US20140202108A1 - Floor panel systems and methods - Google Patents
Floor panel systems and methods Download PDFInfo
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- US20140202108A1 US20140202108A1 US13/745,202 US201313745202A US2014202108A1 US 20140202108 A1 US20140202108 A1 US 20140202108A1 US 201313745202 A US201313745202 A US 201313745202A US 2014202108 A1 US2014202108 A1 US 2014202108A1
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- inner edge
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- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 14
- 230000013011 mating Effects 0.000 description 18
- 238000009408 flooring Methods 0.000 description 17
- 210000002105 tongue Anatomy 0.000 description 11
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 7
- 230000000295 complement effect Effects 0.000 description 3
- 239000002023 wood Substances 0.000 description 3
- 239000000853 adhesive Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000001070 adhesive effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000003491 array Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000003292 glue Substances 0.000 description 2
- 241000283690 Bos taurus Species 0.000 description 1
- 230000000712 assembly Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000000429 assembly Methods 0.000 description 1
- 244000309464 bull Species 0.000 description 1
- 239000011093 chipboard Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000011094 fiberboard Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000010410 layer Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000000123 paper Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000002245 particle Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000004033 plastic Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000005060 rubber Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000010079 rubber tapping Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000002344 surface layer Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000007704 transition Effects 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
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- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E04—BUILDING
- E04F—FINISHING WORK ON BUILDINGS, e.g. STAIRS, FLOORS
- E04F15/00—Flooring
- E04F15/02—Flooring or floor layers composed of a number of similar elements
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B44—DECORATIVE ARTS
- B44C—PRODUCING DECORATIVE EFFECTS; MOSAICS; TARSIA WORK; PAPERHANGING
- B44C1/00—Processes, not specifically provided for elsewhere, for producing decorative surface effects
- B44C1/28—Uniting ornamental elements on a support, e.g. mosaics
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B44—DECORATIVE ARTS
- B44C—PRODUCING DECORATIVE EFFECTS; MOSAICS; TARSIA WORK; PAPERHANGING
- B44C3/00—Processes, not specifically provided for elsewhere, for producing ornamental structures
- B44C3/12—Uniting ornamental elements to structures, e.g. mosaic plates
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E04—BUILDING
- E04F—FINISHING WORK ON BUILDINGS, e.g. STAIRS, FLOORS
- E04F15/00—Flooring
- E04F15/02—Flooring or floor layers composed of a number of similar elements
- E04F15/02038—Flooring or floor layers composed of a number of similar elements characterised by tongue and groove connections between neighbouring flooring elements
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E04—BUILDING
- E04F—FINISHING WORK ON BUILDINGS, e.g. STAIRS, FLOORS
- E04F15/00—Flooring
- E04F15/02—Flooring or floor layers composed of a number of similar elements
- E04F15/10—Flooring or floor layers composed of a number of similar elements of other materials, e.g. fibrous or chipped materials, organic plastics, magnesite tiles, hardboard, or with a top layer of other materials
- E04F15/102—Flooring or floor layers composed of a number of similar elements of other materials, e.g. fibrous or chipped materials, organic plastics, magnesite tiles, hardboard, or with a top layer of other materials of fibrous or chipped materials, e.g. bonded with synthetic resins
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E04—BUILDING
- E04F—FINISHING WORK ON BUILDINGS, e.g. STAIRS, FLOORS
- E04F15/00—Flooring
- E04F15/02—Flooring or floor layers composed of a number of similar elements
- E04F15/10—Flooring or floor layers composed of a number of similar elements of other materials, e.g. fibrous or chipped materials, organic plastics, magnesite tiles, hardboard, or with a top layer of other materials
- E04F15/107—Flooring or floor layers composed of a number of similar elements of other materials, e.g. fibrous or chipped materials, organic plastics, magnesite tiles, hardboard, or with a top layer of other materials composed of several layers, e.g. sandwich panels
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E04—BUILDING
- E04F—FINISHING WORK ON BUILDINGS, e.g. STAIRS, FLOORS
- E04F21/00—Implements for finishing work on buildings
- E04F21/20—Implements for finishing work on buildings for laying flooring
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E04—BUILDING
- E04F—FINISHING WORK ON BUILDINGS, e.g. STAIRS, FLOORS
- E04F2201/00—Joining sheets or plates or panels
- E04F2201/01—Joining sheets, plates or panels with edges in abutting relationship
- E04F2201/0107—Joining sheets, plates or panels with edges in abutting relationship by moving the sheets, plates or panels substantially in their own plane, perpendicular to the abutting edges
- E04F2201/0115—Joining sheets, plates or panels with edges in abutting relationship by moving the sheets, plates or panels substantially in their own plane, perpendicular to the abutting edges with snap action of the edge connectors
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E04—BUILDING
- E04F—FINISHING WORK ON BUILDINGS, e.g. STAIRS, FLOORS
- E04F2203/00—Specially structured or shaped covering, lining or flooring elements not otherwise provided for
- E04F2203/02—Specially structured or shaped covering, lining or flooring elements not otherwise provided for having particular shapes, other than square or rectangular, e.g. triangular, hexagonal, circular, irregular
Definitions
- the subject matter disclosed herein relates generally to floor systems and to floor systems comprising a plurality of individual flooring elements. More particularly, the subject matter disclosed herein relates to floor panel systems and methods comprising a plurality of flooring elements configured to be arranged in a predetermined pattern.
- Wood or laminate flooring has become increasingly popular. As such, many different types of this flooring have been developed. Generally, this type of flooring is assembled by providing a plurality of similar panels, which interfit or are otherwise secured together and which can “float” above a subfloor (i.e., the flooring is not mechanically attached to the subfloor).
- the panels are substantially rectangular in shape and are secured together in adjacent linear arrays. Although such linear arrays are generally desirable for most flooring projects, the ability to arrange panels in other configurations or patterns would also be desirable in certain situations.
- a system of floor panels can comprise a center panel having a perimeter edge and a plurality of first panels each having an inner edge and an outer edge opposing the inner edge.
- the inner edge of each of the plurality of first panels can be configured for engaging the perimeter edge of the center panel, whereby the plurality of first panels can form a first ring configured to substantially surround the center panel.
- a system of floor panels can comprise a substantially circular center panel having a perimeter edge and a plurality of first panels each having an inner edge and an outer edge opposing the inner edge.
- the inner edge of each of the plurality of first panels can be configured for engaging the perimeter edge of the center panel, whereby the plurality of first panels can form a first substantially circular ring configured to substantially surround the center panel.
- a method for arranging a plurality of floor panels can comprise positioning a center panel on a subfloor, the center panel having a perimeter edge, and positioning a plurality of first panels on the subfloor in a first ring substantially surrounding the center panel. In this way, an inner edge of each of the plurality of first panels can engage the perimeter edge of the center panel.
- FIG. 1 is a plan view of a system of floor panels according to an embodiment of the presently disclosed subject matter
- FIGS. 2A through 2E are plan views of individual floor panels that can be incorporated into a system of floor panels according to an embodiment of the presently disclosed subject matter;
- FIG. 3A is a side sectional view of mating features of a floor panel for use in a system of floor panels according to an embodiment of the presently disclosed subject matter.
- FIG. 3B is a side sectional view of the engagement of mating features on two floor panels of a system of floor panels according to an embodiment of the presently disclosed subject matter.
- a system of floor panels that can be arranged in an array of concentric rings.
- a system of floor panels can comprise a center panel 110 and a plurality of first panels 120 that can be arranged to form a first ring 128 substantially surrounding center panel 110 . Additional groupings of panels can be arranged to form further rings that substantially surround center panel 110 and the first ring 128 .
- FIG. 1 a system of floor panels, generally designated 100 , can comprise a center panel 110 and a plurality of first panels 120 that can be arranged to form a first ring 128 substantially surrounding center panel 110 . Additional groupings of panels can be arranged to form further rings that substantially surround center panel 110 and the first ring 128 .
- a plurality of second panels 130 , a plurality of third panels 140 , and a plurality of fourth panels 150 can be arranged to substantially surround first ring 128 and center panel 110 .
- second, third, and fourth panels 130 , 140 , and 150 can be configured for engagement together to form a second ring 138 , a third ring 148 , and a fourth ring 158 , respectively, which can be arranged to concentrically surround first ring 128 and center panel 110 to thereby form a substantially target-shaped pattern.
- center panel 110 can be a substantially circular panel having a perimeter edge 112 and a radius 113 (e.g., about 400 mm).
- each of the plurality of first panels 120 can have a substantially trapezoidal shape corresponding to a segment of a circular ring.
- each of first panels 120 can define a first inner edge 122 and a first outer edge 124 that each can be curved such that when first panels 120 are arranged adjacent to each other, the resulting arrangement forms a substantially circular ring (i.e., first ring 128 ) defined by a first inner radius 123 (e.g., about 400 mm) and a first outer radius 125 (e.g., about 1200 mm).
- each of first panels 120 can have a first width 126 (i.e., arc length) at first outer edge 124 that can be varied to control the number of first panels 120 that are used to form first ring 128 .
- first width 126 i.e., arc length
- eighteen of first panels 120 can be used to form first ring 128 where first width 126 is substantially the same for each of first panels 120 .
- each of first panels 120 can have a first width 126 (i.e., arc length) corresponding to a 20° segment of first ring 128 , wherein first width 126 for each of first panels 120 is equal to about 1/18 the product of 2 ⁇ times the dimension of first outer radius 125 (i.e., about 412 mm where outer radius 125 is about 1200 mm).
- panels 120 can have different values for first width 126 such that first ring 128 is composed of panels having varying sizes.
- each of first panels 120 can have a first depth 127 (i.e., about the difference between first outer radius 125 and first inner radius 123 ) that can be varied to control the size of first ring 128 .
- each of the plurality of second panels 130 can comprise a second inner edge 132 having an arcuate shape characterized by a second inner radius 133 (e.g., about 1200 mm), a second outer edge 134 opposing second inner edge 132 and having an arcuate shape characterized by a second outer radius 135 (e.g., about 1900 mm), a second width 136 (i.e., arc length) at second outer edge 134 (e.g., about 650 mm), and a second depth 137 .
- Second inner radius 133 of each of second panels 130 can be sized to be substantially equal to first outer radius 125 so that second panels 130 can be arranged substantially seamlessly around first panels 120 .
- each of third panels 140 can have a third inner edge 142 having a third inner radius 143 that can be substantially equivalent to second outer radius 135 of second panels 130 (e.g., about 1900 mm), a third outer edge 144 having a third outer radius 145 (e.g., about 2500 mm), a third width 146 (i.e., arc length) at third outer edge 144 (e.g., about 856 mm), and a third depth 147 .
- FIG. 135 of second panels 130 e.g., about 1900 mm
- a third outer edge 144 having a third outer radius 145 e.g., about 2500 mm
- a third width 146 i.e., arc length
- each of fourth panels 150 can have a fourth inner edge 152 having a fourth inner radius 153 that can be substantially equivalent to third outer radius 145 of third panels 140 (e.g., about 2500 mm), a fourth outer edge 154 having a fourth outer radius 155 (e.g., about 3000 mm), a fourth width 156 (i.e., arc length) at fourth outer edge 154 (e.g., about 1028 mm), and a fourth depth 157 .
- the assembled combination of center panel 110 , first panels 120 , second panels 130 , third panels 140 , and fourth panels 150 can form a pattern of substantially concentric rings resembling a shooting target, with center panel 110 positioned at the “bull's-eye”.
- the particular pattern formed can be varied by changing the relative sizes of first panels 120 , second panels 130 , third panels 140 , and fourth panels 150 .
- the number of each of first panels 120 , second panels 130 , third panels 140 , and fourth panels 150 that are used to form first ring 128 , second ring 138 , third ring 148 , and fourth ring 158 , respectively, can be selected (e.g., by varying the widths of the respective groups of panels).
- each of first ring 128 , second ring 138 , third ring 148 , and fourth ring 158 can be composed or consist of the same number of panels (i.e., 18 panels in each ring), which can result in the panels in each successive ring being wider than those in the previous ring (i.e., second width 136 of each of second panels 130 is greater than first width 126 of each of first panels 120 ).
- first width 126 , second width 136 , third width 146 , and fourth width 156 can all be selected to be approximately the same size such that each successive ring has more panels than the next most inner ring (e.g., third ring 148 has a number of third panels 140 that is greater than a number of second panels 130 in second ring 138 ).
- each of first depth 127 , second depth 137 , third depth 147 , and fourth depth 157 can be sized to be approximately the same such that first ring 128 , second rind 138 , third ring 148 , and fourth ring 158 are spaced from center panel 110 in substantially uniform increments.
- these depths can be non-uniformly sized such that the innermost panels (i.e., center panel 110 and first panels 120 ) can be proportionally larger than the outermost panels in the overall flooring design, which can draw more attention to the center of the pattern defined by system 100 .
- the widths and depths of the flooring panels can be selected to have any of a variety of relative dimensions to create a desired pattern for system 100 .
- a rim 160 can be disposed around a perimeter of system 100 .
- Rim 160 can be comprised of a durable material that can protect the flooring material from chips or other damage.
- rim 160 can be shaped or otherwise configured to provide a substantially smooth transition between the outermost ring (e.g., fourth ring 158 in FIG. 1 ) of system 100 and any other flooring in the overall flooring design.
- the rim can comprise metal, plastic, rubber, or any other kind of material known to those in the art.
- Rim 160 can be divided into a plurality of connected segments in a manner similar to the rings discussed above, or rim 160 can be a continuous or substantially continuous ring of material.
- rim 160 can be formed to define a channel into which the outer edge of each of the outermost panels of system 100 can be inserted.
- rim 160 can be coupled to the outermost panels of system 100 (e.g., to fourth ring 158 in the configuration shown in FIG. 1 ) using an adhesive material, such as a glue known to those having skill in the art.
- the flooring panels can all be configured to interconnect together to maintain system 100 in a desired arrangement.
- the plurality of first panels 120 can be arranged to form first ring 128 substantially surrounding center panel 110 .
- first inner edge 122 of each of first panels 120 can be configured for engaging perimeter edge 112 of center panel 110 .
- each of center panel 110 and first panels 120 can have one or more elements of an interlocking floor panel, generally designated 10 .
- interlocking can be understood to include mechanical locking configurations for floor panel 10 that allow system 100 to be locked or otherwise securely held in its installed condition.
- such features can include a core 12 , which can be composed or consist of a wood-based material like fiber board, particle board, chip board, oriented strand board, or massive wood, and a decorative surface layer 15 , which can comprise one or more laminated paper layers having a pattern printed or otherwise formed thereon.
- a core 12 which can be composed or consist of a wood-based material like fiber board, particle board, chip board, oriented strand board, or massive wood
- a decorative surface layer 15 which can comprise one or more laminated paper layers having a pattern printed or otherwise formed thereon.
- one or more edges of interlocking floor panel 10 can be milled or otherwise formed to define male and female mating features, such as a tongue 13 (e.g., protruding about 4 mm from core 12 ) and a complementary groove 14 (e.g., extending about 6.5 mm into core 12 ).
- an edge of interlocking floor panel 10 defining a tongue 13 can be engaged with an edge of an additional interlocking floor panel 10 ′ that defines a complementary groove 14 ′.
- the joining edges can furthermore be provided with one or more heels intended to snap-join with recesses adapted thereto which, by being provided with essentially horizontal locking surfaces, limits vertical movement between two joined adjacent panels.
- a lower lip of groove 14 i.e., a portion of core 12 below groove 14
- any of a variety of other known mating features can be used for interlocking adjacent floor panels.
- center panel 110 and first panels 120 have mating features such as those described above
- perimeter edge 112 of center panel 110 and first inner edge 122 of each of first panels 120 can comprise complementary mating features (e.g., a tongue and a groove, respectively) that can be engaged to couple first panels 120 around center panel 110 .
- second panels 130 can have mating features (e.g., one of a tongue or a groove) on second inner edge 132 that are configured to correspondingly engage mating features on first outer edge 124 of one or more of first panels 120 .
- assembly of system 100 can comprise positioning center panel 110 on a subfloor and positioning a plurality of first panels 120 on the subfloor in a ring substantially surrounding center panel 110 (i.e., first ring 128 ) with first inner edge 122 of each of first panels 120 engaging perimeter edge 112 of center panel 110 .
- center panel 110 can comprise a groove 14 along perimeter edge 112
- each of first panels 120 can comprise a tongue 13 positioned at first inner edge 122 such that engaging first inner edge 122 of each of first panels 120 with perimeter edge 112 of center panel 110 can comprise inserting tongue 13 into groove 14 .
- at least one additional plurality of panels can be arranged in at least one additional ring. In this way, a pattern of substantially concentric rings about center panel 110 can be incrementally constructed to form system 100 .
- first ring 128 can comprise alternating “male” panels having a tongue on each lateral edge (e.g., substantially downward-facing) and “female” panels having a groove on each lateral edge (e.g., substantially upward-facing).
- first inner edge 122 of one of first panels 120 is engaged with perimeter edge 112 of center panel 110 , the panel can be “folded down” such that the lateral edges of the panel engage the lateral edges of adjacent panels that have already been installed.
- first ring 128 all of the “female” panels in first ring 128 can be engaged with center panel 110 and spaced around center panel 110 . Then, each “male” panel in first ring 128 can be engaged with center panel 110 and folded down between and into engagement with two of the “female” panels.
- first panels 120 i.e., the “keystone” installed in first ring 128 .
- each of first panels 120 can comprise one “male” mating feature on one lateral edge and one “female” mating feature on the opposing lateral edge.
- first inner edge 122 of each of first panels 120 comprises a “male” mating feature
- a corresponding first outer edge 124 of each of first panels 120 comprises a “female” mating feature (or vice versa).
- Each of these first panels 120 can then be designated as a “male” panel (i.e., a first lateral edge and an opposing second lateral edge of first panel 120 both comprise a tongue) or a “female” panel (i.e., a first lateral edge and a second lateral edge of first panel 120 both comprise a groove).
- each of first panels 120 may have a “male” mating feature (e.g., a tongue) on one of the first or second lateral edges and a “female” mating feature (e.g., groove) on the other of the first or second lateral edges. Accordingly, in either configuration, each of first panels 120 will have a mating feature defined on each of its edges/sides.
- a “male” mating feature e.g., a tongue
- a “female” mating feature e.g., groove
- the panels of a given ring can be configured for a horizontal assembly, where system 100 is assembled solely through relative horizontal movement of the panels. In this variation, however, it is noted that some type of tapping block may be needed in order to install the keystone.
- the panels can be configured as part of an angled system assembly, in which “male” mating features (e.g., tongues) and “female” mating features (e.g., grooves) of the keystone of each consecutive ring of panels is modified so that each keystone can be slid into place and correspondingly engaged with adjacent panels.
- one or more panels of system 100 can be coupled to adjacent panels using an adhesive material, such as a glue known to those having skill in the art. It should be recognized, however, that although a number of possible configurations are disclosed hereinabove, any of a variety of other known mating assemblies can be used for assembly of interlocking adjacent floor panels. Therefore, regardless of the type of assembly used the flooring panels can all be configured to interconnectedly form the desired arrangement for system 100 .
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Abstract
The present subject matter relates to systems and methods for arranging a plurality of floor panels having a center panel having a perimeter edge and a plurality of first panels each having an inner edge and an outer edge opposing the inner edge. The inner edge of each of the plurality of first panels can be configured for engaging the perimeter edge of the center panel, whereby the plurality of first panels can form a first ring configured to substantially surround the center panel. At least one additional plurality of panels can be configured for engagement together to form at least one additional ring configured to substantially surround the first ring and the center panel.
Description
- The subject matter disclosed herein relates generally to floor systems and to floor systems comprising a plurality of individual flooring elements. More particularly, the subject matter disclosed herein relates to floor panel systems and methods comprising a plurality of flooring elements configured to be arranged in a predetermined pattern.
- Wood or laminate flooring has become increasingly popular. As such, many different types of this flooring have been developed. Generally, this type of flooring is assembled by providing a plurality of similar panels, which interfit or are otherwise secured together and which can “float” above a subfloor (i.e., the flooring is not mechanically attached to the subfloor).
- In nearly all of the flooring systems that implement this kind of configuration, the panels are substantially rectangular in shape and are secured together in adjacent linear arrays. Although such linear arrays are generally desirable for most flooring projects, the ability to arrange panels in other configurations or patterns would also be desirable in certain situations.
- In accordance with this disclosure, systems and methods for arranging a plurality of floor panels are provided. In one aspect, a system of floor panels is provided. The system can comprise a center panel having a perimeter edge and a plurality of first panels each having an inner edge and an outer edge opposing the inner edge. The inner edge of each of the plurality of first panels can be configured for engaging the perimeter edge of the center panel, whereby the plurality of first panels can form a first ring configured to substantially surround the center panel.
- In another aspect, a system of floor panels can comprise a substantially circular center panel having a perimeter edge and a plurality of first panels each having an inner edge and an outer edge opposing the inner edge. The inner edge of each of the plurality of first panels can be configured for engaging the perimeter edge of the center panel, whereby the plurality of first panels can form a first substantially circular ring configured to substantially surround the center panel.
- In yet another aspect, a method for arranging a plurality of floor panels is provided. The method can comprise positioning a center panel on a subfloor, the center panel having a perimeter edge, and positioning a plurality of first panels on the subfloor in a first ring substantially surrounding the center panel. In this way, an inner edge of each of the plurality of first panels can engage the perimeter edge of the center panel.
- Although some of the aspects of the subject matter disclosed herein have been stated hereinabove, and which are achieved in whole or in part by the presently disclosed subject matter, other aspects will become evident as the description proceeds when taken in connection with the accompanying drawings as best described hereinbelow.
- The features and advantages of the present subject matter will be more readily understood from the following detailed description which should be read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings that are given merely by way of explanatory and non-limiting example, and in which:
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FIG. 1 is a plan view of a system of floor panels according to an embodiment of the presently disclosed subject matter; -
FIGS. 2A through 2E are plan views of individual floor panels that can be incorporated into a system of floor panels according to an embodiment of the presently disclosed subject matter; -
FIG. 3A is a side sectional view of mating features of a floor panel for use in a system of floor panels according to an embodiment of the presently disclosed subject matter; and -
FIG. 3B is a side sectional view of the engagement of mating features on two floor panels of a system of floor panels according to an embodiment of the presently disclosed subject matter. - The present subject matter provides systems and methods for arranging a plurality of floor panels. In one aspect, for example, the present subject matter provides a system of floor panels that can be arranged in an array of concentric rings. Specifically, referring to
FIG. 1 , a system of floor panels, generally designated 100, can comprise acenter panel 110 and a plurality offirst panels 120 that can be arranged to form afirst ring 128 substantially surroundingcenter panel 110. Additional groupings of panels can be arranged to form further rings that substantially surroundcenter panel 110 and thefirst ring 128. In the particular configuration shown inFIG. 1 , for example, a plurality ofsecond panels 130, a plurality ofthird panels 140, and a plurality offourth panels 150 can be arranged to substantially surroundfirst ring 128 andcenter panel 110. Specifically, second, third, andfourth panels second ring 138, athird ring 148, and afourth ring 158, respectively, which can be arranged to concentrically surroundfirst ring 128 andcenter panel 110 to thereby form a substantially target-shaped pattern. Regarding the design of the individual panels, referring toFIG. 2A ,center panel 110 can be a substantially circular panel having a perimeter edge 112 and a radius 113 (e.g., about 400 mm). Referring toFIG. 2B , each of the plurality offirst panels 120 can have a substantially trapezoidal shape corresponding to a segment of a circular ring. In particular, each offirst panels 120 can define a first inner edge 122 and a first outer edge 124 that each can be curved such that whenfirst panels 120 are arranged adjacent to each other, the resulting arrangement forms a substantially circular ring (i.e., first ring 128) defined by a first inner radius 123 (e.g., about 400 mm) and a first outer radius 125 (e.g., about 1200 mm). In addition, each offirst panels 120 can have a first width 126 (i.e., arc length) at first outer edge 124 that can be varied to control the number offirst panels 120 that are used to formfirst ring 128. In the configuration show inFIG. 1 , and for example and without limitation, eighteen offirst panels 120 can be used to formfirst ring 128 where first width 126 is substantially the same for each offirst panels 120. In this configuration, each offirst panels 120 can have a first width 126 (i.e., arc length) corresponding to a 20° segment offirst ring 128, wherein first width 126 for each offirst panels 120 is equal to about 1/18 the product of 2π times the dimension of first outer radius 125 (i.e., about 412 mm where outer radius 125 is about 1200 mm). Alternatively,panels 120 can have different values for first width 126 such thatfirst ring 128 is composed of panels having varying sizes. Further, each offirst panels 120 can have a first depth 127 (i.e., about the difference between first outer radius 125 and first inner radius 123) that can be varied to control the size offirst ring 128. - Similarly, referring to
FIG. 2C , each of the plurality ofsecond panels 130 can comprise a second inner edge 132 having an arcuate shape characterized by a second inner radius 133 (e.g., about 1200 mm), a second outer edge 134 opposing second inner edge 132 and having an arcuate shape characterized by a second outer radius 135 (e.g., about 1900 mm), a second width 136 (i.e., arc length) at second outer edge 134 (e.g., about 650 mm), and a second depth 137. Second inner radius 133 of each ofsecond panels 130 can be sized to be substantially equal to first outer radius 125 so thatsecond panels 130 can be arranged substantially seamlessly aroundfirst panels 120. - Likewise,
FIG. 2D illustrates that each ofthird panels 140 can have a third inner edge 142 having a third inner radius 143 that can be substantially equivalent to second outer radius 135 of second panels 130 (e.g., about 1900 mm), a third outer edge 144 having a third outer radius 145 (e.g., about 2500 mm), a third width 146 (i.e., arc length) at third outer edge 144 (e.g., about 856 mm), and a third depth 147.FIG. 2E illustrates that each offourth panels 150 can have a fourth inner edge 152 having a fourth inner radius 153 that can be substantially equivalent to third outer radius 145 of third panels 140 (e.g., about 2500 mm), a fourth outer edge 154 having a fourth outer radius 155 (e.g., about 3000 mm), a fourth width 156 (i.e., arc length) at fourth outer edge 154 (e.g., about 1028 mm), and a fourth depth 157. - As shown in
FIG. 1 and discussed above, the assembled combination ofcenter panel 110,first panels 120,second panels 130,third panels 140, andfourth panels 150 can form a pattern of substantially concentric rings resembling a shooting target, withcenter panel 110 positioned at the “bull's-eye”. The particular pattern formed can be varied by changing the relative sizes offirst panels 120,second panels 130,third panels 140, andfourth panels 150. For example, the number of each offirst panels 120,second panels 130,third panels 140, andfourth panels 150 that are used to formfirst ring 128,second ring 138,third ring 148, andfourth ring 158, respectively, can be selected (e.g., by varying the widths of the respective groups of panels). As shown inFIG. 1 , for example, each offirst ring 128,second ring 138,third ring 148, andfourth ring 158 can be composed or consist of the same number of panels (i.e., 18 panels in each ring), which can result in the panels in each successive ring being wider than those in the previous ring (i.e., second width 136 of each ofsecond panels 130 is greater than first width 126 of each of first panels 120). Alternatively, first width 126, second width 136, third width 146, and fourth width 156 can all be selected to be approximately the same size such that each successive ring has more panels than the next most inner ring (e.g.,third ring 148 has a number ofthird panels 140 that is greater than a number ofsecond panels 130 in second ring 138). - Alternatively or in addition, to further control the pattern of flooring panels created, each of first depth 127, second depth 137, third depth 147, and fourth depth 157 can be sized to be approximately the same such that
first ring 128,second rind 138,third ring 148, andfourth ring 158 are spaced fromcenter panel 110 in substantially uniform increments. Alternatively, as shown inFIG. 1 , for example, these depths can be non-uniformly sized such that the innermost panels (i.e.,center panel 110 and first panels 120) can be proportionally larger than the outermost panels in the overall flooring design, which can draw more attention to the center of the pattern defined bysystem 100. The widths and depths of the flooring panels can be selected to have any of a variety of relative dimensions to create a desired pattern forsystem 100. - Furthermore, depending on whether
system 100 is incorporated into an overall flooring design, arim 160 can be disposed around a perimeter ofsystem 100. Rim 160 can be comprised of a durable material that can protect the flooring material from chips or other damage. In addition,rim 160 can be shaped or otherwise configured to provide a substantially smooth transition between the outermost ring (e.g.,fourth ring 158 inFIG. 1 ) ofsystem 100 and any other flooring in the overall flooring design. For example, the rim can comprise metal, plastic, rubber, or any other kind of material known to those in the art.Rim 160 can be divided into a plurality of connected segments in a manner similar to the rings discussed above, or rim 160 can be a continuous or substantially continuous ring of material. Additionally, rim 160 can be formed to define a channel into which the outer edge of each of the outermost panels ofsystem 100 can be inserted. Alternatively or in addition,rim 160 can be coupled to the outermost panels of system 100 (e.g., tofourth ring 158 in the configuration shown inFIG. 1 ) using an adhesive material, such as a glue known to those having skill in the art. - Regardless of how the rings of panels are sized, the flooring panels can all be configured to interconnect together to maintain
system 100 in a desired arrangement. As discussed above, the plurality offirst panels 120 can be arranged to formfirst ring 128 substantially surroundingcenter panel 110. In particular, first inner edge 122 of each offirst panels 120 can be configured for engaging perimeter edge 112 ofcenter panel 110. For example, each ofcenter panel 110 andfirst panels 120 can have one or more elements of an interlocking floor panel, generally designated 10. As used herein, the term “interlocking” can be understood to include mechanical locking configurations forfloor panel 10 that allowsystem 100 to be locked or otherwise securely held in its installed condition. - As shown in
FIGS. 3A and 3B , such features can include acore 12, which can be composed or consist of a wood-based material like fiber board, particle board, chip board, oriented strand board, or massive wood, and adecorative surface layer 15, which can comprise one or more laminated paper layers having a pattern printed or otherwise formed thereon. Further, one or more edges of interlockingfloor panel 10 can be milled or otherwise formed to define male and female mating features, such as a tongue 13 (e.g., protruding about 4 mm from core 12) and a complementary groove 14 (e.g., extending about 6.5 mm into core 12). In this configuration, an edge of interlockingfloor panel 10 defining atongue 13 can be engaged with an edge of an additionalinterlocking floor panel 10′ that defines acomplementary groove 14′. To secure this connection between interlockingfloor panel 10 and additional interlockingfloor panel 10′, the joining edges can furthermore be provided with one or more heels intended to snap-join with recesses adapted thereto which, by being provided with essentially horizontal locking surfaces, limits vertical movement between two joined adjacent panels. Alternatively, a lower lip of groove 14 (i.e., a portion ofcore 12 below groove 14) can be configured to flex downwardly in order to allowtongue 13 to slide into place. - Alternatively, any of a variety of other known mating features can be used for interlocking adjacent floor panels. Where
center panel 110 andfirst panels 120 have mating features such as those described above, perimeter edge 112 ofcenter panel 110 and first inner edge 122 of each offirst panels 120 can comprise complementary mating features (e.g., a tongue and a groove, respectively) that can be engaged to couplefirst panels 120 aroundcenter panel 110. Likewise,second panels 130 can have mating features (e.g., one of a tongue or a groove) on second inner edge 132 that are configured to correspondingly engage mating features on first outer edge 124 of one or more offirst panels 120. - In such a configuration, assembly of
system 100 can comprisepositioning center panel 110 on a subfloor and positioning a plurality offirst panels 120 on the subfloor in a ring substantially surrounding center panel 110 (i.e., first ring 128) with first inner edge 122 of each offirst panels 120 engaging perimeter edge 112 ofcenter panel 110. For example,center panel 110 can comprise agroove 14 along perimeter edge 112, and each offirst panels 120 can comprise atongue 13 positioned at first inner edge 122 such that engaging first inner edge 122 of each offirst panels 120 with perimeter edge 112 ofcenter panel 110 can comprise insertingtongue 13 intogroove 14. Once all offirst panels 120 are securely engaged withcenter panel 110, at least one additional plurality of panels can be arranged in at least one additional ring. In this way, a pattern of substantially concentric rings aboutcenter panel 110 can be incrementally constructed to formsystem 100. - In addition, the lateral edges (i.e., the edges connecting the inner edge to the outer edge and defining a depth) of each of the panels can similarly be configured to interconnect with adjacent panels. For example,
first ring 128 can comprise alternating “male” panels having a tongue on each lateral edge (e.g., substantially downward-facing) and “female” panels having a groove on each lateral edge (e.g., substantially upward-facing). In this configuration, once a first inner edge 122 of one offirst panels 120 is engaged with perimeter edge 112 ofcenter panel 110, the panel can be “folded down” such that the lateral edges of the panel engage the lateral edges of adjacent panels that have already been installed. For example, all of the “female” panels infirst ring 128 can be engaged withcenter panel 110 and spaced aroundcenter panel 110. Then, each “male” panel infirst ring 128 can be engaged withcenter panel 110 and folded down between and into engagement with two of the “female” panels. By assembling thesystem 100 in this manner, there is no need to alter the final one of first panels 120 (i.e., the “keystone”) installed infirst ring 128. Alternatively, each offirst panels 120 can comprise one “male” mating feature on one lateral edge and one “female” mating feature on the opposing lateral edge. - In an alternative configuration, a “four sided” fold down assembly can be utilized (i.e.,
system 100 is assembled solely through relative vertical movement of the panels). In such a system, first inner edge 122 of each offirst panels 120 comprises a “male” mating feature, and a corresponding first outer edge 124 of each offirst panels 120 comprises a “female” mating feature (or vice versa). Each of thesefirst panels 120 can then be designated as a “male” panel (i.e., a first lateral edge and an opposing second lateral edge offirst panel 120 both comprise a tongue) or a “female” panel (i.e., a first lateral edge and a second lateral edge offirst panel 120 both comprise a groove). Alternatively, each offirst panels 120 may have a “male” mating feature (e.g., a tongue) on one of the first or second lateral edges and a “female” mating feature (e.g., groove) on the other of the first or second lateral edges. Accordingly, in either configuration, each offirst panels 120 will have a mating feature defined on each of its edges/sides. - In yet a further alternative configuration, the panels of a given ring can be configured for a horizontal assembly, where
system 100 is assembled solely through relative horizontal movement of the panels. In this variation, however, it is noted that some type of tapping block may be needed in order to install the keystone. In still a further assembly variation, the panels can be configured as part of an angled system assembly, in which “male” mating features (e.g., tongues) and “female” mating features (e.g., grooves) of the keystone of each consecutive ring of panels is modified so that each keystone can be slid into place and correspondingly engaged with adjacent panels. - Alternatively or in addition to any of the connection configurations and methods discussed hereinabove, one or more panels of
system 100 can be coupled to adjacent panels using an adhesive material, such as a glue known to those having skill in the art. It should be recognized, however, that although a number of possible configurations are disclosed hereinabove, any of a variety of other known mating assemblies can be used for assembly of interlocking adjacent floor panels. Therefore, regardless of the type of assembly used the flooring panels can all be configured to interconnectedly form the desired arrangement forsystem 100. - The present subject matter can be embodied in other forms without departure from the spirit and essential characteristics thereof. The embodiments described therefore are to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive. Although the present subject matter has been described in terms of certain preferred embodiments, other embodiments that are apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art are also within the scope of the present subject matter.
Claims (15)
1. A system of floor panels comprising:
a center panel having a perimeter edge; and
a plurality of first panels each having an inner edge and an outer edge opposing the inner edge, the inner edge of each of the plurality of first panels being configured for engaging the perimeter edge of the center panel, whereby the plurality of first panels forms a first ring configured to substantially surround the center panel.
2. The system of claim 1 , wherein the center panel is substantially circular.
3. The system of claim 1 , wherein the perimeter edge of the center panel comprises at least one of a tongue or a groove; and
wherein the inner edge of each of the plurality of first panels comprises one of a tongue or a groove configured to complementarily engage the tongue or groove of the perimeter edge of the center panel.
4. The system of claim 1 , wherein each of the plurality of first panels and the center panel comprise a core and a decorative surface.
5. The system of claim 1 , wherein each of the plurality of first panels has a substantially similar shape.
6. The system of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of first panels is configured to form a first substantially circular first ring around the center panel.
7. The system of claim 1 , comprising at least one additional plurality of panels configured for engagement together to form at least one additional ring configured to substantially surround the first ring and the center panel.
8. The system of claim 7 , wherein the at least one additional ring is configured to be substantially concentric with the first ring.
9. The system of claim 7 , wherein the at least one additional plurality of panels comprises a second plurality of panels having an inner edge and an outer edge opposing the inner edge, the inner edge of each of the second plurality of panels being configured for engaging the outer edge of one or more of the first plurality of panels.
10. A system of floor panels comprising:
a substantially circular center panel having a perimeter edge; and
a plurality of first panels each having an inner edge and an outer edge opposing the inner edge, the inner edge of each of the plurality of first panels being configured for engaging the perimeter edge of the center panel, whereby the plurality of first panels forms a first substantially circular ring configured to substantially surround the center panel.
11. A method for arranging a plurality of floor panels, the method comprising:
positioning a center panel on a subfloor, the center panel having a perimeter edge; and
positioning a plurality of first panels on the subfloor in a first ring substantially surrounding the center panel, wherein an inner edge of each of the plurality of first panels engages the perimeter edge of the center panel.
12. The method of claim 11 , wherein positioning a plurality of first panels on the subfloor in a first ring comprises positioning the plurality of first panels in a substantially circular ring around the center panel.
13. The method of claim 11 , wherein the perimeter edge of the center panel comprises at least one of a tongue or a groove, and the inner edge of each of the plurality of first panels comprises one of a tongue or a groove configured to complementarily engage the tongue or groove of the perimeter edge of the center panel; and
wherein positioning the plurality of first panels on the subfloor in a first ring comprises engaging the tongue or groove of each of the plurality of first panels with the tongue or groove of the center panel.
14. The method of claim 11 , comprising positioning at least one additional plurality of panels on the subfloor in at least one additional ring substantially surrounding the first ring and the center panel.
15. The method of claim 14 , wherein positioning at least one additional plurality of panels on the subfloor in at least one additional ring comprises positioning the at least one additional plurality of panels substantially concentric ring with the first ring.
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US13/745,202 US20140202108A1 (en) | 2013-01-18 | 2013-01-18 | Floor panel systems and methods |
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US13/745,202 US20140202108A1 (en) | 2013-01-18 | 2013-01-18 | Floor panel systems and methods |
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US20140202108A1 true US20140202108A1 (en) | 2014-07-24 |
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US13/745,202 Abandoned US20140202108A1 (en) | 2013-01-18 | 2013-01-18 | Floor panel systems and methods |
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WO2018100526A1 (en) * | 2016-12-01 | 2018-06-07 | Unilin, Bvba | Set of floor panels and method for composing the set of floor panels |
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WO2018100526A1 (en) * | 2016-12-01 | 2018-06-07 | Unilin, Bvba | Set of floor panels and method for composing the set of floor panels |
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EP3825491A1 (en) * | 2016-12-01 | 2021-05-26 | Unilin, BV | Set of floor panels |
EA039510B1 (en) * | 2016-12-01 | 2022-02-04 | Флоринг Индастриз Лимитед, Сарл | Set of floor panels and method for composing same |
JP7084570B2 (en) | 2016-12-01 | 2022-06-15 | ユニリン,ビーヴィビーエー | How to assemble a set of floor panels and a set of floor panels |
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