MXPA00010720A - Interconnecting disengageable flooring system - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a disengageable interconnecting flooring system for use in forming a temporary or permanent flooring surface on top of a support structure from individual flooring panels. The system includes two or more flooring panels comprising a top wear surface and a bottom surface for contact with the support structure. The panels have at least three edges and all edges have recesses formed therein. The system further comprises a connector (1) having a base (2) and a projection (3,4,5) extending vertically from the base. The projection extending from the base is shaped to be received in a disengageable vertical connected fashion into the recesses of the panels. Preferably the connector (1) is comprised of a base (2) having a projection (3,4,5) extending the entire length thereof. In a preferred embodiment, the connector (1) and panels further comprise means for connecting the panels in a disengageable horizontal fashion.

Description

UNCONNECTABLE FLOOR SYSTEM OF INTERCONNECTION FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to floor surfaces, preferably decorative floor surfaces. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a system for constructing a floor surface, for example a decorative floor surface. More specifically, the present invention relates to thin laminate floor surfaces comprising a top surface, preferably decorative in nature, a substrate or layer reinforcing material and optionally, a backing material or layer. The present invention also relates to components, systems and methods for constructing a releasable laminate floor surface from individual floor panels. In addition, the present invention relates to decorative laminate floor products or components, for example, panels and elements for connecting the panels.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Several systems have been proposed in an attempt to provide means to easily build a floor surface; however, none to date has found a noticeable acceptance in the market, especially in relation to "mobile floor" surfaces of thin uncoupling laminate. A number of known proposed systems are described to provide an background to the present invention.

U.S. Patent No. 3,310,919 entitled "Portable Floor", describes a floor comprising a plurality of panels having straight sides, coupling elements on said sides for coupling the arrangement with cooperating coupling elements on adjacent panels and means operatively associated with the elements. of coupling to releasably lock the adjacent panels in an adjoining side-to-side relationship. As illustrated in Figure 2, the panels are coupled using fixing screws 19 and nails 15. US Patent No. 3,657,852 entitled "Floor Tiles", describes a floor or tile that consists of either an individual piece composed of any of a range of different materials or a plurality of overlapping laminates each made from any of a range of materials. The floor tiles are formed with a plurality of identical lateral projection tabs and, on their underside, with an equal number of identical cavities that open towards the periphery of the tiles and alternate around the periphery with the tabs. The tabs and cavities that are formed in this way are formed so that any tab of any of the tiles is adapted to engage and fit with any cavity of any of the other tiles and when they are engaged in that way, they are held against the removal of end from the cavity so that, when two tiles are located in a common plane, the relative movement between them in said plane is avoided. U.S. Patent No. 4,449,346 entitled "Panel Assembly", discloses a panel assembly that includes at least two panels and a connector member for mounting the panels to a support surface, the panels that are placed from one edge to the other in relation coplanar with the respective confronting edges thereof spaced apart and the connecting member between the confronting and intertrawn panel members with the panels by securely securing the support surface. Each panel has first and second surface in first and second parallel planes and each one has on its respective edge a tongue and a groove. The tongue and groove extend along the edge of the panel between the first and second planes, and project respectively into an aperture angularly outward toward the first plane. The connector member comprises an elongate body that fills the space between the confronting panel edges and has on each side thereof a tongue and a groove that is respectively project into an opening angularly outward toward the second plane. The tongue and the groove on either side are complementary to engage in a locking manner with the respective groove and tongue on the respective adjacent facing edges of the panel. The connector member cooperates with the panels to push the panels toward each other in a narrow lock coupling as a result of a compressive force that is exerted on the member in the direction toward the support surface when the member is secured to the support surface . The patent states that the provision of such connecting member is made in accordance with the hitherto known practice of driving nails or screws at the panel edges to secure the panels to the supporting surface, while a narrow locking coupling is provided between the panels. As shown in Figure 2, the connector member is fixedly secured to the support surface using the screw 86. Further, "the top surface 56 of the connector member 14 is coplanar with the flat top surfaces 16 and 18 of the panels. 10 and 12"and therefore, is part of the upper wear surface which is easily visible. U.S. Patent No. 4,135,339 entitled "Slatted Floor Systems" discloses a floor system provided with slats which is said to be easily assembled, provides a firm support base and comfort for confined animals, resists corrosion, discourages accumulation of » animal waste, it is easily cleaned and can be used to spread significantly over greater distances than previous slats. The slat floor system is established to comprise a plurality of generally parallel and elongated slats. Each board has a carrier surface of higher weight with separate opposite outer edges. Each board also has a bottom surface substantially parallel to the top surface and a pair of side surfaces integral with the top surface and the bottom surface. The lateral surfaces are joined with the upper surface along lines recessed from the outer edges of the upper surface. The side surfaces are said to taper toward each other in first positions, adjacent to the top surface, then extend substantially parallel to each other and vertically relative to the bottom surface in the second portions. It is stated that this forms with the upper and lower surface a waxed main compartment in a generally Y-shape. The patent also discloses that each board also includes a first pair of projection receiving means extending longitudinally along the first tapered portion. of its side surfaces and a second pair of projection receiving means extending longitudinally along the second portion of the side surfaces. The adjacent slats are said to be connected and locked in separate relation in a plurality of connectors. Each connector has a pair of projections with each projection that is received by one of the first pair of projection receiving means in each of the two adjacent slats and the second pair of projection receiving means on each of the two adjacent slats. At least one of the first and second pairs of projections on the connectors are adapted to interlock with their corresponding projection receiving means on the adjacent slats. As stated above and as shown in Figures 1 and 4, the upper wear surface of the slats are spaced apart to provide a space in order to facilitate the object of the invention, i.e., to discourage the accumulation of animal waste. Furthermore, as shown in the same figures, the projections and connecting means can be assembled only by sliding the edges of the slats and the connector together when they are held in a coplanar relationship parallel to each other. And as shown, the connector member does not extend the full length of the splint members. U.S. Patent No. 4,461,131, entitled "Interconnection System Panel", describes an assembly of rectangular-shaped panels, such as a floor, in which the panels comprise sheets with upper and lower flanges separated by a core, elongated accessories that they extend along adjacent edges of adjacent panels and have receiving means of lateral extension between the edge portions of the panels sheets. Each accessory has an open upward channel located beyond the edge of the associated panel. Adjacent fittings and adjacent panels are secured together by elongated connector strips having parallel elongated tabs received in the channels of the adjacent fittings. As shown in Figure 3, the strips 40 form a portion of the upper wear surface and are therefore visibly different from the upper surface 10 of the floor panels P. The North American Patent NO. 4,796,402 titled "Step Silencing Parquet Floor", describes a silent parquet board, in which the sound of the steps that are perceptible from one room to another are silenced by the use of an inhomogeneous fiberboard of surface pressure in the support construction layers provided below the surface layer of the parquet board. The patent discloses that the board has longitudinal and end sides formed by a tongue and groove whereby said board will cooperate with the adjacent boards to form a self-standing parquet floor. U.S. Patent No. 5,022,200 entitled "Interlocking Sections for Portable Floor and the Like" describes an improved locking mechanism that includes first and second members that fit together for locking purposes. The second locking member has pins mounted thereon for movement along defined paths between first and second positions, referred to in the patent as closed and open positions. The patent describes means for normally propelling the pins to their closed positions. The first locking member is set to have means for moving the pins to their open positions when the two locking members move together and to allow the pins to return to their closed positions after engagement of the first and second locking members. The first locking member has engaging surfaces that contact the pins when forces are applied to move the first and second locking members. The shape or inclination of these coupling surfaces relative to the trajectories of the defined movement of the pins is such that it causes a substantial interference of the first locking member with the pins which prevents the movement of the pins towards the open position and therefore , avoids the removal of the locking member. A separate unlocking mechanism is provided to move the pins to the open position and thus allow the mechanism to disengage. According to a preferred embodiment described in the patent, the first locking member includes a flange and the second locking member includes means for defining a recess for receiving the flange. The pins are generally positioned within the receiving space, and the flange includes surfaces on its outer edge to move the pins to the open position and the hook-like portions having engagement surfaces that engage the pins in the locked position. The patent also discloses the construction of an improved panel wherein the panel is formed in a single molding process that encapsulates a urethane core member, molds the edge tab and the slot portions with the recesses formed therein to receive the working members and joins the decorative tolerable floor surface. U.S. Patent No. 5,157,890 entitled "Floor" describes a floor system of individual panel assemblies that can be uncovered in a cooperative manner. The patent discloses that the periphery of each panel is joined by members of structure having two generally parallel spaced tabs and a generally perpendicular web extending therebetween. On one side of the frame, between the upper and lower tabs, the structure members include a track for receiving a key block. The key block comprises a generally rectangular base with a key tab extending therefrom. The base is received by grooves in the track of a structure member and the tongue is received in the track of an adjacent structure member. The structure members can be miter cut to a desired length and the corners held by a corner fastener. U.S. Patent No. 5, 179, 812 entitled "Flooring Product", describes a floor product comprising a wooden panel that has an L shape that surrounds the base which is located below the wooden panel. The patent describes the use of a plurality of parallel aluminum wings that are connected to the base of the panel. Those leaves are said to comprise a groove. In practice, the patent discloses that two floor products having similar joining arrangements are secured together by locating the base of the surrounding of each product in the groove and the elongated means of the other product. The connection can not be uncoupled unless one of the floor panels is tilted relative to the other. U.S. Patent No. 5,295,341 entitled "Snap-Together Flooring System", discloses a floor system having a base member having an upper side, a lower side and four circumferentially separated outer edges, a tongue connector secured to an edge externally by a grooved rib and groove, a groove connector secured to the other outer edge by a grooved rib and groove, a tongue connector having compressible sidewalls that converge forward and terminate on rear transverse groove surfaces, the connector slot that has a large internal opening and a small external opening. The tongue side walls in a compressed position that are smaller than said outer slot opening to pass through the outer opening although elastically extendable to be larger than the outer opening for locking a tongue and groove. The patent discloses that preferably the connectors are attached to the base members and the recesses of the outer edges by additional tabs and slots and that they are attached to the base members in the factory during manufacture. U.S. Patent No. 5,736,227 entitled "Laminated Wood Flooring Product and Wood Floor", describes a floor product which includes an upper decorative layer, an intermediate layer attached to the upper layer and a base layer bonded to the intermediate layer. The upper, intermediate and base layers are joined to define an elongated and laminated wood floor strip. A tongue and grooves are formed at the respective side edges of the floor strip. The tongue and groove extend along the length of the floor strip and lock the adjacent floor strips from side to side to form an assembled wood floor. The base layer has a multiplicity of closely spaced incisions that cut transverse to the length of the floor strip along substantially the entire length of the floor strip. The incisions release the tensions and the flexibility in the wooden strip increases for a closer adherence to the unevenness of the subfloor. U.S. Patent No. 3,694,983 entitled "Pile or Plastic Tiles for Flooring and the Like Applications", describes the tile adapted to be constituted by juxtaposition to a continuous, flat or diversified carpet or coating of plastic or other textile material. Each tile is secured to a reinforcement of the same dimensions but having projections along two adjacent edges of the tile to form an encrusted strip.

Each strip is provided with means that allow the mutual coupling of the fastening means provided in the condition embedded under the edges of the two sides of the adjacent tile. The fastening means have a thickness less than that of the backrest so that in the assembled condition no extra thickness is produced in relation to the thickness of the normal backing. U.S. Patent No. 3,859,000 entitled "Road Cónstruction and panel for Making Same ", describes a road construction comprised of a plurality of identical invertible polygonal panels Each panel comprises a plurality of peripheral members of a single piece fixed together to define a polygonal configuration and each of the members which has an approximately L-shaped projection extending therefrom.The projection is adapted to be intertrabada with an identical projection of an associated member.Each panel also has a pair of freight transport sheets fixed on opposite sides of its members. members of structure. US Patent No. 5,706,621, entitled "System for Joining Building Boards", describes a system for co-operating in layers and mechanically joining construction panels, especially thin, hard and mobile floors. The patent discloses the adjacent joining edges of two panels coupling together to provide a first mechanical connection that secures the joint edges in a first direction perpendicular to the main plane of the panels. At each joint, the patent states that a strip is provided that is integrated with or integrally formed with a joint edge and projects beyond the other joint edge. The patent discloses that the strip has upward projecting locking elements that engage in a locking groove on the back side of the other joint edge to form a second mechanical connection that locks the panels in a second direction parallel to the main plane of the panels and in! right angles to the union. Both the first and the second mechanical connections allow the mutual displacement of the panels joined in the direction of the joint. This patent discloses that the strip is factory mounted on the underside of the panel and extends through the joining edge. The patent discloses that the strip can be elastic and flexible aluminum and can be fixed mechanically, by means of glue or in any other way. The patent discloses that, alternatively, the strip can be formed integrally with the strip panel. According to the patent "in any range, the strip 6 must be integrated with the panel 1, that is, it must not be mounted on the strip panel in relation by the laying by layers". U.S. Patent No. 5,860,266 entitled "Mjethod for Joining Building Boards", describes a method for layering and mechanically joining rectangular building panels in parallel rows. The patent describes the following steps: (a) placing a new panel adjacent a long edge of a first panel previously placed in a first row and a short edge of a second panel previously placed in a second adjacent row, so that the new one panel is in the second row while maintaining the new panel at an angle relative to a main plane of the first panel, so that the new panel is separated from its final longitudinal position relative to the second panel and so that the edge length of the new panel is provided with a locking slot which is placed in contact with a locking strip on the adjacent long edge of the first panel; (b) subsequently angular the new panel to accommodate a fastener element of the strip of the first panel in a locking groove of the new panel, whereby the new panel and the first panel are mechanically connected to each other in a second direction with respect to to the long edges thus connected, wherein the long edges and the angled position of the new panel, are coupled together and mechanically locked together in this way in a first direction; and (c) move one of the row panels in! its longitudinal direction relative to the first panel towards a first longitudinal position and towards a locking element of one of the short edges of the new panel and the second panel fits within a locking slot of the other of the short edges, so that the new panel and the second panel are mechanically connected to one another both in the first and in the second directions with respect to the connected short edges. The patent states that strip 6 is projected horizontally from a panel and is factory mounted on the underside of the panel and extends over the entire edge of the panel. The patent discloses that the strip 6 can be made of resilient and resilient sheet aluminum, and can be fixed by means of glue or any other suitable form. The patent describes what other strip material can be used, such as the? other metals, as well as aluminum or plastic sections. Alternatively, the patent teaches that the strip 6 can be formed integrally with the strip panel. The patent states that "in any range, the strip 6 must be integrated with a strip panel, that is, it must not be mounted on the strip panel in connection with the formation of layers". Japanese Patent Application No. 56-5347 entitled "A Method for Partially Recovering Floor Plates ", describes floor plates located on a floor bed with reed joints coupled with groove joints The patent teaches a saw that is inserted into space A between the floor plates of a plate of floor to be replaced and sejon seam joints cut, making connection in this way between the floor plates being cut and the floor plate being replaced that is removed.The patent teaches that the tongue joints left subsequently in the groove joints of the adjacent floor plates are removed The portion where the tongue joints are before the floor plates are cut and groove joints are now formed The patent states that Figure 4 shows a new plate of floor and that along both sides of the floor plate relatively broad and shallow grooves are formed in relatively deep concave portions. ncava is serrated to hold a foaming synthetic resin. The new floor plate is then inserted into the position where the removed floor plate is located and in a state where the new floor plate is level with the adjacent floor plate. The foamy resin is foamed and hardened. The hardened foamed resin expands into the grooves to form a tongue seal. It is also observed that the new floor plate in contact with the floor bed is secured by adhesive. ! Japanese Patent Application No. 1-30691 entitled "Fljoor Plates", describes floor plates to be placed on a floor characterized by having a thin wood decorative plate laminated on the surface layer of a base material in the form of a sheet. A engageable projection is formed on one side of the base material while a concave coupling portion to which the anterior coupling projection can be coupled is formed at the other end thereof, while a concave portion engageable thereto. the anterior coupling projection can be engaged is formed at the end of the other side thereof. The patent teaches that the floor plates include a stop projection formed on one side of the coupling projection and on one side of the coupling concave portion. And a concave abutment portion to which the abutment shoulder is engaged is formed on the other side of the coupling projection and on the other side of the concave coupling portion.

Patentschrift No. 200949 discloses in Figures 1 and 2 floor panels having four edges wherein the edges include an upper slot for insertion therein of an adjacent panel, while the other two edges include an extension that includes a tooth formed to be inserted under the upper slot portion of an adjacent panel when assembled. The document Patentschrift No. 1 534 278 describes in Figures 1-3 the assembly of two adjacent structures wherein the first structure includes a slot and a notch for receiving a corresponding tongue and teeth of an adjacent structure to be connected to the same. The Offenlegungsschrift document 25 02 992 describes a floor panel that is particularly suitable for the production of a temporary floor, such as a tent. The floor panel is described as having a flat threaded surface bent back over at least two edges, one of which has a different profile and the other has an adjusting profile. The patent teaches that those bending sections are preferably on two opposite sides, one that flexes approximately U-shaped with its outer spike and the resulting slot-like opening facing up and the counter profile consisting of a spike at angles straight to the threaded surface. The patent teaches that such profiles may alternatively be provided on the four edges of the panel. It is described that the panels can be made of plastic and be formed in one piece, corrugated projections below preferably of a softer material.

As shown in Figure 3, the panels are assembled together using a tongue and groove arrangement. The offenlegungsschrift document DE 3041781A1 describes the internal connection of two panels where the panels include one tab on one edge and one slot on another edge to provide inter-racking connections between the two panels used especially for building a skating rink or bowling lanes. The patent discloses that at the beginning of the tongue there are two parallel sides with facing pieces aligned at right angles towards the edge of equal thickness. The patent discloses that the groove has two initial parallel side walls against which pieces of side face of the tongue abut. It is described that this part of the groove is successive by a recess in semitrapezoidal form or a recess of completely trapezoidal shape. The patent discloses that the small tongue can be rounded on the opposite side towards its acute angle side face. The offenlegungsschrift document DE 35 44 845 A1 describes a board used for the manufacture of solid wood panels consisting of jointed boards that join complementary profiles. The longitudinal edges of the boards have a joint profile whose sections extend at an angle towards the vertical board edge. The application discloses that the joint profile has two parallel parallel laterally displaced vertical flanks which are connected at their inner ends by means of straight transverse flanks. The internal vertical flank encloses an acute angle with the board surface, while the other franc forms an obtuse angle with the associated board surface. The straight flanks and the transversal flanks enclose acute angles. European Patent Application No. 0248127 entitled "A Table Top for Motor Lorry", describes the upper part of a passenger bus board consisting of a plurality of boards that are fixed to at least two beams that are part of the truck chassis. The boards consist of extruded aluminum and are fixed to the chassis by means of fasteners with intertranding boards to secure the boards against relative movement between them. Patenttihakemus-Patentansokan 843067 (PCT / SE 83/00423) discloses means for interconnecting adjacent panels where the edges of the panels to be connected include tabs and slots. Also, located on each side of the tab and the groove joint of two connected panels are recesses formed in said panels for the reception of U-shaped metal fastener means to hold the two panels together in the tongue and groove joint. French Application No. 2697 275 describes the formation of a surface from rectangular plates placed on a flat horizontal surface. The application discloses that the body of the plate has sections formed on all four sides and that the plates can be mechanically joined by means of a number of ribs that move longitudinally along the plate which are formed so as to slide inside a mating slot in the adjacent floor. Figure 2 describes a member 33 for connecting two adjacent plates. As shown, the upper surface of the member 33 forms a portion of the upper wear surface of the resulting floor. This can also be seen in Figure 1 where the members 5 and 6 form a portion of the upper wear surface. Japanese Application No. 54-65528 shows Figures 1-3 a particular tongue and groove arrangement for connecting two adjacent panels. French Application 2 568 295 describes a prefabricated floor system consisting of a series of flat panels that are located directly on the ground. The panels are made, for example, from a resin composite containing reinforcing elements or incorporating granules of a durable material such as quartz or silicon carbide. The patent discloses that the panels have interlocking joints on their edges, made in the form of projections and recesses and the bottom surface of each panel can be covered with a layer of inflexible cellular material without decomposition that is able to compensate for irregular surfaces on the ground. British Patent Application No. 424,057 discloses a method of constructing a parquet floor comprising the use of reversible rectangular blocks each having projecting flanges that form sphenoid grooves on each of its four sides, each slot extending through from all the side on which it is located. The patent teaches that the grooves on two sides of common terms have their nozzles facing up when the nozzles of the other two grooves on the other two sides face downward, so that a plurality of such blocks can accumulate on a floor that covers in which each block is locked on each side that is located next to the side of another similar block. The method is established to understand the use of connection members that have tabs taken to attach below the tabs projecting from the two adjacent blocks where a change in location direction is required. British Patent No. 1,237,744 entitled "Improved Building Structure", describes a construction structure composed of panels joined at their edges by first tongue and groove connections having elements located in the plane of the building structure as well as second tongue connections and slot that have elements located perpendicular to said plane. British Patent No. 1,420,423 entitled "Joint Structure" describes in Figures 1 and 2 a tongue and groove and tooth connection structure for interconnecting plastic and metal materials. British Patent No. 2 117 813A entitled "Pivotal Assembly for Simulated Wall Panels", describes a gasket assembly comprising a pair of strips secured to the respective edges by folding the outer coatings of the panels and by a glue joint of kite in the insulating foam material inside the panels. The application describes the connection strips that provide a curved tongue and groove. The groove strip has a pivotal body of partial cylindrical shape so that one strip can be pivoted relative to the other so that a tongue enters the groove. The application discloses that a work strip is provided to be inserted into a slot to lock the panels together. The British Patent No. 2 256 023A entitled "Joint", describes a joint between the joining edges of two similar panels in which one panel has a recess of open channel section towards the front face and the other panel has a rib which faces towards the rear face for reception in the recess to restrict the separation of the panels to provide a predetermined expansion space between the adjacent side edges. The application discloses that the panels can be tongue and groove boards for construction of, for example, a door. The application describes in the figures a particular tongue and groove / notch and tooth joint. Document Utlengnigsskrift No. 157871 describes in the figures the connection of two adjacent members using a tongue and groove joint at the edges and including recesses formed in the separate panels of the board for the reception of a U-shaped member to retain the two panels together in the tongue / groove joint. Utlengnigsskrift No. 7114900-9 discloses in Figures 1-3 means for connecting two adjacent members using connecting blocks 2, 5 and 9 where the blocks form a part of a superior wear surface. The application further discloses a U-shaped member for insertion on the rear side of the panels to retain the two panels together in the joint where the joint block exists. WO 84/02155 entitled "Device for Joining Together Building Boards", Such as Floor Boards, describes a device for joining construction boards, such as floorboards, the edge surface to the edge surface The application describes a system wherein the boards comprise a back side slot of each board , the groove that travels over the entire length of the board parallel to its joint edge, and a substantially U-shaped spring device, the ends of which are each adapted to engage the groove of a board and which are pre-stressed from In such a manner that, upon coupling, the boards are hermetically fastened together with the edge surface to the edge surface The Patentschrift document 200949 describes in Figures 1-6 panels to join one another where the panels include on two intersecting edges extending tongue strips and at the other intersecting edges an extended slot strip WO 93/13280 entitled "A Device for Joining Floor Boa rds ", describes a device for joining floor boards comprising a body in elongated flat form with adapted limbs for coupling a longitudinal groove in each of the floor boards. The limbs are formed at a distance from the ends of the plate-shaped body such that the plate-shaped body supports the boards on each side of the slots. U.S. Patent No. 3,538,665 entitled "Parquet Flooring" describes a mobile parquet floor comprising rectangular two-layer floor units composed of a parquet layer and a reinforcing layer. The underside of the reinforcement layer which is marginal recesses along the four sides of the unit and a strip of reinforcing material which is inserted into the space formed by such marginal recesses to join the joint between the adjacent units. The patent discloses that the reinforcement material has a modulus of elasticity in tension that does not exceed 5000 kg / cm2. Offenlegungsscrift 26 16 077 A discloses a connection pattern for connecting plates that rest flat on a support substrate. The patent application describes the arrangement which is especially useful for connecting prefabricated parquet floor elements. The application discloses that a collapsible connection arrangement is provided which replaces rigid connectors such as adhesive or nails. The application states that the system is advantageous because it accommodates expansion and shrinkage stresses which therefore prevent cracking. It is established that the connection frame prevents the overlap of the plate edges on non-uniform substrates and in use the connection frame is charged in tension when the plates are expanded. Upon the contraction of the plates, the connection pattern pulls the plates together and prevents the formation of space. French Application No. 1 293 043 discloses in Figures 1-3 a tile having four edges wherein one set of intersecting edges includes a tongue extending therefrom and the other two intersecting edges include an open slot in the direction of the bottom side of the tile. Figures 4-6 describe tiles having four edges where the intersecting edges include a notch and an open slot toward the upper side of the panel and the other two intersecting edges have a notch and an open slot toward the bottom of the panel . Utlaggningsskrift No. 8206934-5 discloses two panels where a tongue and groove arrangement is used. The drawings further describe a U-shaped fastener for insertion into the panels on each side of the joint to join the two panels in said joint. WO 97/47834 entitled "Floor Covering, Consisting of Hard Floor Panels and Methods for Manufacturing Such Floor Panels", describes a floor covering consisting of hard floor panels which, at least at the edges of two opposite sides are provided with coupling parts that cooperate with each other. The coupling parts are substantially in the form of characterized tabs and grooves in which the parts are provided with integrated mechanical locking means. The integrated means prevent the widening of two floor panels coupled in a direction perpendicular to the edges related and parallel to the underside of the coupled floor panels. There is still a need for a system, including methods and components, that provides efficient and easy means for the assembly and disassembly of thin moving mobile decorative floor surfaces where a uniform level seam is formed between adjacent panels and the floor surface. visible that consists only of the decorative surface.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION According to one embodiment, the present invention comprises a detachable interconnecting floor system for use in the formation of temporary or permanent floor surfaces on the upper part of a supporting structure from individual floor panels. . The system preferably comprises two or more floor panels comprising an upper wear surface and a lower surface for contact with the support structure. The panels, according to this embodiment, comprise at least three edges wherein all the edges have identical grooves or recesses formed therein for the reception of a projection from a connector. Preferably, the grooves or recesses extend substantially along the entire length of the panel edges. The preferred connector comprises a base and a connection extending vertically from the base, spaced from and substantially parallel to the base. The projection is formed to be received in the vertical uncoupled connected form in at least one recess of at least one panel. According to the preferred embodiment, the preferred connector of the system of the present invention further includes a projection that is formed to be received in a horizontally connected, detachable form in at least one slot or recess of the panels. According to another embodiment of the present invention, the base of the novel connection element has slots or other recesses formed therein, and at least one edge of panels is formed to be received in a horizontally disconnectable connected form within the slot or recess of the base of the connector element. The slot or recess may be formed in the base or in part of the projection described above. According to a further embodiment of the present invention, a projection of the connector according to the present invention has a slot or other recess formed therein, and at least one parallel panel is formed to be received in an uncoupled horizontally connected form. inside the slot or other recess of the projection. According to a further feature of the present invention, the distance from the base of the connector to the top or the highest point of the projection, preferably in the form of a tongue of the connector is less than the distance from the bottom surface to the surface of superior wear of the panels.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, a detachable interconnect floor system is provided for use in the formation of temporary or permanent floor surfaces on the upper part of a support structure from individual floor panels. The system comprises two or more floor panels, preferably laminates and at least one elongated connector, for example a channel. The floor panels preferably have a superior wear surface, an intermediate reinforcing substrate material and a lower surface for contact with a support floor structure. The panels have four edges with identical grooves formed therein, preferably on all edges, for the reception of a vertically extending projection of the channel. The panels also have samples or other recesses, for example conduits formed in the lower surfaces to receive the nodes or other protrusions of the connector. Preferably the grooves and conduits extend substantially along the entire length of the edges of the panels. The connector, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, has a base that preferably has an individual projection extending vertically therefrom formed to be received in an uncoupled vertical connected form within the slots or other recesses at the edges of the connector. panels. Preferably, the connector is substantially, if not of the same length as the panel edges to be connected. Preferably, the projection extends to the entire length of the projector. The base of the connector further has two nodes or two other projections extending vertically from each side of the base separated from the individual projection. The projections are formed to be received in a horizontally uncoupled connected form within the notches or other recesses, for example, conduits, in the bottom surface of the panels. Preferably, the projections extend substantially along the entire length of the edges of the panels. When the panels are connected using the connector, the resulting visible floor surface consists only of the upper wear surface of the panels. According to another embodiment of the present invention, a vertical and horizontal interconnecting floor system for use in the formation of a floor surface on the top of a support structure is provided. The system will comprise two or more individual floor panels, preferably laminate floor panels, having a thickness and at least one connection channel. The floor panels have a superior wear surface and at least one lower surface for contact with a support surface. The panels have at least three edges where all the edges have identical first recesses formed therein. The first recesses are formed to receive a first projection connection from the channel. The panels also have second recesses, for example ducts, located along the lower surfaces of the panels open in the direction of the ground or supporting surface for the reception of a second projection of channel connections. The channel, according to this modality, has a base, a first projection connection and a second connection projection. The first connection projection is connected and extends vertically at a distance from the base and is formed to be received at the first recesses of the panels to form a vertical connection between the panels. The second connection projection projected to and extending vertically at a distance from the base, preferably at a distance less than the first projection, and formed to be received in the second recesses of the panels to form a horizontal connection between the panels. According to that embodiment, the distance from the base of the channel to a more upper vertical portion of the first projection is less than the distance between the upper wear surface and the lower surface of the panel in contact with the support surface so that when two panels are connected said first and second connections form a floor surface consisting only of the upper wear surface of the panels. According to a further embodiment of the present invention, a detachable decorative laminate floor system for application to an existing floor surface without the use of traditional adhesives or fastening devices is provided. The system comprises a plurality of identical individual floor panels and connectors. The identical floor panels have an upper decorative wear surface and comprise at least three edges each having an identical receiver located at said edges, ie each edge of each panel comprises the same configuration. The connectors, preferably comprise rails, substantially of the same length as the edges of the panels. The rails have a first projection and a second pair of projections extending vertically from them. The first projection that is formed for insertion into the receivers for detachable vertical interconnection of the individual floor panels at their edges. The second pair of projections is formed for insertion into the receivers for detachable horizontal interconnection of the individual floor panels at their edges. Preferably, the first projection and the second pair of projections extend substantially along the entire length of the rail. When the panels are interconnected using the connectors, according to this embodiment, the resulting visible floor surface consists only of the upper decorative wear surface, ie there is no portion of the connectors that forms part of the visible floor surface. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, it is directed to a detachable connector for vertically and horizontally interconnecting individual floor panels to form a laminated floor surface on top of a support structure. The connector preferably comprises a base for contact with the support structure. The base, according to another embodiment has a projection extending vertically therefrom in a direction away from the support structure. The projection has upper and lower portions consisting of identical right and left halves, each half preferably comprising a tongue-like extension extending a distance substantially parallel to and spaced apart on the base. Optionally, according to a particularly preferred embodiment, the base includes two additional projections extending vertically therefrom. These projections are separated and located on each side of the projection. According to another embodiment, the present invention is directed to individual floor panels for use in the formation of a floor surface on a support structure, the floor surface comprised of the interconnected panels in horizontally and vertically releasable form. The panels according to this embodiment comprise an upper surface, a lower surface and edges between the upper and lower surface. The upper surface comprises a decorative wear surface. The edges comprise identical grooves and / or recesses extending substantially along the entire length of the edges. The lower surface comprises identical channels formed therein and open to the supporting structure or remote from the upper surface. These channels are parallel to and are spaced from and preferably extend substantially along the entire length of the edges. The present invention is directed to a unique and novel system for easily joining and disengaging a floor surface, preferably a thin laminate floor surface (less than 2.54 cm thick) of a "mobile" type. The system is designed so that traditional fastener means are not necessary, for example nails, screws, adhesives, tacks, staples, etc. Are not necessary. The current system of the invention accomplishes this task without the need for special tools or experience in floor placement. The current inventive system achieves its advantages by using preferably identical bonding panels with preferably identical novel edges that make the assembly easier and more flexible even for the non-expert.

In addition, the present system of the invention provides individual connector means for use in connection with all edges of the novel panels, facilitating assembly and disassembly. More importantly, due to the fact that at least two edges of the panels have recesses formed therein during manufacturing, even the minor reinforcing substrate material is necessary for the manufacture of the panels and therefore, they are saved resources and / or less decorative top surface material is wasted, i.e., it is not necessary to remove too many portions of top wear surface to provide the interconnection system of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 illustrates one embodiment of the connector of the present invention; Figure 2 illustrates one embodiment of the connector of the present invention; Figure 3 illustrates one embodiment of the connector of the present invention; Figure 4 illustrates one embodiment of the connector of the present invention; Figure 5 illustrates one embodiment of the connector of the present invention; Figure 6 illustrates a preferred embodiment of the connector of the present invention; Figure 7 illustrates one embodiment of the connector of the present invention; Figure 8 illustrates one embodiment of the connector of the present invention; Figure 9 illustrates one embodiment of the connector of the present invention; Figure 10 illustrates one embodiment of the connector of the present invention; Figure 11 illustrates one embodiment of the connector of the present invention; Figure 12 illustrates one embodiment of the connector of the present invention; Figure 13 illustrates one embodiment of the connector of the present invention; Figure 14 illustrates a particularly preferred embodiment of the connector of the present invention (Scale 9x; 1.00 = 2.54 cm); Figure 15 illustrates shaded view of a preferred embodiment of the connector of the present invention; Figure 16 illustrates one embodiment of the connector of the present invention; Figure 17 illustrates one embodiment of the connector of the present invention; and Figure 18 illustrates a preferred embodiment of the connector of the present invention and a preferred embodiment of the panels of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION In a preferred embodiment, the system of the present invention is directed to decorative laminate floor panels, tiles, tiles, rectangles, etc. each having a superior wear surface as an intermediate substrate or reinforcement material below the top surface and optionally, a reinforcement layer surface bonded to the intermediate substrate material for contact with the existing floor support or ground surface. The upper wear surface of the panels of the present invention preferably comprises decorative laminates or laminates prepared by heat and pressure consolidation. These panels have been commercially produced for several years and have found wide acceptance in the construction and furniture industry as display and table covers, under-work and kitchen surfaces, panel panels, partitions and doors. Such decorative laminates can be described as containing a number of sheets that are consolidated to form a unitary composite or structure that conveys a surface decoration that can vary from a very simple as a solid color to something more complex such as a simulated wood grain finish and Recorded. More specifically, a decorative laminate useful in the present invention generally comprises a plurality of layers of sheets of paper impregnated with synthetic resin consolidated or joined together in a unitary structure under heat and pressure. In normal practice, the decorative laminate assembly, from the bottom consists of a core of one or more sheets impregnated with phenolic resin, on which is placed a decorative sheet impregnated with melamine resin and / or an overlayer impregnated with resin of melamine. The core or base member functions to impart rigidity to the laminate and usually comprises a solid substrate that may or may not be formed prior to the initial lamination step. Before stacking, the leaves of the core member are impregnated with a water alcohol solution of phenol and formaldehyde or a formaldehyde precursor, dried and partially cured in a hot air oven and finally cut into sheets. Examples of such base or core member include: (1) a plurality of ream kraft paper sheets of 90 to 150 pounds impregnated therethrough and joined with a fully cured phenolic resin that has been converted to the thermofixed state during the initial rolling stage; (2) a pre-cured plastic laminate such as laminates of thermosetting polyester resin reinforced with glass fiber or the like; (3) a wood product such as agglomerate board, wood pulp board, wood waste, wood particle board, plywood or the like; (4) a mineral base board such as cement-asbestos board, sheet grouping board, or gypsum board or the like; (5) boards impregnated with plastic; (6) plastic / wood compositions; (7) plastic compositions; (8) closed cell polyurethane foam, for example RIM foam; (9) boards impregnated with urethane; (10) a combination of those substrates; u (11) any suitable material for performing the desired function of the base member or core. The decorative sheet, useful in the panels of the present invention, generally functions to give an attractive appearance to the laminate, and also gives the panel its surface characteristics (i.e., resistance to chemical agents, to heat, to light, to the impact and abrasion). The decorative sheet is typically alphacellulose paper, filled with high quality 50 to 125 ream weight pigment, which has been impregnated with a water-alcohol solution of melamine-formaldehyde resin, dried and partially cured, and finally cut in sheets. The decorative sheet can be a solid color or it can comprise a decorative pattern or design, or a photographic reproduction of natural materials, such as wood, marble, leather, etc. As stated above, the decorative sheet and / or an overlay sheet may be impregnated with melamine resin.The decorative laminate useful in the manufacture of the panels of the present invention is generally obtained by, but is not limited to, the placement of the core impregnated with resin and the decorative sheets between plates coated with steel, steel or stainless steel and subjected Stacking of laminate at temperatures ranging from about 65.5 ° C to about 260 ° C and pressures ranging from about 56.24 kg / cm2 to about 112.48 kg / cm2 for a sufficient time to consolidate the laminate and cure the resin (usually approximately 25 minutes to 1 hour). This causes the resin in the paper sheets to flow, cure and consolidate the sheets in a composite or unitary laminated mass referred to in the art as a high pressure decorative laminate (HPDL). More than one laminate can be formed at the same time by inserting a plurality of sheets assembled in a stack with each assembly being separated by a release sheet that allows the individual laminates to be separated after consolidation. Finally, the decorative laminates are further processed and generally attached to a reinforcing substrate, such as a high density fiber board medium, wood / plastic compositions, wood, plywood, chipboard, particle board. of wood, ceramic, plastic, filled and unfilled, rigid closed cell foam, or similar. If a damping effect is desired, the reinforcing substrate may be comprised of open cell foam.

The decorative laminate useful in the practice of the present invention can also be obtained by placing the resin impregnated core and the decorative sheets between steel, steel or stainless steel coated plates and subjecting the laminate stack to temperatures ranging from about 65.5 °. C up to about 260 ° C and pressures ranging from about 56.24 kg / cm2 to about 112.48 kg / cm2 for a sufficient time to consolidate the laminate and cure the resins. This causes the resin in the paper sheets to flow, cure and consolidate the sheets in a composite or unitary laminated mass referred to in the art as a low pressure decorative laminate (LPDL). Furthermore, according to one embodiment, the reinforcing substrate of the present invention can be prepared from any suitable extrudable thermoplastic, as long as it has structural and mechanical properties necessary for the desired end use. In particular, it is preferred that the substrate have a fixed compression that is approximately the same or better than the conventional medium or wood pulp board or high density wood particleboard (where the compression is set as measured in accordance with ASTM). F970, as thickness decreases as a function of compressive tension). Preferably, this thickness decreases to 140.6 kg / cm2 and is at most 0.025 cm more preferably 0.012 cm and most preferably at least 0.002 cm. Preferably, the reinforcing substrate useful in the practice of the present invention comprises one or more members selected from the group consisting of rigid urethanes (for example RIM foam), poly (acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene) (hereinafter referred to as present as (ABS) resins such as flame retardant ABS resins and ABS resins filled with glass, polycarbonate, high impact polystyrene (HIPS), polystyrene, polyphenylene oxide (PPO), and polyvinyl chloride (VC). the reinforcing substrate is prepared from a shredded resin system which contains, but is not limited to one or more of the following polymers listed above, in addition those polymers can be filled or unfilled, although from an impact strength and a physical property point of view, filled polymers are better Preferred fillers include calcium carbonate, talc, silica, glass fibers, alumina and wollastonite with calcium carbonate and wollastonite being most preferred, and calcium carbonate being most preferred. Non-limiting examples of the reinforcing agents include organic and inorganic high molecular weight products including glass microspheres, glass fibers, asbestos, boron fibers, carbon and graphite fibers, metal oxide fibers, quartz fibers and silica , alumina fibers, molten fiber materials and organic fibers. When such ingredients are used, they will generally be present on a scale from about 0.01 to about 50 weight percent of the total weight of the reinforcing substrate member, preferably on a scale of about 1 to about 25 percent of the total weight of the member. . Optional and additional layers may be inserted between the core member and the decorative surface member, at the rear of the reinforcing substrate member or, on the decorative surface member. It should be understood that the reinforcing layers and / or the decorative layers can be co-extruded with the reinforcing substrate member, or can be applied after the extrusion step by any suitable method. The panels, according to one embodiment of the present invention, are preferably water repellent and more preferably substantially waterproof, as with conventional floor panels, the current panels include a decorative layer, a substrate and a layer of reinforcement. The decorative layer and the reinforcement layer are respectively bonded to the substrate in a conventional manner to form the current panel. According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention wherein the reinforcing substrate material is wood pulp board, the reinforcing layer includes, from the bottom up, a hydrophobic waterproof layer and three layers of phenol resin. formaldehyde impregnated with kraft paper. As with the lower resin impregnated layer of the decorative layer, the upper resin impregnated layer of the reinforcing layer is sanded for bonding with the substrate. The hydrophobic impermeable layer can be a compound similar to DYLARK. DYLARK is a styrene-maleic anhydride copolymer manufactured by NOVA Chemicals, Inc. DYLARK exhibits outstanding bonding characteristics with kraft paper impregnated with phenolic resin. The excellent binding characteristics are considered as a result of the carboxylic groups found in the maleic anhydride of the DYLARK copolymer. The carboxyl groups are linked with the phenolic resin to produce a very stable laminate. Although DYLARK is described as the preferred material for the lower layer of the reinforcement, other functionally and structurally equivalent polymers can be used without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Not only is it desirably to prevent moisture from penetrating the reinforcing layer but also to maintain the original moisture content as manufactured from the panel to avoid deformation of the panel. In addition, although kraft paper impregnated with phenol formaldehyde resin is used in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, other resin impregnated papers (or similar materials) can be used without departing from the spirit of the present invention. The resin impregnated layers are maintained in the reinforcement layer to balance the resin impregnated layers commonly found in the decorative layers that can be used in conjunction with the reinforcement layer. That is, the resin impregnated layers in the decorative layer and the reinforcing layer expand in a similar manner and contract as a result of the temperature to maintain the substantially flat configuration of the floor panel. If the layers impregnated with resin in the reinforcement layer were not included, the decorative panel would expand and contract at a different speed than the reinforcement layer. This would cause the floor panel to deform in an undesirable manner. As such, it should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the phenolic layers can be varied to maintain a balanced relationship between the reinforcing and decorative layers. As stated, the substrate is preferably poly (acrylonitrile-c-butanediene-c-styrene) (ABS) foam. The construction of the reinforcement layer and the substrate results in a waterproof floor panel that is not susceptible to the harmful environmental conditions commonly encountered in certain environments. Specifically, the ABS substrate and the styrene-maleic anhydride copolymer layer creates a moisture barrier that protects the resin impregnated layers from the undesirable effects of moisture. The floor panels described above are manufactured knowing known techniques in the area. During fabrication, the panels can be machined to form the appropriate recesses at the edges or preferably, they can be manufactured where at least two edges have recesses formed therein during the manufacture of the panel and therefore reduce the amount of material needed to manufacture the panel. In addition, the panel of the present invention, according to one embodiment, can be manufactured using injection molding techniques where all edges are formed. The connector of the present invention includes a number of embodiments. Some of the modalities are shown graphically in Figures 1-18. Referring now to Figures 1-18, where the same numbers are used to identify the components of a connector of the present invention as follows: "2" identifies the base of connector 1, "3" identifies the support that extends vertically from the base 2, "4" identifies a part of the projection that extends vertically from the base 2 by means of the support 3, "5" identifies another part of a projection that extends vertically from the base 2 by means of the support 3, "6" identifies a protrusion extending vertically from the base 2 of the connector 1, "7" identifies another protrusion extending from the base 2 of the connector 1, "8" identifies a recess on one side of the base 2 of the connector 1, "9" identifies a recess of another side of the base 2 of the connector 1, "10" and "11" identify second projections extending from the parts 4 and 5 of the first projection which extend vertically from the base 2 by means of the torpor te 3, "12" identifies a recess between the second projections 10 and 11, and "13" and "14" identify recesses located below the upper portion of the projection (collectively 3, 4 and 5). Preferably, the system of the present invention comprises a connector having the projection (collectively 3, 4 and 5) and the projections 6 and 7 and the panels have recesses and channels so that two panels can be interconnected in detachable form using the connector in a horizontal and vertical shape without the use of glue or other adhesives. It is understood that Figures 1-18 do not limit the scope of the invention but rather provide exemplary embodiments, including the preferred embodiment, of the various components of the novel connector of the present invention. In fact, various combinations of different modalities of several individual connector components can be used, i.e. several base configurations 2 illustrated in, for example, but not limited to, Figures 1, 2, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, etc. they can be used with various projection modalities, for example, but not limited to Figures 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 16, 17, 18, etc., although the exact combination configuration may not be shown graphically in the Figures Preferably, the connector is less than 0.609 cm in height. The connector of the present invention can be manufactured from materials selected from the group consisting of filled and unfilled plastics, rubbers, wood compositions, ceramics, metals and combinations thereof. Preferably, in use with the laminate floor panels, the connector of the present invention is fabricated from metal or plastic. Depending on the metal and the size, the motor can be manufactured using techniques known in the art, for example the connector is preferably manufactured from aluminum. The panels of the present invention include recesses formed in the mimes to receive a connector so that when the panels are connected, the upper visible floor surface only consists of the upper wear surface, i.e., preferably a decorative layer. The connector projections and the panel recesses are formed such that when two panels are joined together using a connector of the present invention, the panels are connected vertically, ie if two panels are connected at their edges, the edges of the panels Opposites do not move up and down (vertically) one relative to the other and thus provide a uniform level seam between the two. For example, in a preferred embodiment, once connected the panels are connected against movement relative to one another in the direction of a plane extending vertically from the support surface and perpendicular to them. In a particularly preferred embodiment, in addition to the vertical connection, the panels and connectors are formed to provide a horizontal connection between the adjacent panels at their edges, ie if two panels are connected at their edges, the edges can not move from one another horizontally resulting in a space between adjacent panels. For example, and according to one embodiment, once connected, the panels are coupled against movement one relative to the other in a horizontal direction to the support surface and parallel thereto. Various non-limiting embodiments of the connector of the present invention have been described and although they have not been shown, the panels of the present invention are necessarily configured, for example, to correspond to those connectors to achieve the advantages of the present invention. It is understood that the panels can be configured to provide an exact fit with the connectors or a non-exact fit, while the advantages of the present invention are achieved. For example, when a permanent structure is desired, a mode that allows the space for adhesion to accumulate between the panels and the connectors may be adequate. In addition when using certain reinforcing substrate materials it may be undesirable for panels and connectors to fit exactly, especially when a temporary structure is desired. For example, some space between certain portions of the connector projections and recesses of the panels can be tolerated as long as the advantages of the invention are achieved, especially in a resulting floor having only the top wear surface visible with the uniform seams a level. The panels are constructed so that they are detachably interconnected with the connectors of the present invention, that is, while the connectors and panels are securely connected to perform the function of a floor surface, the panels can, if it is desired, to be removed by lifting a panel and pulling the panel away from the connector, disengaging the panel / connector interconnection. The panels of the present invention, according to one embodiment, are constructed so that when they are connected together using a connector of the present invention they always form a seam of uniform airtight level between the panels. The panels according to a preferred embodiment are constructed such that the depth of the recess or channel in the lower surface of each panel is always at a distance from the upper wear surface. As stated above, these recesses or channels are formed to receive a projection projecting from the base of a connector (preferably a channel) to detachably interconnect two panels together in a horizontal direction. So, at the point of interconnection, both panels rest on the connector. Consequently, even when the support structure or the ground floor is uniform or not level, the seam is always straight, uniform and level. Therefore, even if the thickness of the panels varies, a uniform level seam is provided when two panels are interconnected due to the depth of the recesses or channels in the lower surface of each panel that are formed to be at a certain distance from each other. the upper wear surface. Therefore, the upper wear surfaces of adjacent panel fingers will always be in contact at the same level, i.e., at a certain distance from the base prtions of the connector. Preferably, the panels of the present system of the invention vary in thickness from about 0.609 cm to about 0.812 cm. According to another modality, the panels are less than 2.54 cm thick. The system of the present invention also provides panels that utilize substantially all of the manufactured laminated top wear surface and thus provide an economic advantage over many of the prior art systems. In previous systems, a panel is manufactured to have a superior wear surface. After manufacture, the panel is machined at the edges to remove a portion of the upper wear surface to form a tongue extension for insertion into a corresponding slot in an adjacent panel. In order to form the tongue, the upper wear surface has to be machined thereby decreasing the amount of commercially available square meters per panel. In addition, the removal of more top wear surface accelerates the wear of the tool and therefore, the tools require more maintenance and / or replacement. As a result, the cost and time of manufacture increase.

Using the system of the present invention the amount of the upper wear surface of the panels that needs to be machined to remove any part already manufactured and paid for by the decorative top wear surface is greatly reduced. Substantially, all of the manufactured decorative top wear surface is sold to the end user, eliminating the waste experienced in the prior art systems.

As a result, the total square meters of floor that can be sold produced by a plant is increased and costs are reduced. In addition, the connectors of the present invention are not fixed to the panels at the factory and therefore adhesive or other fastening means are not required, again reducing material costs, labor costs and manufacturing time. In a preferred embodiment, the panels are fabricated to have all the necessary recesses formed therein using injection molding techniques. In another preferred embodiment, wherein the intermediate reinforcing substrate of the panel is extruded, only two edges have been machined to form the recesses therein, the other two edges moving in the machine direction are formed during extrusion. The foregoing provides additional savings due to the fact that the amount of intermediate reinforcing substrate used is reduced, i.e. never produced. In the prior art systems, the reinforcing substrate material is manufactured and then, a portion is machined to form a groove. The system of the present invention also provides panels that are susceptible to damage than the tongue and groove systems of the prior art. For example, it is known that the tabs of the panels are susceptible to damage during shipping, handling and even assembly and disassembly. If a tongue is broken or substantially deformed, it will not be able to couple the groove of an adjacent panel and thus become nourishable. The panels of the present invention do not include a tongue, only have recesses or grooves formed therein. It is difficult, if not impossible, to damage a recess or slot during shipping, handling, assembly and disassembly. Therefore, the panels of the present invention are more durable than many of the panels of the prior art. This is a significant advantage in relation to the use of panels for "mobile floor" surfaces and temporary floor constructions that can be removed and reassembled several times. The system of the present invention provides connectors (preferably made from metal) that are quite strong and easy and inexpensive to replace, when compared to the cost of a new panel. The novel system of the present substantially reduces, if not eliminated, the risk of damage to a panel to the extent that it is inoperable. The floor system of the present invention provides a floor surface that is easy to repair and / or change. For example, many of the prior art systems, for example the systems in U.S. Patent Nos. 5,706,621 and 5,860,266, require the retention of the new panel to be joined at an angle relative to the principal plane of a first plane and the new plane angled to lock it mechanically under a portion of the first panel. This is repeated until the floor is built. If the fifth panel in a sequence of 20 panels needs to be replaced, for example, due to damage, panels 6 to 20 have to be removed in reverse order until reaching panel 5. Using the system of the present invention, which does not require the angulation of each new panel under a portion of the existing panel, panels 1 to 4 of the sequence can be removed and the panel 5 replaced. Therefore, the inventive system of the present substantially reduces time and hassle of removing and replacing the panels. panels further, due to the fact that the panels of the present invention do not require an individual directional positioning sequence, more than one person can construct different portions of an individual floor surface simultaneously for subsequent interconnection. This is especially advantageous in relation to the installation of large floor surfaces, for example, small-scale spaces. The panels of the present system of the invention also substantially provide a more aesthetic flexibility than the panels of the prior art. For example, since the panels are not right or left, ie one or unidirectional, if not instead multidirectional because each edge is identical, each individual panel can be placed on a floor surface that is constructed in the most visually appealing form. In addition, the panels of the present invention allow flexibility in the design and construction of parquet type floor surfaces. For example, it is known that a panel is usually manufactured where the grain moves in the direction of the machine; however, since the panels of the present invention are multidirectional, the grain direction on the floor surface can easily be terminated to finish a parquet floor, or a floor of any grain design. The panels of the system of the present invention also reduce waste during the construction of the floor. Typically, when a floor surface is constructed using the prior art systems with manipulated panels, the construction starts on one wall and proceeds through the space towards the other wall. Normally, a space that is to be covered with floor is not of a dimension that is equally divisible by the size of a floor panel, ie the panels in an end wall have to be cut in width or length to fit . In prior art systems using manipulated panels, once a panel is cut there is a substantial possibility that the remaining portion will not be usable. For example, in a system the prior art using rectangular panels with tongue and grooves on edges intersecting opposites respectively, when a panel is cut longitudinally two panel pieces are formed with a long edge of each which is a tongue or groove .

In the end wall, a portion of a panel may be necessary with a slot on the long edge and inserted there. As a result, only one piece of panel having a tab on the long edge remains without a long slot edge. However, with the panels of the present invention, that is, each panel is constructed with grooves on all edges, any portion of the panel that remains after the completion of the placement of the floor to a portion of the end wall is also possible. that it is usable to complete another portion of the floor towards the extreme wall. The system panels of the present invention are constructed so that it is not necessary to assemble two panels together to operate a panel at an angle relative to the other panel and angle the new panel in place. The fact that the panels can be interconnected by forcing two together while they are located in the same plane is very advantageous in relation to the construction of certain floor surface portions restricted by various physical limits, for example, the interface between a d? uu_u floor surface and a chimney. Referring now to Figure 65, the preferred embodiment of the connector 1 of the present invention is comprised of the base 2, the projection (collectively 3, 4 and 5), and the projections 6 and 7 spaced apart from and on each side of the projection (collectively 3, 4 and 5) projecting vertically from the base 2. The projections 6 and 7 are preferably rounded in the upper portion as shown and tapered, that is, they decrease in height as they separate at the center of the base and the end of said base. Therefore, the portion of the projection closest to the center of the base and the projection (3, 4 and 5) extend a greater distance vertically. A particularly preferred embodiment of the connector of the present invention is shown in Figure 14. The scale of Figure 14 is 9 times the actual size, ie 1,000 equals 2.54 cm. However, it is also understood that as long as the base 2 of the connector 1 is not shown, it can be constructed so that it does not touch the support structure, that is to say, where the connector is completely comprised by the two connection panels. Another object of the invention is a detachable interconnecting floor system for use in the formation of a temporary or permanent floor surface on the upper part of a supporting structure from individual floor panels the system comprising: two or more panels and at least one connector channel; floor panels comprising an upper wear surface and a lower surface for contact with the support structure, the panels being multidirectional and comprising at least three edges where all the edges have identical recesses formed therein for the reception of at least one projection from the connector channel; the connector channel comprising a base and a projection extending vertically from the base, the projection formed to be received in a detachably vertical connected form within the groove of at least two panels to form a floor surface consisting entirely of the upper wear surface of the panels. According to another feature of the invention, the projection is further formed to be received in a detachably horizontal connected form within the slots of said panels. According to another feature of the invention, the base of the connector channel further comprises at least one projection extending vertically therefrom, and the panels further comprise at least one channel on its lower surface that travels parallel to and separate from the edges to receive the projection in a detachable horizontal connected form. According to another characteristic of the invention, the recesses extend substantially over the entire length of the panels. According to another characteristic of the invention, the channels extend substantially along the entire length of the lower surface of the panels.

According to another feature of the invention, the projection extends substantially over the entire length of the connector channel. According to another feature of the invention, the projection extends substantially over the entire length of the connector channel. According to another characteristic of the invention, the projection extends substantially over the entire length of the connector channel. According to another feature of the invention, the projection further comprises a recess therein and the panels are formed to engage the recess to form a horizontal connection between two panels adjacent to the interconnection thereof. According to another characteristic of the invention, the distance from the base of the connector channel to the upper part of the connector channel is less than the distance from the lower surface towards the upper wear surface of the panels. According to another feature of the invention, the projection extends directly from the base of the connector channel. According to another feature of the invention, the projection extends angularly in a direct direction from the base of the connector channel. According to another characteristic of the invention, the projection is connected to the base of the connector channel by means of a support that extends vertically from the base. According to another feature of the invention, the projection extends angularly from the support extending from the base. According to another feature of the invention, the projection further comprises a node extending therefrom. According to another feature of the invention, the base of the connector channel is formed to rest on the support structure. According to another feature of the invention, the base of the connector channel further comprises recesses therein and the edges of the panels are formed to be received in a detachably horizontal connected form within the recesses of the base of the connector channel. According to another feature of the invention, the connector channel seal is formed to rest on the structure of the support. According to another feature of the invention, the projection of the connector channel further comprises recesses therein, and the edges of the panels are formed to be received in a detachably horizontal connected form in the recesses of said projection. According to another feature of the invention, the base of the connector channel is formed to rest on the base of the support structure.

Another object of the invention is a detachable interconnecting decorative laminate floor system for application to an existing floor surface without the use of common adhesives or fixation devices, said system comprising: a plurality of individual floor panels and a plurality of individual connectors; individual floor panels having a decorative top wear surface, a bottom surface and comprising edges between the top and bottom surface, each edge having identical receivers located therein; the connectors comprising rails substantially of the same lengths as the edges of the panels, the rails each having a base and a projection extending vertically from the base, the projection being formed for insertion into the receivers of the panels for detachable vertical and horizontal interconnection of the individual floor panels at their edges, wherein when the panels are interconnected using the connectors, the resulting visible floor surface consists only of the upper decorative wear surface, and there is no portion of the connector that be part of the visible floor surface. According to another feature of the invention, the receivers on the edges of a panel comprise grooves. According to another feature of the invention, the lower surface of the panels further comprises channels therein.

According to another characteristic of the invention, the bases of the connectors are designed to rest on the support structure to the interconnection of at least two of the floor panels. According to another feature of the invention, the bases of the rails further comprises two more projections that extend vertically therefrom, the two projections are smaller than the first projection, spaced apart and on either side of the first projection for coupling with the channels on the bottom surface of the panels to the connection of two adjacent panels. According to another characteristic of the invention, the base of the rails is not designed to rest on the support structure to the interconnection of at least two floor panels. According to another feature of the invention, the projection from the bases of the projectors also includes recesses therein. According to another feature of the invention, the bases of the connectors further comprise recesses therein. Another object of the invention is a detachable connector for horizontal and vertical interconnection of individual floor panels with identical edges to form a permanent or temporary laminate floor surface on the upper part of a support structure with the connector comprising: a base and a projection extending vertically from said base, the projection having upper and lower portions and consisting of identical right and left halves, the upper portion of each half comprising identical extensions extending horizontally in opposite directions at equal substantially parallel distances a, separated from and on the base, and optionally, two additional projections extending vertically from the base, the projections spaced from the projection and located on either side of the projection. According to another characteristic of the invention, the base is not designed to be in contact with the support structure for the interconnection of the floor panels. According to another characteristic of the invention, the base is designed to be in contact with the support structure for the interconnection of the floor panels. According to another feature of the invention, the projections extend vertically at a distance less than the projection. According to another characteristic of the invention, the connector is manufactured from metal. According to another feature of the invention, the connector is manufactured from plastic. According to another feature of the invention, the right and left halves of the projection further comprises recesses therein. According to another feature of the invention, the base further comprises two recesses formed therein located between the projections and the projection. According to another characteristic of the invention, the connector is an elongated channel. According to another feature of the invention, the projection extends substantially over the entire length of the connector. According to another feature of the invention, the connector includes projections extending substantially the entire length of the connector. Another object of the invention is a multidirectional individual laminate floor panel for use in the formation of a support surface of a floor surface comprised of at least two interconnected panels horizontally and vertically detachable, the panels comprising: a surface upper, a lower surface for contact with the supporting structure, and the edges therebetween, the upper surface comprising a decorative wear surface, all the edges comprising identical grooves extending substantially the entire length of the edges and the surface upper which comprises identical channels formed therein and which open away from the upper surface, channels which are parallel to, separated from and extend substantially along the entire length of the edges. According to another feature of the invention, the panels further comprises a layer of reinforcement of the substrate MMÉ * M «Í« B < ^ *?. * - Intermediate AtA between the upper surface and the lower surface. According to another feature of the invention, the intermediate substrate reinforcement layer is manufactured from a material selected from the group comprising a medium density fiberboard, high density fiberboard, wood, filled plastics, non-plastic plastics. refilled, ceramic, fiber, rigid urethane foams and combinations thereof. According to another feature of the invention, the distance from the upper surface to the lower surface varies from about 6.1 meter to about 8.13 meters.

Claims (62)

1. CLAIMS 1. A detachable interconnect floor system for use in the formation of a temporary or permanent laminate floor surface on the top of a support structure from individual floor panels, the system comprising: two or more panels of laminate floor and at least one connector; the floor panels comprising an upper wear surface, a reinforcing substrate material and a lower surface for contacting the support structure, the panels comprising four edges having recesses formed therein for the reception of at least a projection from the connector channel, the panels also having channels formed on their lower surfaces formed for reception of projections from the connector; the connector comprising a base having a vertically extending projection therefrom formed to be received in a disconnectable vertical connected shape within the recesses at the edges of the panels, the base of the connector further comprising two protrusions extending vertically from each side of the base separated from the projection, the projections formed to be received in a detachably horizontal connected form within the channels in the bottom surface of the panels, wherein when connecting the panels using the connector, the floor surface visible visible consists only of the upper wear surface of the panels.
2. 2. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that the thickness of the laminated floor panels varies from approximately 0.609 cm to approximately 0. 812 cm.
3. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that the reinforcing substrate material of the panels is selected from the group consisting of medium density wood pulp board, high density wood pulp board, compositions wood / plastic, wood, ceramics, non-filled plastics, filled plastics and rigid closed cell foams and combinations thereof.
4. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that the connector is composed of a material selected from a group consisting of metals, non-filled plastics, filled plastic, rubbers, ceramics, wood compositions and compositions thereof .
5. 5. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that the seals at the edges of the panels extend substantially along the entire length of the edges.
6. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that the channels in the panels extend substantially the entire length of the panels.
7. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that the connector is of substantially the same length as at least one edge of one of the panels.
8. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that the projection of the connector extends substantially along the entire length of the connector.
9. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that the projections extend substantially over the entire length of the connector.
10. 10. A vertical and horizontal interconnecting floor system for use in forming a floor surface on top of a support surface, the system comprising: two or more individual floor panels having a certain thickness and so minus one channel; the floor panels comprising an upper wear surface and a lower surface for contact with the support surface, the panels having at least three edges with identical recesses formed therein, the first recesses formed to receive a first projection of connection from the channel, the panels also having second recesses located along the lower surface of each panel open in a direction away from the upper surface for reception of a second connection projection from the channel; the channel comprising a base, a first connection projection, and a second connection projection, the first connecting projection connected and extending vertically at a distance from the base and formed to be received at the first recesses of the panels for forming a vertical connection between the panels when two or more panels are coupled at their edges, the second connection projection connected to and extending vertically at a distance from the base and formed to be received in the second recesses of the panels to form a horizontal connection between the three when two or more panels are coupled at their edges; the distance from the base of the channel to the highest vertical portion of the first projection is less than the distance between the upper wear surface and the bottom surface of the panel so that the first and second connections between the panels form an interconnection floor surface consisting only of the upper wear surfaces of the panels.
11. The system according to claim 10, characterized in that the thickness of a panel varies from about 0.609 cm to about 0.812 cm.
12. The system according to claim 10, characterized in that the distance from the base to the channel to the uppermost vertical portion of the first projections is less than about 0.609 cm.
13. The system according to claim 10, characterized in that the first recesses extend substantially over the entire length of the panel edges.
14. The system according to claim 10, characterized in that the second recesses extend substantially over the entire length of the panels.
15. 15. The system according to claim 10, characterized in that the first connection projection includes a portion extending parallel to and separated from the base of the channel and extending substantially the entire length of the channel.
16. 16. The system according to claim 10, characterized in that the second connection projection is in the form of a node extending substantially the entire length of the channel from the base separated from the first connection projection.
17. The system according to claim 10, characterized in that the second connection projection comprises two separate nodes on each side of the first connection projection extending from the base substantially the entire length of the channel.
18. 18. The system according to claim 10, characterized in that the floor panel further comprises a substrate reinforcement material between the upper wear surface and the reinforcement layer comprised of a material selected from the group consisting of cardboard medium to high density wood pulp, wood particle board, wood, plastic / wood compositions, non-filled plastics, filled plastics, ceramics and combinations thereof.
19. 19. The system according to claim 10, characterized in that the channel is manufactured from a material selected from a group consisting of woods, ceramics, metals, rubbers, filled plastics and unfilled plastics.
20. 20. A detachable interconnect floor system for use in forming a permanent or temporary floor surface on the surface of a support structure from individual floor panels, the system comprising: two or more floor panels and at least one connector channel; the floor panels comprising an upper wear surface, and a lower surface for contacting the support structure, the panels being multidirectional and comprising at least three edges wherein at least all the edges have identical recesses formed in the same for the reception of at least one projection from the connector channel; the connector channel comprising a base and a projection extending vertically from the base, the projection formed to be received in a disconnectable vertical connected form within the grooves of at least two panels to form a floor surface that consists completely of the upper wear surface of the panels.
21. The system according to claim 20, characterized in that the projection is further formed to be received in the detachably horizontal connected form within the slots of the panels.
22. 22. The system according to claim 20, characterized in that the base of the connector channel further comprises at least one projection extending vertically therefrom, and the panels further comprises at least one channel on its lower surface running parallel ay is separated from the edges and formed to receive the projection in a detachable horizontal connected manner.
23. 23. The system according to claim 20, characterized in that the recesses extend substantially over the entire length of the panels.
24. 24. The system according to claim 20, characterized in that channels extend substantially over the entire length of the lower surface of the panels.
25. 25. The system according to claim 20, characterized in that the projection extends substantially along the entire length of the connector channel.
26. 26. The system according to claim 22, characterized in that the projection extends substantially along the entire length of the connector channel.
27. 27. The system according to claim 22, characterized in that the projection extends substantially along the entire length of the connector channel.
28. 28. The system according to claim 22, characterized in that the projection further comprises a recess therein and the panels are formed to engage the recess to form a horizontal connection between the panels adjacent to the interconnection thereof.
29. 29. The system according to claim 20, characterized in that the distance from the base of the connector channel to the upper parts of the projector channel projection is less than the distance from the bottom surface to the wear surface. ÉÉÜÜi * superior of the panels.
30. 30. The system according to claim 20, characterized in that the projection extends directly from the base of the connector channel.
31. 31. The system according to claim 20, characterized in that the projection extends angularly directly from the base of the connector channel.
32. 32. The system according to claim 20, characterized in that the projection is connected to the base of the connector channel by means of a support that extends vertically from the base.
33. 33. The system according to claim 32, characterized in that the projection extends angularly from the support extending from the base.
34. 34. The system according to claim 33, characterized in that the projection further comprises a node extending therefrom.
35. 35. The system according to claim 20, characterized in that the base of the connector channel is formed to rest on the support structure.
36. 36. The system according to claim 20, characterized in that the base of the connector channel also comprises recesses therein, and the edges of the panels are formed to be received in a detachable horizontal connected form within the recesses of the base of the connector. connector channel.
37. 37. The system according to claim 36, characterized in that the base of the connector channel is formed to rest on the support structure.
38. 38. The system according to claim 20, characterized in that the projection of the connector channel also comprises recesses in it, and the edges of the panels are formed to be received in a detachably horizontal connected form in the recesses of said projection.
39. 39. The system according to claim 38, characterized in that the base of the connector channel is formed to rest on the support structure.
40. 40. A detachable interconnecting decorative laminate floor system for application to an existing floor surface without the use of traditional adhesives or fasteners, the fastening system comprising: a plurality of individual floor panels and a plurality of connectors individual individual floor panels having a decorative top wear surface, a bottom surface and comprising edges between the top and bottom surface, each edge having identical receivers located therein; the connectors comprising rails substantially of the same lengths as the edges of the panels, the rails each having a base and a projection extending vertically from the base, the projection being formed for insertion into the containers of the panels for uncoupling vertical and horizontal interconnection of floor panels ^ ria-aiiita ^ M individual on its edges, where the panels are interconnected using the connectors, the resulting visible floor surface consists only of the upper decorative waste surface and there is no portion of the connector forming from the floor surface visible.
41. 41. The system according to claim 40, characterized in that the receivers on the edges of a panel comprise grooves.
42. 42. The system according to claim 40, characterized in that the surface of the panels further comprises channels therein.
43. 43. The system according to claim 40, characterized in that the bases of the connectors are designed to rest on the support structure to the interconnection of at least two of the floor panels.
44. 44. The system according to claim 42, characterized in that the bases of the rails further comprise two or more projections that extend vertically therefrom, the two projections are smaller than the first projection, separated and are on each side of the first projection for coupling with the channels in the lower surface of the panels to the connection of the two adjacent panels.
45. 45. The system according to claim 40, characterized in that the base of the rails is not designed to rest on the support structure to the interconnection of at least two floor panels
46. 46. The system according to claim 40, characterized in that the projection from the bases of the connectors also includes recesses therein.
47. 47. The system according to claim 41, characterized in that the bases of the connectors further comprise recesses therein.
48. 48. A detachable connector for individual floor panels of vertical and horizontal interconnection with identical edges to form a permanent or temporary laminate floor surface on top of a support structure, the connector comprising: a base and a projection that is extends vertically from the base, the projection having upper and lower portions and consisting of identical right and left halves, the upper portion of each half comprising identical extensions extending horizontally in opposite directions at equal distances substantially parallel to, spaced from and on said base, and optionally two additional projections extending vertically from the base, the two projections spaced from the projection and which are located on each side of said projection.
49. 49. The connector according to claim 48, characterized in that the base is not designed to be in contact with the support structure for the interconnection of the floor panels. - • - • --- É-ki -------- t--?
50. 50. The connector according to claim 48, characterized in that the base is designed to be in contact with the support structure to the interconnection of the floor panels.
51. 51. The connector according to claim 48, characterized in that the projections extend vertically at a distance less than the projection.
52. 52. The connector according to claim 48, characterized in that the connector is manufactured from metal.
53. 53. The connector according to claim 48, characterized in that the connector is manufactured from plastic.
54. 54. The connector according to claim 48, characterized in that the right and left halves of the projection further comprise recesses therein.
55. 55. The connector according to claim 48, characterized in that the base further comprises two recesses formed therein located between the projections and the projection.
56. 56. The connector according to claim 48, characterized in that the connector is an elongated channel.
57. 57. The connector according to claim 48, characterized in that the projection extends substantially along the entire length of the connector.
58. 58. The connector according to claim 48, which includes projections wherein the projections extend substantially over the entire length of the connector.
59. 59. A multidirectional individual laminate floor panel diaHMI for use in the formation on a support surface of a floor surface comprised of at least two interconnected panels uncoupled in a horizontal and vertical direction, the panels comprising: an upper surface, a lower surface for contact with the structure of support and edges between them; the top surface comprising a decorative wear surface, all edges comprising identical grooves extending substantially along the entire length of the edges, and the bottom surface comprising identical channels formed therein and opening from the top surface , the channels that are parallel to, are separated from and extend substantially along the entire length of the edges.
60. 60. The panels according to claim 59 further comprising a reinforcing layer of the middle substrate between the upper surface and the lower surface.
61. 61. The panels according to claim 60, characterized in that the reinforcement layer of a medium substrate is manufactured from a material selected from the group consisting of medium density wood pulp board, wood pulp board of high density, wood, filled plastics, non-filled plastics, ceramics, fibers, rigid urethane foams and combinations thereof.
62. 62. The panels according to claim 59, characterized in that the distance from the bottom surface to the MM - UÉM lower surface varies from approximately 0.609 cm to approximately 0.812 cm