EP3945157B1 - Self-locking flooring element - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a self-locking floor covering element.

The invention relates to the field of manufacturing self-locking floor covering elements, more particularly consisting of paving stones, slabs or the like, in particular made of concrete, reconstituted stone or resin.

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

Such a self-locking floor covering element comprises, on the one hand, a lower face intended to rest on the ground, and 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, lateral sides, which extend between the lower face and the upper face, and, on the other hand also, at least one distancing means, which equips at least one of the lateral sides, which extends projecting relative 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 covering element, however, has a number of disadvantages. In particular, the configuration of the distancing means does not make it possible to sufficiently oppose a sagging or tilting of the covering element, in particular when a heavy vehicle travels over this covering element. Furthermore, this configuration also does not sufficiently prevent the tearing of such a covering element. Finally, this configuration also does not make it possible to avoid shifting of such a covering element relative to an adjacent covering element, in particular when a stress is exerted on this covering element, for example during sudden braking of a vehicle traveling on this covering element.

By the document EP1862594 , we know a concrete stone conforming to the preamble of claim 1. We also know and from the document EP1335069 an artificial stone for use as paving, again conforming to the preamble of claim 1.

The present invention is intended to remedy the disadvantages of the coating elements of the state of the art

For this purpose, the invention relates to a self-locking 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, 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 the at least one of the lateral sides, which extends projecting relative to said at least one of the lateral sides, which is configured to maintain another adjacent floor covering element at 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, on the other hand, an intermediate portion, which extends between the lower portion and the upper portion, which connects the lower portion and the upper portion, and which comprises lateral faces which converge from the lower portion and towards the upper portion, on the other hand also, a distal part which is intended to come position at least near another adjacent self-locking floor covering element and, on the other hand also, a proximal part, which is interposed between the distal part and said at least one of the lateral sides, which extends from said at least one of the lateral sides, and which comprises at least one narrowed part which has a width less than the width of the distal part. This self-locking floor covering element is characterized by the fact that at least the lower portion of said at least one distancing means comprises said distal part as well as said proximal part which comprises said at least one narrowed part.

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

Yet another characteristic concerns the fact that it comprises a plurality of distancing means, which equip at least one of the lateral sides, which extend projecting relative to said at least one of the lateral sides, and which are spaced by a distance which is less than or equal to the width of the distal part of such distancing means.

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

Alternatively, the lower face extends along a lower plane while the lateral faces of the intermediate portion extend in 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 towards the upper face, on the other hand, a second portion which extends from of the first portion and towards the upper face and, on the other hand, a third portion which extends from the second portion and towards the upper face, this second portion comprising lateral faces which converge at starting from the first portion and towards the third portion.

Yet another characteristic concerns 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 minus one of the lateral sides and, on the other hand, diverging towards the outside of said self-locking floor covering element.

According to another characteristic, the self-locking floor covering element comprises at least one housing which comprises 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 distancing 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 towards the upper portion.

These characteristics advantageously make it possible to obtain absolute locking of the covering elements relative to each other after joining which, in the event of stresses exerted on such a covering element, prevents the covering elements from dissociating, from rippling, from 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 stress. base and stabilize the covering.

According to a particular characteristic, the acute angle (which 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 very significant pressure and to prevent both sagging and tearing. covering elements.

Another particular characteristic concerns 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 characteristic advantageously makes it possible to obtain a constricting effect which ensures good support between the floor covering elements.

Yet another characteristic concerns the fact that the upper portion comprises a second portion comprising side faces which converge towards the third portion. This characteristic allows, advantageously, optimal routing of the jointing sand between the covering elements and to produce a constricting effect which contributes to improving resistance to sagging and tearing.

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 allows, advantageously, the distal part which comprises a means for distancing a self-locking floor covering element to be positioned between the narrowed parts of the proximal parts which comprise two means for distancing a floor covering element adjacent self-locking device. These characteristics make it possible, advantageously and in the event of stress exerted on a self-locking floor covering element, to cause a tightening and/or a rapprochement between such a self-locking floor covering element and an adjacent self-locking floor covering element.

Yet another characteristic concerns 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 outwards 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 and an adjacent covering element closer together, unlike the covering elements of the state of the art which would have a tendency to slip. and move away from each other.

According to an additional characteristic, the self-locking floor covering element comprises a plurality of distancing means, which equip at least one of the lateral sides, which extend projecting relative 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 part of such distancing means. These characteristics advantageously make it possible to ensure guidance of a self-locking floor covering element relative to at least one other adjacent self-locking floor covering element, this during the installation of such a floor covering element. self-locking floor. Such guidance facilitates the installation of such a self-locking floor covering element and allows to ensure appropriate positioning of such a self-locking floor covering element relative to adjacent self-locking floor covering elements. In addition, these characteristics allow interlocking of such a self-locking floor covering element relative to at least one adjacent self-locking floor covering element and prevent dislodging, in particular lateral, of these self-locking floor covering elements.

All of the characteristics of the self-locking floor covering element according to the invention make it possible, in combination with a jointing sand positioned between the distancing means of 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 gives 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 even tilting.

Other aims and advantages of the present invention will appear during the description which follows 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.

Understanding this description will be made easier by referring to the appended drawings in which:

• [ Fig.1 ] represents a schematic perspective view of a floor covering element which comprises distancing means conforming to a first mode and a second embodiment of a first type of embodiment as well as a third type of embodiment.
• [ Fig.2 ] represents a schematic and side view of the floor covering element illustrated figure 1 .
• [ Fig.3 ] represents a schematic, side view in detail of an illustrated distancing means figures 1 And 2 and conforming to a first embodiment of the first type of embodiment.
• [ Fig.4 ] represents a schematic, side view in detail of an illustrated distancing means figures 1 And 2 and conforming to a second embodiment of the first type of embodiment.
• [ Fig.5 ] represents a schematic side view in detail of a distancing means conforming to a third embodiment of the first type of embodiment.
• [ Fig.6 ] represents a schematic perspective view of a floor covering element which comprises distancing means conforming to a fourth embodiment of the first type of embodiment as well as to a third embodiment of a second type of embodiment .
• [ Fig.7 ] represents a schematic and side view of the floor covering element illustrated Figure 6 .
• [ Fig.8 ] represents a schematic, side view in detail of an illustrated distancing means figures 6 And 7 and conforming to the fourth embodiment of the first type of embodiment.
• [ Fig.9 ] represents a schematic top view of the distancing means illustrated figure 8 and conforming to the fourth embodiment of the first type of embodiment.
• [ Fig.10 ] represents a schematic side view in detail of a distancing means conforming to a first embodiment of the second type of embodiment.
• [ Fig.11 ] represents a schematic side view in detail of a distancing means conforming to a second embodiment of the second type of embodiment.
• [ Fig.12 ] represents a schematic, side view in detail of an illustrated distancing means figures 6 And 7 and conforming to a third embodiment of the second type of embodiment.
• [ Fig.13 ] represents a schematic top view of the distancing means illustrated Figure 12 and conforming to the third embodiment of the first type of embodiment.
• [ Fig.14 ] represents a schematic side view of a floor covering element comprising, on the one hand, a distancing means conforming to the first type of embodiment and, on the other hand, a housing configured for accommodate a distancing means conforming to the first type of embodiment and which comprises another adjacent floor covering element (not shown).
• [ Fig.15 ] represents a schematic top view of a plurality of self-locking floor covering elements.

The present invention relates to the field of manufacturing self-locking floor covering elements, more particularly consisting of paving stones, slabs or the like, in particular made of concrete, reconstituted stone, resin or other.

Such a self-locking 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 a self-locking floor covering element (1; 1') comprises an upper face 3 which is opposite the lower face 2, which extends along an upper plane 30 parallel to the lower plane 20 according to which s 'extends the lower face 2, and on which people or vehicles are required to circulate.

Furthermore, such a self-locking 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 a self-locking floor covering element (1; 1') comprises at least one distancing means 5 which equips at least one 4 of the lateral sides (4; 4a; 4b; 4c).

In fact, such a self-locking floor covering element (1; 1') can comprise a plurality of distancing 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 from said at least one 4 of the lateral sides (4; 4a; 4b; 4c), more particularly projecting from relative to the lateral plane 40 along which said at least one 4 of the lateral sides (4; 4a; 4b; 4c) extends.

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 from this upper face 3).

Such distancing 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 still, 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 comprises lateral 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 face 3.

Said at least one distancing means 5 also comprises at least one upper portion 7, which extends from the intermediate portion 8 and towards the upper face 3, and which is, preferably, located recessed by relative to the upper face 3.

According to a first type of embodiment of the self-locking floor covering element 1 according to the invention and illustrated figures 1 to 9 , the lateral 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 lateral faces (80; 80') which form, between them (80; 80'), an angle of between 50° and 90°, preferably of the order of 70°.

Another characteristic concerns the fact that, in said at least one distancing means 5, the lower portion 6 comprises lateral faces (60, 60'), which extend from the intermediate portion 8 and towards 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 lateral 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 illustrated embodiment 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 contains only one serving.

In this first embodiment, the lower portion 6 comprises lateral faces (60, 60'), which extend from the intermediate portion 8 and towards the lower face 2, and which are preferably parallel . Alternatively or (and preferably) additionally, in this first embodiment, the upper portion 7 comprises lateral 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 illustrated embodiment figures 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 towards the upper face 3, on the other hand, a second portion 72 which extends from the first portion 71 and towards the upper face 3 and, on the other hand, a third portion 73 which extends from the second portion 72 and towards the upper face 3. This second portion 72 comprises lateral faces (720; 720') which converge from the first portion 71 and towards the third portion 73.

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

This characteristic then corresponds to lateral 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 illustrated embodiment 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, furthermore, the upper portion 7 comprises, here again, a first portion 71 (which extends from the intermediate portion 8 and towards the upper face 3), a second portion 72 (which extends from of the first portion 71 and towards the upper face 3) and a third portion 73 (which extends from the second portion 72 and towards the upper face 3).

In this third embodiment of this first type of embodiment, the second portion 72 comprises, here again, lateral 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 lateral 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 lateral faces (710, 710'), which extend from the second portion 72 and towards the lower face 2, and which are preferably parallel. Alternatively or (and preferably) additionally, the third portion 73 comprises lateral 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 according to the invention and illustrated figures 6 , 7 And 10 to 13 , the faces lateral (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 lateral faces (80; 80') which form, between them (80; 80'), an angle of between 10° and 30°, preferably of the order of 20°.

Another characteristic concerns the fact that, in said at least one distancing means 5 of the self-locking floor covering element 1 conforming to this second type of embodiment, the lower portion 6 comprises, here again, lateral faces (60, 60'), which extend from the intermediate portion 8 and towards 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, lateral faces (70, 70'), which extend from the intermediate portion 8 and towards the upper face 3 and which are preferably parallel.

According to a first embodiment of this second type of illustrated embodiment figures 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 contains only one serving.

In this first embodiment, the lower portion 6 comprises, again, lateral faces (60, 60'), which extend from the intermediate portion 8 and towards 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, lateral faces (70, 70'), which extend from the intermediate portion 8 and in direction of the upper face 3, and which are preferably parallel.

According to a second embodiment of this second type of illustrated embodiment Figure 11 , in said at least one distancing means 5, here 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 towards the upper face 3 , on the other hand, a second portion 72 which extends from the first portion 71 and towards the upper face 3 and, on the other hand, a third portion 73 which extends from the second portion 72 and towards the upper face 3. This second portion 72 comprises lateral faces (720; 720') which converge from the first portion 71 and towards the third portion 73.

In this second embodiment, the lateral 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 of the order of 80°.

This characteristic then corresponds to lateral 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, lateral faces (710, 710'), which extend from the second portion 72 and towards the lower face 2, and which are preferably parallel. Alternatively or (and preferably) additionally, the third portion 73 comprises, here again, lateral faces (730, 730'), which extend from the second portion 72 and towards the upper face 3, and which are preferably parallel.

According to another characteristic visible on the figures 1 , 2 , 6 And 7 , said at least one distancing means 5 can adopt the shape of a rib 50, in particular of constant width. Such a rib 50 extends between the lower face 2 (in particular from this lower face 2) and the upper face 3 (in particular being set back from this upper face 3).

Such a distancing means 5 in the form of such a rib 50 extends projecting relative to said at least one 4 of the lateral sides (4; 4a; 4b; 4c), more particularly projecting relative 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 self-locking 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') thus that 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 according to 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 the distancing means 5 extends, 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 part proximal 52 (comprising such a narrowed part 53), the distal part 51 of such a distancing means 5 of a self-locking floor covering element 1 is positioned between the narrowed parts 53 of the proximal parts 52 which comprise the lower portions 6 of two distancing means 5 (more particularly which follow one another at the level of a lateral side 4; 4a; 4b; 4c) of an adjacent self-locking floor covering element 1' ( Figure 15 ). These characteristics make it possible, advantageously and in the event of stress exerted on a self-locking floor covering element 1, to cause a tightening and/or a rapprochement between such a self-locking floor covering element 1 and an adjacent self-locking 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 distancing means 5 can have a mushroom-shaped section , trapezoid 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 trapezoid and/or such a dovetail present, d on the one hand, a long side that the distal part 51 has and, on the other hand, a small side that the proximal part 52 has. 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, trapezoid 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 the lower face 2 extends and/or parallel to an upper plane 30 along which the upper face 3 extends. This characteristic allows, advantageously and in the event of stress exerted on a covering element 1, to cause the rapprochement and/or or the tightening between this floor covering element 1 and an adjacent floor covering element 1'.

Alternatively or (and preferably) additionally, said at least one distancing means 5 described above (in the form of a rib 50 or comprising a lower portion 6, an upper portion 7 and a portion intermediate 8) has lateral 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) (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, trapezoid 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 figures 9 , 13 And 15 ) and, on the other hand, 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 lateral faces ( 60; 60').

In fact, such lateral faces (60, 60'; 70, 70'; 80, 80') extend 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 a self-locking floor covering element 1, to bring about the rapprochement between this self-locking floor covering element 1 and an adjacent self-locking 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 lateral faces can , then, extend (diverging towards the outside of said self-locking floor covering 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 figures 9 , 13 And 15 illustrate, more particularly, other embodiments for which these lateral faces extend (diverging towards the exterior of said self-locking 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) extends; 4c).

Also and when said at least one distancing means 5 adopts the shape 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 self-locking 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 of between 5° and 45°, preferably of between 10° and 30°, in particular of order of 20°.

When said at least one distancing means 5 comprises at least one 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 lateral faces (60, 60'; 70, 70', 80, 80') 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, as described above.

In particular, when such 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 the upper portion 7 and/or the intermediate portion 8 of said at least one distancing means 5 or 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 minus one 4 of the lateral sides (4, 4a, 4b, 4c), an acute angle α 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 (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 of between 5° and 45°, preferably between 10° and 30°, in particular of the order of 20° .

In particular, the lateral 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 of 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 of between 5° and 45°, preferably 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 distancing means 5, which equip at least one of the lateral sides (4; 4a; 4b; 4c), which extend projecting from audits 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 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 concerns 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 a self-locking floor covering element 1 can comprise a plurality of housings 9 which include 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 hollow with respect to said at least one 4 of the lateral sides (4; 4a; 4b; 4c), more particularly hollow 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 being set back from 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 distancing means 5.

Such a characteristic advantageously allows such a housing 9 to receive, internally, a distancing means 5 which comprises an adjacent self-locking 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 still, 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 lateral faces (920; 920') which converge from the lower portion 90 and towards the upper portion 91.

In fact, the intermediate portion 92 has lateral faces (920; 920') which extend in a direction which forms, with the lower plane 20 of the lower face 2, an acute angle 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 lateral faces (920; 920') which form, between them (920; 920'), an angle between 50° and 90° (preferably of the order of 70°). , i.e. between 10° and 30° (preferably around 20°).

The lower portion 90 and/or the upper portion 91 comprise lateral 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 towards the upper face 3, on the other hand on the other hand, a second portion 911 which extends from the first portion 910 and towards 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 lateral 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 lateral 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 lateral 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, namely between 75° and 85° (preferably of the order of 80°), or between 45° and 65° (preferably around 55°).

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

Yet another characteristic concerns the fact that said at least one housing 9 also comprises a bottom 93, an opening 94 as well as an enlarged 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, trapezoid 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 lateral faces which extend, on the one hand, to from 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 extends (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 diverging towards the interior of said self-locking 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 the upper portion 91 and/or the intermediate portion 92 of such 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 distancing means 5 and, on the other hand, which have the characteristics described above. Such cooperation makes it possible, again, advantageously and in the event of stress exerted on a self-locking floor covering element 1, to bring about the rapprochement between this self-locking floor covering element 1 and an adjacent self-locking 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 lateral faces extend, on the one hand, from the bottom 93 or from a plane which is at least parallel to the lateral plane 40, this converging towards the outside of said covering element of self-locking floor 1 and/or in the direction of opening 94.

Claims (14)

1. 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 lower face (2), and whereupon people or vehicles are required to circulate, further on the other hand, lateral sides (4; 4a; 4b; 4c), which extend between the lower face (2) and the upper face (3), and, also on the other hand, at least one distancing means (5), which equips at least one of the lateral sides (4; 4a; 4b; 4c), which projects relative to said at least one (4) of the lateral sides (4; 4a; 4b; 4c), which is configured to hold another adjacent floor covering 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), further 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 comprises lateral faces (80; 80;) which converge from the lower portion (6) and toward the upper portion (7), said at least one distancing means (5) also on the other hand comprising a distal part (51) which is intended to come to be positioned at least near another adjacent self-locking floor covering element (1') and, also 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 narrower part (53) which has a width smaller than the width of the distal part (51), the width being considered along a direction parallel to the lower face (2), parallel to the upper face (3), and parallel to a lateral plane (40) along which said at least one of the lateral sides (4; 4a; 4b; 4c) extends, characterized in that at least the lower portion (6) of said at least one distancing means (5) comprises said distal part (51) as well as said proximal part (52) which comprises said at least one narrower part (53).
2. The self-locking floor covering element (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least the lower portion (6) of said at least one distancing means (5) has a section in the shape of a mushroom, a trapezoid or a dovetail, in a direction perpendicular to a 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 the upper face (2) extends and/or parallel to an upper plane (30) along which the upper face (3) extends.
3. The self-locking floor covering element (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the lower portion (6) of said at least one distancing 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 lateral plane (40) along which said at least one of the lateral sides (4; 4a; 4b; 4c) extends and, on the other hand, diverging toward the outside of said self-locking floor covering element (1).
4. The self-locking floor covering element (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said at least one (4) of the lateral sides (4, 4a, 4b, 4c) extends along a lateral plane (40) while the lateral 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 (α) comprised between 67.5° and 87.5°, preferably between 75° and 85°, in particular of the order of 80°.
5. The self-locking floor covering element (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a plurality of distancing means (5), which equip at least one of the lateral sides (4; 4a; 4b; 4c), which project relative to said at least one (4) of the lateral sides (4; 4a; 4b; 4c), and which are spaced apart by a distance that is less than or equal to the width of the distal part (51) of such a distancing means (5).
6. The 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 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 45° and 65°, preferably of the order of 55°.
7. The self-locking floor covering element (1) according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 5, 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°.
8. The 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, depending on the case, toward the lower face (2) or toward the upper face (3), and on the other hand, which are parallel.
9. The 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 toward the upper face (3), on the other hand, a second portion (72) which extends from the first portion (71) and toward the upper face (3) and, still on the other hand, a third portion (73) which extends from the second portion (72) and toward the upper face (3), this second portion (72) comprising lateral faces (720; 720') which converge from the first portion (71) and toward the third portion (73).
10. The self-locking floor covering element (1) according to claim 9, 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, depending on the case, toward the lower face (2) or toward the upper face (3), and on the other hand, which are parallel.
11. The self-locking floor covering element (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises at least one recess (9) comprised in at least one (4) of the lateral sides (4, 4a, 4b, 4c), said at least one recess (9) having complementary shapes and/or dimensions to those of said at least one distancing means (5).
12. The self-locking floor covering element (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises at least one recess (9) comprised in at least one (4) of the lateral sides (4, 4a, 4b, 4c), said at least one recess (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 lower portion (90), still 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 lateral faces (920; 920') which converge from the lower portion (90) and toward the upper portion (91), also on the other hand, a bottom (93), an opening (94) as well as a wider part, which extends between this bottom (93) and this opening (94), and which has a width greater than the width of the opening (94), on both sides of this recess (9).
13. The self-locking floor covering element (1) according to claim 12, characterized in that the lower portion (90) and/or the upper portion (91) and/or the intermediate portion (92) of said recess (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 toward the inside of said self-locking floor covering element (1).
14. The self-locking floor covering element (1) according to any one of claims 12 or 13, characterized in that 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 between 75° and 85°, in particular of the order of 80°.

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