WO2013156626A1

WO2013156626A1 - Floor covering module and associated modular floor covering assembly

Info

Publication number: WO2013156626A1
Application number: PCT/EP2013/058230
Authority: WO
Inventors: Frédéric Bernat; Frédéric Bien
Original assignee: F.G.I. Sas
Priority date: 2012-04-20
Filing date: 2013-04-19
Publication date: 2013-10-24

Abstract

The invention concerns a floor covering module (1) comprising: - a support element (2) intended to be placed on the floor, and - a finishing element (3) comprising a facing side (29) intended to be exposed, a back side (30), opposite the facing side and intended to be in contact with the support element (2), and side faces (31 and 32) extending transversely to the facing side and the back side, in which the support element (2) comprises attachment elements (13) capable of engaging with the side faces (31 and 32) of the finishing element (3) to attach the finishing element (3) to the support element (2).

Description

SOIL COATING MODULE AND MODULAR SOIL COATING ASSEMBLY

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a flooring module and a modular assembly of associated flooring.

STATE OF THE ART

Floor covering systems formed from modular assemblies are known. These modular assemblies generally comprise a plurality of modules adapted to be placed on the ground and assembled together.

Each module generally comprises a plastic support element and finishing elements, such as for example wood slats, fixed on the support element by screwing. The support member includes attachment means for assembling the module with an adjacent module.

FR 2 955 601 describes for example a modular structure for supporting a floor covering comprising a plurality of unit modules assembled together by a system of tenons and mortises.

These modular structures have the advantage of being able to be installed easily on a tiled or concrete floor, without any specific tool, without requiring the prior installation of joists or specific supports.

These modular structures allow the creation of floor coverings combining different finishing elements.

A disadvantage, however, of these structures is that the finishing elements are fixed to the support element by means of screws, which requires the use of tools and increases the mounting time of the module.

During assembly, it is difficult to obtain precise positioning of the finishing elements with respect to the support element. In the event of a change in temperature or humidity, a difference in expansion may occur between the support member and finishing elements, which may cause deformation of the module.

Furthermore, in the case of modules comprising natural wood finishing elements, the finishing elements must have a sufficient thickness, typically greater than or equal to 14 millimeters, in order to be sufficiently resistant. This leads to a reduction in the thickness of the support so as not to modify the total thickness of the module, and to maintain the compatibility of the module with other modules.

At the same time, natural wood finishing elements must be protected from the soil moisture.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An object of the invention is to provide a flooring module that can be mounted easily and allowing the use of finishing elements of significant thickness.

This problem is solved in the context of the present invention by means of a flooring module comprising:

a support element intended to be placed on the ground, and

a finishing element comprising a facing face intended to be apparent, a counterface face opposite to the facing face and intended to be in contact with the support element, and lateral faces extending transversely to the faces of the facing element; siding and backing, wherein the support member comprises fastening members comprising resilient tabs, engageable with the side faces of the finishing member for securing the finishing member to the fastener element; support, and

wherein the support member comprises a rib and the finishing member comprises a groove on the back face and adapted to receive the rib for positioning the finishing member with respect to the support member.

As the fasteners engage with the side faces of the finishing member, i.e. the faces extending into the thickness of the finishing element, it is possible to design a module in which the finishing elements have a large thickness.

Furthermore, the rib of the support member maintains the positioning of the finishing element on the support member while the elastic tabs allow expansion of the finishing element. Thus, when several finishing elements are next to each other, the finishing elements retain their position relative to each other while still being able to expand.

The module may furthermore have the following features: the finishing element comprises recesses formed in the lateral faces and the attachment members comprise protuberances adapted to be received in the recesses,

the recesses are grooves formed in the lateral faces of the finishing element,

the grooves extend in a longitudinal direction of the finishing element,

each fastening member comprises a stiffening rib,

the support member comprises a support wall having a planar upper surface intended to be in contact with the counterface of the finishing element, and each elastic tab is slightly inclined with respect to a direction perpendicular to the plane of the area,

the support member comprises a plate having a planar upper surface for supporting the finishing element, the plate comprising a network of channels formed in the flat upper surface for discharging water which would be introduced between the element of support and the finishing element,

the channel network comprises a channel extending parallel to a longitudinal direction of the finishing element,

the channel network comprises a series of channels extending parallel to a transverse direction of the finishing element,

the channels have a depth which is increasing so as to evacuate the water towards the edges of the plate, the tray includes openings for allowing the flow of water through the support member, and the channels open into the openings to guide the water to the openings,

the plateau comprises two networks of channels extending on either side of the rib,

- the finishing element is made of wood,

the finishing element comprises a blade of wood,

the support element is formed in a single piece of material. The invention further relates to a modular set of flooring, comprising a plurality of modules as defined above, the modules being adapted to be interconnected to form a floor covering.

PRESENTATION OF THE DRAWINGS

Other features and advantages will emerge from the description which follows, which is purely illustrative and nonlimiting, and should be read in conjunction with the appended figures, among which:

FIG. 1 schematically shows in perspective a floor covering module according to one embodiment of the invention,

FIG. 2 schematically represents, in perspective, a view from below of the flooring module,

FIG. 3 schematically represents, in perspective, a view from above of the support element,

FIGS. 4A to 4D schematically represent, respectively, a top view of the support member, a cross-sectional view of the support member, a side view of the support member and a view of sectional detail of the support element,

FIG. 5 is a diagrammatic perspective view of a bottom view of the support element,

FIGS. 6A to 6C schematically represent, respectively, a bottom view of the support element, a view of detail of the underside of the support member, and a detail sectional view of the support member,

- Figures 7 and 8 are detailed views, in partial section and in perspective of the module.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF AN EMBODIMENT

In FIG. 1, the flooring module 1 comprises a support element 2 and a plurality of finishing elements 3 fixed on the support element 2.

The support element 2 is intended to be placed on a flat floor, for example tiled or concrete. The support member 2 is formed in one piece by injection molding of a plastics material.

In the example illustrated in FIG. 1, the module 1 comprises four finishing elements 3. Each finishing element 3 consists of a blade of natural wood. The blades 3 are fixed on the support member 2 being arranged side by side parallel to each other.

As illustrated in Figures 3 and 4A to 4D, the support member 2 has a generally square shape.

The support element 2 mainly comprises a plate 4 intended to receive the finishing elements and a frame 5 extending around the plate 4.

The plate 4 comprises solid areas (that is to say devoid of apertures, with the possible exception of orifices intended to receive fastening screws) and perforated zones (i.e., zones having openings), the solid zones and the perforated zones being arranged alternately.

In each solid zone, the plate 4 comprises a support wall 6, each support wall 6 having a planar top surface 7 intended to be in contact with a rear face (or counterface) of a finishing element, over any the width of the finishing element, when the finishing element is fixed on the support element. The surfaces 7 are coplanar. The plate 4 comprises as many walls 6 of support only finishing elements: in the example shown in Figure 3, the plate 4 comprises four walls 6.

The upper surface 7 of each support wall 6 has an elongate shape and dimensions substantially identical to those of a finishing element. The support walls 6 thus make it possible to isolate the finishing element from the ground in order to protect the finishing element from moisture.

Each support wall 6 comprises a central rib 8 extending in a longitudinal direction of the wall 6 and projecting from the flat upper surface 7. Each rib 8 forms a rail for guiding and positioning the finishing element relative to to the support element when mounting the module.

Each support wall 6 also comprises a set of channels 9 for the evacuation of rainwater. More specifically, each support wall 6 comprises two networks of channels 9, the networks being arranged on either side of the central rib 8, symmetrically with respect to the central rib 8.

The channels 9 are constituted by grooves formed on the flat upper surface of the support wall 6.

Each channel network 9 comprises a longitudinal channel 10 extending parallel to the central rib 8, and a plurality of transverse channels 1 1 extending perpendicularly to the central rib 8, cutting the longitudinal channel 10. The transverse channels 1 1 have a depth that increases as the channel deviates from the central rib 8 so as to evacuate the water towards the edges of the support wall 6 and prevent water from stagnating between the wall and the finishing element.

In the perforated zones, the plate 4 comprises openings 12 passing through the plate to allow water to flow through the support element 2. More specifically, the plate 4 comprises rows of openings, each row being extending between two support walls. Each transverse channel 1 1 opens into an opening 12 so as to guide the water to the opening. Furthermore, the support element 2 also comprises fastening members 13 arranged on either side of each support wall 6 for fixing the finishing elements on the support element 2. The fastening elements 13 are arranged in pairs, along the longitudinal edges of the walls 6. The fastening members 13 of the same pair face each other, and are arranged symmetrically with respect to the central rib 8 to be able to engage with side walls of a finishing element.

FIG. 4D is a more precise representation of the shape of the attachment members 13.

Each fastening member 13 comprises an elastic tab 14 projecting from the upper surface 7 of a support wall 6 and a tooth 15 formed at a free end of the elastic tab 14. Each attachment member 13 comprises also a stiffening rib 16.

The tooth 15 is able to engage in a groove in a side wall of the finishing element to fix the finishing element to the support member.

Each elastic tab 14 is slightly inclined relative to a direction perpendicular to the plane of the surface 7 which receives the finishing element. More specifically, the elastic tab 14 is inclined towards the finishing element so as to counter the lateral forces that can be exerted on the tab by the finishing element. In addition, the stiffening rib 16 is arranged on the side of the tab 14 opposite the side that supports the tooth 15 so as to further strengthen the elastic tab 14.

The frame 5 of the support member 2 comprises four peripheral walls 17 to 20 defining the plate 4, along each side of the tray. Each peripheral wall 17 to 20 comprises a series of connection members for connecting the module 1 to an identical adjacent module in order to assemble the modules together to form a floor covering. The series of connecting members comprises an alternation of tenons 21 and mortises 22. The tenons 21 are adapted to be inserted into the mortises 22 by interlocking in a vertical direction. The three peripheral walls 17 to 19 comprise tenons 21 projecting beyond the flat upper surface 7 of the support walls 6. On the other hand, the peripheral wall 20 which extends transversely to the direction of the ribs 8 comprises studs 21 which are flush with the flat upper surface 7.

This makes it possible to assemble each finishing element 3 on the support element 2 by simply sliding the finishing element 3 along a guide rib 8. The finishing element 3 is simply introduced on the side of the 20 and is pushed along a guide rib 8 until the finishing element 3 abuts against the tenons 21 of the opposite peripheral wall 18.

As illustrated in FIGS. 2, 5 and 6A to 6C, the support element 2 comprises a set of ribs 23 and 24 formed on the plate 4, on the side of the plate 4 intended to be turned towards the ground (below the tray 4). These ribs 23 and 24 serve both to stiffen the support member 2 and to bear against the ground surface to form feet for the module.

The ribs 23 and 24 in particular make it possible to hold the plate 4 at a predefined distance from the ground in order to create an air space under the plate 4.

The set of ribs includes longitudinal ribs 23 and transverse ribs 24, extending perpendicularly to the longitudinal ribs 23. Specifically, each support wall 6 comprises a longitudinal rib 23 extending in a longitudinal direction of the wall 6 and protruding from the lower surface 25 of the wall 6. Each longitudinal rib 23 extends under a corresponding central rib 8 to reinforce the wall 6 at this level.

The transverse ribs 24 extend on either side of the zones where the elastic tabs 13 are positioned.

Furthermore, both the peripheral walls 17 to 20 and the ribs 23 and 24 comprise openings 26 and 27 allowing the air to circulate under the plate 4 to create a ventilation and prevent water from stagnating under the plate 4 . The tray also includes orifices 28 for inserting screws for screwing the finishing members 3 onto the support member 2 to provide additional attachment. However, the finishing elements 3 are held on the support member 2 without the need to screw it.

As illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8, each finishing element 3 (or blade) comprises an upper flat face 29 (or facing face) intended to be visible when the module is placed on the ground (in normal use) and a lower flat face 30 (or counterface face), opposite to the facing face 29 and intended to bear against a wall 7 of the support element 2. The facing face 29 may be textured or have a decorative pattern depending on the aspect that one wishes to give to the floor covering.

Each finishing element 3 also comprises side faces 31 and 32 (or slices) extending along the thickness of the finishing element 3. When the finishing elements 3 are fixed side by side on the support element 2 , the lateral face 31 of a finishing element 3 extends opposite the lateral face 32 of an adjacent finishing element 3.

Each lateral face 31, 32 comprises a longitudinal fastening groove 33 extending parallel to the faces 29, 30 of face and counterpart, in a longitudinal direction of the finishing element 3. Each longitudinal groove 33 is adapted to receive teeth 15 of the fasteners 13 for fixing the finishing element 3 to the support element 2.

The counterface 30 of the finishing element 3 also comprises a positioning groove 34 extending in a longitudinal direction of the finishing element 3, in the middle of the finishing element 3. The groove 34 is suitable for receiving the rib 8 of the support element 2 in order to position the finishing element 3 with respect to the support element 2 and to guide the finishing element 3 when it is mounted on the support element 2.

This arrangement makes it possible to maintain a correct positioning of the finishing elements 3 with respect to the facing element 2, even in case in addition, because of their elasticity, the tabs 13 allow expansion of the facing elements 3.

Claims

1. Floor covering module (1) comprising:

a support element (2) intended to be placed on the ground, and

- a finishing element (3) comprising a facing face (29) intended to be apparent, a counterface face (30), opposite to the facing face and intended to be in contact with the support element (2) , and lateral faces (31, 32) extending transversely to the facing faces and counter-faces,

wherein the support member (2) comprises fastening members (13) comprising elastic tabs (14), engageable with the side faces (31, 32) of the finishing member (3). for fixing the finishing element (3) on the support element (2), and

wherein the support member (2) comprises a rib (8) and the finishing member comprises a groove (34) provided on the counterpart face (30) and adapted to receive the rib (8) for positioning the finishing element (3) with respect to the support element (2).

2. Module according to claim 1, wherein the finishing element (3) comprises recesses (33) formed in the side faces (33) and the fastening members (13) comprise protuberances (15) adapted to be received in the recesses (33).

3. Module according to claim 2, wherein the recesses (33) are grooves in the side faces (31, 32) of the finishing element (3).

4. Module according to claim 3, wherein the grooves (33) extend in a longitudinal direction of the finishing element (3).

5. Module according to one of the preceding claims, wherein each fastening member (13) comprises a stiffening rib (16).

6. Module according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the support member (2) comprises a wall (6) of support having a planar upper surface (7) intended to be in contact with the counterface (30). ) of the finishing element (3), and each elastic tab (14) is slightly inclined with respect to a direction perpendicular to the plane of the surface (7).

7. Module according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the support member (2) comprises a plate (4) having a flat upper surface (7) for supporting the finishing element (3), the tray (4) comprising an array of channels (10, 1 1) in the planar upper surface (7) for discharging water which would enter between the support member (2) and the finishing member (3) ).

8. Module according to claim 7, wherein the channel network (10, 1 1) comprises a channel (10) extending parallel to a longitudinal direction of the finishing element (3).

9. Module according to one of claims 7 or 8, wherein the channel network (10, 1 1) comprises a series of channels (1 1) extending parallel to a transverse direction of the finishing element (3). ).

10. Module according to claim 9, wherein the channels (1 1) have a depth that increases to evacuate the water to the edges of the plate (4).

1 1. Module according to one of claims 7 to 10, wherein the plate (4) comprises openings (12) for allowing the flow of water through the support element (2), and in which the channels ( 1 1) open into the openings (12) to guide the water to the openings (12).

12. Module according to one of claims 7 to 11, wherein the plate comprises two channel networks (10, 1 1) extending on either side of the rib (8).

13. Module according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the finishing element (3) is wood.

14. Module according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the finishing element (3) comprises a wooden blade.

15. Module according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the support member (2) is formed in one piece of material.

16. Modular flooring assembly, comprising a plurality of modules (1) according to one of the preceding claims, the modules being adapted to be interconnected to form a floor covering.