EP1470302B1 - Modular flooring system with framed tiles - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention concerns a flooring system comprising tiles (7), at least a series of identical and rigid slab framing modules (1, 8) in at least one plane, the framing modules of the series being complementary so as to be placed relative to one another for form an exposed grid of said slabs (7) and means for removably assembling together the modules, designed to impose a relative orientation of said modules and link them rigidly in one plane at least and to enable, once the flooring system is installed, to remove any one of the framing modules by manipulating only said framing module and, if required, only the adjacent slab(s) and or modules adjacent thereto.

Description

The invention relates to a modular floor covering with slabs and apparent framing modules of said slabs participating in the aesthetic appearance of the coating. The invention particularly relates to a modular coating whose various constituent elements are designed so that their relative positioning, and in particular the alignment or the relative orientation of said elements, are automatic, imposed, invariable and do not require the use of any measuring tool.

In particular, the invention relates to a modular floor covering comprising slabs, complementary framing modules that can be placed relative to each other so as to form an apparent framing mesh slabs, and means of assembling the framing modules together in an orientation that is imposed by the shape of said modules and / or the structure of said assembly means.

The inventor has determined that it would be desirable to be able to associate framing modules of various types, such as boards of wood or laminated material or metal blades, and slabs of all types-such as tiles in terracotta, ceramic, etc., or slabs of carpet or other synthetic material such as PVC, or slabs of natural fibers (coconut, sisal, seagrass, etc.), or glass slabs. Such a coating would allow anyone to compose, from elements manufactured and marketed industrially, a unique floor covering customized to their tastes.

The inventor has further determined that it would be desirable to have a modular floor covering easy maintenance and aesthetic appearance modifiable at will according to changing patterns or tastes of each.

FR 2,449,762 describes a floor comprising modular elements forming a rigid and continuous basic network, slabs and finishing strips. The modular elements comprise, on the one hand, "notched joints" for fastening the elements together, and on the other hand "ribs" transverse "or fins for the support of the slabs Each modular element is in the form of a" branch "and has longitudinal" joints "for its connection to two other aligned elements, and" joints "side for connection to two other perpendicular elements The longitudinal "joints" comprise, at one of the longitudinal ends of the branch, a longitudinal tongue provided with lower teeth and, at the other longitudinal end of the branch, a longitudinal conjugate cavity provided with holes of The lateral "seals" comprise, in the middle part of one side of the branch, a lateral tongue provided with teeth and, in the middle part of the other side of the branch, a lateral cavity provided with holes of receiving teeth of a longitudinal tongue Thus, each modular element has a male-type attachment and a female type attachment at its longitudinal ends nales, and a male-type attachment and a female-type attachment in the middle part of its sides, which allow to build a rigid base network in all planes. Furthermore, each slab, carried by the fins of the modular elements adjacent thereto, is sealed to the ground by mortar, so that the network itself is also sealed to the ground. Such a floor is permanently laid and can not be modified in its aesthetic aspects once installed.

EP 178.241 discloses a dismountable floor consisting of filling plates which are embedded between the cross branches formed by connecting elements. Each connecting element comprises a central cut, of thickness equal to half the thickness of the floor and of length equal to the width of the elements, and two cuts made at each of its ends, these cuts being arranged alternately, one on one side and the other on the opposite side so as to allow a connection by butt embedding elements. Each connecting element further comprises a rib along each of its side edges, intended to be fitted horizontally in a conjugate lateral groove formed in the edge of the adjacent filler plate. The filler plates and connecting elements are thus rigidly fixed to one another. Once installed, such a floor can not undergo any aesthetic modification of shape, materials, etc., without being totally dismantled. Its maintenance is also tedious. Moreover, the presence of lateral mounting grooves in the filling plates limits the choice of materials that can be used for the manufacture of said plates, and notably requires the use of thick rigid plates, which excludes carpet tiles, natural fibers , etc.

US 5438809 and DE-200 01412 U1 aim at objectives different from that of the invention and propose floors or coatings which, like the previous floors previously described, require the use of special slabs and / or are difficult to maintain and can only be dismantled if necessary totally. In particular, US5,438,809 aims to provide a floor that can be placed on any soil, without it being necessary to make a smoothing screed. The floor units, each comprising a flat and rigid support plate, a plurality of decorative slabs and a compressible frame, are joined together by slat-shaped keys. Each key is embedded between two adjacent units, in corresponding grooves formed in the side edges of the support plates of said units.

The invention aims to overcome these disadvantages. In particular, the invention aims at providing a modular floor covering comprising slabs and apparent modules for framing said slabs, in which the slabs can be of all types, and in particular terracotta, ceramic, silica mortar, glass , carpet, PVC, natural fibers, wood, laminate, etc. The invention also aims to propose a method of laying a modular coating allowing the use of slabs of all types. In particular, an object of the invention is to allow the use of known slabs of standard dimensions, shapes and materials.

An object of the invention is to provide a floor covering which maintenance and repair are easy and can be performed by a person without special skill or skill.

The invention also aims to propose a coating and a method of laying said coating which allow aesthetic modifications. subsequent coating by a person with no special aptitude or skill.

It also aims to provide such a flooring that is ready to install, and whose installation is simple, fast, automatic and requires no sealing material of the type glue or cement, nor any tool, possibly excluding a screwdriver and / or saw to cut to the required dimensions an element intended to be placed at the edge of a wall.

Another object of the invention is to provide such a floor covering that can be manufactured industrially, low cost and compatible with marketing to the general public.

In all the following, the various components of the coating according to the invention are described as laid on the ground, in an absolute reference defined by the ground and a direction orthogonal to said ground, said vertical direction. An element or a horizontal plane is an element or plane at least substantially parallel to the ground once the coating is laid.

A band designates an element having a major dimension, in a horizontal plane, much greater than the others, which defines a longitudinal direction of the band. This longitudinal direction can be straight or curved; the lateral edges of the strip can be indifferently straight or curved or serrated, for example. At any point of the strip, a transverse direction of said strip may be defined, which is orthogonal to the longitudinal and vertical directions at this point. A side member of a workpiece is an element extending mainly in a plane orthogonal to its transverse direction at one end of said workpiece.

The invention relates to a floor covering according to claim 1.

In particular, in an advantageous version of the invention, the removable assembly means are adapted to allow the removal of any one of the modules without having to disassemble or even to manipulate another module, including the modules that are adjacent to it (and to which it is directly assembled). It is thus possible to replace a damaged frame module or old-fashioned aesthetic appearance without having to completely disassemble the coating.

Advantageously and according to the invention, the assembly means are adapted so that, once the coating has been laid down, it is possible to separate a first framing module from the framing modules that are adjacent to it by simply moving said first module in a vertical direction. .

Advantageously and according to the invention, the floor covering comprises a single series of framing modules, both identical and complementary. It should be noted that, in one version of the invention comprising at least two different series of framing modules (the modules of the same series being identical), the modules of one series are complementary modules of the other (or other) series (s) to form a frame of each slab.

In a version of the invention with square or more generally polygonal slabs, the framing modules of at least one series have a general shape of straight strip. In particular, in one version of the invention, the framing modules of all the series have a general shape of straight band.

In a preferred version of the invention having square or rectangular slabs, the floor covering comprises a first series of identical modules having a general shape of straight strip of any width and length at least substantially equal to a first side of the slabs ( dimension in a first direction: length or width for rectangular slabs, side for square slabs), and a second series of identical modules having a general shape of straight strip of length at least substantially equal to the sum of twice the width of the slab. a module of the first series and double on the other side of the slabs (dimension in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction: width or length for rectangular slabs, side for the square slabs). As a variant, the length of the modules of the second series is at least substantially equal to the sum of the width of a module of the first series and the dimension of the slabs in the second direction. Note that in these two versions, the removable assembly means are adapted to allow, according to the two adjacent modules considered, either to align the modules, or to impose between them an angle of 90 °.

In a variant, advantageously and according to the invention, the framing modules of at least one series have a generally non-straight band shape adapted to define at least one characteristic angle of a lattice mesh (formed by the modules of framing) or a curved portion characteristic of a lattice mesh. By "non-straight strip" is meant a curved longitudinal directional strip -or having at least one curved portion -or a rectilinear strip formed of several-at least two straight strips having non-parallel straight longitudinal directions or a strip having one or more curved portion (s) and one or more rectilinear portion (s). A characteristic angle of the mesh is an angle of a polygonal envelope of the mesh. In the same way, the term "characteristic curved portion of the mesh", a portion of an envelope curve of the mesh. This is to exclude, in the case of slabs with serrated edges for example (the dimensions of the teeth being much smaller than the main dimensions of the slab), the angles or curves formed by the teeth of the slab.

Thus, in this variant of the invention, and in the case of polygonal slabs, the framing modules of at least one series comprise at least two straight strips whose longitudinal directions define an inside angle of said polygon. In other words, the shape of the framing modules is adapted to frame at least one polygon vertex of a slab, that is to say to follow a contour portion of a slab which comprises two consecutive sides slab (or a fraction of said sides extending from their intersection point said vertex). In the case of square or rectangular slabs, the framing modules of at least one series each preferably comprise at least two orthogonal straight strips. In particular, the framing modules each comprise two single orthogonal straight strips, or, alternatively, three straight strips, one of which is orthogonal to the other two.

In one version of the invention in which the floor covering comprises square or rectangular tiles, the framing modules of at least one series each comprise two orthogonal straight strips, one, first, of any width and length. at least substantially equal to one side of the slabs (width or length), and the other, second, of length at least substantially equal to the sum of the width of the first strip and the other side of the slabs (second side orthogonal to the first side: length or width), the first band being fixed, at a longitudinal end, at the center of a side face of the second band so as to define the shape of a T.

In a variant, advantageously and according to the invention, the framing modules of at least one series each comprise two first parallel straight strips, facing each other, of the same length and width (preferably same width), each fixed orthogonally, by a longitudinal end, on a lateral face of a third straight band, facing two sections of this third band delimiting two end portions of the same length and a central portion of said third strip, the central portion having a length at least substantially equal to twice the length of an end portion, so that the framing module has the shape of a double T or a Π. The length of the first two strips is at least substantially equal to one side (length or width) of the slabs; that of the third band is at least substantially equal to the sum of the cumulative widths of the first and second bands and double the other side (width or length) of said slabs.

In the case of two adjacent framing modules each comprising at least one straight strip intended to be assembled, at one of its longitudinal ends, at one longitudinal end of a right strip of the other module, said strips defining between them a non-zero assembly angle and distinct 180 ° (corresponding to a characteristic angle of a lattice mesh, that is to say at least substantially equal to 90 ° in the case of square or rectangular slabs), the assembly member comprises an angle formed of two flat plates or two straight bars (each corresponding to a branch of the element) defining between them an angle corresponding to said assembly angle. Each of the two strips has, at its longitudinal assembly end, a recess or lower groove (e) extending in the longitudinal direction of the strip and forming a housing for receiving one of the plates or bars of the angle.

In the case of two adjacent framing modules each comprising at least one straight strip intended to be assembled, by a its longitudinal ends, at one longitudinal end of a straight strip of the other module so that the two strips are aligned (they form between them an angle of zero or equal to 180 °), the assembly element comprises at minus a straight bar or a straight flat plate. Said strips each have, at their longitudinal assembly end, a recess or lower groove (e) extending in the longitudinal direction of the strip and forming a housing for receiving a portion of said bar or plate (each portion, for example each half of the plate or bar defining a branch of the connecting element). In a variant, the two recesses or grooves are offset, and the assembly element comprises two non-aligned parallel bars or plates interconnected at one of their longitudinal ends.

In the case of two adjacent framing modules, one of which comprises at least one first straight strip intended to be joined at one of its longitudinal ends to a lateral edge of a second right strip of the other module in one point of said edge said point of assembly, said first and second strips defining between them a non-zero connection angle and distinct from 180 ° (corresponding to a characteristic angle of a mesh of the lattice; that is to say, to less than substantially 90 ° in the case of square or rectangular slabs), the assembly element comprises an angle formed of two flat plates or two straight bars defining between them an angle corresponding to said angle of assembly. The first band has a recess or lower groove (e) extending in its longitudinal direction at its longitudinal assembly end and forming a housing for receiving one of the plates or bars of the angle. The second band has a transverse bottom notch in its side edge at the point of assembly, extended by a recess or lower groove (e) extending in its longitudinal direction and forming a receiving housing of the other plate or bar from the angle. In the case of square tiles, the angle of assembly is equal to 90 ° and the angle is a square.

In the case of two adjacent framing modules each comprising at least one straight strip intended to be assembled, by one of its lateral edges, to a lateral edge of one strip of the other module so that the two strips are parallel and juxtaposed, the assembly element comprises at least two straight bars or flat plates (each forming a branch of said element) parallel, interconnected at one of their longitudinal ends by a bottom. The strips each have, in their lateral edge, at their point of assembly, a transverse lower notch for receiving said bottom, and a recess or lower groove (e) extending in their longitudinal direction from said point of assembly and forming a receiving housing of one of said bars or plates.

The fact that the various recesses or grooves for receiving the branches of the connecting element extend in the longitudinal direction of the strips is particularly advantageous in the case of strips made from extruded metal sections, as will be explained hereinafter. after. The said recesses or grooves are then defined by the shape of the profile.

In a preferred version of the invention, the floor covering further comprises means for removably locking the assembly means of two adjacent framing modules, able to prohibit relative movement of the framing modules and the element. assembly. To this end, each of the branches of the connecting element preferably comprises a plate or plate portion (extending, once the adjacent framing modules assembled, in the longitudinal direction of the band of the receiving frame module said branch) having at least one threaded hole intended to cooperate with a coaxial tapped hole passing through a lateral edge of the framing module facing the receiving housing of said plate, in order to fix each of the framing modules on the element of assembly by means of a fixing screw (passing through the lateral edge of said module and the branch of the connecting element opposite) accessible from said lateral edge of said framing module. Thus, according to the invention, in order to remove a framing module from the floor covering, one or more slabs (s) adjacent to said module are removed in order to be able to access the fixing screws of the module on the various assembly elements. to which it is coupled, said screws are removed, then said framing module is lifted in order to separate it from said assembly elements. It is not necessary to disassemble or even manipulate adjacent framing modules.

• les moyens d'assemblage amovible de chaque module d'encadrement comprennent au moins une structure d'emboîtement destinée à venir s'emboîter, selon une direction verticale, dans une structure d'emboîtement conjuguée d'un module d'encadrement adjacent,
• chaque module d'encadrement ne comprend que des structures d'emboîtement de type mâle ou que des structures d'emboîtement de type femelle,
• le revêtement comprend au moins deux séries de modules d'encadrement complémentaires, une première série de modules d'encadrement identiques à structures d'emboîtement de type mâle, et une deuxième série de modules d'encadrement identiques à structures d'emboîtement conjuguées de type femelle.

In a variant according to the invention:

• the removable assembly means of each framing module comprise at least one interlocking structure intended to fit, in a vertical direction, in a conjugate interlocking structure of an adjacent framing module,
• each frame module comprises only male type interlocking structures or female type interlocking structures,
• the coating comprises at least two series of complementary framing modules, a first series of identical framing modules with male type interlocking structures, and a second series of identical framing modules with interlocking type interlocking structures. female.

The coating furthermore preferably comprises means for removably locking the assembly means of two adjacent framing modules, able to prohibit a relative displacement of the interlocking interlocking structures of said modules.

In particular, the interlocking interlocking structures are adapted to define, when they are fitted together, a horizontal common bore intended to receive a rod in order to prevent their relative displacement. Alternatively (or optionally in combination), the interlocking structure of a framing module comprises a vertical pin adapted to fit into a vertical mortise conjugate of the interlocking interlocking structure of the adjacent framing module. The tenon is then preferably made of a material that can be deformed (at least slightly) elastically, and has at least one horizontal shoulder defining a tenon head intended to come into force in a conjugate head of the mortise in order to to prohibit the relative vertical displacement of the interlocking interlocking structures.

Advantageously and according to the invention, the framing modules comprise one or more metal profiles each having an upper housing for receiving a decorative blade such as a wood blade, a laminated material blade, a metal blade, a blade in silica mortar, ceramic, terracotta, or a carpet blade, PVC ... "Laminate" means a material composed of sawdust amalgamated by means of glue and forming a rigid blade on which is adhered to at least one sheet of decorative paper, such as a photograph showing the appearance of the wood, coated with a protective layer of resin or wax. Such a material, whose cost is lower than that of raw wood, is particularly strong and resistant; it is commonly used for the realization of parquet floors.

The metal profile gives the framing module a mechanical strength compatible with the operating loads intended to be supported by said module. It also allows an easy and precise industrial realization of the module: long profiles are made by extrusion and then cut to the required dimensions to form strips of modules. The decorative blade is preferably glued in the factory on the profile, so that the module is delivered ready to install in its final version.

Advantageously and according to the invention, each metal profile incorporates lower elastic damping means defining a bearing surface of the framing module on the floor. These means absorb the noises that could be generated by the impact of the framing module on the ground consecutively to a mechanical stress such as the step of a person on said module. Thus, each metal section comprises, for example, at least one lower housing for receiving a band of slightly elastic synthetic material, of the rubber type or other injected or profiled foam, projecting from the profile in the vertical direction. Such lower housing of the profile can also be used to receive and conceal electrical cables.

It should be noted that the coating optionally comprises means for fixing the floor of at least one framing module, such as a fastening flange having at least one horizontal lug screwed into the ground.

Advantageously and according to the invention, each slab is formed of a plurality of superimposed elementary plates, including at least one lower catch plate and a top finishing plate. The thickness (dimension in the vertical direction) of the bottom take-up plate is chosen according to the thickness of the top finishing plate and the thickness of the framing modules so that the total thickness of the slab at least substantially equal, preferably exactly equal to the thickness of the framing modules.

Each lower catch plate is selected from a chipboard, rubber, cardboard, rigid foam, etc. (This list is not exhaustive) The catch plate is preferably in a sound insulating material and / or able to absorb the mechanical shocks suffered by the slab. Depending on the application, the chosen material is thermally insulating or otherwise conductive (especially in the presence of a heated floor). It is in all cases the least expensive possible.

Each top finishing plate is selected from a terracotta tile, a ceramic tile, a stone slab, a synthetic fiber board such as a carpet board, a PVC type plastic board, a fiber board sisal or coco or seagrass, solid wood or laminate, aluminum, stainless steel, tempered glass, combination of tempered glass and intermediate decorative plate chosen from a piece of fabric, a piece of wallpaper, a natural fiber plate of the so-called sisal type or the so-called coconut or seagrass or wicker or rattan type, a synthetic fiber carpet-type board, etc. A translucent or transparent upper plate (made of glass for example) may optionally be associated with lighting means such as luminescent flexible tubes.

Advantageously and according to the invention, the floor covering comprises square slabs of side at least substantially equal to 50 cm (slabs standard). The framing modules comprise one or more strips each having a width (dimension in the transverse direction) at least substantially constant and between 1 cm and 25 cm, preferably between 5 cm and 15 cm, preferably substantially equal to 12, 8 cm. Each slab, each framing module has a thickness in the vertical direction at least substantially constant and between 10 and 25mm, preferably between 15 and 20mm.

To install a floor covering according to the invention, complementary framing modules are juxtaposed and assembled together to form a rigid lattice for the apparent framing of slabs defining stacks for receiving said slabs. In particular, there is at least one rigid element of assembly between each module and an adjacent framing module, by inserting a first branch of said element in the corresponding housing of one of the framing modules and the second branch in the corresponding housing of the other framing module. Where appropriate, each of the two modules is fixed on the assembly element or elements connecting the two modules by means of fixing screws. Alternatively, each framing module is assembled at least one adjacent framing module by vertical interlocking of their (s) nesting structure (s) conjugate (s) and, if necessary, establishment means of blocking.

Advantageously and according to the invention, the position of the rigid mesh-made by the framing modules-relative to at least one wall delimiting the floor to be covered is manually adjusted. At least one of the framing modules may be fixed to the floor by gluing or by means of a fastening flange having at least one horizontal lug screwed into the ground (such a flange is preferably arranged on the end a framing module adjacent to a wall, so as to hide said flange by the skirting board or round quarter rod). It is also possible to bond to the floor a lower portion of the slabs that do not participate in the aesthetic aspect of the covering, such as the lower catching plates.

The invention also relates to a floor covering and a method of laying said coating, characterized in combination by all or some of the characteristics mentioned above and below.

• la figure 1 est une vue de dessus de deux modes de réalisation de revêtements de sol selon l'invention,
• la figure 2 est une vue schématique en coupe transversale (verticale) d'une portion d'un module d'encadrement et d'une dalle selon l'invention,
• la figure 3 est une vue schématique en coupe transversale (verticale) d'une portion d'un autre mode de réalisation de module d'encadrement et de dalle selon l'invention,
• la figure 4 est une vue schématique en perspective de portions de deux modules d'encadrement, assemblées perpendiculairement selon un premier mode de réalisation de moyens d'assemblage conforme à l'invention,
• la figure 5 est une vue schématique en perspective de portions de deux modules d'encadrement, assemblées parallèlement selon un premier mode de réalisation de moyens d'assemblage conforme à l'invention,
• la figure 6 est une vue schématique en perspective de portions de deux modules d'encadrement, assemblées perpendiculairement selon un deuxième mode de réalisation de moyens d'assemblage conforme à l'invention,
• la figure 7 est une vue schématique en perspective de portions de deux modules d'encadrement, assemblées parallèlement selon un deuxième mode de réalisation de moyens d'assemblage conforme à l'invention,
• la figure 8 est une vue schématique en coupe horizontale de structures d'emboîtement conjuguées de deux modules d'encadrement adjacents selon l'invention,
• la figure 9 est une vue schématique en coupe verticale des structures d'emboîtement de la figure 8,
• la figure 10 est une vue schématique en coupe verticale d'un autre mode de réalisation de structures d'emboîtement de deux modules d'encadrement adjacents selon l'invention,
• la figure 11 est une vue de dessus d'un autre mode de réalisation d'un revêtement de sol selon l'invention.

Other objects, features and advantages of the invention will appear on reading the following description which refers to the appended figures representing preferred embodiments of the invention given solely by way of non-limiting examples, and in which:

• the figure 1 is a top view of two embodiments of floor coverings according to the invention,
• the figure 2 is a schematic view in cross section (vertical) of a portion of a frame module and a slab according to the invention,
• the figure 3 is a schematic view in cross section (vertical) of a portion of another embodiment of framing module and slab according to the invention,
• the figure 4 is a schematic perspective view of portions of two framing modules, assembled perpendicularly according to a first embodiment of assembly means according to the invention,
• the figure 5 is a schematic perspective view of portions of two framing modules, assembled in parallel according to a first embodiment of assembly means according to the invention,
• the figure 6 is a schematic perspective view of portions of two framing modules, assembled perpendicularly according to a second embodiment of assembly means according to the invention,
• the figure 7 is a schematic perspective view of portions of two framing modules, assembled in parallel according to a second embodiment of assembly means according to the invention,
• the figure 8 is a schematic view in horizontal section of interlocking interlocking structures of two adjacent framing modules according to the invention,
• the figure 9 is a schematic view in vertical section of the nesting structures of the figure 8 ,
• the figure 10 is a schematic view in vertical section of another embodiment of interlocking structures of two adjacent framing modules according to the invention,
• the figure 11 is a top view of another embodiment of a floor covering according to the invention.

The figure 1 illustrates a first embodiment of a flooring according to the invention, comprising framing modules 1, 8, 10 apparent and square tiles 7. The outline of the framing module 1 is drawn in bold lines in order to allow a clear delineation of said module. It has the general shape of a double T, made from three strips 2, 3 and 4: the strips 3 and 4 are welded and / or glued and / or fixed orthogonally to the strip 2 by any suitable means, at a distance of their longitudinal ends 3a, 4a, on a lateral face of said strip 2. The strips 3 and 4 are positioned relative to the strip 2 so as to produce a symmetrical part with respect to a transverse plane separating in two equal parts the strip 2 (transverse plane of symmetry of said strip 2), and in such a way that the two symmetrical portions of the module each have the shape of a T, generally symmetrical with respect to a longitudinal (vertical) plane separating the strip 3 (respectively 4) in two half-bands of equal width. Alternatively, one can use T-shaped frame modules (each corresponding to one of the aforementioned portions of the double T).

The strips may be all-metal strips, preferably hollowed out so as to lighten the structure of the flooring. It can also be solid blades, wood or laminate. In a preferred version, the strips are multi-component: they are made from metal profiles, preferably aluminum, and have an upper decorative blade glued or fixed by any suitable means on the metal section. The material of the decorative blade is chosen according to the desired aesthetic effect. The metal profiles serve as support for the decorative blade, and also make it possible to seal between said blade and the soil. This feature is particularly useful in the case of a decorative blade of wood or laminate, particularly sensitive to moisture, not only to preserve said blade once the flooring is laid, but also to allow the laying of the coating on a soil freshly made and still relatively wet. Indeed, such a wooden or laminated blade, in the absence of the metal profile, can be placed on a floor or a perfectly dry support. This induces a strict respect of the drying times of said soil and can considerably lengthen the time of completion of the coating, particularly in the case of a soil comprising a screed relatively loaded with water such as a screed made on a floor heating type electric radiant floor or other hydraulic floor (such a screed requires a drying time varying from 1 to 8 months depending on the ambient humidity). The presence of the metal section supporting and protecting the decorative blade allows the installation of the framing modules on a still relatively wet floor, and thus significantly reduces the time of realization of the soil and flooring.

The profiles used typically have an outer width of 12.8 cm. They preferably comprise vertical lateral wings 5 (see figure 2 ) 0.15 cm wide, defining a housing 59 for receiving a decorative blade 6 12.5 cm wide, wood, laminate, metal ... The vertical side wings 5, which are flush with the surface of the decorative blade 6 (finished floor surface, which is also at the same level as the upper faces of the slabs 7), advantageously protect the upper edges of the decorative blade 6. Alternatively, the metal profiles consist of a single support base of the decorative blades. The length of the strips 3 and 4 is at least substantially equal to the size of the slab 7, in the example 50 cm, which is the standard size of the known square slabs. The length of the strip 2 is at least substantially equal to 125.6 cm. Metal profiles of great length, typically of the order of 7 m, are machined (extruded) and then cut in the factory to the aforementioned lengths; the rails thus obtained are welded to form framing modules. In the same way, laminate or wood boards of great length are respectively manufactured or debited, then cut to the desired lengths and glued to the aluminum rails. Alternatively, the blades and profiles of great length are assembled before cutting. Each framing module is delivered finished, ready to be placed on the floor. The laying of the flooring according to the invention does not require any operation of bonding elements together, so that the total exposure time is reduced by the usual bonding and drying times of the known bonded coatings. Such a frame module has a total weight less than that of a solid wood module or entirely of metal, for a mechanical strength and an equivalent life.

The figure 1 also illustrates another embodiment of the invention, comprising straight frame modules 20, 21, 22, 23, 221, 222. Each of these frame modules comprises a single straight band. The modules 21, 22, 221, 222 have a length substantially equal to 50 cm (dimension of the slab), and a width of the order of 12.8 cm. The modules 20 and 23 have a length at least substantially equal to 125.6 cm, and a width of the order of 12.8 cm. Such modules are particularly easy to pack and store.

The figure 2 illustrates a cross section of the strip 2 (or strips 3 and 4) of the framing module 1 and a portion of the slab 7 adjacent to said strip. The metal section of said strip 2 has two vertical lateral wings 5 (only one of which is illustrated on FIG. figure 2 ) and a lower core 14, defining a receiving housing 59 of the blade 6. A blade 13 of elastic and / or acoustically and / or thermally elastic synthetic material, such as a rubber blade, is glued to the underside of the blade. the core 14, in order to damp the impacts of the profile on the ground that could occur in the absence of said insulating blade when a person walks on the band, and thus absorb the subsequent noise generated, and / or to isolate phonically from a room located on a lower floor the room in which the floor covering is placed, and / or thermally insulate the profile and the decorative strip 6, the floor 43 on which the coating is placed (said gross soil). Note that said insulating blade 13 is advantageously bonded to the profile before cutting it to the desired lengths to achieve the modules framing. In a variant, the insulating strip and the profile have complementary dovetail structures for their assembly. The total thickness (dimension in the vertical direction) of the strip 2 thus obtained is about 20 mm.

The slab 7 is made up of a chipboard 17 made up of chipboard 4 to 6.5 mm thick, a decorative plate 16, such as a square of wallpaper or a plate of natural or synthetic woven fibers or glued (sisal, coconut, seagrass, fabric, carpet ...) 0.5 to 3 mm thick, and a plate 15 of tempered glass about 13 mm thick, so that the slab 7 has a thickness of the order of 20 mm, preferably exactly equal to that of the framing modules. The plates are superimposed on each other during the laying of the floor covering, the catch plate being placed on the floor in the lattice mesh defined by adjacent framing modules previously laid. It is not necessary to stick said plates. It is thus easy to remove a slab for replacement, if it is damaged or broken, or for aesthetic purposes (replacement of the only decorative plate 16 or the entire slab, depending on the modes and the evolution of the tastes of each or in order to harmonize the floor covering with a new mural wallpaper or new furniture). It should be noted that it is possible to associate different slabs (finished floor 44 carpet, glass, terracotta ...) in the same room, and thus create all the moods and all possible reasons. The only condition for this diversity is to design slabs of the same total thickness, corresponding at least substantially, preferably exactly, to the thickness of the framing modules. Since the finishing plates are preferably chosen from standard known plates, a limited range of lower catch plates, with predefined thicknesses as a function of the existing finishing plates, may be proposed.

The figure 3 illustrates another embodiment of framing modules and slabs according to the invention. The framing module 1a, seen in cross section, comprises a metal support section comprising two vertical lateral wings 5a and a lower core 18 of cross section advantageously recessed in places so as to lighten the profile without affecting its mechanical strength. The core 18 comprises lower housings 58 for receiving longitudinal strips 19 of rubber or other slightly elastic and / or insulating material, in particular for absorbing vertical shocks to the framing module. The illustrated embodiment comprises four insulating bands of ovoid form in contact with the raw soil 57; all other forms and distributions of the insulating strips are in accordance with the invention. In the same way, the section of the core of the metal section used to produce the framing modules is not limited to that illustrated. It should also be noted that the recesses of the metal profile core can be used for the passage of electrical cables.

The slabs 7a each comprise a lower rubber plate 56 having a thickness of the order of 2 mm, a catching plate 24 of chipboard 10 to 15 mm thick, and a carpet plate 23 of 3 to 8 mm thick. thickness, the combination of these three elements to obtain a slab 20 mm thick.

The floor covering according to the invention can be laid floating or, alternatively, glued. Floating is preferred for its speed (no gluing time of the elements, nor drying of the glue). It also facilitates the subsequent change of a slab and / or a framing module. The framing modules are placed and assembled successively: we put a first module, then a second that we assemble to the first, then a third that we assemble to the second and / or first, and so on to achieve a rigid mesh sieving the entire room, without worrying about the relative position of the modules, which is adjusted automatically by their shape and the structure of their assembly means. The modules 1, 8, 10 double T can be arranged staggered or, alternatively, aligned with each other.

The tiles are then placed, by vertical embedding, in the meshes produced by the framing modules, which have geometric shape (s) and dimensions identical to those of the slabs, with a clearance of less than 1 mm (preferably less than 0.5mm) allowing the setting place slabs. The slabs are laid on the ground and are preferably neither glued to the ground, nor fixed or glued to modules that frame them. So that each slab can be placed or removed without having to move the adjacent framing modules.

Framing modules, said extreme modules, located at the edge of the walls of the part to be covered, are optionally cut to the required dimensions by means of a saw, so as to allow each of said modules to fit between the wall and the ( s) framing module (s) that is adjacent to him / her.

Slabs, called extreme slabs, located at the edge of the walls of the room, are optionally cut to the dimensions of the floor surfaces delimited by the extreme framing modules and the adjacent wall. Conventional baseboards (or quarter round rods) are placed on the extreme edges of the slabs and framing modules, and are glued to the adjacent walls. The installation process is simple and fast, the relative positioning of the framing modules is done without error. It can be implemented by any person, having no particular aptitude.

According to a first embodiment of the removable assembly means, illustrated on the Figures 4 and 5 , the frame module 20 comprises two longitudinal lower housings 69, 68 opposite formed in the metal section of said module along its lateral edges 52, 53. The metal section being manufactured by extrusion, the housing 68, 69 are designed in the shape of the profile and extend over the entire length of the framing module. The adjacent framing module 21, arranged perpendicularly to the module 20, is preferably made from the same metal profile; it has a lateral lower housing 83 extending longitudinally along its lateral edge 80, and a similar housing 84 along its opposite side edge 81. The framing module 20 furthermore has in the assembly zone 20a. modules 20 and 21, two notches 67, 82, cut in its lateral edge 52, and spaced a distance substantially corresponding to the distance separating the two lateral housings 83, 84 of the adjacent module 21 (distance slightly less than the width of the module 21). The removable assembly means of the modules 20 and 21 further comprise two brackets 60, 61, each formed of two flat plates extending in orthogonal planes (these planes are vertical when the bracket is observed in its assembly position final). The plate (or branch) 62 of the bracket 60 is intended to be embedded vertically in the housing 69 of the frame module 20; the plate (or branch) 63 of said bracket is intended to be embedded vertically in the notch 67 of the module 20 and the housing 83 of the module 21. The plate 62 has a hole 64 for receiving a fixing screw, intended to cooperate with a bore 66 formed in the edge 52 of the module 20; the plate 63 of the bracket has a hole 65 for receiving a fastening screw, intended to cooperate with a bore 85 formed in the edge 80 of the module 21. The bracket 60 associated with the aforementioned fastening screws makes it possible to achieve rigid connection between the modules 20 and 21, a first side of the longitudinal end 21a of the module 21. The bracket 61 is identical to that previously described and allows for a similar connection between the modules 20 and 21 of the other side of the longitudinal end 21a of the module 21. The module 20 has three other pairs of notches cut in its side edges 52, 53 in the assembly areas 20b, 20c, 20d, to allow its attachment, by means brackets, framing modules 22, 222, 221.

The module 20 is also assembled, at its longitudinal end 54, at the longitudinal end 55 of the adjacent identical module 23. For this purpose, it has a first lateral piercing 77 formed in its lateral edge 52 near the longitudinal end 54, and a second piercing formed in its lateral edge 53 in alignment with the first piercing. The piercing 77 thus opens on the housing 69; the opposite bore (not referenced) opens on the housing 68. The module 23, made from the same metal section, similarly comprises two longitudinal lower housings 79, 86 along its lateral edges 71, 72. It presents, at near its longitudinal end 55, a first bore 78 formed in the side edge 71 and opening on the housing 79, and a second bore (not referenced) formed in the side edge 72 and opening on the housing 86. The assembly means of the modules 20 and 23 further comprise a first plate 73 interposed between the two modules, partly embedded in the housing 69 of the module 20, and partly in the housing 79 of the module 23, and a second plate 74 recessed partly in the housing 68 of the module 20, and partly in the housing 86 of the module 23. The plate 73 comprises two bores 75, 76 intended to cooperate respectively with the bores 77 and 78 to receive a screw of fixation ; the plate 74 likewise comprises two bores intended to cooperate respectively with the bores (not referenced) passing through the lateral edges 53 and 72.

The module 20 is therefore associated with two plates 73, 74 for its attachment to the module 23 by its longitudinal end 54, two identical plates at its other longitudinal end, and eight brackets 60, 61 for attachment to the modules 21, 22, 221, 222. To dismount such a module, it is sufficient to remove the slabs which are adjacent to it (six slabs in total), to unscrew the twelve fastening screws passing through its two lateral edges (the screws are accessible horizontally from the space initially occupied by the slabs removed), then to lift said framing module. The framing module 22 is associated with four brackets. To dismount such a module, simply remove the two adjacent slabs, unscrew the four fastening screws through its two side edges (the screws are accessible horizontally from the location of the removed slabs), then lift the module framing.

A second embodiment of the removable assembly means according to the invention is illustrated on the Figures 6 and 7 . For attachment to a right perpendicular frame module 101, the right frame module 100 includes two side wings 115, 116, extending horizontally beyond its side edge 103, away from the ground (ie ie the lower surface of the module in contact with the ground). Each wing 116, 115 thus defines a lower housing 116a, 115a. It should be noted that these wings are an integral part of the metal section of the module 100. The extruded metal section, used to make said module, initially comprises, in the extension of the lateral edge 103, a single wing extending over the entire length of the profile. This wing is then cut at various points corresponding to the future assembly areas of each of the modules made from the profile, to form in particular the wings 115 and 116 of the module 100 shown. The module 101, preferably made from the same metal profile, has two lateral horizontal wings 104, 105. The assembly means of the module 100 and the module 101 further comprise two brackets 106, 113, each formed of two plates. planes extending in the same plane. The plate (or branch) 107 of the flat bracket 106 is intended to fit under the lateral flange 116 of the frame module 100; the plate (or branch) 108 of said bracket is intended to fit under the side wing 105 of the adjacent frame module 101. The longitudinal ends 128, 129 of the lateral wings 116, 105 are cut at an angle, at 45.degree. °, so as to abut against each other when the modules are assembled. The plate 107 of the flat bracket 106 has a vertical drilling 109 for receiving a fixing screw, intended to cooperate with a vertical bore 112 formed in the flange 116 of the module 100; the plate 108 of said bracket has a vertical drilling 110 for receiving a fixing screw, intended to cooperate with a vertical bore 111 formed in the flange 105 of the module 101. The flat bracket 106, associated with the two fastening screws mentioned above, makes it possible to impose the relative orientation of the two modules 100, 101, and to bind them rigidly to one another on a first side of the longitudinal end of the module 101. The bracket 113 makes a connection similar on the other side of the longitudinal end of said module 101.

The framing module 100 is also connected, by one of its longitudinal ends, to a module 130 having two opposite horizontal lateral wings 124, 125. The framing module 100 has two similar wings 127, 126, located in the extension. , respectively, the wings 116, 123. The assembly means of the modules 100 and 130 further comprise a first plate 119 interposed between the two modules, partially recessed under the wing 127 of the module 100, and partly under the wing 124 of the module 130, and a second plate 120 recessed partly under the wing 126 of the module 100, and partly under the wing 125 of the module 130. plate 119 comprises two bores 121, 122 intended to cooperate, respectively, with bores 117, 118 vertically traversing the wings 127, 124, to receive a fixing screw; the plate 120 likewise comprises two bores intended to cooperate respectively with two bores (not referenced) passing through the lateral flanges 126, 125. The plates 119, 120 and associated screws produce two rigid links of the modules 100 and 130, on both sides. another, laterally, of said modules.

The slabs associated with such modules each comprise a catch-up plate, made of chipboard for example, the surface of which corresponds to the ground surface delimited by the outer edges of the lateral wings of the adjacent framing modules. The thickness of this catch plate is chosen so that the plate is flush with the level of the upper horizontal surface of said wings. A finishing plate of greater dimensions is placed on this catch plate; it also rests on the lateral wings of adjacent framing modules so as to completely cover said wings. To dismount such a module, simply remove the adjacent slabs (we can only remove the finishing plates of said slabs ...), remove the screws for fixing the module to the plates and brackets it is associated with (The screws are vertically accessible from the locations of the removed trim plates), and lift the module.

According to a third embodiment of the removable assembly means, illustrated on the Figures 8 and 9 , the framing module 1 comprises, at the free longitudinal end 12 of its strip 3, a re-entrant interlocking structure 26, referred to as a female interlocking structure, formed in particular of grooves 31 formed in the longitudinal direction, in the longitudinal direction, in the core 14 of the metal profile of said strip 3 and defining ribs 32. Said ribs 32 are traversed in the transverse direction through a bore 27. The core 14 of the metal section thus has at its end 12 an alternation, in the direction transverse, teeth (or ribs) 32 and grooves 31, surmounted by the decorative blade 6, whose extreme transverse face 6a (still called longitudinal end) is located in the extension vertical of the end face 32a of the teeth 32, so as to mask the interlocking structure 26.

The adjacent frame module 8 has a mating interlocking structure 25, referred to as a male interlocking structure, projecting, in the transverse direction of its strip 46, from the lateral face 45 of said strip (or more precisely of its metal section 47, on which the structure 25 is welded). The nesting structure 25 has an alternation, in the longitudinal direction of the band 46, ribs 30 -destinées to fit into the grooves 31 of the module 1 neighbor- and grooves 33 -destinées to receive the ribs 32 of the module 1-. The ribs 30 are pierced by a bore 28 of the same section as the bore 27 of the structure 26. The interlocking of the two conjugate structures can be effected in the longitudinal direction of the strip 3 of the module 1 (which corresponds to the direction transverse of the strip 46 of the module 8) if the surrounding size allows it, or in the vertical direction: for this purpose, the structure 26 of the strip 1 above and in line with the structure 25 is presented. of the band 8. The bores 26 and 27 are made so that they coincide to form a single horizontal common cylindrical bore when the two interlocking structures are assembled, and that the end faces 32a and 6a, respectively of the section 14 and the decorative blade 6 of the module 1, abut against the face 45 of the profile 47. Said common bore is intended to receive a rod 29, to secure the two structures (and therefore the two adjacent modules). A thread is machined in any of the ribs 30 or 32, and the rod used is a screw (or rod threaded on at least a part of its body, for example over a length of the order of the width of the threaded rib 30). Alternatively, the bores 26 and 27 are smooth and the rod used is a stud or other pin.

According to a fourth embodiment of the removable assembly means according to the invention, illustrated on the figure 10 , the module 1bis has, at the longitudinal end 12a of one of its strips, a re-entrant interlocking structure 34, called a female structure, comprising a mortise 37 vertical (or vertical bore) formed in a thickness of its metal section 18, recessed, in the longitudinal direction, the end faces 6a and 18a respectively of the decorative blade and the metal section of said strip. The mortise is intended to receive a stud 36 of a male interlocking structure projecting in the transverse direction of the strip 46bis of the adjacent frame module 8bis (projecting structure). The tenon 36 is formed at a distance from the lateral face 45bis of said band 46bis adapted so that the end faces 6a and 18a of the module 1a abut against said face 45a when the nesting structures are engaged. Alternatively, the tenon is formed at a distance from the lateral face 45a adapted so that there is a clearance between the faces 6a, 18a and 45bis facilitating the interlocking of the structures 34 and 35, said play being chosen minimum and preferably lower at 0.5 mm. The mortise 37 is preferably provided with shoulders 39 on which are intended to rest conjugate shoulders 38 of the tenon 36. The shoulders 38 and 39 prohibit any vertical relative displacement of the interlocking structures, once they are recessed. one in the other. The interlocking of the structures 34 and 35 is carried out vertically, by presenting the end 12bis of the module 1bis above and opposite the interlocking structure 35 of the module 8bis, and by embedding the tenon 36 in the mortise 37. Given the shape of the tenon 36 and mortise 37 defining a head 61 of the tenon and a head 60 of the conjugate mortise, the person who installs the flooring must exert some pressure on the end 12bis of the module 1a to allow the interlocking, by tapping on said end by means of his foot or any suitable object (small mass for example). It is also preferable that at least one of the interlocking structures, preferably the post 36, is designed in a slightly flexible and elastic material to facilitate the interlocking of the structures and to guarantee the effectiveness of the locking means (shoulders 38 and 39). Note that interlocking structures of aluminum (in the case of aluminum profiles 18 and 47bis) are in accordance with the invention. It should be noted that such a framing module can be deposited without it being necessary to deposit an adjacent slab.

In these (third and fourth) embodiments with interlocking structures, each framing module includes only interlocking structures of the same type, that is to say either male (salient and / or tenon), or female (re-entrant and / or mortise), whether lateral interlocking structures or extreme (at the longitudinal ends). To dismount a framing module comprising only female structures, it suffices to lift said module in order to decouple its nesting structures from the conjugate structures of the adjacent modules (it is unnecessary to manipulate said adjacent modules), after having previously, if necessary, removing the adjacent slabs and the locking rods of said interlocking structures. To dismantle a frame module comprising only male structures, the modules (with female interlocking structures) that are adjacent to it must be dismounted beforehand.

The flooring according to the invention can be placed on any floor: concrete floor, screed, wooden floor, etc. The floor does not have to be perfectly smooth. A floor having unevenness or unevenness may be covered with the coating according to the invention, since the height under a ruler of 2m does not exceed 5 mm.

The figure 11 illustrates another embodiment of the invention comprising four-band frame modules 40 forming a peripheral frame of a slab 41. Such modules are each associated with at least four assembly elements (not shown) for their link to four adjacent modules. Each decorative blade has a tab at each of its ends for its junction with the adjacent orthogonal blade. In a variant, it has straight ends.

The framing modules may have a shape other than those described and illustrated, since this shape and / or the assembly means allow to position them relative to each other in a simple and systematic manner, without, in particular, having measuring a distance or a relative angle, and constituting a rigid mesh receiving slabs.

In addition, the slabs may be of any geometric shape, and in particular polygonal. In the case of hexagonal slabs, each frame module comprises, for example, five strips of which four of the same length, two strips of the same length being fixed at each longitudinal end of the fifth strip so as to form angles of 120 ° between they and with said fifth band. Alternatively, octagonal slabs may be associated with square slabs to form a coating according to the invention. The corresponding framing modules are, for example, formed of 2 symmetrical portions defining, with respect to one another, on one of their lateral faces, a right angle corresponding to a top of a square slab, and defining each, on their other lateral face two angles corresponding to two consecutive vertices of an octagonal slab. We can also consider a flooring with round slabs, etc. It should be noted, however, that such coatings have a higher cost than those square or rectangular slabs, since they require, for the manufacture of a framing module, a number of cutting operations and / or welding profiles and decorative blades superior.

Claims (23)

1. Modular floor covering comprising:

   - tiles (7),

   - at least one series of identical tile-framing modules (1, 8) which are rigid in a plane parallel to the floor when the covering is laid, and are complementary so as to be able to be placed with respect to one another to form an exposed grid for framing the said tiles (7) which has openings of geometrical shapes and dimensions identical to those of the tiles, except for the clearance,

   - means for detachable assembly of the framing modules with one another, adapted to impose a relative orientation of the said modules and to connect them rigidly in a plane parallel to the ground,

   characterized in that the means for detachable assembly of two adjacent framing modules, assembled with one another at at least one point, called the assembly point, comprise at least one rigid element (60, 106) formed of two portions (62, 63, 107, 108), called legs, one (62, 107) of the said legs being intended to fit under one (20, 100), first, of the framing modules, into a corresponding lower receptacle (69, 116a) of the said first module extending from the assembly point, the other (63, 108) of the said legs being intended to fit under the other (21, 101), second, of the framing modules, into a corresponding lower receptacle (83) of the said second module extending from the assembly point, the means for detachable assembly being adapted to allow, once the floor covering has been laid, any one of the framing modules to be removed by manipulating only the said framing module and/or the single tiles and/or single modules which are adjacent to it.
2. Covering according to claim 1, characterized in that the assembly means are adapted to allow, once the covering has been laid, a first framing module to be dissociated from the framing modules which are adjacent to it by simply displacing the said first module in a vertical direction.
3. Covering according to one of claims 1 and 2,
   characterized in that the framing modules (20, 23) of at least one series have a general shape of a straight strip.
4. Covering according to claim 3, comprising square or rectangular tiles, characterized in that it comprises a first series of identical modules (21, 22) having a general shape of a straight strip of any width and of a length at least substantially equal to a first side of the tiles, and a second series of identical modules (20, 23) having a general shape of a straight strip of a length at least substantially equal to the sum of the other side of the tiles and the width of a module of the first series, or to twice this sum.
5. Covering according to one of claims 1 and 2,
   characterized in that the framing modules of at least one series have a general shape of a strip which is not straight, adapted to define at least one angle characteristic of an opening of the grid or a curved portion characteristic of an opening of the grid.
6. Covering according to claim 5, characterized in that it comprises tiles (7) having the shape of a polygon, and in that the framing modules (1, 8) of at least one series have a shape adapted to each frame at least one polygon vertex of a tile.
7. Covering according to claim 6, comprising square tiles (7) or rectangular tiles, characterized in that the framing modules (1) of at least one series each comprise at least two orthogonal straight strips (2, 3).
8. Covering according to claim 7, characterized in that the framing modules of at least one series each comprise a first straight strip of any width and of a length at least substantially equal to a first side of the tiles, and a second orthogonal straight strip of a length at least substantially equal to the sum of the other side of the said tiles and the width of the first strip, the first strip being fixed, by a longitudinal end, to the centre of a lateral face of the second strip.
9. Covering according to claim 7, characterized in that the framing modules (1) of at least one series each comprise two first facing parallel straight strips (3, 4), of any width and of the same length at least substantially equal to one side of the tiles (7) and each fixed orthogonally, by a longitudinal end (3a, 4a), on a lateral face of a third straight strip (2), facing two sections of this third strip delimiting two end portions of the same length and a central portion of the said third strip, the central portion having a length at least substantially equal to twice the length of an end portion, the said third strip (2) having a total length at least substantially equal to the sum of the combined widths of the first and second strips and twice the other side of the said tiles.
10. Covering according to one of claims 1 to 9,
    characterized in that it comprises a single series of identical and complementary framing modules (1, 8).
11. Covering according to one of claims 3 and 5,
    characterized in that each lower receptacle (69, 116a) for receiving one leg of the assembly element extends mainly in a longitudinal direction of the strip (20, 100).
12. Covering according to one of claims 1 and 11,
    characterized in that the element(s) for assembly of two orthogonal straight strips of two adjacent framing modules (20, 21) each consists(consist) of a right-angle piece (60).
13. Covering according to one of claims 1 and 11,
    characterized in that the element(s) for assembly of two aligned straight strips of two adjacent framing modules (20, 23) each consists(consist) of a straight bar or a straight plane plate (73).
14. Covering according to one of claims 1 to 13,
    characterized in that it comprises means for detachable locking of the assembly means, such as two fixing screws, each passing through a lateral edge of a framing module and one leg of the assembly element and capable of preventing relative displacement of the framing modules and the assembly element.
15. Covering according to one of claims 1 to 14,
    characterized in that the framing modules (1) comprise one or more metal profiles (14, 5), each having an upper receptacle (59) for receiving a decorative lamina (6).
16. Covering according to claim 15, characterized in that each metal profile (18) incorporates lower elastic damping means (19) defining an area for supporting the framing module (1bis) on a floor (57).
17. Covering according to claim 16, characterized in that each metal profile (18) comprises at least one lower receptacle for receiving a strip (19) made of synthetic material of the rubber or injection-moulded foam type, projecting from the profile (18) in the vertical direction.
18. Covering according to one of claims 1 to 17,
    characterized in that each tile (7) is formed of a plurality of superposed elementary sheets, including at least a lower take-up sheet (17) and an upper finishing sheet (16, 15).
19. Covering according to claim 18, characterized in that each lower take-up sheet is chosen from a sheet made of compressed particules material, rubber, cardboard, rigid foam.
20. Covering according to one of claims 18 and 19,
    characterized in that each upper finishing sheet is chosen from a terracotta tile, a ceramic tile, a stone tile, a sheet made of synthetic fibres such as a sheet of carpet, a sheet made of synthetic material of the PVC type, a sheet made of natural fibres of the type called sisal or coir or seagrass, a sheet of solid wood or laminate, an aluminium sheet, a stainless steel sheet, a tempered glass tile, a combination of a tempered glass tile and a decorative intermediate sheet chosen from a piece of cloth, a piece of wallpaper, a sheet made of natural fibres of the type called sisal or coir or seagrass or wicker or rattan, a sheet made of synthetic fibres of the carpet type, etc.
21. Covering according to one of claims 1 to 20,
    characterized in that it comprises square tiles (7) having a width at least substantially equal to 50 cm.
22. Covering according to one of claims 1 to 21,
    characterized in that the framing modules (1) comprise one or more strips (2, 3, 4), each having an at least substantially constant width of between 1 cm and 25 cm, preferably between 5 cm and 15 cm, in a transverse direction.
23. Covering according to one of claims 1 to 22,
    characterized in that each tile (7) and each framing module (1) has an at least substantially constant thickness of between 15 and 20 mm in the vertical direction.

Images