RU2604358C2 - Vertical joint system and associated surface covering system - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: construction.

SUBSTANCE: invention relates to construction, particularly to a vertical joint system for substrates - wooden boards or panels, used for covering floor, ceiling or walls. Vertical joint system for substrates is formed with joints Jm and Jf which are engaged by relative motion in a direction perpendicular to major surfaces. Joints are configured to enable relative rotation by an angle of up to 3°. Joints Jm and Jf may form two locking planes, one on each of inner and outer most sides of joint. Engagement about locking planes is provided by transverse outward extending surfaces Cm1, Cm2, Cf1 and Cf2. At least one surface in each pair of engaging surfaces - Cf1 and Cm1, Cf2 and Cm2 - is smoothly curved. Joints Jm and Jf can be further arranged to provide a third locking plane. Joints are disengaged by combination of a downward rotation of one joint relative other then application of a downward force.

EFFECT: technical result consists in possibility of attachment of covering on underlying surfaces with corrugations.

11 cl, 27 dwg

Description

Field of Invention

The present invention relates to a system of vertical locks for substrates, providing docking on the sides with adjacent substrates. Examples of such substrates are wooden planks or panels that can be used as flooring, walls or ceilings. The present invention also relates to a surface coating system using a padlock system of substrates.

State of the art

Quiet floor coverings contain many substrates, each of which is equipped with an identical lock system for joining adjacent substrates. These lock systems often contain first and second locks located along two opposite sides of the substrate. The locks are designed so that the first lock of one substrate can mesh with the second lock of an adjacent substrate. Locks are based on special profiles of tongues, grooves, protrusions, recesses and spikes that provide a locking connection.

Lock systems for floors in general can be divided into horizontal lock systems (or “lying”) and vertical lock systems. To engage the locks of adjacent substrates in a system of horizontal locks, movement is required parallel to the main surface of the floor substrate (i.e., in the horizontal plane). On the other hand, in order to engage the locks of adjacent substrates in a system of vertical locks, a movement perpendicular to the main surface of the substrates is necessary. Thus, it should be understood that the expression "vertical" in relation to this type of lock system and in the framework of its use in this description of the invention does not mean an absolutely vertical position and simply describes the movement perpendicular to the main surface of the substrate. When the substrate is laid on a horizontal surface, the “vertical” in this case is also absolute vertical. However, as is obvious to those skilled in the art, substrates can be laid on surfaces of a different orientation, for example, on vertical surfaces, such as a vertical wall, or on inclined surfaces, for example, on a pitched ceiling. In such cases, the system of vertical locks will correspond in meaning to its name as a system of locks operating and engaging due to displacement or application of force in a plane perpendicular to the main surface of the substrates.

There are also so-called vertical locking systems, which, despite the name given by the manufacturer to the vertical ones, first require one lock to be inserted into another castle of the neighboring substrate from the side, after which one panel is rotated relative to the other to translate their main surfaces into one plane.

The above references to the prior art are not an assumption that existing solutions are part of the well-known knowledge of a person skilled in the art. The above links also do not limit the use of the proposed lock system.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The features of the proposed technical solution are aimed at creating a system of vertical locks of substrates. Vertical lock systems are aimed at creating a surface coating system that provides ease of installation and, in particular, repair. In this regard, repairs can be made by lifting the panels in the vertical direction without the need to lift an excess area of the floor covering surface from the wall closest to the damaged panels.

The present invention also seeks to provide vertical padlock systems in which meshing substrates can rotate or rotate relative to each other in a positive or negative direction (i.e., clockwise or counterclockwise) while remaining engaged.

In one embodiment, a system of vertical locks of a substrate is proposed having opposite first and second main surfaces, the lock system comprising:

the first and second asymmetric locks located along opposite sides of the substrate, while the first and second locks are configured to mutually mesh two substrates with the same lock systems when a force is applied in the direction of engagement perpendicular to the main surfaces;

wherein the first and second locks each have two laterally spaced transversely extending surfaces, configured so that the first lock of one substrate is able to mesh with the second lock of the second substrate, while two transversely extending surfaces of the first castle are located relative to two transversely extending surfaces the second castle with the formation, respectively, of the first and second locking planes on the extreme inner and outermost sides of each castle, each the abutment plane is parallel to the direction of engagement, with the transversely extending surfaces corresponding to each locking plane extending in the transverse direction towards each other from the opposite sides of the locking plane and the transversely extending surfaces of the second castle rise above the transversely extending surfaces of the first lock, preventing separation of the engaged locks wherein at least one of the transversely extending surfaces corresponding to each locking plane bones, has a curved profile.

In one embodiment, the transversely extending surfaces are capable of relative rotation of the two engaged substrates by an angle of up to 3 ° without disturbing the engagement of the two substrates.

In one embodiment of the invention, the transversely extending surfaces are capable of relative rotation of the two engaged substrates by an angle of up to 7 ° -10 ° in the direction of the surface on which the substrates are laid, while maintaining the engagement of these two substrates.

In one embodiment, at least one side of each locking plane has an empty space formed due to the asymmetric configuration of the first and second locks.

In one embodiment, at least one of the transversely extending surfaces corresponding to at least one of the locking planes has a continuous convex curve profile.

In one embodiment, at least one of the locking planes of one of the transversely extending surfaces has a continuous convex curve profile, and the other has a profile formed by one or many straight lines.

In one embodiment, each of the transversely extending surfaces has a continuous convex curve profile.

In one embodiment, two or more of the transversely extending surfaces have profiles in the form of different continuous convex curves.

In one embodiment, each lock comprises a protrusion extending in the direction of engagement and an adjacent recess formed along the corresponding side of the substrate, with transversely extending surfaces formed on the outermost surface of each protrusion and on the outermost surface of each recess.

In one embodiment, the protrusion of the first lock has a convex profile with a neck of reduced width, while a portion of the transversely extending surface on the protrusion of the first lock is adjacent to the outermost side of the neck.

In one embodiment, the recess of the second lock has a convex profile with a neck of reduced width, while a portion of the transversely extending surface in the recess of the second lock is adjacent to the outermost side of the neck.

In one embodiment, the plane in which the shortest distance line lies through the neck or through each neck is inclined relative to the main surfaces.

In one embodiment, the plane in which the shortest distance line lies through the neck or through each neck lies in a plane inclined relative to the main surfaces.

In one embodiment, the corresponding shortest distance lines through each neck are parallel to each other.

In one embodiment, the corresponding shortest lines through each neck are collinear.

In one embodiment, each transversely extending surface is a portion of a corresponding inflection surface.

In one embodiment, each of the first and second locks is formed with a third transversely extending surface located between two transversely extending surfaces of the castle, wherein the third transversely extending surfaces are located relative to each other to form a third locking plane located between the first and second locking planes, wherein third transversely extending surfaces corresponding to the third locking plane extend in the transverse direction towards to each other from opposite sides of the third locking plane, and the third laterally extending surface of the second castle coincides with the third transversely extending surface of the first castle or rises above it.

In one embodiment, the first and second locks are made relative to one another with the possibility of mutual engagement near the third locking plane, excluding the separation of the locked locks in a direction parallel to the direction of engagement, with the third locking plane parallel to and between the first and second locking planes.

In one embodiment, each of the first and second locks comprises a third transversely extending surface, wherein third transversely extending surfaces extend to opposite sides of the third locking plane when the lock is engaged.

In the second embodiment, a system of vertical locks of the substrate is proposed having opposite first and second main surfaces, the lock system comprising:

the first and second asymmetric locks located along opposite sides of the substrate, while the first and second locks are made with the possibility of mutual engagement of the two substrates with the same lock systems when the engagement force is applied in the direction perpendicular to the main surfaces;

wherein the first and second locks have two laterally spaced transversely extending inflection surfaces, such that the first lock of one substrate is able to mesh with the second lock of the second substrate, while the two inflection surfaces of the first lock mesh with two inflection surfaces of the second of the castle from the extreme inner and from the outer outer side of each castle with the formation of the first and second locking planes, respectively, each of which independently does not allow separation geared locks in a direction parallel to the direction of engagement, with each locking plane parallel to the direction of engagement, and the inflection surfaces corresponding to each locking plane are located on both sides of this locking plane.

In one embodiment of the invention, the inflection surfaces are capable of relative rotation of the two engaged substrates by an angle of up to 3 ° without disturbing the engagement of these two substrates.

In one embodiment of the invention, the inflection surfaces are capable of relative rotation of the two engaged substrates by an angle of up to 7 ° -10 ° in the direction of the surface on which the substrates are laid, while maintaining the engagement of these two substrates.

In one embodiment, each lock comprises a third bend surface, and the corresponding third bend surfaces are arranged relative to each other to engage with each other to form a third locking plane located between the first and second locking planes.

In one embodiment, at least one side of each locking plane has an empty space formed due to the asymmetric configuration of the first and second locks.

In one embodiment, at least one of the inflection surfaces corresponding to each locking plane has a continuous curve profile.

In one embodiment, one of the inflection surfaces corresponding to one locking plane has a continuous curve profile, and the other inflection of this locking plane has a profile formed by one or many straight lines.

In one embodiment, each of the inflection surfaces has a continuous curve profile.

In one embodiment, each lock comprises a protrusion extending in the direction of engagement and an adjacent recess formed along the corresponding side of the substrate, wherein the bend surfaces associated with the first and second locking planes are formed on the extreme outer surface of each protrusion and on the extreme inner the surface of each recess.

In one embodiment, the protrusion of the first lock has a convex profile with a neck of reduced width, while part of the bend surface on the protrusion of the first lock is made along the outermost side of the neck.

In one embodiment, the recess of the second lock has a convex profile with a neck of reduced width, while a portion of the inflection surface in the recess of the second lock is formed along the outermost side of the neck.

In one embodiment, the plane in which the shortest distance line lies through the neck or through each neck is inclined relative to the main surfaces.

In one embodiment, the plane in which the shortest distance line lies through the neck or through each neck lies in a plane inclined relative to the main surfaces.

In one embodiment, the corresponding shortest distance lines through each neck are parallel to each other.

In one embodiment, the corresponding shortest lines through each neck are collinear.

In the third embodiment, a system of vertical locks of the substrate is proposed having opposite first and second main surfaces, the lock system comprising:

asymmetric male and female locks located along opposite sides of the substrate, while male and female locks are capable of mutual engagement of two substrates with identical locking systems when the engagement force is applied in a direction perpendicular to the main surfaces;

a male lock comprising a male protrusion, generally extending perpendicularly from the first main surface toward the second main surface and a male recess formed inside the male protrusion; an enclosing lock comprising an enclosing protrusion extending generally perpendicularly from the second main surface toward the first main surface, and enclosing a recess formed inside the enclosing protrusion; wherein the male lock has a first male locking surface formed on the side of its male protrusion farthest from its female recess, a second male locking surface formed on the side of its female recess farthest from its male protrusion, and a third male locking surface, common with male protrusion and male recess; the female lock has a first female locking surface formed on the side of its female recess farthest from its male protrusion, a second female locking surface formed on the side of its male protrusion farthest from its female recess, and a third female locking surface common to the female the protrusion and the surrounding recess, while the locking surfaces are made so that when engaging the male and female locks of two substrates, the first the first and first female locking surfaces engage to form a first locking plane, the second male and second female locking surfaces mesh to form a second locking plane, and the third male and third female locking surfaces mesh to form a third locking plane located between the first and second locking planes, moreover, each locking plane does not allow separation of the engaged locks in a direction parallel to the direction of engagement.

In one embodiment of the invention, the locking surfaces are capable of relative rotation of the two engaged substrates by an angle of up to 3 ° without disturbing the engagement of these two substrates.

In one embodiment of the invention, the locking surfaces are capable of relative rotation of the two engaged substrates by an angle of 7 ° -10 ° in the direction of the surface on which the substrates are laid, while maintaining the engagement of these two substrates without disturbing the engagement of these two substrates.

In one embodiment, at least one of the first male locking surface and the first female locking surface has a smoothly curved transversely extending portion, and at least one of the second male locking surface and the second female locking surface has a smoothly curved extending in the transverse direction of the plot.

In one embodiment, the other of the first male locking surface and the first female locking surface has a laterally extending portion comprising at least one flat surface.

In one embodiment, the other of the second male locking surface and the second female locking surface has a laterally extending portion comprising at least one flat surface.

In one embodiment, each of the first and second male and female locking surfaces comprises a smoothly curved transversely extending portion.

In one embodiment, each of the first male locking surface, the first female locking surface, the second male locking surface, the second female locking surface is kinked, the kinks engage with each other about the first and second locking planes.

In one embodiment, at least one third male locking surface and a third female locking surface is formed with an inflection.

In the fourth embodiment, a system of vertical locks of a substrate is proposed having opposite first and second main surfaces, the lock system comprising:

the first and second asymmetric locks located along opposite sides of the substrate, while the first and second locks are made with the possibility of mutual engagement of the two substrates with the same lock systems with the application of force in the direction of entry into the engagement perpendicular to the main surfaces, and with the possibility of uncoupling the engaged substrates by lifting the first substrate in the direction opposite to the direction of engagement, for rotation of adjacent engaged substrates along opposite sides of the first vile ki for translation in a plane divergent from the first substrate, followed by applying a force to the second geared locks substrates in the insertion direction into engagement.

In one embodiment, the first and second locks have two laterally spaced transversely extending surface portions, such that the first lock of one substrate is able to mesh with the second lock of the second substrate, with two transversely extending surfaces of the first castle relative to two transversely extending surfaces of the second castle with the formation, respectively, of the first and second locking planes on the extreme inner and outermost sides of dogo lock, each locking plane is parallel to the insertion direction into engagement with the laterally extending portions corresponding to each of the locking plane, extending in the transverse direction towards each other from opposite sides of the locking plane and transversely extending portions of the second lock rise above the transversely extending portions of the first lock.

In one embodiment, at least one of the transversely extending surfaces corresponding to at least one of the locking planes has a continuous convex curve profile.

In one embodiment, the first and second locks each have two laterally spaced bend surfaces, such that the first lock of one substrate is able to mesh with the second lock of the second substrate, wherein two bend surfaces of the first lock mesh with two bend surfaces of the second of the lock on the extreme inner and on the outer outer side of each lock with the formation of the first and second locking planes, respectively, each of which independently does not allow separation I engaged locks in a direction parallel to the direction of entry into engagement, with each locking plane parallel to the direction of entry into engagement, and the inflection surfaces corresponding to each locking plane are located on both sides of this locking plane.

In one embodiment, the first lock is a male lock and the second castle is a female lock, wherein the male lock comprises a male protrusion, generally extending perpendicularly from the first main surface toward the second main surface, and a male recess formed inside the male protrusion; the enclosing lock comprises a enclosing protrusion extending generally perpendicularly from the second main surface toward the first main surface, and enclosing a recess formed inside the enclosing protrusion; wherein the male lock has a first male locking surface formed on the side of its male protrusion farthest from its female recess, a second male locking surface formed on the side of its female recess farthest from its male protrusion, and a third male locking surface, common with male protrusion and male recess; the female lock has a first female locking surface formed on the side of its female recess farthest from its male protrusion, a second female locking surface formed on the side of its male protrusion farthest from its female recess, and a third female locking surface common to the female the protrusion and the surrounding recess, while the locking surfaces are made so that when engaging the male and female locks of two substrates, the first the first and first female locking surfaces engage to form a first locking plane, the second male and second female locking surfaces mesh to form a second locking plane, and the third male and third female locking surfaces mesh to form a third locking plane located between the first and second locking planes, moreover, each locking plane does not allow separation of the engaged locks in a direction parallel to the direction of entry into engagement.

In one embodiment, the first and second locks are formed with the formation of three locking planes, while in a state of mutual engagement, each locking plane is parallel to the direction of engagement and prevents separation of the engaged locks in the opposite direction of the engagement.

In one embodiment, when the substrate is made in the form of a flat rectangular or square substrate having four sides, the first lock is located on two adjacent sides, and the second castle is located on the remaining two adjacent sides.

In the fifth embodiment, a surface coating system comprising a plurality of substrates is provided, wherein each substrate is provided with a system of vertical locks in accordance with any of the first to fourth embodiments.

In accordance with the sixth embodiment, a semi-floating surface coating system is proposed comprising:

many substrates, with each substrate equipped with a system of vertical

locks in accordance with any of the first to fourth versions; some re-sticky adhesive bonded to the first major surface; and

one or more protective strips, re-coating the adhesive. In one embodiment, the amount of re-tack adhesive is applied in two or more spaced rows extending in the longitudinal direction of the substrate.

In one embodiment, the amount of re-adhesive is applied as a continuous strip or roller in at least one of the spaced rows.

In one embodiment, the re-adhesive adhesive is applied in the form of many rows that are equidistant from each other and are located symmetrically relative to the longitudinal axis of the substrate.

In one embodiment, the re-adhesive adhesive has a thickness of 1 to 6 mm, measured perpendicular to the first main surface.

In one embodiment, the re-adhesive adhesive has a thickness of 2 to 4 mm.

In one embodiment, the amount of adhesive comprises a certain amount of padlock adhesive bonded to the substrate and coated with a protective strip, wherein the padlock adhesive is in a position where, when the padlock system of the substrate is bonded to the padlock system of another substrate after removing the padding strip, the padlock adhesive is one substrate sticks to the lock of another substrate.

In one embodiment, the substrate is made of a material selected from the group consisting of: hardwood, glued wood, laminate, bamboo, plastics, and vinyl.

According to a seventh embodiment, there is provided a method of manufacturing a substrate for a semi-floating surface coating system, comprising the steps of: obtaining a surface coating system in accordance with a fifth embodiment; attaching a certain amount of re-sticky adhesive to the first main surface and coating it with a protective strip.

In one embodiment, adhesion of the adhesive includes the step of applying adhesive in the form of two or more spaced rows extending in the longitudinal direction of the substrate.

In one embodiment, the attachment comprises the step of applying an adhesive in the form of a continuous strip or roller in at least one of the spaced rows on the first main surface.

In one embodiment, the method comprises an operation of applying an adhesive with a uniform thickness of 1 to 6 mm, measured perpendicular to the main surface.

In one embodiment, the method comprises the step of applying an adhesive with a uniform thickness of 2 to 4 mm.

In one embodiment, the method includes attaching a certain amount of re-adhesive adhesive to at least a portion of the lock and coating the adhesive in the locks with a security strip, the adhesive being re-applied at the site of the first substrate in which the adhesive adheres to the lock of the second substrate when sealed system of vertical locks of the first and second substrate after removing the protective strip covering the adhesive in the lock of the first substrate.

In the eighth embodiment, a surface coating system is proposed comprising a plurality of substrates, each substrate having: opposing first and second main surfaces, of which the first main surface is used to face the underlying supporting surface to be coated by the system, and a vertical lock system comprising:

the first and second asymmetric locks located along opposite sides of the substrate, while the first and second locks are made with the possibility of mutual engagement of two substrates with the same lock systems when a force is applied in the direction of engagement perpendicular to the main surfaces, and with the possibility of uncoupling the engaged substrates by ( a) lifting the first substrate in a direction opposite to the direction of engagement, for rotation of adjacent engaged substrates along opposite lateral sides of the first under spoons for their translation in the plane, deviated from the first substrate; and (b) subsequent application of force to the second locks of the engaged substrates in the direction of engagement. In one embodiment, the surface coating system comprises at least one jack removably attached to the first substrate, the jack comprising a stem capable of passing through an opening formed in the first substrate to abut the underlying support, the jack being adapted to bring it in action with the extension of the rod through the hole for lifting, thus, the first substrate from the underlying surface.

In one embodiment of the surface coating system, the vertical lock system is made in accordance with any of the first to fourth and tenth designs.

In one embodiment, the surface coating system comprises a number of re-adhesive adhesives attached to the first main surface, and one or more protective strips re-coating the adhesive.

In one embodiment, the surface coating system comprises a number of re-adhesive adhesives attached to one or both of the first and second locks, and corresponding protective strips applied to the re-adhesive adhesive attached to the locks.

In one embodiment, the vertical lock system comprises a number of re-adhesive adhesives attached to one or both of the first and second locks, and corresponding protective strips applied to the re-adhesive adhesive attached to the locks.

In the ninth embodiment, a substrate is provided for a surface coating system comprising a system of vertical locks in accordance with any of the first to fourth and tenth versions.

In one embodiment, the substrate comprises a number of re-adhesive adhesive attached to one or both of the first and second locks, and corresponding protective strips applied to the re-adhesive adhesive attached to the locks.

In one embodiment of the substrate, each lock with a re-attached adhesive adhesive has a recess for laying the re-attached adhesive adhesive.

In one embodiment, the substrate contains a number of re-adhesive adhesive attached to the first main surface, and one or more protective strips attached to the re-adhesive adhesive on the first main surface.

In one embodiment, the vertical lock system comprises a paraffin layer on the surfaces of the lock, which, when engaged with an identical lock, interact to form the first and second locking planes.

In one embodiment of a vertical lock system, each recess of one substrate having a lock system is resiliently openable to allow entry into the recess and engage a corresponding protrusion of a second substrate having an identical lock system.

In the tenth embodiment, a system of vertical locks of the substrate is proposed having opposite first and second main surfaces, while the lock system contains:

the first and second asymmetric locks located along opposite sides of the substrate, while the first and second locks are made with the possibility of mutual engagement of the two substrates with the same lock systems when the engagement force is applied in the direction perpendicular to the main surfaces;

the first and second locks are made with the possibility of relative rotation of the two engaged meshes by an angle of up to 3 ° without disturbing the engagement of these two substrates.

In one embodiment of the tenth embodiment, the first and second locks have two generally convex surfaces spaced apart in the transverse direction, such that the first lock of one substrate has the ability to engage with the second lock of the second substrate, with two generally convex surfaces of the first lock located relative to two basically convex surfaces of the second castle with the formation of the first and second locking planes, respectively, on the extreme inner and outermost sides of each of the lock, each locking plane parallel to the direction of engagement, with the generally convex surfaces corresponding to each locking plane extending in the transverse direction facing each other from opposite sides of the locking plane and the generally convex surfaces of the second lock are raised above the convex extending surfaces the first lock, avoiding the separation of the engaged locks, while at least one of the convex surfaces corresponding to each locking plane, has a curved profile.

In one embodiment of the tenth embodiment, each lock comprises a protrusion extending in the direction of engagement and an adjacent recess formed along the corresponding side of the substrate, with transversely extending surfaces being formed on the extreme outer surface of each protrusion and on the extreme inner surface of each recess.

In one embodiment of the tenth embodiment, each recess is resiliently openable to allow entry into the recess and engagement of a corresponding protrusion of a second substrate having an identical lock system.

In one embodiment of the tenth embodiment, the first and second locks are formed to form a third locking plane located between the first and second locking planes.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Regardless of any designs that may be included in the scope of the lock system, as set forth in the Summary of the Invention, the following is a description of specific embodiments that are set forth only as examples with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1a is a sectional view of a panel according to an embodiment of a vertical lock system;

FIG. 1b is a cross-sectional view of a portion of two panels with a system of vertical locks in the engaged position;

FIG. 2 is a spatial view of part of two panels with a vertical lock system in the disengaged position;

FIG. 3a illustrates the ability of panels having a system of vertical locks to rotate relative to each other in a first direction while in the engaged position;

FIG. 3b illustrates the ability of panels having a system of vertical locks to rotate relative to each other in a second direction while in the engaged position;

FIG. 4a illustrates lateral curvature of a substrate located above a dent or cavity of a support surface;

Figure 4b is an enlarged view of the assembly A of FIG. 4a;

FIG. 4c illustrates the lateral curvature of a substrate above a bulge or elevation of a support surface;

FIG. 4d is an enlarged view of the assembly B of FIG. 4c;

FIG. 4e is a schematic representation of a comparison of the ability of known systems and vertical lock systems of the proposed embodiments to adapt to a surface with a bulge or elevation;

FIG. 4f is an enlarged view of the assembly C of FIG. 4e;

FIG. 4g is a schematic representation of a comparison of the ability of known systems and vertical lock systems of the proposed embodiments to adapt to a dented or hollow surface;

FIG. 4h is an enlarged view of the node D of FIG. 4g;

FIG. 5a shows the relative position of the panels with the proposed system of vertical locks, ready for engagement;

FIG. 5b-5e depict sequentially meshing of panels with variants of a vertical lock system from the moment of initial contact in FIG. 5b until fully engaged in FIG. 5e;

FIG. 5f-5k depict self-installing sequences of embodiments of a vertical lock system;

FIG. 5l-5u present a schematic comparison of self-installation between proposed embodiments and known solutions;

FIG. 6a is a vertical projection of a portion coated with substrates connected using the vertical lock system of the proposed embodiments, indicating a panel to be removed;

In FIG. 6b is a section A-A in FIG. 6a;

FIG. 6c is a plan view of a panel with jacks for removing a panel; FIG. 6d-6s illustrate the process of removing and replacing the panel highlighted in Figure 6a;

FIG. 7a is a side view of the jack shown in FIG. 6c; FIG. 7b is a plan view of the jack shown in FIG. 6c;

FIG. 8a is a side view of a wedge used with a jack to remove a meshing panel;

FIG. 8b is a front view of the wedge shown in FIG. 8a;

FIG. 9a-9f show a sequence of disengaging the meshing panels from the initial fully meshing position shown in FIG. 9a to the fully disengaged state shown in FIG. 9f;

FIG. 10a represents a panel with a second embodiment of a vertical system

locks;

FIG. 10b represents the engagement of two panels with a second embodiment of a vertical lock system;

FIG. 11a represents a panel with a third embodiment of a vertical system

locks;

FIG. 11b represents the engagement of two panels with a third embodiment of a vertical lock system;

FIG. 11c illustrates the ability of meshed panels having a system of vertical locks in a third embodiment to rotate relative to each other in a first direction;

FIG. 11d illustrates the ability of meshed panels having a system of vertical locks in a third embodiment to rotate relative to each other in a second direction;

FIG. 12a represents a panel with a fourth embodiment of a vertical lock system;

FIG. 12b represents the engagement of two panels with a fourth embodiment of a vertical lock system;

FIG. 13a is a panel with a fifth embodiment of a vertical lock system;

FIG. 13b represents the engagement of two panels with a fifth embodiment of a vertical lock system;

FIG. 14a represents a panel with a sixth embodiment of a vertical lock system;

FIG. 14b represents the engagement of two panels with a sixth embodiment of a vertical lock system;

FIG. 15a represents a panel with a seventh embodiment of a vertical lock system;

FIG. 15b represents the engagement of two panels with a seventh embodiment of a vertical lock system;

FIG. 16a represents a panel with an eighth embodiment of a vertical lock system;

FIG. 16b represents an engagement of two panels with an eighth embodiment of a vertical lock system;

FIG. 17a represents a panel with a ninth embodiment of a vertical lock system;

FIG. 17b represents the engagement of two panels with a ninth embodiment of a vertical lock system;

FIG. 17c shows the engagement of two panels of different thicknesses with a ninth embodiment of a vertical lock system;

FIG. 17d represents the engagement of the two panels shown in FIG. 17c;

FIG. 17e is a series of illustrations of the engagement of individual pairs of panels of various thicknesses with a ninth embodiment of a vertical lock system;

FIG. 18a represents a panel with a tenth embodiment of a vertical lock system;

FIG. 18b represents the engagement of two panels with a tenth embodiment of a vertical lock system;

FIG. 19a is a panel with an eleventh embodiment of a vertical lock system;

FIG. 19b shows the engagement of two panels with an eleventh embodiment of a vertical lock system;

FIG. 20a represents a panel with a twelfth embodiment of a vertical lock system;

FIG. 20b represents the engagement of two panels with a twelfth embodiment of a vertical lock system;

FIG. 21a represents a panel with a thirteenth embodiment of a vertical lock system;

FIG. 21b represents the engagement of two panels with a thirteenth embodiment of a vertical lock system;

FIG. 22 represents the engagement of two panels with a fifteenth embodiment of a vertical lock system;

FIG. 23a represents a panel with a fourteenth embodiment of a vertical lock system;

FIG. 23b represents the engagement of two panels with a fourteenth embodiment of a vertical lock system;

FIG. 23c-23i represent the sequence of engagement and disengagement of two panels with the fourteenth design of the vertical lock system in the case of re-applying adhesive;

FIG. 24a represents a panel with any design of a system of vertical locks using re-applied adhesive adhesive strips;

In FIG. 24b is a sectional view of the AA panel of FIG. FIG. 24a;

FIG. 24c is the panel shown in FIG. 24a and 24b, adhered to the underlying abutment surface;

FIG. 25a represents a panel with any design of a system of vertical locks using re-applied adhesive adhesive in the form of rollers;

Figure 25b is the panel shown in FIG. 25a adhered to the underlying abutment surface;

FIG. 26a-26e represent the removal sequence of the panel adhered to the underlying supporting surface of the panel shown in FIG. 25a and 25b;

and

FIG. 27a and 27b illustrate a method of laying a floor covering using locked panels.

Detailed Description of Specific Embodiments

FIG. 1a-2 illustrate a first embodiment of a system of 10 vertical locks (hereinafter referred to as the “lock system 10”) for a substrate. The substrate is shown in cross section, and in this embodiment it is made in the form of an elongated rectangular panel 12. The substrate or panel 12 has first and second opposite main surfaces 14 and 16, respectively. Each of the surfaces 14 and 16 is a flat surface, while they are parallel each other. In one orientation, the surface 14 is the outer surface of the panel 12, and the surface 16 is adjacent to a supporting surface or structure, for example, among other things to a concrete, wooden, tile or vinyl floor or to a wooden crate. The lock system 10 comprises a first lock Jm and a second asymmetric lock Jf. The first lock Jm can be conditionally considered a covered lock, and the second Jf can be conditionally considered a covered lock. This designation of locks is explained below.

When the substrate is in the form of a quadrangle, the lock Jm extends along two adjacent sides, and the lock Jf extends along the remaining two adjacent sides. For example, in the case where the substrate is an elongated rectangular floorboard, as shown in FIG. 1b and 1c, the lock Jm is located along one longitudinal side and an adjacent transverse side, and the lock Jf is located along the other (i.e. opposite) longitudinal side and the other (i.e. opposite) transverse side.

In FIG. 1b, a first lock Jm of a first panel 12a is shown in engagement with a second lock Jf of a second panel 12b having the same lock system 10. For simplicity, the panels 12a and 12b will be described generally as “panels 12”.

As explained in more detail below, the first and second locks Jm and Jf are adapted to engage two panels 12 (i.e., panels 12a and 12b) by applying pressure or force F (see FIG. 5) acting in the direction D of the input in engagement perpendicular to the main surfaces 14 and 16; If the panels 12 are floor panels, the direction D is in a vertical plane, and more specifically, is directed downward to the surface on which the panels are laid. This is equivalent to the engagement of the locks Jm and Jf due to the displacement of one lock (or substrate) relative to another in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the main surfaces.

The lock Jm comprises a male protrusion Pm and a male recess Rm, and the castle Jf contains a female protrusion Pf and a female recess Rf. The first lock Jm is conventionally designated as a male lock, since its protrusion Pm protrudes from the upper surface 14. The second lock Jf is conventionally designated as a female lock, since its recess Rf is configured to insert a protrusion Pm into it.

When describing features or properties common to all protrusions, protrusions are referred to in the description of the invention in the singular as “protrusion P” and in the plural as “protrusions P”. When describing features or properties common to all the recesses, the recesses are referred to throughout this specification in the singular as “recess R” and in the plural as “recesses R”. When describing features or properties common to all locks, locks are referred to in this description of the invention, in the singular, as “castle J”, and in the plural as “locks J”.

The male lock Jm has first, second, and third locking surfaces, respectively, ML1, ML2, and ML3 (hereinafter generally referred to as “male locking surfaces ML”). Each of the male locking surfaces ML extends continuously, mainly in a direction perpendicular to the main surfaces. Similarly, the enclosing lock Jf has first, second, and third enclosing locking surfaces, respectively, FL1, FL2, and FL3 (hereinafter generally referred to as "enclosing locking surfaces FLL"). The male and female locking surfaces are collectively and generally referred to as L. locking surfaces.

Each of the locking surfaces L extends continuously in the main direction in the direction perpendicular to the main surfaces. The expression "extends continuously mainly in the direction perpendicular to the main surfaces" in connection with male and female locking surfaces means that these surfaces extend mainly between opposing main surfaces, but continuously so that it [sic!] Extends only in one direction, those. always in the direction from surface 14 to surface 16, or vice versa, and therefore does not extend in the opposite direction, as would be the case if, for example, the surface included a structure similar to a crest or hook.

The female locking surface ML1 extends from the edge of the main surface 14 near the protrusion Pm, along the adjacent side of the protrusion Pm to a point in front of the surface of the protrusion Pm, turning an angle of more than 45 ° relative to the perpendicular to the main surface 14. It should be noted that the locking surface ML1 extends continuously in mainly in a direction perpendicular to the main surface 14, without turning in the opposite direction. Thus, each point on the surface of ML1 lies in a different horizontal plane. Otherwise, if there was a structure similar to a tear or hook, the corresponding surface would turn back, while a plane parallel to the main surface 14 would intersect this surface in three different places.

The male locking surface ML2 extends from the second main surface 16 upward along the adjacent side of the recess Rm to the point in front of the deepest part of the recess Rm, turning an angle of more than 45 ° toward the protrusion Pm. Finally, the third male locking surface ML3 extends along a common surface between the protrusion Pm and [recess] Rm marked with end points in front of this surface, turning by an angle of more than 45 ° to the perpendicular at the deepest part of the recess Rm or the most remote part of the protrusion Pm.

As explained below, the first and second male and female locking surfaces engage next to respective locking planes, preventing the engaged locks Jm and Jf from being released in the vertical direction. The third male and female locking surfaces ML3 and FL3 can also be formed to form a third locking plane. In addition, the locking surfaces L in various embodiments of the invention comprise inflection surfaces, which, in turn, may include transverse outwardly extending surfaces, which may be in the form of convex or cam surfaces or bulges. The above description explains the relationship of the locking surfaces L, the inflection surfaces and the transverse outwardly extending surfaces.

A closer look at the implementation of the first and second locks Jm and Jf (generally called "locks J") shows that each of these locks has two transversely spaced transverse outwardly extending surfaces or bulges. The transversely extending surfaces [or] protrusions can also be considered as “cam surfaces”, since when they are moved relative to each other and in mutual contact, they sometimes cause rolling or turning. Transversely extending surfaces are indicated by Cm1 and Cm2 in the first lock Jm and Cf1 and Cf2 in the castle of Jf. In many embodiments, the transversely extending surfaces are smoothly curved convex surfaces. However, as will be seen from the description below, in some embodiments, the transversely extending surfaces have a different shape. For example, a transversely extending surface may be substantially convex due to the fact that the surface does not have constant or smooth curvature along its entire length and consists of one or more rectilinear / flat surfaces. For convenience of description, transversely extending surfaces on the covered lock Jm are designated as “surface Cmi”, where i = 1, 2, 3, and similarly transversely extending surfaces on the covered lock Jm are indicated as “surface Cfi”, where i = 1, 2, 3 .

The surface Cm1 is formed on the protrusion Pm of the first castle Jm, and the surface Cm2 is formed in the recess Rm of the castle Jm. Similarly, the surface Cf2 is formed on the protrusion Pf of the castle Jf, and the surface Cf1 is formed in the recess Rf of the second castle Jf. (For simplicity, the descriptions of the surfaces Cm2 and Cm1 are generally referred to as “surfaces Cm”; the surfaces Cf1 and Cf2 are referred to generally as “the surface Cf and together the surfaces Cm2, Cm1, Cf1 and Cf2 are referred to generally as“ surfaces C)).

In FIG. 1b shows the locks J in the engaged position. Obviously, when the locks J are engaged, their respective transversely extending surfaces are located relative to each other with the formation of the corresponding first and second locking planes 18 and 20, preventing separation of the engaged locks in the direction opposite to the direction D of the engagement.

Each locking plane 18, 20 is parallel to the direction D of the engagement. The transversely extending surfaces Cm1, Cf1, Cm2, Cf2 corresponding to each locking plane extend laterally towards each other from opposite sides of the locking plane, while the transversely extending surfaces of the second or enclosing lock (i.e., Cf1 and Cf2) rise above transversely extending surfaces of the first or male castle (i.e., Cm1 and Cm2). This does not allow the separation of the engaged locks Jm and Jf. It should also be noted that at least one of the transversely extending surfaces corresponding to each locking plane has a curved profile. In this case, the surface Cf 1 corresponding to the locking plane 18, and both surfaces Cf2 and Cm2 corresponding to the locking plane 20, have curved profiles.

During engagement of the locks Jm and Jf, surfaces Cm1 and Cm2 move along surfaces Cf1 and Cf2 and snap into place. This action is ensured by elastic compression of the protrusions Pm and Pf and elastic tension in the recesses Rm and Rf, or both during the movement of the surfaces Cm along the surfaces Cf in response to the application of force F. The material from which the panel 12 is made determines whether only one or both actions take place - elastic compression of the protrusions Pm and Pf and elastic tension in the recesses Rm and Rf. For example, in the manufacture of a panel of very hard or hard material, such as glued bamboo, the compression of the protrusions P will be very small, however, the stretching in the recess R will lead to its disclosure or expansion, providing engagement. The ability of the protrusions P to enter the recesses R is facilitated by the presence of a lubricant, such as paraffin, applied to the locks Jm and Jf. The presence of lubricant and, in particular, paraffin also mainly eliminates noise in the locks and contributes to the possibility of rotation of the adjacent mesh locks J relative to each other. This rotation will be discussed later in this description of the invention.

The horizontal separation of the engaged locks Jm and Jf is prevented by the fit of the protrusions P in the corresponding recesses R. The locks Jm and Jf also have mating flat stop surfaces 24 and 26. The surfaces 24 and 26 extend from opposite edges of the main surface 14 and are perpendicular to it. Corresponding surfaces Cm and Cf are configured to create laterally directed compressive forces between surfaces 24 and 26, keeping them in contact, thereby preventing a gap between engaged panels 12a and 12b.

In this regard, as described above, the surfaces Cm and Cf interact, providing both vertical and horizontal locking of the panels 12a and 12b when the respective locks Jm and Jf are in the engaged position. However, in addition, the surfaces Cm and Cf allow a limited relative rotation of the panels 12a and 12b, while maintaining the engagement of the panels 12. This is shown in FIG. 3a and 3b.

In FIG. 3a shows a panel 12a rotated + 3 ° (3 ° in a counterclockwise direction) with respect to the panel 12b. This rotation occurs by rotating the upper corner of the surface 24 relative to the surface 26. In this case, the protrusion Pm rotates in the recess Rf, as a result of which the cam Cm2 bumps onto the surface Cf2 or rolls over it without passing over its top. In this position, the protrusion Pf is securely clamped between the surfaces Cm2 and Cm3. With this design, the vertical separation of the substrates 12a and 12b is not allowed due to the specified pinching, and also because the surface Cm1 remains below the surface Cf1. The horizontal locking is maintained because the protrusions Pm and Pf remain in the corresponding recesses Rm and Rf.

In FIG. 3b shows a panel 12a rotated -3 ° (3 ° in a clockwise direction) relative to the panel 12b. This rotation occurs as a result of the rolling of the surface Cm2, acting in the form of a hinge or fulcrum, abutting towards the lock Jf, on which the surface Cm2 is located. When this happens, the separation of surfaces 24 and 26 with the formation of a gap at the upper main surface 14. However, the panels 12a and 12b remain engaged in the vertical and horizontal direction. Mutual vertical locking of the substrates is maintained due to the interaction of surfaces Cm2 and Cf2, as well as surfaces Cm1 and Cf1. Horizontal locking is ensured by holding the protrusions Pm and Pf in the respective recesses Rf and Rm.

The relative rotation of the panels 12a and 12b is very useful when laying the substrates, especially on uneven surfaces, such as corrugated concrete floors. This is very important for an amateur user, although professional SUVs will also appreciate this advantage. Consider, for example, an unevenly wavy surface on which it is desirable to lay a quiet floor covering, say, having a known lock system in which a tongue is inserted in the transverse direction or at an angle into a groove or recess. The waviness can be in the form of a concave recess or depression on a part of the surface with a width several times the width of the panels. Depending on the slope or slope of the concave portion, the insertion of a sheet pile tongue into the groove of a previously laid panel may be difficult or even impossible. This is because the two panels are not in the same plane and will not be in it, while they will be tilted relative to each other due to the presence of a concave section.

In addition, when laying floorboards with a length of about 1 m or more on an uneven surface, warping or lateral bending of a previously laid floorboard occurs due to its pressing by the knee of a worker seeking to lay the next floorboard. The pressed board will bend under the weight of the worker due to the uneven underlying surface. This phenomenon is illustrated in FIG. 4a-4d. FIG. 4a and 4b show the transverse curvature of the panel 12x outward when the uneven surface has the form of a delta or concave portion. FIG. 4c and 4d show the transverse curvature of the panel 12x inward when the uneven surface has the appearance of a hump. Obviously, such a bend is extremely difficult full complete gapless longitudinal engagement with the adjacent panel. In such cases, even professional SUVs have difficulty laying the floor and are forced to rely on considerable physical effort and sufficient experience. An amateur SUV often surrenders and either returns the material to the store, claiming that it does not "dock", or invites a paid specialist.

In FIG. 4e-4h illustrate the effect of the relative rotation ability of the lock system 10 in comparison with the prior art. Conventional flooring systems are capable of adapting to the concavity and or convexity of the underlying surface, for example a concrete floor of 3-5 mm in length 1 m, which is the industry standard. More significant irregularities either do not allow the use of known systems, or, at least, make installation difficult. Even if the possibility of stacking is allowed, the undulation can subsequently lead to the separation of the known lock systems with the formation of excessive clearance. In particular, in the case when the undulation has the form of a hump or a raised floor, there is a possibility of a complete horizontal separation of adjacent panels and (or) opening or shifting locks. If the waviness is represented by concavity, known locks are prone to shear or breakage due to excessive tensile force acting on the locks.

In FIGS. 4e-4h (which are only schematic and not drawn to scale), the shaded region 30 shows a surface undulation of 3-5 mm, which can be perceived by the known system. In FIG. 4e and 4f show the undulation in the form of an elevation or a hump of 3-5 mm in size, and in FIG. 4g and 4h show the undulation in the form of a drop or trough of 3-5 mm in size. Compared to this, a rotation of + or -3 ° provided by the embodiments of the lock system 10 allows for a complete movement of 52 mm per 1 m of length. A rotation of + 3 ° is shown in FIG. 4e and 4f, and a rotation of -3 ° is shown in FIG. 4g and 4h. This makes it possible to successfully lay the substrates using versions of the lock system 10 on the floor without horizontal disengagement or separation in cases where the floor can, for example, have a concave undulation with a drop of 52 mm by one meter of length below an adjacent flat portion of the floor surface. Maintaining horizontal engagement maintains the structural integrity of the floor. This is beneficial in terms of the appearance of the floor, which in turn increases the value of the house.

Specialists in this field it is clear that it is possible to lay the floor system using embodiments of the proposed system of locks on substrates beyond the waviness of 3-5 mm at a length of 1 m according to the international industry standard. This provides important practical and economic benefits. The practical advantage is that amateur flooring and professional flooring will be able to successfully lay the floor on grounds that until now have been unsuitable for ordinary silent floors. The economic advantage is that since floor systems can be laid, angry and displeased SUVs will not return them to retail outlets demanding a refund for a system that, in their opinion, is unsuitable. Conventional systems will fit if the base is within the strict limits of an international industry standard. However, the SUV usually does not know anything about the standards and in any case does not have a clue about the conformity of the foundation to the standard. When applying the proposed embodiments, this is not a problem, since installation can be carried out without separation on grounds that do not meet international industry standards.

Referring again to FIG. 1 and 2, it can be seen that the surfaces Cm and Cf are portions of the corresponding inflection surfaces, which in turn form portions of the corresponding locking surfaces L. In particular, the surface Cm1 is the portion of the inflection surface lm1 (shown by the dashed line), which in turn forms the portion of the first male locking surface ML1 (indicated by the dotted line) of the protrusion Pm. The bend surface lm1 extends mainly in the direction D from the abutment surface 24.

Similarly, the surface Cm2 is a portion of the inflection surface lm2 (shown by a dashed line), which in turn forms a portion of a second male locking surface ML2 (indicated by a dash-dot line). The surface ML2 is formed on the surface of the recess Rm and extends mainly in the direction D from a place near the base 32 of the recess Rm.

The surface Cf2 forms a portion of the inflection surface lf2 (shown by the dashed line), which in turn forms a portion of the first female locking surface FL2 (indicated by the dash-dotted line) formed on the outermost side of the protrusion Pf and extending in a direction parallel to the direction D.

The surface Cf1 forms a portion of the inflection surface lf1 (shown by a dashed line), which in turn forms a portion of the first female locking surface FL1 (indicated by a dash-dot line). The surface FL1 extends from the abutment surface 26 in a direction substantially parallel to the direction D towards the base 34 of the recess Rf.

In FIG. 1b it can be seen that surfaces Cm1, lm1 and ML1 mesh with surfaces Cf1, lf1 and FL1, respectively, and surfaces Cm2, lm2 and ML2 mesh with surfaces Cf2, lf2 and FL2 when the locks Jm and Jf are meshing. The engagement of these surfaces forms the first and second locking planes 18, 20. The different portions of the locking surfaces L, the bending surfaces l and the transversely extending surfaces C act as locking surfaces and rolling surfaces at various stages of engaging and disengaging the locks Jm and Jf.

To ensure mutual rolling adjacent adjacent meshes of the substrate, at least one of the surfaces C and one bend surface l in each pair of meshed or connected surfaces is made with a continuous or smooth curve profile. Consider, for example, the surfaces Cm1 and Cf1 and the corresponding inflection surfaces lm1 and lf1. When the locks Jm and Jf are engaged, the surfaces Cm1 and Cf1 are adjacent or adjacent to the first locking plane 18, as are the corresponding inflection surfaces lm1 and lf1. In this case, the surface Cf1 and the corresponding inflection surface lf1 have a continuous or smooth curve profile. At the same time, the surface Cm1 and the corresponding inflection surface lm1 have a profile including a straight line 36. This straight line is relatively short and forms a small edge or tip 38 on the surface Cm1 of the surface and on the inflection surfaces of lm1. Rib 38 forms a relatively small contact area at the inflection surface lf1, minimizing friction between the surfaces and the possibility of seizing during relative rotation.

In contrast, the surfaces Cm2 and Cf2 and adjacent adjacent inflection surfaces lm2 and lf2, forming the second locking plane 20, have a continuous curve profile. However, other embodiments will be described below in which one of the surfaces Cm2 / lm2 or Cf2 / lf2 has a profile containing one or more straight lines.

The first and second male locking surfaces ML1 and ML2 and their corresponding surfaces Cm1 and Cm2 and the corresponding inflection surfaces lm1 and lm2 form extreme (i.e., extreme internal and extreme outer) laterally extending inflection surfaces of the first (male) lock Jm. The first and second enclosing locking surfaces FL1 and FL2 and their corresponding surfaces Cf1 and Cf2 and the corresponding inflection surfaces lf1 and lf2 form extreme (i.e., extreme inner and outer outer) laterally extending inflection surfaces of the second (enclosing) lock Jf. These extreme transversely extending surfaces and inflection surfaces form corresponding pairs of surfaces that form the extreme (i.e., extreme inner and outer outer) locking planes 18 and 20 in the mutually engaged locks Jm and Jf. This is clearly seen in FIG. 1b. In particular, the following surface pairs exist in this embodiment: lm1 and lf1 or Cm1 and Cf1 and lm2 and lf2 or Cm2 and Cf2. The relative rotation of the panels described above with embodiments of the lock system 10 is ensured by the fact that one surface in each of the pairs of surfaces is made in the form of a smoothly and continuously curved surface.

Surfaces Cm1 and lm1 form a portion of the outer lateral surface 40 of the protrusion Pm. The protrusion Pm has mainly a ball or bulb profile extending in the D direction from the main surface 14. The outer surface 40 is curved beyond the inflection surface lm1 in the direction of the recess Rm. The surface 40 is provided with a recess 42 at a location farthest from the main surface 14. As shown in FIG. 1b, when the locks Jm and Jf are engaged, the recess 42 forms a container 44 with the lowest portion of the surface 46 of the recess Rf. With the exception of the recess 42, the end of the protrusion Pm, facing the bottom of the recess Rf 1, is rounded or curved. The first male locking surface ML1 comprises a combination of surface 24 and an inflection surface lm1.

The recess 42 and the corresponding container 44 can be used for a variety of purposes. This includes, but is not limited to, the use of adhesive and / or sealant for placement and the use of litter as a collector, which may fall into the recess Rf during installation, or both. Therefore, the recess 42 faces the lowest portion of the surface 46 in the recess Rf. It is assumed that the majority of the litter falling into the recess Rf will accumulate in the lowest part of the surface 46. Since the locks Jm and Jf are engaged by vertical movement, a significant part of any litter is likely to be trapped in the container 44 formed in this case. In the absence of such an element, cleaning of the recess Rf, for example, by blowing with compressed air, a vacuum cleaner or a broom, may be required in order to remove litter, which otherwise could interfere with the engagement. The recess 42 / container 44 can also compensate for expansion and contraction in the locks J.

The surface 40 beyond the recess 42 surrounds the recess Rm and has another inflection surface lm3. The bend surface lm3 is the "common" surface of the protrusion Pm and the recess Rm and includes the surface Cm3. The surface Cm3 passes into the surface 40 from a generally horizontal position to a generally vertical position. The third male locking surface ML3 essentially has the same length with the inflection surface lm3.

It should be noted that the protrusion Pm is formed with a neck 48 of reduced width in comparison with other portions of the protrusion Pm. It is obvious that the surface Cm1 is adjacent to the extreme outer side of the neck 48. In addition, the portion of the bend surface lm1 adjacent to the abutment surface 24 forms an outer outer the side of the neck 48. Further, a portion of the inflection surface lm3 forms the opposite side of the neck 48. In this embodiment, the shortest distance line 50 through the neck 48 is inclined relative to the main surface 14.

The bend surface lm3 leads to a surface 52 formed at the base 32 of the recess Rm. The surface 52 bends to merge with the bend surface lm2. The surface lm2 extends mainly in the direction D towards the surface 54, which extends perpendicular to the main surfaces 14 and 16 and then to the beveled surface 56 leading to the main surface 16. The second covered locking surface extends from a place above the bend surface lm2 and along the beveled surface 56 towards the main surface 16.

Considering the construction of the lock Jf on the opposite side of the panel 12, it can be seen that the surface Cf1 and the corresponding inflection surface lf1 extend mainly in the direction D from the abutment surface 26. The first female obstructing locking surface FL1 comprises a combination of surfaces 26 and lf1. The bend surface lf1 leads to the surface 46 at the base 34 of the recess Rf. The surface 46 forms a vertical surface of the stop for the protrusion Pm. In addition, the surface 46 includes a centrally located essentially horizontal platform 58 facing the recess 42 when the lock Jm is inserted into the lock Jf. The pad 58 is essentially parallel to the main surfaces 14 and 16. In the direction of the protrusion Pf, the surface 46 leads to and merges with another bend surface lf3 and the corresponding equally extended third enclosing locking surface FL3. Surfaces lf3 and FL3 are common surfaces between the recess Rf and the protrusion Pf and extend in a direction generally opposite to that of D.

The bend surface lf3 leads to the upper arcuate portion of the surface 60 of the protrusion Pf, which in turn leads to the surface Cf2 and to the bend surface lf2. The bend surface lf2 leads to a flat surface 62 extending perpendicular to the main surfaces 14 and 16. This surface in turn leads to an inclined surface 64, which in turn leads to the main surface 16. The second female locking surface contains a combination of surfaces lf2, 62 and 64.

The recess Rf is made to enter the protrusion Pm. In addition, the recess Rf is formed with a neck 66. The neck forms a narrowed opening leading to the recess Rf. In this embodiment, the shortest distance line 68 through the neck 66 is inclined relative to the main surfaces 14 and 16. More specifically, the line 66 is inclined at substantially the same angle as the line 50.

The protrusion Pf, like the protrusion Pm, is made spherical or bulbous. Furthermore, similarly to the protrusion Pm, the protrusion Pf is formed with a neck 70 of reduced width. The shortest distance line 72 through the neck 70 is inclined relative to the main surfaces 14 and 16. However, in this embodiment, the line 70 is inclined at different angles to lines 50 and 68.

Referring to FIG. 1b, it can be seen that the common locking surface and the inflection surface, respectively, ML3 and FL3 and lm3 and lf3, as well as their corresponding surfaces Cm3 and Cf3, are mutually arranged with the formation of a third locking plane 74, on which separation of the engaged locks J is not allowed. Third the locking plane 74 is parallel to the extreme inner and extreme outer locking planes 18 and 20 and is located between them.

Locks Jm and Jf are partly based on the anatomical joints of the human body and, in particular, on the femoral and shoulder joints. These locks Jm and Jf are designed to provide resistance in the horizontal and vertical directions and allow relative rotation to a limited extent without disengagement. In fact, the locks Jm and Jf can be considered ball joints. In some of the embodiments below, compared with anatomical joints, it is even more apparent when they include re-adhesive flexible, elastic and not cured or not hardening adhesive acting between the locks Jm and JF. In such embodiments, the adhesive acts similarly to a tendon providing relative movement while maintaining the joint, and also similar to cartilage providing cushioning. In addition, when applied to locks, paraffin acts as a fluid in the joints, providing lubrication.

Next, in FIG. 1b, it can be seen that, due to the asymmetry, the locks Jm and Jf are made relative to each other so that in the meshing position between the locked locks several gaps or gaps are formed. The gap 76 is formed immediately below the abutment surfaces 24 and 26 opposite the surface Cf1. The gap 76 can be described as the space formed between the corresponding upper portions of the inflection surfaces of the surfaces lm1 and lf1. A gap 78 is formed between the lower portions of the inflection surfaces lm1 and lf1. A substantially vertically extending gap 80 is formed between the common inflection surfaces lm3 and lf3, and a substantially horizontal gap 82 is formed between the base 32 of the recess Rm and the arcuate portion of the surface 60 of the protrusion Pf. These gaps compensate for the thermal expansion and contraction of the panels 12 without displacement or cracking in the locks Jm and Jf, and also facilitate the relative rotation of the panels 12.

The following is a detailed description of the engagement and disengagement of the locks Jm and Jf with reference to with reference to FIG. 6a-9f.

Figure 5a shows the first already laid panel 12a and the second stackable panel 12b. The panels 12a and 12b are laid on a horizontal underlying surface 90. The panel 12a has a lock Jf that is open and ready to be connected to the lock Jm of the panel 12b. A panel 12b is stacked adjacent to the panel 12a, with the lock Jm resting on the lock Jf. The edge of the panel 12b with the lock Jf simply rests on the surface 90 so that between the panels 12a and 12b a small angle of about 1 ° -3 ° is formed.

In FIG. 5b it can be seen that in this position, the surfaces Cm1 and Cm3 are supported on the surfaces Cf1 and Cf3, respectively, while the surfaces Cm2 and Cf2 are spaced vertically. In this embodiment, the upper parts of the surfaces Cf1 and Cf3 can be considered as cam stops in the sense that they do not allow the protrusion Pm to enter the recess Rf.

To start engaging the surfaces [locks], Jm and Jf apply a downward force F in the direction perpendicular to the main surface 14 towards the underlying surface 90. This pressure or force compresses the protrusion Pm and stretches the recess Rf, depending on the material from which the panels 12 are made, it will either lead to a compression of the protrusion Pm, or to the opening or expansion of the recess Rf, or both, as a result of which the surfaces Cm1 and Cm3 can move by sliding beyond the surfaces Cf1 and Cf3. And in this case, the presence of paraffin on the locks Jm and Jf will contribute to this slip. As a result, the protrusion Pm will slip through the neck 66 into the recess Rf. Opening the recesses Rm and Rf will cause voltage to occur in the locks, as shown by lines T in FIG. 5c. This stress occurs near the curvature at opposite ends of the base of each recess Rf and Rm. This stress is removed after the protrusions Pm and Pf pass through the necks of the recesses Rf and Rm with a spring action closing the recesses and tightening the protrusions into the recesses. Thus, the recesses can be elastically opened and then independently closed. This action occurs in other embodiments of the lock systems described later in this specification.

The locks in this embodiment are configured such that the corresponding surfaces Cm and Cf passing by each other move with some time shift. In this embodiment, the surface Cm1 passes over the surface Cf1 in a very short time before the surface Cm3 passes over the surface Cf3. After the surfaces Cm1, Cm3 pass along the surfaces Cf1, Cf3, the rest of the protrusion Pm is drawn into the recess Rf, as in an eccentric or in a latch. This is caused by the mutual shape of the inflection surfaces and the release of compression in the protrusion Pm after the passage of surfaces Cm1 and Cm3 along surfaces Cf1 and Cf3. In fact, the response necks 48 and 66 will go into one another.

Simultaneously with this action, a similar action occurs with the protrusion Pf and the notch Rm. The surface Cm2 passes along the surface Cf2 only a little later after the mutual displacement of the surfaces Cm3 and Cf3. This is shown in FIG. 5c. When the recess Rm is put on the protrusion Pf under the action of a downward pressure or force F, the protrusion Pf is compressed between the surfaces Cf3 and Cf2. After these surfaces pass along surfaces Cm3 and Cm2, the recess Rf is pulled onto the protrusion on Pf as in an eccentric or in a latch.

While the locks J are engaged due to the application of pressure or force in the vertical direction (i.e. perpendicular to the main surfaces 14, 16), the relative movement of the locks J is not exclusively vertical. In fact, there is a combination of vertical displacement with lateral displacement. As shown in FIGS. 5b-5e, when considering the lock Jm, this lateral displacement of the lock Jm occurs to the left and is shown by closing the horizontal gap or space G between surfaces 24 and 26 during engagement. The horizontal gap G is reduced from the maximum gap G1 in FIG. 5b to gradually decreasing gaps G2 and G3 and finally to zero clearance G4 in FIG. 5e, moreover, in this case, the surfaces 24 and 26 are in contact when the locks Jm and Jf are in the fully engaged position. Which of the locks Jm and JJf will shift laterally depends only on which one meets less resistance to lateral movement. In fact, both of them can move in the transverse direction relative to each other in equal or different measure. This lateral movement is a sign of vertical stability of the meshing lock system.

In FIG. 5d shows the locks Jm and Jf a short time before full engagement. Here you can see that there is a small gap between the bottom of the protrusion Pm and the recess Rf, with the main surface 14 of the panel 12b slightly rising above the main surface 14 of the panel 12a. The relative downward movement of the panel 12b is stopped and the lock is fully engaged when the protrusion Pm abuts the locking surface 58 of the recess Rf, as shown in FIG. 5e. In this embodiment, a container 46 is formed between the recess 42 and the locking surface 58. In this embodiment, the surfaces Cm1, Cm2, Cm3 on the male lock Jm are located under the corresponding surfaces Cf1, Cf2, Cf3 of the female castle.

The aforementioned ability of the locks Jm and Jf to allow relative rotation in the positive and negative direction without disengaging provides adaptability to uneven surfaces. In addition, the locks Jm and Jf provide self-installation of adjacent panels 12. These features greatly simplify the installation to such an extent that a very average ability craftsman can easily install a panel with options for implementing the system of locks 10.

The self-installation of the system 10 is determined by the shape and execution of the locks Jf and Jm and is explained with reference to FIG. 5b and 5f-5k.

In FIG. 5f shows a panel 12b approximately positioned for subsequent engagement with the panel 12a and prior to applying a downward force or pressure to engage the panels. Panels 12a and 12b are angled to each other. At one end 85, a protrusion Pm sits at the top of the recess Rf. A corresponding cross-sectional view is shown in FIG. 5b and 5j, where the lock Jm of the panel 12b is located at the top of the recess Rf of the panel 12a. At the opposite end 87, the locks are spaced apart in the transverse direction. In between, the degree of separation of the locks Jm and Jf varies linearly. So, in place AA, the locks Jm and Jf are in contact, but the protrusion Pm partially relies on the protrusion Pf and partially overlaps the recess Rf, with the panels at a distance X1, as shown in FIG. 5L. At the same time, in the next place BB along the panels, the protrusion Pm is directly on top of and on the protrusion Pf, with the panels being at a greater distance X2 from each other, as shown in FIG. 5h.

At this point, a downward pressure or force F is applied in the space between seats 85 and BB to start engaging the locks and panels. This force is transmitted between the panels at the length at which they are in contact, i.e. essentially between places 85 and BB. At most points along this extension, the protrusion Pf is located to the left of the top of the protrusion Pf and at least partially rises above the recess Rf. It should also be noted that due to the curvature of the surfaces Cm3 and Cf3, there is a natural tendency for the protrusion Pf to be pulled into the recess Rf.

Therefore, when the force F is transferred to the contacting surfaces of the locks Jm and Jf, it initially decomposes into components that include a transverse (horizontal) component, the action of which is to push the lock Jf into the recess, therefore, to move the panel 12b to the panel 12a. Accordingly, the gap between the panels at the end 87 closes. As the place of application of force moves along the panel 12b towards the end of 87, this action of closing the gap will continue until the protrusion Pm at the end of 87 is located above the recess Rf, as shown in FIG. 5j, and the panels are not completely aligned, as shown in FIG. 5k. Thus, the panels are self-aligning when a downward engagement force is applied. Naturally, if the force F is sufficient, in addition to self-installation, the locks Jm and Jf will also fully engage, as shown in FIG. 5k. Self-installation in combination with the engagement of the locks Jm and Jf causes an effect similar to the action of a zipper akin to the snap lock of the bag.

It should also be understood that floors are often subjected to dynamic loads, causing tension and compression due to fluctuations in temperature and humidity. They also experience static loads from furniture and other household items. If the tensile load exceeds the bearing capacity of the locks, one of the protrusions or both protrusions Pm and Pf may break or cut. There are several possible consequences. The tension in the immediate vicinity of the floor is removed. In addition, this will lead to horizontal separation along the broken panel and the formation of a visible gap. Further, depending on the prevailing conditions and circumstances, vertical movement of one of the adjacent panels may also occur, which will lead to the formation of a ledge.

Once the tension is removed, it will be extremely difficult or even impossible to reconnect the disconnected panels or completely reconnect the new panel. This is due to the fact that the panels on the opposite sides of the fault, which are still under tension, are stretched and will move from each other. To restore the initial state of the floor, it is necessary to pull these two sides together. Just placing the new panel in the space occupied by the old panel will still leave a gap. At the same time, the owner of the house has only one opportunity: to use unsightly putty to fill the gap caused by the separation. This in turn can lower the cost of the home. Self-installation of the lock system 10 also provides re-tension, say the floor, after replacing damaged panels, as described below.

Relieving tension, then moving panels and re-tensioning are described in detail with reference to FIGS. 51-5u. In FIG. 5l shows a floor consisting of a plurality of panels 12. Two of the panels — 12a and 12b — are removed and replaced. Assume that there is an interference between panels 12, as described in the previous paragraph. As soon as the two panels 12a and 12b are removed, leaving a gap 31, the floor tension in the gap region 31 will naturally be relieved. Thus, the panels 12 will be displaced adjacent to the gap relative to each other, as shown by arrows 33 in FIG. 5n. As a result, widening of the gap 31 will occur. This broadening is shown in FIG. 5n, as well as on an enlarged scale in FIG. 5o, while it looks like an additional longitudinal strip 35 along the abutment line, which previously passed between the panels 12a and 12b until they were removed. This broadening occurs not only at gap 31. There will also be a divergence, or at least an increase in tension between the remaining adjacent panels along the strip 35, since now there are fewer panels for sensing tension. In FIG. 5p and in the corresponding enlarged image in FIG. 5q illustrates the effect of replacing panels when panels are laid in a known manner with a horizontal lock system. New panels 12a1 and 12b1 are inserted into the gap 31 and engaged with adjacent panels on both sides. However, due to widening of the gap 31, the newly laid panels 12a1 and 12b1 cannot be fully engaged with each other. The broadening can only be on the order of 0.5-2 mm, but this is enough to make it easily visible on the floor.

Usually in the case of, for example, a tongue-and-groove lock, the tongue will need to be sawed off, as a result of which the mechanical connection of the panels 12a1 and 12b1 will be absent. Putty is used to fill strip 35 between panels 12a1 and 12b1. It is noteworthy that the putty is not able to transmit tension through panels 12a1 and 12b1. Therefore, the restoration of interference in the floor as a whole is impossible. Now the tension in the floor will act on opposite sides of the putty and strip 35. Over time, this will most likely lead to cracking of the putty and the formation of a new gap 37, as shown in FIG. 5r and in a corresponding enlarged view of the view between the panels 12a1 and 12b1 in FIG. 5s.

In FIG. 5t and in an enlarged view of FIG. 5u shows the result when using panels or substrates with a lock system according to the proposed embodiments of the present invention. Assume that all panels 12 in FIGS. 5l-5s have a lock system 10. When the panels 12a and 12b are removed, there is still a widening of the gap 31 to form a strip 35. The new panel 12a1 is stacked and engaged with the panels 12c and 12d. The panel 12b1 is inserted, say, by locating the female lock Jf under the male lock Jm of the panel 12a1 and the male lock Jm of the panel 12b1 at the top of the female lock Jf of the adjacent panels 12e and 12f.

A downward pressure is applied to the male lock of the panel 12a1 at its location above the lock Jf of the panel 12b1. In this case, these locks and the corresponding panels engage. This will cause a slight movement of the panel 12b1 from the panels 12e and 12f. However, this movement will not increase the discrepancy by an amount exceeding the distance X2 shown in FIG. 5h. Now, when downward pressure is applied to the male lock Jm, panels 12b1, panels 12b1 and 12e and 12f are attracted to each other. In addition, the panels on both sides of the junction 39 between the panels 12a1 and 12b1 are pulled inward towards each other, as shown by arrows 33 in FIGS. 5t and 5u. Further, the locks Jm and Jf of the panels 12b1 and 12e and 12f are engaged and the entire floor is thus again pulled back to restore structural integrity.

The above is a situation in which the floor is under tension. However, in known systems, problems also arise when the floor is under compression, and the gap can be reduced 31. In known systems, panels have to be trimmed to reduce their width in order to fit the reduced gap. In this case, there will be no full mechanical connection of the newly installed panels with existing panels. Lost structural integrity. Embodiments of the present invention can work essentially in the same manner as described above with reference to FIGS. 5l-5u, but in the “reverse order” with a push to open the gap and mechanically engage with all adjacent panels 12 to restore complete structural integrity. And in this case, this can be effective at a gap of approximately the transverse extent of the surface Cf1, which can be in the range of about 2 mm.

The aforementioned self-installation and the “zipper” effect also takes place during longitudinal warping or twisting of the panel. Variants of the implementation of the lock system allow you to align and tighten the warped panel with the elimination of warping or twisting of the panel, if the panel with which it engages, flat and not warped and twisted.

When engaging the locks Jm and Jf, a person weighing about 70 kilograms or more can apply downward pressure, closing the locks Jm, slightly bouncing or jumping on one leg or slightly trampling. The connection of adjacent panels 12 can be achieved without the need for constant lowering to the knees and lifting, as required in known systems. The engagement of the lock Jm with the lock Jf can be facilitated by tapping hard rubber with a hammer M. The simplicity of laying not only significantly expands the contingent of amateur SUVs by reducing the requirements for the level of qualification and physical strength, but also promises significant benefits to all SUVs, including professional ones, due to minimizing physical stress and stress. For the employing company and or for the installation company, this reduces employee leave due to injuries and illnesses. Therefore, employees can work longer with higher earnings and higher incomes, while insurance premiums for claims and compensation for claims against the employer are reduced.

When using panels 12 with a lock system 10 over large areas, for example, in commercial premises, a modified rammer can be used to apply force or pressure when the locks Jm and Jf are engaged. The tamper can be of the type used to compact sand before paving, but it must have a soft and smooth, non-scratch coating. The coating may, inter alia, be made of sheet rubber, foam, felt or cardboard.

The following is a description of the technology for removing a damaged panel with reference to FIG. 6a-9f. As will be seen from the description below, the technology for removing a damaged panel is based on the relative rotation of the connected panels due to the design of the lock system 10. FIG. 6a-6s show a process for dismantling and replacing a damaged panel. Removal and replacement are carried out using a removal system that comprises a combination of the jack 92 shown in FIG. 7a and 7b, and the wedge 94 shown in FIG. 8a and 8b.

The jack 92 is made in the form of a simple screw jack mounted on a removable panel. The screw jack 92 has an elongated threaded rod 96 having a rod handle 98 at one end. The thread of the shank 96 is included in the threaded tide 100 made on the pressure plate 102. The plate 102 has a square shape, with the tide 100 located in the center of the plate 102. Tide 100 located above the through hole of the plate 102, through which the stem 96 can be extended. The plate 102 has four through holes 104 for installing the corresponding fixing screws 106.

The wedge tool 94 includes a wedge block 108 connected at one end to the handle 110. The wedge block 108 has a base surface 112 which, when applied, abuts against a surface on which the panels 12 are laid, and an opposing surface 114 located beneath the main surface 16 of the panel 12 adjacent to the panel to be removed, and in contact with this surface. The surface 114 has a relatively inclined section 116 and a parallel platform 118. The inclined section 116 is located between the leading edge 120 of the wedge block 108 and the handle 110. The surface 116 is inclined relative to the surface 112, and the platform 118 is parallel to the surface 112 and is made adjacent to the surface 116. The handle 110 is bent so that the free end 122 of the handle 110 is parallel to the free end 124 connected to the wedge block 108 and offset in the transverse direction from it.

In FIG. 6a shows a floor area including a damaged panel 12b connected on all sides to adjacent panels 12. In the description of a method for replacing a damaged panel 12b, only two connected panels 12a and 12c that are engaged along opposite longitudinal sides of the panel 12b are considered. Each of the three mutually connected on the sides of the panels 12a, 12b and 12c includes a lock system 10 according to an embodiment of the invention, while they cover the surface 90, as shown in FIG. 6b. The center panel 12b has a main surface 14 that is damaged, as indicated by 126, scratch, bump or water. Obviously, if one of the panels 12a or 12c is not directly adjacent to the wall, other panels 12 will be connected to each of the panels 12a and 12c.

In order to replace the damaged panel 12b, a drilling machine 130 (see FIG. 6d) is used to drill a hole 128 in the panel 12b for each jack 92 used in the removal process. The hole 128 is made with a diameter sufficient for passage of the shank 96. The required number of jacks 92 is determined by the length of the removed panel 12b. So, in some cases, removal can be done with one jack 92, and in other cases two or more jacks may be required. In this particular case, two jacks 92 are used, as shown in FIG. 6c, but for simplicity, a description of the removal process is given only for one of the jacks 92.

After drilling the hole 128, the pressure plate 102 is mounted on the panel 12b so that its tide 100 is located above the hole 128, as shown in FIG. 6e. The plate 102 is attached to the panel 12b with four self-tapping screws 106 passing through the corresponding holes 104. This is shown in FIG. 6f. The screws can be screwed in with a household cordless screwdriver or with a hand screwdriver.

The next step in the removal process, shown in FIGS. 6g and 6h, involves the introduction of a shank 96 with a threaded flange 100, followed by screwing the rod 96 with the handle 98 to lift the panel 12b above the surface 90. It should be noted here that this action requires relative rotation of the locks Jm and Jf of the panel 12b while maintaining their engagement with the locks of adjacent panels 12a and 12c. This rotation is a relative negative rotation, as will be described below. However, at the same time, there is also a positive rotation of the locks between the panels attached on both sides of the panels 12a and 12c opposite to the panel 12b.

A jack 92 is driven to lift the damaged panel 12b vertically upward enough to negatively rotate the damaged panel 12b and adjacent adjoining panels 12a and 12c. A negative rotation occurs by a value of the order of 7 ° -10 °. This is explained with reference to FIG. 6h, which shows the angle θ1 between the main surfaces 14 of the panels 12a and 12b, as well as the angle θ2 between the main surfaces 14 of the panels 12b and 12c. Obviously, before lifting the panel 12d, the angles θ1 and θ2 are 180 °, provided that the surface 90 is flat. The formation of a negative angle between adjacent panels 12 indicates that the angle 01 exceeds 180 °. The value by which the angles 01 and 92 exceed 180 ° during the separation is considered an indicator of the negative rotation of the panels during the described process. For example, if the angle 01 is, say, 187 °, then the mutual negative rotation of the panels 12a and 12b is 7 °.

It will be understood by those skilled in the art that vertical lifting of any known system with a transverse protrusion (e.g., with a tongue and groove) sitting in a groove or groove of an adjacent panel is practically impossible without breaking the tongue or causing a crack to form in the panel with the groove. Therefore, an attempt to perform such an action in a known system is likely to lead to damage to other panels that have not previously been damaged or require replacement.

The suitability of the panels according to the variants of implementation of the proposed system of locks for removal by vertical lifting directly follows and is a consequence of this system of locks. This ensures the separation of the panels in the horizontal direction, which is exactly the opposite of the known solutions, in which the separation must be done in the vertical direction. As a result of the [use] of this lock system and the possibility of disconnecting without damaging adjacent panels during vertical lifting, floor repair can be done in the best way in the world with complete restoration of floor integrity without the need to lift the entire floor from one wall to the damaged area and (or) without inviting a professional SUV.

The jack 92 mechanically lifts and independently supports the panel 12b, the panels 12a, 12c and the panels adjacent to the panels 12a and 12c. Thus, the SUV is not required to rely on its own forces when lifting and holding panels. In contrast, some known systems use suction cups to grip removable panels, similar to those used by glaziers to hold glass sheets. After that, the SUV should lift the panel on its own. Although this is not so easy, but if the panel is also glued to the surface 90, the operation becomes impossible. The jack 92, which provides a gain in strength, is useful. In addition, since the jack itself supports the panels 12, the SUV can repair with two hands and may even move away from the location of the panel 12b.

The jack 92 is actuated to lift the panel 12b vertically up to a point where the mutual negative rotation of the panel 12b and adjacent panels 12a and 12c is of the order of 7 ° -10 °. This position is shown in FIG. 6h and 9d. In this position, the locks Jm and Jf partially offset between the panels 12a and 12b. This partial displacement occurs as a result of the rolling of the surface Cm1 over the surface Cf1 and snapping of the surface 38 beyond the top of the surface Cf1, as evidenced by an audible muffled sound. Despite this displacement, the panels remain engaged due to pinching of the protrusion Pf between the surfaces Cm2 and Cm3.

The jack 92 can be equipped with a scale to indicate to the SUV the moment when the negative turn is about 7 ° -10 °. The scale can be made, for example, in the form of a colored strip on the shank 96, which can be seen above the tide 100, after the shank is screwed to a distance sufficient to lift the panel and perform the above negative rotation. On the shank, you can have several stripes for panels of various thicknesses.

To detach the panel 12b, it is first necessary to detach one of the panels 12a or 12c in which the enclosing lock Jf is engaged with the panel 12b. In this case, it is the panel 12a. Being above the panels 12, the SUV will not be able to directly know that this is the panel 12a. However, this can be easily determined either by tapping lightly on both panels 12a and 12c, or by slightly pressing with your hand to check the movement of the locks. Due to the orientation of the locks, tapping will completely disconnect the panel 12a in the immediate vicinity of the tapping location. After that, as shown in FIG. 6i, by applying downward force or pressure to the panel 12s in along it, the locks Jm and Jf of the panels 12s and 12b are completely disconnected.

The interaction of the respective surfaces on the locks Jm and Jf of the panels 12s and 12b upon transition from a position in which the panels are fully engaged and lie in the same plane as shown in FIG. 6f to the disengaged position shown in FIG. 6h, described in more detail with reference to FIG. 9s-9e.

FIG. 9a shows the panels 12a and 12b before applying the jack 92. This corresponds to the relative position of the panels shown in FIG. 6a, 6b and 6d-6g. As the jack 92 operates to gradually raise the panel 12b from the surface 90, the respective locks Jm and Jf rotate smoothly. FIG. 9b illustrates the lock Jm of the panel 12b and the lock Jf of the panel 12a with a relative rotation of about -2 °. In this case, the thrust surfaces 24 and 26 begin to separate from the surface Cm1 and, in particular, the rib 38 begins to run into the surface Cf1. Simultaneously, the surface 40 of the protrusion Pm begins to rise from the surface 46 of the recess Rf. Now, the separation of the upper sections of the inflection surfaces lm3 and lf3 also slightly increases. Finally, the surface Cm2 is rolled down along the surface Cf2.

Figure 9c shows the result of continuing to raise the panel 9b [sic] to a position where the relative negative rotation of the panels 12a and 12b is about 5 °. In this case, the thrust surfaces 24 and 26 are further separated, while the surface Cm1 and, in particular, the rib 38 are higher on the surface Cf1, but still not separated from the surface Cf1. The separation of surfaces 40 and 46 increases, while the surface Cm2 is now firmly set into the deepest part of the concave surface portion in the inflection lf2. This increases the pressure / force applied by the surface Cm2 to the neck of the protrusion Pf and the surface Cm1 to the surface Cf1.

With continued operation of the jack 92, the angle between the panels 12a and 12b increases to approximately −7 °, as shown in FIG. 9d. At this moment, surface Cm1 and rib 38 have already passed through surface Cf1 and are located outside neck 66 of recess Rf. This is usually indicated by an audible muffled sound. However, the surface Cm3 is meshed with and below the surface Cf3, and the surface Cm2 is below the surface Cf2. More specifically, the protrusion Pf is now compressed or pinched on opposite sides by surfaces Cm3 and Cm2. Thus, being in this position at an angle of −7 °, the locks Jm and Jf are still partially engaged and, in the absence of external force, continue to lock the panels 12a and 12b in the vertical and horizontal directions. Further, when turning the locks Jm and Jf to -7 ° and turning the surface Cm2, it acts as a fulcrum, raising the protrusion Pm from the recess Rf.

The application of a downward pressure or force to the panel 12a results in one or both of the following: compressing the protrusion Pf or opening the neck of the recess Rm formed by the surfaces Cm3 and Cm2 so that the protrusion Pf can exit the recess Rm. The presence of paraffin in the lock reduces friction and in this position facilitates the separation of the locks. Now, the panel 12a may fall back onto the surface 90, as shown in FIG. 9f and in FIG. 6i. Thus, the panels 12a and 12b are completely disconnected.

However, removing the panel 12b also requires disconnecting the lock Jf of the panel 12b from the lock Jm and the panel 12c. This process is shown in FIG. 6j-61.

Immediately after the panels 12a and 12b 12b are disconnected, the panel is held by a jack 92 above the surface 90. To continue the removal process, the panel 12b is lowered back onto the surface 90 by unscrewing the stem 96 from the tide 100 of the pressure plate 102. Next, the parquet locks and lifts the lock Jm of the panel 12b to enter the wedge fixtures 94 between the disengaged locks of the panels 12a and 12b and pushing it into a position in which the platform 118 of the surface 114 will contact the main surface 16 of the panel 12c inside the locks Jm and Jf. This is shown in FIG. 6j. The panel 12b is now disconnected from the panel 12c by first turning the panel 12b approximately from -7 ° to -10 ° to divert the surface Cm1 of the panel 12c from the surface Cf1 of the lock Jf of the panel 12b. The wedge fixture 94 is designed to allow the SUV to complete the indicated turn. This is also shown in FIG. 6j. In addition, when the wedge block 108 is beneath the panel 12 c slightly inward from its lock Jm, and the panel 12b rotates counterclockwise toward the handle 110, the panel 12b will rotate 7 ° -10 ° before or until it rests against handle 110. This position is usually indicated by an audible, dull sound as the surface Cm1 passes from below to a position above the surface Cf1. This relative position of the locks Jm and Jf is shown in FIG. 9d.

Subsequent application of downward pressure or force, for example, with a hard rubber hammer M, as shown in FIG. 6k will result in a complete release of the panel locks Jf and Jm 12b and 12c, respectively, as shown in FIG. 61. The damaged panel 12b is now completely disconnected from both adjacent panels 12a and 12c and can be removed.

To replace the damaged panel 12b with a new panel 12b1, the SUV removes the wedge tool 94, manually lifts the edge of the panel 12c and inserts a new panel 12b1 under the raised panels 12c so that the lock Jm is located above the lock Jf. The opposite side of the panel 12b1 is supported by the panel 12a. This sequence of events is shown in FIG. 6 t-6r.

The SUV then lowers the panel 12 with the panel 12b1. Meanwhile, the male lock Jm of the panel 12c rests on the neck 48 of the female lock of the joint Jf of the panel 12b1, and the lock Jm of the panel 12b1 rests on the neck 48 of the lock Jf of the previously mounted panel 12a. This is shown in FIG. 6q.

To fully engage the panels 12b1, a downward force or pressure is applied to the male locks Jm of the panels 12c and 12b1. This can be done in any order, i.e. panel 12c and then panel 12b1 or panel 12b1 and then panel 12c. In FIG. 6q shows a design when the lock Jm of the panel 12c first engages with the lock Jf of the panel 12b1. In FIG. 6r shows that the lock Jm of the panel 12b1 is already engaged by the lock Jf of the panel 12a, restoring the floor, shown in FIG. 6s. Self-locking system locks, as described above with reference to FIGS. 5f-5k, will work during this process if the panels are not aligned at first.

The ability to easily remove and replace only those panels 12 that are damaged instead of lifting the entire floor offers enormous practical, economic and environmental benefits. They can be briefly described as follows:

An amateur master of limited qualification can easily replace panels using very simple and inexpensive equipment. In this case, you can do without hiring professional SUVs.

Repair work is also relatively clean, as there is no need to hammer or cut panels or parts of them.

Since only damaged panels need to be replaced, there is no need to move furniture, which is not easy and inconvenient to conceive

From a retail point of view, the initial benefit is that the seller directs the buyer to purchase a slightly larger number of panels than is required to cover this area in order to have the panels in stock in case of damage. For example, a retailer could explain the benefits of acquiring, say, three square meters of panels. This is approximately the same as in the case of the construction of a new house, when they stock up with excessive amounts of floor tiles, tiles or paint for repairs. The main problem when repairing a damaged floor is the difficulty of obtaining identical panels several years after laying the floor. If an identical panel cannot be found, it may be necessary to replace the floor on the entire floor, while only a small number of panels are damaged (for example, two or three). For example, suppose the first floor of a house has three bedrooms, a corridor, a kitchen and a living room, all of which are covered with floor panels of the same type, forming a single floor. The entire selection of furniture and the interior of a home is often chosen according to gender. In such cases, in the absence of suitable panels, a replacement of the entire floor on the first floor will be required. In fact, this happened on a large scale with the floors as a result of a terrible storm in Perth, Western Australia, in March 2010. A much more common cause is water spills due to overexposure of the open tap of refrigerators with water distributors. If you have at hand a small supply of replacement panels, there is no need for a complete replacement of the floor. The new growing market for wood flooring is characterized by the use of relatively cheap and widely available panel material using an inkjet printer to print a pattern, such as the texture of exotic wood on top of main surface 12. Keep in mind that these patterns can be very complex and scratch removal using an ink pen is almost impossible. Again, a small supply of additional panels purchased with the initial purchase of floor coverings may save thousands of dollars. A similar situation occurs with wooden floors when a relatively cheap and widely available material is used and the main surface is stained to simulate the appearance of more exotic and expensive wood.

Do not underestimate the economic consequences described above of a complete gender change. Often this happens at the expense of insurance companies. This, of course, is reflected in an increase in insurance premiums and a reduction in dividends to shareholders. At the same time, the elimination of damage is also delayed, since insurance companies are not able to [quickly] assess the damage, and this takes months.

Now consider the environmental aspects. Typically, wood floor panels are coated with polyurethane or other sealing compounds. In addition, they may be coated with adhesives and adhesives. This often prevents the destruction of damaged boards by burning due to the formation of toxic gases. Therefore, they go to the landfill.

The lock 10 shown in FIG. 1-9f, is representative of one of a large number of possible embodiments. The following is a description of a small sample of other possible embodiments. In the description of these embodiments, the same positioning system is used as for the lock 10, however, each particular embodiment of the castle will be marked by adding an alphabetic suffix, for example, “a, b, c, ...”.

In FIG. 10a and 10b show a second embodiment of the lock system 10a of the substrate 12; The lock system 10a comprises a male lock Jm and a female lock Jf located along opposite sides. It can be seen that the lock system 10a has basically the same design as the lock system 10 shown in FIG. 1 and 2. In particular, the male lock Jm has female locking surfaces ML1, ML2, ML3; inflection surfaces lm1, lm2 and lm3, as well as surfaces Cm1, Cm2 and Cm3. Similarly, the enclosing lock Jf has enclosing locking surfaces FL1, FL2, FL3; inflection surfaces lf1, lf2, lf3 and surfaces Cf1, Cf2 and Cf3. The relative positions of the locking locking surfaces, the bend surfaces and the surfaces of the lock system 10a are basically the same as for the lock system 10. However, there are slight differences in the specific geometry and depth of the surfaces. In particular, the surface Cm1 in the lock 10a is continuously curved and does not have edges 38 of the system of locks 10. In addition, the mating surfaces lm1 and lf1 are less deep, as a result of which the gaps 76 and 78 of the locking plane 18 are smaller than in the system of locks 10. This can be seen by comparing FIG. 10b of FIG. 1b. Further, the depth of the fold surfaces lm3 and lf3 is reduced to such an extent that there is no gap equivalent to the clearance 80 of the lock system 10. It can also be seen that the fold surfaces lm2 and lf2 in the lock system 10a are less deep than the corresponding surfaces in the lock systems 10, resulting in less overlap of surfaces Cf2 and Cm2 when the locks Jm and Jf of adjacent panels 12 are engaged.

The lock system 10a can be used under the same conditions and with the same materials as the system 10. However, due to the somewhat smaller depth of the inflection surfaces I, the lock system 10a is more suitable for more rigid substrates, such as, among other things, bamboo, when the compressibility of the protrusions Pm and Pf2 when passing through the necks of the corresponding recesses, Rm and Rf may be limited.

FIG. 11a-11d represent yet another embodiment of the lock system 10b on opposite sides of the substrate 12. Significant differences between the lock system 10b and 10 are as follows: (a) the shape of the closest inflection surfaces lm3 and lf3 and (b) the absence of a concave recess 42 of the protrusion Pm and the formation of a similar recess 42f on the surface 58 of the recess Rf.

Basically, the inflection surfaces lm3 and lf3 are broken, i.e. they do not have smooth and continuous curvature throughout their entire length. In particular, the surface Cm3 (which is a portion of the bend surface lm3) has a narrow rib 140 similar to the rib 38 shown on the protrusion Pm of the lock system 10. In addition, the bend surface 1 t3 has a tooth of triangular profile 142 extending towards the base 52 of the recess R On the enclosing lock Jf, the surface Cf3 is pointed, forming a narrow rib 144. As shown in FIG. 11b, the apex 145 of tooth 142 abuts against the surface Cf3 below rib 144 when the locks Jm and Jf are engaged.

The purpose and result of this change in the geometry of the inflection surfaces lm3 and lf3 and, in particular, the presence of tooth 142, as well as changes in the geometry of surfaces Cf3 and Cm3, provide greater relative rotation of the locks to 5 ° -10 ° or more while maintaining engagement to facilitate laying on wavy surfaces. This is shown in FIG. 11c and 11d. The possibility of increasing the range of rotation is most strongly manifested in the positive direction or when turning upwards of the panel 12b with a male lock relative to the panel 12a. This is facilitated by the abutment of the surface Cm3 on the surface of the protrusion Pf in the recess Rf after the tip 145 of the tooth 142 passes through the rib 144. As a result, the protrusion Pf remains pinched between the surfaces Cm3 and Cm2, maintaining engagement in the horizontal and vertical directions. The lock system 10b allows the panel to tilt upward relative to an adjacent horizontal panel, such as a cross member or a raised floor framing part.

In FIG. 12a and 12b show yet another embodiment of the lock system YUS of the substrate 12. The lock systems 10c and 10 differ in essentially their proportions. The lock system 10 s can be used for substrates with a smaller thickness than when using the lock system 10. With a smaller thickness or depth of the substrate 12, the locks Jm and Jf 10 s covered and covering the lock system are less deep but wider. This is especially noticeable when visually comparing the protrusion Pm and the recess Rf in the lock systems 10 s and 10. In the lock 10 s, the protrusion Pm is wider and has a flatter lower surface 42 as well as the recess Rf. The broadening of the protrusion Pm is also the result of the sharpening of the Cm3 profile. Nevertheless, the method of operation and the result of applying the system of locks 10 s are the same as that of the system of locks 10. In particular, the other three vertical locking planes 18, 20 and 74 and the corresponding substrates 12 can rotate up to 3 degrees relative to each other opposite directions.

In FIG. 13a and 13b show another embodiment of the padlock system 10d of the substrate 12. Significant differences between the padlock systems 10d and 10 are in the depth and relative position of the intermediate bend surfaces lm3 and lf3, as well as in the width of the protrusions P and the recesses R. In the padlock system 10d, the bend surface lm3 and lf3 are less deep and inclined at a large angle to the horizontal, i.e. towards the plane in which the main surfaces 14 and 16 are located. Therefore, when the male and female locks Jm and Jf are engaged, only the inner and outer locking planes 18 and 20 are formed, and the third locking plane 74, formed according to the previous versions of the system no locks. In the lock system 10d, there is no point on the inflection surface lm3 vertically below and in the transverse direction inside relative to a point on the inflection surface lf3. In addition, the protrusions P and the recesses R in the lock system 10d are wider. This provides increased shear strength along the shear planes S1 and S2, passing through the protrusions Pm and Pf parallel to the main surfaces 14 and 16. This is advantageous when laying panels of smaller thickness (for example, from 7 mm to 3 mm), which are otherwise susceptible cut along the planes S1 and S2. Despite this, the lock system 10d works essentially in the same way as the lock system 10-10c, since it is a vertical system, and adjacent substrates 12 can rotate 3 degrees relative to each other without separation.

In FIG. 1a and 14b, another embodiment of the lock system 10e is shown with reference to the substrate 12. The lock system 10e contains the same basic solutions as the lock system 10 and, in particular, has extreme (or internal and external) locking surfaces, inflection surfaces and transversely extending surfaces forming the corresponding locking planes 18 and 20 and providing a relative rotation of the male and female locks Jm and Jf of the connected substrates 12. In addition, as in all versions, the locking system 10e is a vertical system in which A swarm of locks is engaged by applying force or pressure in a direction perpendicular to the main surfaces 14 and 16. However, as is evident from a comparison of the lock system 10e with the lock system 10, there are many differences in the specific shape of the protrusions P and the recesses R on the male and female locks Jf and Jr [sic].

First, in the male lock Jm of the system 10e there is a tapered surface 146 between the main surface 14 and the side surface 24. In addition, between the side surface 24 and the bend surface lm1, the locking system 10e has a rectangular shoulder 148. The protrusion Pm is more symmetrical than the locking system 10 and has a central groove 150 extending in a direction perpendicular to the main surfaces 14 and 16. In addition, the surface 40 of the protrusion Pm is flat and not arched. Groove 150 gives the protrusion Pm some elasticity. This elasticity does not serve to engage the protrusion Pm into engagement with the recess Rf, but is necessary to facilitate the rotation of the protrusion Pm inside the recess Rf.

The protrusion Pf is more rounded than the corresponding protrusion Pf in the lock system 10, and has a central groove 152 extending parallel to the groove 150. The groove 152 also gives elasticity to the protrusion Pf to facilitate its rotation in the socket [sic] Rm. The surface 58 at the base 34 of the recess Rf is flat and parallel to the main surfaces 14 and 16, and parallel to the surface 40. A rectangular collar 154 is formed between the inflection surface lf1 and the side surface 26 on the enclosing lock Jf 154. The collar 154 engages with the collar 148 when the locks Jf and Jm are engaged as shown in FIG. 14b. Another difference in the design of the lock system 10e is the presence of an inclined surface 156 between the inflection surface lm2 and the beveled surface 56 on the lock Jm.

As seen in FIG. 14b, the lock system 10e has three vertical locking planes 18, 20 and 74, as in the lock system 10. A gap 158 is formed between the surfaces 40 and 58 when the male lock Jm is engaged with the female lock Jf. This gap can be used to collect litter in the same way as the empty space 44 shown in FIG. 1b.

In FIG. 15a and 15b show yet another embodiment of the padlock system 10f of the substrate 12. In the padlock system 10f, the male and female padlocks Jm and Jf are less deep and more rectangular than in system 10. The male padlock Jm contains an inflection surface lf1 and a corresponding surface Cm1 on the outermost surface and an inflection surface lm2 and a corresponding surface Cm2 on the extreme inner surface. There is also an intermediate surface Cm3, but without an intermediate inflection surface lm3. The enclosing lock Jf is formed with surfaces Cf1 and Cf2, respectively, on the inner and outer outer surfaces of the locks and the inflection surfaces lf2. However, the lock system 10f does not have an intermediate fold surface lf3 and does not have a fold surface lf2 on the outermost surface of the enclosing lock.

The protrusions P and recesses R in the lock system 10f are more rectangular than in the system of locks 10. This increases the shear strength, as in the system of locks 10d. When engaging the substrates 12 with the lock system 10f, the surfaces Cf1 and Cm1, and Cf2 and Cm2, respectively, form two locking planes 18 and 20. An “intermediate” locking plane is formed by making flat surfaces 25 and 27 respectively on the protrusions on Pm and Pf. Surfaces 25 and 27 are perpendicular to the main surface 14. When the locks Jm and Jf are engaged, the surfaces 25 and 27 abut against each other. This ensures frictional fixation from the relative movement of the locks Jm and Jf in the vertical plane. The result will be similar to the result of having a locking plane 74 in the lock system 10f, but to a lesser extent. The vertical locking of the connected substrates 12 is provided by abutting the surface 40 of the protrusion Pm against the surface 58 in the recess Rf.

Another difference in the design of the lock systems 10f and 10 is the absence in the system 10f of beveled surfaces 56 and 64, which lead respectively from surfaces 50 and 62, to the main surface 16. Thus, in the system of locks 10f, surfaces 54 and 66 extend directly from the corresponding surfaces Cm2 and Cf2 to the main surface 16.

In FIG. 16a and 16b show another locking system 10g, which is suitable for plastic panels such as vinyl or other relatively soft / flexible materials. In the lock system 10g, various inflection surfaces or transversely extending surfaces are formed comprising one or more flat surfaces. However, at each of the extreme locking planes 18 and 20 there remains at least one arcuate transverse outwardly extending surface to allow rolling to allow rotation of the connected panels 12. More specifically, it can be seen that the protrusion Pm in the lock system 10f comprises a first locking surface ML1 and has a contact surface 24 and an adjacent inflection surface lm1. The bend surface lm1 has a flat inwardly inclined surface 160 extending from the surface 24, and an additional flat surface 162 located parallel to the surface 24 and adjacent to the surface 160. Further, the bend surface lm1 includes an arcuate or smoothly curved surface Cm1. The surface Cm1 leads to a flat lower surface 40 of the protrusion Pm, located in a plane parallel to the main surfaces 14 and 16. The surface 40 is adjacent to the intermediate smoothly curved surface Cm3. However, the concave recess of the groove 42 of the previous embodiments is replaced by a groove 163 perpendicular to the main surface 14. The groove 163 gives the protrusion Pm increased compressibility in the recess Rm to provide rotation when it is in the recess Rm.

From the surface Cm3 extends an inclined flat surface 164 leading to the flat surface 52 of the recess Rm. The surface 52 is parallel to the main surfaces [sic] 14. The flat surface 164 and the surface Cm3 together form an intermediate inflection surface lm3 and a third covering locking surface ML3. This is ensured by an acute angle at the intersection of surface 164 with surface Cm3. The extreme inner surface ML2 of the covered lock Jm includes a broken surface of the fold lm2 and a flat surface 56. The surface of the fold lm2 contains adjacent flat surfaces 166 and 168 that are inclined relative to each other with the formation of a generally concave, but broken or acute angle in the recess Rm. The bend surface lm2 further comprises another flat surface 170 perpendicular to the main surfaces 14 and 16. This surface then connects to the beveled surface 56 leading to the main surface 16.

The female lock Jf has a first female locking surface FL1 comprising a thrust surface 26 that extends perpendicularly to the main surface 14 and abuts against an inflection surface lf1. The bend surface lf1 consists of a flat surface 172 inclined toward the recess Rf, a flat surface 174 parallel to the surface 26, and a smoothly curved concave surface 176 leading to the surface 58 at the base of the recess Rf. Surfaces 172, 174 and the upper portion of surface 176 together form a transversely extending surface in the form of a generally convex cam Cf1. The surface 58 at the base 34 of the recess Rf is flat and parallel to the main surface 14. Further, the enclosing lock Jf contains an intermediate surface lf3, which can be considered the inverted bend surface lm3. To this end, the inflection surface lF3 comprises a flat surface 180 inclined towards the main surface 14 and an adjacent smoothly curved surface Cf3. The surface Cf3 is connected to a flat surface 60 parallel to the main surface 14. The extreme outer side of the enclosing lock Jf in the system 10f is made with a second enclosing locking surface FL2 having a smoothly curved surface Cf2 leading to the flat surface 62 and then to the inwardly chamfered surface 64. leading to the main surface 16.

The locks Jm and Jf are engaged by applying force or pressure in a direction perpendicular to the main surfaces 14 and 16. As can be seen in FIG. 16d, the lock system 10f has three locking planes 18, 20 and 74 as a result of the relative positioning of surfaces Cf1 and Cm1; Cm1 and Cm2, and Cm3 and Cf3. In addition, in the meshing lock, the surfaces Cm1 and Cm3 are in the broken angles of the recess Rf, and the smoothly curved surfaces Cf2 and Cf3 are in the broken angles formed in the recess Rm. In this embodiment, it should be noted that on each of the extreme inner and outer locking plane there remain arched or smoothly curved surfaces C. In particular, on the locking plane 18 there is a smoothly curved surface Cm1, which can roll over the surface of the lock Jf, and on the locking plane 20 there is an arcuate surface Cf2 that is capable of rolling over the surface of the enclosed castle Jm. In addition, due to the asymmetrical design of the locks Jm and Jf, empty spaces or gaps are formed between the engaging surfaces, further contributing to the relative rotation of the locks and compensating for the expansion.

In FIG. 17a and 17b show yet another embodiment of the lock system 10h, based on and similar to the lock system 10f. In particular, the system 10h has basically the same shape and design as the system 10g, with the main differences being the absence of a groove 163 and a reduction in the length of the beveled surfaces 56 and 64. This decrease in length is determined by the thickness of the substrate 12h, which is less than the thickness of the substrate 12g . By way of non-limiting example, the substrate 12g with the lock system 10g may have a thickness of the order of 5.2 mm, and the substrate 12h with the lock system 10g may have a thickness of the order of 3.5 mm.

Otherwise, the 10h lock system has the same design and works the same as the 10g lock system.

In FIG. 17c-17e, another embodiment of a lock system is shown, related to the possibility of manufacturing a system and panels of various thicknesses using one set of tools. FIG. 17a and 17b illustrate a lock system 10h formed in panels 12 with a nominal thickness of, say, 3 mm. In FIG. 17c and 17d, a nominal thickness of 3 mm is shown by the extreme inner horizontal lines 14a and 16a. These lines indicate the main surfaces 14 and 16 of the panel 12. The next adjacent pair of lines 14b and 16b illustrates the main surfaces of the panel 12 if the thickness is 3.5 mm. Outwardly, pairs of lines 14c and 16c; 14d and 16d, 14e and 16e, 14f and 16f illustrate the main surfaces 14 and 16 for panels 12 made with a thickness of 4 mm, 5 mm, 6 mm and 7 mm, respectively. FIG. 17e shows a spatial view of panels 12 having the indicated different thicknesses. As explained in more detail below, the ability to manufacture panel lock systems of various thicknesses with one set of cutting tools is an advantage over the prior art. Another feature is that, despite the change in the thickness of the panels 12, it can be seen that the actual dimensions of the locks Jm and Jf and the interacting surfaces remain unchanged. Thus, the adhesion strength between the panels will not be affected by a change in the thickness of the panels.

In FIG. 18a and 18b show yet another embodiment of the lock system 10i. The lock system 10i can be considered as hybrid, combining various features of the above lock systems. Both male and female locks Jm and Jf have protrusions P in the form of a ball or bulb and recesses R having smooth or continuous curved surfaces. The respective surfaces C of the male and female locks and Jm and Jf are formed to form three locking planes 18, 20 and 74 when the locks are engaged with each other, as shown in FIG. 18b. The male and female locks include additional flat stepped surfaces 148 and 154 parallel to the main surface 14, as in the lock system 10e. The lock system 10i can actually be considered a modified lock system 10e with the following differences: expansion of the corresponding protrusions and recesses P R; limited inclination of surfaces 24 and 26 relative to the perpendicular to the main surface 14; flattening the portion of the inflection surface lf1 between the upper end of the surface Cf1 and the surface 154, as well as the extension of the beveled surface 56, which extends directly from Cm2 to the main surface 16. In addition, it should be noted by comparing FIG. 18b and 14b that there is a gap 82 between the flat surfaces 40 and 52, and there is also a gap between the surfaces 154 and 148 when the locks Jm and Jf are engaged. The locking system 10i operates in the same manner as the locking systems described above with respect to engaging, disengaging and rolling between the locks.

In FIG. 19a and 19b show yet another embodiment of the lock system 10j. The protrusions Pm and Pf have a groove of 163 and 152, respectively, similarly to the lock system 10e. In the lock system 10j, each of the surfaces Cm1, Cm2, Cm3, Cf1 and Cf3 is smoothly curved. However, the surface Cf2 on the enclosing lock Jf is broken, consisting of many adjacent flat surfaces. However, as shown in FIG. 19b, when the locks Jm and Jf are engaged, the locking locking surfaces ML1 and FL1; ML2 and FL2 and ML3 and FL3 form three locking planes 18, 20 and 74, as described above. In each of the outermost extreme locking planes 18 and 20, one of the two corresponding engaged surfaces has continuous curvature. In particular, the surfaces Cm1 and Cm2 of the locking planes 18 and 20 are continuously curved. This provides the ability of the locks to roll during positive or negative mutual rotation, as well as the ability to disengage to move and replace the damaged substrate in the same manner as described in relation to the above embodiments. The lock system 10j further includes surfaces 146 and 154 similar to those of the [sic] 10e subsystem, but in this case these surfaces are inclined inward at an acute angle relative to the main surface 14. Further, the protrusion Pm and the recess Rf are made relative to each other with the formation of a relatively large empty space or the space 190 between surfaces 40 and 58. The grooves 152, 163 provide an internal suspension system that compresses the protrusions Pm and Pf and facilitates rolling.

In FIG. 20a and 20b show yet another embodiment of the lock system 10k. The protrusion Pm is formed with continuously curved surfaces Cm1, Cm2 and Cm3. On the female side, the protrusion Pf is formed by the broken surfaces Cf2 and Cf3, the surface Cf1 includes adjacent planar surfaces 191, 192 and 193. The surface Cf3 consists of adjacent planar surfaces 194, 195 and 196. Each of the surfaces 191 and 194 leads to the surface 60 of the protrusion Pf, parallel to the main surface 14. Both surfaces 192 and 195 are perpendicular to the main surface 14, while surfaces 193 and 196 are inclined to each other, while surface 193 leads to an oppositely inclined surface 162, which in turn leads to beveled surface 64, which is cut inside but substantially parallel to surface 193. Surface 64 leads to main surface 16. Base 34 of recess Rf is formed with a flat surface 46 that is parallel to main surface 14 and surfaces 197 and 198 which are oppositely outwardly inclined [sic!]. The surface 198 leads to an inwardly inclined surface 199, which in turn is formed adjacent to the flat surface 200. The surface 200 is perpendicular to the main surface 14 and is connected to the surface 154. The combination of surfaces 196 and 197, surfaces 196 and 197 and surfaces 198 and 199 form the corresponding concave recesses for seating surfaces Cm1 and Cm3 as clearly seen in FIG. 20b.

Looking at the enclosed lock Jm, it can be seen that the opposite ends of the surface 52 in the recess Rm lead to adjacent outwardly inclined surfaces 201 and 202. The surface 201 further leads to a flat surface 203 leading to the surface Cm2. On the opposite side, surface 202 is formed adjacent to yet another flat surface 204, which further leads to surface Cm3. Surfaces 203 and 204 are perpendicular to the main surface 14. Surfaces 201, 203 and part of the surfaces [sic] Cm2 form in combination a concave recess for the surface Cf2. Similarly, surfaces 202, 204 and part of the surface Cm3 form in combination another concave recess for landing surface Cf3.

The protrusion Pm is also formed with a flat surface 205, perpendicular to the main surface 14 and located between the surface Cm1 and the surface 148. When the locks Jm and Jf are engaged, the surfaces 205 and 204 are disconnected, and the corresponding surfaces 148 and 154 and 26 and 24 abut against each other friend.

In FIG. 21a and 21b show another embodiment of the lock system 101. The protrusion Pm has a male locking surface ML1, which, starting from the main surface 14, initially has a small beveled surface 146 similar to that shown in the locks 10e and 10i, and extends downward, ending in a smoothly curved surface Cm1. The first male locking surface ML1 also comprises an inflection surface lm1, which includes a flat portion 220 and extends from the beveled surface 146 to the surface Cm1.

The protrusion Pm also has a groove 158 similar to the groove in the lock system 10e. The protrusion Pm is made with a curved free surface 40 and is generally symmetrical about the axis passing through the groove 158. For this purpose, the shortest distance line 50 through the neck 48 of the protrusion Pm lies in a plane parallel to the main surface 14. The groove 158 in the protrusion Pm extends outward at the surface 40 with the formation of two teeth or forks with mainly rounded or curved ends 221.

The third inflection surface lm3 and the corresponding third male locking plane [sic] ML3 on the side of the protrusion Pm opposite the inflection surface lm1 are smoothly curved and lead to a flat surface 52 at the base 32 of the recess Rm. The surface 52 is parallel to the main surface 14. On the opposite side of the recess Rm, the lock Jm is formed with a second male locking surface ML2, which contains a smoothly curved bend surface lm2, further leading to the beveled surface 56.

The first female locking surface FL1 in the lock Jf comprises a short tapered surface 155 starting from the main surface 14, followed by a flat portion of the surface 222 extending perpendicular to the main surface 14. The surface 222 leads to an inflection surface lf1 having a smooth curvature and extending towards the base 34 recesses Rf. The base 34 is made with a flat surface 46 parallel to the main surface 14. The surface 46 in turn leads to a third smoothly curved bend surface lf3 corresponding to the third enclosing locking surface FL3. The free surface 60 of the female protrusion Pf is located between the second and third female locking surfaces FL2 and FL3 and lies in a plane parallel to the main surface 14. The second female locking surface FL2 extends continuously with smooth curvature to the main surface 16 beyond the bend surface lf2 and then leads to a beveled surface surface 64.

As seen in FIG. 21b, each of the mating male and female locking surfaces and each of the corresponding inflection surfaces are engaged near respective locking planes 18, 20 and 74.

In another embodiment of the lock system 101, there is an adhesive roller B (shown by a dashed line) of the type described in detail below, which can be placed in the inlet of the groove 158. This provides additional locking as well as vertical shock absorption when the panels are engaged.

In FIG. 22 shows yet another embodiment of a lock system 10m with locks Jf and Jm located on separate meshing panels 12a and 12b. The lock system 10m is similar to the lock system 10 shown in FIG. 1a-2, the main difference being that the surfaces Cm3 and lf3 of the covered protrusion Pf [sic] are made. In the 10m lock system, the surface Cf3 extends laterally outward further to form a hook under the surface Cf3 when the locks Jm and Jf are engaged. This provides increased resistance to separation in the vertical direction along the intermediate plane 74, compared with the system of locks 10. In addition, the surface Cf3 is provided with a small rib or tip 38 ′, similar in shape and action to the rib 38 on the surface Cm1. Due to the shape of the surface Cf3, the protrusion Pf between the surfaces Cm3 and Cm2 is better gripped or pinched when the lock Jm is rotated in a negative direction relative to the lock Jf. The Jm lock is particularly good, but not exclusively, for use with softer panels or substrates.

In FIG. 23a and 23b show yet another embodiment of the lock system 10n. The lock system 10m [sic] is different from the lock system 10 shown in FIG. 1-3b by introducing three additional concave recesses, namely, a concave recess 42b formed at the base of the recess Rf; a concave recess 42c formed at the base of the recess Rm and a concave recess 42d formed in the protrusion Pf. The recess 42d is positioned so that when the locks Jm and Jf are engaged, the recesses 42 and 42b face each other to form a substantially cylindrical or elliptical cavity 230. Similarly, the recesses 42c and 42d are opposite each other so that when the locks Jm and Jf are engaged, they form a substantially cylindrical or elliptical cavity 232. The cavity 230 can be used as a barrier or container for collecting dirt and other litter formed during laying of substrates 12 having a lock system Jm.

Instead, one of the recesses 42 and 42b may be provided with a pre-laid re-adhesive adhesive elastic and extended to another of the recesses 42 and 42b. The expression “re-adhesive adhesive” in the description and claims means an adhesive that can be removed and re-adhered, does not set and does not cure to a hard, rigid composition and retains its flexibility, elasticity and tack properties for a long time (over many years). The property of re-stickiness means that the adhesive, when applied to the second surface, can subsequently be removed by application of a pulling or shear force, after which it can be applied again (for example, up to ten times) without any significant decrease in the strength of the resulting adhesive joint. Thus, this adhesive provides a collapsible or detachable mount. The properties of flexibility and elasticity require that the adhesive does not harden, become hard or harden, while maintaining a certain degree of flexibility, resilience and elasticity. Such adhesives are generally known as lagging or tack adhesives, as well as pressure sensitive hot melt adhesives. Examples of commercially available adhesives that can be used in embodiments of the present invention include, but are not limited to: Hot-melt adhesive SCOTCH-WELD ™ low and GLUE DOTS ™ from Glue Dots International, Wisconsin.

It should be noted that manufacturers of re-sticky adhesive or adhesive can make recommendations indicating that the adhesive is unsuitable for a particular material, such as wood. However, when the lock system is used in wood or wood-based panels, such adhesive can be applied without hindrance. This is because wood or wood-based panels usually have a coating of polymer sealant or similar material, and if they do not, they can be coated. Moreover, the adhesive recommended for use with polymer surfaces can be used for wood-based or wood-based panels with a polymer coating.

Instead, both recesses 42 and 42b may have re-adhesive for mutual engagement when the locks Jm and Jf are engaged.

Similarly, one or both concave recesses 42c and 42d may have a re-adhesive adhesive roller of the type described below. When the adhesive is laid in only one of the two recesses 42c and 42d, the adhesive is formed in the form of a roller so that it can enter the other of the recesses 42c and 42d. However, when both [recesses] are provided with an adhesive, the adhesive material can still be formed into a roll of a smaller thickness or depth.

The application of adhesive material has several consequences. Firstly, it helps to minimize the possibility of vertical or horizontal separation during the normal life of the substrate 12. In addition, the adhesive can act as a seal against moisture penetration either from the main surfaces 14 through the lock to the main surface 16, or in the opposite direction when moisture seeps through the surface on which the substrates 12 are laid. However, re-applying the adhesive does not reduce the ability to remove and replace one or more damaged substrates to 12 thanks to the unique removal system described above. Since the adhesive is re-sticky and, in particular, does not set or cure, the removal system remains operable to remove one or more panels 12 without damaging the locks of adjacent adjacent panels 12 that are not removable.

Another feature of the lock system 10n is that each of the locking surfaces ML3 and FL3 has flat surfaces 210 and 212 parallel to the locking plane 74. These surfaces are pressed against each other when the locks Jm and Jf are engaged. If no paraffin is applied to these surfaces, they do form an intermediate frictional locking plane 74. Such intermediate frictional locking planes may be included in the other [sic] MISSINGTEXT described above

In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 23c-23i, adhesive is applied to both recesses of the enclosed castle Jm, but not to the enclosed castle Jf. In such an embodiment, due to the properties of the re-adhesive adhesive, when the substrate 12 is removed from adjacent adjacent substrates, the adhesive remains in the recesses 42 and 42c of the removed substrates. Moreover, the properties of the adhesive are such that it remains in the recess in which it was originally applied. This is shown in FIG. 23c-23i that show the decoupling sequence of the locks Jm and Jf of the lock system 10n.

In FIG. 23c shows the locks Jm and Jf before engaging. In each of the recesses 42 and 42 s, the corresponding rollers B1 and B2 are re-applied of the adhesive adhesive 300 coated with protective strips R1 and R2. There is no adhesive in the recesses 42b and 42d.

In FIG. 23d shows the locks Jm and Jf in the fully engaged position after removing the protective strips R1 and R2 so that the re-adhesive adhesive 300 in the rollers B1 and B2 adheres to the surface of the recesses 42b and 42d.

In FIG. 23e-23i show a typical process for releasing locks Jm and Jf in embodiments with any lock system when first turning lock Jm in a negative direction (clockwise) relative to lock Jf to release the protrusion Pm from recess Rf, then apply downward pressure to covering castle Jf. The re-adhesive adhesive is able to bend and move during the separation process, allowing rotation, and then is pulled out of the recesses 42b and 42d, remaining in the recesses 42 and 42c.

The adhesive rollers B attached to the lock J may also absorb the litter located in the recess to which the roller B adheres. For example, the roller B attached to the recess 42 may absorb litter in the recess 42b to which the roller B adheres. The litter will initially stick on the outer surface of the roller B. As the panels 12 move under normal operating conditions, some movement and rolling of the roller B. will also occur. It is believed that the litter will be pulled into the adhesive so that the adhesive will envelop the litter with a fresh adhesive surface adhering to recess 42b.

In each of the embodiments described above, one or more adhesive rollers can be applied for additional locking strength in the vertical direction while ensuring full operability and advantages of these embodiments. This can be achieved, for example, by making one or more recesses 42 in one of the locks Jm or Jf to fit the re-adhesive adhesive roller. Depending on the thickness of the roller, a recess for it may not be necessary on other locks Jm and Jf. The application of a re-adhesive adhesive can be considered as the presence of an additional locking plane in the lock system.

As a rule, as shown in the above example, the adhesive is laid in only one of the two recesses 42 facing each other. The bond formed during the initial application of the adhesive in this recess is stronger than the bond formed when the adhesive contacts the surface of the opposite recess of the other substrate. Thus, when the substrate is removed, the adhesive originally applied to the substrate remains on the same substrate.

It should be noted that in all the above-described embodiments of the lock system 10, the protrusions Pm and Pf have different shapes, that is, cannot be transposed onto each other. Similarly, in all the embodiments described above, the notches Rm and Rf have different shapes, that is, cannot be transposed onto each other. More specifically, the respective engaged protrusions and recesses do not have a complementary shape. Thus, the protrusions Pm and Pf, the recesses Rm and Rf, and the locks Jm and Jf are asymmetric. As a result, when the protrusion P enters the recess R between the male and female locking surfaces ML1 and ML2 and FL1, FL2, gaps or gaps are formed at the inner and outer locking planes 18 and 20. This helps to ensure the pumping or rotation of the lock systems according to various embodiments in opposite directions by an angle of up to 3 ° due to the presence of a gap into which the protrusion can roll without leaving the mesh. In turn, this ensures the ease of successful use of the lock system on undulating floors. This is obviously known to specialists in this field in connection with the satisfaction of the need for a flooring system, especially in the market for amateur goods, in a market that has hitherto suffered from the presence of systems requiring high quality underlying surfaces for successful installation.

As a result of the specific implementation of the locking systems in accordance with the embodiments of the present invention and, in particular, because they are truly vertical systems, manufacturers can produce panels over a wide range of thicknesses using one set of cutting tools. For example, for glued or natural wood substrates, one set of cutting tools can be used to produce lock systems on panels from 20 mm to 8 mm thick, with only one setting required - the depth of cut. For example, for plastic panels, such as vinyl tile design (LVT), one set of cutting tools can be used to produce lock systems on panels from 7 mm to 3 mm thick, shown and described above with reference to FIG. 17c-17e. This gives a significant economic advantage, reducing the cost of production, which creates a win for consumers.

Typically, the cost of a set of cutting tools for machining a lock system ranges from 30 to 50 thousand US dollars. As a rule, a cutting tool kit for known locks could be used for two different thicknesses. For example, one set is used for locks on panels with a thickness of 7 mm-6 mm, and the second set - for a thickness of 5 mm-4 mm. Replacing a cutting tool kit takes about 3 hours, after which a few more hours are needed to set up the cutting machines for a new tool kit. Next, several test runs are carried out with the evaluation of products in order to debug the tool and machine tools until the resumption of full-scale production. If the only necessary adjustment is to change the depth of cut, there is no cost for a new cutting tool, and the downtime is reduced to a total of about 1 hour. Another advantage is that relatively small production facilities are able to afford the production of relatively small series at low cost, thus competing with larger manufacturers. This can increase competition, which in turn is beneficial for consumers.

As shown in FIG. 24a-26e, a semi-floating / semi-attached surface coating system can be obtained by using a plurality of substrates 12c of any of the above lock systems 10, optionally using a number of repeated adhesive adhesives 300 connected to the first main surface 16. Repeated adhesive 300 is used in combination with sealant or a sealing membrane (not shown) applied to the underlying surface on which the adhesive 300 will be attached. Many sealants suitable for use are commercially available. eniya this purpose. Such sealants may include, for example, BONDCRETE ™ or, CROMMELIN ™ concrete sealant. The type of sealant used depends only on the type of surface on which the semi-floating surface coating system will be used. The goal is to prevent the formation of dust, which would otherwise reduce the adhesion strength of the blue [sic] adhesive 300.

Previously used glue to attach the substrates to the floors. In particular, adhesives were used to adhere wooden floor boards to the underlying surface. However, to the best of the knowledge of the inventor, all such systems use adhesives specifically designed for setting or curing to form a hard, stiff, bonded layer. In the field of wood or wooden floors, this is called an attached floor covering. Some have suggested using adhesives that require setting or curing for one to two hours so that parquet floorers can move floor panels during installation, ensuring proper alignment. Others suggest the use of adhesives that can fully cure or harden within 28 days.

Some consumers prefer attached floors to floating floors, as they give a firmer and more reliable feel and have virtually no impact when walking on them and do not make noise such as creaking. However, the disadvantage of the attached floor is that it is associated with a lot of dirt during installation, and as soon as the adhesive has hardened, for which it is intended, the removal and (or) repair of one or more damaged panels is a serious task. Removing the attached panel, as a rule, requires the use of a power tool for the initial cutting of the panel area, after which laborious work is done to scrape off the remnants of the board and adhesive from the underlying surface. In this case, a significant amount of dust is generated and noise is generated, and, of course, as a rule, this is associated with significant costs due to the high cost of time.

The use of re-adhesive adhesive, as described above, with substrates 12 having a lock system 10, provides a semi-floating surface coating system that has the advantages of both traditional floating coatings and attached coatings, but without significant disadvantages of attached surface coatings. In particular, the use of re-adhesive 300 removes recoil and noise often occurring in a conventional floating floor, while providing a certain degree of cushioning due to the flexibility and elasticity of the adhesive, which does not set and cure. Other properties of the adhesive allow the substrates / panels 12 to move under the influence of fluctuations in environmental parameters such as temperature and humidity. This is not possible with an attached floor covering. Indeed, in recent years, problems have arisen in the world market for the attachment of pressed bamboo substrates due to the completely rigid and inflexible bond obtained using traditional adhesives. Accordingly, if movement or expansion of bamboo is required due to changes in environmental conditions, movement is limited due to the adhesive used for attachment. For this reason, several associations for the production of floor coverings around the world have proposed abandoning the attachment of pressed bamboo to substrates, limiting its use only to floating floor covering systems in which there is the possibility of movement in response to dynamic seasonal changes.

The reapplication of the adhesive also compensates for the waviness or variability of the underlying surface on which it is applied. This is facilitated by the application of the adhesive by 300 rollers or strips 1-6 mm thick and more preferably 2-4 mm, measured perpendicular to the main surfaces 14, 16. In addition to compensating for changes in the underlying surface, the adhesive also has the following acoustic advantages: (a) eliminating noise and squeaking that may result from kickback or deflection in traditional floating floors, (b) damping vibration transmission (i.e. noise) between adjacent panels and (c) damping vibration transmission (i.e. noise ) in multi-storey buildings from the top floor to the floor directly below it. This also differs from the attached floor on the glue, which due to curing with the formation of a rigid bond does not in any way dampen the transmission of vibration or noise.

The benefits and advantages of using re-adhesive adhesive, as described above, are in themselves a prerequisite for creating flooring systems having substrates that can be mosaic-coated with adhesive applied to them. Such systems do not necessarily require the use of the vertical lock system described above, and can also be used with other lock systems. Indeed, in some cases, it is believed that the solution with re-adhesive adhesive allows the use of sealless substrates. In one embodiment, a semi-floating surface coating system can be created comprising a plurality of substrates having first and second main surfaces, wherein the first main surface is intended to be laid on the surface to be coated parallel to it, a certain amount of the adhesive re-adhesive described above attached to the first main surface and one or more protective strips attached to the removal adhesive [sic].

In one embodiment, the adhesive 300 is applied during the manufacture of the substrate 12. Thus, in this embodiment, the product to be sold will be, for example, a box with substrates 12 having one or more rows of adhesive material 300 coated with protective strips 302. In this case, the parquet flooring can simply lay the surface coating by applying a layer of sealant or a membrane to surface 304, if they are not already present, removing the protective strip 302 and pressing the substrate 12 against the underlying surface 304. In the case where the substrate also has a lock system, Among other things, such as lock systems 10 and the like, as described above, the SUV will engage the locks of adjacent panels during installation

In one example, it is contemplated that adhesive material 302 may be applied by rolling a strip or hot melt roll of a pressure sensitive adhesive onto the main surface 16. FIG. 24a-24c show adhesive 300 applied in the form of adhesive strips, and in FIG. 25a and 25b show adhesive 300 in the form of adhesive rollers B. In embodiments where re-adhesive is used, say in the form of GLUE DOTS ™ adhesive points, these points can be applied by machine 16 [sic].

In these embodiments, the amount of re-tacky adhesive 300 is applied in three spaced rows extending in the longitudinal direction L of the panel 12. However, as explained in more detail below, the adhesive material 300 can be applied in the form of other systems. The re-adhesive adhesive material 300 is coated with one or more protective strips 302. In the depicted embodiment, a separate protective strip 302 is applied to each row of adhesive material 300. However, in an alternative embodiment, one protective strip of substantially the same size can be applied to the amount of re-adhesive adhesive 300. as the size of the main surface 16, can be applied to the amount of re-adhesive 300. In this case, when using the substrate 12, the parquet must be separated Only one protective strip 302 instead of a series of separate protective strips.

In FIG. 24c and 25b show the use of an adhesive surface coating system on surface 304, which may be, for example, in the form of a concrete base. To lay the panel 12, the protective strips 302 are removed, and the panel 12 is laid with the surface 16 facing the surface 304. When the adhesive material 300 is applied to the surface 304 and the downward pressure is applied, the panel 12 adheres to the surface 304. Additional panels 12 may also adhere to the surface mosaic 304 to form a surface coating. The adhesive material 300 is sufficiently sticky and strong to adhere to the surface 304 with sufficient strength and to prevent the panel 12 from rising or separating from the surface 304 under normal conditions of use. It is believed that the application of the adhesive in the form of rollers B (FIGS. 25a and 25b) can provide greater horizontal movement, which is usually caused by a change in environmental conditions (eg, temperature and humidity). This is due to the rounded nature of the rollers B, which can contribute to easier rolling or shear rolling than adhesive strips.

Removing a damaged panel (without a lock system or with a lock system of the type described above, i.e. with a vertical lock system) can be performed in the same manner as described above with reference to FIG. 6a-6s. In other words, the damaged panel is removed vertically using one or more jacks 92. In FIG. 26a-26e show partial removal of a damaged panel 12b of a semi-floating surface coating system in which adjacent panels 12a and 12c are provided. Each of the panels in the semi-floating floor system is made with a lock system 10, which may be in accordance with any of the above described lock systems. In addition, the rollers B of the adhesive material 300 attach the panels 12 to the underlying surface 90. In this particular embodiment, there are no adhesive material rollers between the locks Jm and Jf of the lock system 10. However, in other embodiments, such an adhesive material may be used. From the point of view of removing the panel 12b, the presence of additional adhesive between the locks Jm and Jf does not matter. In other words, the removal process remains the same, regardless of whether there is adhesive material between the locks Jm and Jf.

In FIG. 26b-26e show the operations of fastening the jack 92 to the damaged board 12b, followed by the operation of the jack to remove the panel 12b from the surface 90. The sequence of operations and the method of their execution are identical to those described above with reference to FIGS. 6d-6h. However, in this case, due to the presence of the rollers B of the adhesive 300 during operation with the jack 92 for vertical lifting of the panel 12b, the initial bending and stretching of the rollers B will also take place, which will further lead to the separation of the rollers B and their rise from the underlying surface 90. This mainly occurs sequentially as the jack works to lift the panel 12b as it moves farther away from the place, directly next to the jack 92 outward to lower locations [panels]. Thus, the first to separate from the surface 90 are the rollers B located on both sides of the rod 96 of the jack 92 or in the closest to it. As the panel 12b is gradually lifted by the jack 92, the rollers B of the adhesive 300 will be lifted from the surface 90, closest to the last separated roller, etc.

Typically, the roller B will separate completely from the surface 90 and remain attached to 12. In some cases, very small portions of the adhesive 300 may remain on the underlying surface 90. After the jack 92 has worked to the raised position of the panel 12b so that all adhesive B rollers are separated, the rest of the normal removal process will occur as described with reference to FIGS. 6g-6i; however, the replacement process operations shown and described with reference to FIGS. 6j-6o should be fully applied to introduce a new undamaged panel.

Note that some of the rollers B of the adhesive 300 are separated from adjacent panels 12a and 12c. During the restoration process, these rollers, which on the panels 12a and 12c, will re-adhere to the underlying surface 90. In addition, it is natural that when a new panel is attached to the panels 12a and 12c, the adhesive 300 on this new panel will now also be adhesive bonded to surface 90.

As should be understood by those skilled in the art, this is a huge advantage over an attached floor in terms of the ability to properly repair damaged floors. Accepted industry standard for optimal repair of damaged floors provides a complete lift of all panels from the nearest to a damaged or damaged panel or panels of the wall. In an attached floor system, this is such a difficult task that they usually make their life easier by simply cutting and replacing only damaged panels. However, it is impossible to restore mechanical connections between the panels. In the event of any change in the size of the panels, either due to compression and expansion due to changes in environmental conditions, or simply due to the inability to obtain new panels of exactly the same size, the installation will also require the use of putties to fill any gap between existing panels and newly laid panels .

Another feature of the substrates using the embodiments of the lock system 10 is the possibility of laying in a reverse way. Reverse laying in the art has two meanings. One value refers to the ability to produce on both sides of a panel. For example, if the first panel is laid approximately in the middle between the parallel walls of the room, the possibility of laying in the reverse way allows two SUVs (or two teams of SUVs) to lay in opposite directions from the first panel. At the same time, naturally, laying time is significantly reduced. This is used when attaching the panels with the advantage that the panels are laid without non-profit to the opposite walls, providing an attractive appearance. Laying in a reverse way when attaching is possible because the parquet can stick the first panel in an optimal position in the middle of the room or close to the middle to minimize under-income of panels to the walls. Additional panels can be glued from opposite sides of the first panel. This is not possible when laying floating floors, since the first panel, laid in the optimal position, is not fixed, floats, and therefore cannot be used as a starting point for laying in opposite directions.

Another value of laying in a reverse way relates to the ability to engage panels 12 that extend perpendicular to each other (or some other different from parallel orientation). This makes it possible, for example, to lay in a herringbone.

With existing solutions, even when attaching the floor, it is quite difficult to carry out such installation in the reverse way, since installation should usually begin from the enclosing lock. This is due to the fact that with the known installation technology, the covered lock is usually 50 +% shorter than the enclosing lock, which does not provide such a large angle, necessary or not necessary to enter the covered lock into the mating covering part in the horizontal locking plane. Since the proposed lock system 10 is vertical, no horizontal laying is required. In contrast, the vertical type of lock system 10 makes it extremely easy to engage panels from either side, either by bringing the male lock to the open female lock for laying in one direction, or by bringing the female lock under the male lock of the previously laid panel when laying in a reverse way.

FIG. 27a and 27b graphically illustrate the above features or stacking value in a reversible manner. In FIG. 27a shows a floor plan 400 of a building in which a floor of a plurality of panels 12 is laid. FIG. 27b is an enlarged view of the assembly A in FIG. 27a depicting a portion of a building corridor. Consider laying a regular floating floor in a building. The driver will choose a wall, for example, a wall 402 in room 403 as a starting wall, in which the first panel 12a is laid. It is well known that the walls in buildings are never strictly parallel and are not located at right angles to each other, while they can deviate from a flat position by up to 100 mm or more. In this floor plan, wall 404 is located mainly, but not exactly parallel to wall 402, and the deviation between the opposite ends of walls 402 and 404 may be, say, 100 mm. Moreover, as the SUV stacks the following panels 12b, 12c, etc. to the panel 12p, the discrepancy in the distance between the walls 404 and 402 becomes noticeable, since the edge of the panel 12 does not abut against the wall 404. At the same time, the existing discrepancy between the edge of the panel 12p and the wall 404 requires laying the cut-off panels 12q in the end face of each other to fill the gap between the panels 12p and the wall 404. (It should be clarified that it is hardly possible for one panel to have a length sufficient to cover the entire length of the room 403. Therefore, the indication of the panels 12a, 12b, etc., is provided only for ease of description. Usually for example, panels 12a, 12b, etc., shown e indoor 403, will consist of a plurality of panels stacked on the edges.)

A significant skew of the walls 402 and 404 is shown at an angle cut off panel 12q. In FIG. 27a, it is also seen that there are openings 406 and 408, for example, doorways in the wall 404 into room 410 and into the corridor 412. The panels laid in rooms 410 and 412 extend in the same direction and are aligned with panels 12 in room 403. When This installation continues with the same bias between the panels and walls of the house.

You can also see that in other rooms, for example in rooms 414, 416 and in the corridor 418, the panels 12 are laid generally perpendicular to the panels laid in other rooms. This illustrates the second type of installation in a reversible manner.

When using a semi-floating flooring system as described above with reference to FIG. 24a-25b, the SUV can use the axis 420, say, in room 401 as a base for laying the first panel, and then lay in opposite directions. Moreover, the skew of the walls 402 and 404 can be visually minimized due to the fact that the panels 12 will go directly to the walls 402 and 404. This is illustrated by the fact that the axis 420 passes obliquely through the panels 12i and 12j, which are shown in the positions of their laying into the floating floor in a known manner.

After a detailed description of the embodiments of the vertical lock system, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that numerous modifications and deviations are possible without going beyond the basic technical solutions proposed. For example, the examples of embodiments given are solutions related to wood floors. However, these systems are applicable to many other materials and can also be applied to surfaces and structures, in addition to floors. For example, panels using this lock system can be made of plastic for sale on the LVT market (vinyl tile design) or can be made on substrates of a base made of plastic materials, to which front panels of other materials such as carpet or ceramic tiles are attached. In this embodiment, the resulting panel will be a layered structure in which the base is made using embodiments of the lock system and the surface of the panel provides the consumer with the desired finish. It is also obvious that many features of various embodiments are interchangeable or may be applied additionally. For example, recess 42 may be used in each embodiment of the lock system. You can also [sic]: the opposite recess of the type shown as recess 42b in FIG. 22a, or additional recesses 42b, 42c and 42d. Further, adhesive recess 300 can be applied to such recesses. In addition, jack 92 is described as a screw jack. However, other types of jacks or lifting systems can be used, such as a lever jack or pneumatic or hydraulic systems. Further, lock systems 10 are mainly described with respect to elongated rectangular panels. However, they can be used with panels of any shape that can be laid mosaic. For example, a lock system can be used for square, hexagonal or triangular panels. In addition, the panels do not have to be of the same shape and / or size.

All such modifications and deviations and variations, along with other obvious to specialists in this field of technology, are considered to be within the scope of the present invention, the essence of which is determined by the above description and the attached claims.

Claims (11)

1. A system of vertical locks of a substrate having opposing first and second major surfaces, comprising:
male and female locks (Jm, Jf) located along opposite sides of the substrate, while male and female locks are asymmetric, so that in the engagement position between the locked locks several gaps or gaps are formed, and the male lock contains a male protrusion (Pm) generally extending perpendicularly from the first main surface toward the second main surface, and a male recess (Rm) formed inside the male protrusion (Pm); and the enclosing lock (Jf) comprises a enclosing protrusion (Pf) extending generally perpendicularly from the second main surface toward the first main surface, and a surrounding recess (Rf) formed inside the enclosing protrusion,
characterized in that a transversely extending surface (Cm1) is formed on the extreme outer surface of the male protrusion (Pm), a transverse extending surface (Cm2) is formed on the extreme inner surface of the male recess (Rm), and a transverse extending is formed on the extreme outer surface of the female protrusion (Pm) a surface (Cf2) and a laterally extending surface (Cf1) is formed on the extreme inner surface of the female recess (Rf),
moreover, transversely spaced transversely extending surfaces (Cm1, Cm2, Cf1, Cf2) are configured such that the male lock (Jm) of one substrate can mesh with the female lock (Jf) of the second substrate, while the transversely extending surfaces (Cm1, Cm2 ) of the enclosed lock are located relative to the transversely extending surfaces (Cf1, Cf2) of the enclosing lock with the formation of the first and second locking planes (18, 20), respectively, on the extreme inner and outermost sides of each lock, each lock the plane is parallel to the direction of engagement, with the transversely extending surfaces corresponding to each locking plane extending in the transverse direction towards each other from the opposite sides of the locking plane, and the transversely extending surfaces (Cf1, Cf2) of the enclosing castle rise above the transversely extending surfaces (Cm1 , Cm2) of the covered castle,
wherein two or more substrates with the same locking systems are adapted to mesh with each other when a force is applied in the direction of engagement perpendicular to the main surfaces and subsequently disengaged by lifting the first substrate in a direction opposite to the direction of engagement, to rotate adjacent meshing substrates along opposite sides of the first substrate to translate them in a plane deflected from the first substrate, and then applying a force to covering locks of meshing substrates in the direction of engagement. 2. The system of vertical locks according to claim 1, in which the male and female locks are arranged to rotate the neighboring substrates engaged by an angle of 7-10 ° downward relative to the first substrate without breaking the engagement. 3. The system of vertical locks according to claim 1, in which the male and female locks are made with the possibility of rotation of the adjacent adjacent substrates by an angle of up to 3 ° in planes inclined relative to the first substrate. 4. The system of vertical locks according to claim 1, in which at least one of the transversely extending surfaces corresponding to at least one of the locking planes has a continuous convex curve profile. 5. The system of vertical locks according to claim 1, in which the male and female locks each have two laterally spaced inflection surfaces, while the transversely extending surfaces (Cm1, Cm2) of the male castle are portions of the corresponding surfaces (Im1, Im2) of the male fold of the castle, and the transversely extending surfaces (Cf1, Cf2) of the enclosing castle are portions of the corresponding surfaces (If1, If2) of the inflection of the enclosing castle, each of the first and second locking planes (18, 20) independently it does not allow separation of the engaged locks in a direction parallel to the direction of engagement, while the inflection surfaces corresponding to each locking plane are located on both sides of this locking plane. 6. The vertical lock system according to claim 1, wherein each of the male and female locks is formed with a third transversely extending surface (Cm3, Cf3) located between two transversely extending surfaces of the castle, wherein the third transversely extending surfaces are arranged relative to each other to form a third locking plane (74) located between the first and second locking planes (18, 20), while the male lock has a first male locking surface (ML1) formed on the side the first male protrusion (Pm) farthest from its female recess (Rm), the second male locking surface (ML2) formed on the side of its female recess (Rm), the most remote from its male protrusion (Pm), and the third male locking surface (ML3) common with the male protrusion (Pm) and the male recess (Rm); moreover, the female lock (JF) has a first female locking surface (FL1) formed on the side of its female recess (Rf) farthest from its male protrusion (Pf), a second female locking surface (FL2) formed on the side of its male protrusion ( Pf), which is farthest from its female recess (Rf), and the third female locking surface (MF3), common to the female protrusion (Pf) and female recess (Rf), while the locking surfaces are designed so that when engaging the male and female locking of the two substrates, the first male and first female locking surfaces (ML1, FL1), the second female and second female locking surfaces (MF2, FL2), the third male and third female locking surfaces (ML3, FL3), the indicated transversely extending surface (Cm1 ) forms a portion of a first male locking surface (ML1), said transversely extending surface (Cm2) forms a portion of a second male locking surface (ML2), said transversely extending surface (Cf1) forms a portion of a first female locking surface (FL1) and said transversely extending surface (Cf2) forms a portion of a second female locking surface (FL2), with each locking plane preventing separation of the engaged locks in a direction parallel to the direction of engagement. 7. The vertical lock system according to claim 1, wherein each of the male and female locks is formed with a third transversely extending surface, wherein the third transversely extending surfaces are arranged relative to each other to form a third locking plane located between the first and second locking planes, each locking plane is parallel to the direction of entry into engagement and eliminates the separation of the engaged locks in the direction opposite to the direction of entry into engagement nie. 8. The system of vertical locks according to any one of paragraphs. 1-7, in which the substrate is made in the form of a flat rectangular or square substrate having four sides, the male lock is located on two adjacent sides, and the female castle is located on the other two adjacent sides. 9. A semi-floating surface coating system comprising:
many substrates, with each substrate is equipped with a system of vertical locks in accordance with any of paragraphs. 1-8;
some re-sticky adhesive bonded to the first major surface; and
one or more protective strips, re-coating the adhesive. 10. A surface coating system comprising a plurality of substrates, each of which has opposite first and second main surfaces, of which the first main surface is arranged to face the underlying supporting surface to be covered by the specified system, and a vertical lock system according to any one of paragraphs. 1-8, with one side of the substrates provided with a female lock, and the second side of the substrates provided with a female lock. 11. The surface coating system of claim 10, comprising at least one removable jack attached to the first substrate, the jack comprising a stem capable of passing through an opening formed in the first substrate to abut the underlying support, the jack being actuated the extension of the rod through the hole for lifting the first substrate from the underlying support.

Images