CA2827450A1 - Subfloor component and method for manufacturing same - Google Patents

Subfloor component and method for manufacturing same Download PDF

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Publication number
CA2827450A1
CA2827450A1 CA 2827450 CA2827450A CA2827450A1 CA 2827450 A1 CA2827450 A1 CA 2827450A1 CA 2827450 CA2827450 CA 2827450 CA 2827450 A CA2827450 A CA 2827450A CA 2827450 A1 CA2827450 A1 CA 2827450A1
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panel
mold
heat
moisture
face
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CA 2827450
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French (fr)
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CA2827450C (en
Inventor
Victor Amend
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AMVIC CORPORATION
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Individual
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Priority to CA2827450A priority Critical patent/CA2827450C/en
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Priority to CA2851000A priority patent/CA2851000C/en
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    • EFIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E04BUILDING
    • E04FFINISHING WORK ON BUILDINGS, e.g. STAIRS, FLOORS
    • E04F15/00Flooring
    • E04F15/18Separately-laid insulating layers; Other additional insulating measures; Floating floors
    • E04F15/185Underlayers in the form of studded or ribbed plates

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Architecture (AREA)
  • Civil Engineering (AREA)
  • Structural Engineering (AREA)
  • Building Environments (AREA)
  • Laminated Bodies (AREA)

Abstract

A method of manufacturing a subfloor component comprises providing a mold configured to form an insulating foam panel, the mold including pedestal-forming structures for forming the panel to have a plurality of pedestals; placing heat-expandable beads into the mold against the pedestal-forming structures; applying heat to the mold to expand the heat-expandable beads to form the panel, wherein the expansion of the heat-expandable beads causes the expanding beads to enter into and conform to the pedestal-forming structures thereby to form the pedestals of the panel; placing a moisture-resistant film into the mold adjacent to the pedestal-forming structures; applying heat to the mold to fuse the film to the panel, the heat causing the film to enter into and conform to the pedestals and fuse thereto; removing the panel with the fused moisture-resistant film from the mold; and attaching a hardboard layer to the panel.

Description

, SUBFLOOR COMPONENT AND METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING SAME
Field of the Invention [0001] The following is directed in general to building construction and renovation, and more particularly to a subfloor component and a method of manufacturing a subfloor component.
Background of the Invention [0002] A subfloor component is a panel or other component meant to be placed on top of a concrete floor or other foundation before a finished floor of, for example, hardwood or tile is installed. The subfloor component may have projections for permitting the flow of moisture underneath the component so as to prevent moisture from standing underneath the subfloor component and causing problems with mold. While subfloor components of varying types are known, improvements are desirable.
Summary of the Invention [0003] According to an aspect, there is provided a subfloor component comprising an insulating foam panel having first and second opposing faces and a plurality of intersecting grooves to define, in cross-section, a plurality of pedestals having walls that extend into the panel from the first face toward the second face; a moisture-resistant film attached to the first face of the panel and that conforms to the pedestals; and a hardboard layer on the second face of the panel.
[0004] Advantageously, the subfloor component has a moisture-resistant film that conforms to the pedestals of the panel, such the when the pedestals are facing downwards against, for example, a concrete floor, moisture can travel along the concrete floor between the pedestals (ie. along channels formed by the grooves of the panel and the concrete floor) without seeping into the foam of the panel itself.
[0005] Enabling the moisture to travel along the channels enables drainage of the moisture that is on the concrete floor below the panel towards the edges of the panels, rather than form standing-water puddles on the concrete floor.
[00061 The attaching of the moisture-resistant film to the pedestals of the panel provides structural integrity to particularly the foam pedestals of the panel.

Thus, while a subfloor component is being transported, or while the subfloor component is being compressed against, for example, a concrete floor during normal use, pieces of foam do not tend to break loose of the panel. In other words, the moisture-resistant film, in addition to preventing ingress of moisture into the panel, tends to keep the foam pedestals intact.
[0007] In one embodiment, the moisture-resistant film is fused to the panel, providing an even more integral structure.
[0008] The hardboard layer on the second surface of the panel provides a flat, integrated surface upon which to overlay further flooring made of wood, linoleum, ceramic, stone, cork, bamboo, eucalyptus or other material. The hardboard layer against the foam panel provides the combination of flatness, impact-absorption, sound absorption, insulation and resiliency suited well for floors in dwellings.
100091 Multiple subfloor components may be installed on a concrete floor simply by setting them down on a concrete floor adjacent to each other, or even somewhat spaced from each other. However, in one embodiment, each subfloor component is shaped to connect to another subfloor component by way of tongues and grooves on respective edges of the hardboard layer. The subfloor components that are so interconnected can provide an overall more uniform surface flatness across subfloor components and discourage shifting of the subfloor components. This can be useful for overlaying further flooring. Other structures for interconnecting subfloor components may be employed. For example, pieces of dowel may be inserted into holes in the edges of the hardboard layers that are being installed adjacent to each other, with the dowel spanning between the adjacent subfloor components.
1000101 According to another aspect, there is provided a method of manufacturing a subfloor component, comprising: providing a mold configured to form an insulating foam panel, the mold including pedestal-forming structures for forming the panel to have, in cross-section, a plurality of pedestals with walls that extend into the panel from a first face of the panel toward a second opposing face of the panel; placing heat-expandable beads into the mold against the pedestal-forming structures; applying heat to the mold to expand the heat-expandable beads to form the panel, wherein the expansion of the heat-expandable beads causes the expanding beads to enter into and conform to the pedestal-forming structures thereby to form the pedestals of the panel; placing a moisture-resistant film into the mold adjacent to the pedestal-forming structures; applying heat to the mold to fuse the film to the panel, the heat causing the film to enter into and conform to the pedestals and fuse thereto;
removing the panel with the fused moisture-resistant film from the mold; and attaching a hardboard layer to the second face of the panel.
1000111 The heat-expandable beads may be expandable polystyrene (EPS) beads. The moisture-resistant film may comprise a material selected from the group consisting of high-impact polystyrene, polyethylene, and ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene).
[00012] Attaching the hardboard layer may comprise applying adhesive to one or both of the hardboard layer and the second face of the panel.
[00013] The hardboard layer may comprise material selected from the group consisting of OSB (oriented strand board), plywood, fiber cement board, cement board, metal sheeting, and magnesium oxide board.
[00014] The method may further comprise shaping the hardboard layer with a tongue/groove configuration for connecting to another hardboard layer of another subfloor component.
[00015] The method may further comprise forming grooves on at least two sides of the hardboard layer, each groove for connecting to at least one connector.
Each connector may be a connector strip comprising opposing tongues, the connector strip being configured for connecting adjacent subfloor components. The forming may comprise forming grooves on four sides of the hardboard layer.
[00016] According to another aspect, there is provided a method of manufacturing a subfloor component, comprising: providing a mold configured to form an insulating foam panel, the mold including pedestal-forming structures for forming the panel to have, in cross-section, a plurality of pedestals with walls that extend into the panel from a first face of the panel toward a second opposing face of the panel; placing heat-expandable beads into the mold against the pedestal-forming structures; applying heat to the mold to expand the heat-expandable beads to form the panel, wherein the expansion of the heat-expandable beads causes the expanding beads to enter into and conform to the pedestal-forming structures thereby to form the pedestals of the panel; removing the panel from the mold; placing a moisture-resistant film adjacent the first face of the panel; applying heat to one or both of the moisture-resistant film and the panel, the heat causing the film to enter into and conform to the pedestals and fuse thereto; and attaching a hardboard layer to the second face of the panel.
[00017] The placing may comprise placing the moisture-resistant film in contact with and/or in non-contact proximity with the first face of the panel.
[00018] The heat-expandable beads may be expandable polystyrene (EPS) beads. The moisture-resistant film may comprise a material selected from the group consisting of: high-impact polystyrene, polyethylene, and ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene).
[00019] Attaching the hardboard layer may comprise applying adhesive to one or both of the hardboard layer and the second face of the panel.
[00020] The hardboard layer may comprise material selected from the group consisting of OSB (oriented strand board), plywood, fiber cement board, cement board, metal sheeting, and magnesium oxide board.
[00021] The method may further comprise shaping the hardboard layer with a tongue/groove configuration for connecting to another hardboard layer of another subfloor component.
[00022] The method may further comprise forming grooves on at least two sides of the hardboard layer, each groove for connecting to at least one connector.
Each connector may be a connector strip comprising opposing tongues, the connector strip being configured for connecting adjacent subfloor components. The forming may comprise forming grooves on four sides of the hardboard layer.
[00023] According to another aspect, there is provided a method of manufacturing a subfloor component, comprising: providing a mold configured to form an insulating foam panel, the mold including pedestal-forming structures for forming the panel to have, in cross-section, a plurality of pedestals with walls that extend into the panel from a first face of the panel toward a second opposing face of the panel; placing a moisture-resistant film into the mold adjacent to the pedestal-forming structures; placing heat-expandable beads into the mold against the moisture-resistant film opposite the pedestal-forming structures; applying heat to the mold to expand the heat-expandable beads to form the panel, wherein the expansion of the heat-expandable beads causes both the film and the expanding beads to enter into and conform to the pedestal-forming structures thereby to form the pedestals of the panel with the moisture-resistant film fused thereto; removing the panel with the fused moisture-resistant film from the mold; attaching a hardboard layer to the second face of the panel; and either prior to or after the attaching, forming grooves on at least two sides of the hardboard layer, each groove for connecting to at least one connector.
[00024] The heat-expandable beads may be expandable polystyrene (EPS) beads. The moisture-resistant film may comprise a material selected from the group consisting of: high-impact polystyrene, polyethylene, and ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene).
[00025] Attaching the hardboard layer may comprise applying adhesive to one or both of the hardboard layer and the second face of the panel.
[00026] The hardboard layer may comprise material selected from the group consisting of: OSB (oriented strand board), plywood, fiber cement board, cement board, metal sheeting, and magnesium oxide board.
[00027] Each connector may be a connector strip comprising opposing tongues, the connector strip being configured for connecting adjacent subfloor components.
[00028] The forming may comprise forming grooves on four sides of the hardboard layer.
Brief Description of the Drawings [00029] Embodiments will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
[00030] Figure 1 is a perspective view of the underside of one embodiment of a subfloor component;
[00031] Figure 2 is a bottom view of the subfloor component of Figure 1;
[00032] Figure 3 is a side view of the subfloor component of Figure 1;
[00033] Figure 4 is an end view of the subfloor component of Figure 1;
[00034] Figure 5 is a top view of the subfloor component of Figure 1;
[00035] Figure 6 is a perspective view of the underside of another embodiment of a subfloor component;
[00036] Figure 7 is a bottom view of the subfloor component of Figure 6;
[00037] Figure 8 is a side view of the subfloor component of Figure 6;
[00038] Figure 9 is an end view of the subfloor component of Figure 6;
[00039] Figure 10 is a top view of the subfloor component of Figure 6;
[00040] Figure 11 is a bottom view of another embodiment of a subfloor component;
[00041] Figure 12 is a side view of the subfloor component of Figure 11;
[00042] Figure 13 is an end view of the subfloor component of Figure 11;
[00043] Figure 14 is a top view of the subfloor component of Figure 11;
[00044] Figure 15 is a bottom view of another embodiment of a subfloor component;
[00045] Figure 16 is a side view of the subfloor component of Figure 15;
[00046] Figure 17 is an end view of the subfloor component of Figure 15;
[00047] Figure 18 is a top view of the subfloor component of Figure 15;
[00048] Figure 19 is a bottom view of another embodiment of a subfloor component;
[00049] Figure 20 is a side view of the subfloor component of Figure 19;
[00050] Figure 21 is an end view of the subfloor component of Figure 19;
[00051] Figure 22 is a top view of the subfloor component of Figure 19;
[00052] Figure 23 is a bottom view of another embodiment of a subfloor component;
[00053] Figure 24 is a side view of the subfloor component of Figure 22;
[00054] Figure 25 is an end view of the subfloor component of Figure 22;
[00055] Figure 26 is a top view of the subfloor component of Figure 22;
[00056] Figure 27 is a bottom view of another embodiment of a subfloor component;
[00057] Figure 28 is a side view of the subfloor component of Figure 27;
[00058] Figure 29 is an end view of the subfloor component of Figure 28;
[00059] Figure 30 is a top view of the subfloor component of Figure 29;
[00060] Figure 31 is a bottom view of another embodiment of a subfloor component;
[00061] Figure 32 is a side view of the subfloor component of Figure 31;
[00062] Figure 33 is an end view of the subfloor component of Figure 31;
[00063] Figure 34 is a top view of the subfloor component of Figure 31;
[00064] Figure 35 is a perspective view of a moisture-resistant film layer being placed against pedestal-forming structures that are within one of the components of a mold structure during manufacture of the subfloor component of Figure 1;
[00065] Figure 36 is a perspective view of expandable polystyrene beads being poured into the mold structure atop the moisture-resistant film layer;
[00066] Figure 37 is a perspective view of a mold structure being closed prior to applying heat to the mold;
[00067] Figure 38 is a cutaway view of the end of the mold structure enclosing the moisture-resistant film layer and the expandable polystyrene beads while the mold structure is being heated;
[00068] Figure 39 is a perspective view of the insulating foam panel having been formed with pedestals within the mold and the moisture-resistant film layer fused to the panel's pedestals;
[00069] Figure 40 is a perspective view of the hardboard layer being aligned with the face of the insulating foam panel that is opposite to the panel's pedestals;
[00070] Figure 41 is a perspective view of the subfloor component having been formed;
[00071] Figure 42 is a flowchart of steps for manufacturing a subfloor component;
[00072] Figure 43 is a perspective view of expandable polystyrene beads being poured into a mold structure, and against pedestal-forming structures within the mold structure, during manufacture of the subfloor component of Figure 1, according to another embodiment;
[00073] Figure 44 is a perspective view of the mold structure being closed prior to applying heat to the mold;
[00074] Figure 45 is a cutaway view of the end of the mold structure enclosing the expandable polystyrene beads while the mold structure is being heated;
[00075] Figure 46 is a perspective view of a moisture-resistant film layer placed against the pedestal-forming structures within the mold structure, and the insulating foam panel being placed against the moisture-resistant film layer;
1000761 Figure 47 is a flowchart of steps for manufacturing a subfloor component, according to the embodiment of Figures 43 to 46;
1000771 Figure 48 is a perspective view of a moisture-resistant film layer being placed against an insulating foam panel during manufacture of the subfloor component of Figure 1, according to another embodiment;
1000781 Figure 49 is a flowchart of steps for manufacturing a subfloor component, according to the embodiment of Figure 48; and 1000791 Figure 50 is an exploded side view of a portion two subfloor components according to another embodiment, and a connector strip therebetween.
Detailed Description of the Embodiments [00080] In Figures 1 through 5, there is shown a subfloor component 10 according to an embodiment. Subfloor component 10 is rectangular in shape, and includes a hardboard panel 12, an insulating foam panel 14, and a moisture-resistant film 16. The insulating foam panel 14 includes first and second opposing faces.
Multiple intersecting grooves in the first face define, in cross-section, multiple pedestals 17 that have walls that extend into the insulating foam panel 14 from the first face toward the second face. The moisture-resistant film 16 is attached to the first face of the panel and conforms to the pedestals 17. The hardboard layer 12 is on the second face of the panel, which is opposite the panel 14 from the first face.
1000811 In this embodiment, the hardboard panel 12 is oriented strand board (OSB), a material well-known to be employed in building construction. Also in this embodiment, the insulating foam panel 14 is formed of expanded polystyrene (EPS), and the hardboard panel 12 is glued to the insulating foam panel 14.
Furthermore, in this embodiment the moisture-resistant film 16 is a thin layer of high-impact polystyrene.
[00082] In this embodiment, the moisture-resistant film 16 is fused to the insulating foam panel 14 such that the moisture-resistant film 16 is affixed to the top and wall of the pedestals 17 as well as to the bottom of the grooves. The subfloor component 10 is to be placed on a foundation floor or other such structure with the pedestals 17 downwards and with the moisture-resistant film 16 between the insulating foam layer 14 and the foundation floor. Moisture on the foundation floor is able to pass between the pedestals 17 and can contact the moisture-resistant film 16 in order to drain away from underneath the subfloor component 10. The moisture-resistant film layer 16 effectively resists the passage of moisture into the insulating foam panel 14 from the foundation floor thereby keeping the insulating foam panel 14 suitably dry.
[00083] The fusing of the moisture-resistant film 16 and the insulating foam panel 14 enables the pedestals 17 to which the moisture-resistant film is conforming to have increased resistance to breakage. As would be understood, as useful as expanded EPS is for insulation, it can be brittle. In this embodiment, the pedestals 17, which are shaped as squares, each have four (4) walls meeting at four (4) edges and four (4) top corners. Particularly the top corners and also the edges are most prone to being broken away during transportation, installation, or usage. The present inventor has discovered that, particularly for a subfloor component 10 that will be experiencing various physical pressures from above, advantages are gained by employing a moisture-resistant film 16 that not only resists moisture reaching the insulating foam panel 16 but conforms to the pedestals in order to provide drainage and also increase the structural integrity of the pedestals 17. In this way, physical pressures both during construction (workers, wheel barrows, other machinery) and when construction is complete (home owners, employees, couches, filing cabinets etc.) can be better withstood by the pedestals 17.
[00084] In this embodiment, the walls of the intersecting grooves have a height of about 15 millimetres, giving the pedestals 17 a corresponding height.
However, other heights are possible. For example, other embodiments may provide heights of between about 15 millimetres to about 20 millimetres. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the intersecting grooves have a width of about 15 millimetres, giving the pedestals 17 a corresponding spacing. However, other widths are possible. For example, other embodiments may provide widths of between about 15 millimetres to about 20 millimetres. It will be understood that having all grooves have the same width is not required.
[00085] While the above-described subfloor component 10 can be useful for many purposes, the present inventor has also developed additional embodiments.
For example, Figures 6 through 10 show a subfloor component 10a according to another , embodiment. Subfloor component 10a is square in shape, and includes a hardboard panel 12a, an insulating foam panel 14a, and a moisture-resistant film 16a.
Like the embodiment described in Figures 1 through 5, the insulating foam panel 14a includes first and second opposing faces. Multiple intersecting grooves in the first face define, in cross-section, multiple pedestals 17a that have walls that extend into the insulating foam panel 14a from the first face toward the second face. The moisture-resistant film 16a is attached to the first face of the panel and conforms to the pedestals 17a.
The hardboard layer 12a is on the second face of the panel, which is opposite the panel 14a from the first face. As can be seen, subfloor component 10a is similar to subfloor component 10, but is square instead of rectangular.
[00086] Figures 11 through 14 show a subfloor component 10b according to another embodiment. Subfloor component 10b is square in shape, and includes a hardboard panel 12b, an insulating foam panel 14b, and a moisture-resistant film 16b.
Like the embodiment described in Figures 1 through 5, the insulating foam panel 14b includes first and second opposing faces. Multiple intersecting grooves in the first face define, in cross-section, multiple pedestals 17b that have walls that extend into the insulating foam panel 14b from the first face toward the second face. The moisture-resistant film 16b is attached to the first face of the panel and conforms to the pedestals 17b. The hardboard layer 12b is on the second face of the panel, which is opposite the panel 14b from the first face. As can be seen, subfloor component 10b is similar to subfloor component 10, but is square instead of rectangular.
Furthermore, each of the pedestals 17b are circular, rather than square. The pedestals 17b being circular means that each pedestal 17b only has one wall, and thus there are no top corners. Because pedestal 17b does not have any top comers, breakage due to handling or use of the subfloor component lob is even less likely.
[00087] Figures 15 through 18 show a subfloor component 10c according to another embodiment. Subfloor component 10c is square in shape, and includes a hardboard panel 12c, an insulating foam panel 14c, and a moisture-resistant film 16c.
Like the embodiment described in Figures 1 through 5, the insulating foam panel 14c includes first and second opposing faces. Multiple intersecting grooves in the first face define, in cross-section, multiple pedestals 17c that have walls that extend into the insulating foam panel 14c from the first face toward the second face. The moisture-resistant film 16c is attached to the first face of the panel and conforms to the pedestals 17c. The hardboard layer 12c is on the second face of the panel, which is opposite the panel 14c from the first face. As can be seen, subfloor component 10c is similar to subfloor component 10, but is square instead of rectangular.
Furthermore, each of the pedestals 17c are oval-shaped, rather than square.
The pedestals 17c being oval-shaped means that each pedestal 17c only has one wall, and thus there are no top corners. Because pedestal 17c does not have any top corners, breakage due to handling or use of the subfloor component 10c is less likely.
[00088] Figures 19 through 22 show a subfloor component 10d according to another embodiment. Subfloor component 10d is square in shape, and includes a hardboard panel 12d, an insulating foam panel 14d, and a moisture-resistant film 16d.
Like the embodiment described in Figures 1 through 5, the insulating foam panel 14d includes first and second opposing faces. Multiple intersecting grooves in the first face define, in cross-section, multiple pedestals 17d that have walls that extend into the insulating foam panel 14d from the first face toward the second face. The moisture-resistant film 16d is attached to the first face of the panel and conforms to the pedestals 17d. The hardboard layer 12a is on the second face of the panel, which is opposite the panel 14d from the first face. As can be seen, subfloor component 10d is similar to subfloor component 10, but is square instead of rectangular.
Furthermore, there are two different sizes of pedestals 17d, namely a thin rectangle and a thick rectangle.
[00089] Figures 23 through 26 show a subfloor component 10d according to another embodiment. Subfloor component 10e is square in shape, and includes a hardboard panel 12e, an insulating foam panel 14e, and a moisture-resistant film 16e.
Like the embodiment described in Figures 1 through 5, the insulating foam panel 14e includes first and second opposing faces. Multiple intersecting grooves in the first face define, in cross-section, multiple pedestals 17e that have walls that extend into the insulating foam panel 14e from the first face toward the second face. The moisture-resistant film 16e is attached to the first face of the panel and conforms to the pedestals 17e. The hardboard layer 12e is on the second face of the panel, which is opposite the panel 14e from the first face. As can be seen, subfloor component 10e is similar to subfloor component 10, but is square instead of rectangular.
Furthermore, the pedestals 17e are diamond-shaped.
[00090] Figures 27 through 30 show a subfloor component 10f according to another embodiment. Subfloor component 10f is square in shape, and includes a hardboard panel 12f, an insulating foam panel 14f, and a moisture-resistant film 16f.
Like the embodiment described in Figures 1 through 5, the insulating foam panel 14f includes first and second opposing faces. Multiple intersecting grooves in the first face define, in cross-section, multiple pedestals 17f that have walls that extend into the insulating foam panel 14f from the first face toward the second face. The moisture-resistant film 16f is attached to the first face of the panel and conforms to the pedestals 17f. The hardboard layer 12f is on the second face of the panel, which is opposite the panel 14f from the first face. As can be seen, subfloor component 10f is similar to subfloor component 10, but is square instead of rectangular.
Furthermore, the pedestals 17f are all rectangles.
[00091] Figures 31 through 34 show a subfloor component lOg according to another embodiment. Subfloor component lOg is square in shape, and includes a hardboard panel 12g, an insulating foam panel 14g, and a moisture-resistant film 16g.
Like the embodiment described in Figures 1 through 5, the insulating foam panel 14g includes first and second opposing faces. Multiple intersecting grooves in the first face define, in cross-section, multiple pedestals 17g that have walls that extend into the insulating foam panel 14g from the first face toward the second face. The moisture-resistant film 16g is attached to the first face of the panel and conforms to the pedestals 17g. The hardboard layer 12g is on the second face of the panel, which is opposite the panel 14g from the first face. As can be seen, subfloor component 10g is similar to subfloor component 10, but is square instead of rectangular.
Furthermore, the pedestals 17g are all hexagons.
[00092] It will be understood that a subfloor component with pedestals of different shapes, including others not disclosed above, or mixtures of differently-shaped pedestals such as those described above, may be provided.
[00093] The various subfloor components described herein may generally be used alongside each other in a particular installation, provided that the overall thicknesses of two different panels are similar, and provided that using differently-shaped pedestals in two different subfloor components does not unduly impede the flow of moisture beneath the subfloor components. In one embodiment, subfloor components have tongue and groove configurations along the edges which abut against each other, such that the tongue of one panel can be received within the groove of the adjacent panel. The tongues/grooves may have square, rectangular configurations with or without rounded distal corners. The tongue and groove configuration may be formed prior to, or after, attaching the hardboard panel to the insulating foam panel.
[00094] Figure 42 shows a flowchart of steps of a method of manufacturing a subfloor component such as subfloor component 10 described above. The treatment of the materials involved in the steps are illustrated in Figures 35 through 41. In Figure 35, a mold structure is shown have a top portion 50 and a bottom portion 52. It will be understood that the terms top and bottom may be interchanged with left and right, for example, in the case of a mold structure that stands vertically.
[00095] First, a generally-flat piece of moisture-resistant film 16 is placed within the bottom portion 52 of the mold structure on top of and therefore adjacent to pedestal-forming structures 54 (step 100), as shown in Figure 35. The pedestal forming structures 52 are part of the mold structure and have a shape corresponding to the shape of the desired pedestals 17. With the moisture-resistant film 16 adjacent to the pedestal-forming structures 54, heat-expandable beads 56 are then placed into the mold structure on top of the moisture-resistant film 16 (step 200), as shown in Figure 36. The heat-expandable beads are thus placed against a side of the moisture-resistant film 16 that is opposite the pedestal forming structures 54. As shown in Figure 37, with the moisture-resistant film 16 and the heat-expandable beads 56 within the mold structure between top 50 and bottom 52 portions, the mold structure is then closed.
At this point, heat is then applied to the mold structure (step 300) so as to cause the heat-expandable beads 56 to expand and fuse together. While the heat-expandable beads 56 are expanding to form the insulating foam panel 14, the pressure of the expansion causes both the moisture-resistant film 16 and the expanding beads 56 to enter into and conform to the pedestal-forming structures 54, as shown in the cutaway view of Figure 38. The moisture-resistant film being of high-impact polystyrene fuses at its surface under the applied heat to the facing surface of the insulating foam panel 14 being formed.
[00096] With the insulating foam panel 14 having been formed with pedestals 17 and having been fused to moisture-resistant film 16, as shown in Figure 39, the combination is then removed from the mold structure (step 400). As shown in Figures 40 and 41, the hardboard layer 12 is then adhered to the combination that was removed from the mold structure, thereby to form the subfloor component 10.
[00097] Other methods may be used to manufacture a subfloor component, such as the subfloor component 10 described above. For example, Figure 47 shows a flowchart of steps of a method of manufacturing a subfloor component such as subfloor component 10 described above. The treatment of the materials involved in some of the steps is illustrated in Figures 43 through 46. In Figure 43, a mold structure is shown as having a top portion 50 and a bottom portion 52. It will be understood that the terms top and bottom may be interchanged with left and right, for example, in the case of a mold structure that stands vertically.
[00098] First, heat-expandable beads 56 are placed into the mold structure within the bottom portion 52 of the mold structure on top of and therefore adjacent to pedestal-forming structures 54 (step 610), as shown in Figure 43. As shown in Figure 44, with the heat-expandable beads 56 within the mold structure between top 50 and bottom 52 portions, the mold structure is then closed. At this point, heat is then applied to the mold structure (step 620) so as to cause the heat-expandable beads 56 to expand and fuse together. While the heat-expandable beads 56 are expanding to form the insulating foam panel 14, the pressure of the expansion causes the expanding beads 56 to enter into and conform to the pedestal-forming structures 54, as shown in the cutaway view of Figure 45.
[00099] With the insulating foam panel 14 having been formed with pedestals 17, the mold structure is then opened and a generally-flat piece of moisture-resistant film 16 is placed within the bottom portion 52 of the mold structure on top of and therefore adjacent to pedestal-forming structures 54 (step 630), and under the pedestals 17 of the insulating foam panel 14, as shown in Figure 46. With the moisture-resistant film 16 within the mold structure between the insulating foam panel 14 and bottom portion 52, the mold structure is then closed either partially or completely. Heat is applied to the mold structure (step 640) so as to cause the moisture-resistant film 16 to enter into and conform to the pedestal-forming structures 54 and to the pedestals 17. The moisture-resistant film being of high-impact polystyrene fuses at its surface under the applied heat to the facing surface of the insulating foam panel 14.
[000100] With the insulating foam panel 14 having been fused to moisture-resistant film 16, the combination is then removed from the mold structure (step 650).
The hardboard layer 12 is then adhered to the combination that was removed from the mold structure (step 660), thereby to form the subfloor component 10.
[000101] Still other methods may be used to manufacture a subfloor component, such as the subfloor component 10 described above. For example, Figure 49 shows a flowchart of steps of a method of manufacturing a subfloor component such as subfloor component 10 described above.
[000102] First, heat-expandable beads 56 are placed into the mold structure within the bottom portion 52 of the mold structure on top of and therefore adjacent to pedestal-forming structures 54 (step 710), as described above and with reference to Figure 43. With the heat-expandable beads 56 within the mold structure between top 50 and bottom 52 portions, the mold structure is then closed. Again, it will be understood that the terms top and bottom may be interchanged with left and right, for example, in the case of a mold structure that stands vertically. At this point, heat is then applied to the mold structure (step 720) so as to cause the heat-expandable beads 56 to expand and fuse together. While the heat-expandable beads 56 are expanding to form the insulating foam panel 14, the pressure of the expansion causes the expanding beads 56 to enter into and conform to the pedestal-forming structures 54, as described above and with reference to Figure 45.
[000103] With the insulating foam panel 14 having been formed with pedestals 17, the mold is then opened and the insulating foam panel 14 is then removed from the mold structure (step 730). A generally-flat piece of moisture-resistant film 16 is placed adjacent the tops of the pedestals 17 of the insulating foam panel 14 (step 740).
It will be understood that the moisture-resistant film 16 may be placed in contact with and/or in non-contact proximity with tops of the pedestals 17 of the insulating foam panel 14. Heat is then applied to one or both of the moisture-resistant film 16 and the insulating foam panel 14 (step 750), so as to cause the moisture-resistant film 16 to enter into and conform to the pedestals 17 of the insulating foam panel 14.
The moisture-resistant film being of high-impact polystyrene fuses at its surface under the applied heat to the facing surface of the insulating foam panel 14. During this step, the heat may be applied by any suitable heat source, such as for example a hot air blower, one or more heating elements, an oven, and the like.
[000104] With the insulating foam panel 14 having been fused to moisture-resistant film 16, the hardboard layer 12 is then adhered to the combination that was removed from the mold structure (step 750), thereby to form the subfloor component 10.
[000105] Although in embodiments described above, the subfloor components have tongue and groove configurations along the edges which abut against each other, in other embodiments, other configurations may be used. For example, in other embodiments, the subfloor components may alternatively have grooves along the edges, and with each groove being configured to receive a connector for connecting adjacent subfloor components. The connector may be, for example, a longitudinal connector strip comprising opposing tongues, with each tongue being shaped to be received by a respective groove.
[000106] For example, Figure 50 shows two adjacent subfloor components 10, each subfloor component 10 including a hardboard panel 12, an insulating foam panel 14, and a moisture-resistant film (not shown). The insulating foam panel 14 includes first and second opposing faces, with multiple intersecting grooves in the first face defining, in cross-section, multiple pedestals (not shown), as in subfloor component described above and with reference to Figures 1 to 5. Each hardboard panel 12 has two (2) grooves 882 formed therein on opposing sides. In this embodiment, the adjacent subfloor components 10 are configured to be connected by a connector in the form of a longitudinal connector strip 890. The connector strip 890 comprises two (2) opposing tongues 894, with each tongue 894 being shaped to be received by a respective groove 882 for connecting the adjacent subfloor components 10.
[000107] Although in the embodiment shown in Figure 50, there are grooves formed along two (2) opposing sides of the hardboard panel, in other embodiments, there may alternatively be grooves formed along the four (4) sides of the hardboard panel. The grooves may be formed prior to, or after, attaching the hardboard panel to the insulating foam panel.
1000108] The many features and advantages of the invention are apparent from the detailed specification and, thus, it is intended by the appended claims to cover all such features and advantages of the invention that fall within the true purpose of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact operation illustrated and described, and accordingly all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the purpose and scope of the invention.
10001091 For example, the moisture-resistant film may be made of other materials, such as polyethylene, or ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene).
Furthermore, materials for the hardboard layer may be selected from plywood, fiber cement board, cement board, metal sheeting, and magnesium oxide board. Other materials, provided that they may be adhered to the insulating foam panel and provide a suitable amount of rigidity, may be employed for a hardboard layer.
10001101 Furthermore, while in the embodiments disclosed above the pedestals are generally uniformly distributed across the insulating foam panel, alternatives may be provided having pedestals that are not so uniformly distributed.

Claims (27)

1. A method of manufacturing a subfloor component, comprising:
providing a mold configured to form an insulating foam panel, the mold including pedestal-forming structures for forming the panel to have, in cross-section, a plurality of pedestals with walls that extend into the panel from a first face of the panel toward a second opposing face of the panel;
placing heat-expandable beads into the mold against the pedestal-forming structures;
applying heat to the mold to expand the heat-expandable beads to form the panel, wherein the expansion of the heat-expandable beads causes the expanding beads to enter into and conform to the pedestal-forming structures thereby to form the pedestals of the panel;
placing a moisture-resistant film into the mold adjacent to the pedestal-forming structures;
applying heat to the mold to fuse the film to the panel, the heat causing the film to enter into and conform to the pedestals and fuse thereto;
removing the panel with the fused moisture-resistant film from the mold; and attaching a hardboard layer to the second face of the panel.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the heat-expandable beads are expandable polystyrene (EPS) beads.
3. The method of claim 2, wherein the moisture-resistant film comprises a material selected from the group consisting of: high-impact polystyrene, polyethylene, and ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene).
4. The method of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein attaching the hardboard layer comprises applying adhesive to one or both of the hardboard layer and the second face of the panel.
5. The method of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the hardboard layer comprises material selected from the group consisting of: OSB (oriented strand board), plywood, fiber cement board, cement board, metal sheeting, and magnesium oxide board.
6. The method of any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising:
shaping the hardboard layer with a tongue/groove configuration for connecting to another hardboard layer of another subfloor component.
7. The method of any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising:
forming grooves on at least two sides of said hardboard layer, each groove for connecting to at least one connector.
8. The method of claim 7, wherein each connector is a connector strip comprising opposing tongues, the connector strip being configured for connecting adjacent subfloor components.
9. The method of claim 7 or 8, wherein said forming comprises forming grooves on four sides of said hardboard layer.
10. A method of manufacturing a subfloor component, comprising:
providing a mold configured to form an insulating foam panel, the mold including pedestal-forming structures for forming the panel to have, in cross-section, a plurality of pedestals with walls that extend into the panel from a first face of the panel toward a second opposing face of the panel;
placing heat-expandable beads into the mold against the pedestal-forming structures;
applying heat to the mold to expand the heat-expandable beads to form the panel, wherein the expansion of the heat-expandable beads causes the expanding beads to enter into and conform to the pedestal-forming structures thereby to form the pedestals of the panel;
removing the panel from the mold;

placing a moisture-resistant film adjacent the first face of the panel;
applying heat to one or both of the moisture-resistant film and the panel, the heat causing the film to enter into and conform to the pedestals and fuse thereto; and attaching a hardboard layer to the second face of the panel.
11. The method of claim 10, wherein said placing comprises placing the moisture-resistant film in contact with and/or in non-contact proximity with the first face of the panel.
12. The method of claim 10 or 11, wherein the heat-expandable beads are expandable polystyrene (EPS) beads.
13. The method of claim 12, wherein the moisture-resistant film comprises a material selected from the group consisting of: high-impact polystyrene, polyethylene, and ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene).
14. The method of any one of claims 10 to 13, wherein attaching the hardboard layer comprises applying adhesive to one or both of the hardboard layer and the second face of the panel.
15. The method of any one of claims 10 to 14, wherein the hardboard layer comprises material selected from the group consisting of: OSB (oriented strand board), plywood, fiber cement board, cement board, metal sheeting, and magnesium oxide board.
16. The method of any one of claims 10 to 15, further comprising:
shaping the hardboard layer with a tongue/groove configuration for connecting to another hardboard layer of another subfloor component.
17. The method of any one of claims 10 to 15, further comprising:

forming grooves on at least two sides of said hardboard layer, each groove for connecting to at least one connector.
18. The method of claim 17, wherein each connector is a connector strip comprising opposing tongues, the connector strip being configured for connecting adjacent subfloor components.
19. The method of claim 17 or 18, wherein said forming comprises forming grooves on four sides of said hardboard layer.
20. A method of manufacturing a subfloor component, comprising:
providing a mold configured to form an insulating foam panel, the mold including pedestal-forming structures for forming the panel to have, in cross-section, a plurality of pedestals with walls that extend into the panel from a first face of the panel toward a second opposing face of the panel;
placing a moisture-resistant film into the mold adjacent to the pedestal-forming structures;
placing heat-expandable beads into the mold against the moisture-resistant film opposite the pedestal-forming structures;
applying heat to the mold to expand the heat-expandable beads to form the panel, wherein the expansion of the heat-expandable beads causes both the film and the expanding beads to enter into and conform to the pedestal-forming structures thereby to form the pedestals of the panel with the moisture-resistant film fused thereto;
removing the panel with the fused moisture-resistant film from the mold;
attaching a hardboard layer to the second face of the panel; and either prior to or after said attaching, forming grooves on at least two sides of said hardboard layer, each groove for connecting to at least one connector.
21. The method of claim 20, wherein the heat-expandable beads are expandable polystyrene (EPS) beads.
22. The method of claim 21, wherein the moisture-resistant film comprises a material selected from the group consisting of: high-impact polystyrene, polyethylene, and ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene).
23. The method of any one of claims 20 to 22, wherein attaching the hardboard layer comprises applying adhesive to one or both of the hardboard layer and the second face of the panel.
24. The method of any one of claims 20 to 23, wherein the hardboard layer comprises material selected from the group consisting of: OSB (oriented strand board), plywood, fiber cement board, cement board, metal sheeting, and magnesium oxide board.
25. The method of any one of claims 20 to 24, wherein each connector is a connector strip comprising opposing tongues, the connector strip being configured for connecting adjacent subfloor components.
26. The method of any one of claims 20 to 25, wherein said forming comprises forming grooves on four sides of said hardboard layer.
27. A subfloor component fabricated according to the method of any one of claims 1 to 26.
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Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2016201601A1 (en) * 2015-06-15 2016-12-22 浙江润阳新材料科技股份有限公司 Multifunctional cushion, and mounting and using method therefor

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2016201601A1 (en) * 2015-06-15 2016-12-22 浙江润阳新材料科技股份有限公司 Multifunctional cushion, and mounting and using method therefor

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