1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a process for the production of a floor strip such as a dilatation profile, a transition profile or a finishing profile, wherein when installed, the profile is flush with a flooring. The present invention also relates to the features of the transitions.
2. Description of the Related Art
It is previously known to produce floor strips such as metal strips, wood veneer coated strips and strips of homogeneous wood. However, such floor strips generally do not adequately match the pattern of the other portions of the floor. Thus, there is a strong desire to bring about a floor strip with the same pattern as on a floor of thermosetting laminate. During the last few years these floors have become very usual. For instance they are made with a wood pattern, marble pattern and fancy pattern. Possibly you can use a homogeneous wood strip or a wood veneer-coated strip for a few of the wood patterned floors. Previously known strips do not go well together with all the other floor patterns.
These floor strips are provided in a floor system in order to provide a transition or edge to the floor, such as at the corner of the wall or between rooms. They may also be provided between rooms having different types of flooring, such as carpet and tile, or different heights or textures of tiles. However, conventional floor strips do not adequately provide a transition between differing floor types because they cannot adequately cover the gap between the differing floor coverings or the differing heights of the tiles.
However, it also a problem for sellers of floor strips to inventory differing types of transition profiles, especially in a pattern or color to match a single floor. Thus, there exists a need to provide a single floor strip which can satisfy a number of differing requirements, such a being useful as a finishing profile, a dilatation profile, and a transition profile.
Moreover, the existing flooring transitions create what is known in the art as a “speed bump”. Such speed bumps are formed because the structures forming the transitions are raised above the surface of both flooring surfaces being connected at the transition. These speed bumps create areas which require additional abrasion resistance in order to withstand the traffic conditions placed on the raised structure. Thus, there exists the need in the art for a transition to bridge two flooring structures, which does not create the disadvantageous speed bump.
According to the present invention it has quite surprisingly been possible to meet the above needs and bring about a process for the production of floor strips such as a dilatation profile, a transition profile or a finishing profile. The process comprises glueing, preferably under heat and pressure a thin decorative thermosetting laminate of post-forming quality having an abrasion resistance measured as IP-value >3000 revolutions, preferably >6000 revolutions, on a longitudinal carrier, which carrier preferably consists of a fibre board or a particle board with a rectangular cross-section and at least two opposite rounded-off edges.
The post-forming laminate is glued in one piece on the upper side and two long sides of the carrier via the rounded-off edges, whereupon one or more floor profiles having the same or different cross-section is machined from the laminate coated carrier. According to another embodiment the carrier can be provided with a rectangular cross-section with three rounded-off edges. Alternatively, the carrier can be provided with a direct laminate (DL) which comprises a decor sheet and at least one overly, typically of α-cellulose which can be impregnated with a thermosetting resin, typically a melamine or melamine-formaldehyde resin, optionally with hard particles.
From the same body, the laminate clad carrier, several profiles with varying shape can be machined. Usually a milling machine is used for machining the different kinds of profiles from the laminate coated carrier. The carrier may also be molded to achieve various profiles which may be required. Additionally, the carrier is preferably water resistant or even waterproof. In a preferred embodiment the carrier consists of a high density fibre board made of fine fibres, such as known in the industry as medium density fiberboard (MDF) or high density fiberboard (HDF).
Advantageously, a heat and moisture resistant glue is used at the glueing. Preferably the glueing is carried out under heat and pressure. For instance, the pressure can be regulated by means of rollers which press the laminate against the carrier. The temperature can, for instance, be regulated with heating nozzles which can give an even current of warm air.
Suitably the post-forming laminate consists of at least one monochromatic or patterned paper sheet impregnated with a thermosetting resin, preferably melamine-formaldehyde resin and preferably one or more sheets for instance of parchment, vulcanized fibres or glass fibres. The last mentioned sheets are preferably not impregnated with any thermosetting resin, but the thermosetting resin from the sheets situated above will enter these sheets at the laminating step, where all sheets are bonded together. Alternatively, the sheet can be a metallic foil or a layer of paint.
Generally the term post-forming laminate means a laminate which is so flexible that it can be formed at least to a certain extent after the production thereof. Ordinary qualities of thermosetting decorative laminates are rather brittle and cannot be regarded as post-forming laminates.
Usually the post-forming laminate includes at least one uppermost transparent paper sheet made of α-cellulose and impregnated with a thermosetting resin, preferably melamine-formaldehyde resin. This so-called overlay is intended to protect an underlying decor sheet from abrasion.
Often at least one of the paper sheets of the postforming laminate impregnated with thermosetting resin, preferably the uppermost one, is coated with hard particles, e.g., those having a Moh's hardness of at least 6, preferably between 6 and 10, similar to the Moh's hardness of at least silica, aluminium oxide, diamond and/or silicon carbide. The hard particles have an average particle size of about 1-80 μm, preferably about 5-60 μm evenly distributed over the surface of the paper sheet. In a preferred embodiment the hard particles are applied on the resin impregnated paper surface before the resin has been dried. The hard particles improve the abrasion resistance of the laminate. Hard particles are used in the same way at the production of laminates which are subject to a hard wear such as flooring laminates.
The abrasion resistance of the post-forming laminates is tested according to the European standard EN 438-2/6: 1991. According to this standard the abrasion of the decor sheet of the finished laminate to the so-called IP-point (initial point) is measured, where the starting abrasion takes place. The IP-value suitably lies within the interval 3000-20000, preferably 3000-10000 revolutions. Thus, the manufacturing process according to the invention makes it possible to produce laminate clad profiles with the same surface pattern and about the same abrasion resistance as the laminate floorings they are intended to be used together with.
The carriers for the floor strips to which the post-forming laminate is glued can be made of differing profiles to accommodate the specific circumstance, namely whether a dilatation, transition or finishing profile is required. The profile, for example a dilatation profile, comprises a general T-shape whereby a first plane extending vertically along the length of the floor strip intersects about in the middle of a second horizontally oriented plane. A profile removes about half of the second plane to form a rotated upside down L-shape, which is used adjacent a wall or on a stepped surface. A dilatation profile is similar to a finishing profile, but the second plane is oriented off of horizontal or it is divided into two planes, one at a different level than the other, or one side is removed altogether, which provides a smoother transition between uneven tiles, a carpet and tile, or differing tile textures. The pattern of the profiles can also be adapted to other flooring materials than laminate floorings, such as parquette floorings and soft plastic floorings.
In order to overcome the problems associated with transitioning between carpet and tile, differing textures of tiles or differing heights of tiles, the second plane may have a tab portion on its tile/carpet engaging surface depending orthogonally away from the second plane and displaced away from the first plane. The tab is used to engage a reducer that extends between the floor surface and the engagement surface of the second plane. The reducer is configured to maintain a horizontal orientation of the second plane and provide a smoother transition between the tile surfaces in the finishing, transition or dilatation profile when they are used between uneven tile surfaces, differing tile textures or between carpet and tile. The tab portion fits into a groove on the upper surface of the reducer in mating fashion to create a solid lock between them.
Alternatively, the tab portion may be engaged into the edge of a tile panel on the floor. In this situation, the tiles adjacent to the transition area may require a groove cut into them near the transition. Such allows the tab portion to maintain a firm and locked relationship with the tile surface and provide a better transition between the tile surface and the respective profile. Further, a tab portion may be provided on both sides of the second plane respective to the first plane to further smooth the transition area between the first tile surface, the floor strip and the second surface.
The design of the tab may come in varying styles, there may be a straight block type tab, a t-nut type, various interlocking styles and a channel type arrangement. Such types depend on the particular requirements of the tiling circumstance.
This inventive floor strip according to the above may be used as a transition piece between any panels, comprising at least one of various tongue and groove configurations to provide a smooth and aesthetic transition between floor sections having, for example, dissimilar surfaces, such as those between a carpeted area and a tiled area, a thin tile area and a hardwood floor, two tile areas having differing textures, etc. Alternatively, the floor strip or transition may be used between panels of the same type, such as at a threshold between adjacent rooms.
The present invention will be explained further in connection with the embodiment example below and the enclosed figures of which:
In the Figs. of illustrating a floor strip 100, the thickness of the post-forming laminate 1 has been magnified as compared to the size of the carrier 2 and the profiles, e.g. 3-5 respectively, to better illustrate that a post-forming laminate 1 is glued to the carrier 2 and the profiles 3-5 respectively. Of course
For example in one embodiment, a roll of transparent so-called overlay paper of α-cellulose with a surface weight of 25 g/m2 is impregnated with an aqueous solution of melamine-formaldehyde resin to a resin content of 70 percent by weight calculated on dry impregnated paper. Immediately after the impregnation, aluminium oxide particles with an average particle size of 50 μm are applied to the upper side of the paper in an amount of 7 g/m2 by means of a doctor-roll placed above the paper web. Thus, the hard aluminium oxide particles are then applied to the still-wet melamine-formaldehyde resin which has not dried.
The impregnated paper web is then fed continuously into a heating oven, where the solvent in the resin evaporates. Simultaneously, the resin is partially cured to so-called B-stage. Thereby the aluminium oxide particles are enclosed in the resin layer and accordingly concentrated to the surface of the product obtained which is usually called a prepreg. The prepreg web obtained is then rolled again.
A roll of conventional non-transparent decor paper with a decor pattern printed thereon and having a surface weight of 80 g/m2 is treated in the same way as the overlay paper except for the fact that no aluminium oxide particles are applied and that the resin content was 50 percent by weight calculated on dry impregnated paper.
A roll of unimpregnated parchment with a surface weight of 120 g/m2 is used at the production of the post-forming laminate.
The two prepreg webs impregnated with melamine-formaldehyde resin and the unimpregnated parchment web are then pressed between two press bands of a continuous laminating press to a decorative post-forming laminate. At the pressing, a prepreg web of α-cellulose is placed on top with the side with the hard particles directed upwards. Underneath follows a prepreg web of decor paper and at the bottom a web of parchment. The prepreg webs and the parchment web are pressed together at a pressure of 35 kp/cm2 and at a temperature of 170° C. The decorative post-forming laminate obtained is then cut with roller knives to strips of suitable length and width.
A longitudinal carrier 2 with a rectangular cross-section and two opposite rounded-off edges according to
A strip of post-forming laminate 1 is typically now glued under heat and pressure to the longitudinal carrier 2 with a heat and moisture resistant glue. The pressure is regulated with rolls which press the laminate against the carrier and the temperature 1 is regulated with heating nozzles which blow an even current of warm air.
Following the above process, the abrasion resistance of the post-forming laminate obtained was measured. Then a value for the IP-point amounting to 7000 revolutions was obtained.
The different structures and designs of the profiles for floor strip 100, namely the dilatation, finishing and transition will now be described with respect to
Due to the differing heights of the tiles 70 and 80/81, a reducer 90 is generally used to provide a smooth transition. Reducer 90 has a height corresponding to the height difference between the tiles and also has a groove 91 on its upper surface for acceptance, in a locking manner, of tab 180. Upon assembly of tiles 70, 80 and 81 and floor strip 100, the tab fits into groove 91 and then the reducer is assembled in mating position between an edge 71 of tile 70 and the first side 61 of the second plane. The design of the tab and reducer prevents the reducer from laterally moving in relation to floor strip 100 in an assembled condition. Although a simple tongue and groove design is shown, other engagement means may be used (See
Reducer 90 may have alternate designs, which are illustrated in
Another embodiment of the invention is shown in
Reducer 97 is more or less a rectangular box design having one sloped side 109 which as in the previous embodiment provides a gradual transition between floor heights. Reducer 97 does not have a groove, rather the back side 99 is abutted against tab 180 when floor strip 100 and reducer 97 are in their assembled positions, as shown in
A further embodiment of the invention is shown in
The tab and reducer groove need not be a simple tongue and groove design, as outlined in
In
The designs of the tab portion as shown in
Tabs 1802, 1820 and 1803 shown in
In
As shown in
The T-shaped section 2011 and the section are provided with tongues 2014 and 2016, respectively, for joining with grooves 2015 and 2017 on adjacent flooring panels 2022 and 2023. Although
T-section 2011 and second section 2012 are also provided with elements allowing their interconnection. In one embodiment, second section 2012 includes a protrusion 2018, while T-section 2011 includes a complimentary depression 2019. Similarly, second section 2012 includes a channel 2020, while T-section 2011 has a corresponding extension 2021. The interaction of the protrusion 2018, depression 2019, channel 2020 and extension 2021 allows T-section 2011 and second section 2012 to independently laterally slide. The particular joint formed by such an interaction is shown in
While the Figs. show a specific configuration of the various parts of the T-section 2011 and the second section 2012 which allow their interconnection, it is considered within the scope of this invention to modify any or all of these structures. For example, the tongues and grooves can be switched from the T-section 2011 to the second section 2012. Additionally, any type of interconnection means are suitable, such as a dove-tail, doll-head, or the structures disclosed in U.S. application Ser. No. 10/347,489, herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.
In one embodiment, the reducers 2030A, 2030B and 2030C are attached to the subfloor 2025 with an anchor plate 2040. Preferably, the anchor plate 2040 is inserted into a structure, such as an anchor plate groove 2041. More preferably, the interaction of anchor plate 2040 and anchor plate groove 4041 allows the reducer 2030A, 2030B and 2030C to shift in all directions about the fixed anchor plate 2040, as the anchor plate 2040 is typically attached to the subfloor 2025 with a screw 2042.
Preferably, tongues 2014 and 2016 are glued to the respective panels 2022 and 2023, while T-section 2011 and second section 2012 are not glued. As a result, the joint 2024 is permitted to shift in any direction, while maintaining connection between the panels 2022 and 2023. When disparate forces are applied along the Z-axis of the surface including panels 2022 and 2023, as shown in
In contrast, due to the construction of the joints of this invention, stresses about the X-axis will be spread about the entire surface. In other words, because the transition 2010 is, in at least some embodiments, glued to both panels 2022 and 2023 there is no relative shifting about the X-axis. Thus, any stresses placed about the X-axis will be distributed through the joint 2024 across the entire floor.
As described above, tongues 2014 and 2016 are glued to grooves 2015 and 2017, respectively. This gluing may be accomplished by applying an adhesive to the elements immediately before installation, or in the alternative, by activating a preglue system, such as those described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,606,834 to Martensson et al., herein incorporated by reference in its entirety, having been applied to the element(s) during manufacture. Additionally, the tongues 2014 and 2016 and/or grooves 2015 and 2017 may be modified as to provide a locking strength, either to eliminate the necessity of a glue (e.g., a snap-action joint) or to provide strength to the joint 2024 until the glue sets.
Additionally, in one embodiment, the surfaces of the T section 2011 and second section 2012 can have a laminate or foil placed thereon, while in another embodiment, they are digitally printed. In other words, a decor can be printed directly on the surfaces before a liquid coating is applied with hard particles, to be followed by a hardening process. Furthermore, UV light or any other crosslinking agent, such as heat or chemical agent, may be used to harden and finish the surfaces.
Although the present invention has been described and illustrated in detail, such explanation is to be clearly understood that the same is by way of illustration and example only, and is not to be taken by way of limitation. Other modifications of the above examples may be made by those having ordinary skill which remain within the scope of the invention. For instance, the examples are described with reference to a dilatation profile for the carrier of the floor strip. However, such tab and reducer designs work just as well with a finishing profile as well as a transition profile, and whether used on carpet or floor tiles.
This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 10/347,489, filed Jan. 21, 2003 now U.S. Pat. No. 6,860,074, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 09/986,414, filed Nov. 8, 2001, now abandoned, each of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
Number | Name | Date | Kind |
---|---|---|---|
1357713 | Lane | Nov 1920 | A |
2100238 | Burgess | Nov 1937 | A |
2194086 | Horn | Mar 1940 | A |
2363429 | Lowry | Nov 1944 | A |
3162906 | Dudley | Dec 1964 | A |
3199258 | Jentoft et al. | Aug 1965 | A |
3286425 | Brown | Nov 1966 | A |
3310919 | Bue et al. | Mar 1967 | A |
3331171 | Hallock | Jul 1967 | A |
3339329 | Berg | Sep 1967 | A |
3363381 | Forrest | Jan 1968 | A |
3411977 | Slater, Jr. | Nov 1968 | A |
3488828 | Gallagher | Jan 1970 | A |
3543326 | Rohrberg et al. | Dec 1970 | A |
3665666 | Delcroix | May 1972 | A |
3671369 | Kvalheim et al. | Jun 1972 | A |
3694983 | Couquet | Oct 1972 | A |
3696575 | Armstrong | Oct 1972 | A |
3745726 | Thom | Jul 1973 | A |
3758650 | Hurst | Sep 1973 | A |
3760544 | Hawes et al. | Sep 1973 | A |
3810707 | Tungseth et al. | May 1974 | A |
3859000 | Webster | Jan 1975 | A |
4067155 | Ruff et al. | Jan 1978 | A |
4198455 | Spiro et al. | Apr 1980 | A |
4292774 | Mairle | Oct 1981 | A |
4455803 | Kornberger | Jun 1984 | A |
4461131 | Pressell | Jul 1984 | A |
4504347 | Munk et al. | Mar 1985 | A |
4520062 | Ungar et al. | May 1985 | A |
4643237 | Rosa | Feb 1987 | A |
5034272 | Lindgren et al. | Jul 1991 | A |
5074089 | Kemmer et al. | Dec 1991 | A |
5155952 | Herwegh et al. | Oct 1992 | A |
5295341 | Kajiwara | Mar 1994 | A |
5348778 | Knipp et al. | Sep 1994 | A |
5365713 | Nicholas et al. | Nov 1994 | A |
D373203 | Kornfalt | Aug 1996 | S |
5581967 | Glatz | Dec 1996 | A |
5888017 | Corrie | Mar 1999 | A |
6101778 | Martensson | Aug 2000 | A |
6134854 | Stanchfield | Oct 2000 | A |
6141920 | Kemper | Nov 2000 | A |
6158915 | Kise | Dec 2000 | A |
6219982 | Eyring | Apr 2001 | B1 |
6230385 | Nelson | May 2001 | B1 |
6253514 | Jobe et al. | Jul 2001 | B1 |
6345480 | Kemper | Feb 2002 | B1 |
6421970 | Martensson et al. | Jul 2002 | B1 |
6517935 | Kornfalt | Feb 2003 | B1 |
6588165 | Wright | Jul 2003 | B1 |
6769835 | Stridsman | Aug 2004 | B2 |
Number | Date | Country |
---|---|---|
2638518 | Mar 1977 | DE |
3640822 | Jun 1988 | DE |
467150 | Jun 1992 | DE |
29703962 | Apr 1997 | DE |
19821938 | Nov 1999 | DE |
10131248 | Jan 2003 | DE |
467150 | Jun 1992 | SE |
9612857 | May 1996 | WO |
1999001628 | Jan 1999 | WO |
9901628 | Jan 1999 | WO |
0120101 | Mar 2001 | WO |
03093686 | Nov 2003 | WO |
2005049938 | Jun 2005 | WO |
Number | Date | Country | |
---|---|---|---|
20040206038 A1 | Oct 2004 | US |
Number | Date | Country | |
---|---|---|---|
Parent | 10347489 | Jan 2003 | US |
Child | 10747261 | US | |
Parent | 09986414 | Nov 2001 | US |
Child | 10347489 | US |