EP1546479A1 - Revetement de sol a languette et rainure preencollees - Google Patents

Revetement de sol a languette et rainure preencollees

Info

Publication number
EP1546479A1
EP1546479A1 EP02768566A EP02768566A EP1546479A1 EP 1546479 A1 EP1546479 A1 EP 1546479A1 EP 02768566 A EP02768566 A EP 02768566A EP 02768566 A EP02768566 A EP 02768566A EP 1546479 A1 EP1546479 A1 EP 1546479A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
floor covering
panel
adhesive composition
adhesive
coupling member
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP02768566A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Other versions
EP1546479A4 (fr
Inventor
Robert J. Miller
Gregory Fowler
Benny Ray Wood
Kirk T. Lowe
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Shaw Industries Group Inc
Original Assignee
Shaw Industries Group Inc
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Shaw Industries Group Inc filed Critical Shaw Industries Group Inc
Priority claimed from PCT/US2002/025999 external-priority patent/WO2004016873A1/fr
Publication of EP1546479A1 publication Critical patent/EP1546479A1/fr
Publication of EP1546479A4 publication Critical patent/EP1546479A4/fr
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E04—BUILDING
    • E04F—FINISHING WORK ON BUILDINGS, e.g. STAIRS, FLOORS
    • E04F15/00—Flooring
    • E04F15/02—Flooring or floor layers composed of a number of similar elements
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C09—DYES; PAINTS; POLISHES; NATURAL RESINS; ADHESIVES; COMPOSITIONS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; APPLICATIONS OF MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • C09J—ADHESIVES; NON-MECHANICAL ASPECTS OF ADHESIVE PROCESSES IN GENERAL; ADHESIVE PROCESSES NOT PROVIDED FOR ELSEWHERE; USE OF MATERIALS AS ADHESIVES
    • C09J5/00—Adhesive processes in general; Adhesive processes not provided for elsewhere, e.g. relating to primers
    • C09J5/04—Adhesive processes in general; Adhesive processes not provided for elsewhere, e.g. relating to primers involving separate application of adhesive ingredients to the different surfaces to be joined
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E04—BUILDING
    • E04F—FINISHING WORK ON BUILDINGS, e.g. STAIRS, FLOORS
    • E04F2201/00—Joining sheets or plates or panels
    • E04F2201/01—Joining sheets, plates or panels with edges in abutting relationship
    • E04F2201/0107—Joining sheets, plates or panels with edges in abutting relationship by moving the sheets, plates or panels substantially in their own plane, perpendicular to the abutting edges
    • E04F2201/0115—Joining sheets, plates or panels with edges in abutting relationship by moving the sheets, plates or panels substantially in their own plane, perpendicular to the abutting edges with snap action of the edge connectors
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E04—BUILDING
    • E04F—FINISHING WORK ON BUILDINGS, e.g. STAIRS, FLOORS
    • E04F2201/00—Joining sheets or plates or panels
    • E04F2201/01—Joining sheets, plates or panels with edges in abutting relationship
    • E04F2201/0153—Joining sheets, plates or panels with edges in abutting relationship by rotating the sheets, plates or panels around an axis which is parallel to the abutting edges, possibly combined with a sliding movement
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E04—BUILDING
    • E04F—FINISHING WORK ON BUILDINGS, e.g. STAIRS, FLOORS
    • E04F2201/00—Joining sheets or plates or panels
    • E04F2201/02—Non-undercut connections, e.g. tongue and groove connections
    • E04F2201/026—Non-undercut connections, e.g. tongue and groove connections with rabbets, e.g. being stepped
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E04—BUILDING
    • E04F—FINISHING WORK ON BUILDINGS, e.g. STAIRS, FLOORS
    • E04F2201/00—Joining sheets or plates or panels
    • E04F2201/07—Joining sheets or plates or panels with connections using a special adhesive material

Definitions

  • This invention relates generally to floor covering panels for use in commercial, industrial or residential environments. More particularly, this invention relates to a floor covering panel having complementary coupling members with an adhesive composition applied to at least one location on at least one coupling member, where the adhesive composition may be pre-applied to the floor covering panel.
  • Fiberboard core laminates used to manufacture flooring products typically include a plurality of layers, including a fiberboard or organic composite core layer, a decorative layer, and a hard and flat protective wear layer of resin-impregnated melamine material. These layered constructions are typically formed into standard sized panels which are joined together at an installation site to create a floor covering system.
  • Some prior art floor covering panels use a tongue and groove coupling joint with a liquid adhesive applied to the coupling joints by the installer just prior to assembly. While a liquid adhesive may enhance the bond between the panels, the installation process can be slow and unreliable because it may be difficult to control the amount of glue dispensed. Furthermore, when the panels are installed, excess glue may squeeze out of the joint and onto the visible surface or underside of the panels.
  • this invention in one aspect, relates to a floor covering panel.
  • the invention includes a first generally planar surface and a second generally planar surface opposed to the first surface. Between the first and second surfaces are a first side edge and an opposed second side edge, respectively.
  • a first coupling member Within the first edge of the panel is a first coupling member, which includes a protrusion extending therefrom.
  • a complementary second coupling member is defined within the second edge of the panel and includes a recess sized and shaped to receive the first protrusion therein.
  • An adhesive composition is selectively applied to at least a portion of at least one of the first and second coupling members.
  • a first coupling member of a first panel is received within a second coupling member of a second panel such that the adhesive composition is positioned between the respective first and second coupling members of the two panels.
  • An adhesive bond is thereby fonried between the two coupling members.
  • a plurality of panels may be joined together in this manner to form a floor covering system.
  • the adhesive composition providing the adhesive bond may be selectively applied to at least one of the first or second coupling members during the floor covering panel manufacturing process. Still further, the adhesive composition provides a substantially non-refastenable bond that results in a durable bond between mated floor covering panels.
  • FIG. 1 is a top plan view of a plurality of floor covering panels connected together to form a floor covering panel system.
  • Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional side view of an embodiment of the floor covering panel according to the present invention.
  • Fig. 3 is a partial cross-sectional side view of a pair of the floor covering panels of Fig. 2, particularly illustrating a first coupling member engaging a second coupling member.
  • Fig. 4 is a schematic illustration of a testing fixture used to test seam strength associated with the floor covering panels of the invention.
  • the present invention in one embodiment, is a floor covering panel 10.
  • the panel 10 includes a first generally planar surface 11 and a second generally planar surface 12 opposed to the first surface. Extending between the surfaces 11, 12 are a first side edge 13 and an opposed second side edge 14, respectively, each of which runs the length of the floor covering panel.
  • a first coupling member 20 which includes a protrusion 21 extending therefrom.
  • the second side edge 14 includes a second complementary coupling member 22 defined therein that includes a recess 23 sized and shaped to receive the protrusion 21 of a second one of the floor covering panels therein.
  • An adhesive composition 24, described in greater detail below, is selectively applied to at least a portion of at least one of the first or second coupling members 20, 22, as desired.
  • a plurality of floor covering panels may be joined together to form a floor covering system 15 as shown in Fig. 1.
  • the present invention includes floor covering panels of various constructions known in the industry or that may be developed in the future.
  • the floor covering panels may be manufactured from a laminated material having a fiberboard core.
  • the present invention may be constructed of other types of laminates such as high pressure laminates, which have been marketed under such trade names as Formica ® and Wilson Art ® .
  • Other materials may also be used to construct the floor panel such as natural organic, recycled or synthetic materials.
  • the floor covering panel may be a tongue and groove wooden flooring material, such as those manufactured by Bruce Hardwood Floors, a division of Armstrong Flooring, Inc. (Lancaster, PA).
  • the present invention is suitable for use on any flooring substrate that will benefit from inclusion of a non- refastenable bond as set forth in more detail herein.
  • a typical laminate floor panel is constructed of a plurality of discrete layers, which may include some or all of the following: a backing layer 16, a core layer 17, a decorative layer 18, and a wear layer 19.
  • the various layers may be adhered, joined, or coupled to one another by a chemical adhesive, mechanical connection, or other means known in the art for forming the panel.
  • the first generally planar surface 11 is usually the upper surface of the wear layer 19 while the second generally planar surface 12 is typically created by the lower surface of the backing layer 16 as shown in Fig. 2.
  • the backing layer 16 faces the underlying subfloor (not shown).
  • the backing layer 16 may provide an improved moisture resistance to the floor panel 10 because the core layer 17 typically is not completely impervious to moisture or contaminants. Additionally, the backing layer 16 may improve the structural integrity of the floor panel 10 by increasing overall thickness and reducing the warp and wear tendencies of the uncoated core material.
  • the construction of the backing layer 16 may, for example, comprise a clear sheet of melam ⁇ ne reinforced with aluminum oxide (A10 2 ) and impregnated with a suitable thermosetting resin. In other embodiments, backing layers 16 may be constructed of other materials providing suitable moisture resistance, such as phenolic resins or other natural, synthetic or recycled materials.
  • the core layer 17 may be formed from medium density or high density fiberboard, such as those marketed by companies including Louisiana Pacific, Georgia Pacific, Temple Inland, and Weyerhauser.
  • One fiberboard core material found to produce acceptable results is a high density fiberboard, which is a hardwood/softwood fiber compound compressed at 900 - 960 kg/m 3 .
  • Such fiberboard core material is usually available in 4 or 5 feet (1.22 or 1.52 meters) widths and lengths of up to 18 feet (5.49 meters).
  • core layers 17 constructed of different materials or having different properties may be utilized, including but not limited to other timber-based products, such as plywood, chipboard or particleboard.
  • the decorative or "decor" layer 18 comprises a sheet of paper that substantially covers the top surface of the core layer 17.
  • the visible side of the decorative layer 18 displays a desired aesthetic appearance, such as a color or pattern.
  • some currently contemplated patterns include simulated hardwood flooring and simulated ceramic tile, each in a variety of styles, shades and colors.
  • simulated hardwood styles include pine, heart pine, cherry, maple, beech, oak and mahogany.
  • Simulated tile appearances are contemplated in a range of styles, including a variety of marble and ceramic tile colors, including grout lines in ceramic tile styles.
  • Other currently contemplated patterns include floral patterns, abstract designs, geometric designs and company logos. Other patterns may be selected by the manufacturer or user according to their aesthetic preferences or design objectives.
  • the decorative layer 18 may be manufactured from paper that is impregnated with a thermosetting resin and provided with the desired aesthetic color and/or pattern. Other materials may make up the decorative layer 18, such as real wood veneer, pulverized stone, or other materials. Additionally, it is possible to achieve a similar decorative appearance by applying a direct or indirect printing process onto the top surface of the core layer 17.
  • the decorative layer 18 comprises the ink, dye, pigment or other marking substances applied to the core layer 17.
  • the decorative appearance may be provided by etching, burning or otherwise marring the top surface of the core layer 17. Any such treatment that supplies such a decorative appearance on the top surface of the core layer 17 is contemplated to comprise the decorative layer 18 as defined herein.
  • a decorative appearance may be imparted directly to the upper surface of the wear layer 19, which may remove the need for a decorative layer 18 within the floor panel 10.
  • the wear layer 19 may be adhered, joined, or coupled to the decorative layer 18 to protect the panel from the ambient environment.
  • the wear layer 19 is substantially transparent so that the aesthetic appearance of the decorative layer 18 is unobstructed by the wear layer 19.
  • a wear layer 19 is optional, the resistance of the floor panel 10 to wear, staining or fading of the aesthetic image imparted to the decorative layer 18 may be generally improved by the inclusion of a wear layer 19 in the floor covering panel 10.
  • the wear layer 19 may comprise a melamine sheet, which is reinforced with A10 2 and impregnated with a thermosetting resin. Alternately, the wear layer 19 may comprise a layer of varnish or other UV curable scratch resistant coating.
  • the wear layer 19 may be made from any material providing suitable moisture resistance and resilience to loads and wear to which a floor is subjected, such as phenolic resins or other natural, synthetic or recycled materials.
  • the coupling members 20 and 22 of the present invention provide a means for joining two adjacent floor covering panels 10a, 10b together as illustrated in Figs. 1 and 3.
  • One non-limiting example of such a means for adjoining adjacent panels is set forth in U.S. Patent No. 6,006,486 to Moriau et al. (which is incorporated herein in its entirety by the reference).
  • the first edge 13 of the panel 10 includes the first coupling member 20.
  • the first coupling member 20 includes a protrusion 21 with a rib 30 formed on the underside thereof.
  • the second coupling member 22 includes an upper lip 33, a lower lip 31, and a detent 32 formed within the lower lip 31.
  • the recess 23 is sized and shaped to accept the protrusion 21, and the detent 32 is sized and shaped to accept the rib 30.
  • the detent 32 and the rib 30 represent a locking structure, which will be discussed in greater detail below.
  • the coupling of floor covering panel 10a to adjacent panel 10b is achieved by placing the first coupling member 20 of panel 10a into the second coupling member 22 of panel 10b.
  • the tip of the protrusion 21 of panel 10a must be inserted into the recess 23 of panel 10b at an angle above the horizontal, and the panel 10a must then be rotated clockwise until the panels 10a and 10b are within substantially the same horizontal plane, as illustrated.
  • contact is made between the complementary coupling members 20, 22 of the two panels 10a, 10b in four contact zones as shown in Fig. 3.
  • the protrusion 21 of panel 10a contacts the upper lip 33 and the lower lip 31 of panel 10b at zones 40 and 41, respectively.
  • Contact zones 40 and 41 help locate the panels into substantially the same horizontal plane.
  • the rib 30 (Fig. 2) of panel 10a engages the detent 32 of panel 10b at contact zone 42.
  • the contact zone 42 is substantially planar; however, any contact zone may be fomied in any shape depending on the profile desired.
  • the angle fomied by the substantially planar contact zone 42 and the substantially planar second surface 12 forms an acute angle therebetween, when measured from the second surface 12 counterclockwise to the plane of the contact zone 42.
  • This configuration ensures that the contact force between the adjacent panels 10a, 10b at the contact zone 42 urges the panels together and promotes a tight joint.
  • This locking structure defined by the rib 30 of panel 10a and the detent 32 of panel 10b prevents substantial separation of the two panels 10a and 10b in a direction perpendicular to the side edges 13, 14 of the panels 10a, 10b and parallel to the respective first surfaces 11.
  • An additional contact zone 43 is present in the embodiment illustrated in Fig. 3, adjacent the first surface 11 of each of the panels 10a, 10b.
  • floor covering panels 10 may be manufactured in a variety of shapes and sizes, commonly including square, rectangular and other polygonal embodiments. In the case of square and rectangular panels, each panel has four side edges. Thus, according to the invention, each panel 10 may include two first side edges 13, and two opposed second side edges 14, each edge extending between the top and bottom surfaces 11, 12 of the panel 10. It should also be noted that the embodiments shown in Figs. 2 and 3 are for illustrative purposes only, and that the present invention is equally applicable to other coupling profiles known in the industry or that may be developed in the future. In other embodiments, the quantity, size and location of the contact zones may vary with the profile as desired, but the different profiles still fall within the scope of the present invention.
  • the adhesive composition 24 may be selectively pre-applied at the factory, at any desired location and in any desired amount, using one of a number of methods known to one of skill in the art. In one illustrative example, the adhesive composition may be applied in spray form or in a bead form at the desired location. According to the present invention, the adhesive composition 24 may be selectively applied to at least a portion of at least one of the first or second coupling member 20, 22 as desired, for example the contact zones 40-43.
  • the adhesive composition 24 may be selectively applied to at least a portion of the first coupling member 20. Yet still further, the adhesive composition 24 may be selectively applied to at least a portion of the second coupling member 22. In a still further aspect, an adhesive composition 24 may be selectively applied to at least a portion both the first and the second coupling member 20, 22, which portions may correspond with, or be separate of, one another as desired.
  • the adhesive composition 24 may be selectively applied only to the rib 30 at a location corresponding to the contact zone 42.
  • selectively applied it is meant that the adhesive composition 24 is applied only to the intended area of application, and that the adhesive composition 24 is not applied to neighboring areas or any other areas besides the selected and intended area of application.
  • the adhesive composition 24 forms an adhesive bond between the rib 30 and the detent 32.
  • the adhesive composition 24 may be selectively applied only to the detent 32 at a location corresponding to the contact zone 42.
  • the adhesive composition 24 may be selectively applied to both the rib 30 and the detent 32 at a location corresponding to the contact zone 42.
  • the adhesive composition 24 may be applied to locations on one or both of the coupling members 20, 22 and at locations corresponding to some or all contact zones for that particular coupling profile. As set forth above, in various embodiments, the adhesive composition 24 may be selectively applied only to locations on the first coupling member 20 corresponding to one or more contact zones. Alternatively, the adhesive composition 24 may be selectively applied only to locations on the second coupling member 22 corresponding to one or more of the described contact zones. In yet another embodiment, the adhesive composition 24 may be selectively applied to locations on both the first coupling member 20 and the second coupling member 22 corresponding to one or more contact zones, as desired.
  • the adhesive composition 24 may be applied to substantially the entire first edge 13, second edge 14, or both, as desired.
  • a vacuum coating process may be utilized.
  • a floor covering panel is passed through a machine that applies the adhesive composition under pressure to one side of a respective edge of a floor covering panel.
  • a vacuum is applied at an opposite side of the edge of the panel to remove excess adhesive composition from the floor covering panel.
  • Excess adhesive composition may be returned to a vessel for re-use.
  • Use of such a vacuum coating method allows for precise application of the adhesive coating to a floor covering panel by way of adjusting the pressure/vacuum ratios.
  • a further method that may be utilized to apply the adhesive coating composition to the floor covering panel is the use of a roll coat applicator.
  • the adhesive composition may be applied to the floor covering panels by a transfer roller that is supplied with an adhesive composition from a supply reservoir.
  • the application of the adhesive composition can be precisely controlled by adjusting the parameters used in the application.
  • a further method of applying the adhesive composition to the floor covering panels is achieved by use of a multi-spray head applicator. This method will allow application of the adhesive composition to the flooring profile with precision and accuracy.
  • multiple spray applicators may be fitted with nozzles and be situated to spray the adhesive composition on selected portions of the side edges of a floor covering panel.
  • the spray applicators may pulse at a high frequency to apply the adhesive composition to the desired position on the floor covering panel, which pulsing action may also assist in keeping the spray head clean.
  • the adhesive composition is supplied to the spray head by means of a conventional pump system that pulls the composition from a supply tank.
  • a conventional pump system that pulls the composition from a supply tank.
  • Such spray application systems are known to those skilled in the art and are commercially available from manufacturers including Nordson Corp. (Westlake, OH), ITW Dynatec America (Hendersonville, TN) and 3M Corp. (St. Paul, MN).
  • Application weights for the adhesive composition may be from about 0.1 to about 2.0g of adhesive per 48" board. Still further the adhesive application weight may be from about 0.1, 0.2, 0.4, 0.5, 0.7, 0.9, 1.0, 1.2, 1.5, 1.9, or 2.0 g per 48" (1.22 meters) board. From about 1 to about 4 beads of adhesive may be applied along the board edges.
  • the main ingredient of the adhesive composition may comprise one or more acrylic latex polymers or other similar polymers. Such materials are described in detail in U.S. Patent No. 4,477,622, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein in its entirety by this reference. Other suitable materials for use as the adhesive composition are described in U.S. Patent No. 6,290,801 Bl, the disclosure of which is also incorporated herein in its entirety by this reference.
  • the main ingredient for the adhesive composition may comprise one or more of: polychloroprene, polyurethane, styrene-isoprene copolymer, styrene-butadiene copolymer, polyimide, polyvinyl chloride, nitrocellulose, polyisoprene, acrylonitrile-butadiene-isoprene te ⁇ olymer, butadiene- methacrylonitrile copolymer or polyethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer.
  • the adhesive composition comprises an acrylic polymer that is derived from one or more monomers comprising: methyl acrylate, ethyl acrylate, butyl acrylate, cyclohexyl acrylate, 2-ethylhexyl acrylate, t-octyl acrylate, dodecyl acrylate, and octadecyl acrylate
  • the polymer used in the adhesive composition comprises a vinyl acrylic polymer blend with one of the acrylic polymers having a Tg of about 20 to about 40 °C, or from about 25 to about 35 °C, and the second acrylic polymer having a Tg of from about 10 to about 30 °C, or from about 15 to about 25 °C.
  • the blend of first and second acrylic polymers comprises from about 50 to about 70 % by total weight polymer of first acrylic polymer and from about 50 to about 70 % by total weight polymer of the second acrylic polymer.
  • the first and second acrylic polymers in this mixture comprise from about 1 to about 8 moles of alkyl esters of acrylic acid and a fully hydrolyzed poly(vinyl) alcohol that is about 60 to about 80 percent hydrolyzed.
  • a specific commercially available form of this polymer blend is supplied by Advance Adhesive Technologies, Inc. (Dalton, GA) as "AAT-1311-3".
  • a further polymer blend that is suitable for use in the adhesive composition of the present invention is a blend of the AAT- 1311-3 discussed above and an ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer ("EVA”) and an acrylic latex.
  • the Tg of the EVA polymer is from about -10 to about + 10 °C or from about -5 to about +5 °C.
  • the ethylene monomer is from about 15 to about 30 % by weight and the vinyl acetate is from about 85 to about 70 % by weight.
  • the acrylic polymer has a Tg of from about 30 to about 40 °C and comprises an ester of acrylic acid or methacrylic acid and an alcohol.
  • the carbon length may be from about 6 to about 20 carbon atoms, or from about 6 to about 12 carbon atoms, or from about 8 to about 10 carbon atoms.
  • This particular polymer blend is supplied commercially as "AAT- 1311-4," by Advanced Adhesives Technologies.
  • the adhesive composition may contain other materials known to one of ordinary skill in the art. Such additives will vary depending on the final properties desired in the adhesive composition and the adhesive bond fomied therefrom.
  • the adhesive composition may contain viscosity modifiers, rheology modifiers, fillers, opacifiers, preservatives and surface tension modifiers.
  • the adhesive composition after application to the floor covering panel, may be essentially non-tacky.
  • a non-tacky adhesive composition may be desirable so that lint, dust and other materials will be less likely to adhere to the adhesive composition prior to installation.
  • the adherence of lint, dust, and the like can be unsightly and can also reduce the adhesive effectiveness of the adhesive composition.
  • the tackiness of an adhesive composition may be regulated by combining two or more adhesive polymers, as found with the AAT- 1311-3 and
  • a "soft" polymer will give an adhesive composition adhesive properties but will also generally be tacky.
  • a "hard” polymer will not be tacky, but will also generally not provide substantial adhesive properties at temperatures close to ambient.
  • the qualities of each polymer may be used to result in an adhesive that is non-tacky, but which provides a strong bond after the application of pressure.
  • the tackiness of the adhesive polymer composition may be modified by the addition of tackifiers.
  • tac ifiers and the uses thereof are well known to those of ordinary skill in the art and, as such, are not discussed in detail herein.
  • Other suitable acrylic polymers or polymer blends are available from Air Products and Chemicals (Lehigh Valley, PA) and Rohm and Haas Co. (Philadelphia, PA).
  • the adhesive compositions suitable for use herein provide a substantially non-refastenable bond.
  • substantially non-refastenable means that upon completion of bond formation, when a force is applied to the panels at the point of adhesion, the floor covering panels will not separate. More specifically, it is more likely for the floor covering panels themselves to break than for the adhesive bond to fail.
  • the adhesive composition 24 creates a substantially non-refastenable bond between the first coupling member 20 of the first floor covering panel 10a and the second coupling member 22 of the second covering panel 1 Ob after a desired time period.
  • the desired properties of the final adhesive composition will depend on the use for which the floor covering is intended. For example, a floor covering panel which is intended for installation by a professional installer may need less "refastening time” than a floor covering panel that is intended for installation by a homeowner. "Refastening time” is used herein to denote the time required for the adhesive composition on a first floor covering panel to form a substantially non- refastenable bond with a second floor covering panel.
  • the floor covering panels may be repositioned without damage to the floor covering panels themselves or to the ability of the adhesive composition to ultimately form a durable non-refastenable bond.
  • the adhesive composition may be repositioned without breaking either the adhesive bond or the panels themselves. In this circumstance, failure of either the adhesive bond or the panels themselves is a result that will be unacceptable to the consumer.
  • adhesive compositions utilized in the present invention should allow enough "working time,” or refastening time, as described above, to allow the floor covering panels to be shifted to ensure proper alignment of the panels. Put another way, in a significant aspect of the present invention, the adhesive composition will not form a non-refastenable bond immediately upon contact of the two panels.
  • floor covering panels intended for installation by a professional may comprise an adhesive composition that forms a non-refastenable bond in a shorter period of time than a product that may be intended for installation by an homeowner.
  • the adhesive compositions and resulting adhesive properties thereof may be adjusted by varying the type of adhesive polymer and the amount thereof. Such variations may be determined by one of ordinary skill in the art without undue experimentation.
  • the refastening time of the adhesive composition used on the floor covering panels of the present invention is from about 4 to about 48 hours, or from about 2 to about 12 hours, or from about 12 to about 48 hours, or from about 1 to about 4 hours. Still further, the refastening time for the adhesive composition used on the floor covering panels of the present invention is about 1 hour, about 2 hours, about 5 hours, about 10 hours, about 15 hours, about 20 hours, about 24 hours, about 36 hours or about 48 hours, where any value can be used as an upper or lower endpoint, as appropriate. Still further, the floor covering panels may be adjusted at up to 36 hours, but at about 48 hours, a non-refastenable bond is present, thereby preventing adjustment of the panels without breaking of the adhesive bond.
  • a substantially non-refastenable bond is not formed for about 1 hour, about 6 hours, about 12 hours, about 18 hours, about 24 hours, about 36 hours, or about 48 hours, where any value can be used as an upper or lower end point, as appropriate.
  • the adhesive composition 24 may form a substantially non-refastenable bond when an adhesive applied to corresponding portions of the first coupling member 20 located on the first floor covering panel 10a and on the second coupling member 22 located on the second floor covering panel 10b are mated.
  • the adhesive composition may form a substantially non-refastenable bond when the adhesive composition is applied to one of a first floor covering panel 10a or a second floor covering panel 10b that are mated. This is an "adhesive to panel” seal.
  • each of these bond types requires that the adhesive composition exhibit suitable adhesion to the floor covering panel material itself.
  • the adhesive compositions utilized herein form a tight bond to the floor covering panel material.
  • the adhesive composition may have a release strip applied to its surface. When intended for installation by the consumer, this release strip will be removed to present the adhesive composition on one or more floor covering panels for mating thereof.
  • the form and ingredients of the adhesive composition used in the present invention may vary significantly according to the intended end use and desired adhesive bond strength
  • a major aspect of the present invention is that no activator, whether moisture (i.e. water) or otherwise, is needed in order to form the adhesive bond. That is, the adhesive composition used in the present invention is "self-activating" in that it requires no catalyst or activator to commence formation of a substantially non-refastenable bond upon mating of two floor covering panels.
  • the adhesive composition is aqueous.
  • aqueous it is meant that the primary solvent for the adhesive is water.
  • the adhesive composition may have, in some aspects, a co-solvent, such as an organic solvent material.
  • the solvent in the adhesive composition will be water.
  • the adhesive composition may be applied during the floor covering panel manufacturing process at or near ambient temperature.
  • ambient it is meant temperatures that generally range from about 20 °C to about 40 °C.
  • the adhesive will be flowable upon application to the floor covering panel. That is, in most aspects, the adhesive composition will not require the application of heat to the adhesive composition to facilitate application to the floor covering panel.
  • the suitable viscosities and rheological qualities of the adhesive compositions used in the present invention can be readily determined by one of ordinary skill in the art without undue experimentation. Further, should the adhesive composition require modification of the viscosity to facilitate application of the adhesive composition to the floor covering panel, such modification can be effected using methods and materials Icnown to one of ordinary skill in the art. Accordingly, such methods and materials will not be discussed in detail herein.
  • the adhesive composition is thixatropic.
  • the adhesive composition Upon application to the floor covering panel as discussed in more detail herein, the adhesive composition should become dry to the touch within a fairly short period after application.
  • the adhesive composition may dry, i.e., the solvent will evaporate from the composition, under ambient conditions. Still flirther, heat may be applied in the manufacturing process to remove the solvent from the composition. Such heating methods may be by infrared lamps, hot air or microwave energy. When any of these drying methods are used, it is desirable that the solvent be evaporated from the adhesive composition in a fairly short period of time so as to facilitate the manufacturing process. Further, as would be recognized by one of ordinary skill in the art, a lesser amount of water (or other liquid) in the adhesive composition will generally result in a shorter drying time for the adhesive composition. Thus, in one aspect, the amount of water in the adhesive polymer should not exceed about 55% by weight.
  • the adhesive composition When the time comes to install the floor covering material, the adhesive composition must be able to form a non-refastenable bond. Since some time may go by between manufacture and installation of the flooring material, the adhesive composition should have a shelf life after application to the flooring material of from several months up to about two years, or a shelf life sufficient to allow for storage, display, sale and eventual use of the flooring material.
  • shelf-life it is meant the period of time for which the adhesive composition will still maintain its adhesive characteristic e.g., the period of time for which the adhesive composition will be suitable for use in durably attaching individual floor covering panels together.
  • shelf life may also be known to one of ordinary skill in the art as “open time.”
  • Open time means that time span, after the adhesive composition is dried, during which a substantially non-refastenable bond may be obtained between two floor covering panels as described elsewhere herein.
  • the shelf life of the adhesive composition may vary depending on such matters as, for example, the temperature and humidity at which the laminate flooring material is stored. In general, it is believed that the adhesive capabilities of the composition of the present invention will remain fairly constant for several months to up to two years when shipped and stored under conditions typically found with laminate flooring materials.
  • the open time for the adhesive compositions suitable in the present invention may be at least about 1 week, about 1 month, about six months, about 1 year, about 1.5 years or about 2 years, where any value can be used as an upper or lower endpoint, as appropriate. Still further, no special packaging is needed to maintain the desired open time for the adhesive compositions. That is, floor covering panels treated with the adhesive compositions may be stored and shipped at normal temperatures and humidity such that no special refrigeration or humidity controls are necessary when compared to those used to ship the same or similar floor covering panels not treated with adhesive compositions as described in detail herein.
  • the adhesive composition utilized in the present invention is a "contact adhesive.”
  • adhesive compositions that bond in a dry state to the floor covering panel substrate to form a substantially non-refastenable adhesive to panel bond as described elsewhere herein are also suitable for use.
  • the adhesive compositions of the present invention are not pressure sensitive adhesives.
  • a contact adhesive is an adhesive that will bond to itself by a diffusion process. This diffusion process is referred to herein as "cold flow.” Without being bound by theory, it is believed that this delayed setting action of the adhesive compositions suitable for use herein is a result of a cold flow action of the adhesive composition.
  • Such cold flow adhesion will occur when pressure is applied to the adhesive composition, as would occur when a first floor covering panel 10a having an adhesive composition applied is mated (using at least some pressure) with a second floor covering panel 10b.
  • the adhesive composition Upon commencement of cold flow (or "autohesion"), the adhesive composition will begin to form a substantially non- refastenable bond between the first floor covering panel 10a and the second floor covering panel 10b after a period of time.
  • this second floor covering panel 10b will have the adhesive composition applied thereto; in a further aspect the second floor covering panel 10b will not have the adhesive composition applied thereto. In a flirther aspect, the second floor covering panel 10b will have a different adhesive composition applied thereto.
  • the adhesive composition not migrate substantially into the floor covering panel.
  • some penetration into the floor covering material substrate is necessary upon application of the wet composition to allow the adhesive composition to "grab" onto the substrate and enable the fomiation of a substantially non-refastenable bond.
  • the adhesive composition not cause the floor covering panel to swell during use. That is, it is generally desired that the adhesive composition not contain ingredients that will wick into the floor covering panel material after the composition has dried. When an adhesive to panel bond is desired, it will be necessary for some of the adhesive composition to migrate into the second floor covering panel after the mating thereof in order to effect a non-refastenable bond.
  • the dried adhesive composition should not migrate into the floor covering panel in a manner that causes swelling or other loss of integrity in the floor covering panel. Still further, it is generally desirable that the adhesive composition remains fixed in the location at which it was applied. This "stay put" aspect of the adhesive composition is significant when the adhesive composition is selectively applied to the floor covering panels.
  • the present invention may also be utilized in conjunction with an invention relating to selective application of a barrier composition to a floor covering panel,
  • the invention relating to this barrier composition is described in detail in a U.S. Patent Application filed concurrently herewith (Attorney Docket Number 19133.0028U1), the disclosure of which is inco ⁇ orated herein in its entirety by this reference.
  • Composition 1 AAT- 1311-3 (Advanced Adhesive Technologies, Dalton, GA)
  • Acrylic polymer 100 phr * Vinyl-acrylic blend with one polymer having a Tg of 30 °C at 60 % by weight total polymer and second polymer having a Tg of 20 °C at 40 % by weight total polymer.
  • NP-10 nonylethanol phenol 10 mole ethoxylate 0.01-0.05 phr Water adjust to 50% solids
  • composition 2 AAT-1311-4 (Advanced Adhesive Technologies, Dalton, GA) Acrylic polymer 50 phr
  • EVA Epsilene- vinyl acetate copolymer latex and an acrylic latex.
  • EVA has 20 to 25 % ethylene monomer and 75-80 % vinyl acetate.
  • NP-10 nonylethanol phenol 10 mole ethoxylate
  • NP-10 and thickener amounts not exactly specified because amount needed will vary depending on other raw materials, viscosity desired and surface tension needed.
  • a single bead of an adhesive composition was applied by spraying to the joint J (Fig. 4), which corresponds to the area marked 24 of one surface of a floor covering panel (Figs. 2 and 3).
  • a heat gun at 150 °F (65.6 °C) was aimed at the adhesive composition for approximately 30 seconds to provide an adhesive composition that was dry to the touch.
  • Fig. 4 The following procedure was used in the Hinge Test, as shown in Fig. 4: 1. Join floor covering panels together 110a, 110b with adhesive composition. 2. Cut joined floor covering panels 110a, 110b nine inches in a lengthwise direction and 6 inches across the width thereof. The joint J between the panels was four inches from the edge on the tongue side of the joint J. 3. Attach the latch eye 116 parallel to the j oint J centered on the tongue side of the sample. 4. Grasp the free cable 112 end with the upper grips.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Architecture (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Organic Chemistry (AREA)
  • Civil Engineering (AREA)
  • Structural Engineering (AREA)
  • Floor Finish (AREA)
  • Panels For Use In Building Construction (AREA)
  • Adhesives Or Adhesive Processes (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne un nouveau panneau (10) et un système de revêtement de sol. Les panneaux de revêtement de sol comprennent, en général, une première et une seconde surface plane (11, 12), un premier et un second bord latéral (13, 14) contenant respectivement un premier et un second élément de couplage (20, 22) complémentaire et une composition adhésive (24) sélectivement appliquée sur au moins une partie du premier et du second élément de couplage (20, 22). La composition adhésive fournissant la liaison adhésive peut être appliquée sur au moins le premier et le second élément de couplage (20, 22) pendant le processus de fabrication du revêtement de sol. Une fois que le système de revêtement de sol est assemblé, ladite composition adhésive (24) fournit une liaison qui ne peut être sensiblement rétablie entre les panneaux (10) de revêtement de sol appariés.
EP02768566A 2002-08-14 2002-08-14 Revetement de sol a languette et rainure preencollees Withdrawn EP1546479A4 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/US2002/025999 WO2004016873A1 (fr) 2002-08-14 2002-08-14 Revetement de sol a languette et rainure preencollees

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1546479A1 true EP1546479A1 (fr) 2005-06-29
EP1546479A4 EP1546479A4 (fr) 2007-01-03

Family

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Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP02768566A Withdrawn EP1546479A4 (fr) 2002-08-14 2002-08-14 Revetement de sol a languette et rainure preencollees

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Country Link
EP (1) EP1546479A4 (fr)
JP (1) JP4358740B2 (fr)
AU (1) AU2002331592B2 (fr)
BR (1) BR0215838A2 (fr)
CA (1) CA2495259C (fr)
MX (1) MXPA05001794A (fr)

Citations (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4477622A (en) * 1980-02-08 1984-10-16 Rohm And Haas Company Contact adhesives
DE29703962U1 (de) * 1997-03-05 1997-04-24 Witex AG, 32832 Augustdorf Element zur Erzeugung eines Fußboden- oder Wandflächenbelages, insbesondere Laminatpaneel
US6006486A (en) * 1996-06-11 1999-12-28 Unilin Beheer Bv, Besloten Vennootschap Floor panel with edge connectors
DE20109840U1 (de) * 2001-06-17 2001-09-06 Kronospan Tech Co Ltd Platten mit Einschiebe-Steckprofil
US6290801B1 (en) * 1998-02-09 2001-09-18 3M Innovative Properties Company Cold seal package and method for making the same
US20010024707A1 (en) * 1996-11-08 2001-09-27 Kjell Andersson Flooring
US20020046526A1 (en) * 2000-06-06 2002-04-25 Franz Knauseder Flooring panels

Family Cites Families (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5502939A (en) * 1994-07-28 1996-04-02 Elite Panel Products Interlocking panels having flats for increased versatility
US6314701B1 (en) * 1998-02-09 2001-11-13 Steven C. Meyerson Construction panel and method
SE518184C2 (sv) * 2000-03-31 2002-09-03 Perstorp Flooring Ab Golvbeläggningsmaterial innefattande skivformiga golvelement vilka sammanfogas med hjälp av sammankopplingsorgan
BR0209464A (pt) * 2001-05-11 2004-07-06 Lord Corp Método para junção de painéis com utilização de aderentes pré-aplicados

Patent Citations (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4477622A (en) * 1980-02-08 1984-10-16 Rohm And Haas Company Contact adhesives
US6006486A (en) * 1996-06-11 1999-12-28 Unilin Beheer Bv, Besloten Vennootschap Floor panel with edge connectors
US20010024707A1 (en) * 1996-11-08 2001-09-27 Kjell Andersson Flooring
DE29703962U1 (de) * 1997-03-05 1997-04-24 Witex AG, 32832 Augustdorf Element zur Erzeugung eines Fußboden- oder Wandflächenbelages, insbesondere Laminatpaneel
US6290801B1 (en) * 1998-02-09 2001-09-18 3M Innovative Properties Company Cold seal package and method for making the same
US20020046526A1 (en) * 2000-06-06 2002-04-25 Franz Knauseder Flooring panels
US20020148551A1 (en) * 2000-06-06 2002-10-17 Franz Knauseder Panel with glue and covering, and method and device for the production thereof
DE20109840U1 (de) * 2001-06-17 2001-09-06 Kronospan Tech Co Ltd Platten mit Einschiebe-Steckprofil

Non-Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
See also references of WO2004016873A1 *

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
MXPA05001794A (es) 2005-05-05
JP4358740B2 (ja) 2009-11-04
AU2002331592B2 (en) 2009-11-26
JP2005535810A (ja) 2005-11-24
AU2002331592A1 (en) 2004-03-03
CA2495259C (fr) 2010-10-19
EP1546479A4 (fr) 2007-01-03
BR0215838A2 (pt) 2011-08-30
CA2495259A1 (fr) 2004-02-26

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