Classifications

• • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
  • E04—BUILDING
  • E04F—FINISHING WORK ON BUILDINGS, e.g. STAIRS, FLOORS
  • E04F15/00—Flooring
  • E04F15/02—Flooring or floor layers composed of a number of similar elements
  • E04F15/04—Flooring or floor layers composed of a number of similar elements only of wood or with a top layer of wood, e.g. with wooden or metal connecting members
  • E04F15/041—Flooring or floor layers composed of a number of similar elements only of wood or with a top layer of wood, e.g. with wooden or metal connecting members with a top layer of wood in combination with a lower layer of other material
  • E04F15/042—Flooring or floor layers composed of a number of similar elements only of wood or with a top layer of wood, e.g. with wooden or metal connecting members with a top layer of wood in combination with a lower layer of other material the lower layer being of fibrous or chipped material, e.g. bonded with synthetic resins
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
  • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
  • B32B21/00—Layered products comprising a layer of wood, e.g. wood board, veneer, wood particle board
  • B32B21/14—Layered products comprising a layer of wood, e.g. wood board, veneer, wood particle board comprising wood board or veneer
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
  • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
  • B32B9/00—Layered products comprising a layer of a particular substance not covered by groups B32B11/00 - B32B29/00
  • B32B9/002—Layered products comprising a layer of a particular substance not covered by groups B32B11/00 - B32B29/00 comprising natural stone or artificial stone
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
  • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
  • B32B9/00—Layered products comprising a layer of a particular substance not covered by groups B32B11/00 - B32B29/00
  • B32B9/04—Layered products comprising a layer of a particular substance not covered by groups B32B11/00 - B32B29/00 comprising such particular substance as the main or only constituent of a layer, which is next to another layer of the same or of a different material
  • B32B9/042—Layered products comprising a layer of a particular substance not covered by groups B32B11/00 - B32B29/00 comprising such particular substance as the main or only constituent of a layer, which is next to another layer of the same or of a different material of wood
• • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
  • C04—CEMENTS; CONCRETE; ARTIFICIAL STONE; CERAMICS; REFRACTORIES
  • C04B—LIME, MAGNESIA; SLAG; CEMENTS; COMPOSITIONS THEREOF, e.g. MORTARS, CONCRETE OR LIKE BUILDING MATERIALS; ARTIFICIAL STONE; CERAMICS; REFRACTORIES; TREATMENT OF NATURAL STONE
  • C04B28/00—Compositions of mortars, concrete or artificial stone, containing inorganic binders or the reaction product of an inorganic and an organic binder, e.g. polycarboxylate cements
  • C04B28/30—Compositions of mortars, concrete or artificial stone, containing inorganic binders or the reaction product of an inorganic and an organic binder, e.g. polycarboxylate cements containing magnesium cements or similar cements
  • C04B28/32—Magnesium oxychloride cements, e.g. Sorel cement
• • 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
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
  • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
  • B32B17/00—Layered products essentially comprising sheet glass, or glass, slag, or like fibres
  • B32B17/06—Layered products essentially comprising sheet glass, or glass, slag, or like fibres comprising glass as the main or only constituent of a layer, next to another layer of a specific material
  • B32B17/062—Layered products essentially comprising sheet glass, or glass, slag, or like fibres comprising glass as the main or only constituent of a layer, next to another layer of a specific material of wood
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
  • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
  • B32B21/00—Layered products comprising a layer of wood, e.g. wood board, veneer, wood particle board
  • B32B21/04—Layered products comprising a layer of wood, e.g. wood board, veneer, wood particle board comprising wood as the main or only constituent of a layer, which is next to another layer of the same or of a different material
  • B32B21/042—Layered products comprising a layer of wood, e.g. wood board, veneer, wood particle board comprising wood as the main or only constituent of a layer, which is next to another layer of the same or of a different material of wood
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
  • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
  • B32B2262/00—Composition or structural features of fibres which form a fibrous or filamentary layer or are present as additives
  • B32B2262/10—Inorganic fibres
  • B32B2262/101—Glass fibres
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
  • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
  • B32B2471/00—Floor coverings
• • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
  • C04—CEMENTS; CONCRETE; ARTIFICIAL STONE; CERAMICS; REFRACTORIES
  • C04B—LIME, MAGNESIA; SLAG; CEMENTS; COMPOSITIONS THEREOF, e.g. MORTARS, CONCRETE OR LIKE BUILDING MATERIALS; ARTIFICIAL STONE; CERAMICS; REFRACTORIES; TREATMENT OF NATURAL STONE
  • C04B2111/00—Mortars, concrete or artificial stone or mixtures to prepare them, characterised by specific function, property or use
  • C04B2111/00474—Uses not provided for elsewhere in C04B2111/00
  • C04B2111/00612—Uses not provided for elsewhere in C04B2111/00 as one or more layers of a layered structure
• • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
  • C04—CEMENTS; CONCRETE; ARTIFICIAL STONE; CERAMICS; REFRACTORIES
  • C04B—LIME, MAGNESIA; SLAG; CEMENTS; COMPOSITIONS THEREOF, e.g. MORTARS, CONCRETE OR LIKE BUILDING MATERIALS; ARTIFICIAL STONE; CERAMICS; REFRACTORIES; TREATMENT OF NATURAL STONE
  • C04B2111/00—Mortars, concrete or artificial stone or mixtures to prepare them, characterised by specific function, property or use
  • C04B2111/60—Flooring materials
• • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
  • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
  • Y02W—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO WASTEWATER TREATMENT OR WASTE MANAGEMENT
  • Y02W30/00—Technologies for solid waste management
  • Y02W30/50—Reuse, recycling or recovery technologies
  • Y02W30/91—Use of waste materials as fillers for mortars or concrete
• • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
  • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
  • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
  • Y10T428/00—Stock material or miscellaneous articles
  • Y10T428/24—Structurally defined web or sheet [e.g., overall dimension, etc.]
  • Y10T428/24479—Structurally defined web or sheet [e.g., overall dimension, etc.] including variation in thickness
  • Y10T428/24488—Differential nonuniformity at margin
• • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
  • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
  • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
  • Y10T428/00—Stock material or miscellaneous articles
  • Y10T428/24—Structurally defined web or sheet [e.g., overall dimension, etc.]
  • Y10T428/24942—Structurally defined web or sheet [e.g., overall dimension, etc.] including components having same physical characteristic in differing degree
  • Y10T428/2495—Thickness [relative or absolute]
  • Y10T428/24967—Absolute thicknesses specified
• • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
  • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
  • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
  • Y10T442/00—Fabric [woven, knitted, or nonwoven textile or cloth, etc.]
  • Y10T442/10—Scrim [e.g., open net or mesh, gauze, loose or open weave or knit, etc.]
  • Y10T442/102—Woven scrim
  • Y10T442/153—Including an additional scrim layer
• • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
  • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
  • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
  • Y10T442/00—Fabric [woven, knitted, or nonwoven textile or cloth, etc.]
  • Y10T442/10—Scrim [e.g., open net or mesh, gauze, loose or open weave or knit, etc.]
  • Y10T442/102—Woven scrim
  • Y10T442/172—Coated or impregnated
  • Y10T442/174—Including particulate material other than fiber in coating or impregnation

Definitions

• the present invention relates to engineered flooring for residential or commercial use, and in particular to a stone - wood composite based engineered flooring wherein the wood veneer layer is resistant to moisture, water and fire.
• Natural hardwood floorings during installation are adhered directly to the floor (typically a concrete slab) by one of a variety of conventional processes.
• a concrete slab which itself is made from water, takes approximately 18 months for the moisture to evaporate prior to laying the flooring.
• a concrete slab with soil below always tends to absorb moisture from higher concentration (e.g., higher moisture content in the soil), to lower concentration (e.g., lower moister content in the wood floor or atmosphere in the space where the flooring is being installed).
• liquid and dampness defuse into natural wood floorings easily, which may result in a change in the internal structure of the natural wood flooring. For example, moisture from the ground or soil when absorbed by the natural wood flooring typically produces a warping such as swelling or "cupping.” Consequently, warping of the natural wood flooring damages the flooring structure and overall appearance.
• the present invention is directed to an engineered wood flooring that reduces or minimizes or eliminates the aforementioned disadvantageous associated with conventional hardwood floorings.
• One aspect of the present invention is directed to an engineered wood flooring that may be installed on any floor level, including ground floor and subground floor (basement).
• Yet another aspect of the present invention is directed to an engineered wood flooring that is environmentally friendly by minimizing the amount of natural resources utilized when compared to hardwood flooring.
• the present invention provides a stone-wood composite base that substantially retains the moisture, wetness and heat within the stone- wood composite base away from the wood veneer layer. As a result any undesirable effects on the wood veneer layer due to moisture, wetness and/or heat are minimized. Due to the moisture, wetness and heat retaining properties of the stone-wood composite base, the present inventive engineered wood flooring is particularly well suited for rooms exposed to relatively high heat, wetness, humidity and/or moisture such as bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms, mud rooms, greenhouses, sunrooms, etc.
• Another aspect of the present inventive stone-wood composite base of the engineered wood flooring is its enhanced sound barrier characteristics in comparison to conventional hardwood flooring.
• the present inventive engineered wood flooring does not require any acclimation time, thereby expediting the installation process.
• Yet another desirable aspect of the present engineered wood flooring during concrete application is elimination of the need, cost and time for installation of a subflooring such as a plywood subfloor. Doing away with the subflooring not only saves times while reducing the overall cost, but also eliminates such complications as elevation differentials between adjacent rooms and areas such as hallways.
• Still another desirable aspect of the present inventive engineered wood flooring is that it may be installed using conventional wood cutting tools.
• One more aspect of the present inventive engineered wood flooring is the ability to manufacture each piece or plank with a tongue- and-groove configuration on preferably at least its two opposite longitudinal sides, most preferably on all exterior edges or sides.
• Another aspect of the present inventive engineered wood flooring is the reduced thickness requirements of the natural wood veneer layer without impacting on its aesthetic appearance.
• the minimum thickness of the veneer wood layer in accordance with the present invention ranges between approximately 2 mm to approximately 6 mm, whereas the minimum thickness of conventional hardwood flooring is 3 ⁇ 4 inch or greater. Thus, less trees are required for the same square footage.
• An embodiment of the present invention is directed to an engineered wood flooring having a stone-wood composite base in which at least one mesh layer is embedded therein. Adhered to the base layer is a wood veneer layer. Interlocking design such as tongue-and-groove is provided on at least two sides of the engineered flooring.
• the stone-wood composite base has moisture, wetness and heat retaining properties that along with an adhesive layer at the interface between the base and wood veneer layer substantially isolate the wood veneer layer from moisture, wetness and heat. Accordingly, when the pieces of flooring are bonded to either one another or to the floor, undesired warping of joints due to exposure to moisture, wetness and/or heat is consequently minimized.
• Another particular embodiment of the present invention is directed to an engineered wood flooring including a base layer comprising a stone-wood composite including MgO, MgCI 2 , wood powder, Fe 2 0 3 , H 3 PO 4 , FeS0 4 . Embedded within the base layer is three fiberglass mesh layers. A wood veneer layer is adhered to the base layer.
• Figure 1 is a partial cross-sectional view of the various layers of the engineered wood flooring in accordance with the present invention.
• Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of multiple pieces of the engineered wood flooring in accordance with the present invention illustrating an example complementary tongue-and-groove configuration.
• FIG. 1 A partial cross-sectional view of the engineered wood flooring 100 in accordance with the present invention is depicted in Figure 1.
• Flooring 100 has a base layer 110 that is a stone-wood composite.
• the stone-wood composite comprises: MgO; wood particles (e.g., shavings, pulp or powder); MgCI 2 ; Fe 2 0 3 ; H 3 P0 4 ; FeS0 4 .
• Base layer 110 absorbs moisture, wetness and/or heat from its environment which is then retained in air pockets formed throughout the base layer. Despite the moisture and wetness retention properties of the base layer its stone crystal composition will never become moldy or acquire a mildew odor.
• the base layer releases/absorbs the moisture, wetness and/or heat into/from the surrounding environment.
• a top wood veneer layer 130 remains substantially unaffected by the moisture, wetness and/or heat since an adhesive layer 140 applied at the interface of the base layer and wood veneer layer acts as an isolator. Therefore, in contrast to conventional hardwood flooring that is made of wood fiber and thus absorbs moisture that can disadvantageously cause the wood to crack or shrink, the stone- wood composite base layer of the present inventive engineered wood flooring absorbs moisture, wetness and/or heat and while remaining substantially isolated from the top wood veneer layer 130 by the adhesive interface 140. [0023] In keeping with the eco-friendly slant of the present invention recycled wood particles are preferred in the base layer 110.
• the wood particles make the flooring lighter, softer and more flexible. Plastic particles may be used instead of or in addition to wood particles.
• Embedded in the stone-wood composite base layer 110 is at least one mesh layer 120, preferably made of fiberglass, that during manufacture is immersed in the stone-wood composite base layer while it is still wet. Other mesh materials that would be unaffected when exposed to moisture or wetness may be utilized.
• the mesh layer 120 extends all the way to the edges of the flooring.
• three mesh layers are depicted: a first mesh layer proximate, but not flush with the bottom surface of the base layer; a second mesh layer substantially centered in the middle of the base layer; and a third mesh layer proximate, but not flush with the top surface of the base layer.
• the number of mesh layers and their placement within the base layer may be modified, as desired. Varying the number and depth of the mesh layers appropriately will alter the strength and support provided.
• Mesh layer 120 has holes defined or formed therein through which the stone-wood composite flows though creating a semi-solid core though and though.
• mesh 120 is a simple weave forming holes that are substantially square in shape.
• Other shape or geometrically configured holes are contemplated and within the intended scope of the present invention.
• the dimensions are preferably approximately 3/16 inch X approximately 3/16 inch. Other dimensions may be used, as desired, keeping in mind two competing factors.
• the size of the holes must be sufficiently large enough to allow the stone-wood composite to pass therethrough.
• the size of the holes must be small enough to provide sufficient strength and support to the base layer.
• the engineered wood flooring has three mesh layers 120 such as that depicted in Figure 1 with the following preferred dimensions: overall thickness T4 of the flooring is approximately 20 mm; thickness T3 of the top wood veneer layer 110 is approximately 2 mm; thickness T2 of the base layer is approximately 18 mm; and thickness T1 of each of the mesh layers is preferably approximately 0.9 mm.
• wood veneer layer 130 is mounted, bonded or adhered to an upper surface of the base layer 110 by an adhesive layer 140.
• the adhesive layer 140 is a neoprene base adhesive and the adhered veneers are pressed at room temperature for a predetermined period of time (e.g., approximately 24 hours).
• the adhesive layer 140 is a moisture cured urethane based adhesive, and the adhered veneers are pressed at room temperature for a predetermined time (e.g. approximately 2 hours).
• an adhesive with minimal, if any, VOCs is preferred.
• the adhesive selected preferably does not contain either water or solvents that could possibly damage the top wood veneer layer.
• Wood veneer layer 130 has a thickness in a range between approximately 2mm to approximately 6mm. This range of thickness is considerably less than the 3 ⁇ 4 inch thick required of conventional hardwood flooring having a plywood base thereby minimizing the number of trees needed.
• a complementary interlocking edge is provided in abutting pieces of flooring.
• a tongue or bump 210 projects from one side of the base layer 110 of the engineered flooring. As depicted in Figure 2 the tongue and groove do not extend into the wood veneer layer 130.
• a complementary shaped groove 220 is defined in the opposite side of the base layer 110 of the engineered flooring so that the bump 210 of one piece of engineered wood flooring in accordance with the present invention may be received in the complementary shaped groove 220 of another piece of similar flooring.
• the bump 210 and complementary groove 220 are arranged on at least two parallel sides of the piece of engineered wood flooring, most preferably on all sides to ensure that the flooring remains substantially flat when installed.
• the engineered wood flooring may be "floated" over the floor to be covered by bonding the pieces to one another.
• complementary tongue and grooves of abutting pieces of flooring are preferably bonded together with an adhesive at the tongue and groove interfaces.
• Conventional tongue-and-groove adhesives may be used.
• the engineered wood flooring may be floated over existing flooring (e.g., laminate sheets, vinyl tile, ceramic tile, low pile carpeting).
• the engineered wood flooring may be adhered directly to the floor to be covered using an adhesive such as urethane or polymer based adhesive.
• the wood veneer layer 130 of the present inventive engineered wood flooring has enhanced moisture resistant, water resistant and fire resistant properties compared to conventional hardwood flooring. Moisture and fire resistant testing was conducted on the present inventive flooring with the following results.
• the test method conducted on the present inventive engineered wood flooring was the ASTM D3459 Cycled Environments on Wood.
• the submitted sample was examined stereoscopically with the appearance digitally recorded.
• the specimen was then allowed to acclimate in laboratory conditions at 70°F and 50% relative humidity for 48 hours and subsequently measured.
• the original length and width measurements were recorded.
• the specimen was placed in 95% humidity at 100°F for 48 hours, the sample was removed and immediately re-gauged.
• the specimen was then exposed to 0% humidity and 120°F for 48 hours, the sample was removed and immediately re-gauged.
• This cycle was conducted on one sample with measurements made at each condition.
• the appearance of the wood layer and wear layer was examined and compared against the original condition. All stages are reported below.
• the base layer is manufactured in a mold by adding water to the stone-wood composite powder and then mixed completely until substantially uniform.
• the preferred percentage of each component in the stone-wood composite is as follows:
• MgO approximately 40% - approximately 50%, preferably approximately 45%
• MgCI 2 approximately 20 - approximately 45, preferably approximately 42%
• Fiber glass mesh approximately 2.5%
• each mesh layer is then embedded into the mixture.
• the location and positioning of each mesh layer may be modified, as desired, but preferably a first mesh layer is embedded proximate, but not flush with, the bottom surface; a second layer is embedded substantially centered in the middle of the base layer; and a third layer is embedded proximate, but not flush with, the top surface.
• the water is then drained and the mixture is allowed to set up for a predetermined period of time, preferably approximately 24 hours, while remaining in the mold.
• the board is then removed from the mold and again allowed to dry for at least approximately 30 days in air.
• the dried boards may then be cut to size. Top and bottom surfaces of the cut board are then sanded flat until achieving a substantially uniform thickness of approximately 13mm.
• Veneers are measured or rated by the Janka hardness scale and a preferred key hardness number is approximately 1000. Those woods with a Janka harness rating above 000 use a dry steam process to remove nearly all the moisture form the wood. Too much moisture in the veneer prior to pressing or gluing to the board may result in cracking or wood veneer failure. Extensive veneer moisture control is preferred with the base layer for proper production of the engineered wood flooring.
• the steps taken in preparing the wood veneer layer depends on the Janka rating. Veneers with a Janka rating over 1000 will be discussed first. With those veneers having a standard dry kiln moisture content of approximately 10% to approximately 13%, the moisture is removed by a dry steam process. Each wood differs as far as time in this steam oven but the purpose of this dry steam process is to reduce the moisture content to a range between approximately 3% to approximately 5%. Usually, the wood is subjected to the dry steam for approximately 10 days to approximately 14 days. The dried veneers are then wrapped in plastic and remain stored in a dehumidification dry room.
• the veneer is adhered to the base layer and pressed at room temperature for predetermined period of time.
• the veneer is adhered to the base layer using a neoprene adhesive and pressed at room temperature for 24 hours.
• the veneer is adhered to the base layer using a moisture cured urethane adhesive and pressed at room temperature for 2 hours. Once the veneers are pressed the process is exactly the same.
• Pressed boards warp or bend in the long direction due to such factors as dryness in veneer and the board pulling on the base layer.
• the pressed boards are returned to the drying room for approximately 4 days to allow the moisture to substantially equalize from base to veneer and/or until the boards become substantially flat naturally.
• the surfaces of the board are substantially uniformly sanded.
• the boards are cut to form the complementary tongue-and-groove.
• the boards are once again returned to the dehumidification room for approximately 24 hours and then removed for final sanding and finish. At this point in time the finished boards may be packaged and shipped ready to be installed.
• the floor to which the flooring is to cover should be clean, dry, substantially smooth and substantially flat.
• the engineered wood flooring in accordance with the present invention does not need to be acclimated to the environment.
• Adhesive is applied with a tool or instrument that has been recommended by its manufacturer to an exposed surface of the floor to be covered with the engineered wood flooring.
• the adhesive is applied using a conventional notch trowel.
• Each piece of engineered wood flooring is lay out over the applied adhesive while firmly pushing the interlocked tongue- and-grooves together in a preferably random pattern, most preferably the short joints are disposed no closer than approximately 6 inches apart from one another.
• the pieces of engineered wood flooring are cut to size using conventional cutting tools (e.g., chop saw, table saw) and conventional cutting blades.
• conventional cutting tools e.g., chop saw, table saw
• the adhesive is applied on the exposed surface of the tongue and groove, rather than the floor to be covered.

Landscapes

• Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
• Architecture (AREA)
• Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
• Wood Science & Technology (AREA)
• Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
• Structural Engineering (AREA)
• Ceramic Engineering (AREA)
• Civil Engineering (AREA)
• Materials Engineering (AREA)
• Organic Chemistry (AREA)
• Inorganic Chemistry (AREA)
• Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
• Floor Finish (AREA)

Priority Applications (9)

Applications Claiming Priority (4)

Publications (2)

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Family Applications (1)

Country Status (10)

Cited By (27)

Families Citing this family (10)

Family Cites Families (59)

• 2010
  • 2010-11-19 AU AU2010246330A patent/AU2010246330A1/en not_active Abandoned
• 2011
  • 2011-10-31 CN CN201180063426.6A patent/CN103429421B/zh not_active Expired - Fee Related
  • 2011-10-31 JP JP2013536909A patent/JP6021188B2/ja not_active Expired - Fee Related
  • 2011-10-31 SG SG2013033246A patent/SG190077A1/en unknown
  • 2011-10-31 AU AU2011323627A patent/AU2011323627B2/en not_active Ceased
  • 2011-10-31 WO PCT/US2011/058611 patent/WO2012061300A2/en not_active Ceased
  • 2011-10-31 EP EP11838625.9A patent/EP2635434A4/en not_active Withdrawn
  • 2011-10-31 MX MX2013004902A patent/MX2013004902A/es not_active Application Discontinuation
  • 2011-10-31 BR BR112013010651A patent/BR112013010651A2/pt not_active IP Right Cessation
  • 2011-10-31 CA CA2816572A patent/CA2816572C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
  • 2011-10-31 US US13/882,934 patent/US9453349B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related

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