U.S. patent application number 12/501972 was filed with the patent office on 2010-02-04 for high friction joint, and interlocking joints for forming a generally planar surface, and method of assembling the same.
This patent application is currently assigned to PERGO (EUROPE) AB. Invention is credited to Oliver O. Stanchfield.
Application Number | 20100024341 12/501972 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 25398230 |
Filed Date | 2010-02-04 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100024341 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Stanchfield; Oliver O. |
February 4, 2010 |
High Friction Joint, And Interlocking Joints For Forming A
Generally Planar Surface, And Method Of Assembling The Same
Abstract
An interlockable panel for forming a generally planar surface.
Each panel includes a first surface positioned substantially in a
plane and a second surface facing opposite the first surface and
substantially parallel to and displaced from the first surface.
Each surface has a perimeter defined by edges extending between the
first and second surfaces. The edges may include male or female
edges. Each male edge includes a tongue that extends outwardly from
the male edge and a longitudinally extending void that extends
inwardly of the tongue. Each female edge includes a groove having a
protrusion position within the groove and extending outwardly from
the groove generally parallel to the first surface. An adjacent
panel may be linked to a fixed panel such that the tongue engages
the groove and the protrusion engages the void. The invention also
includes a method for assembling a generally planar surface using
interlockable panels such as the above-mentioned. The method
generally includes the steps of placing the first surfaces of
adjacent panels within a common plane, and manually linking of the
male edge of the first panel with the female edge of a second
panel, by relatively moving the panels towards each other while
maintaining said panels in a common plane.
Inventors: |
Stanchfield; Oliver O.;
(Raleigh, NC) |
Correspondence
Address: |
NOVAK, DRUCE + QUIGG L.L.P. - PERGO
1300 Eye Street, N.W., 1000 West Tower
Washington
DC
20005
US
|
Assignee: |
; PERGO (EUROPE) AB
TRELLEBORG
SE
|
Family ID: |
25398230 |
Appl. No.: |
12/501972 |
Filed: |
July 13, 2009 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10855568 |
May 28, 2004 |
7559179 |
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12501972 |
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10228065 |
Aug 27, 2002 |
6823638 |
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10855568 |
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09891460 |
Jun 27, 2001 |
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10228065 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
52/588.1 ;
52/745.13; 52/745.21 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04F 2201/049 20130101;
E04F 2201/026 20130101; E04F 2201/0115 20130101; E04F 2201/07
20130101; E04F 15/02 20130101; E04F 2201/0123 20130101; E04F
2201/025 20130101; E04F 2201/035 20130101; E04F 2201/041
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
52/588.1 ;
52/745.13; 52/745.21 |
International
Class: |
E04C 2/38 20060101
E04C002/38; E04B 1/38 20060101 E04B001/38 |
Claims
1. An interlockable panel for forming a generally planar surface,
the panel comprising: a first surface lying substantially in a
plane; a second surface facing opposite the first surface and
disposed substantially parallel to and displaced from the first
surface; a perimeter of the panel having edges extending between
the first and second surfaces, the edges comprising at least one of
a male or female edges; wherein each male edge includes a tongue
extending outwardly from the male edge and a longitudinally
extending void extending inwardly of the tongue, and each female
edge includes a groove having a protrusion positioned within the
groove and extending outwardly from the groove generally parallel
to the first surface, whereby, an adjacent panel may be linked to
the interlockable panel such that the tongue engages the groove and
the protrusion enters the void.
2. The panel as in claim 1, wherein the tongue comprises a pair of
flange-shaped fingers, and the void extends between the
fingers.
3. The panel as in claim 2, wherein, the void is generally U-shaped
with an enlarged bight, and the protrusion has a bulbous end, and
wherein the bight and bulbous end are cooperatively formed so as to
engage one another when the protrusion enters the void.
4. The panel as in claim 3, wherein adjacent panels are formed to
slidingly engage one another along engaged edges, yet prevent
relative movement of the panels transverse to the engaged
edges.
5. The panel as in claim 1, wherein the interlockable panel has at
least one male edge.
6. The panel as in claim 5, wherein all of the edges are male
edges.
7. The panel as in claim 1, wherein the interlockable panel has at
least one female edge.
8. The panel as in claim 7, wherein all of the edges are female
edges.
9. The panel as in claim 1, wherein the panel is a rectangle, and
each male edge is positioned opposite the rectangle from a female
edge.
10. The panel as in claim 1, further comprising a laminate covering
at least one of the first or second surfaces.
11. The panel as in claim 1, further comprising an adhesive
positioned along at least one of the male or female edges.
12. The panel as in claim 1, wherein first surface of a first panel
abuts a first surface of the adjacent panel without a gap
therebetween when in an installed condition.
13. A method of assembling a planar surface from interlockable
panels, each panel having a first surface lying substantially in a
plane and a second surface facing opposite the first surface, and
edges comprising at least one of male edges and female edges, the
edges defining a perimeter of each panel and connecting the first
and second surfaces, the method comprising the steps of: providing
a plurality of interlockable panels, at least one of the panels
having a tongue extending outwardly from the male edge and a void
extending inwardly of the tongue, and at least one of the panels
having a groove extending along the female edge, the groove having
at least one protrusion positioned within the groove and configured
to engage the tongue by extending into the void; placing the first
surfaces of adjacent panels within a common plane; manually linking
the male edge of a first panel with the female edge of a second
panel by relatively moving the panels towards each other in a
horizontal plane, the male edge and female edge being configured to
retain the linked panels in a linked condition until an adhesive is
cured; selecting a relative position of the first panel with
respect to the second panel; providing an adhesive on at least one
edge of at least one of the first or second panels; and allowing
the adhesive to cure.
14. The method as in claim 13, wherein the linking step includes
the step of aligning the male edge of the first panel with the
female edge of the second panel in a substantially collinear
fashion, and slidingly engaging the male edge of the first panel
into the female edge of the second panel.
15. The method as in claim 13, further comprising the step of
manually sliding the second panel into a preselected position
relative the first panel.
16. The method as in claim 13, wherein the linking step includes
the step of snap-fitting the male edge into the female edge.
17. The method as in claim 13, wherein the tongue comprises at
least two flange-shaped fingers, and a respective void extends
between each of the fingers.
18. The method as in claim 17, wherein the fingers are biased
outwardly away from one another as the protrusion enters the void
during the linking step.
19. The method as in claim 17, wherein each of the voids has a
general U-shape with an enlarged bight.
20. The method as in claim 19, wherein the protrusion includes a
bulbous end, so that the bulbous end moves within the bight when
the second panel slides relative the first panel.
21. The method as in claim 18, wherein the step of providing
adhesive includes depositing a bead of glue on at least one of a
male edge or female edge.
22. The method as in claim 18, wherein the step of providing
adhesive includes the step of forming at least one of the male or
female edges to include microballoons containing one of the
adhesive or a reactant that activates the adhesive, the
microballoons positioned to rupture during the linking step.
23. The method as in claim 13, wherein said manual linking is
accomplished without the use of tools.
24. The method as in claim 13, wherein the manual linking is
accomplished by relatively moving the panels diagonally towards
each other.
25. The method as in claim 13, when the manual linking assembled by
relatively moving the panels perpendicularly towards each other.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The invention relates to a glueable panel for forming a
generally planar surface. The invention is also directed to a
method of assembling a planar surface from a plurality of panels.
While the uses for a planar surface are numerous, the invention
will likely be most commonly used as a floor, especially a floating
flooring where the floor is not attached to the subfloor.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] It is well-known to incorporate floor or wall covering into
the design of business or residential uses in order to improve the
aesthetics or alter the appearance of rooms. In addition to
aesthetic concerns, floor, wall and ceiling coverings may also
serve utilitarian purposes as well.
[0003] Over the years, many techniques for covering surfaces have
been developed. Wallpaper and paneling are but a few examples. A
wood surface has been found to be not only aesthetically pleasing,
but very durable and low-maintenance. For this reason, many prefer
wood covering because of its beauty, low-maintenance, and
resistance to wear.
[0004] Assembly and installation of floor covering is often an
arduous task. For example, unlike carpet or wallpaper, the wood
covering required skill, precise measurement and specialized tools
in order to install it correctly. Unlike carpet or wallpaper, wood
flooring could be neither stretched nor folded in order to
accommodate the dimensions of a room. Additionally, wood flooring,
especially flooring of tile or planks, required precision fitting
in order to prevent the occurrence of gaps or cracks which would
affect the physical appearance, as well as the durability and
wear-resistance of the covering. This was also true of laminated
flooring which has become popular in recent years, including the
so-called "glueless" floors which have edges framed with
interlocking patterns. Such floors cannot be assembled by pushing
the panels together in the same plane, but must be manipulated
through a series of angular motions in a particular sequence to
assemble the panels into a floor. Therefore, great care and skill
are required to insure that the tiles and panels of the surface
covering fit neatly and tightly together. This often proved to be
an arduous task, as hundreds of tiles or panels were generally
required in order to cover a desired surface.
[0005] In order to properly install a surface covering of the prior
art, one was generally required to carefully install the covering,
tile-by-tile, and generally tapping and/or nailing each tile into
place, or gluing and adhering the newly-placed tile to the surface
to be covered, as well as the previously-placed tile. With the
so-called "glueless" floor, the planks required manipulation to
assemble them and the floors have been known to fail at the joint
since the interlocking patterns at the edges are relatively thin,
being machined into these plank edges. Because numerous tiles or
panels were often required to be placed, there was the omnipresent
danger of one of the tiles or panels becoming unseated during
installation, which often required an installer to re-do his work
to replace the shifted tile or panel. Still further, temporary
clamps or installation straps were required to maintain the panels
in position until the glue dried. The present invention addresses
these and many other problems of the prior art.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] The invention is directed to a glueable panel for forming a
generally planar surface. The panel includes a first surface, lying
substantially in a plane, and a second surface facing opposite the
first surface and disposed substantially parallel to and displaced
from the first surface. A perimeter of the panel is defined by
edges extending between the first and second surfaces. The edges
may include male edges and/or female edges.
[0007] In one embodiment, the panels of the invention are provided
with edges that are dimensioned as to increase the friction between
assembled panels such the glue may dry without the necessity for
external clamps or installation straps. In another embodiment, each
male edge includes a tongue extending outwardly from the male edge
and a longitudinally extending void extending inwardly of the
tongue. Each female edge includes a groove having a protrusion
positioned within the groove. The protrusion extends outwardly from
the groove generally parallel to the first surface. Adjacent panels
may be linked to similar panels such that the tongue engages the
groove and the protrusion enters into the void.
[0008] Alternatively, the tongue may include a pair of
flange-shaped fingers, and the void may extend between the fingers.
The void may be formed as a general U-shape. Optionally, the
U-shape may be formed with an enlarged bight, and the protrusion
may include a bulbous end, such that the bight and the bulbous end
are formed to cooperatively engage one another when the protrusion
is inserted into the void.
[0009] The foregoing are but two ways of increasing the friction or
providing an interlocking joint of strength sufficient to permit
assembly of adjacent panels without clamping, and without the need
for installation straps, or, hammers and tapping blocks. In fact,
the panels of the invention can be installed by using hand and arm
pressure alone, without the aid of any tools or machines of any
kind. Thus, as used herein, the term "manual" means, "without the
aid of tools or machines." The friction or interlock need only be
sufficient to hold the panels together while the adhesive sets.
Panels may be formed where all the edges are identical, for
example, all male, or all female edges, or the panels may have
differently shaped edges of common gender, e.g two male and two
female edges per plank. When more than one male or female edge
appears on a single plank, it is not necessary that all single male
(or female) edges have the same shape, i.e., the shape of each male
edge can differ from other male edges, and each female edge can
differ from other female edges. For example, a male edge on a long
side of the planking may have a male edge on the short side of the
plank which differs in shape. Optionally, adjacent panels are
formed to slidingly engage one another along engaged edges. This
engagement allows sliding movement but restrains relative movement
of the panels transverse to the engaged edges. Such sliding
movement facilitates the gluing of the panels, as will be discussed
below.
[0010] The panels may be formed of any geometric shape. Commonly,
the panels will form rectangles, and each male edge may be
positioned opposite, or adjacent a female edge. Of course, other
planar geometric shapes are also possible, such as triangles,
pentagons, hexagons, octagons, or the like.
[0011] Preferably, the first (or top) surface of the plank is
covered with a laminate. The laminate maybe selectively chosen for
aesthetics to make any type of pattern, such as a wood grain or
stone pattern, for example. Laminates maybe of the high pressure
laminate (HPL) or direct laminate (DL) types. Typically, the
laminate includes a decorative paper, hard particles such as
Al.sub.2O.sub.3, to resist abrasion and scratching, and a resin,
such as melamine or other thermosetting resin. Additionally, the
panel may also include an adhesive positioned along at least one of
the male edges or female edges. The adhesive may be one which is
placed on the panel when the panel edges are manufactured or formed
at the factory. However, the adhesive may alternately be one placed
on the edges immediately before joining the edge to an adjacent
panel. In one preferred embodiment, the adhesive is contained
within or activated by microballoons that are ruptured upon joining
of the plank edges. Alternatively, the adhesive may be activated by
use of a solvent, or perhaps the adhesive maybe activated by a
chemical reaction that is initiated by friction of the panels
contacting one another.
[0012] The panels are formed to fit together such that when a first
surface of a first panel abuts a first surface of the adjacent
panel, there remains no gap therebetween when the panels are in an
installed condition.
[0013] The invention also includes a method of assembling a planar
surface from interlockable panels, such as the ones referred to
above. The method includes the steps of providing a plurality of
interlockable panels, placing the first surfaces of adjacent panels
within a common plane, and manually linking the male edge of a
first panel with the female edge of a second panel, or vice-versa
by sliding the panels in a common plane. Such assembly can be done
using hand and arm pressure alone on a horizontal planar surface.
The joints do not require lifting or rotating, or a hammer or
tapping block or other tool, that provides leverage to close joint.
An adhesive is applied to the joined edges, which allows the
installer to select a desired position, then allow the adhesive to
cure with the panels in position. The edges are configured to hold
the panels in a joined condition until the adhesive cures. Because
the edges have sufficient friction or interlock to hold the panels
in place while the adhesive cures, no clamping is needed, and no
straps are required.
[0014] In one preferred embodiment of the method, the linking step
may include the step of aligning the male edge of the first panel
with the female edge of the second panel in a substantially
collinear fashion, then engaging the male edge of the first panel
into the female edge of the second panel.
[0015] Alternatively, the method includes the step of snap-fitting
the male edge into the female edge.
[0016] Hand and arm pressure is all that is needed to assemble the
friction and interlocking joints of the present invention.
[0017] In the embodiments of the invention, the method may also
include the step of sliding the panels along the joint edge until a
desired position is reached.
[0018] Also, the embodiments of the method include the step of
applying adhesive to at least one of the male edges or the female
edges. The adhesive maybe applied immediately before joining the
panels, or it may be activated (such as, by a solvent or by the
rupturing of microballoons that contains either solvent, adhesive,
or reactive components). Optionally, the adhesive is self-activated
so that the adhesive becomes active upon joining adjacent panels,
e.g. the male edges contain one part of a two part adhesive and the
female edge contains the other part. The joining of the panels
causes the adhesive to become activated.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0019] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment,
according to the principles of the invention.
[0020] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the embodiment shown in FIG.
1 depicted in the joined condition.
[0021] FIG. 2A is a cross-sectional enlarged view of an alternative
embodiment of an interlocking joint that juxtaposes the male edge
of one panel and the female edge of another.
[0022] FIG. 2B is a cross-sectioned enlarged view of an alternative
embodiment of increased friction joint.
[0023] FIG. 2C is a further cross-sectional enlarged view of a
still further embodiment of a joint according to the invention.
[0024] FIG. 3 presents a perspective view of a second embodiment of
the invention.
[0025] FIG. 4 is a plan view, showing a sliding method of assembly,
according to the principles of the invention.
[0026] FIG. 5 depicts a plan view showing a snap-fit method of
joining adjacent panels, according to the principles of the
invention.
[0027] FIG. 6 is a plan view, illustrating the sliding relationship
of adjacent panels.
[0028] FIG. 7 is a plan view showing an embodiment of the method
according to the invention, showing a diagonal direction of
installation.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0029] FIG. 1 shows a view of a first embodiment of the invention.
Each panel 10 includes a first surface 12 and a second surface 14.
The perimeter of each panel is defined by edges; the edges may
comprise a male edge 16 and a female edge 18. Each male edge 16
includes a tongue 20 having a void 21 extending longitudinally
thereon.
[0030] Each female edge 18 will include a groove 22 having a
longitudinally extending protrusion 24 therein. The protrusion 24
extends in a plane generally parallel to the first surface 12.
Alternatively, the protrusion 24 is a continuous rib that extends
along the groove 22. The protrusion 24 may also comprise a rib that
is interrupted at various places along the groove 22.
[0031] A laminate 36 may cover at least one of the first 12 or
second 14 surfaces. As shown in FIG. 1, the laminate 36 covers only
the first surface 12; however, a laminate 36 may be applied to both
surfaces or neither surface 12, 14. Optionally, the panel,
including the portions forming the tongue and groove, can be of one
piece, e.g., of plastic, metal, or a resin. Alternatively, the
laminate 36 may be substituted with a foil, plastic, or other
material, such as a wood veneer. The laminate 36 may be bonded to a
substrate 2,3, such as compressed cellulosic particles, e.g.,
strandboard, plywood, or bonded fibers, such as HDF or MDF. The
joint portions may be formed by milling the edges, by molding the
edges, or by adhering a separate edge to the substrate. Milling is
the preferred method.
[0032] FIG. 2 depicts the embodiment of FIG. 1 except that the
adjacent panels 10 are shown in a joined condition. In the joined
condition, the tongue 20 of male edge 16 engages and fits within
the groove 22 of female edge 18. Additionally, the protrusion 24
engages and fits within the void 21.
[0033] The terms "male edge" and "female edge" are used herein for
illustrative purposes only, in order to give a greater
understanding of the invention. Therefore, the definition of these
terms, as used herein, is not necessarily identical to the
respective definitions that may be used in the art.
[0034] At least one of the male edges or female edges 16, 18, may
include an adhesive 30. FIG. 2 shows the adhesive 30 to be on both
a male edge and a female edge. The adhesive 30 may be any of
several types of adhesive. For example, a conventional glue may be
applied to one of the edges shortly before installation.
Alternatively, the edge 16, 18, maybe pre-formed with an adhesive
built onto it. Specifically, the edge 16, 18 may include
microballoons filled with an adhesive, or an activator for an
adhesive. These microballoons may rupture upon installation,
thereby enhancing the strength of the joined panels. The adhesive
may also be activated by certain wavelengths of light, for example
ultraviolet or infrared, acting upon a photoinhibitor contained
within the adhesive.
[0035] The panels may farther include chamfered edges 26 adjacent
the intersection of the male edge 16 and second surface 14.
Conversely, the panels may also include a chamfered edge 27
adjacent the intersection of the female edge 18 and the second
surface 14.
[0036] FIG. 2A shows an enlarged view of a cross-section of the
embodiment shown in FIG. 2, allowing depiction of the male and
female edges 16,18 in greater detail. The adhesive 30 is generally
applied to one of the gluing surfaces 41 on the groove 22, or
perhaps to one or more of the gluing surfaces 42 of the tongue 20.
The adhesive may also be applied to the protrusion 24 or the recess
21.
[0037] The view shown in FIG. 2A also shows that the protrusion 24
may have a ridge 23 formed to complement a bulge 23' in the recess
21 of the tongue 20. Additionally, the protrusion 24 may have a
ridge 25 formed to complement a bulge 25' on the recess 21 of the
tongue 20. Additionally, the female edge may have a wider area 43
on the tongue 20. The glue need not be applied to all surfaces of
the joint edges. In FIG. 2A, glue is applied to surfaces 41, and 42
but is not applied to recess 21 nor protrusion 24. FIGS. 2B and 2C
illustrate alternative embodiments of the joints of the
invention.
[0038] FIG. 3 shows another configuration of the panels 10. The
embodiment shown in FIG. 3 differs from the embodiments shown in
FIGS. 1 and 2, 2A and 2B; however, elements having similar
structure and function have been given identical reference numerals
in order to simplify explanation of the invention.
[0039] Each panel 10 comprises a first surface 12 and a second
surface 14 facing opposite the first surface 12. The perimeter of
the panel 10 is defined by edges; the edges may include male edges
16 and female edges 18. Each male edge will include a tongue 20,
and each female edge will include a groove 22.
[0040] Each tongue 20 will include at least two flange-shaped
fingers 28,29 extending outwardly from the male edge 16. A void 21
extends between the fingers 28,29. The void 21 is formed as a
general U-shape having an enlarged bight 32. The female edge 18
will include a protrusion 24 extending outwardly from the groove
22. The protrusion 24 extends generally parallel to the first
surface 12, and outwardly from the groove. The protrusion 24 may
terminate in an enlarged bulbous end 40. As shown, the protrusion
24 is a rib that continuously extends longitudinally along the
groove 22. However, the protrusion 24 may also be interrupted along
the longitudinal length of the groove 22.
[0041] The void 21, protrusion 24, enlarged bight 32 and bulbous
end 40 are all cooperatively formed to tightly engage one another
when the panels are assembled and interlocked with one another.
[0042] When the embodiment shown in FIG. 3 is assembled, the
enlarged bulbous end 40 may actually be too large to fit into the
void 21. In order to snap-fit the protrusion 24 into the void 21,
the flange-shaped fingers 28 of the tongue 20 may outwardly deform
to allow the bulbous end 40 to enter the void 21. When the bulbous
end 40 reaches the enlarged bight 32, the flange-shaped fingers 28
snap back to their original position, thereby helping retain the
protrusion 24 within the void 21. Alternatively, the bulbous end 40
may compress as it is inserted into the void 21, and then return
toward its original size as it reaches the enlarged bight 32. The
enlarged bight 32 also provides a volume which permits excess glue
to be captured within the joint and prevents glue from squeezing to
the top surface 12 of the panel, where it may be unsightly and
would have to be removed in a separate step.
[0043] When the panels 10 are linked with one another, their first
surface 12 should abut one another in such a way that no gap exists
between the first surfaces 12 of the panels 10.
[0044] FIG. 4 illustrates a first embodiment of a method of
assembly for adjacent panels 10. According to this method, the
panels 10, 10' are placed in a common plane (i.e., the plane of the
paper) such that a male edge 16 of a first panel 10 is aligned in a
substantially collinear fashion with a female edge 18' of a second
panel 10'. Then, the second panel 10' slidingly engages the first
panel 10 by engaging the male edge 16 into the female edge 18'. The
sliding engagement assists in activating the adhesive.
[0045] FIG. 5 shows an additional method for assembling adjacent
panels 10, 10'. In this embodiment, the panels 10, 10' are set in a
common plane with the male edge 16 of a first panel facing the
female edge 18' of another panel 10'. Then, the respective edges
16, 18' are slid toward one another so the respective edges 16, 18'
engage and become interlocked. Generally, an installer will feel a
snap-fit when the panels are adjoined using the method depicted in
FIG. 5.
[0046] In each embodiment of the method (namely, the method shown
in FIG. 4 and the method shown in FIG. 5), the panels become
engaged such that relative sliding movement along the engaged edges
16, 18', is allowed, but relative movement transverse to the
engaged edges 16, 18' is prevented. In all embodiments, the
configuration of the edges allows the installer to move the panels
before the adhesive cures, and the edges are configured to remain
in contact without the use of clamps or installation straps.
[0047] FIG. 6 shows adjacent panels 10 in an already engaged
position such that first surfaces 12 abut one another with no gap
there between. In this condition, the panels may be slid, such as
in the direction shown, until the panel is in a preselected
position.
[0048] FIG. 7 illustrates yet another method of linking adjacent
panels. As shown, a rectangular, e.g., square, panel 10 may be
installed with other panels 10' by moving the male edge 16 of a
first panel 10 into contact with a female edge 18' of another panel
10' by moving the panel 10 at an angle with respect to the male
edge 16. As shown in FIG. 7, the panel 10 may be installed
diagonally with respect to the edges 16, 16', 18, 18'. The same
method of installation may be achieved with rectangular panels, of
unequal side dimensions.
[0049] The description herein describes the invention relative to
the drawings. The descriptions have been made for illustrative
purposes only, and the scope and breadth of the protection is
limited in scope only by the appended claims.
* * * * *