EP3945157A1 - Self-locking flooring element - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a self-locking floor covering element (1) which comprises, on the one hand, a lower face (2) intended to rest on the floor, on the other hand, an upper face (3) opposite the face bottom (2) and on which people or vehicles are required to circulate, on the other hand again, lateral sides (4; 4a; 4b; 4c), which extend between the lower face (2) and the face upper part (3), and, on the other hand also, at least one distancing means (5), which equips at least one of the lateral sides (4; 4a; 4b; 4c), which projects by relation to said at least one (4) of the lateral sides (4; 4a; 4b; 4c), and which is configured to maintain another adjacent flooring element at a determined distance. Said at least one distancing means (5) comprises at least a lower portion (6), an upper portion (7) with a width less than the lower portion (6) and an intermediate portion (8), extending between the lower portion (6) and the upper portion (7), connecting the lower portion (6) and the upper portion (7), and comprising side faces (80; 80') which converge from the lower portion (6) and towards the upper portion (7).

Description

The present invention relates to an interlocking floor covering element.

The invention relates to the field of the manufacture of interlocking floor covering elements, more particularly consisting of cobblestones, slabs or the like, in particular made of concrete, reconstituted stone or resin.

We already know such self-locking floor covering elements which adopt, for example, the shape of a paving stone or a concrete slab.

Such an interlocking floor covering element comprises, on the one hand, a lower face intended to rest on the ground, on the other hand, an upper face opposite the lower face and on which people or vehicles are required to circulate. , on the other hand again, lateral sides, which extend between the lower face and the upper face, and, on the other hand also, at least one means of distancing, which equips at least one of the lateral sides, which projects in relation to said at least one of the lateral sides, and which is configured to maintain another adjacent covering element at a determined distance

Such a distancing means usually takes the form of a rib, which extends vertically between the lower face and the upper face, and which comes into contact with an adjacent floor covering element.

Such a coating element has, however, a certain number of drawbacks. In particular, the configuration of the distancing means does not make it possible to oppose sufficiently a subsidence or a tilting of the covering element, in particular when a heavy vehicle travels over this covering element. Moreover, this configuration also does not make it possible to oppose sufficiently the tearing of such a covering element. Finally, this configuration also does not make it possible to avoid shifting of such a covering element with respect to an adjacent covering element, in particular when a stress is exerted on this coating element, for example during sudden braking of a vehicle traveling on this coating element.

The present invention aims to remedy the drawbacks of the coating elements of the state of the art

To this end, the invention relates to an interlocking floor covering element which comprises, on the one hand, a lower face intended to rest on the ground, on the other hand, an upper face opposite the lower face and on which are caused to circulate people or vehicles, on the other hand again, the lateral sides, which extend between the lower face and the upper face, and, on the other hand also, at least one means of distancing, which equips at the at least one of the lateral sides, which projects in relation to said at least one of the lateral sides, which is configured to hold another flooring element adjacent to a determined distance, and which comprises at least, on the one hand, a lower portion, on the other hand, an upper portion which has a width less than the width of the lower portion and, on the other hand, an intermediate portion, which extends between the lower portion and the upper portion, which connects the lower portion higher and the upper portion, and which comprises side faces which converge from the lower portion and in the direction of the upper portion. This self-locking floor covering element is characterized in that said at least one distancing means comprises, on the one hand, a distal part which is intended to be positioned at least close to another floor covering element adjacent self-locking device and, on the other hand, a proximal part, which is interposed between the distal part and the said at least one of the lateral sides, which extends from the said at least one of the lateral sides, and which comprises at least one tapered portion which has a width less than the width of the distal portion.

According to another characteristic, at least the lower portion of said at least one distancing means includes said distal part as well as said proximal part which includes said at least one narrowed part.

Yet another feature relates to the fact that at least the lower portion of said at least one distancing means has a section in the shape of a mushroom, trapezium or dovetail, this in a direction perpendicular to a lateral plane along which said at least one of the lateral sides extends and/or parallel to a lower plane along which the lower face extends and/or parallel to an upper plane along which the lower face extends superior.

Yet another characteristic relates to the fact that it comprises a plurality of distancing means, which are fitted to at least one of the lateral sides, which project in relation to said at least one of the lateral sides, and which are spaced apart by a distance which is less than or equal to the width of the distal portion of such distancing means.

According to another characteristic, the lower face extends along a lower plane while the side faces of the intermediate portion extend along a direction which forms, with this lower plane, an acute angle of between 45° and 65°, preferably of the order of 55°.

Alternatively, the lower face extends along a lower plane while the side faces of the intermediate portion extend along a direction which forms, with this lower plane, an acute angle of between 75° and 85°, preferably of the order of 80°.

According to another characteristic, the upper portion comprises, on the one hand, a first portion which extends from the intermediate portion and in the direction of the upper face, on the other hand, a second portion which extends from of the first portion and in the direction of the upper face and, on the other hand, a third portion which extends from the second portion and in the direction of the upper face, this second portion comprising lateral faces which converge at from the first portion and towards the third portion.

Yet another characteristic relates to the fact that the lower portion of said at least one distancing means has lateral faces which extend, on the one hand, from said at least one of the lateral sides or from a plane which is at least parallel to a lateral plane along which said at least one of the lateral sides extends and, on the other hand, diverging towards the outside of said interlocking floor covering element.

According to another characteristic, the self-locking floor covering element comprises at least one housing that includes at least one of the lateral sides, said at least one housing having shapes and/or dimensions complementary to those of said at least one distance means .

Thus, the self-locking floor covering element comprises at least one distancing means which comprises an intermediate portion which comprises side faces which converge in the direction of the upper portion.

These characteristics advantageously make it possible to obtain absolute locking of the covering elements with respect to each other after jointing, which in the event of stresses exerted on such a covering element prevents the covering elements from dissociating, sliding, sag, tip over or be torn off. In addition and advantageously, these characteristics allow, the higher the stress, the covering elements to tighten together, to absorb the stresses and to transmit these stresses to all of the covering elements with the effect of relieving the substructure and to stabilize the coating.

According to a particular characteristic, the acute angle (that the side faces form with the plane of the lower face) is between 45° and 65°. This characteristic allows, advantageously and in the event of stresses exerted on a covering element, the sand to be pushed against the side faces and, thus, to cause a very significant pressure and to prevent both subsidence and tearing. coating elements.

Another particular characteristic relates to the fact that the acute angle (which the side faces form with the plane of the lower face) is between 75° and 85°, preferably of the order of 80°. This feature advantageously makes it possible to obtain a strangulation effect which ensures good support between the floor covering elements.

Yet another characteristic relates to the fact that the upper portion comprises a second portion comprising side faces which converge in the direction of the third portion. This characteristic allows, advantageously, an optimal routing of the jointing sand between the covering elements and to produce a choking effect which contributes to improved sag and pull-out resistance.

Said at least one distancing means comprises a distal part as well as a proximal part which comprises at least one narrowed part. This characteristic advantageously allows the distal part comprising a means for distancing a self-locking floor covering element to be positioned between the narrowed parts of the proximal parts comprising two means for distancing a floor covering element adjacent self-locking. These characteristics make it possible, advantageously and in the event of stress exerted on an interlocking floor covering element, to cause a tightening and/or a rapprochement between such an interlocking floor covering element and an adjacent interlocking floor covering element.

Yet another characteristic relates to the fact that the lower portion and/or the intermediate portion and/or the upper portion of said at least one distancing means has lateral faces which extend from said at least one of the lateral sides, this by diverging outwardly from said self-locking floor covering element. This characteristic makes it possible, advantageously and in the event of stress exerted on a covering element, to bring this covering element closer to an adjacent covering element, unlike the covering elements of the state of the art which would tend to slip. and get away from each other.

According to an additional characteristic, the self-locking floor covering element comprises a plurality of distance means, which equip at least one of the lateral sides, which project in relation to said at least one of the lateral sides, and which are spaced apart by a distance which is less than or equal to the width of the distal portion of such distancing means. These characteristics make it possible, advantageously, to ensure guidance of an interlocking floor covering element with respect to at least one other adjacent interlocking floor covering element, this when setting up such a floor covering element. self-locking floor. Such a guide facilitates the installation of such an interlocking floor covering element and makes it possible to ensure appropriate positioning of such a floor covering element. interlocking to adjacent interlocking flooring elements. In addition, these characteristics allow interlocking of such an interlocking floor covering element with respect to at least one adjacent interlocking floor covering element and prevent disengagement, in particular lateral, of these interlocking floor covering elements.

All the characteristics of the self-locking floor covering element according to the invention make it possible, in combination with a grouting sand positioned between the means for distancing these self-locking floor covering elements, to ensure mechanical locking, sealing and immobilization of these self-locking floor covering elements relative to each other which give a set of these self-locking floor covering elements a consolidated one-piece structure resistant to all tests such as loosening, shifting, sagging, tearing or tipping over.

Other aims and advantages of the present invention will appear during the description which will follow relating to embodiments which are given only by way of indicative and non-limiting examples.

• [Fig.1] représente une vue schématisée et en perspective d'un élément de revêtement de sol qui comporte des moyens de distanciation conformes à un premier mode et à un deuxième mode réalisation d'un premier type de réalisation ainsi qu'à un troisième type de réalisation.
• [Fig.2] représente une vue schématisée et de côté de l'élément de revêtement de sol illustré figure 1.
• [Fig.3] représente une vue schématisée, de côté et en détail d'un moyen de distanciation illustré figures 1 et 2 et conforme à un premier mode de réalisation du premier type de réalisation.
• [Fig.4] représente une vue schématisée, de côté et en détail d'un moyen de distanciation illustré figures 1 et 2 et conforme à un deuxième mode de réalisation du premier type de réalisation.
• [Fig.5] représente une vue schématisée, de côté et en détail d'un moyen de distanciation conforme à un troisième mode de réalisation du premier type de réalisation.
• [Fig.6] représente une vue schématisée et en perspective d'un élément de revêtement de sol qui comporte des moyens de distanciation conformes à un quatrième mode de réalisation du premier type de réalisation ainsi qu'à un troisième mode de réalisation d'un deuxième type de réalisation.
• [Fig.7] représente une vue schématisée et de côté de l'élément de revêtement de sol illustré figure 6.
• [Fig.8] représente une vue schématisée, de côté et en détail d'un moyen de distanciation illustré figures 6 et 7 et conforme au quatrième mode de réalisation du premier type de réalisation.
• [Fig.9] représente une vue schématisée et de dessus du moyen de distanciation illustré figure 8 et conforme au quatrième mode de réalisation du premier type de réalisation.
• [Fig.10] représente une vue schématisée, de côté et en détail d'un moyen de distanciation conforme à un premier mode de réalisation du deuxième type de réalisation.
• [Fig.11] représente une vue schématisée, de côté et en détail d'un moyen de distanciation conforme à un deuxième mode de réalisation du deuxième type de réalisation.
• [Fig.12] représente une vue schématisée, de côté et en détail d'un moyen de distanciation illustré figures 6 et 7 et conforme à un troisième mode de réalisation du deuxième type de réalisation.
• [Fig.13] représente une vue schématisée et de dessus du moyen de distanciation illustré figure 12 et conforme au troisième mode de réalisation du premier type de réalisation.
• [Fig.14] représente une vue schématisée et de côté d'un élément de revêtement de sol comportant, d'une part, un moyen de distanciation conforme au premier type de réalisation et, d'autre part, un logement configuré pour accueillir un moyen de distanciation conforme au premier type de réalisation et que comporte un autre élément de revêtement de sol adjacent (non représenté).
• [Fig.15] représente une vue schématisée et de dessus d'une pluralité d'éléments de revêtement de sol autobloquants.

The understanding of this description will be facilitated by referring to the attached drawings in which:

• [ Fig.1 ] shows a schematic view in perspective of a floor covering element which comprises distance means in accordance with a first mode and a second embodiment of a first type of embodiment as well as a third type of embodiment.
• [ Fig.2 ] shows a schematic and side view of the illustrated flooring element figure 1 .
• [ Fig.3 ] represents a schematic view, from the side and in detail, of an illustrated distancing means figure 1 and 2 and in accordance with a first embodiment of the first type of embodiment.
• [ Fig.4 ] represents a schematic view, from the side and in detail, of an illustrated distancing means figure 1 and 2 and in accordance with a second embodiment of the first type of embodiment.
• [ Fig.5 ] shows a schematic view, from the side and in detail, of a distancing means according to a third embodiment of the first type of embodiment.
• [ Fig.6 ] represents a diagrammatic and perspective view of a floor covering element which comprises distancing means in accordance with a fourth embodiment of the first type of embodiment as well as a third embodiment of a second type of embodiment .
• [ Fig.7 ] shows a schematic and side view of the illustrated flooring element figure 6 .
• [ Fig.8 ] represents a schematic view, from the side and in detail, of an illustrated distancing means figure 6 and 7 and in accordance with the fourth embodiment of the first type of embodiment.
• [ Fig.9 ] represents a schematic top view of the distance means illustrated figure 8 and in accordance with the fourth embodiment of the first type of embodiment.
• [ Fig.10 ] shows a schematic view, from the side and in detail, of a distancing means according to a first embodiment of the second type of embodiment.
• [ Fig.11 ] shows a schematic view, from the side and in detail, of a distancing means according to a second embodiment of the second type of embodiment.
• [ Fig.12 ] represents a schematic view, from the side and in detail, of an illustrated distancing means figure 6 and 7 and in accordance with a third embodiment of the second type of embodiment.
• [ Fig.13 ] represents a schematic top view of the distance means illustrated figure 12 and in accordance with the third embodiment of the first type of embodiment.
• [ Fig.14 ] shows a schematic side view of a floor covering element comprising, on the one hand, a distance means according to the first type of embodiment and, on the other hand, a housing configured to accommodate a distancing means in accordance with the first type of embodiment and that includes another adjacent floor covering element (not shown).
• [ Fig.15 ] shows a schematic top view of a plurality of interlocking floor covering elements.

The present invention relates to the field of the manufacture of interlocking floor covering elements, more particularly constituted by cobblestones, slabs or the like, in particular made of concrete, reconstituted stone, resin or the like.

Such an interlocking floor covering element (1; 1') comprises, on the one hand, a lower face 2 which is intended to rest on the ground and which extends along a lower plane 20.

On the other hand, such an interlocking floor covering element (1; 1') comprises an upper face 3 which is opposite to the lower face 2, which extends along an upper plane 30 parallel to the lower plane 20 along which s 'extends the lower face 2, and on which people or vehicles circulate.

Furthermore, such an interlocking floor covering element (1; 1') comprises lateral sides (4; 4a; 4b; 4c), which extend between the lower face 2 and the upper face 3, and which each extend along a lateral plane 40 which is perpendicular to the lower plane 20 along which the lower face 2 extends and perpendicular to the upper plane 30 along which the upper face 3 extends.

On the other hand also, such an interlocking floor covering element (1; 1') comprises at least one distance means 5 which equips at least one 4 of the lateral sides (4; 4a; 4b; 4c).

In fact, such an interlocking floor covering element (1; 1') can comprise a plurality of distance means 5 which equip at least one 4 of the lateral sides (4; 4a; 4b; 4c), or even (and preferably) a plurality of these lateral sides (4; 4a; 4b; 4c), in particular each of these lateral sides (4; 4a; 4b; 4c).

Such a distancing means 5 extends projecting with respect to said at least one 4 of the lateral sides (4; 4a; 4b; 4c), more particularly projecting with respect to the lateral plane 40 along which said at least extends minus one 4 of the lateral sides (4; 4a; 4b; 4c).

Such a distancing means 5 extends between the lower face 2 (in particular from this lower face 2) and the upper face 3 (in particular by being set back with respect to this upper face 3).

Such a distance means 5 is configured to maintain another adjacent floor covering element (not shown) at a determined distance.

According to the invention, said at least one distancing means 5 comprises at least, on the one hand, a lower portion 6, on the other hand, an upper portion 7 which has a width less than the width of the lower portion 6 and , on the other hand, an intermediate portion 8, which extends between the lower portion 6 and the upper portion 7, which connects the lower portion 6 and the upper portion 7, and which has side faces (80; 80' ) which converge from the lower portion 6 and towards the upper portion 7.

Thus, said at least one distancing means 5 comprises at least one lower portion 6. This lower portion 6 extends, preferably, from the lower face 2 of said self-locking floor covering element 1, this in the direction of the upper side 3.

Said at least one distancing means 5 also comprises at least one upper portion 7, which extends from the intermediate portion 8 and in the direction of the upper face 3, and which is preferably set back by compared to the upper side 3.

According to a first type of embodiment of the self-locking floor covering element 1 in accordance with the invention and illustrated figures 1 to 9 , the side faces (80; 80') of the intermediate portion 8 extend in a direction which forms, with the lower plane 20, an acute angle of between 45° and 65°, preferably of the order of 55°.

This characteristic then corresponds to side faces (80; 80') which form, between them (80; 80'), an angle of between 50° and 90°, preferably of the order of 70°.

Another characteristic relates to the fact that, in said at least one distancing means 5, the lower portion 6 comprises side faces (60, 60'), which extend from the intermediate portion 8 and in the direction of the face lower 2, and which are preferably parallel. Alternatively or (and preferably) additionally, in said at least one distancing means 5, the upper portion 7 comprises side faces (70, 70'), which extend from the intermediate portion 8 and in the direction of the upper face 3 and which are preferably parallel.

According to a first embodiment of this first type of embodiment illustrated figures 1 to 3 , in said at least one distancing means 5, on the one hand, the lower portion 6 comprises a single portion, on the other hand, the upper portion 7 comprises a single portion and, on the other hand, the intermediate portion 8 has a single portion.

In this first embodiment, the lower portion 6 comprises side faces (60, 60'), which extend from the intermediate portion 8 and in the direction of the lower face 2, and which are preferably parallel . Alternatively or (and preferably) additionally, in this first embodiment, the upper portion 7 comprises side faces (70, 70'), which extend from the intermediate portion 8 and in the direction of the face upper 3, and which are preferably parallel.

According to a second embodiment of this first type of embodiment illustrated figure 1 , 2 and 4 , in said at least one distancing means 5, on the one hand, the lower portion 6 comprises a single portion and, on the other hand, the intermediate portion 8 comprises a single portion.

In this second embodiment of this first type of embodiment, the upper portion 7 comprises, on the one hand, a first portion 71 which extends from the intermediate portion 8 and in the direction of the upper face 3, on the other hand, a second portion 72 which extends from the first portion 71 and in the direction of the upper face 3 and, on the other hand again, a third portion 73 which extends from the second portion 72 and in the direction of the upper face 3. This second portion 72 comprises side faces (720; 720') which converge from the first portion 71 and in the direction of the third portion 73.

In this second embodiment, the side faces (720; 720') of the second portion 72 extend in a direction which forms, with the lower plane 20, an acute angle of between 45° and 65°, preferably the order of 55°.

This characteristic then corresponds to side faces (720; 720') which form, between them (720; 720'), an angle of between 50° and 90°, preferably of the order of 70°.

According to a third embodiment of this first type of embodiment illustrated figure 5 , in said at least one distancing means 5, on the one hand, the lower portion 6 comprises, again, a single portion, on the other hand, the intermediate portion 8 comprises, again, a single portion and, on the other hand, yet again, the upper portion 7 comprises, here again, a first portion 71 (which extends from the intermediate portion 8 and in the direction of the upper face 3), a second portion 72 (which extends from of the first portion 71 and in the direction of the upper face 3) and a third portion 73 (which extends from the second portion 72 and in the direction of the upper face 3).

In this third embodiment of this first type of embodiment, the second portion 72 comprises, here again, side faces (720; 720'), on the one hand, which converge from the first portion 71 and in the direction of the third portion 73 and, on the other hand, which extend in a direction which forms, with the lower plane 20, an acute angle of between 75° and 85°, preferably of the order of 80°.

This characteristic then corresponds to side faces (720; 720') which form, between them (720; 720'), an angle of between 10° and 30°, preferably of the order of 20°.

Additionally, in this second and in this third embodiment, the first portion 71 comprises side faces (710, 710'), which extend from the second portion 72 and in the direction of the lower face 2, and which are preferably parallel. Alternatively or (and preferably) additionally, the third portion 73 comprises side faces (730, 730'), which extend from the second portion 72 and in the direction of the upper face 3, and which are, preferably parallel.

According to a second type of embodiment of the self-locking floor covering element 1 in accordance with the invention and illustrated figure 6 , 7 and 10 to 13 , the side faces (80; 80') of the intermediate portion 8 extend in a direction which forms, with the lower plane 20, an acute angle of between 75° and 85°, preferably of the order of 80°.

This characteristic then corresponds to side faces (80; 80') which form, between them (80; 80'), an angle of between 10° and 30°, preferably of the order of 20°.

Another characteristic relates to the fact that, in said at least one distance means 5 from the self-locking floor covering element 1 according to this second type of embodiment, the lower portion 6 comprises, here again, side faces (60, 60'), which extend from the intermediate portion 8 and in the direction of the lower face 2, and which are preferably parallel. Alternatively or (and preferably) additionally, in said at least one distancing means 5, the upper portion 7 comprises, here again, side faces (70, 70'), which extend from the intermediate portion 8 and in the direction of the upper face 3 and which are preferably parallel.

According to a first embodiment of this second type of embodiment illustrated figure 6 , 7 and 10 , in said at least one distancing means 5, on the one hand, the lower portion 6 comprises a single portion, on the other hand, the upper portion 7 comprises a single portion and, on the other hand, the intermediate portion 8 has a single portion.

In this first embodiment, the lower portion 6 comprises, here again, side faces (60, 60'), which extend from the intermediate portion 8 and in the direction of the lower face 2, and which are, preferably parallel. Alternatively or (and preferably) additionally, in this first embodiment, the upper portion 7 comprises, here again, side faces (70, 70'), which extend from the intermediate portion 8 and in the direction of the upper face 3, and which are preferably parallel.

According to a second embodiment of this second type of embodiment illustrated figure 11 , in said at least one distancing means 5, again, on the one hand, the lower portion 6 comprises a single portion and, on the other hand, the intermediate portion 8 comprises a single portion.

In this second embodiment of this second type of embodiment, the upper portion 7 comprises, here again, on the one hand, a first portion 71 which extends from the intermediate portion 8 and in the direction of the upper face 3 , on the other hand, a second portion 72 which extends from the first portion 71 and in the direction of the upper face 3 and, on the other hand, a third portion 73 which extends from the second portion 72 and in the direction of the upper face 3. This second portion 72 comprises side faces (720; 720') which converge from the first portion 71 and in the direction of the third portion 73.

In this second embodiment, the side faces (720; 720') of the second portion 72 extend in a direction which forms, with the lower plane 20, an acute angle of between 75° and 85°, preferably the order of 80°.

This characteristic then corresponds to side faces (720; 720') which form, between them (720; 720'), an angle of between 10° and 30°, preferably of the order of 20°.

Additionally, in this second embodiment, the first portion 71 comprises, here again, side faces (710, 710'), which extend from the second portion 72 and in the direction of the lower face 2, and which are preferably parallel. Alternatively or (and preferably) additionally, the third portion 73 comprises, here again, side faces (730, 730'), which extend from the second portion 72 and in the direction of the upper face 3, and which are preferably parallel.

According to another characteristic visible on the figure 1 , 2 , 6 and 7 , said at least one distancing means 5 may take the form of a rib 50, in particular of constant width. Such a rib 50 extends between the face lower 2 (in particular from this lower face 2) and the upper face 3 (in particular by being recessed with respect to this upper face 3).

Such a distance means 5 in the form of such a rib 50 extends projecting with respect to said at least one 4 of the lateral sides (4; 4a; 4b; 4c), more particularly projecting with respect to the lateral plane 40 along which said at least one 4 of the lateral sides (4; 4a; 4b; 4c) extends.

Whatever the distancing means 5 described above (in the form of a rib 50 or comprising a lower portion 6, an upper portion 7 and an intermediate portion 8), said at least one distancing means 5 comprises, on the one hand , a distal part 51 which is intended to be positioned at least close to another adjacent interlocking floor covering element 1' ( figure 15 ) and, on the other hand, a proximal part 52, which is interposed between the distal part 51 and said at least one of the lateral sides (4; 4a; 4b; 4c), which extends from said at least one of the lateral sides (4; 4a; 4b; 4c), and which comprises at least one narrowed part 53 which has a width less than the width of the distal part 51.

In this regard, it will be observed that the distal part 51 succeeds the proximal part 52 and extends from this proximal part 52, this towards the outside of the self-locking floor covering element (1; 1') as well only in a direction perpendicular to the lateral plane 40 along which said at least one of the lateral sides (4; 4a; 4b; 4c) extends and/or parallel to the lower plane 20 and/or parallel to the upper plane 30. Said proximal part 52 extends from said at least one of the lateral sides (4; 4a; 4b; 4c) again towards the outside of the self-locking floor covering element 1 as well as in a direction perpendicular to the lateral plane 40 along which said at least one of the lateral sides (4; 4a; 4b; 4c) extends and/or parallel to the lower plane 20 and/or parallel to the upper plane 30.

It will also be observed that the width of the narrowed part 53 of the proximal part 52 is considered in a direction parallel to the lower plane 20, parallel to the upper plane 30, and parallel to the lateral plane 40 along which said at least one extends. of the lateral sides (4; 4a; 4b; 4c) and from which extends the distancing means 5, more particularly the proximal part 52 of this distancing means 5.

According to another characteristic, it is at least the lower portion 6 (or even the upper portion 7 and/or the intermediate portion 8) of said at least one distancing means 5 which comprises said distal part 51 as well as said proximal part 52 which comprises said at least one narrowed part 53.

In this regard, it will be observed that, when the lower portion 6 of such a distancing means 5 comprises such a distal part 51 and such a proximal part 52 (comprising such a narrowed part 53), the distal part 51 of such distancing means 5 of a self-locking floor covering element 1 is positioned between the narrowed parts 53 of the proximal parts 52 that comprise the lower portions 6 of two distancing means 5 (more particularly which follow one another at the level of one side side 4; 4a; 4b; 4c) of an adjacent interlocking floor covering element 1' ( figure 15 ). These characteristics make it possible, advantageously and in the event of stress exerted on an interlocking floor covering element 1, to cause a tightening and/or a rapprochement between such an interlocking floor covering element 1 and an adjacent interlocking floor covering element 1 '.

Whatever the distancing means 5 described above (in the form of a rib 50 or comprising a lower portion 6, an upper portion 7 and an intermediate portion 8), such a distancing means 5 may have a mushroom-shaped section , trapezium or dovetail (not shown). In this regard, it will be observed that such a section makes it possible to define said narrowed part 53 of the proximal part 52 of said at least one distancing means 5. In addition, such a trapezium and/or such a dovetail present, d on the one hand, a large side that includes the distal part 51 and, on the other hand, a small side that includes the proximal part 52. It will also be observed that it is at least the lower portion 6 (or even the portion upper 7 and/or the intermediate portion 8) of said at least one distancing means 5 which has such a section in the shape of a mushroom, trapezium or dovetail. In fact, such a section is considered in a direction perpendicular to the lateral plane 40 along which said at least one of the lateral sides (4; 4a; 4b; 4c) extends and/or parallel to a lower plane 20 along which extends the underside 2 and/or parallel to an upper plane 30 along which the upper face 3 extends. floor covering 1 and an adjacent floor covering element 1'.

Alternatively or (and preferably) additionally, said at least one distance means 5 described above (in the form of a rib 50 or comprising a lower portion 6, an upper portion 7 and an intermediate portion 8) has side faces (60, 60'; 70, 70'; 80, 80') which extend, on the one hand, from said at least one 4 of the lateral sides (4, 4a, 4b, 4c) (mode of embodiment where the distancing means 5, more particularly the lower portion 6 of this distancing means 5, adopts a section in the shape of a mushroom, trapezium or dovetail) or from a plane P which is at least parallel to the lateral plane 40 along which said at least one of the lateral sides (4; 4a; 4b; 4c) extends (embodiment illustrated in particular figure 9 , 13 and 15 ) and, on the other hand, by diverging towards the outside of said self-locking floor covering element (1; 1').

In this regard, it will be observed that it is, more particularly, at least the lower portion 6 (or even the upper portion 7 and/or the intermediate portion 8) of said at least one distancing means 5 which has such side faces ( 60; 60').

In fact, such side faces (60, 60'; 70, 70'; 80, 80') extend while diverging towards the outside of said self-locking floor covering element (1; 1'), this preferably according to a direction perpendicular to the lateral plane 40 along which said at least one of the lateral sides (4; 4a; 4b; 4c) extends and/or inside a plane which is perpendicular to the lateral plane 40 and/ or which is parallel to the lower plane 20 and/or which is parallel to the upper plane 30.

Here again, these characteristics make it possible, advantageously and in the event of stress exerted on an interlocking floor covering element 1, to cause the approximation between this interlocking floor covering element 1 and an adjacent interlocking floor covering element 1′.

It will be observed that, when said at least one distancing means 5 (more particularly the lower portion 6 of such distancing means 5) has a section in the shape of a mushroom, trapezoid or dovetail, these side faces can , then extending (diverging outwards from said interlocking flooring element 1 as described above) from said at least one 4 of the lateral sides (4, 4a, 4b, 4c) and/ or from a plane P which coincides with the lateral plane 40 along which said at least one of the lateral sides (4; 4a; 4b; 4c) extends.

The figure 9 , 13 and 15 illustrate, more particularly, other embodiments for which these lateral faces extend (diverging towards the outside of said interlocking floor covering element 1 as described above) from a plane P parallel to the lateral plane 40 along which said at least one of the lateral sides (4; 4a; 4b; 4c) extends.

Also and when said at least one distancing means 5 adopts the form of a rib 50, the latter 5 has lateral faces which extend from said at least one 4 of the lateral sides (4, 4a, 4b , 4c) or from a plane P which is at least parallel to the lateral plane 40, this diverging towards the outside of said interlocking floor covering element 1 (this as described above). More particularly, these lateral faces (or the tangents to these lateral faces) extend in a direction which forms, with the lateral plane 40 of said at least one 4 of the lateral sides (4, 4a, 4b, 4c), an acute angle between 67.5° and 87.5°, preferably between 75° and 85°, in particular of the order of 80°.

This characteristic then corresponds to lateral faces (or to tangents to these lateral faces) which form, between them, an angle comprised between 5° and 45°, preferably comprised between 10° and 30°, in particular order of 20°.

When said at least one distancing means 5 comprises at least a lower portion 6, an intermediate portion 8 and an upper portion 7 as described above, said lower portion 6 and/or said intermediate portion 8 and/or said upper portion 7 has side faces (60, 60'; 70, 70', 80, 80') which extend from said at least one 4 of the side sides (4, 4a, 4b, 4c) or from a plane P which is at least parallel to the lateral plane 40, this in diverging outwards from said interlocking floor covering element 1, as described above.

In particular, when such a distancing means 5 comprises an upper portion 7 which comprises a first portion 71, a second portion 72 and a third portion 73 as described above, said first portion 71 and/or said second portion 72 and / or said third portion 73 has lateral faces (710, 710'; 720, 720'; 730, 730') which extend from said at least one 4 of the lateral sides (4, 4a, 4b, 4c ) or from a plane P which is at least parallel to the lateral plane 40, this diverging towards the outside of said self-locking floor covering element 1.

According to a particular embodiment, the side faces (60, 60'; 70, 70', 80, 80') of the lower portion 6 and/or of the upper portion 7 and/or of the intermediate portion 8 of said at least a distancing means 5 where the tangents to these lateral faces (60, 60'; 70, 70', 80, 80') extend in a direction which forms, with the lateral plane 40 of said at least one 4 of the lateral sides (4, 4a, 4b, 4c), an acute angle α comprised between 67.5° and 87.5°, preferably comprised between 75° and 85°, in particular of the order of 80°.

This characteristic then corresponds to lateral faces (60, 60'; 70, 70', 80, 80') or to tangents to these lateral faces (60, 60'; 70, 70', 80, 80') which form, between them (60; 60'; 70, 70'; 80, 80'), an angle comprised between 5° and 45°, preferably comprised between 10° and 30°, in particular of the order of 20° .

In particular, the side faces (710, 710'; 720, 720'; 730, 730') of said first portion 71 and/or of said second portion 72 and/or of said third portion 73 of said upper portion 7 or the tangents to these lateral faces (710, 710'; 720, 720'; 730, 730') extend in a direction which forms, with said lateral plane 40, an acute angle comprised between 67.5° and 87.5 °, preferably between 75° and 85°, in particular of the order of 80°.

This characteristic then corresponds to lateral faces (710, 710'; 720, 720'; 730, 730') or to tangents to these lateral faces (710, 710'; 720, 720'; 730, 730') which form, between them (710, 710'; 720, 720'; 730, 730'), an angle comprised between 5° and 45°, preferably comprised between 10° and 30°, in particular of the order of 20° .

According to another characteristic, said self-locking floor covering element 1 comprises a plurality of distance means 5, which equip at least one of the lateral sides (4; 4a; 4b; 4c), which project in relation to to said at least one 4 of the lateral sides (4; 4a; 4b; 4c), and which have the characteristics described above.

According to a first embodiment, these distancing means 5 are spaced apart by a distance which is greater than the width of the distal part 51 of such distancing means 5.

However and according to a preferred embodiment (illustrated figure 15 ), these distancing means 5 are spaced apart by a distance which is less than or equal to the width of the distal part 51 of such distancing means 5.

In this regard, it will be observed that this distance between these distancing means 5 corresponds to the distance between the distal parts 51 of these distancing means 5.

Yet another characteristic relates to the fact that the self-locking floor covering element 1 comprises at least one housing 9 which comprises at least one 4 of the lateral sides (4, 4a, 4b, 4c).

In fact, such an interlocking floor covering element 1 can comprise a plurality of housings 9 which comprise at least one 4 of the lateral sides (4; 4a; 4b; 4c), or even (and preferably) a plurality of these lateral sides (4; 4a; 4b; 4c), in particular each of these lateral sides (4; 4a; 4b; 4c).

Such a housing 9 extends recessed with respect to said at least one 4 of the lateral sides (4; 4a; 4b; 4c), more particularly recessed with respect to the lateral plane 40 along which said at least one extends. a 4 of the lateral sides (4; 4a; 4b; 4c).

Such a housing 9 extends between the lower face 2 (in particular from this lower face 2) and the upper face 3 (in particular by being set back with respect to this upper face 3).

In fact, said at least one housing 9 has shapes and/or dimensions complementary to those of said at least one distance means 5.

Such a feature advantageously allows such a housing 9 to receive, internally, a distancing means 5 that includes an adjacent self-locking floor covering element 1′, this for blocking these self-locking floor covering elements (1; 1′ ) relative to each other.

According to another characteristic, said at least one housing 9 comprises at least, on the one hand, a lower portion 90, on the other hand, an upper portion 91 which has a width less than the width of the lower portion 90 and, d on the other hand again, an intermediate portion 92, which extends between the lower portion 90 and the upper portion 91, which connects the lower portion 90 and the upper portion 91, and which comprises side faces (920; 920') which converge from the lower portion 90 and towards the upper portion 91.

In fact, the intermediate portion 92 has side faces (920; 920') which extend in a direction which forms, with the lower plane 20 of the lower face 2, an acute angle of between 45° and 65° (preferably of the order of 55°), or between 75° and 85° (preferably of the order of 80°).

This characteristic then corresponds to side faces (920; 920') which form, between them (920; 920'), an angle comprised between 50° and 90° (preferably of the order of 70°) , ie between 10° and 30° (preferably of the order of 20°).

The lower portion 90 and/or the upper portion 91 comprise side faces, on the one hand, which extend from the intermediate portion 92 and, depending on the case, in the direction of the lower face 2 or in the direction of the upper face 3, and on the other hand, which are parallel.

According to another characteristic, said upper portion 91 of such a housing 9 may comprise, on the one hand, a first portion 910 which extends from the intermediate portion 92 and in the direction of the upper face 3, on the other hand, a second portion 911 which extends from the first portion 910 and in the direction of the upper face 3 and, on the other hand, a third portion 912 which extends from the second portion 911 and in direction of the upper face 3, this second portion 911 comprising side faces which converge from the first portion 910 and towards the third portion 912.

The first portion 910 and/or the third portion 912 comprise side faces, on the one hand, which extend from the second portion 911 and, depending on the case, in the direction of the lower face 2 or in the direction of the upper face 3, and on the other hand, which are parallel.

Finally, the side faces of the second portion 911 extend in a direction which forms, with the lower plane 20 of the lower face 2, an acute angle, i.e. between 75° and 85° (preferably of the order of 80°), or between 45° and 65° (preferably of the order of 55°).

This characteristic then corresponds to the side faces of this second portion 911 which form, between them, an angle comprised either between 50° and 90° (preferably of the order of 70°), or between 10° and 30°. ° (preferably of the order of 20°).

Yet another characteristic relates to the fact that said at least one housing 9 also comprises a bottom 93, an opening 94 as well as a widened part, which extends between this bottom 93 and this opening 94, and which has a width greater than the width of the opening 94, this on either side of this housing 9.

In this regard, it will be observed that this width is considered in a direction parallel to the lower plane 20, parallel to the upper plane 30, and parallel to the lateral plane 40 along which said at least one of the lateral sides (4; 4a; 4b) extends ; 4c).

This housing 9 may have a section in the shape of a mushroom, trapezium or dovetail, this in a direction perpendicular to the lateral plane 40 along which said at least one of the lateral sides (4; 4a; 4b) extends 4c) and/or parallel to the lower plane 20 along which the lower face 2 extends and/or parallel to the upper plane 30 along which the upper face 3 extends.

Alternatively or (and preferably) additionally, the lower portion 90 and/or the upper portion 91 and/or the intermediate portion 92 of such a housing 9 has side faces which extend, on the one hand, to to leave of said at least one 4 of the lateral sides (4, 4a, 4b, 4c) or from a plane which is at least parallel to the lateral plane 40 along which said at least one of the lateral sides ( 4; 4a; 4b; 4c) and, on the other hand, diverging towards the inside of said self-locking floor covering element 1.

Such lateral faces extend by diverging towards the inside of said interlocking floor covering element (1; 1'), this preferably in a direction perpendicular to the lateral plane 40 along which said at least one of the lateral sides (4; 4a; 4b; 4c) and/or inside a plane which is perpendicular to the lateral plane 40 and/or which is parallel to the lower plane 20 and/or which is parallel to the upper plane 30.

These characteristics allow cooperation between the side faces of the housing 9 (more particularly the side faces of the lower portion 90 and/or of the upper portion 91 and/or of the intermediate portion 92 of such a housing 9) with the side faces (60, 60'; 70, 70', 80, 80'), on the one hand, which comprises the lower portion 6 and/or the upper portion 7 and/or the intermediate portion 8 of said at least one distance means 5 and, on the other hand, which have the characteristics described above. Such cooperation makes it possible, here again, advantageously and in the event of stress exerted on an interlocking floor covering element 1, to bring about the rapprochement between this interlocking floor covering element 1 and an adjacent interlocking floor covering element 1′.

As mentioned above, said at least one 4 of the lateral sides (4, 4a, 4b, 4c) extends along a lateral plane 40. The lateral faces (920; 920') of the lower portion 90 and / or of the upper portion 91 and/or of the intermediate portion 92 or the tangents to these lateral faces (920; 920') then extend, in a direction which forms, with this lateral plane 40, an acute angle comprised between 67.5° and 87.5°, preferably between 75° and 85°, in particular of the order of 80°.

Alternatively, these side faces extend, on the one hand, from the bottom 93 or from a plane which is at least parallel to the side plane 40, this by converging towards the outside of said covering element of self-locking ground 1 and/or in the direction of the opening 94.

Claims (15)

Self-locking floor covering element (1) which comprises, on the one hand, a lower face (2) intended to rest on the floor, on the other hand, an upper face (3), opposite the lower face (2) , and on which people or vehicles are required to circulate, on the other hand, lateral sides (4; 4a; 4b; 4c), which extend between the lower face (2) and the upper face (3 ), and, on the other hand also, at least one distancing means (5), which equips at least one of the lateral sides (4; 4a; 4b; 4c), which projects in relation to said at least one (4) of the lateral sides (4; 4a; 4b; 4c), which is configured to hold another adjacent flooring element (1') at a determined distance, and which comprises at least on the one hand, a lower portion (6), on the other hand, an upper portion (7) which has a width less than the width of the lower portion (6) and, on the other hand, an intermediate portion (8) , which extends between the a lower portion (6) and the upper portion (7), which connects the lower portion (6) and the upper portion (7), and which has side faces (80; 80') which converge from the lower portion (6) and in the direction of the upper portion (7), characterized in that the said at least one distancing means (5) comprises, on the one hand, a distal part (51) which is intended to be positioned at least close to another adjacent interlocking floor covering element (1') and, on the other hand, a proximal part (52), which is interposed between the distal part (51) and said at least one of the lateral sides (4; 4a; 4b; 4c), which extends from said at least one of the lateral sides (4; 4a; 4b; 4c), and which comprises at least one narrowed part (53) which has a width less than the width of the distal part (51). Self-locking floor covering element (1) according to Claim 1, characterized in that at least the lower portion (6) of the said at least one distance means (5) comprises the said distal part (51) as well as the said proximal part (52) which comprises said at least one narrowed part (53). Self-locking floor covering element (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at the at least the lower portion (6) of said at least one distancing means (5) has a section in the shape of a mushroom, trapezium or dovetail, this in a direction perpendicular to a lateral plane (40) along which extends said at least one of the lateral sides (4; 4a; 4b; 4c) and/or parallel to a lower plane (20) along which the lower face (2) extends and/or parallel to an upper plane ( 30) along which extends the upper face (3). Self-locking floor covering element (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the lower portion (6) of the said at least one distance means (5) has lateral faces (60, 60') which extend, on the one hand, from said at least one (4) of the lateral sides (4, 4a, 4b, 4c) or from a plane (P) which is at least parallel to a plane side (40) along which said at least one of the lateral sides (4; 4a; 4b; 4c) extends and, on the other hand, diverging towards the outside of said self-locking floor covering element (1) . Self-locking floor covering element (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the said at least one (4) of the lateral sides (4, 4a, 4b, 4c) extends along a plane side (40) while the side faces (60, 60'; 70, 70', 80, 80') of the lower portion (6) and/or of the upper portion (7) and/or of the intermediate portion ( 8) or the tangents to these lateral faces (60, 60'; 70, 70', 80, 80') extend in a direction which forms, with this lateral plane (40), an acute angle (a) between 67.5° and 87.5°, preferably between 75° and 85°, in particular of the order of 80°. Self-locking floor covering element (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a plurality of distance means (5), which equip at least one of the lateral sides (4; 4a 4b; 4c), which project from said at least one (4) of the lateral sides (4; 4a; 4b; 4c), and which are spaced apart by a distance which is less than or equal to the width of the distal part (51) of such a distancing means (5). Self-locking floor covering element (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the lower face (2) extends along a lower plane (20) while the side faces (80; 80') of the intermediate portion (8) extend along a direction which forms, with this lower plane (20) , an acute angle of between 45° and 65°, preferably of the order of 55°. Self-locking floor covering element (1) according to any one of Claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the lower face (2) extends along a lower plane (20) while the lateral faces (80; 80 ') of the intermediate portion (8) extend in a direction which forms, with this lower plane (20), an acute angle of between 75° and 85°, preferably of the order of 80°. Self-locking floor covering element (1), according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the lower portion (6) and/or the upper portion (7) comprise lateral faces (60, 60'; 70, 70'), on the one hand, which extend from the intermediate portion (8) and, as the case may be, in the direction of the lower face (2) or in the direction of the upper face (3), and d on the other hand, which are parallel. Self-locking floor covering element (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the upper portion (7) comprises, on the one hand, a first portion (71) which extends from the intermediate portion (8) and in the direction of the upper face (3), on the other hand, a second portion (72) which extends from the first portion (71) and in the direction of the upper face (3) and, on the other hand, a third portion (73) which extends from the second portion (72) and in the direction of the upper face (3), this second portion (72) comprising side faces (720 720') which converge from the first portion (71) and in the direction of the third portion (73). Self-locking floor covering element (1) according to Claim 10, characterized in that the first portion (71) and/or the third portion (73) comprise lateral faces (710, 710'; 730, 730'), on the one hand, which extend from the second portion (72) and, as the case may be, in the direction of the lower face (2) or in the direction of the upper face (3), and on the other hand, which are parallel. Self-locking floor covering element (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises at least one housing (9) which comprises at least one (4) of the lateral sides (4, 4a, 4b , 4c), said at least one housing (9) having shapes and/or dimensions complementary to those of said at least one distance means (5). Self-locking floor covering element (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises at least one housing (9) which comprises at least one (4) of the lateral sides (4, 4a, 4b , 4c), said at least one housing (9) comprising at least, on the one hand, a lower portion (90), on the other hand, an upper portion (91) which has a width less than the width of the portion lower portion (90), on the other hand, an intermediate portion (92), which extends between the lower portion (90) and the upper portion (91), which connects the lower portion (90) and the upper portion ( 91), and which comprises side faces (920; 920') which converge from the lower portion (90) and in the direction of the upper portion (91), on the other hand also, a bottom (93), a opening (94) as well as a widened part, which extends between this bottom (93) and this opening (94), and which has a width greater than the width of the opening (94), this on either side of this housing (9). Self-locking floor covering element (1) according to Claim 13, characterized in that the lower portion (90) and/or the upper portion (91) and/or the intermediate portion (92) of the said housing (9) has lateral faces which extend, on the one hand, from said at least one of the lateral sides (4, 4a, 4b, 4c) or from a plane which is at least parallel to a lateral plane (40 ) along which said at least one of the lateral sides (4; 4a; 4b; 4c) extends and, on the other hand, diverging towards the inside of said self-locking floor covering element (1). Self-locking floor covering element (1) according to any one of Claims 13 or 14, characterized in that the said at least one (4) of the lateral sides (4, 4a, 4b, 4c) extends along a lateral plane (40) while the lateral faces (920; 920') of the lower portion (90) and/or of the upper portion (91) and/or of the intermediate portion (92) or the tangents to these lateral faces (920; 920') extend in a direction which forms, with this lateral plane (40), an acute angle comprised between 67.5° and 87.5°, preferably comprised between 75 ° and 85°, in particular of the order of 80°.

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