WO2008056382A1

WO2008056382A1 - Flooring for dry - laying

Info

Publication number: WO2008056382A1
Application number: PCT/IT2006/000779
Authority: WO
Inventors: Luca Terenzi; Enrico Morettin
Original assignee: Planium S.R.L.
Priority date: 2006-11-08
Filing date: 2006-11-08
Publication date: 2008-05-15
Also published as: WO2008056382A8

Abstract

The present invention relates to a flooring (1) suitable for dry- laying on a subfloor (11). The flooring comprises at least two elements (10), each of which comprises a sheet metal (20) and a tile (30). The sheet metal has a plurality of sides (21) and defines a middle plane it. The tile is made of walk-on material, and is coupled to the sheet metal. Each side of the sheet metal comprises projections (22) that are suitable for being placed close to corresponding projections (22) of the other element in the flooring such as to form a junction point. The junction point is suitable for receiving a key (24) that can be slidingly fitted in a direction comprised in the plane it, such as to prevent relative movements between the two elements in the flooring.

Description

DESCRIPTION

^Flooring for dry-laying"

[0001] The present invention relates to a flooring for dry-laying, particularly relates to a flooring suitable to be laid dry.

[0002] According to further aspects, the object of the present invention is a method for dry-laying floorings . [0003] Floorings have been widely known for a long time, which consist of modular elements (for example, called the "tiles") which allow obtaining a pleasant and functional finishing. The laying of these traditional elements, which can be made for example of wood, natural or reconstituted stone, ceramic or synthetic material, etc. is carried out using mortars or glues for building use. The laying operation thus requires a great professional skill to obtain a proper preparation and for a proper use of the materials. A great professional skill is further required for compensating the inevitable imperfections of the subfloor and obtaining a final even appearance of the flooring.

[0004] Furthermore, the operations required for laying down these known floorings entail considerable inconveniences, the formation of dust and/or the use of very irritating solvents. Substantially, traditional laying operations entail the total unfitness for use of the rooms involved for a relatively long time. [0005] Other types of flooring became known only recently, which consist of elements that are often made of wood, which can be easily laid without using professional mortars or glues. This is commonly defined a "dry" laying. [0006] The elements in dry-laying floorings are provided with tongues and grooves, on the thickness of the periphery thereof, which allows them to be fastened to each other. This type of flooring is usually laid on a resilient support which allows compensating the imperfections of the subfloor in an automatic manner. This is commonly defined a "floating" type of laying.

[0007] The dry-laying for this type of floating flooring does not necessarily involve any professional intervention as it results to be very easy, and entails slight inconveniences.

[0008] Known dry-laying floorings, however, also entail several drawbacks. First of all, in the case of tongue and groove laying, they can be almost exclusively made of wood or synthetic material, whereas . the heavier and more delicate materials such as stone or ceramic are not suitable for the type of tongue and groove fitting that are commonly used. [0009] Furthermore, due to how the tongue and groove fitting between two adjacent elements is conceived, an element cannot be removed without removing the adjoining ones. For this reason, the removal can be started only from the peripheral elements to the centre of the flooring. [0010] From what has been discussed above, it is understood that known dry-laying floorings result difficult to remove and replace.

[0011] The problem at the heart of the present invention is to provide a dry-laying flooring having such structural and functional characteristics as to at least partially overcome the drawbacks mentioned with reference to the prior art.

[0012] This problem is solved by means of a flooring in accordance with claim 1. The dependent claims relate to further aspects or embodiments of the flooring according to the present invention. [0013] Further characteristics and the advantages of the flooring according to the invention will become apparent from the description below of preferred embodiments thereof, which are merely illustrative and non-limiting, with reference to the annexed figures, in which:

[0014] Fig. 1 is a schematic plan illustration of the detail of two flooring elements in accordance with the present invention in a first configuration;

[0015] Fig. 2 schematically illustrates a section along the line II-II in Fig. 1;

[0016] Fig. 3 is a schematic plan illustration of the detail in Fig. l in a second configuration; [0017] Fig. 4 schematically illustrates a section along the line IV-IV in Fig. 2;

[0018] Fig. 5 is a schematic plan illustration of the detail in Fig. l in a third configuration;

[0019] Fig. 6 schematically illustrates a section along the line VI-VI in Fig. 5;

[0020] Fig. 7 schematically illustrates a section along the line VII-VII in Fig. 5;

[0021] Fig. 8 is a schematic plan illustration of the detail of two flooring elements in accordance with the present invention in a first configuration;

[0022] Fig. 9 schematically illustrate a section along the line IX-IX in Fig. 8;

[0023] Fig. 10 is a schematic plan illustration of the detail in Fig. 8 in a second configuration; [0024] Pig. 11 schematically illustrates a section along the line XI-XI in Fig. 10;

[0025] Fig. 12 is a schematic plan illustration of the detail in Fig. 8 in a third configuration;

[0026] Fig. 13 schematically illustrates a section along the line XIII-XIII in Fig. 12;

[0027] Fig. 14 schematically illustrates a section along the line XIV-XIV in Fig. 12;

[0028] Fig. 15 is a schematic plan illustration of the detail of two flooring elements in accordance with the present invention in a first configuration;

[0029] Fig. 16 schematically illustrates a section along the line XVI-XVI in Fig. 15;

[0030] , Fig. 17 is a schematic plan illustration of the detail in Fig. 15 in a second configuration; [0031] Fig. 18 schematically illustrates a section along the line XVI11-XVI11 in Fig. 17;

[0032] Fig. 19 is a schematic plan illustration of the detail in Fig. 15 in a third configuration;

[0033] Fig. 20 schematically illustrates a section along the line XX-XX in Fig. 19;

[0034] Fig. 21 schematically illustrates a section along the line XXI-XXI in Fig. 19;

[0035] Fig. 22 schematically illustrates a section of the detail of a flooring in accordance with the present invention; [0036] Fig. 23 illustrates the detail indicated with XXIII in Fig. 22;

[0037] . Fig. 24 schematically illustrates a section of the detail of a flooring in accordance with the present invention;

[0038] Fig. 25 illustrates the detail indicated with XXV in Fig. 24;

[0039] Fig. 26 to 32 schematically illustrate subsequent steps of laying a flooring according to the present invention;

[0040] Fig. 33 schematically illustrates a cross suitable for the flooring according to the present invention;

[0041] ^' Fig. 34 illustrates the cross in Fig. 33 partially in section and partially exploded;

[0042] Fig. 35 schematically illustrates a cross suitable for the flooring according to the present invention;

[0043] Fig. 36 and 37 schematically illustrate two subsequent configurations of a cross and a seal suitable to the flooring according to the present invention;

[0044] Fig. 38 schematically illustrates the detail indicated with XXXVIII in Fig. 46; [0045] Fig. 39 to 42 schematically illustrate the detail in Fig. 38 in subsequent laying steps; [0046] Fig. 43 to 46 are schematic plan illustrations of floorings according to the present invention; [0047] Fig. 47 and 48 schematically illustrate seals for floorings according to the present invention;

[0048] Fig. 49 and 50 schematically illustrate a cross suitable for the flooring according to the present invention in two different configurations;

[0049] Fig. 51 schematically illustrates a step of laying a flooring according to the present invention. [0050] With reference to the above-mentioned figures, with 1 has been generally designated the dry- laying flooring, with 10 has been designated an individual element in the flooring 1 and with 11 has been indicated the subfloor on which the flooring is laid.

[0051] Herein and below the words "upper" and "lower", or "high" and "low" or the like are used with reference to the univocal arrangement of use of the flooring. Particularly, all that is relatively proximate to the subfloor 11 is defined as "lower" , "down", or the like, while all that is relatively far from the subfloor 11 is defined as "upper", "high", or the like.

[0052] In accordance with the embodiments of the attached figures, the element 10 according to the invention, has a generally square shape. [0053] The element 10 comprises a sheet metal 20 and a tile 30, which are coupled to each other. [0054] The sheet metal 20 has a plurality of sides 21 and defines a middle plane it (see Fig. 22 and 24) , whereas the tile 30 is a slab-like element that is made of a material suitable to walk on. The tile 30 can be made of, according to the particular requirements, ceramic, stoneware, clinker, natural stone, reconstituted stone, wood, glass, steel, synthetic or fibre material, or any other material that is deemed as being suitable to be used as a flooring.

[0055] In accordance with an embodiment, the tile 30 has a walk-on surface 31 and a base surface 32 that is coupled to the sheet metal 20. [0056] Each of the sides 21 of the sheet metal 20 comprises projections 22 that are shaped such as to be suitable for being placed close to corresponding projections 22 of a second element 20.

[0057] When the projections 22 of the two elements 10 are placed close to each other, they form a junction point 23. The junction point 23 is suitable to receive a key 24 which is slidingly fitted in a direction comprised in the plane -re, such as to prevent relative movement from occurring between the two elements 10 of the flooring 1.

[0058] Preferably, the direction comprised in the plane it in which the key 24 slides is parallel to side 21. [0059] The junction point 23 is, in the broadest meaning thereof, a point in which the projections 22 of two different elements 10 are placed close to each other and come in contact with each other such as to be fastened to each other.

[0060] In accordance with several embodiments, the key 24 has the shape of a plate 25 provided with a notch 26 (see for example Fig. 5, 14, 21, 29, and 34) . The notch 26 has a width ranging between a maximum value at the mouth to a minimum value. [0061] The maximum width at the mouth of the notch 26 facilitates the fitting of the key 24 on the junction point 23. The minimum value is suitable for clamping the projections 22 that are placed close to each other in order to form the junction point 23. The clamping by the key 24 on the junction point 23 prevents the relative movements between the two elements 10.

[0062] In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, the minimum width of the notch 26 is such as to define a certain interference with the thickness of the. junction point 23 that is formed by the projections 22. The interference is preferably of about 5 hundreds of millimetre.

[0063] As stated above, the sheet metal 20 and the tile 30 are coupled with each other. This coupling is made such as to prevent the relative movements between the tile 30 and the sheet metal 20. Preferably, both the movements parallel to the plane it and the movements perpendicular thereto are prevented. Such coupling is preferably made by gluing. [0064] It should be noted that the tile 30, even though it is made of brittle materials, can have a relatively small thickness, without this entailing a risk of failure after a normal load has been applied on the walk-on surface 31. [0065] In fact, the sheet metal 20 glued to the tile 30 co-operates with the latter when the element 10 is generally subjected to a load and must typically work under flexural stress. Particularly, the sheet metal 20 works under tensile stress, since it is in the lower area of the resistant section. On the contrary, the brittle material of the tile 30 works under compression stress, since it is in the upper area of the resistant section. For this reason, each of the two materials works at the best of their potentialities. The result is a surprising load resistance of the element 10 in general, in accordance with the present invention.

[0066] At the same time, it should be also noted that the sheet metal 20 preferably has such a small thickness that it negligibly affects the total thickness of the flooring. The thickness of the sheet metal is preferably lower than 1 mm and still more preferably ranges between 0,4 and 0,6 mm.

[0067] In accordance with several possible embodiments, each element 10 in the flooring 1 according to the invention also comprises a base 40 for being rested on the subfloor 11.

10068] In accordance with an embodiment, the base 40 comprises a mat 41 made of elastic material (such as felt, cork, expanded polyurethane, rubber, PVC, or other polymeric and/or elastomeric materials) . In accordance with a possible embodiment, the mat 41 is made of a closed-cell or alveolar expanded material.

[0069] The mat 41 allows compensating the inevitable irregularities of the subfloor 11 and provides the flooring 1 with an even and uniform appearance .

[0070] In accordance with another embodiment, the base 40 comprises drawings 42 in the sheet metal 20 that are suitable to form ribs (such as along the diagonals and/or parallel to the sides of the sheet metal) .

[0071] The drawings 42 allow stiffening the sheet metal 20 and provide the flooring 1 with further rigidity.

[0072] In accordance with several embodiments (such as those in Fig. 1 to 7) , the projections 22 extend perpendicular to the plane it of the sheet metal 20. [0073] In accordance with other embodiments (such as those in Fig. 8 to 21) , the projections 22 extend in the plane it of the sheet metal 20 or in planes parallel thereto.

[0074] In accordance with several embodiments (such as those in Fig. 8 to 14) , the projections 22 have a shape suitable to fastening the respective elements 10 in the direction of side 21. In other words, when the sides 21 of two elements 10 are placed closed to each other, the projections 22 form a junction point 23 that, even in the absence of the key 24, prevents the relative movements of the two elements 10 in the direction parallel to the sides 21. In this case, when the key 24 is inserted therein, it prevents further relative movements perpendicular to the sides 21 and relative movements perpendicular to the plane ft. [0075] In accordance with several embodiments (such as those in Fig. 15 to 21) , the projections 22 have such a^' shape suitable to fastening the respective elements 10 in the plane π. In other words, when the sides 21 of two elements 10 are placed closed to each other, the projections 22 form a junction point 23 that, even in the absence of the key 24, prevents the relative movements of the two elements 10 in the directions parallel to the plane π. In this case, when the key 24 is inserted therein, it prevents the further relative movements perpendicular to the plane

TC.

[0076] Also in accordance with the embodiment in Fig. 26 to 32, the projections have such a shape suitable to fastening the respective elements 10 in the plane it. They are designed such that two pairs of projections 22 are required for fastening all the relative movements in the plane it. Furthermore, the individual key 24 comprises two notches 26 that are suitable to clamp two different junction points 23. [0077] In accordance with several embodiments (such as those depicted in Fig. 33 and 35) , four keys 24 are contained in an auxiliary cross 27. The cross 27 is suitable to be inserted in the meeting point of the vertexes of four elements 10 that are placed close to each other such as in Fig. 46 and 47. The auxiliary cross 27 facilitates holding the keys 24 in the proper position during the steps immediately preceding the insertion on the respective junction points 23.

[0078] In accordance with the embodiment in Fig. 33, the auxiliary cross 27 contains four keys 24 that are, when used, arranged in planes perpendicular to the plane it of the sheet metal 20. This type of cross is intended for use with elements 10 of the type comprising projections 22 extending in the plane it of the sheet metal 20 or in planes parallel thereto.

[0079] In accordance with other embodiments (such as that in Fig. 49 and 50) , the auxiliary cross 27 contains four keys 24 that are, when used, arranged in planes parallel to the plane it of the sheet metal 20. As can be seen in Fig. 51, this type of cross is intended for use with elements 10 of the type comprising projections 22 extending perpendicular to the plane t. of the sheet metal 20. [0080] In accordance with the embodiment in Fig. 38 to 42 and 46, the flooring 1 also comprises a square 58. In other words, the projections 22 and the tiles 30 of the elements 10 are arranged such that in the point in which four elements 10 meet with each other, an available space is formed in order to reach the junction points 23 and fit the respective keys 24 therein. Also in this case, four keys 24 can be grouped in an auxiliary cross 27. In accordance with this embodiment, the available space for the meeting of the four elements 10 can be subsequently filled with the square 58.

[0081] The square 58 can be self-locking, or preferably it can be fastened within the seat thereof by means of removable fastening means. [0082] In accordance with one of the possible embodiments of the flooring 1 comprising the square 58, the elements 10 are configured such that, after the laying has been carried out, the tiles 30 of two adjoining elements are substantially in contact with each other. [0083] In accordance with a possible embodiment, the flooring 1 according to the invention further comprises a seal 56 that is suitable to be arranged between two adjoining elements 10. [0084] The seal 56 can be preformed. See for example Fig. 36, 37 and 47, in which the seal 56 has the shape of a cross with four equal arms, having the length of half side of element 10. Or rather, see Fig. 48 in which the seal 56 has the shape of an "L" with two equal arms having the length of half side of element 10.

[0085] Alternatively, the seal 56 can consist of an elastomer bead that is applied in fluid form and allowed to cure in situ. [0086] The preformed seal 56 preferably comprises gripping means 57 that are suitable to hold the same in situ after it has been positioned. The gripping means 57 can for example comprise a tooth that can be snap-coupled within a suitable seat being formed on a key 24 and/or an auxiliary cross 27 (see for example Fig. 23, 25 and 36-37) .

[0087] The seal 56 has the technical effect of preventing the infiltration of foreign substances between the elements 10 of the flooring 1. At the same time, the seal 56 has the aesthetic effect of simulating the so-called gap of traditional flooring. [0088] A method for laying a flooring 1 according to the invention will be described below. [0089] The method for laying the dry-laying flooring 1 according to the invention comprises the steps of: [0090] - arranging a subfloor 11;

[0091] - arranging a first element 10' on the subfloor 11;

[0092] - arranging a second element 10" on the subfloor 11;

[0093] - placing one side 21" of the second element

10" close to a side 21' of the first element;

[0094] - checking that the projections 22' and 22" of the two elements 10' and 10", respectively, have formed a junction point 23; and

[0095] - fitting a key 24 on the junction point 23 by causing the same to slide in a direction comprised in the plane TC.

[0096] In accordance with a possible embodiment, the method comprises, prior to the step of placing a side 21" of the second element 10" close to a side 21' of the first element, the step of arranging an auxiliary cross 27 on the subfloor 11. This step is schematically represented in Fig. 51. [0097] In the embodiments in which the projections

22 extend horizontally, the key 24 is arranged, when used, in a substantially vertical plane, i.e. perpendicular to the plane it of the sheet metal 20.

This characteristic allows the key 24 to counteract as much as possible the stresses that tend to move the elements 10 away in directions perpendicular to the plane it. This characteristic is particularly- advantageous as the stresses perpendicular to the plane it are usually the greatest ones of those to which the flooring elements are subjected.

[0098] The characteristics of the flooring according to the invention, which are exemplified above with reference to different embodiments, can be freely recombined with each other in order to meet particular requirements.

[0099] To the preferred embodiments of the flooring as described above, those skilled in the art, aiming at satisfying contingent and specific needs, may carry out a number of modifications, adaptations and replacements of elements with others functionally equivalent, without however departing from the scope of the claims below.

*** * ***

Claims

1. A flooring (1) suitable to be dry-laid on a subfloor (11) , comprising at least two elements (10) , each of said elements (10) comprising: - a sheet metal (20) having a plurality of sides (21) and defining a middle plane it,

- a tile (30) made of walk-on material, which is coupled to the sheet metal (20) ,

- each side (21) of the sheet metal (20) comprising projections (22) that are suitable to be placed close to corresponding projections (22) of the other element (10) such as to form a junction point (23) ; said junction point being suitable for receiving a key (24) that can be slidingly fitted in a direction comprised in the plane it, such as to prevent relative movements between the two elements (10) of the flooring (1) .

2. The flooring (10) according to claim 1, wherein said tile is made of a material selected from the group consisting of ceramic, stoneware, clinker, natural stone, reconstituted stone, wood, glass, steel, synthetic material and fibre material.

3. The flooring (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said key (24) can be slidingly fitted on said junction point (23) in the direction of said side (21) .

4. The flooring (1) according to any preceding claim, wherein said key (24) comprises a plate (25) that is provided with a notch (26) .

5. The flooring (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein said notch (26) has a width ranging from a maximum value at the mouth to a minimum value.

6. The flooring (1) according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the minimum width of the notch (26) is such as to define an interference with the thickness of the junction point (23) that is formed by the projections (22) .

7. The flooring (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein said interference is about 5 hundreds of millimetre.

8. The flooring (1) according to any preceding claim, wherein the sheet metal (20) and the tile (30) are coupled to each other such as to prevent the relative movements parallel to plane π and the relative movements perpendicular to plane TC.

9. The flooring (1) according to any preceding claim wherein the sheet metal (20) and the tile (30) are coupled to each other by means of gluing.

10. The flooring (1) according to any preceding claim, wherein the thickness of said sheet metal is lower than 1 mm.

11. The flooring (1) according to any preceding claim, wherein the thickness of said sheet metal ranges between 0.4 mm and 0.6 mm.

12. The flooring (1) according to any preceding claim, wherein each of said elements (10) comprises a base (40) for being rested on said subfloor (11) .

13. The flooring (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein said base (40) comprises a mat (41) that is made of elastic material.

14. The flooring (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein said mat (41) is made of a material selected from the group consisting of felt, cork, expanded polyurethane, rubber, PVC, polymeric and/or elastomeric materials.

15. The flooring (1) according to claim 13, wherein said mat (41) is made of a closed-cell or alveolar expanded material.

16. The flooring (1) according to claim 12, wherein said base (40) comprises drawings (42) of the sheet metal (20) .

17. The flooring (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein said drawings (42) are suitable for forming ribs that are suitable for stiffening the sheet metal (20) .

18. The flooring (1) according to any preceding claim, wherein the projections (22) extend perpendicular to the plane it of the sheet metal (20)

19. The flooring (1) according to any preceding claim, wherein the projections (22) extend in the plane iτ of the sheet metal (20) or in planes parallel thereto.

20. The flooring (1) according to any preceding claim, wherein the projections (22) have a form suitable for fastening the respective elements (10) in the direction of said side (21) .

21. The flooring (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the key (24) , when fitted therein, prevents the relative movements of said elements (10) that are perpendicular to said side (21) and the relative movements that are perpendicular to the plane

22. The flooring (1) according to any preceding claim, wherein the projections (22) have a form suitable for fastening the respective elements (10) in the plane it.

23. The flooring (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the key (24) , when fitted therein, prevents the relative movements of said elements (10) that are perpendicular to the plane it.

24. The flooring (1) according to any preceding claim, wherein two pairs of projections (22) are required for preventing the relative movements of said elements (10) in the plane it.

25. The flooring (1) according to any preceding claim, wherein said key (24) comprises two notches

(26) that are suitable to clamp two different junction points (23) .

26. The flooring (1) according to any preceding claim, wherein a plurality of keys (24) is contained in an auxiliary cross (27) .

27. The flooring (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein said auxiliary cross (27) is suitable to be placed in the meeting point of the vertex of a plurality of elements (10) .

28. The flooring (1) according to claim 26, wherein said auxiliary cross (27) contains keys (24) which, when used, are arranged in planes perpendicular to the plane it of the sheet metal (20) .

29. The flooring (1) according to claim 26, wherein said auxiliary cross (27) contains keys (24) which, when used, are arranged in planes parallel to the plane it of the sheet metal (20) .

30. The flooring (1) according to any preceding claim, further comprising a square (58) .

31. The flooring (1) according to any preceding claim, wherein said elements (10) are configured such that, after the laying has been carried out, the tiles (30) of two adjoining elements (10) are substantially in contact with each other.

32. The flooring (1) according to claim 1 to 30, wherein said elements (10) are configured such that, after the laying has been carried out, the tiles (30) of two adjoining elements (10) are substantially separated from each other by a gap.

33. The flooring (1) according to any preceding claim, further comprising a seal (56) suitable to be arranged between two adjoining elements (10) .

34. The flooring (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein said seal (56) is preformed.

35. The flooring (1) according to claim 33, wherein said seal (56) is preformed in the shape of a cross with four equal arms, having the length of half side of said element (10) .

36. The flooring (1) according to claim 33, wherein said seal (56) is preformed in the shape of an L.

37. The flooring (1) according to claim 33, wherein said seal (56) consists of an elastomer bead that is applied in fluid form and allowed to cure in situ.

38. The flooring (1) according to any claim 33 to 37, wherein said seal (56) comprises gripping means (57) suitable to hold the same in situ after it has been positioned.

39. A method for dry-laying a flooring (1) in accordance with any preceding claim, comprising the steps of:

- arranging a first element (10') on the subfloor

(11) ;

- arranging a second element (10") on the subfloor

(11) ; - placing one side (21") of the second element (10") close to a side (21') of said first element (10');

- checking that the projections (22', 22") of the two elements (10', 10") have formed a junction point (23); and - fitting a key (24) on the junction point (23) by causing the same to slide in a direction comprised in the plane it.

40. The laying method according to the preceding claim, further comprising, prior to the step of placing a side (21") of the second element (10") close to a side (21') of the first element (10'), the step of arranging an auxiliary cross (27) on the subfloor (11) •

41. The laying method according to claim 39, further comprising the step of arranging an auxiliary cross (27) between said elements (10', 10").

42. The laying method according to claim 39, further comprising the step of placing a seal (56) between two adjoining elements (10) .

43. The laying method according to claim 39, further comprising the step of placing a square (58) .