EP3141674A1 - Élément de plancher à noyau en mousse - Google Patents

Élément de plancher à noyau en mousse Download PDF

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Publication number
EP3141674A1
EP3141674A1 EP15193421.3A EP15193421A EP3141674A1 EP 3141674 A1 EP3141674 A1 EP 3141674A1 EP 15193421 A EP15193421 A EP 15193421A EP 3141674 A1 EP3141674 A1 EP 3141674A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
floor member
layer
floor
foam
thickness
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Withdrawn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
EP15193421.3A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Inventor
Jincheng Song
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.)
Tower IPCO Co Ltd
Original Assignee
Tower IPCO Co Ltd
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 US14/846,407 external-priority patent/US9643377B2/en
Application filed by Tower IPCO Co Ltd filed Critical Tower IPCO Co Ltd
Publication of EP3141674A1 publication Critical patent/EP3141674A1/fr
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

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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
    • E04F15/10—Flooring or floor layers composed of a number of similar elements of other materials, e.g. fibrous or chipped materials, organic plastics, magnesite tiles, hardboard, or with a top layer of other materials
    • E04F15/107—Flooring or floor layers composed of a number of similar elements of other materials, e.g. fibrous or chipped materials, organic plastics, magnesite tiles, hardboard, or with a top layer of other materials composed of several layers, e.g. sandwich panels
    • 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
    • E04F15/02005—Construction of joints, e.g. dividing strips
    • E04F15/02033—Joints with beveled or recessed upper edges
    • 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
    • E04F15/10—Flooring or floor layers composed of a number of similar elements of other materials, e.g. fibrous or chipped materials, organic plastics, magnesite tiles, hardboard, or with a top layer of other materials
    • E04F15/105—Flooring or floor layers composed of a number of similar elements of other materials, e.g. fibrous or chipped materials, organic plastics, magnesite tiles, hardboard, or with a top layer of other materials of organic plastics with or without reinforcements or filling materials
    • 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
    • E04F2201/0138—Joining sheets, plates or panels with edges in abutting relationship by moving the sheets, plates or panels perpendicular to the main plane
    • 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
    • E04F2201/0161—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 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
    • E04F2201/02—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
    • E04F2203/00—Specially structured or shaped covering, lining or flooring elements not otherwise provided for
    • E04F2203/06—Specially structured or shaped covering, lining or flooring elements not otherwise provided for comprising two layers fixedly secured to one another, in offset relationship in order to form a rebate
    • E04F2203/065—Specially structured or shaped covering, lining or flooring elements not otherwise provided for comprising two layers fixedly secured to one another, in offset relationship in order to form a rebate in offset relationship longitudinally as well as transversely
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E04—BUILDING
    • E04F—FINISHING WORK ON BUILDINGS, e.g. STAIRS, FLOORS
    • E04F2203/00—Specially structured or shaped covering, lining or flooring elements not otherwise provided for
    • E04F2203/08—Specially structured or shaped covering, lining or flooring elements not otherwise provided for with a plurality of grooves or slits in the back side, to increase the flexibility or bendability of the elements

Definitions

  • This invention is directed to a novel, laminated, light-weight, multi-purpose, composite flexible plastic tile that can be used as a ceiling tile, a wall tile and a floor tile.
  • the tile can be directly bonded to a ceiling, wall or floor surface.
  • the tile can also be used as a ceiling tile in a suspended or hung ceiling assembly having grid sections that support the tile.
  • the tile When used as a wall covering, the tile can be folded to continuously fit within an inside corner of intersecting walls or wrap around an outside corner.
  • the tile When used as a floor covering, the tile can be installed with other similar tiles in a floating floor assembly, wherein the tiles are not bonded directly to a floor base. Examples of a floating floor assembly are shown in U.S. patents 7,155,871 and 7,458, 191 which are incorporated by reference herein.
  • the multi-purpose tile is relatively inexpensive to manufacture and does not require special skills or training to handle and install, making it attractive for do-it-yourself individuals who have had no previous experience installing tiles.
  • the invention is also directed to methods for preparing the tile, and a method of covering a floor surface, wall surface or ceiling surface..
  • the invention is further directed to a floor member with a foam core, and a method of preparing a floor member for a floating floor installation.
  • a tile incorporating one embodiment of the invention is generally indicated by the reference number 10 in Fig. 1 .
  • the tile 10 has a polygonal shape, such as a rectangle and is preferably in the form of a square having a peripheral edge 12.
  • a polygonal shape such as a rectangle and is preferably in the form of a square having a peripheral edge 12.
  • the features and principles of the invention are adaptable to tiles of other shapes such as elongated rectangles and other geometrical shapes.
  • the tile 10 includes a base layer 14 ( Figs. 1 and 2 ) formed of a poly-foam or foamed plastic material having a lower surface or bottom foam surface 16 and an upper surface 18 ( Fig. 2 ).
  • the lower surface 16 can be provided with a suitable known bonding layer (not shown) covered with a suitable known release paper (not shown).
  • the lower surface 16 can be left dry, that is, without a bonding material, to permit optional use of a bonding material by an installer during installation of the tile 10.
  • the lower surface 16 is preferably left dry when the tile 10 is used in a hung ceiling assembly or in a floating floor assembly.
  • An upper substrate layer 24 ( Fig. 2 ), formed of a non-foam plastic or metallic material has a lower surface 26 and an upper surface 28.
  • the upper substrate layer 24 is provided over the upper foam surface 18 ( Fig. 2 ).
  • An adhesive 32 which can be a layer or coating, is provided between the upper surface 18 of the foam base layer 14 and the lower surface 26 of the substrate layer 24 to join the substrate layer 24 and the foam base layer 14 together ( Fig. 2 ).
  • the tile 10 also includes a design pattern or a decorative appearance of any selected type on or at the upper surface 28 of the substrate layer 24.
  • the design pattern can be a wood grain design, a mineral grain design that resembles marble, granite or any other natural stone grain, or a color pattern, color blend or single color to name just a few design possibilities.
  • the decoration or design pattern can be printed onto or otherwise applied to the upper surface 28 of the substrate layer 24, but is preferably provided on a separate printing film or design layer 34 of any suitable known plastic material ( Fig. 2 ).
  • the design layer 34 is covered by a transparent or semi-transparent abrasion resistant wear layer 36 ( Fig. 2 ) of known material and fabrication through which the design layer 34 can be viewed.
  • the top of the wear layer 36 is the top surface of the tile 10.
  • the wear layer 36 protects the design pattern, especially when the tile 10 is used as a floor tile. However, if no design or decoration is provided on or at the substrate layer 24, then the wear layer 36 may be opaque.
  • the wear layer 36 has a slightly curved surface declination 50 ( Fig. 3 ) at each side of the peripheral edge 12 ( Fig. 1 ) of the tile 10.
  • the surface declinations 50 extend the full length of each side of the tile 10 at the peripheral edge 12.
  • the peripheral edge 12 of the tile 10 can also include beveled edge portions 60 ( Fig. 3 ) that diverge upwardly from the lower base surface 16 of the foam base layer 14.
  • the beveled edge portions 60 intersect the curved surface declinations 50 at an intersection line 62 ( Fig. 3 ) that is slightly below the top surface 36 of the tile 10.
  • the beveled edge portions 60 have an angle of divergence 64 ( Fig. 3 ) of approximately 5 to 35 degrees as measured, for example, from a vertical axis 66 ( Fig. 3 ).
  • the wear layer 36 can be provided with suitable known relief or surface embossments (not shown) or any other known texturing to provide traction. Relief or surface embossments may also be desirable if the tile 10 is used as a wall or ceiling tile.
  • the distance between the bottom surface 16 and the upper surface 18 of the base layer 14 defines a first partial thickness of the tile member unit 10.
  • the distance between the top surface 36 of the tile member 10 and the upper foam surface 18 defines a second partial thickness of the tile member 10.
  • the overall thickness of the tile 10 is substantially the sum of the first partial thickness and second partial thickness of the tile 10.
  • a suitable size can be, for example, 12 inches by 12 inches. Smaller or larger size tiles are a matter of choice.
  • the overall thickness of the tile 10 can vary from about 2 to 17 mm and the thickness of the foam base layer 14 can be approximately 15 to 20 times thicker than the total thickness of the other constituent layers of the tile 10.
  • the tile 10 has relatively low density and light weight as compared to solid layer tiles, especially because the foam base layer 14 constitutes a substantial volume of the tile as shown in Figs. 2 and 3 .
  • the tile 10 also has relatively good impact resistance, good thermal insulation, and good acoustical insulation.
  • the low density and lightweight characteristics of the tile 10 facilitate handling and installation.
  • the tile 10 can be assembled with other similar tiles 10 in any selected assembly pattern on a ceiling, wall or floor.
  • the tile 10 When used as a wall covering the tile 10 can be provided with any suitable known self-adhesive material or provided with a dry bottom surface 16 and installed with a mastic or bonding material to bond the tile 10 directly to the wall surface.
  • the lightweight features of the tile 10 are advantageous for obtaining a secure bond when installing the tile 10 on vertical wall surfaces. It is also especially easy to install the tile 10 at vertical corners ( Figs. 7A and 7B ), such as at inside corners of intersecting walls, and at outside corners, such as at entry ways. An inside or outside corner installation is accomplished by forming a groove in the foam base layer 14 of the tile 10 to facilitate bending or folding of the tile.
  • the lower base surface 16 of the foam base layer 14 can be scored or grooved at any selected locations such as 70 and 72 ( Fig. 4 ).
  • the depth of the scoring or grooving should not extend past the upper surface 18 ( Fig. 2 ) of the foam base layer 14.
  • the grooving or scoring can be in the form of a V-shaped groove 74 ( Fig. 6 ) or a semi-circular groove 76 ( Fig. 5 ). Grooves of any other known shape that facilitate bending or folding of the tile 10 can also be used to enable the tile to conform in one continuous piece to any vertical intersecting surfaces that intersect at any intersection angle.
  • V-shaped groove 74 can be approximately 120° as shown in Fig 6 .
  • the grooves 74 and 76 can be cut or formed with a router (not shown) or any other suitable known grooving tool wherein the grooves 74 and 76 are directed into the lower base surface 16 of the foam base layer 14.
  • the tile 10 can be folded or bent at the groove to conform to an inside corner 80 or an outside corner 82 as shown in Figs. 7A and 7B .
  • the tile 10 can also be bonded directly to a ceiling surface (not shown) in a manner similar to that described for installing the tile on a wall surface. If the tile 10 is to be continuously installed on a ceiling and wall surface the tile can be grooved and folded, as previously described, to enable the tile to conform to the intersection of the wall and ceiling surfaces.
  • the tile 10 When used in a hung ceiling installation (not shown) the tile 10 can be easily positioned in and removed from a suspended ceiling grid support frame (not shown). If desired, a suitable known low tack adhesive can be applied in one or more small spots on the wear layer 36 of the tile 10 near the peripheral edge 12 to lightly adhere the tile 10 to the ceiling grid (not shown) of the hung ceiling, yet still permit clean and easy removal of the tile 10 from the grid support.
  • Foam plastic materials suitable for forming the foam base layer 14 include polyurethane, polyamide copolymers, polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polypropylene and polyethylene foamed plastics, all of which have good molding processability.
  • Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) foam materials are especially suitable for forming the foam base layer 14 because they are chemically stable, corrosion resistant, and have excellent flame-retardant properties.
  • foam plastic material contains hollow globules or air cells, which can be closed cells, that provide the foam plastic material with reduced density and lighter weight in comparison with dimensionally similar non-foam plastic material.
  • the elevated pressures and temperatures that are usually associated with preparing a composite laminated plastic tile with solid layers are generally not feasible for laminating the presently disclosed composite plastic tile having a foam layer.
  • the elevated pressures and temperatures generally used for laminating solid plastic layer tile can burst or unduly compress the air cells in a foam layer and thereby substantially increase the density of the foam layer 14, compared to the density of the foam layer 14 in its non-compressed condition.
  • Another problem dealt with by applicant in making the tile 10 as a light weight, foam based structure is preserving the dimensional integrity of the tile 10, maintaining the stability and shape of the tile 10, and preventing warpage of the tile 10.
  • the foam base layer 14 is preferably formed of PVC.
  • the thickness of the foam base layer 14 can vary from about 1 to 15 mm, preferably from about 1.5 to 12 mm, more preferably from about 2 to 10 mm, even more preferably from about 2 to 8 mm, and most preferably from about 2 to 6 mm.
  • the components of the foam base layer 14 are well known in the art and typically comprise, in weight %: Plastic material 40 to 90% Foaming agent 0.7 to 3% Foam control agent 4 to 8% Stabilizing agent 1.5 to 5% Plasticizing agent 0 to 15% Lubrication agent 1 to 2% Heavy calcium 0 to 50% Toughening agent 3 to 9% Flame-retardant agent 3 to 15% Antiseptic and anti-mildew agent 0.5 to 2%
  • the density of the foam base layer 14 can vary from about 0.1 to 1.5 grams/cc, preferably from about 0.2 to 1.4 grams/cc, more preferably from about 0.3 to 1.3 grams/cc, even more preferably from about 0.4 to 1.2 grams/cc, even more preferably from about 0.5 to 1.2 grams/cc, and most preferably from about 0.6 to 1.2 grams/cc.
  • the upper substrate layer 24 can comprise metal, alloy or macromolecular materials, and preferably comprises macromolecular materials, for example, addition polymers such as vinyl monomer copolymers or homo-polymers; condensation polymers such as polyesters, polyamides, polyimides, epoxy resins, phenol-formaldehyde resins, urea-formaldehyde resins; natural macromolecular materials or modified derivatives thereof, such as plant fibers, animal fibers, and the like, or mineral fibers such as asbestos, ceramic fibers, carbon fibers, and the like.
  • macromolecular materials for example, addition polymers such as vinyl monomer copolymers or homo-polymers; condensation polymers such as polyesters, polyamides, polyimides, epoxy resins, phenol-formaldehyde resins, urea-formaldehyde resins; natural macromolecular materials or modified derivatives thereof, such as plant fibers, animal fibers, and the like, or mineral fibers such as asbestos, ceramic fibers, carbon fiber
  • the upper substrate layer 24 preferably comprises addition polymers and more preferably comprises vinyl monomer copolymers and/or homo-polymers such as polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polystyrene, polymethacrylates, polyacrylates, polyacrylamides, ABS (acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene) copolymers, polypropylene, ethylene-propylene copolymers, polyvinylidene chloride, polytetrafluoroethylene, polyvinylidene fluoride, hexafluoropropene, styrenemaleic anhydride copolymers, and the like.
  • PVC polyvinyl chloride
  • polystyrene polymethacrylates
  • polyacrylates polyacrylamides
  • ABS acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymers
  • polypropylene ethylene-propylene copolymers
  • polyvinylidene chloride polytetrafluoro
  • the upper substrate layer 24 most preferably comprises polyethylene or polyvinyl chloride (PVC).
  • the polyethylene can be low density polyethylene, medium density polyethylene, high density polyethylene or ultra high density polyethylene.
  • the upper substrate layer 24 can also include filler materials and other additives that improve the physical properties and/or chemical properties and/or the processability of the product.
  • additives include known toughening agents, plasticizing agents, reinforcing agents, anti-mildew (antiseptic) agents, flame-retardant agents, and the like.
  • the thickness of the upper substrate layer 24 can vary from about 0.1 to 2 mm, preferably from about 0.15 to 1.8 mm, more preferably from about 0.2 to 1.5 mm, and most preferably from about 0.3 to 1.5 mm.
  • the thickness ratio of the foam base layer 14 to the upper substrate layer 24 can vary from about 1 to 15 : 0.1 to 2, preferably from about 1.5 to 10 : 0.1 to 1.5, more preferably from about 1.5 to 8 : 0.2 to 1.5, and most preferably from about 2 to 8 : 0.3 to 1.5, respectively.
  • the adhesive layer 32 can be any well-known bonding agent or binder capable of bonding together the upper substrate layer 24 and the foam base layer 14, for example polyurethanes, epoxy resins, polyacrylates, ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymers, ethylene-acrylic acid copolymers, and the like.
  • the adhesive layer 32 is a hot-melt bonding agent.
  • the design layer 34 can comprise any suitable known plastic material such as a known formulation of PVC resin, stabilizer, plasticizer and other additives that are well known in the art.
  • the design layer can be formed with or printed with printed patterns, such as wood grains, metal or stone design and fibrous patterns or three-dimensional figures.
  • the design layer 34 can provide the tile 10 with a three dimensional appearance that resembles heavier products such as granite, stone or metal.
  • the thickness of the design layer can vary from about 0.01 to 0.1 mm, preferably from about 0.015 to 0.08 mm, more preferably from about 0.2 to 0.7 mm, and most preferably from about 0.02 to 0.5 mm.
  • the wear layer 36 that forms the upper surface of the tile 10 can comprise any suitable known abrasion-resistant material, such as an abrasion-resistant macromolecular material coated onto the layer beneath it, or a known ceramic bead coating. If the wear layer 36 is furnished in layer form, it can be bonded to the layer beneath it.
  • the wear layer 36 can also comprise an organic polymer layer and/or inorganic material layer, such as an ultraviolet coating or a combination of another organic polymer layer and an ultraviolet coating.
  • an ultraviolet paint capable of improving the surface scratch resistance, glossiness, antimicrobial resistance and other properties of the product.
  • organic polymers including polyvinyl chloride resins or other polymers such as vinyl resins, and a suitable amount of plasticizing agent and other processing additives can be included, as needed.
  • the method for producing the light weight foamed plastic composite tile 10 includes:
  • the substrate layer 24 can be bonded to the foam base layer 14 by coating the upper surface 18 of the foam base layer 14 and/or the lower surface 26 of the substrate layer 24 with the adhesive bonding agent 32 and contacting the mating surfaces 18 and 26.
  • a known balance layer (not shown) can be disposed between the foam base layer 14 and the substrate layer 24.
  • the balance layer helps provide dimensional stability to the tile 10 by minimizing the effect of coefficients of expansion of different materials that are laminated above and below the balance layer.
  • the balance layer thus helps inhibit curving, cupping or arching of the tile 10, and also helps to ensure the dimensional stability of the tile 10.
  • a known balance layer (not shown) can also be included between the wear layer 36 and the upper substrate layer 24 for purposes previously described.
  • the bonding of the upper substrate layer 24 to the foam base layer 14 is accomplished under pressure.
  • Other methods to bond the foam base layer 14 to the substrate layer 24 can be employed, such as a known one-step formation using an adhesive thermal bonding machine known in the art that employs pressure after adhesive application.
  • the substrate layer 24, the design layer 34, and the wear layer 36 can be initially laminated together to form an upper substrate laminate subassembly 40 as shown schematically in Fig. 2a .
  • the laminate subassembly 40 and the foam base layer 14 can then be laminated together to form the tile 10 ( Fig. 2 ).
  • the wear layer 36, the design layer 34 the substrate layer 24 and the foam base layer 14 can be laminated together simultaneously to form the tile 10.
  • the pressing process can be either cold or ambient temperature pressing or thermal pressing at an elevated temperature.
  • Thermal pressing is preferred for joining together the constituent components of the tile 10, and most preferably includes a heating stage and a cooling stage as schematically indicated in Fig. 8 .
  • the pressure applied during the heating stage can vary from about 10 to 150 kg/cm 2 , preferably from about 10 to 80 kg/cm 2 , more preferably from about 15 to 80 kg/cm 2 , and most preferably from about 15 to 60 kg/cm 2 .
  • the pressure applied during the cooling stage can vary from about 10 to 150 kg/cm 2 , preferably from about 10 to 80 kg/cm 2 , more preferably from about 15 to 80 kg/cm 2 , and most preferably from about 15 to 60 kg/cm 2 .
  • the duration of the pressing process is about 15 to 100 minutes, preferably about 20 to 90 minutes, more preferably about 25 to 80 minutes, and most preferably about 30 to 70 minutes.
  • the pressures applied during the heating stage and the cooling stage can be the same or different, and are preferably the same.
  • the temperature during the heating stage can vary from about 40 to 150°C, preferably from about 50 to 130°C, more preferably from about 60 to 100°C and most preferably from about 75 to 100°C.
  • the temperature during the cooling stage can vary from about 15 to 30°C, preferably from about 18 to 26°C and most preferably from about 20 to 25°C.
  • the duration of pressing during the heating stage can vary from about 5 to 50 minutes, preferably from about 10 to 45 minutes and more preferably from about 15 to 40 minutes.
  • the duration of pressing during the cooling stage can vary from about 5 to 50 minutes, preferably from about 10 to 45 minutes, and more preferably from about 15 to 40 minutes.
  • the duration of pressing during the heating stage and the cooling stage can be the same or different, and are preferably the same.
  • one or more post-treatment finishing steps can also be included, such as cutting, polishing, burnishing, inspecting and packaging of the tile 10.
  • the tile 10 includes the foam base layer 14 being formed of PVC of the type previously described, having a thickness of 4mm.
  • the substrate layer 24 is a PVC layer having a thickness of 1 mm
  • the design layer 34 has a thickness of 0.3 mm
  • the abrasion resistant layer 36 has a thickness of 0.2 mm.
  • the total thickness of the upper substrate laminate 40 is thus 1.5 mm.
  • the tile 10 with the PVC foam base layer 14 is formed under pressure during a heating and cooling stage as follows.
  • a pressure of 35 kg/cm 2 is applied to the PVC foam base layer 14 in contact with the upper substrate layer 24 at a temperature of about 80°C for 25 minutes. The pressure is maintained for an additional 25 minutes during the cooling stage to ambient temperate.
  • the thickness of the upper substrate laminate 40 is about 1.5 mm.
  • the thickness of the PVC foam base layer 14 is 3.95 mm.
  • the density of the PVC foam base layer 14 before and after pressurization basically remains unchanged at 1.0 g/cc.
  • the base layer of foam 14 is bonded to the upper substrate layer 24, and the base layer of foam 14 is placed under pressure while being bonded to the upper substrate layer 24, and the density and thickness of the base layer of foam 14 after being bonded to the upper substrate layer 24 is substantially the same density and thickness as before being placed under pressure.
  • a suitable known adhesive can be applied to the lower base surface 16 of the PVC foam base layer 14, to facilitate affixation of the tile 10 to a wall or ceiling.
  • the tile 10 includes the substrate layer 24 being formed of polyethylene (PE) having a thickness of 1 mm.
  • the upper substrate laminate 40 has a total thickness of 1.5 mm.
  • the PVC foam base layer 14 has a thickness of 4mm.
  • the adhesive 32 is of a suitable known formulation and is contacted to the upper surface 18 of the foam base layer 14, and to the lower surface 26 of the upper substrate layer 24.
  • the adhesive coated surface 18 of the foam base layer 14 and the adhesive coated surface 26 of the upper substrate layer 24 are then superimposed and pressed together at a pressure of 80 kg/cm 2 while heating to a temperature of 80°C for 25 minutes. Pressurization is then continued after the heating stage for an additional 40 minutes during the cooling stage to ambient temperature.
  • the thickness of the upper substrate laminate 40 remains at 1.5 mm and the thickness of the PVC foam base layer 14 is 3.93 mm.
  • the density of the PVC foam base layer 14 before and after pressurization basically remains unchanged at 1.2 grams/cc.
  • the tile 10 includes the substrate layer 24 being formed of polyethylene (PE) and the upper substrate laminate 40 having a total thickness of 0.7 mm.
  • the foam base layer 14 is formed of PVC foam having a thickness of 4 mm.
  • the adhesive 32 is of a suitable known formulation and is contacted or coated onto the upper surface 18 of the PVC foam base layer 14, and to the lower surface 26 of the substrate layer 24.
  • the adhesive surfaces are superimposed and pressed together at a pressure of 20 kg/cm 2 and a temperature of 60°C for 40 minutes. The application of pressure is continued after the heating stage for 20 minutes during the cooling stage to ambient temperature.
  • the thickness of the upper substrate laminate 40 is 0.7 mm and the thickness of the PVC foam base layer 14 is 3.93 mm.
  • the density of the PVC foam material of the layer 14 before and after pressurization basically remains unchanged at 0.6g/cc.
  • a floor tile for a floating floor assembly is generally indicated by the reference number 100 in Fig. 9 .
  • the features and principles of the floor tile 100 are also adaptable to floor planks.
  • the floor tile 100 includes a first floor member portion 102 and a second floor member portion or underlayer portion 104 that are of identical size and shape.
  • the first floor member portion 102 is laminated to the second floor member portion 104 such that the first floor member portion 102 has a predetermined offset from the second floor member portion 104 in the manner described in U.S. patents 7,155,871 , 7,322,159 , and 7,458,191 , the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference in this application.
  • the layer structure of the first floor member portion 102 includes a base layer, a substrate layer, and adhesive layer, a design layer and an abrasion resistant layer, all of which are structurally similar to the corresponding layers 14, 24, 32, 34 and 36 of the tile 10 as shown in Fig. 2 .
  • the second floor member portion 104 is a foam layer that is structurally similar to the base layer 14 of the tile 10 as shown in Fig. 2 .
  • the first floor member portion 102 is preferably formed as a complete and separate laminate unit before being laminated to the second floor member portion 104.
  • the second floor member portion 104 has no surface declinations or beveled edges.
  • the first floor member portion 102 extends an offset amount "a" beyond the second floor member portion 104 to define an offset L-shaped marginal section 106 ( Fig. 9 ) of the first floor member portion 102.
  • the second floor member portion 104 extends the offset amount "a" beyond the first floor member portion 102 to define an offset L-shaped marginal section 108 ( Fig. 9 ) of the second floor member portion 104.
  • the L-shaped marginal section 106 of the first floor member portion 102 and the L-shaped marginal section 108 of the second floor member portion 104 are of identical size and shape.
  • a suitable known bonding material for laminating the first and second floor member portions 102 and 104 together can be provided on either a lower surface 110 of the first floor member portion 102 or an upper surface 112 of the second floor member portion 104. Under this arrangement only one of the L-shaped marginal sections 106 or 108 is provided with adhesive.
  • the bonding material for the laminated first and second floor member portions 102 and 104 is preferably provided on the lower surface 110 of the first floor member portion 102 and on the upper surface 112 of the second floor member portion 104.
  • the L-shaped marginal section 106 thus has an exposed downwardly directed adhesive surface that is part of the lower surface 110 of the first floor member portion 102, and the L-shaped marginal section 108 has an exposed upwardly directed adhesive surface that is part of the upper surface 112 of the second floor member portion 104.
  • the adhesive on the exposed adhesive surfaces on the L-shaped marginal sections 106 and 108 is the bonding material used for laminating the first floor member portion 102 and the second floor member portion 104 together.
  • a suitable size for the first floor member portion 102 and the second floor member portion 104 can be, for example, 12 inches by 12 inches. Smaller or larger size floor tiles are a matter of choice.
  • the thickness of the first floor member portion 102 can vary from about 2 to 5 mm and the thickness of the second floor member portion 120 can vary from about 2 to 5 mm.
  • the marginal offset "a" can be, for example, approximately 1 inch. The amount of offset "a” is a matter of choice, and larger or smaller offsets are also usable.
  • the foam structure of second floor member portion 104 of the floor tile 100 is yieldable to small bumps and other imperfections generally referred to as surface irregularities in a floor base.
  • the second floor member portion 104 thus enables the floor tile 100 to conform to such surface irregularities and lie flat on a floor base.
  • the downwardly directed L-shaped marginal section 106 of the first floor member portion 102 is positioned to engage the upwardly directed L-shaped marginal section 108 of the second floor member portion 104 in the manner shown in the tile assembly 120 of Fig. 10 .
  • the tile assembly 120 is but one example of known tile assembly patterns that are a matter of choice.
  • the tile 10 can be installed on a floor base without any mastic or adhesive coating on the floor base, and without mastic or adhesive on an undersurface 114 ( Fig. 9 ) of the second floor member portion 104.
  • the floor tiles 100 can be placed on a dry floor base surface for easy shifting to any selected position thereby facilitating installation of the floor tiles 100 in any selected pattern or arrangement.
  • a fifth illustrative embodiment of the invention is a flexible, laminated floor member unit generally indicated by the reference number 200 in Fig. 12 .
  • the term "floor member” as used hereinafter is intended to refer to a floor plank, but the concepts and structures described herein are also applicable to floor tiles.
  • the floor member is installable on a floor base with a plurality of other similar floor members without being bonded directly to the floor base as part of a "floating floor” installation.
  • the constituent layers and components of the floor member 200 are shown in Fig. 11 in partially exploded, enlarged fragmentary form.
  • the floor member 200 has a polygonal shape, and is preferably in the form of an elongated rectangle.
  • the size of the floor member 200 is a matter of choice, outside dimensions of approximately 8 inches by 4 feet have been found to be an attractive size and render the floor member 200 relatively easy to handle and install.
  • the floor member 200 has an upper portion 230 offset from a lower portion 240.
  • the upper portion 230 of the floor member 200 includes a clear vinyl wear layer 202 ( Figs. 11 and 14 ) of known construction.
  • the clear vinyl wear layer 202 can be approximately 0.5 to 0.9 mm thick, and is preferably 0.7 mm thick.
  • the clear vinyl wear layer provides the floor member 200 with protection against scuffs and abrasions.
  • the upper portion 230 of the floor member 200 also includes a coating or overlayer 204 ( Figs. 11 and 14 ) with a known mixture of ceramic beads and urethane that overlies the wear layer 202.
  • the coating 204 includes microscopic ceramic particles (not shown) suspended in an ultra-violet cured urethane coating. The coating 204 provides the floor member 200 with enhanced wear and stain resistance and also enables the floor member 200 to be easily maintained.
  • the upper portion 230 of the floor member 200 also includes a known decorative film or layer 208 ( Figs. 11 and 14 ) located beneath the clear vinyl wear layer 202.
  • the decorative film 208 incorporates a high-resolution design such as a wood-grain design, although the design or decor of the decorative film 208 is a matter of choice.
  • the design or decorative appearance of the floor member 200 is essentially the design or appearance of the decorative film 208, since the clear vinyl wear layer 202 and the ceramic bead layer 204 are substantially transparent.
  • the upper portion 230 of the floor member 200 further includes a solid vinyl layer 210 ( Figs. 11 and 14 ) of known construction underneath the decorative film 208.
  • the solid vinyl layer 210 can be approximately 2.5 to 3.5 mm thick, and is preferably about 3.0 mm thick.
  • the solid vinyl layer 210 which can be formed of multiple layers of solid virgin vinyl, helps resist denting and chipping of the floor member 200 and enhances the durability as well as the dimensional stability of the floor member 200.
  • the solid vinyl layer 210 also facilitates any desired embossing of the overlying layers 202, 204 and 208. Such embossing embellishes the natural appearance of the floor member and also provides the surface of the floor member 200 with improved traction.
  • the floor member 200 further includes a core layer 216 ( Fig. 14 ) of closed-cell polyvinyl chloride (PVC) foam provided below the vinyl layer 210.
  • the core layer 216 is similar in its makeup to the closed-cell foam base layer 14 ( Figs. 1-4 ) of the multi-purpose tile 10, with a density that can vary from about 0.1 to 1.5 grams/cc.
  • the core layer 216 has a thickness of approximately 4.8 to 6.0 mm, and is preferably about 5.0 mm thick.
  • a first known floor member edge joining means 224 ( Figs. 12 and 14 ) is provided in the core layer 216 at the upper offset portion 230 of the floor member 200, at two intersecting edges 232, 234 ( Fig. 12 ) of the floor member 200.
  • a second known complementary edge joining means 226 ( Figs. 12 and 14 ) is provided in the core layer 216 at the lower offset portion 240 of the floor member 200, at the other two intersecting edges 242, 244 ( Fig. 12 ) of the floor member 200.
  • the edge joining means 224 and 226 are known locking systems identified by the trademarks ALLURE CLIC and UNICLIC of Halstead New England Corporation, Norwalk, Conn.
  • the edge joining means 224 of one floor member 200 is connectable at one edge to the complementary edge joining means 226 of a first adjacent floor member 200, to form a non-adhesive, mechanical locking connection between two adjacent floor members 200, 200.
  • a known supplementary locking system identified as the 5G Locking System of Valinge Innovation AB, Viken, Sweden includes a stub-like flexible plastic projection 250 ( Figs. 11 and 14 ) provided in the core layer 216 at the second connection means 226 ( Fig. 14 ) for engagement with a recess 252 ( Fig. 14 ) provided in the core layer 216 at the first connection means 224.
  • the plastic projection 250 and the recess 252 can extend along one or more edges of the floor member 200.
  • the floor member 200 further includes a resilient, shock absorbing bottom underlayment 256 ( Figs. 11 and 14 ), bonded to the lower surface of the core layer 216, in the lower portion 240 ( Fig. 12 ) of the floor member 200.
  • the underlayment 256 of the floor member 200 is made of a cross-linked polyolefin foam, preferably an irradiated, cross-linked polyolefin foam known in the art as "IXPE".
  • the cross-linked polyolefin foam is polyethylene, and, more preferably low density polyethylene (LDPE).
  • LDPE low density polyethylene
  • the IXPE is compounded with the following materials to optimize its cushioning qualities. Table 1 Item Weight % LDPE 80-85 Azobisformamide (ABFA) 0-8 Azodicarbonamide (ADCA) 0-8 Calcium carbonate 1.5-2.5 Anti-oxidant 0.75-1.5 Color 3-5
  • IXPE cushioning underlayer The properties of the IXPE cushioning underlayer appear in Table 2 below: Table 2 - IXPE Properties Item Property Thickness 0.9-2.25 mm Density 0.085-0.115 g/cm 3 Water absorption ⁇ 0.01% Elongation: (i) Length 150-190% (ii) Width 145-190% Tensile Strength: (i) Length 0.7-1.1 Mpa (ii) Width 0.5-1.0 Mpa
  • the underlayment 256 thus provides the floor member 200 with excellent water resistance, sound insulation, and heat insulating properties in addition to its cushioning function.
  • the underlayment 256 which can be embossed at the bottom surface, also helps to accommodate subfloor imperfections, and is approximately 1.5 to 2.5 mm thick and preferably approximately 2.0 mm thick.
  • edge joining means 224 ( Fig. 14 ) of one floor member 200 is connectable at one edge such as the edge 232 ( Fig. 12 ) of the one floor member 200 to the complementary edge joining means 226 ( Fig. 14 ) of a first adjacent floor member 200 to form a connection between the one floor member 200 and the first adjacent floor member 200 ( Fig. 15 ).
  • the flexible plastic connection 250 also engages the recess 252 ( Figs. 14 and 15 ) to provide a supplemental locking connection between the two connected floor members 200.
  • edge joining means 224 at a second edge such as the edge 234 ( Fig. 12 ) of the one floor member 200 is connectable to the complementary edge joining means 226 of a second adjacent floor member 200 to form a second locking connection between the one floor member 200 and the second adjacent floor member 200, such as shown in Fig. 13 .
  • edge joining means 226 ( Figs. 12 and 14 ) of the one floor member 200 is joinable at a third edge such as the edge 242 ( Fig. 12 ) of the one floor member 200 to the complementary edge joining means 224 of a third adjacent floor member 200 to form another locking connection between the one floor member 200 and the third adjacent floor member 200.
  • the edge joining means 226 ( Figs. 12 and 14 ) at a fourth edge such as the edge 244 ( Fig. 12 ) of the one floor member 200 is joinable to the complementary edge joining means 224 of a fourth adjacent floor member 200 to form another locking connection between the one floor member 200 and a fourth adjacent floor member 200, and so on.
  • a floating floor assembly 260 ( Fig. 13 ) of the floor members 200 can be easily installed on a floor base (not shown).
  • the core layer 216 ( Fig. 14 ) is a closed cell foam construction it has a density that is generally less than the density of solid plastic or solid non-plastic materials.
  • the relatively low density of the core layer 216 enables the floor member 200 to have a greater thickness and less overall weight than that of known dimensionally similar laminated floor planks formed of solid plastic or wood composite layers.
  • the floor member 200 can thus be made thicker, lighter and sturdier than floor members formed exclusively of solid laminated plastic materials.
  • All layers 202, 204, 208, 210, 216 and 256 of the floor member 200 as shown in Figs. 11 and 14 are formed of water resistant and water repellant materials such that the floor member 200 is not susceptible to moisture related warpage or other types of water damage, problems that can occur if the floor member is placed on a floor base that is subject to relatively high humidity levels, moisture condensation or if the floor base is an avenue of moisture penetration. Such warpage and water damage can occur with floor members that have non-plastic components.
  • the overall thickness of the floor member 200 is defined as the distance between the ceramic bead layer 204 ( Fig. 14 ) at the top of the floor member 200 and the bottom surface of the underlayment 256.
  • the core layer 216 has a preferred thickness of 5 mm that is preferably at least 50% of the overall thickness of the floor member 200. Under this arrangement the floor member 200 is relatively thick and sturdy, but relatively lightweight as compared to equally dimensioned floor planks formed exclusively of solid laminated plastic materials.
  • a sixth illustrative embodiment of the invention is a floor member generally indicated by the reference number 270 in Fig. 16 .
  • the floor member 270 is structurally similar to the floor member 200 of Figs. 11-15 . However, the floor member 270 does not include the supplemental locking system represented by the stub-like projection 250 and the recess 252 ( Figs. 14 and 15 ).
  • the mechanical connection between adjacent floor members 270 by interengagement of the first connection means 224 and the second connection means 226 ( Fig. 16 ) is an effective connection or locking system.
  • the supplemental locking system 250, 252 of Figs. 14 and 15 is thus an optional feature of the invention.
  • the floor member 270 is mechanically connectable to other adjacent floor members 270 (not shown) in a manner similar to that previously described for connecting adjacent floor members 200 together.
  • a floating floor assembly (not shown) of the floor members 270 provides all of the water resistant qualities of the floor covering previously described for the floor member 200.
  • the approximate 5.0 mm thickness of the core layer 216 is an optimum thickness that permits optional use of the supplemental locking system 250, 252 in the floor member 200 without compromising the integrity of the core layer 216.
  • the 50% thickness ratio of the 5.0 mm core layer 216 relative to the overall thickness of the floor members 200 or 270 permits economical manufacture of the floor members 200 and 270 with the closed-cell pvc foam as compared to a wood-based core layer or a non-foam core layer.
  • the floor members 200 and 270 are relatively lightweight for their thickness and easy to handle during installation.
  • the floor member with foam core as disclosed herein does not require special skills or training to handle and install, making it attractive for do-it-yourself individuals who have had no previous experience installing floor planks.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Architecture (AREA)
  • Civil Engineering (AREA)
  • Structural Engineering (AREA)
  • Floor Finish (AREA)
  • Laminated Bodies (AREA)
EP15193421.3A 2015-09-04 2015-11-06 Élément de plancher à noyau en mousse Withdrawn EP3141674A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US14/846,407 US9643377B2 (en) 2013-05-02 2015-09-04 Floor plank with foam core

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP3141674A1 true EP3141674A1 (fr) 2017-03-15

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Family Applications (1)

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EP (1) EP3141674A1 (fr)
AU (1) AU2015249146B2 (fr)
CA (1) CA2911288C (fr)
ZA (1) ZA201508182B (fr)

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WO2018215550A1 (fr) * 2017-05-23 2018-11-29 Innovations 4 Flooring Holding N.V. Système de carreaux à usages multiples
CN112543835A (zh) * 2018-05-23 2021-03-23 I4F许可有限责任公司 多用途砖片系统、砖片覆盖物和砖片
WO2022214816A1 (fr) * 2021-04-08 2022-10-13 Erimus Insulation Limited Système et procédé d'isolation thermique et acoustique

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US20110073239A1 (en) * 2004-12-01 2011-03-31 L & P Property Management Company Method of making recycled energy absorbing underlayment and moisture barrier for hard flooring system
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WO2018215550A1 (fr) * 2017-05-23 2018-11-29 Innovations 4 Flooring Holding N.V. Système de carreaux à usages multiples
NL2018970B1 (en) * 2017-05-23 2018-12-04 Innovations 4 Flooring Holding Nv Multi-purpose tile system
KR20200008569A (ko) * 2017-05-23 2020-01-28 이노베이션스 포 플로어링 홀딩 엔. 뷔. 다목적 타일 시스템
CN110785529A (zh) * 2017-05-23 2020-02-11 创新四号地板控股有限公司 多用途砖片系统
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CN110785529B (zh) * 2017-05-23 2022-04-08 I4F许可有限责任公司 多用途砖片系统
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CN112543835A (zh) * 2018-05-23 2021-03-23 I4F许可有限责任公司 多用途砖片系统、砖片覆盖物和砖片
WO2022214816A1 (fr) * 2021-04-08 2022-10-13 Erimus Insulation Limited Système et procédé d'isolation thermique et acoustique

Also Published As

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CA2911288A1 (fr) 2017-03-04
AU2015249146A1 (en) 2017-03-23
ZA201508182B (en) 2017-02-22
CA2911288C (fr) 2018-03-13
AU2015249146B2 (en) 2017-07-13

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