EP1734203B1 - Corner piece for a flooring in the area of an inner corner defined between a floor and adjoining walls, and associated laying process - Google Patents

Abstract

The device has an independent corner insert (10) including two triangular areas (Z1, Z2) with bases that are part of a peripheral outline of the insert and a third triangular area (Z3) with an inner base. A fourth triangular central area (Z4) slopes after laying and is located in a forward plane away from a corner area where successive walls and the floor meet. The central area constitutes a visible easy-to-access surface for cleaning and to dislodge and collect dust and other particles on a base of the central area. An independent claim is also included for a method of laying floor and wall coverings in reentrant corners.

Description

The invention relates to the technical field of floor and wall coverings using polyvinyl chloride materials or the like.

To the knowledge of the applicant, who is one of the Leaders in Europe in the manufacture of this type of flooring and walls, the laying of these coatings in the parts of re-entrant angles is carried out in the following manner up skirting.

A first method which is essentially currently exploited implements the following phases. This process is illustrated Figures 1 and 2 drawings. Along the joint line, between the floor and the walls, is arranged a quarter-circle cradle (1) which is fixed by gluing, or otherwise, by its longitudinal end portions, on the facing faces of the walls of floors and walls. Then, the floor covering is presented in the corner portion by raising it to come against the corresponding vertical walls of the wall. This requires prior to performing a cutting operation of the coating along a line (2) at 45 ° whose end portion corresponds to the bottom point of the junction, the line at 45 ° up to the level of the end longitudinal top of the coating. The formation of the angle in the two successive vertical planes causes a fold effect, by excess of material, and it is necessary, to avoid the extra thicknesses, to proceed empirically to wall cuts of excess materials. This operation is done in situ is far from practical. Then proceed to a bonding operation of the coating of the ground and at a re-entrant angle and at a welding operation of the opposite edges on either side of the 45 ° line. This removal of the excess walls is necessary to avoid, in the area considered, extra thicknesses. The difficulty is real and requires the operator a great expertise because the operation of cutting the coating to remove the extra thickness is far from easy to achieve. This hot weld, with the removal of a weld bead (3), starts from the maximum return point and takes place along the oblique line. One of the difficulties encountered is the control of the weld quality which can only be done visually. In practice, it has been found that it is sufficient that there is a small incipient break so that the seal is not performed.

Another problem lies in the fact that the welding operation in the corners, the wheel or the nozzle, can cause, in the angle, a deterioration of the coating, such as, for example, burns of the coating with the appearance of geometric deformations, bulges or others, with a visual appearance not very clear.

This commonly used solution, in the absence of satisfactory substitution solutions, has yet another drawback. The corner parts are considered dust nests and facilitate the accumulation of dust, litter of all kinds, and are therefore preferred fouling areas. However, floor and wall coverings of the type described are commonly used in public and private places where hygiene is a total requirement. This is the case in hospitals for example. Means and cleaning tools, manual or mechanized, used brushes type, brushes, do not allow to ensure complete maintenance because access in the final corner is not possible.

It therefore appears that this solution is impractical and has many disadvantages.

The applicant's approach was, fifteen years ago, to propose another solution from thermoformed angles of angles, illustrated figure 3 . This solution, which initially appeared attractive, proved to be impractical and was abandoned to return to the old practice. This second solution was thus to achieve plastic corner elements (4) with definite predetermined shapes perfectly adapting to the corner portion and to glue them against the parts facing the floor and walls. In fact, the management and logistics required for manufacturing and implementation remained cumbersome to manage. The verticality and perpendicularity of the walls and walls of successive walls relative to the ground is far from absolute in practice and was then posed, during the pre-laying, the arrangement of these angles elements thermoformed with respect to the walls of walls. In addition, another major disadvantage was that there was a loss of uniformity between the characteristics and decorations of the floor coverings with the corner portions.

This second technology, which has been exploited by the applicant himself, has been abandoned because it can not be exploited industrially.

The applicant therefore returned to the initial solution, even if the latter presented or had many disadvantages.

It is known, moreover, corner inserts described in the following documents: WO 91/10554 , EP 437.660 , DE 29506296 , WO 91/10792 , DE 9113934 .

In view of this situation, the applicant nevertheless continued his search for alternative alternatives.

After new research, a solution has been found which is of great interest in that it makes it possible to answer all of the problems posed previously, and which makes it possible to guarantee a continuity of the visual aspect of the coating laid down including in the corner areas.

According to the invention, the yoke for a floor and wall covering placed in a zone of re-entrant corner junction between a floor and walls, said yoke being independent, from the same material constituting the coating with the same constitutive characteristics and of decor, is characterized in that said angle yoke is constituted in two dimensions before laying, and defined in three dimensions after laying, presenting, flat, a geometric configuration of its non-regular lines for, after installation, said yoke has a parallelepipedal regular geometrical configuration, said yoke comprising, after laying, 4 zones, including three triangulated zones which each have two bases forming part of the peripheral periphery of the yoke and a third inner base, the consecutive juxtaposition of said third bases forming a triangulated central portion, disposed inclined after installation, and is located nt in an advanced plane and away from the corner portion of junction of the walls of successive walls and the ground, said part Triangulated central forming an apparent clearance surface easy access for maintenance and allowing the discharge and collection of dust and other at its base.

According to another feature, the method of laying a floor and wall covering in a re-entrant angle zone between a floor and walls comprising a step of cutting a yoke in a particular geometric shape into the facing material for laying, said cut-out yoke being in two dimensions, a step of presenting said yoke in the re-entrant angle zone to be covered and a step of deforming said yoke to reveal triangulated planar zones intended to be fixed on the walls of the yoke; facing walls and the facing floor wall, and defining a tilted central portion shaped triangulation, with the base forward, said central portion being clear with respect to the junction angle of the wall walls and ground between them, integrated yoke integrating into a corner cutout established on the main liner, the corner yoke being fixed by gluing or the like the wall walls and floor opposite with the exception of said triangular central portion, the connection between the yoke and the main coating being made by end-to-end joining and removal of a connecting means.

These and other characteristics will be apparent from the rest of the description.

• Les figures 1 et 2 sont des vues à caractère schématique illustrant la mise en oeuvre des parties de revêtements en angle rentrant selon l'art antérieur dans une première mise en oeuvre.
• La figure 3 est une vue d'un élément d'angle thermoformé selon l'art antérieur.
• La figure 4 est une vue en perspective de face illustrant le dispositif d'un empiècement d'angle selon l'invention positionné in situ et donc représenté en trois dimensions.
• La figure 5 est une vue de profil selon la figure 4.
• Les figures 6, 7, 8 et 9 sont des vues du dispositif d'empiècement selon l'invention dans quatre mises en oeuvre en variante.

For fixing the object of the invention illustrated in a nonlimiting manner to the figures of the drawings where:

• The Figures 1 and 2 are schematic views illustrating the implementation of the re-entrant angle coating parts according to the prior art in a first implementation.
• The figure 3 is a view of a thermoformed corner element according to the prior art.
• The figure 4 is a front perspective view illustrating the device of an angle yoke according to the invention positioned in situ and thus represented in three dimensions.
• The figure 5 is a profile view according to the figure 4 .
• The Figures 6, 7, 8 and 9 are views of the yoke device according to the invention in four alternative implementations.

In order to make the object of the invention more concrete, it is now described in a nonlimiting manner in the figures of the drawings.

There are represented by (1A) (1B) two walls of successive walls, and by (1C) the soil likely to be covered with a coating (R) of soil based on polyvinyl chloride and other similar materials having all characteristics. appropriate to the needs and applications. The reentrant corner portion is referenced by (1D) and is therefore defined as being the convergence zone of two successive wall walls perpendicular to each other and with respect to the ground plane (1C).

According to the invention, in the corner portions of a location, a construction of all types and applications is provided, independent devices constituting corner inserts (10) which are made of the same material as the flooring itself. Thus, the corner inserts (10) have the same technical characteristics and visual aspects as the coatings laid in the place considered, thus ensuring continuity and complete harmony in the aesthetics and continuity of the technical characteristics of the coating. Each yoke (10) is thus manufactured as the coating by initially appearing in an initial state before laying in two dimensions. The coating (R), and therefore or the inserts (10) have, by their constituent material, a certain flexibility and are therefore deformable. The yoke (10), according to the invention, has, in a flat situation after cutting, a flat, non-regular geometrical configuration in a polygonal overall shape with two opposite triangulated portions (T1-T2), and of different surface, separated by a rectilinear junction axis (aa) corresponding to the maximum width (1) of the yoke, and a perpendicular axis (bb) conferring on the yoke its symmetry. The yoke (10) is shown flat, according to Figures 6, 7, 8 and 9 with, from the same general form, some variants. Thus, from Figures 6 and 8 the triangulated part, which defines two zones (Z1 - Z2) which are intended to be against the wall walls, has a central connection part at the curvilinear vertex (10a); Figures 7 to 9 the junction zone is established by an edge (10b). The triangulated portion (T2) is intended to configure, after laying, substantially two zones (Z3 and Z4), a zone (Z3) intended to constitute the front part of the yoke to be secured to the ground, and the part (Z4) central which is delimited on each of its sides by the three zones (Z1 - Z2 - Z3). Flat, the triangulated zone (T2) is defined by a variation of its width by narrowing from its base to its vertex in two different angulations that can reveal two successive trapezoidal sections (10c - 10d) of different surface. The end portion has, according to the Figures 6, 8 or 7, 9 a reentrant (10th) or projecting (10f) top portion, depending on the application.

According to the invention, the yoke thus defined in its geometric configuration, and having a certain flexibility of its constitution, can be set up in the re-entrant angle zone by taking the new illustrated configuration. Figures 4 and 5 . The yoke thus comprises three triangulated zones (Z1 - Z2 - Z3), two (Z1 - Z2) fixed to the facing wall wall, and the third (Z3) fixed forward on the ground, by any means, collage or other. The fourth zone (Z4) appears deformed and in turn presents a triangulated appearance by forming a forward inclined plane (10g) rigid and remote from the re-entrant angle portion defined between the walls of the walls and the soil, this distance being several centimeters depending on the size of the yoke. This fourth zone (Z4) thus starts substantially in the zone of connection of the triangulated zones (Z1 and Z2), and develops until the junction of the triangulated zone (Z3) secured to the ground. The angle of inclination α of this fourth zone is of the order of 45 ° and defines a plane or relatively large apparent clearance surface, while remaining in continuity with the other parts of the yoke and those of the coating which is associated with him. Thus, there are as many inserts as there are reentrant angles in the room or the room to be converted.

It should be made clear that the introduction of the re-entrant corner inserts is performed after positioning quarter-circle profiled cradles initially recalled according to the prior art. The method of laying the coverings of the panels is as follows.

The process of laying floor and wall coverings in the re-entrant corners is remarkable in that it consists in cutting off pieces according to particular geometrical shapes in the materials of the covering intended to be placed on the ground, said cut-out inserts being in two dimensions, to present said inserts in the zones of reentrant angles, to be covered and to deform them so as to reveal triangulated plane portions intended to be fixed on the facing wall walls and the facing floor wall, and to define an inclined central portion shaped in triangulation, with the base forward, said central portion being disengaged with respect to the junction angle of the walls; of walls and floor between them, and in that the realized yoke integrates into a corner cut-out established on the main lining, and in that the corner yoke is fixed by gluing or otherwise to the walls of walls and facing floor except for its central zone, and in that the connection between the yoke and the main lining is made by end-to-end joining and epose of a connecting means.

The advantages are apparent from the invention. We emphasize the new concept of realization of the inserts in the material and the decoration of the main flooring, the simplicity of implementation of the inserts in situ. They must be deformed in three dimensions and then apply certain parts against the walls of walls and soil by joining them by gluing or others. Cutting operations, welding, in the corner are suppressed. It prevents the occurrence of deterioration by the effect of heat given by the tool for heating and removing the weld seam. Places of inaccessible access angles are eliminated by proposing instead to shift the corner area with a wide inclined base forward avoiding storage of waste. Maintenance is therefore easier, is carried out in all points and therefore meets the health and safety requirements. especially in hospitals and health care in general.

Another problem is that of the non-perpendicularity of the wall walls and / or floors between them, the yoke of its nature adapting very easily to the geometric differences that may exist in situ between the walls of walls / soils.

Another advantage lies in the possibility for the operator to work with a set of jigs of varying shapes and dimensions but taking over the configuration of the yoke according to the invention. It suffices for the operator, using a cutter, to cut the yoke in situ in the length of the coating made available. There will be no differences at all, the yoke being cut in the laying liner.

Claims (8)

1. Insert (10) for a floor and wall covering (R) placed in a reentrant corner zone (1D) joining a floor (1C) and walls (1A - 1B), the said insert (10) being independent, made from the same material as the covering (R) with the same constituent and decorative features, characterized in that the said corner insert is made in two dimensions before it is laid, and defined in three dimensions after it is laid, the said insert having, in the flat state, an irregular geometric configuration of its lines so that, after it is laid, the said insert has a regular parallelepipedic geometric configuration (Z1 - Z2 - Z3 - Z4), including three triangulated zones (Z1 - Z2 - Z3) each of which has two bases forming a portion of the peripheral surround of the insert and a third internal base, the consecutive juxtaposition of the said third bases forming a triangulated central portion (Z4) inclined after laying, and being located in a forward plane away from the corner junction portion (1D) of the successive walls (1A - 1B) and of the floor (1C), the said triangulated central portion constituting an apparent clearance surface that is readily accessible for cleaning and makes it possible to dislodge and collect dust and other materials at its base.
2. Insert according to Claim 1, characterized in that the insert (10) has, when flat and after being cut out, an irregular planar geometric configuration and an overall shape of polygonal appearance with two triangulated portions (T1 - T2) oriented in opposition, and having different areas, separated by a straight junction axis (a.a) corresponding to the maximum width (1) of the insert, and a perpendicular axis (b.b) imparting its symmetry to the insert.
3. Insert according to Claim 2, characterized in that the first triangulated portion (T1), which defines two triangulated zones ((Z1 - Z2) which are intended to be positioned against the walls, has a central connection portion at the apex (10a) which is curved.
4. Insert according to Claim 2, characterized in that the first triangulated portion (T1), which defines two triangulated zones ((Z1 - Z2) which are intended to be positioned against the walls, has a central connection portion provided by an edge (10b).
5. Insert according to Claim 2, characterized in that the second triangulated portion (T2) has a configuration, after laying, substantially with a triangulated zone (Z3) and the said triangulated central portion (Z4), the said triangulated zone (Z3) being intended to constitute the front portion of the insert to be joined to the floor, and the central portion (Z4) being bounded on each of its sides by the three triangulated zones (Z1 - Z2 - Z3).
6. Insert according to Claim 2, characterized in that, in the flat position, the second triangulated portion (T2) is defined by a variation of its width by narrowing of its base towards its apex in two different angulations causing the appearance of two successive trapezoidal sections (10c- 10d) having different areas, and in that the end portion has a recessed (10e) or projecting (10f) apical portion, depending on the application.
7. Insert according to any one of Claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, after laying, the triangulated central portion (Z4) begins substantially in the connecting zone of the triangulated zones (Z1 and Z2), joined to the walls, and extends towards the junction of the triangulated zone (Z3) joined to the floor,
   and in that the tilt angle (α) of this triangulated central portion (Z4) is about 45° and defines a relatively large apparent clearance plane or surface, while remaining continuous with the other portions of the insert and those of the covering associated therewith.
8. Method for laying a floor and wall covering in a reentrant corner zone (1D) between a floor (1C) and walls (1A - AB) comprising a step of cutting an insert (10) to a particular geometric shape from the covering material (R) intended to be laid, the said cutout insert having two dimensions, a step of positioning the said insert in the reentrant corner zone to be covered, and a step of deformation of the said insert to cause the appearance of triangulated planar zones (Z1 - Z2 - Z3) intended to be fixed to the opposite walls and floor, and to define an inclined central portion (Z4) shaped in triangulation with the base facing forward, the said central portion standing away from the corner in which the walls and floor meet, the insert thus produced being integrated in a corner cutout prepared on the main covering, the corner insert being fixed by adhesive or other means to the opposite walls and floor, with the exception of the said triangular central portion (Z4), the connection between the insert and the main covering being provided by the end-to-end joining and deposition of bonding means.

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