WO2013098439A1

WO2013098439A1 - Removable covering carpet

Info

Publication number: WO2013098439A1
Application number: PCT/ES2012/000327
Authority: WO
Inventors: José JIMÉNEZ JIMÉNEZ; Milagros FERNÁNDEZ MOLINA; José Félix DÍAZ CARBAJO; Miguel Ángel FORTES RAMOS
Original assignee: Universidade De Malaga
Priority date: 2011-12-29
Filing date: 2012-12-27
Publication date: 2013-07-04
Also published as: ES2416831B2; ES2416831A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a removable carpet for covering surfaces, characterised by including a flexible sheet and decorative elements that can have different heights and shapes, attached to said flexible sheet by means of a mechanical means with a shape and distribution such as to enable the replacement of each decorative element as well as, optionally, the rotation or turning of said decorative elements with respect to the point or axis on which said elements are attached. The type of mechanical attachment means used as well as the absence of adhesives or cement, among others, make the carpet easy and convenient to place, remove and transport. Likewise, the carpet can have an integral format or a modular format.

Description

REMOVABLE COVERING COVER

The present invention is framed within the elements for construction and / or decoration.

STATE OF THE PREVIOUS TECHNIQUE

One of the most used construction systems on the roofs of buildings is the inverted flat roof. In it, a thermal insulator is placed on a waterproofing sheet. With this arrangement, the thermal changes to which the waterproofing sheet is subjected are attenuated, thereby increasing its useful life. As thermal insulator, extruded polystyrene (XPS) is usually used. Given the lightness of this material, in order to prevent the wind from removing the insulator, a weight element is usually placed on it.

In the case of non-covered roofs, a layer of gravel of 5 to 10 cm poured over a geotextile that is placed on the insulator is usually used. This arrangement of elements is the most used in this type of covers, although it presents a series of inconveniences in maintenance operations.

In these situations, when the waterproofing sheet has to be repaired, the system suffers from certain inconveniences such as the time necessary to remove the gravel layer, its subsequent relocation and especially the possibility that during the material removal operation, the Smaller fragments in the lower layers, even accessing the waterproofing sheet. If this occurs and the gravel is stepped on, the waterproofing sheet can be damaged and future humidity generated. On the other hand, in recent years the use of boulders in decoration of different landscaped surfaces has proliferated. For this, different spaces are covered with independent boulders with a more or less regular arrangement of the boulders in the likeness of traditional Mediterranean and oriental decorations.

In known patents of the prior art, the process for the manufacture of tiles or mosaic slabs based on boulders or pebbles has been described as in document ES 192211, which dates back to 1950.

Another arrangement of natural or even artificial boulders for flooring or cladding is described in ES2323607, and consists of placing on a suitable support, which can be a sturdy plastic mesh, of the boulder with an adhesive. In turn, this mesh is placed on the surface to be coated to which a mortar has previously been applied for adhesion. In addition, for some finishes a milky is applied, thus leaving the piece of boulders permanently attached to the surface, be it floor or wall. Similarly, patent US5846372 describes the production of flexible ornamental elements for the exterior of buildings consisting of a tapestry in which natural pebbles are individually fixed on a net by the action of heat on the fixing material.

Another possible way to fix the natural boulders or pebbles on the substrate is by placing bolts or screws in a corresponding hole drilled in the boulder, as described in patent CA2411550. In this patent a mosaic is formed by joining the pieces to an adhesive paper support on the surface opposite to the perforation from which the corresponding bolt or screw protrudes. For placement, a substantial amount of adhesive or mortar is applied on the substrate and by suitable pressure the protruding bolts or screws are embedded in said bed, even filling the gaps between the boulders. The invention CA2411550 has as an essential characteristic that the upper surface of the tapestry is flat, the upper part of all the boulders being at the same height with respect to the surface on which it is placed. Since the natural boulders have different heights, the internal fixing element of the boulders is embedded at different depths on the mortar bed to achieve this end.

In all patents of the state of the art, the purpose is to permanently cover a surface with boulders, limiting its removal when maintenance operations must be carried out on the surface on which said pavement is placed. In addition, the connection between the boulders and the support is fixed, being unable to modify the relative position of a boulder with respect to its adjacent ones.

EXPLANATION OF THE INVENTION

In the present invention, an easily removable cover covering suitable for placement on a surface to be coated is described. Said tapestry comprises a flexible sheet and decorative elements, which may differ in height and shape, fixed to said flexible sheet by mechanical means in form and distribution such that they allow the replacement of each decorative element and the tapestry is removable from the surface to be coated.

In one embodiment of the invention, rotation or rotation of the decorative elements with respect to the fixing point or axis is allowed. The decorative elements can be well boulders or other elements such as golf balls, billiard balls, children's game cubes ... depending on the aesthetic needs of the user in each application.

The covering tapestry of the invention is flexible and removable so that maintenance and modifications can be carried out in a convenient and fast manner on the surface on which it is placed. The tapestry of the present invention is especially suitable for being placed on surfaces that have a waterproof sheet so it has been designed so that it can be removed from its position without damaging the waterproof sheet and embodiments of the invention that incorporate a material are proposed. It protects the surface from possible damage caused by the mechanical fasteners that are used to fix the decorative elements.

The covering tapestry of the present invention comprises a flexible sheet on which a layer of decorative elements is placed. The union between the decorative elements and the flexible sheet is made by mechanical means.

As the union between the flexible sheet and each decorative element is mainly carried out through a single fixing point or fixing axis, it is possible to use mechanical fixing means that allow the orientation of each decorative element with respect to its adjacent ones to be modified by turning. This feature is especially useful when the decorative elements used have different geometries, such as when boulders are used. Thanks to the permitted rotation, each decorative element can be oriented according to the needs of each application.

The covering tapestry of the invention can be presented in different formats, distinguishing fundamentally between an integral format and a modular format. In the case of the integral format, the tapestry takes the form of a continuous processable structure (for example, cut-out) in order to adapt its geometry and limits to the geometry and extension of the surface to be coated. In the case of the modular format, the tapestry is constituted in modular structures that can be coupled together, which the user can combine according to the geometry and the extension of the surface to be coated. Modular structures, like the continuous structure that characterizes the integral format, can be processed (for example, cropped) depending on the geometry and the measurements of the surface to be coated.

In the case of inverted roofs, characterized in that they have a thermal insulator on the impermeable sheet to protect it, the covering tapestry of the invention is placed on said thermal insulating layer. In these cases where the covering of the invention is placed on an inverted cover, a geotextile can also be placed between the thermal insulator and the covering to avoid the risk of the mechanical means used to fix the decorative element the flexible sheet can, where appropriate, damage the elements placed under the tapestry.

Tapestries that are known in the state of the art cannot be removed from their position unless a work is done. These state-of-the-art tapestries have as their fundamental characteristic that they are attached to the surface that they cover well by adhesive or by cement. However, with the removable lining tapestry of the present invention it makes use of the tapestry's own weight to hold it in position. An essential feature of the present invention is that adhesives are not used to thus provide the tapestry with the versatility it has both because it can be disassembled, as well as by the ease of exchanging decorative elements or replacing them with different ones, or because, optionally , the decorative elements can be rotated to place each of them in the desired position.

To remove the tapestry, the modular structures that compose it can be lifted directly or, in the case of the integral format, the continuous structure can be removed by winding with the decorative elements oriented towards the inner face. Once the corresponding maintenance operation has been carried out, the boulder tapestry is replaced again, minimizing the possibility that foreign elements reach the waterproofing sheet.

In the case of using strips of the boulder tapestry as a decorative element of gardens, elements can be placed on the ground below the tapestry diverse as electrical conduits or irrigation pipes. As in the application described above, in its use as a decorative element of gardens, the placement of the decorative tapestry on the base substrate is by gravity, without permanent bonding unlike the tapestries known in the prior art. This facilitates the carrying out of maintenance or modification operations of said installations and is one of the keys of the invention since so far, tapestries of this type that are removable are not known in the state of the art.

In the case of using boulders, being a natural material, they have different shapes and sizes. Being fixed to the flexible sheet, this different height of the boulders makes the outer surface of the covering tapestry not homogeneous, giving a more natural appearance of the coated surface analogous to that of riverbed riverbeds or beaches where boulders are frequently found. This feature is another key of the invention that seeks to achieve a natural effect by helping with the use of decorative elements that in many cases have different sizes and shapes to achieve a non-homogeneous surface in which the height of the surface varies depending on The height of each decorative element. Throughout the description and the claims the word "comprises" and its variants are not intended to exclude other technical characteristics, additives, components or steps. For those skilled in the art, other objects, advantages and features of the invention will be derived partly from the description and partly from the practice of the invention. The following examples and drawings are provided by way of illustration, and are not intended to be limiting of the present invention. In addition, the present invention covers all possible combinations of particular and preferred embodiments indicated herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figure 1 shows a detail of the cross section of the removable cover tapestry with the different elements that compose them

Figure 2 shows a detail of the cross section of the tapestry when used with an inverted cover that includes a thermal insulator between the tapestry and the waterproofing sheet. Figure 3 shows an overhead view of a modular structure of rectangular geometry in which there are strips on two of its sides on which boulders have not been placed such that overlapping on said strips of contiguous modular structures is allowed.

Figure 4 shows a detail of the cross section of the overlap of two modular structures such as those shown in Figure 3.

References:

1: Flexible sheet; 2: Decorative elements, 3: Mechanical fixing; 4: Waterproof foil; 5: Thermal insulator; A: Height of some decorative elements with respect to the surface; A ': Height of other decorative elements with respect to the surface; 6: Surface; B: Height of a modular structure; C: Width of a modular structure, c: strip of the modular structure in height without decorative elements; b: strip of the modular structure in width without decorative elements

DETAILED EXHIBITION OF EMBODIMENTS The removable cover covering of the invention is designed to facilitate its placement and removal on surfaces (6) to be coated. It allows a quick removal to carry out maintenance operations on the surface or the elements that remain between the tapestry and the surface and a subsequent quick installation. Thus, the assembly and disassembly operations are simplified and the risk that small unwanted elements can reach the surface that is covered is minimized.

In addition, the tapestry of the invention simplifies the realization of possible aesthetic modifications since the decorative elements (2) that are placed on the surface of the tapestry are each attached in a timely manner to the flexible sheet (1), whereby You can change each decorative element (2) in a timely manner either to change the aesthetics of the tapestry or to repair decorative elements (2) that have been damaged.

In one embodiment of the invention, the tapestry comprises decorative elements (2) heavy enough to ensure that the tapestry maintains its position on the surface on which it is placed thanks to its own weight and without the need for adhesive elements. In another embodiment of the invention, the weight of the decorative elements is not sufficient for the tapestry to maintain its position on the coated surface, which makes assembly, disassembly and transport of the tapestry easier and more comfortable. In this embodiment, the position of the tapestry is fixed by means of accessory elements that can be placed thereon known in the state of the art, or through mechanical fixing means that can be installed on the surface to be coated, known in the state of the art, that allow reversible fixing of the tapestry on it. In this case, no adhesive elements are used.

These decorative elements (2) are attached to a flexible sheet (1) by mechanical elements (3). It is an essential feature of the present invention that the fixing of the decorative elements does not include adhesives or cements or in the union of the decorative elements (2) with the flexible sheet (1) or the tapestry itself with the surface (6). This feature is essential for the tapestry to be removable.

In a preferred embodiment, the mechanical fixing means (3) are selected from pins, screws and screws. In said preferred embodiment, each decorative element (2) comprises a hole in which the corresponding mechanical means (3) is introduced for fixing. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, a Fisher type plastic plug or threaded base is inserted into the hole to ensure the fixing of the mechanical fixing element (3) with respect to the decorative element (2).

In another preferred embodiment, the union between the decorative elements and the flexible sheet is carried out by mechanical means by tongue and groove. Also within this embodiment there are two possible options. In one embodiment, the tapestry comprises decorative elements each of which integrates a coupling projection into a corresponding recess in the flexible sheet so that the fixing is carried out by tongue and groove. In another embodiment, the flexible sheet comprises projections that fit into recesses that are in the decorative elements such that the fixing is carried out by tongue and groove. In another preferred embodiment of the invention, since the decorative elements (2) are fundamentally attached to the flexible sheet (1) by a single fixing point, said decorative elements can be rotated or rotated around said mechanical fixing means (3) to give each decorative element the desired orientation.

Figures 1 and 2 show details of the cross section of the tapestry of the invention in two embodiments. In figure 1 there is shown a tapestry in which the flexible sheet (1) is placed directly on the impermeable sheet (4) and in figure 2 an embodiment is shown in the flexible sheet (1) of the tapestry is placed on the thermal insulating layer (5) of the inverted cover. Both figure 1 and figure 2 show how the decorative elements (2) are at different heights (A, A ') with respect to the surface (6) on which the tapestry is placed. This allows to obtain a more natural aesthetic effect that is a consequence of all the decorative elements (2) having a hole of equal depth so that depending on the size of said decorative elements (2), these will be at different heights.

The tapestry, in the modular format, can be constituted by modular structures of square or rectangular geometry so that modular structures are placed adjacently until the surface is completely covered. In another embodiment, in integral format, the tapestry is constituted by a single continuous structure covering the entire surface to be coated. In any case, the flexible sheet material can be processed (for example, cut) until the necessary geometry is obtained in each application. The placement of the decorative elements must be done taking into account the way of removing the tapestry. In one embodiment of the invention, the decorative elements are a sufficient distance from each other to allow the tapestry to be rolled to remove it. In an embodiment of the invention in which the tapestry is presented in a modular format, the flexible sheet comprises a band free of decorative elements that allows the superposition of adjacent tapestries. In figure 3 the removable tapestry of the invention is shown in an embodiment in modular format, in the form of a rectangular modular structure with one side of one measure (B) and another side with another measure (C). The figure shows how two of the sides of the tapestry have no decorative elements

(2) along a strip in height (b) and along a strip in width (c). In figure 4 two adjacent modular structures of the tapestry of the invention are shown in their modular format positioned so that the part of the modular structure that is not covered with decorative elements (2), which are two lateral strips (b, c) , of the modular structure are covered with an adjacent modular structure. It can be seen in the figure how the position of the modular structures is maintained only by the weight of the structures themselves and no additional fasteners or adhesives or cements are used.

The flexible sheet material varies according to the needs of each application. Thus, the flexible sheet may be of an impermeable material selected from a rubber sheet, an EPDM sheet or a combination thereof. In another embodiment of the invention, the flexible sheet is semipermeable or permeable being a geotextile sheet, a plastic mesh, an artificial grass carpet or a combination of the above.

In one embodiment of the invention the tapestry comprises a geotextile sheet under the flexible sheet so that the geotextile layer is on the surface on which the tapestry is placed preventing said surface from coming into contact with the mechanical fasteners and damage In one embodiment this surface on which the tapestry is placed is the layer of an extruded polystyrene (XPS) thermal insulator of an inverted flat roof.

It is also the object of the present invention the use of the covering tapestry described above as a decoration element.

Claims

1. Removable cover tapestry to be placed on a surface to be coated comprising a flexible sheet and decorative elements that can differ in heights and shapes, and is characterized in that the decorative elements are fixed to said flexible sheet by mechanical means such that they allow the replacement of each decorative element independently, the tapestry being removable with respect to the surface to be coated.

2. Tapestry according to claim 1 wherein the decorative elements are fixed to the flexible sheet by mechanical means that allow the rotation or rotation of said decorative elements with respect to the fixing point or axis thereof.

3. Tapestry according to any one of claims 1 to 2 wherein the decorative elements are fixed to the flexible sheet at a sufficient distance from each other to allow the tapestry to be removed by rolling it up.

4. Tapestry according to any of claims 1 to 3 in which the union between the decorative elements and the flexible sheet is carried out by means of a screw, pin or bolt that is inserted into a hole made in the decorative elements.

5. Tapestry according to any of claims 1 to 3 wherein the union between the decorative elements and the flexible sheet is carried out by mechanical means by tongue and groove.

6. Tapestry according to any one of claims 1 to 5 wherein the flexible sheet is of an impermeable material selected from a rubber sheet, an EPDM sheet or a combination of the foregoing.

7. Tapestry according to any of claims 1 to 5 whose flexible sheet is a semipermeable material selected from a geotextile sheet, a plastic mesh, an artificial grass carpet or a combination of the above.

8. Tapestry according to any one of claims 1 to 7 comprising a layer of geotextile material under the flexible sheet so that the geotextile layer is on the surface on which the tapestry is placed preventing said surface from coming into contact with the means fixing mechanics and get damaged.

9. Tapestry according to any of claims 1 to 8 in which two of its sides have a free band of decorative elements that allows the superposition of adjacent tapestries.

10. Use of the tapestry of claims 1 to 9 as a decoration element.