EP2478161A1 - Supporting profile and method for supporting and connecting a plank element - Google Patents

Supporting profile and method for supporting and connecting a plank element

Info

Publication number
EP2478161A1
EP2478161A1 EP10798828A EP10798828A EP2478161A1 EP 2478161 A1 EP2478161 A1 EP 2478161A1 EP 10798828 A EP10798828 A EP 10798828A EP 10798828 A EP10798828 A EP 10798828A EP 2478161 A1 EP2478161 A1 EP 2478161A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
supporting profile
supporting
plank
profile
elements
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.)
Ceased
Application number
EP10798828A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Inventor
Harri Latikka
Hannu LEPOMÄKI
Markku Koivisto
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.)
UPM Kymmene Oy
Original Assignee
UPM Kymmene Oy
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
Priority claimed from FI20095946A external-priority patent/FI20095946A0/en
Priority claimed from FI20105298A external-priority patent/FI20105298A0/en
Application filed by UPM Kymmene Oy filed Critical UPM Kymmene Oy
Publication of EP2478161A1 publication Critical patent/EP2478161A1/en
Ceased legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E04—BUILDING
    • E04B—GENERAL BUILDING CONSTRUCTIONS; WALLS, e.g. PARTITIONS; ROOFS; FLOORS; CEILINGS; INSULATION OR OTHER PROTECTION OF BUILDINGS
    • E04B1/00—Constructions in general; Structures which are not restricted either to walls, e.g. partitions, or floors or ceilings or roofs
    • E04B1/003—Balconies; Decks
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E04—BUILDING
    • E04F—FINISHING WORK ON BUILDINGS, e.g. STAIRS, FLOORS
    • E04F15/00—Flooring
    • E04F15/02—Flooring or floor layers composed of a number of similar elements
    • E04F15/04—Flooring or floor layers composed of a number of similar elements only of wood or with a top layer of wood, e.g. with wooden or metal connecting members
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E04—BUILDING
    • E04F—FINISHING WORK ON BUILDINGS, e.g. STAIRS, FLOORS
    • E04F19/00—Other details of constructional parts for finishing work on buildings
    • E04F19/02—Borders; Finishing strips, e.g. beadings; Light coves
    • E04F19/06—Borders; Finishing strips, e.g. beadings; Light coves specially designed for securing panels or masking the edges of wall- or floor-covering elements
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E04—BUILDING
    • E04F—FINISHING WORK ON BUILDINGS, e.g. STAIRS, FLOORS
    • E04F15/00—Flooring
    • E04F15/02—Flooring or floor layers composed of a number of similar elements
    • E04F15/02044—Separate elements for fastening to an underlayer
    • E04F2015/0205—Separate elements for fastening to an underlayer with load-supporting elongated furring elements between the flooring elements and the underlayer
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E04—BUILDING
    • E04F—FINISHING WORK ON BUILDINGS, e.g. STAIRS, FLOORS
    • E04F2201/00—Joining sheets or plates or panels
    • E04F2201/05—Separate connectors or inserts, e.g. pegs, pins, keys or strips
    • E04F2201/0511—Strips or bars, e.g. nailing strips

Definitions

  • the invention relates to the supporting profile defined in the preamble of claim 1, to the uses of a supporting profile as defined in the preamble of claims 18 and 19, as well as to the method for supporting a board element as defined in the preamble of claim 20 and to the method for connecting a board element as defined in the preamble of claim 21.
  • floor, ceiling and wall elements for both interior and exterior use.
  • the known surface elements may be used, depending on the material, in interior or exterior locations, e.g. in residential and public spaces, sanitary facilities, balconies, terraces, patios or in equivalent places.
  • the surface elements formed from stone and ceramic material have a good durability in hot conditions, where e.g. wood is easily grayed and splintered.
  • Surface elements containing thermoplastics may soften and lose their shape in hot conditions.
  • Wood-plastic composite materials have presently become more general in the manufacture of surface elements, thanks to their easy maintenance, tailor-made weather-resistance and new color palette. It is characteristic of these materials that they are manufactured by using, as a main rule, thermoplastics which are temperature dependent. Typically in thermo- plastics, the temperature range where the material keeps the desired mechanical properties is relatively small. As the operating temperature rises, a piece manufactured from a thermoplastic bends under a smaller external load. In addition, as the temperature rises, creeping adds to the weakening of the mechanical properties in thermoplastics. Creeping stands for a gradual deformation of a piece due to the weight of the piece. As the temperature rises, movement of the molecules forming a polymer chain increases, and the polymer chains are able to slide in relation to each other .
  • An objective of the invention is to disclose a supporting profile to be used in connection with different kinds of plank-type surface elements to support them and/or to connect them with each other.
  • an objective of the invention is to disclose methods for supporting a plank-type element and for connecting plank-type elements with each other.
  • the invention is based on a supporting profile to be used in connection with a plank element.
  • the supporting profile is arranged to be compatible with the plank element formed from wood-plastic composite material, and matched to support the plank element and preferably also to connect it with another plank element.
  • a supporting profile stands for a profile or a means used to protect, support and/or reinforce another element or piece and/or to connect and/or fasten other elements or pieces with each other.
  • the length and the height of the supporting profile may vary depending on the application.
  • a plank element stands for a plank-type or a board-type structure or one with equivalent shape, preferably an elongated piece.
  • the element may be two- or three-dimensional.
  • the plank element may be e.g. rectangular, elongated parallelogram, square or equivalent in shape.
  • the element may be of any size, depending on the purpose of use.
  • the element may be a terrace, balcony, patio element or equivalent.
  • the element may be a wall, floor or ceiling element.
  • the supporting profile is provided inside the plank element.
  • the supporting profile is an elongated pro- file which can be provided e.g. inside a hollow plank element or in a channel or a groove formed on the plank element .
  • the supporting profile is provided in connection with the plank element, on its outside.
  • the supporting profile includes at least one connecting member arranged to be compatible with a counter-member on the plank element to form a tong-and-groove joint.
  • the supporting profile includes at least one projecting tongue matched to be compatible with a groove on the plank element to form a tongue-and-groove joint.
  • the sup- porting profile includes at least one groove matched to be compatible with a projecting tongue on the plank element to form a tongue-and-groove joint.
  • the supporting profile may include other parts required for the purpose of use, such as parts facilitating fastening or handling, or other suitable and desired parts.
  • the supporting profile is an elongated profile which can be provided against the edge portion of the plank element and arranged to be com- patible with the edge portion to form a tongue-and- groove joint.
  • the tongue and/or groove of the supporting profile may be provided on the supporting profile in the direction of height or in the horizontal direction, depending on the application, and the tongue and/or groove may extend continuously through the entire profile, or, alternatively, it may be located at a specific point or points on the profile.
  • a tongue-and-groove joint stands for a joint for connecting adjacent elements, pieces and/or equivalent with each other, preferably, in this connection, the plank element and the supporting profile with each other.
  • the tongue and groove may be situated on one side, multiple sides or each side of the piece.
  • a groove stands for a square or a bit wedge-shaped channel in the middle of the edge in the direction of height of the plank element or the supporting profile, extending for a desired distance in the lengthwise direction of the element or the supporting profile, and a tongue stands for the corresponding projection on the supporting profile or the element.
  • this definition includes also the so-called interlocking tongue and groove.
  • the supporting profile includes only one tongue, it may be used e.g. as a batten, such as a start or end batten, in connec- tion with the outermost plank element.
  • the supporting profile includes a separate batten part for a decorative purpose.
  • the sup- porting profile includes at least two tongues extending substantially in opposed directions on the cross section of the profile, preferably at an angle of approximately 180 degrees to each other.
  • the supporting profile includes at least two grooves extending substantially in opposed directions on the cross section of the profile, preferably at an angle of approximately 180 degrees to each other.
  • the supporting profile includes at least a tongue and a groove extending substantially in opposed directions on the cross section of the profile, preferably at an angle of approximately 180 degrees to each other.
  • the supporting profile includes at least two tongues extending substantially in different directions at an angle of approximately 90 degrees to each other on the cross section of the profile. In one embodiment, the supporting profile includes at least two grooves extending substantially in different directions at an angle of approximately 90 degrees to each other on the cross section of the profile. In one embodiment, the supporting profile includes at least a tongue and a groove extending substantially in different directions at an angle of approximately 90 degrees to each other on the cross section of the profile.
  • a connecting part which connects them in provided between two tongues of the supporting profile.
  • a connecting part which connects them in provided between two grooves of the supporting profile.
  • a connecting part which connects them in provided between a tongue and a groove of the supporting profile.
  • the groove is substantially inside the connecting part.
  • the con- necting part is arranged to have a height extending against the base on which the plank element is mount- able when the supporting profile has been mounted in connection with the element.
  • the connecting part is arranged to have a height extending for the entire height of the element when the element has been mounted against the base and the supporting profile has been mounted in connection with the element.
  • the connecting part is arranged to extend in the height direction to a level lower than the top surface of the element when the supporting profile has been mounted in connection with the element.
  • the connecting part is arranged to have a height extending to the level of the top surface of the element when the supporting profile has been mounted in connection with the element, in which case e.g. a decorative effect is provided.
  • the height of the connecting part is arranged not to exceed the height extending from the tongue or the groove of the plank element to the base when the element has been mounted against the base and the supporting profile has been provided in connection with the element.
  • a base stands for any base on which the plank elements are mountable.
  • the base may be e.g. a smooth base, such as a base made from concrete or other suitable material, or an even ground surface, or the base may be e.g. a supporting railing or equivalent structure.
  • the supporting profile is arranged to have a shape extending under the plank element when the element has been mounted against the base and the supporting profile has been mounted in connection with the element.
  • the plank element rises from the base for a desired distance, preferably for some millimeters.
  • the tongue of the supporting profile has a closed cross section. In one embodiment, the tongue of the supporting profile is hollow. In one embodiment, the tongue of the supporting profile is filled, e.g. with the same material as that from which the tongue has been formed, or with other suitable material. In an alternative embodiment, the tongue may have an open cross section.
  • the entire supporting profile is arranged to have a closed cross section.
  • the supporting profile may be hollow or filled, e.g. with the same material as that from which the supporting profile has been formed, or with other suitable material.
  • the sup- porting profile is provided with at least one fastening site, e.g. a hole, an opening, a gap, a creased fastening site, a thinned fastening site, a marked fastening site, a fold or their different combinations or equivalent fastening site, for a fastening device, e.g. a screw, a nail or equivalent, for fastening the supporting profile, e.g. on the base, or to fasten a batten or equivalent on the supporting profile to form a clean- cut edge.
  • the fastening site may be provided on any area on the supporting profile, e.g.
  • the fastening sites may be provided, e.g. on the connecting part, at predetermined intervals, e.g. at intervals of 10cm.
  • the supporting profile is formed from metal, e.g. aluminum.
  • the supporting profile is formed from wood or other plant fiber based material or prod- ucts processed from them.
  • the supporting profile is formed from thermosetting plastic, preferably fiber-reinforced thermosetting plastic.
  • the supporting profile is formed from a material having a bending stiffness greater than the load applied on it and greater than the bending stiffness of the plank element to be supported by it.
  • the supporting profile is formed from one of the preceding materials, e.g. metal, and is coated with the corresponding or the same material as that from which the plank element has been formed, or with a desired decorative material.
  • the plank element is formed from wood-plastic composite material.
  • the composite material is formed from raw stock which contains mainly fiber based, e.g. paper based, material and plastic based material, such as thermoplastic or thermosetting plastic.
  • the composite material is formed from one or more raw stocks or raw stock materials.
  • the raw stock or the raw stock material may contain any fiber based, e.g. plant fiber based, such as wood fiber, straw, reed or flax based, or other fiber based components and/or plastic based components.
  • the fiber based components contain fibers containing lignin and/or fibers from which lignin has been removed.
  • the composite material may include other components, e.g.
  • the composite material includes glue matter which preferably comes from the raw stock of the composite material.
  • the parts of the fiber based components may vary between 20 and 80 % and the parts of the plastic based components may vary between 20 and 80 % in the composite material.
  • the fiber based material contains lignin- free fibers in an amount of more than 50 w-% of the material.
  • the paper based material contains plant fibers in an amount of more than 50 w-% of the material.
  • the composite material is formed at least partially from recycling material.
  • the composite material is formed at least partially from adhesive laminate, in one preferred embodiment from adhesive laminate waste. In one embodiment, the composite material is formed mainly from adhesive laminate waste. In one embodiment, the adhesive laminate waste is composed of at least one adhesive laminate waste component. In one embodiment, the adhesive laminate waste contains more than one ad- hesive laminate waste component.
  • the adhesive laminate waste contains adhesive material on which a layer of glue has been provided, and fitted on the layer of glue as a protective sheet for the layer of glue is release mate- rial that can be easily released at the application site of the adhesive item.
  • the adhesive material and/or release material contain a wood fiber based component and/or a plastic or polymer based or other organic component. Also, the use of dif- ferent inorganic materials is possible.
  • the adhesive and/or release material is wood fiber based paper, paperboard or the like. In one embodiment, the wood fiber based paper, paperboard or the like contains or is treated with plastic or polymer based material.
  • the adhesive and/or release material may be formed from substantially plas- tic or polymer based material.
  • the release material is formed mainly from plastic based material, containing e.g. polypropylene, polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate or their mixtures.
  • the release material contains a silicone based component, such as siliconized material, e.g. siliconized film material.
  • the release material is coated with silicone based material or compound.
  • finished adhesive laminate products, waste material produced from them and/or in their manufacture may be used as adhesive laminate waste in the manufacture of composite material.
  • reject material from production, and recycling material from the upgrading step or end use applications of adhesive laminate products may be used.
  • the adhesive laminate waste comes from adhesive laminate production which produces mainly production reject waste, edge trimming waste cut off from rolls and roll ends, from the adhesive laminate printing plant which produces mainly roll ends and adhesive material left over from die-cutting of stickers and labels as well as reject waste, and/or from the adhesive laminate end user customer who pastes the printed stickers and labels or the like on products.
  • the waste from the end user is mainly release material, roll ends and waste from the finished product.
  • the adhesive laminate waste may contain a variable number of different adhesive laminate waste components, such as adhesive material, glue matter and release material.
  • the glue matter may be preferably in connection with the adhesive material and/or release material.
  • At least one additive is added to the composite material in connection with its manufacturing.
  • Additives which may be used include e.g. a coloring agent, lubricant, fire retardant, adhesion promoter, anti-mildew compound, antioxidant and uv stabilizer.
  • Additives which may be preferably added to the composite material include fibrous materials, organic fillers, inorganic fillers, powdery reinforcements, powdery additives, talc, wood fibers, chemical pulp fibers, paper and their combinations.
  • additional plastic is added to the composite material in connection with its manu- facturing.
  • Virgin and/or recycling plastic may be used as the additional plastic.
  • the composite material may be manufactured with or without additional plastic.
  • polyolefin, polypropylene, polyethylene (HDPE, LDPE) or other suitable plastic or their mixture is added to the adhesive laminate waste material as additional plastic to manufacture the wood composite material.
  • the invention relates to a method for supporting a plank element formed from wood-plastic composite material, wherein the plank element is supported by one of the supporting profiles described above .
  • the plank element is supported at least in the lengthwise direction of the plank element. In one embodiment, the plank element is supported by a supporting profile having at least one connecting part compatible with at least one counterpart on the plank element. In one embodiment, the plank element is supported by a supporting profile provided inside the plank element.
  • the invention relates to a method for connecting plank elements formed from wood-plastic composite material with each other, wherein the plank elements are connected with each other by one of the supporting profiles described above.
  • the plank elements are connected with each other by a supporting profile having at least one connecting part compatible with at least one counter-part on the plank element.
  • the plank elements are fastened to each other by the supporting profile.
  • the plank element can be fastened e.g. on the base by the supporting profile.
  • the supporting profile can be fastened on the base, in which case it acts as a means for fastening the structure.
  • the supporting profile acts as a decorative concealed fastening device.
  • the sup- porting profile according to the invention can be used in connection with wall, floor and/or ceiling elements in both interior and exterior applications .
  • the supporting profile can be used in connection with terrace, patio and balcony floor elements.
  • the supporting profile is used in connection with wall, floor and/or ceiling elements to support the plank element.
  • the supporting profile is used in connection with wall, floor and/or ceiling ele- ments to connect and/or fasten the plank elements to each other.
  • the supporting profile according to the invention may be used in mountable and dismountable structures or in fixed structures, e.g. to be fastened on the base.
  • the supporting profile may be designed so as not to be shown between the plank elements.
  • the supporting profile may be designed so as to be shown between the plank elements in a decorative purpose.
  • the supporting profile can be designed so as to cover the gap between plank elements and act as a decorative batten in connection with the plank elements, forming a continuous surface without gaps.
  • the supporting profile according to the invention the strength and mechanical properties of different kinds of plank elements can be substan- tially enhanced.
  • the invention enables the use of different kinds of plank elements also in hot conditions. Especially in plank elements to be used in hot conditions, the mechanical properties are not lost, thanks to the supporting profile, and the plank elements keep their shape.
  • the supporting profile according to the invention acts as a load-bearing structure, reducing external and internal load and damages caused by them on the plank element.
  • the supporting profile acts as a load accepting and adjusting structure.
  • the supporting profile acts as a fastener by which the plank elements are fastened to each other and/or on the base.
  • the supporting profile acts as a decorative means.
  • Fig. 1 presents one supporting profile according to the invention as a cross-sectional view, as provided between plank elements to support the ele- ments and connect them with each other,
  • Fig. 2 presents a second supporting profile according to the invention as a cross-sectional view, as provided in connection with a plank element,
  • Fig. 3 presents a third supporting profile according to the invention as a cross-sectional view, as provided between plank elements to support the elements and connect them with each other,
  • Fig. 4 presents a fourth supporting profile according to the invention as a cross-sectional view
  • Fig. 5 presents a fifth supporting profile according to the invention as a cross-sectional view, as provided between plank elements to support the elements and connect them with each other,
  • Fig. 6a and 6b present sixth supporting pro- files according to the invention as a cross-sectional view, as provided between plank elements to support the elements and connect them with each other,
  • Fig. 7 presents a seventh supporting profile according to the invention as a cross-sectional view
  • Fig. 8 presents an eighth supporting profile according to the invention as a cross-sectional view.
  • a supporting profile presented in Fig. 1 was formed from aluminum for connecting with each other board-type terrace planks made from wood composite ma- terial formed mainly from adhesive laminate waste.
  • the supporting profile 1 according to Fig. 1 includes two projecting tongues 3 and a connecting part 5 between them.
  • the two tongues 3 extend in opposed directions on the cross section of the profile 1, at an angle of approximately 180 degrees to each other.
  • the tongues 3 are arranged to extend continuously over the entire extent of the profile 1 in the lengthwise direction of the profile.
  • the connecting part 5 is arranged to have a height sufficient to extend against a base 6 on which the terrace planks 2 are mountable when the supporting profile 1 has been mounted in connection with the elements 2.
  • the tongues 3 of the supporting profile have a closed cross section.
  • the tongues 3 may be hollow of filled.
  • fastening site 7 On the supporting profile 1, there is provided at least one fastening site 7, e.g. a hole or equivalent, for a fastening device, e.g. a screw, a nail or equivalent.
  • the fastening site 7 is provided at the end of the tongue part 3 e.g. for fastening a batten.
  • the terrace planks 2 include grooves 4 to form a tongue-and-groove joint with the tongues 3 of the supporting profile 1.
  • a supporting profile presented in Fig. 2 was formed from aluminum for supporting a board-type terrace plank made from wood composite material formed mainly from adhesive laminate waste.
  • the terrace plank was supported, especially in warm conditions, to keep its dimensional stability and strength.
  • the supporting profile according to Fig. 2 includes one tongue 3 and a fastening part 8 provided in connection with it, having a fastening site 7 for a fastening device.
  • the fastening part 8 extends against the base 6 when the supporting profile 1 has been pro- vided in connection with the terrace plank 2 by a tongue-and-groove joint 3, 4.
  • the supporting profile 1 was arranged to cover the longitudinal edge portion of the terrace plank 2 and to act as a batten.
  • a supporting profile presented in Fig. 3 was formed from aluminum for supporting and connecting with each other board-type terrace planks made from wood composite material formed mainly from adhesive laminate waste.
  • the supporting profile 1 according to Fig. 3 corresponds to the supporting profile according to Fig. 1 in other respects except that the supporting profile of Fig. 3 is completely closed.
  • a supporting profile presented in Fig. 4 was formed from aluminum for supporting and connecting with each other board-type terrace planks made from wood composite material formed mainly from adhesive laminate waste.
  • the supporting profile 1 according to Fig. 4 corresponds to the supporting profile according to Fig. 1 in other respects except for the structure of the connecting part 5.
  • the connecting part 5 has an open structure and includes a substantially horizontal portion 9 connecting the hollow tongues 3, provided between the tongues 3 and equipped with a creased fastening site 10 for a fastening device, such as a screw.
  • the creased fastening site guides the fastening device to the right spot.
  • the vertical portions 11 of the connecting part 5 are arranged to extend from the level of the lower surface of the tongue substantially as far as the level of the lower surface of the plank when the supporting profile 1 has been provided in connection with the plank.
  • the vertical portions 11 are designed at the bottom 12 so as to turn gently toward each other, forming this way a guiding effect for the fastening device to be fastened via the creased fastening site 10.
  • the vertical portions 11 of the connecting part 5 are not preferably connected with each other at the bottom, so that e.g. water does build up inside the supporting profile.
  • the creased fastening site 10 may be arranged to have a material thickness thinner than the rest of the supporting profile, or the fastening site 10 may even be preperfo- rated.
  • a supporting profile presented in Fig. 5 was formed from aluminum for supporting and connecting with each other board-type terrace planks made from wood composite material formed mainly from adhesive laminate waste.
  • the supporting profile 1 according to Fig. 5 includes two grooves 4 and a connecting part 5 between them.
  • the two grooves 4 are posed in opposed directions on the cross section of the profile 1.
  • the grooves 4 are arranged to extend continuously for the entire extent of the profile 1 in the lengthwise direction of the profile.
  • the connecting part 5 is arranged to have a height extending for the entire height of the plank 2, from the base 6 as far as the surface of the plank 2.
  • the terrace planks 2 presented in Fig. 5 include projecting tongues 3 to form a tongue-and-groove joint with the grooves 4 of the supporting profile 1.
  • the tongues 3 have a closed cross section.
  • the terrace planks 2 are mounted against the base 6 and the sup- porting profile 1 is mounted between the planks 2 to support them and connect them with each other.
  • the 6a and 6b include two grooves 4 and a connecting part 5 between them.
  • the two grooves 4 are posed in opposed directions on the cross section of the profile 1.
  • the grooves 4 are arranged to extend continuously for the entire extent of the profile 1 in the lengthwise direction of the profile.
  • the lower horizontal portion 13 of the connecting part 5, forming the lower surface of the grooves 4 is arranged to extend under the terrace planks 2 when the supporting profile 1 has been arranged to connect the terrace planks 2.
  • the lower horizontal portion 13 of the connecting part 5 has a thickness of 1 to 2 mm.
  • the supporting profile 1 of Fig. 6a is arranged to have a height extending to the level of the top surface of the plank 2.
  • the upper horizontal portion 14 of the connecting part 5 has a thickness of 1 to 2 mm, and it has a decorative purpose, forming a continuous surface with the terrace planks.
  • the terrace planks 2 presented in Fig. 6a in- elude projecting tongues 3, or more accurately semi- tongues, to form a tongue-and-groove joint with the grooves 4 of the supporting profile 1.
  • the terrace planks 2 presented in Fig. 6b do not include tongues as such, but act themselves as the so-called tongues to form a tongue-and-groove joint with the grooves 4 of the supporting profile 1.
  • the supporting profile 1 is mounted against the base 6 and between the terrace planks 2 to support the planks and connect them with each other.
  • the terrace planks could be made to rise off the base 6. In this case, there is no need to build a separate supporting railing in applications requiring one.
  • a supporting profile presented in Fig. 7 was formed from aluminum for supporting and connecting with each other board-type terrace planks made from wood composite material formed mainly from adhesive laminate waste.
  • the supporting profile 1 of Fig. 7 includes one tongue 3 and one groove 4 and a connecting part 5 between them.
  • a supporting profile presented in Fig. 4 was formed from aluminum for supporting a board-type terrace plank made from wood composite material formed mainly from adhesive laminate waste.
  • the closed supporting profile 1 according to Fig. 4 is provided in a channel inside the terrace plank 2 to support the plank. It was found that all of the supporting profiles presented in Fig. 1 to 8 served well as support- ing and/or connecting means in connection with the terrace planks.
  • the supporting profile according to the invention is suitable in different embodiments and dif- ferent applications to be used in connection with most different kinds of furnishing, floor, wall and ceiling elements arranged to be compatible with the supporting profile .

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Architecture (AREA)
  • Civil Engineering (AREA)
  • Structural Engineering (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Electromagnetism (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Wood Science & Technology (AREA)
  • Floor Finish (AREA)
  • Finishing Walls (AREA)

Abstract

The invention relates to a supporting profile (1) to be used in connection with plank elements (2). According to the invention, the supporting profile (1) is arranged to be compatible with a plank element (2) formed from wood-plastic composite material and matched to support the plank element. In addition, the invention relates to a method for supporting a plank element.

Description

SUPPORTING PROFILE AND METHOD FOR SUPPORTING AND CONNECTING A PLANK ELEMENT
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The invention relates to the supporting profile defined in the preamble of claim 1, to the uses of a supporting profile as defined in the preamble of claims 18 and 19, as well as to the method for supporting a board element as defined in the preamble of claim 20 and to the method for connecting a board element as defined in the preamble of claim 21.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Known from the prior art are different kinds of floor, ceiling and wall elements for both interior and exterior use. There exist e.g. wooden, ceramic, stony and plastic surface elements and those formed from a composite to be used as floor, ceiling and wall surfaces. The known surface elements may be used, depending on the material, in interior or exterior locations, e.g. in residential and public spaces, sanitary facilities, balconies, terraces, patios or in equivalent places.
The surface elements formed from stone and ceramic material have a good durability in hot conditions, where e.g. wood is easily grayed and splintered. Surface elements containing thermoplastics may soften and lose their shape in hot conditions.
Wood-plastic composite materials have presently become more general in the manufacture of surface elements, thanks to their easy maintenance, tailor-made weather-resistance and new color palette. It is characteristic of these materials that they are manufactured by using, as a main rule, thermoplastics which are temperature dependent. Typically in thermo- plastics, the temperature range where the material keeps the desired mechanical properties is relatively small. As the operating temperature rises, a piece manufactured from a thermoplastic bends under a smaller external load. In addition, as the temperature rises, creeping adds to the weakening of the mechanical properties in thermoplastics. Creeping stands for a gradual deformation of a piece due to the weight of the piece. As the temperature rises, movement of the molecules forming a polymer chain increases, and the polymer chains are able to slide in relation to each other .
OBJECTIVE OF THE INVENTION
An objective of the invention is to disclose a supporting profile to be used in connection with different kinds of plank-type surface elements to support them and/or to connect them with each other. In addition, an objective of the invention is to disclose methods for supporting a plank-type element and for connecting plank-type elements with each other.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The supporting profile and the method according to the invention are characterized by what has been presented in the claims.
The invention is based on a supporting profile to be used in connection with a plank element. According to the invention, the supporting profile is arranged to be compatible with the plank element formed from wood-plastic composite material, and matched to support the plank element and preferably also to connect it with another plank element.
In this connection, a supporting profile stands for a profile or a means used to protect, support and/or reinforce another element or piece and/or to connect and/or fasten other elements or pieces with each other. The length and the height of the supporting profile may vary depending on the application. By the supporting profile, it is possible to fasten, con- nect and/or support plank elements and accept the external and internal load applied on the plank element.
In this connection, a plank element stands for a plank-type or a board-type structure or one with equivalent shape, preferably an elongated piece. The element may be two- or three-dimensional. The plank element may be e.g. rectangular, elongated parallelogram, square or equivalent in shape. The element may be of any size, depending on the purpose of use. The element may be a terrace, balcony, patio element or equivalent. In addition, the element may be a wall, floor or ceiling element.
In one embodiment of the invention, the supporting profile is provided inside the plank element. Preferably, the supporting profile is an elongated pro- file which can be provided e.g. inside a hollow plank element or in a channel or a groove formed on the plank element .
In one embodiment, the supporting profile is provided in connection with the plank element, on its outside.
In one embodiment, the supporting profile includes at least one connecting member arranged to be compatible with a counter-member on the plank element to form a tong-and-groove joint.
In one embodiment of the invention, the supporting profile includes at least one projecting tongue matched to be compatible with a groove on the plank element to form a tongue-and-groove joint.
In one embodiment of the invention, the sup- porting profile includes at least one groove matched to be compatible with a projecting tongue on the plank element to form a tongue-and-groove joint.
In addition to the tongue and/or groove part, the supporting profile may include other parts required for the purpose of use, such as parts facilitating fastening or handling, or other suitable and desired parts. Preferably, the supporting profile is an elongated profile which can be provided against the edge portion of the plank element and arranged to be com- patible with the edge portion to form a tongue-and- groove joint. The tongue and/or groove of the supporting profile may be provided on the supporting profile in the direction of height or in the horizontal direction, depending on the application, and the tongue and/or groove may extend continuously through the entire profile, or, alternatively, it may be located at a specific point or points on the profile.
In this connection, a tongue-and-groove joint stands for a joint for connecting adjacent elements, pieces and/or equivalent with each other, preferably, in this connection, the plank element and the supporting profile with each other. The tongue and groove may be situated on one side, multiple sides or each side of the piece. In this connection, a groove stands for a square or a bit wedge-shaped channel in the middle of the edge in the direction of height of the plank element or the supporting profile, extending for a desired distance in the lengthwise direction of the element or the supporting profile, and a tongue stands for the corresponding projection on the supporting profile or the element. In the context of this invention, this definition includes also the so-called interlocking tongue and groove.
In one embodiment, wherein the supporting profile includes only one tongue, it may be used e.g. as a batten, such as a start or end batten, in connec- tion with the outermost plank element. In one embodiment, the supporting profile includes a separate batten part for a decorative purpose.
In one embodiment of the invention, the sup- porting profile includes at least two tongues extending substantially in opposed directions on the cross section of the profile, preferably at an angle of approximately 180 degrees to each other. In one embodiment, the supporting profile includes at least two grooves extending substantially in opposed directions on the cross section of the profile, preferably at an angle of approximately 180 degrees to each other. In one embodiment, the supporting profile includes at least a tongue and a groove extending substantially in opposed directions on the cross section of the profile, preferably at an angle of approximately 180 degrees to each other.
In one embodiment of the invention, the supporting profile includes at least two tongues extending substantially in different directions at an angle of approximately 90 degrees to each other on the cross section of the profile. In one embodiment, the supporting profile includes at least two grooves extending substantially in different directions at an angle of approximately 90 degrees to each other on the cross section of the profile. In one embodiment, the supporting profile includes at least a tongue and a groove extending substantially in different directions at an angle of approximately 90 degrees to each other on the cross section of the profile.
In one embodiment of the invention, between two tongues of the supporting profile, a connecting part which connects them in provided. In one embodiment, between two grooves of the supporting profile, a connecting part which connects them in provided. In one embodiment, between a tongue and a groove of the supporting profile, a connecting part which connects them is provided. In one embodiment, the groove is substantially inside the connecting part.
In one embodiment of the invention, the con- necting part is arranged to have a height extending against the base on which the plank element is mount- able when the supporting profile has been mounted in connection with the element. In one embodiment, the connecting part is arranged to have a height extending for the entire height of the element when the element has been mounted against the base and the supporting profile has been mounted in connection with the element. In one embodiment, the connecting part is arranged to extend in the height direction to a level lower than the top surface of the element when the supporting profile has been mounted in connection with the element. In one embodiment, the connecting part is arranged to have a height extending to the level of the top surface of the element when the supporting profile has been mounted in connection with the element, in which case e.g. a decorative effect is provided. In one embodiment, the height of the connecting part is arranged not to exceed the height extending from the tongue or the groove of the plank element to the base when the element has been mounted against the base and the supporting profile has been provided in connection with the element.
In this connection, a base stands for any base on which the plank elements are mountable. The base may be e.g. a smooth base, such as a base made from concrete or other suitable material, or an even ground surface, or the base may be e.g. a supporting railing or equivalent structure.
In one embodiment, the supporting profile is arranged to have a shape extending under the plank element when the element has been mounted against the base and the supporting profile has been mounted in connection with the element. In this case, the plank element rises from the base for a desired distance, preferably for some millimeters.
In one embodiment of the invention, the tongue of the supporting profile has a closed cross section. In one embodiment, the tongue of the supporting profile is hollow. In one embodiment, the tongue of the supporting profile is filled, e.g. with the same material as that from which the tongue has been formed, or with other suitable material. In an alternative embodiment, the tongue may have an open cross section.
In one embodiment of the invention, the entire supporting profile is arranged to have a closed cross section. The supporting profile may be hollow or filled, e.g. with the same material as that from which the supporting profile has been formed, or with other suitable material.
In one embodiment of the invention, the sup- porting profile is provided with at least one fastening site, e.g. a hole, an opening, a gap, a creased fastening site, a thinned fastening site, a marked fastening site, a fold or their different combinations or equivalent fastening site, for a fastening device, e.g. a screw, a nail or equivalent, for fastening the supporting profile, e.g. on the base, or to fasten a batten or equivalent on the supporting profile to form a clean- cut edge. The fastening site may be provided on any area on the supporting profile, e.g. at its end or at the end of the tongue or the groove part, or on the connecting part between the tongue and groove parts or on a fastening part provided in connection with the tongue or the groove part. In one embodiment, the fastening sites may be provided, e.g. on the connecting part, at predetermined intervals, e.g. at intervals of 10cm. In one embodiment of the invention, the supporting profile is formed from metal, e.g. aluminum. In one embodiment, the supporting profile is formed from wood or other plant fiber based material or prod- ucts processed from them. In one embodiment, the supporting profile is formed from thermosetting plastic, preferably fiber-reinforced thermosetting plastic. Preferably, the supporting profile is formed from a material having a bending stiffness greater than the load applied on it and greater than the bending stiffness of the plank element to be supported by it. In one embodiment, the supporting profile is formed from one of the preceding materials, e.g. metal, and is coated with the corresponding or the same material as that from which the plank element has been formed, or with a desired decorative material.
The plank element is formed from wood-plastic composite material. Preferably, the composite material is formed from raw stock which contains mainly fiber based, e.g. paper based, material and plastic based material, such as thermoplastic or thermosetting plastic. The composite material is formed from one or more raw stocks or raw stock materials. The raw stock or the raw stock material may contain any fiber based, e.g. plant fiber based, such as wood fiber, straw, reed or flax based, or other fiber based components and/or plastic based components. The fiber based components contain fibers containing lignin and/or fibers from which lignin has been removed. In addition, the composite material may include other components, e.g. additives and/or additional plastic to improve the properties or processability of the composite material. In one embodiment, the composite material includes glue matter which preferably comes from the raw stock of the composite material. In one embodiment, the parts of the fiber based components may vary between 20 and 80 % and the parts of the plastic based components may vary between 20 and 80 % in the composite material. In a preferred embodiment, the fiber based material contains lignin- free fibers in an amount of more than 50 w-% of the material. In one preferred embodiment, the paper based material contains plant fibers in an amount of more than 50 w-% of the material.
In one embodiment, the composite material is formed at least partially from recycling material.
In one embodiment, the composite material is formed at least partially from adhesive laminate, in one preferred embodiment from adhesive laminate waste. In one embodiment, the composite material is formed mainly from adhesive laminate waste. In one embodiment, the adhesive laminate waste is composed of at least one adhesive laminate waste component. In one embodiment, the adhesive laminate waste contains more than one ad- hesive laminate waste component.
In one embodiment, the adhesive laminate waste contains adhesive material on which a layer of glue has been provided, and fitted on the layer of glue as a protective sheet for the layer of glue is release mate- rial that can be easily released at the application site of the adhesive item. In one preferred embodiment, the adhesive material and/or release material contain a wood fiber based component and/or a plastic or polymer based or other organic component. Also, the use of dif- ferent inorganic materials is possible. In one embodiment, the adhesive and/or release material is wood fiber based paper, paperboard or the like. In one embodiment, the wood fiber based paper, paperboard or the like contains or is treated with plastic or polymer based material. In one embodiment, the adhesive and/or release material may be formed from substantially plas- tic or polymer based material. In one embodiment, the release material is formed mainly from plastic based material, containing e.g. polypropylene, polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate or their mixtures. In one embodiment, the release material contains a silicone based component, such as siliconized material, e.g. siliconized film material. In one embodiment, the release material is coated with silicone based material or compound.
In one embodiment, finished adhesive laminate products, waste material produced from them and/or in their manufacture may be used as adhesive laminate waste in the manufacture of composite material. In addition, reject material from production, and recycling material from the upgrading step or end use applications of adhesive laminate products may be used. In one embodiment, the adhesive laminate waste comes from adhesive laminate production which produces mainly production reject waste, edge trimming waste cut off from rolls and roll ends, from the adhesive laminate printing plant which produces mainly roll ends and adhesive material left over from die-cutting of stickers and labels as well as reject waste, and/or from the adhesive laminate end user customer who pastes the printed stickers and labels or the like on products. The waste from the end user is mainly release material, roll ends and waste from the finished product.
In one embodiment, the adhesive laminate waste may contain a variable number of different adhesive laminate waste components, such as adhesive material, glue matter and release material. The glue matter may be preferably in connection with the adhesive material and/or release material.
In one embodiment, at least one additive is added to the composite material in connection with its manufacturing. Additives which may be used include e.g. a coloring agent, lubricant, fire retardant, adhesion promoter, anti-mildew compound, antioxidant and uv stabilizer. Additives which may be preferably added to the composite material include fibrous materials, organic fillers, inorganic fillers, powdery reinforcements, powdery additives, talc, wood fibers, chemical pulp fibers, paper and their combinations.
In one embodiment, additional plastic is added to the composite material in connection with its manu- facturing. Virgin and/or recycling plastic may be used as the additional plastic. The composite material may be manufactured with or without additional plastic. In one embodiment, e.g. polyolefin, polypropylene, polyethylene (HDPE, LDPE) or other suitable plastic or their mixture is added to the adhesive laminate waste material as additional plastic to manufacture the wood composite material.
In addition, the invention relates to a method for supporting a plank element formed from wood-plastic composite material, wherein the plank element is supported by one of the supporting profiles described above .
In one embodiment, the plank element is supported at least in the lengthwise direction of the plank element. In one embodiment, the plank element is supported by a supporting profile having at least one connecting part compatible with at least one counterpart on the plank element. In one embodiment, the plank element is supported by a supporting profile provided inside the plank element.
In addition, the invention relates to a method for connecting plank elements formed from wood-plastic composite material with each other, wherein the plank elements are connected with each other by one of the supporting profiles described above. In one embodiment, the plank elements are connected with each other by a supporting profile having at least one connecting part compatible with at least one counter-part on the plank element. In one embodi- ment, the plank elements are fastened to each other by the supporting profile.
In addition, in one embodiment, the plank element can be fastened e.g. on the base by the supporting profile. In one embodiment, the supporting profile can be fastened on the base, in which case it acts as a means for fastening the structure. In a preferred embodiment, the supporting profile acts as a decorative concealed fastening device.
In one embodiment of the invention, the sup- porting profile according to the invention can be used in connection with wall, floor and/or ceiling elements in both interior and exterior applications . Furthermore, the supporting profile can be used in connection with terrace, patio and balcony floor elements.
In one embodiment, the supporting profile is used in connection with wall, floor and/or ceiling elements to support the plank element.
In one embodiment, the supporting profile is used in connection with wall, floor and/or ceiling ele- ments to connect and/or fasten the plank elements to each other.
The supporting profile according to the invention may be used in mountable and dismountable structures or in fixed structures, e.g. to be fastened on the base.
The supporting profile may be designed so as not to be shown between the plank elements. Alternatively, the supporting profile may be designed so as to be shown between the plank elements in a decorative purpose. In another alternative embodiment, the supporting profile can be designed so as to cover the gap between plank elements and act as a decorative batten in connection with the plank elements, forming a continuous surface without gaps.
The supporting profile and its use in connec- tion with the plank elements according to the invention have many important advantages.
Thanks to the supporting profile according to the invention, the strength and mechanical properties of different kinds of plank elements can be substan- tially enhanced. The invention enables the use of different kinds of plank elements also in hot conditions. Especially in plank elements to be used in hot conditions, the mechanical properties are not lost, thanks to the supporting profile, and the plank elements keep their shape.
The supporting profile according to the invention acts as a load-bearing structure, reducing external and internal load and damages caused by them on the plank element. The supporting profile acts as a load accepting and adjusting structure. In addition, the supporting profile acts as a fastener by which the plank elements are fastened to each other and/or on the base. In addition, the supporting profile acts as a decorative means.
LIST OF FIGURES
Fig. 1 presents one supporting profile according to the invention as a cross-sectional view, as provided between plank elements to support the ele- ments and connect them with each other,
Fig. 2 presents a second supporting profile according to the invention as a cross-sectional view, as provided in connection with a plank element,
Fig. 3 presents a third supporting profile according to the invention as a cross-sectional view, as provided between plank elements to support the elements and connect them with each other,
Fig. 4 presents a fourth supporting profile according to the invention as a cross-sectional view,
Fig. 5 presents a fifth supporting profile according to the invention as a cross-sectional view, as provided between plank elements to support the elements and connect them with each other,
Fig. 6a and 6b present sixth supporting pro- files according to the invention as a cross-sectional view, as provided between plank elements to support the elements and connect them with each other,
Fig. 7 presents a seventh supporting profile according to the invention as a cross-sectional view, and
Fig. 8 presents an eighth supporting profile according to the invention as a cross-sectional view.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
In the following, the invention will be described by detailed exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying illustrative figures in which the supporting profiles and the plank elements are not fully on scale.
Example 1
A supporting profile presented in Fig. 1 was formed from aluminum for connecting with each other board-type terrace planks made from wood composite ma- terial formed mainly from adhesive laminate waste. By the supporting profile according to .Fig. 1, two terrace planks were connected with each other, and the terrace planks were supported, especially in warm conditions, to keep their dimensional stability and strength. The supporting profile 1 according to Fig. 1 includes two projecting tongues 3 and a connecting part 5 between them. The two tongues 3 extend in opposed directions on the cross section of the profile 1, at an angle of approximately 180 degrees to each other. The tongues 3 are arranged to extend continuously over the entire extent of the profile 1 in the lengthwise direction of the profile. The connecting part 5 is arranged to have a height sufficient to extend against a base 6 on which the terrace planks 2 are mountable when the supporting profile 1 has been mounted in connection with the elements 2. The tongues 3 of the supporting profile have a closed cross section. The tongues 3 may be hollow of filled.
On the supporting profile 1, there is provided at least one fastening site 7, e.g. a hole or equivalent, for a fastening device, e.g. a screw, a nail or equivalent. The fastening site 7 is provided at the end of the tongue part 3 e.g. for fastening a batten.
The terrace planks 2 include grooves 4 to form a tongue-and-groove joint with the tongues 3 of the supporting profile 1.
Example 2
A supporting profile presented in Fig. 2 was formed from aluminum for supporting a board-type terrace plank made from wood composite material formed mainly from adhesive laminate waste. By the supporting profile according to Fig. 2, the terrace plank was supported, especially in warm conditions, to keep its dimensional stability and strength.
The supporting profile according to Fig. 2 includes one tongue 3 and a fastening part 8 provided in connection with it, having a fastening site 7 for a fastening device. The fastening part 8 extends against the base 6 when the supporting profile 1 has been pro- vided in connection with the terrace plank 2 by a tongue-and-groove joint 3, 4.
The supporting profile 1 was arranged to cover the longitudinal edge portion of the terrace plank 2 and to act as a batten.
Example 3
A supporting profile presented in Fig. 3 was formed from aluminum for supporting and connecting with each other board-type terrace planks made from wood composite material formed mainly from adhesive laminate waste.
The supporting profile 1 according to Fig. 3 corresponds to the supporting profile according to Fig. 1 in other respects except that the supporting profile of Fig. 3 is completely closed.
Example 4
A supporting profile presented in Fig. 4 was formed from aluminum for supporting and connecting with each other board-type terrace planks made from wood composite material formed mainly from adhesive laminate waste.
The supporting profile 1 according to Fig. 4 corresponds to the supporting profile according to Fig. 1 in other respects except for the structure of the connecting part 5. The connecting part 5 has an open structure and includes a substantially horizontal portion 9 connecting the hollow tongues 3, provided between the tongues 3 and equipped with a creased fastening site 10 for a fastening device, such as a screw. The creased fastening site guides the fastening device to the right spot. The vertical portions 11 of the connecting part 5 are arranged to extend from the level of the lower surface of the tongue substantially as far as the level of the lower surface of the plank when the supporting profile 1 has been provided in connection with the plank. The vertical portions 11 are designed at the bottom 12 so as to turn gently toward each other, forming this way a guiding effect for the fastening device to be fastened via the creased fastening site 10. The vertical portions 11 of the connecting part 5 are not preferably connected with each other at the bottom, so that e.g. water does build up inside the supporting profile. The creased fastening site 10 may be arranged to have a material thickness thinner than the rest of the supporting profile, or the fastening site 10 may even be preperfo- rated.
Example 5
A supporting profile presented in Fig. 5 was formed from aluminum for supporting and connecting with each other board-type terrace planks made from wood composite material formed mainly from adhesive laminate waste.
The supporting profile 1 according to Fig. 5 includes two grooves 4 and a connecting part 5 between them. The two grooves 4 are posed in opposed directions on the cross section of the profile 1. The grooves 4 are arranged to extend continuously for the entire extent of the profile 1 in the lengthwise direction of the profile. The connecting part 5 is arranged to have a height extending for the entire height of the plank 2, from the base 6 as far as the surface of the plank 2.
The terrace planks 2 presented in Fig. 5 include projecting tongues 3 to form a tongue-and-groove joint with the grooves 4 of the supporting profile 1. The tongues 3 have a closed cross section. The terrace planks 2 are mounted against the base 6 and the sup- porting profile 1 is mounted between the planks 2 to support them and connect them with each other.
Example 6
Supporting profiles presented in Fig. 6a and
6b were formed from aluminum for supporting and connecting with each other board-type terrace planks made from wood composite material formed mainly from adhesive laminate waste.
The supporting profiles 1 according to Fig.
6a and 6b include two grooves 4 and a connecting part 5 between them. The two grooves 4 are posed in opposed directions on the cross section of the profile 1. The grooves 4 are arranged to extend continuously for the entire extent of the profile 1 in the lengthwise direction of the profile. The lower horizontal portion 13 of the connecting part 5, forming the lower surface of the grooves 4, is arranged to extend under the terrace planks 2 when the supporting profile 1 has been arranged to connect the terrace planks 2. Preferably, the lower horizontal portion 13 of the connecting part 5 has a thickness of 1 to 2 mm. The supporting profile 1 of Fig. 6a is arranged to have a height extending to the level of the top surface of the plank 2. The upper horizontal portion 14 of the connecting part 5 of Fig. 6b, forming the top surface of the grooves 4, is arranged to extend partially onto the top surface of the terrace planks 2 when the supporting profile 1 has been arranged to connect the terrace planks 2. Pref- erably, the upper horizontal portion 14 of the connecting part 5 has a thickness of 1 to 2 mm, and it has a decorative purpose, forming a continuous surface with the terrace planks.
The terrace planks 2 presented in Fig. 6a in- elude projecting tongues 3, or more accurately semi- tongues, to form a tongue-and-groove joint with the grooves 4 of the supporting profile 1. The terrace planks 2 presented in Fig. 6b do not include tongues as such, but act themselves as the so-called tongues to form a tongue-and-groove joint with the grooves 4 of the supporting profile 1.
In Fig. 6a and 6b, the supporting profile 1 is mounted against the base 6 and between the terrace planks 2 to support the planks and connect them with each other.
By the supporting profiles 1 according to
Fig. 6a and 6b, the terrace planks could be made to rise off the base 6. In this case, there is no need to build a separate supporting railing in applications requiring one.
Example 7
A supporting profile presented in Fig. 7 was formed from aluminum for supporting and connecting with each other board-type terrace planks made from wood composite material formed mainly from adhesive laminate waste.
The supporting profile 1 of Fig. 7 includes one tongue 3 and one groove 4 and a connecting part 5 between them.
Example 8
A supporting profile presented in Fig. 4 was formed from aluminum for supporting a board-type terrace plank made from wood composite material formed mainly from adhesive laminate waste.
The closed supporting profile 1 according to Fig. 4 is provided in a channel inside the terrace plank 2 to support the plank. It was found that all of the supporting profiles presented in Fig. 1 to 8 served well as support- ing and/or connecting means in connection with the terrace planks.
The supporting profile according to the invention is suitable in different embodiments and dif- ferent applications to be used in connection with most different kinds of furnishing, floor, wall and ceiling elements arranged to be compatible with the supporting profile .
The invention is not limited merely to the examples referred to above; instead, many variations are possible within the scope of the inventive idea defined by the claims .

Claims

1. A supporting profile to be used in connection with a plank element (2) , cha ra ct e ri z ed in that the supporting profile (1) is arranged to be compatible with a plank element (2) formed from wood- plastic composite material and matched to support the plank element.
2. The supporting profile according to claim 1, char a ct eri zed in that the supporting profile (1) includes at least one projecting tongue (3) matched to be compatible with a groove (4) on the plank element (2) to form a tongue-and-groove joint.
3. The supporting profile according to claim 1 or 2, charact eri z ed in that the supporting profile (1) includes at least one groove (3) matched to be compatible with a projecting tongue (4) on the plank element (2) to form a tongue-and-groove joint.
4. The supporting profile according to claim 2, cha racte r i z ed in that the projecting tongue (3) is arranged to extend continuously for the entire extent of the profile (1) in the lengthwise direction of the profile.
5. The supporting profile according to claim 3, chara ct eri z ed in that the groove (3) is arranged to extend continuously for the entire extent of the profile (1) in the lengthwise direction of the profile .
6. The supporting profile according to any one of claims 1 to 5, chara cter i z ed in that the supporting profile (1) includes at least two tongues and/or grooves (3) extending substantially in opposed directions on the cross section of the profile, preferably at an angle of approximately 180 degrees to each other.
7. The supporting profile according to any one of claims 1 to 5, charact er i z ed in that the supporting profile (1) includes at least two tongues and/or grooves (3) extending substantially in opposed directions, at an angle of approximately 90 degrees to each other, on the cross section of the profile.
8. The supporting profile according to any one of claims 1 to 7 , chara ct e ri z ed in that provided between two tongues, and or grooves (3) of the supporting profile is a connecting part (5) to connect them.
9. The supporting profile according to claim 8, cha r a cte r i z ed in that the connecting part (5) is arranged to have a height extending against a base (6) on which the plank elements (2) are mountable when the supporting profile (1) has been mounted in connection with the elements (2) .
10. The supporting profile according to any one of claims 2 to 9, charact e ri z ed in that the tongue (3) of the supporting profile is closed.
11. The supporting profile according to any one of claims 1 to 10, charact eri z ed in that the supporting profile (1) is closed.
12. The supporting profile according to claim 10 or 11, charact eri z ed in that the closed part of the supporting profile (1,3) is hollow.
13. The supporting profile according to claim 10 or 11, chara ct eri z ed in that the closed part of the supporting profile (1,3) is filled.
14. The supporting profile according to any one of claims 1 to 13, cha ract er i z ed in that the supporting profile (1) is provided with at least one fastening site (7,8,10) for a fastening device.
15. The supporting profile according to any one of claims 1 to 14, chara ct eri z ed in that the supporting profile (1) is formed from metal.
16. The supporting profile according to any one of claims 1 to 15, c h a r a ct e r i z e d in that the supporting profile (1) is formed from wood.
17. The supporting profile according to any one of claims 1 to 16, ch a r a c t e r i z e d in that the supporting profile (1) is provided inside the plank element (2) .
18. Use of the supporting profile according to any one of claims 1 to 17, ch a r a c t e r i z e d in that the supporting profile (1) is used in connection with wall, floor and/or ceiling elements to support a plank element (2).
19. Use of the supporting profile according to any one of claims 1 to 17, c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that the supporting profile (1) is used in connection with wall, floor and/or ceiling elements to fasten plank elements (2) to each other.
20. A method for supporting a plank element formed from wood-plastic composite material, c h a r - a ct e r i z e d in that the plank element (2) is supported by the supporting profile (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 17.
21. A method for connecting plank elements formed from wood-plastic composite material with each other, cha ra c t e r i z e d in that the plank elements (2) are connected with each other by the supporting profile (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 17.
EP10798828A 2009-09-14 2010-09-14 Supporting profile and method for supporting and connecting a plank element Ceased EP2478161A1 (en)

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FI20105298A FI20105298A0 (en) 2010-03-24 2010-03-24 Support profile and procedure for supporting and connecting a plank element
PCT/FI2010/050703 WO2011030005A1 (en) 2009-09-14 2010-09-14 Supporting profile and method for supporting and connecting a plank element

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