U.S. patent application number 12/278274 was filed with the patent office on 2009-09-03 for joint guard for panels.
Invention is credited to Nils-Erik Engstrom.
Application Number | 20090217615 12/278274 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38327677 |
Filed Date | 2009-09-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090217615 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Engstrom; Nils-Erik |
September 3, 2009 |
JOINT GUARD FOR PANELS
Abstract
A joint guard (100) provided with means for protecting, and
stabilizing portions in the edge region of a panel, said portions
being selected from the group consisting of; a distal edge (21), a
downwards protruding heel (22), a upper joint edge (25), a groove
(23), a lower cheek (31), a distal end (32), an upwards protruding
lower cheek heel (33), an upper joining edge (35), an undercut
(34), a moveable locking element (40), a locking tongue (41), a
locking tongue leg (42) and a maneuvering leg (43).
Inventors: |
Engstrom; Nils-Erik;
(Trelleborg, SE) |
Correspondence
Address: |
NOVAK, DRUCE + QUIGG L.L.P. - PERGO
1300 Eye Street, N.W., 1000 West Tower
Washington
DC
20005
US
|
Family ID: |
38327677 |
Appl. No.: |
12/278274 |
Filed: |
January 26, 2007 |
PCT Filed: |
January 26, 2007 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/SE07/00070 |
371 Date: |
December 17, 2008 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
52/588.1 ;
52/586.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04B 1/54 20130101; E04F
15/02 20130101; E04F 15/02022 20130101; E04F 21/22 20130101; E04F
2201/0153 20130101; E04F 2201/0115 20130101; E04F 15/02038
20130101; E04F 15/04 20130101; E04F 2201/0138 20130101; E04F
2201/0523 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
52/588.1 ;
52/586.1 |
International
Class: |
E04B 5/00 20060101
E04B005/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Feb 3, 2006 |
SE |
0600227-3 |
Claims
1. A joint guard (100) provided with means for protecting and
stabilizing portions in the edge region of a panel, said portions
being selected from the group consisting of: a distal edge (21), a
downwards protruding heel (22), a upper joint edge (25), a groove
(23), a lower cheek (31), a distal end (32), an upwards protruding
lower cheek heel (33), an upper joining edge (35), an undercut
(34), a moveable locking element (40), a locking tongue (41), a
locking tongue leg (42), a maneuvering leg (43) and a face section
(430).
2. A joint guard (100) according to claim 1 wherein the joint guard
(100) is provided with a locking tongue stopper (141).
3. A joint guard (100) according to claim 1 wherein the joint guard
(100) is provided with a locking tongue leg support (142).
4. A joint guard (100) according to claim 1 wherein the joint guard
(100) is provided with a maneuvering leg support (143).
5. A joint guard (100) according to claim 1 wherein the joint guard
(100) is provided with a locking tongue leg support (142) and a
face section support (136).
6. A joint guard (100) according to claim 1 wherein the joint guard
(100) is made of a thermoplastic material.
7. A joint guard (100) according to claim 1 wherein the joint guard
(100) is made of a metal.
8. A joint guard (100) according to claim 1 wherein the joint guard
(100) is made of a thermosetting material.
9. A joint guard (100) according to claim 1 wherein the joint guard
(100) is comprises wood.
10. A joint guard (100) according to claim 1 wherein the joint
guard (100) is comprises wood fiber.
11. A joint guard (100) according to claim 1 wherein the joint
guard (100) comprises wood particles.
12. A joint guard (100) provided with means for protecting and
stabilizing portions in the edge region of a panel, said portions
being selected from the group consisting of: a tongue (50), a rear
groove (51), a lower cheek (61), a distal end (62), an inner
locking groove (63), a tongue groove (64), a locking member surface
(65), a moveable locking member (70), an inner locking tongue (71),
a maneuvering cheek (72) and an outer locking tongue (73).
13. A joint guard (100) according to claim 11 wherein the joint
guard (100) is provided with a maneuvering cheek support (172).
14. A joint guard (100) according to claim 11 wherein the joint
guard (100) is provided with a outer locking tongue support
(173).
15. A joint guard (100) according to claim 11 wherein the joint
guard (100) is provided with a groove engaging tongue (164).
16. A joint guard (100) according to claim 11 wherein the joint
guard (100) is provided with a tongue engaging groove (150).
17. A joint guard (100) according to claim 11 wherein the joint
guard (100) is made of a thermoplastic material.
18. A joint guard (100) according to claim 11 wherein the joint
guard (100) is made of a metal.
19. A joint guard (100) according to claim 11 wherein the joint
guard (100) is made of a thermosetting material.
20. A joint guard (100) according to claim 11 wherein the joint
guard (100) is comprises wood.
21. A joint guard (100) according to claim 11 wherein the joint
guard (100) is comprises wood fiber.
22. A joint guard (100) according to claim 11 wherein the joint
guard (100) comprises wood particles.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to a joint guard used when
cutting panels.
[0003] 2. Description of Related Prior Art
[0004] Prefabricated floor boards provided with tongue and groove
at the edges are quite common nowadays. These can be installed by
the average handy man as they are very easy to install. Such floors
can, for example, be constituted of solid wood, fiber board or
particle board. These are most often provided with a surface layer
such as lacquer, or some kind of laminate. The boards are most
often installed by being glued via tongue and groove. The most
common types of tongue and groove are however burdened with the
disadvantage to form gaps of varying width between the floor boards
in cases where the installer hasn't been thorough enough. Dirt will
easily collect in such gaps. Moisture will furthermore enter the
gaps which will cause the core to expand in cases where it is made
of wood, fiber board or particle board, which usually is the case.
The expansion will, cause the surface layer to rise closest to the
edges of the joint which radically reduces the useful life of the
floor since the surface layer will be exposed to an exceptional
wear. Different types of tensioning devices, forcing the floor
boards together during installation can be used to avoid such gaps.
This operation is however more or less awkward. It is therefore
desirable to achieve a joint which is self-guiding and thereby
automatically finds the correct position. Such a joint would also
be possible to utilize in floors where no glue is to be used.
[0005] Different types of joint with mechanical locking have been
made available. One such joint is known through WO 94/26999. Here a
lower lip is present in the form a thin strip which in selected
embodiments is made of thin, aluminum sheets. This is a delicate
part which is easily damaged when cutting the panel in connection
to the assembly. The same problem applies to some extent on
embodiments known through WO 97/47834. The locking parts of these
type of floor panels are delicate and easily damaged but once
properly installed, are still very strong. It is the object of the
present invention to solve the problem connected to the cutting and
assembly of these and similar type of floor panels being provided
with delicate locking parts.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] It has through the present invention been made protect the
delicate edges of panels provided with locking members.
Accordingly, the present invention relates to a joint guard
intended to be used in connection to the installation of floor
panels. The present invention is characterized in that the joint
guard is provided with means for protecting and stabilizing
portions of the edge region of a panel. These portions are selected
from the group consisting of: a distal edge, a downwards protruding
heel, a upper joint edge, a groove, a lower cheek, a distal end, an
upwards protruding lower cheek heel, an upper joining edge, an
undercut, a moveable locking element, a locking tongue, a locking
tongue leg, a maneuvering leg and a face section.
[0007] According to one embodiment of the invention the joint guard
is provided with a locking tongue stopper. The locking tongue
stopper is intended to ensure that the moveable locking element is
kept in a default position during the milling as well as keeping it
from getting caught in the teeth of the saw during the cutting
operation.
[0008] According to one embodiment of the invention the joint guard
is provided with a locking tongue leg support and a maneuvering leg
support. The locking tongue leg support and maneuvering leg support
is intended to ensure that the moveable locking element and
maneuvering leg is kept in a default position during the milling as
well as keeping it from getting caught in the teeth of the saw
during the cutting operation.
[0009] According to one embodiment of the invention the joint guard
is provided with a locking tongue leg support and a face section
support. The locking tongue leg support and a face section support
is intended to ensure that the locking tongue leg and a face
section is kept from getting caught in the teeth of the saw and
thereby deformed during the cutting operation.
[0010] It is possible to make the joint guard from a multitude of
different materials such as a thermoplastic material, a metal, a
thermosetting material, wood, wood fiber and wood particles.
[0011] The invention also relates to a joint guard provided with
means for protecting and stabilizing portions in the edge region of
a panel. The portions are selected from the group consisting of: a
tongue, a rear groove, a lower cheek, a distal end, an inner
locking groove, a tongue groove, a locking member surface, a
moveable locking member, an inner locking tongue, a maneuvering
cheek and an outer locking tongue.
[0012] According to one embodiment of the invention the joint guard
is provided with a maneuvering cheek support. The maneuvering cheek
support is intended to ensure that the moveable locking element is
kept in a default position during the milling as well as keeping it
from getting caught in the teeth of the saw during the cutting
operation.
[0013] According to one embodiment of the invention the joint guard
is provided with a outer locking tongue support. The outer locking
tongue support is intended to ensure that the moveable locking
element is kept in a default position during the milling as well as
keeping it from getting caught in the teeth of the saw and deformed
during the cutting operation.
[0014] As is understood by the accompanying drawings the moveable
locking element may be applied on either the groove portion, or the
tongue portion of a joint. In order to ensure a correct positioning
of the joint guard on the groove portion provided with a moveable
locking element, it is advantageous to provide joint guard with a
groove engaging tongue. In cases where the moveable locking element
is arranged on the tongue portion, the joint guard is suitably
provided with a tongue engaging groove for ensuring a correct
positioning.
[0015] It is possible to make the joint guard from a multitude of
different materials such as a thermoplastic material, a metal, a
thermosetting material, wood, wood fiber and wood particles.
[0016] The joint guard according to the present invention is
primarily used during cutting of panels and is then applied to the
edge very much like another panel would be. The biggest difference
between another panel and the joint guard is that the joint guard
is designed not to engage or activate the different locking
mechanisms of the panel edge. As will he evident when studying
enclosed embodiment examples of joints in the present invention,
some embodiment of joint will not be easily disassembled once two
panels are joined together. The joint guard is therefore designed
to hold the locking mechanism in place without activating it. The
joint guard is furthermore so designed as to not cause any
substantial wear or deformation on functional parts such as locking
edges and the like on embodiments herein described as well as on
embodiment disclosed by reference. The joint guard is then applied
on the edge of the panel to be cut and the cutting may commence.
The cutting is either performed through the joint guard or using
the joint guard as a ruler. It is however advantageous to arrange
the joint guard on the portion of the panel that is to be used in
the installation. The joint guard is advantageously also used as a
tapping block during the installation of floor panels.
[0017] In selected embodiments of joints the joint guard may serve
as tool for returning moveable locking elements to default position
in case these by accident is out of the pre-assembly position.
[0018] Floor panel joint may be designed in different ways, as for
example as known through WO 94/26999, WO 97/47834 and WO 03/083234.
It is also possible to provide the joint with a resilient joining
member made as a separate piece which is joined with the edge of
the panel. Such joints is known through WO 00/47841 and WO
2005/054599. Also herein disclosed embodiments of joints serve as
examples of joints which benefit from being protected during
cutting.
[0019] A joint has a first edge and a second edge. The first edge
is provided with a distal edge and a downwards protruding heel. The
distal edge is further provided with an upper joint edge beneath
which a groove is arranged. The second edge is provided with lower
cheek having a distal end at which an upwards protruding lower
cheek heel is arranged. The second edge is further provided with an
upper joining edge beneath which an undercut is arranged. A
moveable locking element is arranged in the space created by the
undercut. The moveable locking element has a locking tongue, a
locking tongue leg and a maneuvering leg. The second edge is
intended to join with the first edge through vertical motion. The
moveable locking element, or more precisely the locking tongue of
the locking element, will be displaced by the vertical motion when
the two edges are moved towards each other. The displacement can be
seen as a rotation where the locking tongue is brought to rotate
around a selected pivot point. Resilient action may also realize
this rotating action.
[0020] Suitably the downwards protruding heel presses on the
maneuvering leg, thereby urging the locking tongue to move forward
and engage the groove. An upper locking surface of the locking
tongue is suitably longer than the portion of the locking tongue
that can engage the groove.
[0021] The lower cheek heel suitably have a front face and that the
downwards protruding heel have a rear face. The front face and the
rear face are then preferably intended to interact, the interaction
resulting in the upper joint edge and the upper joining edge being
urged together in an assembled joint.
[0022] According to one alternative the lower cheek heel suitably
have a front face and the downwards protruding heel have a rear
face while the maneuvering leg have a face section. The front face
and the rear face are then preferably intended to interact, having
the face section in an intermediate position, the interaction
resulting in the upper joint edge and the upper joining edge being
urged together in an assembled joint.
[0023] According to one special embodiment the locking element is
provided with a hinge. This will allow a snap-action cam lock
effect.
[0024] A moveable locking element may suitably he made through
extrusion molding and it can be made of thermoplastic material,
thermosetting material or even of metal.
[0025] According to another alternative the joint have a first edge
and a second edge where the first edge is provided with a tongue
and a rear groove. The second edge is provided with a lower cheek
having a distal end, an inner locking groove, a tongue groove and a
locking member surface. The moveable locking member is arranged on
the locking member surface. The moveable locking member have an
inner locking tongue, a maneuvering cheek and an outer locking
tongue. The second edge is intended to join with the first edge
through horizontal motion.
[0026] Suitably, a maneuvering area beneath the tongue press on the
maneuvering cheek urging the inner locking tongue to move downwards
and engage the inner locking groove. The maneuvering area beneath
the tongue suitably press on the maneuvering cheek also urging the
outer locking tongue to move upwards and engage the rear
groove.
[0027] A moveable locking element like herein described may
suitably be made through extrusion molding and it can be made of
thermoplastic material, thermosetting material, a composite
material or even of metal.
[0028] The joint as herein described is suitably used on products
such as floor panels or wall panels. According to an embodiment of
a floor panel includes a core which is covered with an upper
decorative surface. The core most often consists of wood particles
or fiber bonded together with glue or resin. Such core boards are
commonly known as Medium Density Fiber board (MDF), High Density
Fiber board (HDF), Oriented Strand Board (OSB) or particle board.
It is, however, also possible to utilize the embodiments on cores
made of solid wood. Since wood based core materials are sensitive
to moisture it may be advantageous to treat the area closest to the
joint if the floor is to be exposed to moisture. This treatment may
suitably include resin, wax or some kind of lacquer. It will not be
necessary to treat the joint if the panels are to be glued since
the glue itself will protect the joint from moisture penetration.
The decorative upper surface may consist of a decorative paper
possibly impregnated with melamine-formaldehyde resin. One or more
layers of so called overlay paper of cellulose, impregnated with
melaimine-formaldehyde resin is suitably placed on top of the
decorative paper. One or more of the above layers may be sprinkled
with hard particles, of for example aluminum oxide, silicon carbide
or silicon oxide in connection to the impregnation in order to
improve the abrasion resistance. The paper impregnated with resin
is cured before, or in connection to applying it to the core. The
paper layers are suitably laminated together before they are
applied to the core in cases where the upper decorative surface is
constituted by more than one paper layers. The lower side may
suitably be coated with a lacquer or a resin impregnated paper. It
is also possible to arrange an impregnated support paper between
the decor and the core.
[0029] Among possible upper surfaces to apply to the core may be
mentioned; [0030] Thermosetting laminates including at least a
decorative paper impregnated with melamine-formaldehyde resin.
Overlay paper and hard particles may be added to this as described
earlier in the present application. [0031] The upper decorative
surface may also he constituted by an acrylic foil, an acrylic
lacquer and combinations thereof. It might also be constituted by a
foil or a lacquer of polyolefins or polyolefin derivatives. [0032]
It is also possible to coat a decorative surface with an acrylic
lacquer containing, or being sprinkled with, hard particles of
.alpha.-aluminum oxide, silicon carbide or silicon oxide. The
coating is most often achieved through use of a roller or through
curtain coating. Among suitable acrylic lacquers can be mentioned
radiation curing ones which are cured with electron beam or
ultraviolet light forming free radicals in the uncured lacquer.
[0033] It is further possible to use wood veneer, most often coated
with oil. wax or lacquer.
[0034] It has also shown that herein described joints are well
suited for other materials as well. It is for example possible to
use the joints on cores made of mineral based materials such as
stone like marble, granite, slate, diabase, sandstone, limestone
and the like,--but also ceramic, ceramic-like or composite
materials like brick, concrete, fiber cement, glazed and non-glazed
ceramic tiles. Some of these materials may be polished as the only
surface treatment, while glazing, painting or oil treatment is an
example of other surface treatments possible to utilize on above
mentioned core materials. It is of course also possible, as
described together with wood based core materials, to arrange
thermosetting laminates including at least a decorative paper
impregnated with melamine-formaldehyde resin. Overlay paper and
hard particles may be added to this as described earlier in the
present application. The upper decorative surface may also be
constituted by an acrylic foil, an acrylic lacquer and combinations
thereof. It might also be constituted by a foil or a lacquer of
polyolefins or polyolefin derivatives.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENT JOINT EXAMPLES
[0035] The invention is further described together with drawing
showing different embodiments of the invention whereby,
[0036] FIG. 1a-b shows a first embodiment of a joint 1.
[0037] FIG. 2a -b shows a second embodiment of a joint 1.
[0038] FIG. 3a -b shows a third embodiment of a joint 1.
[0039] FIG. 4a -b shows a fourth embodiment of a joint 1.
[0040] FIG. 5a -b shows a fifth embodiment of a joint 1.
[0041] FIG. 6a -b shows a sixth embodiment of a joint 1.
[0042] FIG. 6c shows an alternative version of the sixth embodiment
shown in FIG. 6a -b of a joint 1.
[0043] FIG. 7a -b shows a seventh embodiment of a joint 1.
[0044] FIG. 8a-b shows a eighth embodiment of a joint 1.
[0045] FIG. 9 shows a ninth embodiment of a joint 1.
[0046] FIG. 10a-b shows a tenth embodiment of a joint 1.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT EXAMPLES
[0047] FIG. 11 shows a first embodiment of a joint guard 100
according to the invention.
[0048] FIG. 12 shows a second embodiment of a joint guard 100
according to the invention.
[0049] FIG. 13 shows a third embodiment of a joint guard 100
according to the invention.
[0050] FIG. 14 shows a fourth embodiment of a joint guard 100
according to the invention.
[0051] FIG. 15 shows a fifth embodiment of a joint guard 100
according to the invention.
[0052] FIG. 16 shows a sixth embodiment of a joint guard 100
according to the invention.
[0053] FIG. 17 shows a seventh embodiment of a joint guard 100
according to the invention.
[0054] FIG. 18 shows a eighth embodiment of a joint guard 100
according to the invention.
[0055] FIG. 19 shows a variation of the fourth embodiment, shown in
FIG. 14, of a joint guard 100 according to the invention.
[0056] FIG. 20 shows a another variation of the fourth embodiment,
shown in FIG. 14, of a joint guard 100 according to the
invention.
[0057] FIG. 21 shows a variation of the eighth embodiment, shown in
FIG. 18, of a joint guard 100 according to the invention.
[0058] FIG. 22 shows a another variation of the eighth embodiment,
shown in FIG. 18, of a joint guard 100 according to the
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENT JOINT EXAMPLES
[0059] Accordingly FIG. 1a-b shows in cross-section a joint 1
having a first edge 2 and a second edge 3 according to a first
embodiment. FIG. 1a shows the joint 1 just before the joining and
FIG. 1b shows the joint 1 after assembly. The first edge 2 is
provided with a distal edge 21 and a downwards protruding heel 22.
The distal edge 21 is further provided with an upper joint edge 25
beneath which a groove 23 is arranged. The second edge 3 is
provided with a lower cheek 31 having a distal end 32 at which an
upwards protruding lower cheek heel 33 is arranged. The second edge
3 is further provided with an upper joining edge 35 beneath which
an undercut 34 is arranged. A moveable locking element 40 is
arranged in the space created by the undercut 34. The moveable
locking element 40 have a locking tongue 41, a locking tongue leg
42 and a maneuvering leg 43. The second edge 3 is intended to join
with the first edge 2 through vertical motion.
[0060] The downwards protruding heel 22 hereby presses on the
maneuvering leg 43 urging the locking tongue 41 to move forward and
engage the groove 23. To ensure this, an upper locking surface 410
of the locking tongue 41 is longer than the portion of the locking
tongue 41 that can engage the groove 23. The lower cheek heel 33
have a front face 36 while the downwards protruding heel 22 have a
rear face 26. The front face 36 and the rear face 26 are intended
to interact which is resulting in the upper joint edge 25 and the
upper joining edge 35 being urged together in an assembled joint
1.
[0061] FIG. 2a-b shows, in cross-section, a joint 1 having a first
edge 2 and a second edge 3 according to a second embodiment. FIG.
2a shows the joint 1 just before the joining and FIG. 2b shows the
joint 1 after assembly. The first edge 2 is provided with a distal
edge 21 and a downwards protruding heel 22. The distal edge 21 is
further provided with an upper joint edge 25 beneath which a groove
23 is arranged. The second edge 3 is provided with a lower cheek 31
having a distal end 32 at which an upwards protruding lower cheek
heel 33 is arranged. The second edge 3 is further provided with an
upper joining edge 35 beneath which an undercut 34 is arranged. A
moveable locking element 40 is arranged in the space created by the
undercut 34. The moveable locking element 40 have a locking tongue
41, a locking tongue leg 42 and a maneuvering leg 43. The second
edge 3 is intended to join with the first edge 2 through vertical
motion. The maneuvering leg 43 is here extended to increase the
locking force. The downwards protruding heel 22 hereby presses on
the maneuvering leg 43 urging the locking tongue 41 to move forward
and engage the groove 23. To ensure this, an upper locking surface
410 of the locking tongue 41 is longer than the portion of the
locking tongue 41 that can engage the groove 23. The lower cheek
heel 33 have a front face 36 while the downwards protruding heel 22
have a rear face 26. The front face 36 and the rear face 26 are
intended to interact which is resulting in the upper joint edge 25
and the upper joining edge 35 being urged together in an assembled
joint 1.
[0062] FIG. 3a-b shows, in cross-section, a joint 1 having a first
edge 2 and a second edge 3 according to a third embodiment. FIG. 3a
shows the joint 1 just before the joining and FIG. 3b shows the
joint 1 after assembly. The first edge 2 is provided with a distal
edge 21 and a downwards protruding heel 22. The distal edge 21 is
further provided with an upper joint edge 25 beneath which a groove
23 is arranged. The second edge 3 is provided with a lower cheek 31
having a distal end 32 at which an upwards protruding lower cheek
heel 33 is arranged. The second edge 3 is further provided with an
upper joining edge 35 beneath which an undercut 34 is arranged. A
moveable locking element 40 is arranged in the space created by the
undercut 34. The moveable locking element 40 have a locking tongue
41, a locking tongue leg 42 and a maneuvering leg 43. The second
edge 3 is intended to join with the first edge 2 through vertical
motion. The maneuvering leg 43 is here extended further to increase
the locking force. The downwards protruding heel 22 hereby presses
on the maneuvering leg 43 urging the locking tongue 41 to move
forward and engage the groove 23. To ensure this, an upper locking
surface 410 of the locking tongue 41 is longer than the portion of
the locking tongue 41 that can engage the groove 23. The lower
cheek heel 33 have a front face 36 while the downwards protruding
heel 22 have a rear face 26. The lower cheek heel 33 have a front
face 36 while the downwards protruding heel 22 have a rear face 26
and the maneuvering leg have a face section 430. The front face 36
and the rear face 26 are intended to interact, having the face
section 430 in an intermediate position. The interaction results in
the upper joint edge 25 and the upper joining edge 35 being urged
together in an assembled joint 1.
[0063] FIG. 4a-b shows in cross-section a joint 1 having a first
edge 2 and a second edge 3 according to a fourth, embodiment. FIG.
4a shows the joint 1 just before the joining and FIG. 4b shows the
joint 1 after assembly. The first edge 2 is provided with a distal
edge 21 and a downwards protruding heel 22. The distal edge 21 is
further provided with an upper joint edge 25 beneath which a groove
23 is arranged. The second edge 3 is provided with a lower cheek 31
having a distal end 32 at which an upwards protruding lower cheek
heel 33 is arranged. The second edge 3 is further provided with an
upper joining edge 35 beneath which an undercut 34 is arranged. A
moveable locking element 40 is arranged in the space created by the
undercut 34. The moveable locking element 40 have a locking tongue
41, a locking tongue leg 42 and a maneuvering leg 43. The second
edge 3 is intended to join with the first edge 2 through vertical
motion. The maneuvering leg 43 is provided with a hinge which
allows a cam lock effect.
[0064] The downwards protruding heel 22 hereby presses on the
maneuvering leg 43 urging the locking tongue 41 to move forward and
engage the groove 23. To ensure this, an upper locking surface 430
of the locking tongue 41 is longer than the portion of the locking
tongue 41 that can engage the groove 23. The lower cheek heel 33
have a front face 36 while the downwards protruding heel 22 have a
rear face 26. The front face 36 and the rear face 26 are intended
to interact which is resulting in the upper joint edge 25 and the
upper joining edge 35 being urged together in an assembled joint
1.
[0065] FIG. 5a-b shows in cross-section a joint 1 having a first
edge 2 and a second edge 3 according to a fifth embodiment. FIG. 5a
shows the joint 1 just before the joining and FIG. 5b shows the
joint 1 after assembly. The fifth embodiment is an alternative
embodiment. The first edge 2 is provided with a distal edge 21 and
a downwards protruding heel 22. The distal edge 21 is further
provided with an upper joint edge 25 beneath which a groove 23 is
arranged. The second edge 3 is provided with a lower cheek 31
having a distal end 32 at which an upwards protruding lower cheek
heel 33 is arranged. The second edge 3 is further provided with an
upper joining edge 35 beneath which an undercut 34 is arranged. A
moveable locking element 40 is arranged in the space created by the
undercut 34. The moveable locking element 40 have a locking tongue
41, a locking tongue leg 42 and a maneuvering leg 43. The second
edge 3 is intended to join with the first edge 2 through vertical
motion.
[0066] A front surface 22.sup.I of the downwards protruding heel 22
hereby presses on the maneuvering leg 43 urging the bent
maneuvering leg 43 to straighten whereby the locking tongue 41
moves forward and engage the groove 23. The lower cheek heel 33
have a front face 36 while the downwards protruding heel 22 have a
rear face 26. The front face 36 and the rear face 26 are intended
to interact which is resulting in the upper joint edge 25 and the
upper joining edge 35 being urged together in an assembled joint
1.
[0067] FIG. 6a-b shows in cross-section a joint 1 having a first
edge 2 and a second edge 3 according to a sixth. FIG. 6a shows the
joint 1 just before the joining and FIG. 6b shows the joint 1 after
assembly. FIG. 6c shows an alternative embodiment of the embodiment
shown in FIG. 6a-b. Beginning with FIG. 6a -b, the first edge 2 is
provided with a distal edge 21 and a downwards protruding heel 22.
The distal edge 21 is further provided with an upper joint edge 25
beneath which a groove 23 is arranged. The second edge 3 is
provided with a lower cheek 31 having a distal end 32 at which an
upwards protruding lower cheek heel 33 is arranged. The second edge
3 is further provided with an upper joining edge 35 beneath which
an undercut 34 is arranged. A moveable locking element 40 is
arranged in the space created by the undercut 34. The moveable
locking element 40 have a locking tongue 41, a locking tongue leg
42 and a maneuvering leg 43. The moveable locking element 40 is
further provided with a pivot groove 43.sup.I. The lower cheek 31
is provided with a pivot edge 31.sup.I. The pivot groove 43.sup.I
and the pivot edge 31.sup.I are intended to interact. The second
edge 3 is intended to join with the first edge 2 through vertical
motion.
[0068] A front surface 22.sup.I of the downwards protruding heel 22
hereby presses on the maneuvering leg 43 urging the maneuvering leg
43 to tilt with the pivot edge 31.sup.I as an axis of rotation
whereby the locking tongue 41 moves forward and engage the groove
23. The lower cheek heel 33 have a front face 36 while the
downwards protruding heel 22 have a rear face 26. The front face 36
and the rear face 26 are intended to interact which is resulting in
the upper joint edge 25 and the upper joining edge 35 being urged
together in an assembled joint 1. The lower cheek 31, the downwards
protruding heal 22 and the maneuvering leg 43 are further designed
so that the outermost portion of the maneuvering leg 43 is held in
place by the downwards protruding heal 22 and the lower cheek 31
when the joint is assembled.
[0069] FIG. 6c mainly correspond to FIG. 6a-b above. The upper
portion of the lower cheek 31 containing lower cheek heal 33, front
face 36 and pivot edge 31.sup.I is, however made of a separate
material which is joined with the core material with for example
glue. It is, however also possible to attach this portion by
nailing, prizing or snapping it into position.
[0070] FIG. 7a-b shows in cross-section a joint 1 having a first
edge 2 and a second edge 3 according to a seventh embodiment. FIG.
7a shows the joint 1 just before the joining and FIG. 7b shows the
joint 1 after assembly. The seventh embodiment is an alternative
embodiment where the joint is assembled through horizontal motion.
The joint 1 have a first edge 2 and a second edge 3 wherein the
first edge 2 is provided with a tongue 50 and a rear groove 51. The
second edge 3 is provided with a lower cheek 61 having a distal end
62. an inner locking groove 63, a tongue groove 64 and a locking
member surface 65. A moveable locking member 70 is arranged on the
locking member surface 65. The moveable locking member 70 have an
inner locking tongue 71, a maneuvering cheek 72 and an outer
locking tongue 73. As said above the second edge 3 is intended to
join with the first edge 2 through horizontal motion according to
this, seventh embodiment. A maneuvering area 52 beneath the tongue
50 presses on the maneuvering cheek 72 urging the inner locking
tongue 71 to move downwards and engage the inner locking groove 63.
At the same time the outer locking tongue 72 will move upwards and
engage the rear groove 51.
[0071] FIG. 8a-b shows in cross-section a joint 1 having a first
edge 2 and a second edge 3 according to a eighth embodiment. FIG.
8a shows the joint 1 just before the joining and FIG. 8b shows the
joint 1 after assembly. The eighth embodiment is an alternative
embodiment where the joint is assembled through horizontal motion.
The joint 1 have a first edge 2 and a second edge 3 wherein the
first edge 2 is provided with a tongue 50 and a rear depression 53.
The second edge 5 is provided with a lower cheek 61 having a distal
end 62, an inner locking groove 63 and a tongue groove 64. A
moveable locking member 70 is arranged on first edge 2. The
moveable locking member 70 have a maneuvering cheek 72 and an outer
locking tongue 73. As said above the second edge 3 is intended to
join with the first edge 2 through horizontal motion according to
this, eighth embodiment. The outer locking tongue 73 is urged
upwards into the rear depression 53 during the assembly. It will
then snap down into engagement with inner locking groove 63 once in
the fully assembled position.
[0072] FIG. 9 shows in cross-section a joint 1 having a first edge
2 and a second edge 3 according to a ninth embodiment. FIG. 9 shows
the joint 1 just before the joining. The ninth embodiment is an
alternative embodiment where the joint is assembled through
horizontal motion. The joint 1 have a first edge 2 and a second
edge 3 wherein the first edge 2 is provided with a tongue 50 and a
rear groove 51. The second edge 3 is provided with a lower cheek 61
having a distal end 62, a inner locking groove 63 and a tongue
groove 64. A moveable locking member 70 is arranged on the first
edge 2. The moveable locking member 70 have an inner locking tongue
71, a maneuvering cheek 72 and an outer locking tongue 73. As said
above the second edge 3 is intended to join with the first edge 2
through horizontal motion according to this, ninth embodiment. The
outer locking tongue 73 and the inner locking tongue 71 are urged
upwards during the assembly. The outer locking tongue 73 will then
snap down into engagement with inner locking groove 63 once in the
fully assembled position.
[0073] FIG. 10a-b shows in cross-section a joint 1 having a first
edge 2 and a second edge 3 according to a tenth embodiment. FIG.
10a shows the joint 1 just before the joining and FIG. 10b shows
the joint 1 after assembly. The first edge 2 is provided with a
distal edge 21 and a downwards protruding heel 22. The distal edge
21 is further provided with an upper joint edge 25 beneath which an
undercut space 23.sup.I is arranged. The second edge 3 is provided
with a lower cheek 31 having a distal end 32 at which an upwards
protruding lower cheek heel 33 is arranged. The second edge 3 is
further provided with an upper joining edge 35 beneath which an
undercut 34 is arranged. A moveable locking element 40 is arranged
in the space created by the undercut space 23.sup.I . The moveable
locking element 40 have a locking tongue 41, a locking tongue leg
42 also acting as a maneuvering leg 43. The second edge 3 is
intended to join with the first edge 2 through vertical motion. The
lower cheek heel 33 have a front face 36 while the downwards
protruding heel 22 have a rear face 26. The lower cheek heel 33
have a front face 36 while the downwards protruding heel 22 have a
rear face 26 and the moveable locking element 40 have a face
section 430. The front face 36 and the rear face 26 are intended to
interact, having a face section 430 in an intermediate position.
The interaction results in the upper joint edge 25 and the upper
joining edge 35 being urged together in an assembled joint 1. The
Socking tongue 41 will engage the undercut 34 when the edges 2 and
3 respectively are fully assembled.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT EXAMPLES
[0074] FIG. 11 shows a first embodiment of a joint guard 100
according to the invention, An edge 3 as shown in FIG. 1a-b is
provided with an upper joining edge 35 beneath which an undercut 34
is arranged. A moveable locking element 40 is arranged in the space
created by the undercut 34. The moveable locking element 40 have a
locking tongue 41, a locking tongue leg 42 and a maneuvering leg
43. The edge 3 is intended to join with a first edge 2 (see FIG.
1a-b) through vertical motion. A joint guard 100 is provided with
means for protecting and stabilizing portions in the edge region of
the panel. The portions protected and stabilized are: a lower cheek
31, a distal end 32, an upwards protruding lower cheek heel 33, an
upper joining edge 35, an undercut 34, a moveable locking element
40, a locking tongue 41, a locking tongue leg 42 and a maneuvering
leg 43. Accordingly, the joint guard 100 is provided with a locking
tongue stopper 141, a locking tongue leg support 142 and a
maneuvering leg support 143. The joint guard 100 is suitably made
of medium density fiber board (MDF).
[0075] FIG. 12 shows a second embodiment of a joint guard 100
according to the invention. An edge 3 as shown in FIG. 3a-b is
provided with a lower cheek 31 having a distal end 32 at which an
upwards protruding lower cheek heel 33 is arranged. The second edge
3 is further provided with an upper joining edge 35 beneath which
an undercut 34 is arranged. A moveable locking element 40 is
arranged in the space created by the undercut 34. The moveable
locking element 40 have a locking tongue 41, a locking tongue leg
42 and a maneuvering leg 43. The second edge 3 is intended to join
with the first edge 2 (see FIG. 3a-b) through vertical motion. The
maneuvering leg 43 is here extended further to increase the locking
force. The lower cheek heel 33 have a front face 36 and the
maneuvering leg 43 have a face section 430. A joint guard 100 is
provided with means for protecting and stabilizing portions in the
edge region of the panel. The portions protected and stabilized
are: a lower cheek 31, a distal end 32, an upwards protruding lower
cheek heel 33, an upper joining edge 35, an undercut 34, a moveable
locking element 40, a locking tongue 41, a locking tongue leg 42
and a maneuvering leg 43. Accordingly, the joint guard 100 is
provided with a locking tongue stopper 141, a locking tongue leg
support 142 and a maneuvering leg support 143, The joint guard 100
is suitably made of medium density fiber board (MDF).
[0076] FIG. 13 shows a third embodiment of a joint guard 100
according to the invention. An edge 3 as shown in FIG. 3a-b is
provided with a lower cheek 31 having a distal end 32 at which an
upwards protruding lower cheek heel 33 is arranged. The second edge
3 is further provided with an upper joining edge 35 beneath which
an undercut 34 is arranged. A moveable locking element 40 is
arranged in the space created by the undercut 34. The moveable
locking element 40 have a locking tongue 41, a locking tongue leg
42 and a maneuvering leg 43. The second edge 3 is intended to join
with the first edge 2 (see FIG. 3a-b) through vertical motion. The
maneuvering leg 43 is here extended further to increase the locking
force. The lower cheek heel 33 have a front face 36 and the
maneuvering leg have a face section 430. A joint guard 100 is
provided with means for protecting and stabilizing portions in the
edge region of the panel. The portions protected and stabilized
are: a lower cheek 31, a distal end 32, an upwards protruding lower
cheek heel 33, an upper joining edge 35, an undercut 34, a moveable
locking element 40, a locking tongue 41, a locking tongue leg 42
and a maneuvering leg 43. Accordingly, the joint guard 100 is
provided with a locking-tongue stopper 141 and a maneuvering leg
support 143. The distal edge of the maneuvering leg 43 is supported
by a vertical surface 142.sup.I. The joint guard 100 is suitably
made of medium density fiber board (MDF).
[0077] FIG. 14 shows a fourth embodiment of a joint guard 100
according to the invention. An edge 3 as shown in FIG. 6a-b is
provided with a lower cheek 31 having a distal end 32 at which an
upwards protruding lower cheek heel 33 is arranged. The edge 3 is
further provided with an upper joining edge 35 beneath which an
undercut 34 is arranged. A moveable locking element 40 is arranged
in the space created by the undercut 34. The moveable locking
element 40 have a locking tongue 41, a locking tongue leg 42 and a
maneuvering leg 43. The moveable locking element 40 is further
provided with a pivot groove 43.sup.I. The lower cheek 31 is
provided with a pivot edge 31.sup.I. The pivot groove 43.sup.I and
the pivot edge 31.sup.I are intended to interact. The second edge 3
is intended to join with the first edge 2 (see FIG. 6a-b) through
vertical motion. The lower cheek heel 33 have a front face 36. A
joint guard 100 is provided with means for protecting and
stabilizing portions in the edge region of the panel. The portions
protected and stabilized are: a lower cheek 31, a distal end 32, an
upwards protruding lower cheek heel 33, an upper joining edge 35,
an undercut 34, a moveable locking element 40, a locking tongue 41,
a locking tongue leg 42 and a maneuvering leg 43. Accordingly, the
joint guard 100 is provided with a locking tongue stopper 141 and a
maneuvering leg support 143. The joint guard 100 is suitably made
of medium density fiber board (MDF).
[0078] FIG. 15 shows a fifth embodiment of a joint guard 100
according to the invention. A second edge 3 as shown in FIG. 7a-b
is provided with a lower cheek 61 having a distal end 62, an inner
locking groove 63, a tongue groove 64 and a locking member surface
65. A moveable locking member 70 is arranged on the locking member
surface 65. The moveable locking member 70 have an inner locking
tongue 71, a maneuvering cheek 72 and an outer locking tongue 73.
The second edge 3 is intended to join with the first edge 2 (see
FIG. 7a-b) through horizontal motion. A joint guard 100 is provided
with means for protecting and stabilizing portions in the edge
region of a panel. These portions are: a lower cheek 61, an inner
locking groove 63, a tongue groove 64, a locking member surface 65,
a moveable locking member 70, an inner locking tongue 71, a
maneuvering cheek 72 and an outer locking tongue 73. The joint
guard 100 supports, protect and stabilize through means of a
maneuvering cheek support 172, an outer locking tongue support 173
and a groove engaging tongue 164. The joint guard 100 is suitably
made of medium density fiber board (MDF).
[0079] FIG. 16 shows a sixth embodiment of a joint guard 100
according to the invention. A first edge 2 as shown in FIG. 8a-b is
provided with a tongue 50 and a rear depression 53. A moveable
locking member 70 is arranged on first edge 2. The moveable locking
member 70 have a maneuvering cheek 72 and an outer locking tongue
73. A second edge 3 (see FIG. 8a-b) is intended to join with the
first edge 2 through horizontal motion. The outer locking tongue 73
is urged upwards into the rear depression 53 during the assembly.
It will then snap down into engagement with inner locking groove 63
(see FIG. 8a-b) once in the fully assembled position. A joint guard
100 is provided with means for protecting and stabilizing portions
in the edge region of a panel. These portions are: a moveable
locking member 70, a maneuvering cheek 72, an outer locking tongue
73 and a tongue 50. The joint guard 100 supports, protect and
stabilize through means of a maneuvering cheek support 172, an
outer locking tongue support 173 and a tongue engaging groove 150.
Also the vertical edge portions of the joint is protected. The
joint guard 100 is suitably made of medium density fiber board
(MDF).
[0080] FIG. 17 shows a seventh embodiment of a joint guard 100
according to the invention. A first edge 2 as shown in FIG. 10a-b
is provided with a distal edge 21 and a downwards protruding heel
22. The distal edge 21 is further provided with an upper joint edge
25 beneath which an undercut space 23.sup.I is arranged. A moveable
locking element 40 is arranged in the space created by the undercut
space 23.sup.I. The moveable locking element 40 have a locking
tongue 41, a locking tongue leg 42 also acting as a maneuvering leg
43. The second edge 3 (see FIG. 10a-b) is intended to join with the
first edge 2 through vertical motion. The downwards protruding heel
22 have a rear face 26 and the moveable locking element 40 have a
face section 430. A joint guard 100 is provided with means for
protecting and stabilizing portions in the edge region of the
panel. The portions protected and stabilized are: a distal edge 21,
a downwards protruding heel 22, an upper joint edge 25, an undercut
space 23.sup.I, a rear face 26, a moveable locking element 40, a
locking tongue 41, a locking tongue leg 42 and a maneuvering leg 43
and a face section 430. Accordingly, the joint guard 100 is
provided with a locking tongue stopper 141, a maneuvering leg
support 143 and a face section support 136. The joint guard 100 is
suitably made of medium density fiber board (MDF).
[0081] FIG. 18 shows a eighth embodiment of a joint guard 100
according to the invention. A second edge 3 known through WO
94/26999 is provided with a lower cheek 61 having a distal end 62.
A bendable locking member 70 is arranged on a second edge 3. The
bendable locking member 70 have an outer locking tongue 73. A joint
guard 100 is provided with means for protecting and stabilizing
portions in the edge region of a panel. These portions are: a lower
cheek 61, a distal end 62, a a bendable locking member 70 and an
outer locking tongue 73. The joint guard 100 supports, protect and
stabilize through means of an outer locking tongue support 173 and
a groove engaging tongue 164. The basic principle of the joint
guard 100 shown in FIG. 18 is also applicable on joints as
described in WO 03/083234. The joint guard 100 is suitably made of
medium density fiber board (MDF).
[0082] FIG. 19 shows a variation of the fourth embodiment, shown in
FIG. 14, of a joint guard 100 according to the invention. The joint
guard 100 is provided with a locking tongue stopper 141 and a
maneuvering leg support 143 as described in FIG. 14. The joint
guard 100 according to the alternative embodiment shown in FIG. 19
is further provided with an top surface edge guard 110 intended
protect the edge of a top surface laminate during cutting,
especially from splitting and separating in the edge region.
[0083] FIG. 20 shows another variation of the fourth embodiment,
shown in FIG. 14, of a joint guard 100 according to the invention.
Above what is described in figure connection to 14 and 19 the joint
guard is further provided with a handle 111 used for holding the
joint guard 100 in place during for example cutting. The handle 111
is especially useful when using the joint guard 100 as a tapping
block.
[0084] FIG. 21 shows a variation of the eighth embodiment, shown in
FIG. 18, of a joint guard 100 according to the invention. The joint
guard 100 supports, protect and stabilize through means of an outer
locking tongue support 173 and a groove engaging tongue 164. The
joint guard 100 according to the alternative embodiment shown in
FIG. 21 is further provided with an top surface edge guard 110
intended protect the edge of a top surface laminate during cutting,
especially from splitting and separating in the edge region. The
groove engaging tongue 164 is also made more shallow and tapered
compared to the embodiment shown in FIG. 18.
[0085] FIG. 22 shows a another variation of the eighth embodiment,
shown in FIG. 18, of a joint guard 100 according to the invention.
Above what is described in connection to FIGS. 18 and 21 the joint
guard is further provided with a handle 111 used for holding the
joint guard 100 in place during for example cutting. The handle 111
is especially useful when using the joint guard 100 as a tapping
block. The groove engaging tongue 164 of FIGS. 18 and 21 is
furthermore omitted in the embodiment shown in FIG. 22.
[0086] The invention is not limited by the embodiments shown as
they can be varied in different ways within the scope of the
invention.
* * * * *