CA2218237A1 - Articles with tongue and groove joint and method of making such a joint - Google Patents
Articles with tongue and groove joint and method of making such a joint Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2218237A1 CA2218237A1 CA 2218237 CA2218237A CA2218237A1 CA 2218237 A1 CA2218237 A1 CA 2218237A1 CA 2218237 CA2218237 CA 2218237 CA 2218237 A CA2218237 A CA 2218237A CA 2218237 A1 CA2218237 A1 CA 2218237A1
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- Prior art keywords
- tongue
- groove
- article
- planar
- decorative
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Classifications
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E04—BUILDING
- E04F—FINISHING WORK ON BUILDINGS, e.g. STAIRS, FLOORS
- E04F15/00—Flooring
- E04F15/02—Flooring or floor layers composed of a number of similar elements
- E04F15/04—Flooring or floor layers composed of a number of similar elements only of wood or with a top layer of wood, e.g. with wooden or metal connecting members
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E04—BUILDING
- E04F—FINISHING WORK ON BUILDINGS, e.g. STAIRS, FLOORS
- E04F2201/00—Joining sheets or plates or panels
- E04F2201/07—Joining sheets or plates or panels with connections using a special adhesive material
Abstract
Disclosed is laminate flooring and other articles with tongues and grooves for joining sections of the flooring or articles and a method of making the tongue and groove joints. The lower surfaces of the tongues and grooves are indexing surfaces for aligning the wear surfaces of the flooring sections. The tongues and grooves are made such that when the tongue is fully inserted into the groove, a continuous space is formed between the upper surface of the tongue and groove. The grooved edges arecut at an acute angle to the surface. This provides a space between the upper surfaces of the tongue and groove and between the edge surfaces above the tongues and grooves toward the wear surfaces of the flooring sections. Glue in the joint, upon curing, resists penetration of moisture and increases the strength of the joint.
Description
TITLE: ARTICLES WITH TONGUE AND GROOVE JOINT AND METHOD
OF MAKING SUC~ A JOINT
INVENTOR: THOMAS J. NELSON
BACKGROUND OF THE !NVENTION
1. Field of the Invention This invention relates to tongue and groove joints. These joints are particularty useful for joining pieces of laminate flooring. Glue in these joints resists pen~ lio" of moisture.
-2. neS~ JtiGI I of the Rei~ted Art Commercially available laminate flooring generally includes a wear surface gluedto a s~,bstrate. The wear surface generally is high-wear resistant decorative laminate.
The substrate generally is fiber board or particle board. Each piece of laminate flooring generally has a groove along one end and one side suitable for joining with a tongue 20 along one side or end of an adjacent piece of laminate flooring.
While such laminate flooring has found wide acceptance in Europe as flooring, itis not substantial~ used in the United States. In part the reason may be due to inst~llation difficulties and the lack of moisture resistance in the joint areas.
Laminate flooring is assembled by placing glue in the groove and inserting the tongue of one piece into the groove of an ~jacent piece. A su~,st~ Itially complementa~ fit of a tongue and groove results in difficu~ty in aligning the tongue and groove. Additionally, as the glue is absorbed into substrate, the substrate swells.
30 causing the groove to tightly squee~e the tongue. This can make full insertion of the tongue into the groove extremely difficult. Furthermore, as the tongue and groove are moved together, glue can be compressed in the groove by the tongue in a piston fashion. This can increase the difficulty in abutting the wear surfaces of ~ entlaminate flooring pieces.
To overcome this assembly problem, laminate flooring manufactures offer E~ress Mail No. HB105783865 March 22,1995 1 Docket No. 130129-045 special tools for assembling pieces of laminate flooring.
One such special tool is a hammering aid that has a flat curface and complementary tongue and groove engaging surfaces. When difficulty is encountered in abutting the wear surfaces of adjacent pieces, the hammering aid is placed along the edge of the laminate. The flat surface of the hammering aid is then struck with a hammer repeatedly to apply a force to the joint and force the tongue and groove together.
However, even with the use of a hammering aid, a gap can remain ~ ccn adjacent pieces. The gap is unsight~ and allows for damaging penetr~lion of moisture to the su~ te. The problem with moisture p~"et~alion into the joint is that it can c.ause the substrate to swell. F~cess swelling damages laminate flooring.
lS Laminate flooring with tongue and groove joints are difficult to manufacture. The tight complementary fit l,e~Y~ccn the tongue and groove requires dltentio" be paid to cutting tolerances for the widths of the tongue and groove. An inleresli.,y yet le, nalic phenomenon occurs during the process of cutting the tongues and grooves. The cutting process itself proglessively dulls and wears the cutting bl~es As the bl~ties pr~g,essively wear, grooves of later c~lt articles are pr~g~ssively narrower than grooves of earlier cut articles. Likewise, tongues of later cut articles are progressive~ wider than tongues of earlier cut articles. Unfortunately, at some point, the widths of the tongues and grooves are not within acceptable tolerances.
Thus there is a need in the art for an improved tongue and grooved joint. There is a need for a tongue and groove joint that does not require special tools for inst~ tion. There is a need for a moisture resistant tongue and groove joint. These and other needs will become apparent to those of skill in the art upon review of this specification, including its claims and drawings.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is one object of the present invention to provide for an improved tongue and grooved joint.
It is even another object of the present invention to provide for a tongue and Express Mail No. HB105783865 March 22, 1995 2 Docket No. 13012g-045 grooved joint that does not require special tools for installation.
It is yet another object of the present invention to provide ~or a moisture resistant tongue and groove joint.
These and other objects of the present invention will become apparent to those of skill in the art upon review of this specification including its claims and drawings.
An article of the present invention has a planar decorative wear surface a o grooved edge and a tongued edge. The tongued edge has a tongue with a planar lower surface positioned an index distance from and parallel to the planar decorative surface. The grooved surface has a groove with a planar lower surface positioned the - index distance from and parallel to the planar decorative surface. The upper surfaces of the tongue and groove are shaped and sked such that upon joining two pieces of the article by positio"ing the lower surfaces of the tongues and grooves to~tt,er and moving the tongue of one piece into the groove of another piec~ liquid glue p~aced in the groove will be squeezed out between the upper surfaces of the tongue and groove and upwardly ~ cn the tongued and grooved edge toward the decorative surfaces of the two pieces. This joint can be assembled without the use of special tools and the 20 glue acts as a barrier to water damage to substrate ot laminate flooring.
The tongue has a beveled surface extending from the end surface to the upper surface of the tongue. The beveled surface can form an oblique angle to the upper surface of the tongue. Preferably more than about one hatf and most preferably more than about two thirds of ttle length of upper surface of the tongue remains after the beveled surface is cut. A space for glue to be squeezed through is provided l~tr/ecn the upper surfaces of tongues and grooves upon joining pieces of the article. A space for glue to be squeezed through is also provided between a planar surface above the tongue and a planar surface above the groove. The planar surface above the tongue 30 forrns a right angle to the decorative surface. The planar surface above the groove forms an acute angle to the decorative surface The acute angle can be about 82.5 to 87.5 degrees. A space is provided between a planar surface below the tongue and a planar surface below the groove. The planar surface below the tongue forms a right angle to the decorative surface. The planar surface below the groove forms an acute 35 angle to the decorative surface The acute angle can be about 82.~ to 87.~ degrees.
Express Mail No. HB105783865 March 22, 1995 3 Docket No. 130129-045 BRIFF DFSCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Figure 1 is a side-view of the tongue and groove joint of the present invention.
Figure 2 is a side-view of an assembly step of the tongue and groove joint of the present invention showing glue placed in the groove and the tongue entering the groove.
Figure 3 is a side-view of an assemb~ step of the tongue and groove joint of thepresent invention showing the tongue in contact with glue in the groove and the glue being squeezed out.
- Figure 4 is a side-view showing the tongue and groove of the present invention being fully joined and glue squeezed out to the wear surface.
hgures 5 - 8 show the dimensions of an embodiment of the tongue and groove joint cf the present invention in English and Metric units.
I )FTAII Fn DF~CRIPTION OF THF INVENTION
The tongue and groove joint of the present invent,ol~ is described with refer~nce to laminate flooring. However, the prese"l invention is applicable to other articles that can be joined with tongue and groove joints.
2S Features and functions of the tongue and groove joint of the present invention are shown in side views of pieces of laminate flooring 10 on figures 1 - 4. A piece of laminate flooring 10 is shown on figure 1 with a rectangular tongue 26 on a planar tongued edge 25. Another piece of laminate flooring 10 is shown on figure 1 with a rectangular groove 16 on a planar grooved edge 15.
Additional features of laminate flooring are decoralive laminate 11, sub:jlrate 13, and backer 14. The decorative laminate provides a wear surface 12. The tongue 26and groove 16 are cut in the substrate. It is believed that particle board, fiberboard or plywood can be suitable substrates 13 for laminate flooring. A backer 14 is believed to be required when laminate tlooring is to be installed on a flexible pad. The backer 14 provides dimensional stability to the laminate flooring and can be a moisture barrier. It Express Mail No. HB105783865 March 22, 1995 4 Docket No. 130129-~45 is believed that a backer is not required for laminate Slooring that will be glued to an existing floor.
The tongue 26 and groove 16 are shown on figure 1 as having planar lower s surfaces, 28 and 18 respectively. These planar lower surfaces are parallel with and an indexing distance from planar wear surface 12. Abutment of the planar lower surface 28 of tongue 26 and the planar lower surface 18 of groove 16 during the joining of the tongue and groove, as shown on figures 2 through 4, causes indexing of wear surfaces 12 of pieces of laminate flooring 10.
The tongue 26 and groove 16 are shown on figures 3 and 4 as having planar upper surfaces, 27 and 17 respectively. These planar upper surfaces are parallel and - spaced apart. This space provides a flow path for glue to flow during the joining of the tongue and groove joint of this invention.
The planar tongued and grooved edges, 25 and 15 respectively, above and below the tongue 26 and groove 16 are shown on figure 4 as not being parallel. The planar tongued edge 25 is cut at a right angle (90 degrees) to the wear surface. The planar grooved edge 15 is cut at an acute angle (less than 90 dsgrees) to the wear 20 surface. This provides a space above tongue 26 and groove 16 for glue 20 to flow to the wear surface 12 of laminate flooring 10. It is believed that this acute angle should be about 82.5 to 87.5 degrees. An acute angle above about 87.5 degrees will not provide sufficient space for viscous glue to flow to the wear surface 12. An acute angle of less than about 82.5 degrees will resu~t in a iarger space than required. Water absorbed by the substrate from the e,~cess glue could swell the su~s~rate and separate the planar tongued and grooved edges, 25 and 15 respectively. This also provides a space below the tongue 26 and groove 16 for the substrate to absorb moisture andswell without damaging the laminate flooring. It is believed that this swelling will not apply pressure for separating the planar tongued and grooved edges, 25 and 15 30 respectively.
Tongue 26 is shown as having a beveled surface 30 extending from its end surface 29 to its upper surface 27. The bevel is shown as cut at an oblique (45 degree) angle to the upper 27 and end 29 surfaces of the tongue 26. The beveled surface 30 35 can serve as a guide during the joining of tongue 26 and groove 16.
Express Mail No. HB105783865 March 22. 1995 ~ Docket No. 130129-045 Glue 20 is shown on figure 2 in the end 19 of groove 16. Glue 20, after curing, adheres the tongue and groove joint together and acts as a barrier against moisture penetration to the substrate 13. Commercially available wood glues are suitable to adhere the tongue and groove joint together. Franklin Titebond ll Wood Glue, which is s available from Franklin Intemational of Columbus, Ohio is believed to be suitable for joining laminate flooring. Franklin Titebond ll Wood Glue is believed to be a polyvinyi acetate emulsion adhesive. When laminate flooring is installed on a flexible pad, it is believed to be desirable for the glue to be somewhat llexible. It is thought that fleYibility of the glue, after curing, can better accommodate depression of laminate flooring at the 10 tongue and groove joint of this invention.
Additional features and functions of the tongue and groove joint of this invention - are shown on figures 2 through 4. As the tongue and groove of two pieces of laminate flooring 1 0 are joined, tongue 26 applies pressure to liquid glue 20 in groove 16. Glue 20 flows past bev~l~ edge 30 and through space 31 b~Y~s~l the upper surface 27 of tongue 26 and the upper surface 1 7 of grooYe 1 6. The lower surfaces 28 of tongue 26 and the lower surface 18 of groove 16 are ~h~tte~ thereby providing an impediment to glue flowing ~t~l~cn the lower surfaces 28 and 18 of the tongue and groove.
The beveled surface 30, as shown of figure 4, reduces the length of the upper surface 27 of tongue 26 and the upper surface 17 of groove 16 as compared to thelengths of the surfaces of a rectangular tongue. This is believed to aid in glue 20 flowing, preferentially, between the upper surfaces of tongue 26 and groove 16 during the joining of pieces of laminate flooring 10. The abutment and length of the lower surfaces, 28 and 18 respective~, of tongue 26 and groove 1 6 is also believed to aid in glue 20 flowing, preferentially, between the upper surfaces of tongue 26 and groove 16 during the joining of pieces of laminate ~IOGr;~Y 10. Additionally, it is believed that pressure created on the glue 20 during the joining of the tongue 26 and groove 16, as shown on figures ~ and 4, will be trans"lit~eJ, in part, downwardly on upper surface 27 and beveled surface 30 of tongue 26. This pressure can also aid in glue 20 flowing, preferentially, beh~een the upper surfaces of tongue 26 and groove 16 during thejoining of pieces of laminate flooring 1 0.
The curing of the glue 20 involves the loss of solvent, water in the case of Franklin Titebond ll Wood Glue, to the subsl~dte 13. Water causes swelling of the substrate. It is believed necessary to limit the volume of glue 20 that will cure by losing Express Mail No. HB1057~3865 March 22, 1995 6 Docket No. 130129-045 water or other solvent to the substrate 13. This is accomplished in the embodiment of this invention as shown on figures 1 - 4 by limiting the distance between (1) the end 19 of groove 16 and the end 29 of tongue 26, (2) the amount of the tongue ~hat is cut off in making beveled surface 30, (3) the space 31 between the upper surface 27 of tongue 26 and the upper surface 17 of groove 16 and (4) the space 32 between planar tongued edge 25 and planar grooved edge 15 above tongue 26 and groove 16, respectively.
It is believed that swelling of the substrate at the upper surfaces of the tongue lO and groove, 27 and 17 respecti-~e~, aids in holding the tongue and groove joint of this invention together. Therefore, it is believed that no more than one hatf and preferably no more than one third of the upper surface 27 of tongue 26 should be removed inclltting the beveled surface 30 on tongue 26. The space between the upper surfaces of the tongue and groove should be limited to the space required for glue to preferentially 15 flow to the wear surface 12 when tongue 26 and groove 16 are joined. It is believed that ex,~ess space can result in damage to laminate flooring. Glue loses water to the substrate 13 ~ cent space 31 during the curing of the glue. Some swelling is beneficial for producing a tight tongue and groove joint. However, excess swelling damages laminate flooring.
Sufficient glue 20 should be placed in the end 19 of the groove 16 such that a portion of the glue will flow to the wear surface 12 as the tongue and groove joint of this invention is joined. Addrtional glue is not beneficial and increases the cleanup efforts.
2s A laminate flooring embodiment of the tongue and groove joint of this invention shown on figures 5 through 8. The dimensions of the features of laminate flooring are preferred dimensions for the embodiment shown. The tolerances are preferred tolerances for the embodiment shown. Dimensions and tolerances are shown on figures 5 and 6 in inches. Dimensions and tolerances shown on figures 7 and 8 in30 millimeters.
The tolerances for cutting the upper and lower surfaces of the tongue and groove are different. It is shown on figures 5 - 8 that the lower surfaces. 28 and 18 respectively, of the tongues and grooves are cut to be 0.2 + 0.0015 inches (5.083~ ~0.0381 millimeters) from the wear surface 12. The upper surface 27 is cut for the tongue 26 to have a minimum width of 0.09 inches (2.286 millimeters) and to increase Ex~ress Mail No. HB105783865 March Z, 1995 7 Docket No. 130129-a45 in width by up to 0.003 inches (0.0762 millimeters) during the cutting of the tongue.
The upper surface 17 is cut for the groove to have a maximum width of 0.1 inches (2.54 millimeters) and to decrease in width by up to 0.~03 inches (0.0762 millimeters) during the cutting of the groove. This provides a minimum space 31 between the upper surface 27 of tongue 26 and the upper surface 17 of groove 16 of 0.004 inches (0.1016 millimeters).
While the illustrative embodiments of the invention have been described with particularity, it will be understood that various other modifications will be apparent to 0 and can be readily made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, it is not intended that the scope of the claims appended hereto be limited to the examples and descriptions set forth herein but rather that the claims be construed as encompassing all the features of patentable novelty that reside in the present invention, including all features that would be treated as 5 equivalents thereof by those skilled the art to which this invention pertains.
Additionally, while the present invention has been illustrated with respect to laminate flooring, it is to be unJers~ood that the tongue and groove of the present invention may be utilized in any ~pplic~tion in which ~It is desired to have a tongue and 20 groove joint, including but not limited to flooring in general, fumiture, cabinets, countertops and wall paneling.
OF MAKING SUC~ A JOINT
INVENTOR: THOMAS J. NELSON
BACKGROUND OF THE !NVENTION
1. Field of the Invention This invention relates to tongue and groove joints. These joints are particularty useful for joining pieces of laminate flooring. Glue in these joints resists pen~ lio" of moisture.
-2. neS~ JtiGI I of the Rei~ted Art Commercially available laminate flooring generally includes a wear surface gluedto a s~,bstrate. The wear surface generally is high-wear resistant decorative laminate.
The substrate generally is fiber board or particle board. Each piece of laminate flooring generally has a groove along one end and one side suitable for joining with a tongue 20 along one side or end of an adjacent piece of laminate flooring.
While such laminate flooring has found wide acceptance in Europe as flooring, itis not substantial~ used in the United States. In part the reason may be due to inst~llation difficulties and the lack of moisture resistance in the joint areas.
Laminate flooring is assembled by placing glue in the groove and inserting the tongue of one piece into the groove of an ~jacent piece. A su~,st~ Itially complementa~ fit of a tongue and groove results in difficu~ty in aligning the tongue and groove. Additionally, as the glue is absorbed into substrate, the substrate swells.
30 causing the groove to tightly squee~e the tongue. This can make full insertion of the tongue into the groove extremely difficult. Furthermore, as the tongue and groove are moved together, glue can be compressed in the groove by the tongue in a piston fashion. This can increase the difficulty in abutting the wear surfaces of ~ entlaminate flooring pieces.
To overcome this assembly problem, laminate flooring manufactures offer E~ress Mail No. HB105783865 March 22,1995 1 Docket No. 130129-045 special tools for assembling pieces of laminate flooring.
One such special tool is a hammering aid that has a flat curface and complementary tongue and groove engaging surfaces. When difficulty is encountered in abutting the wear surfaces of adjacent pieces, the hammering aid is placed along the edge of the laminate. The flat surface of the hammering aid is then struck with a hammer repeatedly to apply a force to the joint and force the tongue and groove together.
However, even with the use of a hammering aid, a gap can remain ~ ccn adjacent pieces. The gap is unsight~ and allows for damaging penetr~lion of moisture to the su~ te. The problem with moisture p~"et~alion into the joint is that it can c.ause the substrate to swell. F~cess swelling damages laminate flooring.
lS Laminate flooring with tongue and groove joints are difficult to manufacture. The tight complementary fit l,e~Y~ccn the tongue and groove requires dltentio" be paid to cutting tolerances for the widths of the tongue and groove. An inleresli.,y yet le, nalic phenomenon occurs during the process of cutting the tongues and grooves. The cutting process itself proglessively dulls and wears the cutting bl~es As the bl~ties pr~g,essively wear, grooves of later c~lt articles are pr~g~ssively narrower than grooves of earlier cut articles. Likewise, tongues of later cut articles are progressive~ wider than tongues of earlier cut articles. Unfortunately, at some point, the widths of the tongues and grooves are not within acceptable tolerances.
Thus there is a need in the art for an improved tongue and grooved joint. There is a need for a tongue and groove joint that does not require special tools for inst~ tion. There is a need for a moisture resistant tongue and groove joint. These and other needs will become apparent to those of skill in the art upon review of this specification, including its claims and drawings.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is one object of the present invention to provide for an improved tongue and grooved joint.
It is even another object of the present invention to provide for a tongue and Express Mail No. HB105783865 March 22, 1995 2 Docket No. 13012g-045 grooved joint that does not require special tools for installation.
It is yet another object of the present invention to provide ~or a moisture resistant tongue and groove joint.
These and other objects of the present invention will become apparent to those of skill in the art upon review of this specification including its claims and drawings.
An article of the present invention has a planar decorative wear surface a o grooved edge and a tongued edge. The tongued edge has a tongue with a planar lower surface positioned an index distance from and parallel to the planar decorative surface. The grooved surface has a groove with a planar lower surface positioned the - index distance from and parallel to the planar decorative surface. The upper surfaces of the tongue and groove are shaped and sked such that upon joining two pieces of the article by positio"ing the lower surfaces of the tongues and grooves to~tt,er and moving the tongue of one piece into the groove of another piec~ liquid glue p~aced in the groove will be squeezed out between the upper surfaces of the tongue and groove and upwardly ~ cn the tongued and grooved edge toward the decorative surfaces of the two pieces. This joint can be assembled without the use of special tools and the 20 glue acts as a barrier to water damage to substrate ot laminate flooring.
The tongue has a beveled surface extending from the end surface to the upper surface of the tongue. The beveled surface can form an oblique angle to the upper surface of the tongue. Preferably more than about one hatf and most preferably more than about two thirds of ttle length of upper surface of the tongue remains after the beveled surface is cut. A space for glue to be squeezed through is provided l~tr/ecn the upper surfaces of tongues and grooves upon joining pieces of the article. A space for glue to be squeezed through is also provided between a planar surface above the tongue and a planar surface above the groove. The planar surface above the tongue 30 forrns a right angle to the decorative surface. The planar surface above the groove forms an acute angle to the decorative surface The acute angle can be about 82.5 to 87.5 degrees. A space is provided between a planar surface below the tongue and a planar surface below the groove. The planar surface below the tongue forms a right angle to the decorative surface. The planar surface below the groove forms an acute 35 angle to the decorative surface The acute angle can be about 82.~ to 87.~ degrees.
Express Mail No. HB105783865 March 22, 1995 3 Docket No. 130129-045 BRIFF DFSCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Figure 1 is a side-view of the tongue and groove joint of the present invention.
Figure 2 is a side-view of an assembly step of the tongue and groove joint of the present invention showing glue placed in the groove and the tongue entering the groove.
Figure 3 is a side-view of an assemb~ step of the tongue and groove joint of thepresent invention showing the tongue in contact with glue in the groove and the glue being squeezed out.
- Figure 4 is a side-view showing the tongue and groove of the present invention being fully joined and glue squeezed out to the wear surface.
hgures 5 - 8 show the dimensions of an embodiment of the tongue and groove joint cf the present invention in English and Metric units.
I )FTAII Fn DF~CRIPTION OF THF INVENTION
The tongue and groove joint of the present invent,ol~ is described with refer~nce to laminate flooring. However, the prese"l invention is applicable to other articles that can be joined with tongue and groove joints.
2S Features and functions of the tongue and groove joint of the present invention are shown in side views of pieces of laminate flooring 10 on figures 1 - 4. A piece of laminate flooring 10 is shown on figure 1 with a rectangular tongue 26 on a planar tongued edge 25. Another piece of laminate flooring 10 is shown on figure 1 with a rectangular groove 16 on a planar grooved edge 15.
Additional features of laminate flooring are decoralive laminate 11, sub:jlrate 13, and backer 14. The decorative laminate provides a wear surface 12. The tongue 26and groove 16 are cut in the substrate. It is believed that particle board, fiberboard or plywood can be suitable substrates 13 for laminate flooring. A backer 14 is believed to be required when laminate tlooring is to be installed on a flexible pad. The backer 14 provides dimensional stability to the laminate flooring and can be a moisture barrier. It Express Mail No. HB105783865 March 22, 1995 4 Docket No. 130129-~45 is believed that a backer is not required for laminate Slooring that will be glued to an existing floor.
The tongue 26 and groove 16 are shown on figure 1 as having planar lower s surfaces, 28 and 18 respectively. These planar lower surfaces are parallel with and an indexing distance from planar wear surface 12. Abutment of the planar lower surface 28 of tongue 26 and the planar lower surface 18 of groove 16 during the joining of the tongue and groove, as shown on figures 2 through 4, causes indexing of wear surfaces 12 of pieces of laminate flooring 10.
The tongue 26 and groove 16 are shown on figures 3 and 4 as having planar upper surfaces, 27 and 17 respectively. These planar upper surfaces are parallel and - spaced apart. This space provides a flow path for glue to flow during the joining of the tongue and groove joint of this invention.
The planar tongued and grooved edges, 25 and 15 respectively, above and below the tongue 26 and groove 16 are shown on figure 4 as not being parallel. The planar tongued edge 25 is cut at a right angle (90 degrees) to the wear surface. The planar grooved edge 15 is cut at an acute angle (less than 90 dsgrees) to the wear 20 surface. This provides a space above tongue 26 and groove 16 for glue 20 to flow to the wear surface 12 of laminate flooring 10. It is believed that this acute angle should be about 82.5 to 87.5 degrees. An acute angle above about 87.5 degrees will not provide sufficient space for viscous glue to flow to the wear surface 12. An acute angle of less than about 82.5 degrees will resu~t in a iarger space than required. Water absorbed by the substrate from the e,~cess glue could swell the su~s~rate and separate the planar tongued and grooved edges, 25 and 15 respectively. This also provides a space below the tongue 26 and groove 16 for the substrate to absorb moisture andswell without damaging the laminate flooring. It is believed that this swelling will not apply pressure for separating the planar tongued and grooved edges, 25 and 15 30 respectively.
Tongue 26 is shown as having a beveled surface 30 extending from its end surface 29 to its upper surface 27. The bevel is shown as cut at an oblique (45 degree) angle to the upper 27 and end 29 surfaces of the tongue 26. The beveled surface 30 35 can serve as a guide during the joining of tongue 26 and groove 16.
Express Mail No. HB105783865 March 22. 1995 ~ Docket No. 130129-045 Glue 20 is shown on figure 2 in the end 19 of groove 16. Glue 20, after curing, adheres the tongue and groove joint together and acts as a barrier against moisture penetration to the substrate 13. Commercially available wood glues are suitable to adhere the tongue and groove joint together. Franklin Titebond ll Wood Glue, which is s available from Franklin Intemational of Columbus, Ohio is believed to be suitable for joining laminate flooring. Franklin Titebond ll Wood Glue is believed to be a polyvinyi acetate emulsion adhesive. When laminate flooring is installed on a flexible pad, it is believed to be desirable for the glue to be somewhat llexible. It is thought that fleYibility of the glue, after curing, can better accommodate depression of laminate flooring at the 10 tongue and groove joint of this invention.
Additional features and functions of the tongue and groove joint of this invention - are shown on figures 2 through 4. As the tongue and groove of two pieces of laminate flooring 1 0 are joined, tongue 26 applies pressure to liquid glue 20 in groove 16. Glue 20 flows past bev~l~ edge 30 and through space 31 b~Y~s~l the upper surface 27 of tongue 26 and the upper surface 1 7 of grooYe 1 6. The lower surfaces 28 of tongue 26 and the lower surface 18 of groove 16 are ~h~tte~ thereby providing an impediment to glue flowing ~t~l~cn the lower surfaces 28 and 18 of the tongue and groove.
The beveled surface 30, as shown of figure 4, reduces the length of the upper surface 27 of tongue 26 and the upper surface 17 of groove 16 as compared to thelengths of the surfaces of a rectangular tongue. This is believed to aid in glue 20 flowing, preferentially, between the upper surfaces of tongue 26 and groove 16 during the joining of pieces of laminate flooring 10. The abutment and length of the lower surfaces, 28 and 18 respective~, of tongue 26 and groove 1 6 is also believed to aid in glue 20 flowing, preferentially, between the upper surfaces of tongue 26 and groove 16 during the joining of pieces of laminate ~IOGr;~Y 10. Additionally, it is believed that pressure created on the glue 20 during the joining of the tongue 26 and groove 16, as shown on figures ~ and 4, will be trans"lit~eJ, in part, downwardly on upper surface 27 and beveled surface 30 of tongue 26. This pressure can also aid in glue 20 flowing, preferentially, beh~een the upper surfaces of tongue 26 and groove 16 during thejoining of pieces of laminate flooring 1 0.
The curing of the glue 20 involves the loss of solvent, water in the case of Franklin Titebond ll Wood Glue, to the subsl~dte 13. Water causes swelling of the substrate. It is believed necessary to limit the volume of glue 20 that will cure by losing Express Mail No. HB1057~3865 March 22, 1995 6 Docket No. 130129-045 water or other solvent to the substrate 13. This is accomplished in the embodiment of this invention as shown on figures 1 - 4 by limiting the distance between (1) the end 19 of groove 16 and the end 29 of tongue 26, (2) the amount of the tongue ~hat is cut off in making beveled surface 30, (3) the space 31 between the upper surface 27 of tongue 26 and the upper surface 17 of groove 16 and (4) the space 32 between planar tongued edge 25 and planar grooved edge 15 above tongue 26 and groove 16, respectively.
It is believed that swelling of the substrate at the upper surfaces of the tongue lO and groove, 27 and 17 respecti-~e~, aids in holding the tongue and groove joint of this invention together. Therefore, it is believed that no more than one hatf and preferably no more than one third of the upper surface 27 of tongue 26 should be removed inclltting the beveled surface 30 on tongue 26. The space between the upper surfaces of the tongue and groove should be limited to the space required for glue to preferentially 15 flow to the wear surface 12 when tongue 26 and groove 16 are joined. It is believed that ex,~ess space can result in damage to laminate flooring. Glue loses water to the substrate 13 ~ cent space 31 during the curing of the glue. Some swelling is beneficial for producing a tight tongue and groove joint. However, excess swelling damages laminate flooring.
Sufficient glue 20 should be placed in the end 19 of the groove 16 such that a portion of the glue will flow to the wear surface 12 as the tongue and groove joint of this invention is joined. Addrtional glue is not beneficial and increases the cleanup efforts.
2s A laminate flooring embodiment of the tongue and groove joint of this invention shown on figures 5 through 8. The dimensions of the features of laminate flooring are preferred dimensions for the embodiment shown. The tolerances are preferred tolerances for the embodiment shown. Dimensions and tolerances are shown on figures 5 and 6 in inches. Dimensions and tolerances shown on figures 7 and 8 in30 millimeters.
The tolerances for cutting the upper and lower surfaces of the tongue and groove are different. It is shown on figures 5 - 8 that the lower surfaces. 28 and 18 respectively, of the tongues and grooves are cut to be 0.2 + 0.0015 inches (5.083~ ~0.0381 millimeters) from the wear surface 12. The upper surface 27 is cut for the tongue 26 to have a minimum width of 0.09 inches (2.286 millimeters) and to increase Ex~ress Mail No. HB105783865 March Z, 1995 7 Docket No. 130129-a45 in width by up to 0.003 inches (0.0762 millimeters) during the cutting of the tongue.
The upper surface 17 is cut for the groove to have a maximum width of 0.1 inches (2.54 millimeters) and to decrease in width by up to 0.~03 inches (0.0762 millimeters) during the cutting of the groove. This provides a minimum space 31 between the upper surface 27 of tongue 26 and the upper surface 17 of groove 16 of 0.004 inches (0.1016 millimeters).
While the illustrative embodiments of the invention have been described with particularity, it will be understood that various other modifications will be apparent to 0 and can be readily made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, it is not intended that the scope of the claims appended hereto be limited to the examples and descriptions set forth herein but rather that the claims be construed as encompassing all the features of patentable novelty that reside in the present invention, including all features that would be treated as 5 equivalents thereof by those skilled the art to which this invention pertains.
Additionally, while the present invention has been illustrated with respect to laminate flooring, it is to be unJers~ood that the tongue and groove of the present invention may be utilized in any ~pplic~tion in which ~It is desired to have a tongue and 20 groove joint, including but not limited to flooring in general, fumiture, cabinets, countertops and wall paneling.
Claims (14)
1. An article having a planar, decorative wear surface, a grooved edge and a tongued edge, wherein the tongued edge comprises a tongue having a planar lower surface positioned an index distance from and parallel to the planar decorative surface,and wherein the grooved surface comprises a groove having a planar lower surface positioned the index distance from and parallel to the planar decorativesurface, and wherein the upper surfaces of the tongue and groove are shaped and sized such that upon joining two pieces of the article by positioning the lower surfaces of the tongues and grooves together and moving the tongue of one piece into the groove of another piece, liquid glue placed in the groove will be squeezed out between the upper surfaces of the tongue and groove and upwardly between the tongued and grooved edge toward the decorative surfaces of the two pieces.
2. The article of claim 1, wherein the tongue has a beveled surface extending from the end surface to the upper surface of the tongue.
3. The article of claim 1, wherein the beveled surface forms an oblique angle to the upper surface of the tongue.
4. The article of claim 1, wherein more than about one half of the length of upper surface of the tongue remaining after the beveled surface is formed.
5. The article of claim 1, wherein more than about two thirds of the length of upper surface of the tongue remains after the beveled surface is formed.
6. The article of claim 1, wherein a space is provided above the tongue and groove upon joining two pieces of the article by a planar surface above the tongue thatforms a right angle to the decorative surface and a planar surface above the groove that forms an acute angle to the decorative surface.
7. The article of claim 1, wherein the acute angle is about 82.5 to 87.5 degrees.
8. The article of claim 1, wherein a space is provided below the tongue and groove upon joining two pieces of the article by a planar surface below the tongue forms a right angle to the decorative surface and a planar surface below the groove that forms an acute angle to the decorative surface.
9. The article of claim 1, wherein the acute angle is about 82.5 to, 87.5 degrees.
10. A method of making a tongue and a groove along joining edges of an article having a decorative wear surface and a grooved joining side and a tongued joining side, comprising:
forming along the grooved joining side a groove having a planar lower surface;
forming along the tongued joining side a tongue having a planar lower surface;
wherein the tongue and the groove are farmed such that the planar, lower surfaces are farmed an index distance from and parallel to the decorative wear surface, and wherein the tongue and groove are formed such that upon joining two pieces of the article by positioning the lower surfaces of the tongues and grooves together and moving the tongues into the grooves, liquid adhesive placed in the groove will be squeezed out over the tongue and toward the decorative wear surfaces of the two pieces of the article.
forming along the grooved joining side a groove having a planar lower surface;
forming along the tongued joining side a tongue having a planar lower surface;
wherein the tongue and the groove are farmed such that the planar, lower surfaces are farmed an index distance from and parallel to the decorative wear surface, and wherein the tongue and groove are formed such that upon joining two pieces of the article by positioning the lower surfaces of the tongues and grooves together and moving the tongues into the grooves, liquid adhesive placed in the groove will be squeezed out over the tongue and toward the decorative wear surfaces of the two pieces of the article.
11. The method of claim 10 wherein the decorative wear surface comprises a high pressure decorative laminate.
12. The method of claim 10 wherein the grooved joining side and the decorative wear surface are oriented at an angle of less than 90.
13. The method of claim 10 wherein the article comprises fiber board.
14. The method of claim to wherein the article comprises medium density fiber board.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US74869696A | 1996-11-13 | 1996-11-13 | |
| US08/748,696 | 1996-11-13 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2218237A1 true CA2218237A1 (en) | 1998-05-13 |
Family
ID=25010542
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2218237 Abandoned CA2218237A1 (en) | 1996-11-13 | 1997-10-14 | Articles with tongue and groove joint and method of making such a joint |
Country Status (5)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| EP (1) | EP0843056A3 (en) |
| BR (1) | BR9705457A (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2218237A1 (en) |
| PL (1) | PL323076A1 (en) |
| SG (1) | SG54579A1 (en) |
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CN114555306A (en) * | 2019-09-24 | 2022-05-27 | 瓦林格创新股份有限公司 | Method for making a mechanical locking system in a building panel |
Families Citing this family (6)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CA2289309A1 (en) * | 1999-01-18 | 2000-07-18 | Premark Rwp Holdings, Inc. | System and method for improving water resistance of laminate flooring |
| CN103978526B (en) * | 2014-05-20 | 2016-03-09 | 张绪如 | Splicing furniture plate |
| CN106401133A (en) * | 2016-11-22 | 2017-02-15 | 江苏欧圣木业有限公司 | Wood-plastic consolidated floor in water-proof non-slip structure and production method of wood-plastic consolidated floor |
| CN108952065A (en) * | 2018-09-18 | 2018-12-07 | 苏州市贝地龙新型材料有限公司 | A kind of multifunctinoal health timber floor and preparation method thereof |
| CN110883879A (en) * | 2019-11-29 | 2020-03-17 | 湖南易红堂家具制造有限公司 | Hot press unit that panel concatenation was used in furniture production |
| CN115030533A (en) * | 2022-01-28 | 2022-09-09 | 宁夏华宇建设工程有限公司 | Green building construction process and green building assembly type wall |
Family Cites Families (4)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US4123885A (en) * | 1976-04-30 | 1978-11-07 | Cyclops Corporation | Building panel joint |
| US5086599A (en) * | 1990-02-15 | 1992-02-11 | Structural Panels, Inc. | Building panel and method |
| US5448865A (en) * | 1993-08-20 | 1995-09-12 | Palmersten; Michael J. | Panel interlocking means with stiffener |
| DE4429205A1 (en) * | 1994-08-18 | 1996-02-22 | Claus Ebert | Parquet element |
-
1997
- 1997-10-08 EP EP97117421A patent/EP0843056A3/en not_active Withdrawn
- 1997-10-10 SG SG1997003705A patent/SG54579A1/en unknown
- 1997-10-14 CA CA 2218237 patent/CA2218237A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 1997-11-10 BR BR9705457-7A patent/BR9705457A/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 1997-11-12 PL PL32307697A patent/PL323076A1/en unknown
Cited By (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CN114555306A (en) * | 2019-09-24 | 2022-05-27 | 瓦林格创新股份有限公司 | Method for making a mechanical locking system in a building panel |
| US11834845B2 (en) | 2019-09-24 | 2023-12-05 | Välinge Innovation AB | Building panel |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| EP0843056A3 (en) | 1998-10-07 |
| SG54579A1 (en) | 1998-11-16 |
| EP0843056A2 (en) | 1998-05-20 |
| BR9705457A (en) | 1999-09-28 |
| PL323076A1 (en) | 1998-05-25 |
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