the top downwards, and that the positioning of said
framing module is imposed, without any possible risk of error, by
the other framing modules which have been laid on the floor
beforehand.
[0095] With a floor covering according to the invention, it is also
possible to separate a single framing module in order to change or
repair it, and to do so by means of simple and rapid manoeuvring
operations without having to demount the whole of the floor
covering. In order to do this, all that is required is to lift the
framing module to be demounted with a force which is sufficient to
deactivate the said means for automatic locking.
[0096] Furthermore, each framing module 2 preferably has a lower
insulating layer 52, for example made of foam, rubber or PVC, which
can be counter-bonded under the framing module. In the case of
framing modules 2 with a profiled core 5, the inner insulating
layer can be produced, as represented in FIG. 5, by plain strips 53
bonded onto the lower portions of the profiled core defining the
surface for supporting the framing module. As a variant which is
not represented, or as a combination, this layer 52 or these strips
53 may be added on in a detachable manner by means of vertical lugs
which are adapted to be capable of being inserted in paired
apertures provided in the said lower portions of the profiled
core.
[0097] It should be noted that it is possible, in a floor covering
according to the invention, to use a single model of rigid
connecting elements 3. In the first mode of embodiment, however,
there is a left-hand version and a right-hand version for each
model. There is nothing to prevent the provision of a single
version for each model, with an end branch 10 which has a symmetry
in relation to a median vertical plane. In all cases, the invention
makes it possible to obtain a very high quality connection of the
framing modules to one another in a very simple and inexpensive
manner. Moreover, the said connection is locked automatically, but
is easy to unlock and demount, especially for the purpose of
changing or repairing a framing module. After connection, the
framing modules form a rigid lattice defining frame spaces which
receive the tiles. The framing modules 2 are rigid, at least in the
plane of the lattice they form after connection, that is to say in
the horizontal plane. However, there is nothing to prevent the
possibility of said lattice having a certain flexibility in the
other dimensions, for example in flexion in the vertical plane.
[0098] In the second mode of embodiment of the invention, each
rigid connecting element 83 is in the general shape of an L, the
end branch 10 and edge branch 11 being linked orthogonally to one
another by one of their ends. The rigid connecting element 83 is
made up of a piece made of moulded rigid synthetic material, for
example polyamide, PVC or some other thermoplastic material. The
vertical faces of each of the said branches each have a plurality
of projecting horizontal ribs 84 which have a straight transverse
section, for example in the shape of a V, and are adapted to be
capable of cooperating with horizontal grooves 85 provided in the
opposite inner vertical faces 22, 24 delimiting the receiving
housings 12, 13 in the framing modules. The said ribs 84 and
grooves 85 form means for vertically locking the connecting element
in relation to each framing module.
[0099] The ribs 84 are preferably provided on each vertical face of
each branch but, as a variant, there is nothing to prevent making
provision for the ribs 84 to be provided on only one of the two
vertical faces, the other vertical face of the branch being smooth,
just like the vertical inner face of the corresponding receiving
housing. The grooves 85 have a straight transverse section which is
paired with that of the ribs 84. The said straight transverse
section is adapted to permit the vertical fitting, at least of the
end branch 10, into its corresponding receiving housing. In order
to facilitate this vertical fitting-in by elastic deformation, and
then the vertical locking, the straight transverse section of the
ribs 84 and/or grooves 85 may be non-symmetrical, for example in
the form of a triangle, a rectangle or a latch.
[0100] In order to facilitate the vertical fitting-in of the end
branch 10, the latter is advantageously provided with a central
vertical longitudinal aperture 86 which passes throughout its
height and is of a width which is adapted to enable the two
vertical faces of the said branch 10 to come closer to one another
elastically during the vertical fitting-in operation, by allowing
the ribs 84 to pass through vertically in front of the grooves 85,
until the end branch 10 is in place in the corresponding receiving
housing 12. Furthermore, the end branch 10 is also provided, as in
the first mode of embodiment, with a widened portion 87 at its free
end, the said widened portion 87 nevertheless extending in a manner
projecting on each side of the end branch 10 so as to form two
shoulders 88, one on each side. The said widened portion 87 is
adapted to be capable of extending into slots 89 provided through
the two opposite vertical walls 90 delimiting the receiving housing
12, in such a way as to bring about relative immobilisation of the
end branch 10 in relation to the said housing 12 in the horizontal
longitudinal direction of said end branch 10. In the mode of
embodiment represented, the widened portion 87 is provided, on each
side, with a clearance extending over its entire height and over a
portion of its length, the said clearances facilitating the
vertical fitting-in of the end branch 10 into the receiving housing
12.
[0101] The edge branch 11 is preferably introduced horizontally
into the receiving housing 13 through a slot 91 provided in the
lateral edge wall 15, said slot 91 having a length which is greater
than, or equal to, that of the edge branch 11. After it has passed
through the slot 91, the connecting element 83 is caused to slide
horizontally in the direction of the edge branch 11 so that the
latter is inserted inside the receiving housing 13, between the two
opposite vertical walls which delimit the said housing 13, the
horizontal ribs 84 sliding within the horizontal grooves 85. As a
variant, which is not represented, there is nothing to prevent
provision being likewise made for the edge branch 11 to be adapted
to be capable of fitting vertically into the corresponding
receiving housing 13, like the end branch 10. Moreover, in this
mode of embodiment, it should be noted that the rigid edge section
9 is made up of a single piece with the core of the section, a fact
which simplifies the manufacture of the said piece and reduces the
cost. In the mode of embodiment represented in FIGS. 11 and 12, the
section also comprises two median vertical walls, which essentially
have the function of obtaining a reinforcement in flexion, and of
increasing the inertia of the section.
[0102] In that case too, with this second mode of embodiment, it is
possible to bring about demounting of each framing module
independently of the other elements of the floor covering, solely
by vertical displacement of the said framing module, which is
carried out, for example, with the aid of suction cups which are
stuck onto the upper free face of the framing module to be
demounted. In particular, it is not necessary to take out the tiles
adjacent to the framing module before demounting it.
[0103] As a variant, ribs may be provided which are integral with
the vertical faces of the receiving housing, and grooves may be
provided on the vertical faces of the connecting element. More
generally, all that is required is for the opposite vertical faces
to have paired embossed portions in any shapes which are suitable
for forming means for relative vertical locking which can be locked
and unlocked elastically.
[0104] In the third mode of embodiment which is represented in
FIGS. 13 to 15 which correspond to the second variant of the
invention, the covering comprises an underlayer made up of
underlayer tiles 97 which are laid on the floor. These tiles 97 may
be laid in a floating manner or, on the contrary, may be bonded
onto the floor. They bring about paving of the floor. Each
underlayer tile 97 has a shape that corresponds to that of the
facing tiles 1, with a slightly larger format so as to extend as
far as the median part of each framing module. The underlayer tiles
97 are joined in twos by their joining edges 98 which are
non-rectilinear and of paired, indented shapes with symmetrical
complementary toothing systems which fit into each other in the
example represented. The joining edges 98 are therefore adapted to
fit into each other in twos in order to bring about rigid
connection of the underlayer tiles 97 to one another. The facing
tiles 1 may be simply laid on the underlayer tiles 97 or bonded to
the latter, or even made up of a single piece with the latter. Each
underlayer tile 97 has a peripheral border 99 which extends
horizontally beyond the peripheral edge of the facing tile 1. A
groove 100 is provided in a recessed manner along each peripheral
border 99 of each underlayer tile 97 so as to be capable of
receiving a longitudinal beading strip 101 with a paired profile
extending under the framing module 2 which is intended to cover the
peripheral border 99, with overlapping of the joining edges 98 of
the two underlayer tiles 97 subjacent to the said framing module 2.
Thus, each framing module 2 comprises two longitudinal beading
strips 101, namely one along each of its respective longitudinal
edges, for connecting it to each groove 100 in a peripheral border
99 of an underlayer tile 97.
[0105] Each beading strip 101 is made up of a section made of
synthetic material which is flexible in flexion and non-slippery,
for example dual-material PVC, which has a straight transverse
section in the general shape of an arrow having a vertical core and
two small flanges which are flexible in flexion (flexible PVC) and
which fold over elastically towards one another and towards the
core when the beading strip 101 is inserted in the groove 100. That
coefficient of static friction of the beading strip 101 in relation
to the wall of the corresponding groove 100 which is obtained by
means of the flexible PVC is such that, when the beading strip 101
is in place in the groove 100, the whole arrangement produces
relative holding, both in the longitudinal direction and in the
vertical direction. Likewise, the core of the beading strip 101 is
sufficiently rigid in flexion (rigid PVC) to obtain lateral holding
of the framing module 2 in relation to the groove 100. However, it
is easy to understand that the beading strip 101 can be extracted
vertically from the groove 100 as soon as a sufficiently great
force of upward vertical extraction is exerted. Each beading strip
101 may be simply bonded under the framing module 2.
[0106] The method of fitting the covering according to the third
mode of embodiment of the invention is extremely simple. All that
is required is to connect the underlayer tiles 97 to one another by
their joining edges 98. Then, all that is required is to put the
framing modules 2 in place, with overlapping of the joining edges
98 of the adjacent tiles 97, by inserting the beading strips 101 in
the corresponding grooves 100. The facing tiles 1 are then laid if
appropriate (unless they have been bonded to the underlayer tiles
97 beforehand or even made up of a single piece with the latter).
The demounting of a framing module 2 is extremely simple. All that
is required is to stick a handle provided with suction cups onto
the outer free horizontal face of said framing module 2, and to
exert an upward vertical traction which is sufficient to extract
the beading strips 101 from the grooves 100. It is not necessary to
demount or displace either the adjacent facing tiles 1 or the
adjacent framing modules or, of course, the underlayer tiles
97.
[0107] It should also be noted that, in this third mode of
embodiment of the invention, the framing modules 2 are held in
place in the vertical direction merely by reason of the putting in
place and relative connection of the said framing modules, that is
to say by simple engagement of the beading strips 101 in the
grooves 100, bearing in mind, on the one hand, the shape of the
straight transverse section of said beading strips 101 and, on the
other hand, the fact that the constituent material of the said
beading strips does not slide along the lateral vertical walls of
the grooves 100. However, this mode of connection allows manual
relative displacement solely by the displacement in the vertical
direction of the framing module 2 to be demounted, without the
displacement or demounting of the adjacent framing modules or
adjacent tiles.
[0108] Furthermore, it should be noted that this third mode of
embodiment allows thermal expansion of the framing modules in the
lateral direction, even when the latter have a solid core (wood,
particle panels, etc.). In actual fact, since the groove 100 is
wider than the beading strip 101 which it receives, a clearance is
possible in the transverse horizontal direction, which is the main
direction of thermal expansion of slats with a solid core,
especially one made of wood or of panels made of solid
particles.
[0109] The second variant of the invention is compatible with all
the possible forms of embodiment of the framing modules, whether in
one or more pieces, made of synthetic material and/or having metal
sections. It may form the subject of other modes of embodiment than
the one which is represented in the drawings by way of an example.
In particular, as a variant or a combination, there is nothing to
prevent the provision of beading strips which are integral with the
underlayer tiles 97 for the purpose of engaging in grooves which
are provided in the lower faces of the framing modules.
[0110] The invention may form the subject of numerous other
variants of embodiment compared to the preferred modes of
embodiment described above and represented in the drawings. In
particular, in the first variant of the invention, pads made of
paramagnetic or ferromagnetic material may be bonded onto the faces
of the lateral edge sections in order to hold and lock in place
magnetised connecting elements. Conversely, the connecting elements
may be made up of magnetic (paramagnetic or ferromagnetic)
materials, and permanent magnets may be fixed, for example by
bonding, onto the edge sections and/or onto the vertical faces of
the core 5, 6 which form the housings for receiving the said
connecting elements.
[0111] Likewise, there is nothing to prevent the provision, in
combination, of locking means of the mechanical type and holding
means of the magnetic or other type, for example elastic ribs which
are themselves made up of permanent magnets.
[0112] As a variant or a combination, holding and/or locking
components may also be envisaged, for example bosses with
deformation which is elastic in compression, etc.
[0113] The shape of the connecting branches and of the receiving
housings may likewise form the subject of various variants. In
particular, the vertical faces which are immobilised horizontally
and locked to one another by the means for automatic locking are
not necessarily made up of portions which are continuous and flat,
as represented, but may be discontinuous and provided with ribs,
ridges, recesses, bosses, cavities, etc. The shape of the vertical
faces of each end branch and that of each opposite vertical face on
the corresponding receiving housing are paired with one another in
such a way as to give rise to horizontal immobilisation while at
the same time permitting the vertical fitting of the end branch
into the receiving housing, said receiving housing capping said end
branch. Thus, the said shapes are adapted to bring about relative
immobilisation of each end branch which is fitted into the
receiving housing, in such a way that said end branch can no longer
be subsequently displaced in relation to said receiving housing
when it is fitted into the latter. Such shapes are not necessary
for the edge branches 11 of the T-shaped connecting elements 3, in
the first and third modes of embodiment, which are immobilised
horizontally by the lateral slot 34 and/or by transverse end walls
in the edge receiving housing 13. There is nothing to prevent the
additional provision of paired shapes of this kind for the edge
branches 11 in order to reinforce the horizontal
immobilisation.
[0114] Moreover, the method of fitting the connecting elements in
relation to the framing modules may vary widely. The invention can
also be applied to framing modules of various kinds and shapes. It
can also be applied to floor coverings whose tiles may be of
various kinds and shapes and may be connected and/or inserted in
the frame spaces of the lattice formed by the various framing
modules which are connected to one another in some way or
other.
[0115] Furthermore, connecting elements of this kind in conformity
with the invention may be used with floor coverings comprising a
number of distinct series of different framing modules, as
described, for example, by WO-03060256. The same applies to the
second variant of the invention, with the aid of which it is
possible to provide framing modules of different lengths. The two
variants of the invention may likewise be combined, it being
possible to connect the framing modules both to one another by
connecting elements and onto an underlayer.
* * * * *