WO2016001886A1 - A support arrangement for a structural lining - Google Patents

A support arrangement for a structural lining Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2016001886A1
WO2016001886A1 PCT/IB2015/055028 IB2015055028W WO2016001886A1 WO 2016001886 A1 WO2016001886 A1 WO 2016001886A1 IB 2015055028 W IB2015055028 W IB 2015055028W WO 2016001886 A1 WO2016001886 A1 WO 2016001886A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
support
formations
product
adjacent
sides
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/IB2015/055028
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Rogerio Paulo DA FONSECA E SILVA
Original Assignee
Dessington, Antony John Lee
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Dessington, Antony John Lee filed Critical Dessington, Antony John Lee
Publication of WO2016001886A1 publication Critical patent/WO2016001886A1/en

Links

Classifications

    • EFIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E04BUILDING
    • E04FFINISHING WORK ON BUILDINGS, e.g. STAIRS, FLOORS
    • E04F15/00Flooring
    • E04F15/02Flooring or floor layers composed of a number of similar elements
    • E04F15/04Flooring 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
    • E04F15/041Flooring 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
    • E04F15/043Flooring 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 organic plastic with or without reinforcements or filling materials
    • EFIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E04BUILDING
    • E04FFINISHING WORK ON BUILDINGS, e.g. STAIRS, FLOORS
    • E04F15/00Flooring
    • E04F15/02Flooring or floor layers composed of a number of similar elements
    • E04F15/02038Flooring or floor layers composed of a number of similar elements characterised by tongue and groove connections between neighbouring flooring elements
    • EFIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E04BUILDING
    • E04FFINISHING WORK ON BUILDINGS, e.g. STAIRS, FLOORS
    • E04F15/00Flooring
    • E04F15/02Flooring or floor layers composed of a number of similar elements
    • E04F15/02194Flooring consisting of a number of elements carried by a non-rollable common support plate or grid
    • EFIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E04BUILDING
    • E04FFINISHING WORK ON BUILDINGS, e.g. STAIRS, FLOORS
    • E04F15/00Flooring
    • E04F15/02Flooring or floor layers composed of a number of similar elements
    • E04F15/02044Separate elements for fastening to an underlayer
    • E04F2015/02105Separate elements for fastening to an underlayer without load-supporting elongated furring elements between the flooring elements and the underlayer
    • E04F2015/02111Separate elements for fastening to an underlayer without load-supporting elongated furring elements between the flooring elements and the underlayer not adjustable
    • E04F2015/02122Separate elements for fastening to an underlayer without load-supporting elongated furring elements between the flooring elements and the underlayer not adjustable with fastening elements engaging holes or grooves in the side faces of the flooring elements
    • EFIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E04BUILDING
    • E04FFINISHING WORK ON BUILDINGS, e.g. STAIRS, FLOORS
    • E04F2201/00Joining sheets or plates or panels
    • E04F2201/01Joining sheets, plates or panels with edges in abutting relationship
    • E04F2201/0107Joining sheets, plates or panels with edges in abutting relationship by moving the sheets, plates or panels substantially in their own plane, perpendicular to the abutting edges
    • E04F2201/0115Joining sheets, plates or panels with edges in abutting relationship by moving the sheets, plates or panels substantially in their own plane, perpendicular to the abutting edges with snap action of the edge connectors
    • EFIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E04BUILDING
    • E04FFINISHING WORK ON BUILDINGS, e.g. STAIRS, FLOORS
    • E04F2201/00Joining sheets or plates or panels
    • E04F2201/02Non-undercut connections, e.g. tongue and groove connections
    • E04F2201/021Non-undercut connections, e.g. tongue and groove connections with separate protrusions

Definitions

  • the invention relates primarily to flooring products but extends to other lining (or covering) products such as tiles that can also be used on walls or slats for ceilings. These are products that are provided in units (usually of the same size and configuration) and fitted together to make up a finish of selected material and appearance in a building structure.
  • the products referred to are secured in place using various means.
  • Some of the flooring products (such as laminates, veneers or wood composites, for example) include formations the interlock and secure the units together (at least along long side edges). These formations add to the cost and complication of manufacture.
  • a support for a substantially planar, surface lining product of the kind used as units fitted contiguously (side- by-side and/or end-to-end) comprising a substantially flat plastics material body securable to an underside of a unit of the product, the body including overlapping cooperating formations on opposite sides of the body to provide mating engagement between a first and a second adjacent body.
  • the invention further provides for the overlapping cooperating formations to be included on four sides of the body; and for male formations to be provided on two adjacent sides of the body (with female formations thus on the opposite adjacent sides).
  • a further feature of the invention provides for male formations to include ribs or teeth that are a locking fit into grooves formed inside the female formations.
  • first pair of overlapping engaging formations to be provided by a rail (along one side of the body) which is outwardly stepped adjacent its free edge (at least along one side of the rail) and a lipped slot formed along the opposite side of the body, with the rail provided as an interference fit into the slot; and for a second pair of overlapping engaging formations to be the same as the first pair of overlapping engaging formations.
  • a further feature of the invention provides for the overlapping engaging formations to, alternatively, be provided by a pair of spaced apart prongs with teeth along outer edges and a corresponding female recess with grooves along its length.
  • the support to include a lug protruding from one side with an eye for a nail to engage into a supporting surface and a corresponding recess on an opposite side to receive a lug on an adjacent body.
  • the support to be secured to a floor lining product; for the product to be provided as a strip; for the strip to be selected from a wooden, a wood and fabricated board composite, a laminate, a veneer or a vinyl product.
  • the support will be secured to a tile (such as those of ceramic, stone or glass) or to a paneling material; and for the bodies with lining product to be adhered to a floor or a wall.
  • a further feature of the invention provides for a plurality of bodies to be connectable contiguously and secured beneath a unit of the lining product with free sides of the connected bodies disposed at side edges of the product.
  • the bodies will be moulded from any suitable plastics material and may (depending on the product with which they are used) cover substantially the underside of a product unit or be secured at corresponding positions along the underside of a product unit for engagement with bodies on adjacent product units, the adjacent units either fitted together in line, in staggered arrangement or perpendicular to each other.
  • Figures 3 to 5 show perspective views of supports connected to each other;
  • Figure 6 to 12 shows various views of a second embodiment of a support;
  • Figure 13 shows a perspective view of two supports that are in accordance with a third illustrated embodiment of the invention.
  • Figure 14 & 15 show bottom and top perspective views of a further alternative embodiment of a support
  • Figure 16 shows a bottom perspective view of three supports of the kind shown in Figures 14 & 15 in engagement;
  • Figure 17 shows an enlarged view of a connection between two supports.
  • Figure 18 shows a further view of two supports in engagement.
  • a support (1 ) for a sheet flooring finish or lining product is provided.
  • the product (not shown) is to be provided as a strip selected from a wooden, a wood and fabricated board composite, a laminate, a veneer or a vinyl product.
  • the support (1 ) comprises a substantially flat, four sided, plastics material body (2).
  • the body (2) is securable to an underside of a suitably sized unit of the product referred to. This may achieved through use of a bonding adhesive, adhesive tape or by using a snap/locking fit or screws as described below.
  • the body (2) includes overlapping cooperating male (3) and female (4) formations on opposite sides to provide mating engagement between two or more adjacent bodies (2).
  • the overlapping cooperating formations (3; 4) are included on the four sides of the body (2).
  • the male formations (3) are provided on two adjacent sides of the body (2) and corresponding female formations (4) on the opposite adjacent sides.
  • the male formations (3) include ribs or teeth that are a locking fit into grooves formed laterally in the female formations (4), as shown.
  • a first pair of overlapping engaging formations (3.1 ; 4.1 ) is provided by a rail (5) along one side of the body (2) and a lipped slot (6) formed into an edge along the opposite side of the body (2).
  • the rail (5) is provided with an interference fit into the slot (6) and outward steps (5.1 ) and (5.2) formed along its length on both sides adjacent its free edge (5.3).
  • the portion of the rail (5) between the steps (5.1 ) and (5.2) and the edge (5.3) provides a tapered head suited for insertion into the slot (6).
  • the steps (5.1 ) and (5.2) are offset from each other or differentially spaced from the edge (5.3). Lips (6.1 ) and (6.2) of the slot (6) are correspondingly positioned.
  • the cooperating configurations are suited for connection of the formations (3.1 ) and (4.1 ) as adjacent flooring units are laid.
  • a pair of spaced apart prongs (7) provides a second pair of overlapping engaging formations (3.2; 4.2) together with a corresponding female recess (8).
  • the prongs (7) have teeth (9) along outer edges and the recess (8), spaced apart grooves (10) along its length.
  • the bodies (2) are secured to the underside of the strips of flooring (not shown) with sides of the support (1 ) configured with the first engaging formations (3.1 ; 4.1 ) disposed at side edges of the product units. This enables the connection illustrated in Figure 3 between adjacent strips, as the flooring product is laid.
  • a plurality of bodies (2) are also connectable contiguously and secured beneath a unit of the lining product in the manner illustrated in Figure 4. This enables construction of a continuous arrangement of the first pair of engaging formations (3.1 ; 4.1 ) along the side edges and also a continuous substrate support beneath the full length of the strip-flooring unit. This is necessary (or at least there must be some other spacer between the supports (1 )) where flooring which is more flexible is used.
  • the arrangement referred to is illustrated with four supports in Figure 5.
  • the rails and grooves will be used to connect adjacent side edges of floor strips.
  • the prongs and recesses will be used to connect a suitable number of the bodies to extend across the underside of each strip.
  • These formations can also be arranged at the ends of the strips for end-to-end connection of contiguously installed units.
  • the support (21 ) has a body (22) moulded as an upwardly facing open channel (23) with end walls (24). Spaced apart catches (25) are moulded onto side flanges (26) of the channel (23).
  • a strip of wooded flooring (27) has a laterally recessed portion (28) adjacent its underside (29). Rebates (30) along the sides of the recessed portion (28) are a press-fit into engagement with the catches (25) for locking engagement between the two components.
  • the recessed portion (28) fits into the channel (23) with the body (22) abutting the bottom (29) of the wooden strip (27). Top edges (31 ) of the channel flanges (26) abut a downwardly facing shoulder (32) formed around the recessed portion (28).
  • the body (22) of this embodiment includes two lugs (33) protruding from one side.
  • Each lug (33) has an eye (34) for a nail (not shown) to engage into a supporting surface (or cement floor, in this case).
  • a corresponding recess (35) for each lug (33) is formed into an opposite side to receive a lug (33) on an adjacent body (22) - the two recesses (35) are most clearly seen in Figure 9.
  • a first support (on the left) is nailed to the floor.
  • a second support (in the middle) is then connected to the first support, through the engaging formations (36) and (37) along abutting sides.
  • the recesses (35) in the second support fit over the lugs (33) and nails of the first support to provide the required close connection.
  • connection between supports (21 ) in Figure 10 and 1 1 illustrates how equally spaced apart engaging formations (36) and (37) can (as an alternative to the rails and grooves of the first embodiment) be used to lay flooring strips (27) in a staggered side-by-side configuration.
  • an alternative flooring pattern is illustrated by connecting formations (36) and (37) on the ends of supports (21 ) with those on the sides of the other supports (21 ).
  • the channel flanges (26), which run across the female recesses (37), will lock the male prongs (36) in engagement once an overlapping connection of the formations is established.
  • a third embodiment of the support (31 ) is shown in Figure 13. This has a body (32) with substantially the same overlapping formations (33) and (34) as that of the second embodiment.
  • Several such bodies (32) can either be engaged in a row on the underside of a flooring strip (not shown) or used in spaced apart relationship (or possibly two by two, connected and spaced apart).
  • Each body (32) has four holes (35) for screws (36) that will be fitted from an underside to engage an overlying product strip (not shown) which may for example be solid wood.
  • a body (102) includes overlapping cooperating male (103) and female (104) formations on opposite sides to provide mating engagement between two or more adjacent bodies (102).
  • first and second pairs of overlapping engaging formations (103; 104) are each provided by a rail (105a) and (105b) along one side of the body (102) and a corresponding lipped slot (106a) and (106b) formed along the opposite side of the body (102).
  • the rails (105a) and (105b) are provided with an interference fit into corresponding slots (106a) and (106b) with outward steps (107) formed along their length, providing ridges spaced inwardly from free edges (108) of the rails (105a) and (105b).
  • the portion of each rail (105a) and (1 05b) between the step (1 07) and free edge (108) provides a tapered head suited for insertion into the corresponding slot (106a) and (106b).
  • Each slot (106a) and (106b) is provided between a flange (109a) and (109b) and a portion of the body (102). Lips (1 10a) and (1 10b) extend from the flanges (109a) and (109b) to provide cooperating engaging formations for engagement over the tapered heads of the rails (105a) and (1 05b).
  • the flange (109a) is provided with an extension (1 1 1 ) past the lip (1 10a).
  • the extension forms a lug (109a) with an eye (1 12) for a fastening nail (not shown) provided through the extension (1 1 1 ).
  • a recess (1 13) which receives the extension (1 1 1 ) on engagement between two supports (102) is provided adjacent the rail (105a) on the opposite side of the body (102). This overlapping engaging relationship is shown more clearly in Figure 17.
  • the eye (1 1 2) will be provided by a countersunk or chamfered edge hole to accommodate a nail head.
  • the support of this embodiment will be used in substantially the same manner as described above.
  • Figure 18 shows the supports (101 ) fixed to the underside of wooden strips (1 14) and securing the strips together. Side recesses along the bottom edges of the strips (1 14) fit into (operatively) upwardly disposed walls (1 15) on the bodies (102).
  • Each strip (1 14) accordingly has a support (101 x) adjacent its ends for end-to-end engagement and a support (101 y) spaced inwardly from each end support (101 y) for side-by-side engagement.
  • the body (102) is constructed with an operatively upwardly disposed planar deck (1 1 6), which engages against the strips (1 14).
  • the deck (1 16) also provides, at its operatively underside, a portion of the body (102) that forms the slots (106a) and (106b) together with the flanges (1 09a) and (109b).
  • a support having engaging formations with correspond to those of the embodiment (101 ) will be produced with an elongate body (having a length similar to the second embodiment (21 )).
  • the rail (105a) and slot (106a) will be provided along the long sides and the rail (105b) and slot (106b) will be provided across the short ends.
  • Such a support will conveniently correspond to the length of a flooring strip, for example, with which it is to be used.
  • the supports will cover substantially the underside of a product unit or be secured at corresponding positions along the underside of a product unit for engagement with supports on adjacent product units, the adjacent units either fitted together in line, in staggered arrangement or perpendicular to each other.
  • the support will be secured to a tile (such as those of ceramic, stone or glass) or to a paneling (or ceiling) material or to roof tiles.
  • a tile such as those of ceramic, stone or glass
  • paneling or ceiling
  • the invention provides a support which is cost effective to make (preferably through injection moulding) and easy to connect to a product unit of the kind referred to.
  • the units simply need to be made to the required shaped (with modification to the support an option to accommodate various shapes) and adhered or secured to the support.
  • the support provides for convenient and effective interlocking when the product is installed. Neat and regular alignment of the product units is also facilitated.
  • the plastics material of the supports which form a network or layer below the flooring (or other) finish will also provide insulation.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Architecture (AREA)
  • Civil Engineering (AREA)
  • Structural Engineering (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Wood Science & Technology (AREA)
  • Floor Finish (AREA)

Abstract

The invention relates to a support for a substantially planar, surface lining product of the kind used as units fitted contiguously (side-by-side and/or end-to-end). The support comprises a substantially flat plastics material body securable to an underside of a unit of the product. Overlapping cooperating male and female formations are provided on opposite sides of the body for mating engagement between a first and a second adjacent body. The male formations are provided on two adjacent sides of the body with female formations on the opposite adjacent sides. Ribs or teeth on the male formations are a locking fit into grooves formed inside the female formations. The support is particularly suited for use on a floor lining product.

Description

A SUPPORT ARRANGEMENT FOR
A STRUCTURAL LINING
FIELD OF THE INVENTION The invention relates primarily to flooring products but extends to other lining (or covering) products such as tiles that can also be used on walls or slats for ceilings. These are products that are provided in units (usually of the same size and configuration) and fitted together to make up a finish of selected material and appearance in a building structure.
BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION
The products referred to are secured in place using various means. Some of the flooring products (such as laminates, veneers or wood composites, for example) include formations the interlock and secure the units together (at least along long side edges). These formations add to the cost and complication of manufacture.
OBJECT OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the invention to provide means that facilitates the installation of products of the kind referred to and is relatively cost effective to implement with products providing finishes of the known kind. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with the invention there is provided a support for a substantially planar, surface lining product of the kind used as units fitted contiguously (side- by-side and/or end-to-end) comprising a substantially flat plastics material body securable to an underside of a unit of the product, the body including overlapping cooperating formations on opposite sides of the body to provide mating engagement between a first and a second adjacent body.
The invention further provides for the overlapping cooperating formations to be included on four sides of the body; and for male formations to be provided on two adjacent sides of the body (with female formations thus on the opposite adjacent sides).
A further feature of the invention provides for male formations to include ribs or teeth that are a locking fit into grooves formed inside the female formations.
Further features of the invention provide for a first pair of overlapping engaging formations to be provided by a rail (along one side of the body) which is outwardly stepped adjacent its free edge (at least along one side of the rail) and a lipped slot formed along the opposite side of the body, with the rail provided as an interference fit into the slot; and for a second pair of overlapping engaging formations to be the same as the first pair of overlapping engaging formations.
A further feature of the invention provides for the overlapping engaging formations to, alternatively, be provided by a pair of spaced apart prongs with teeth along outer edges and a corresponding female recess with grooves along its length.
Further features of the invention provide for the support to include a lug protruding from one side with an eye for a nail to engage into a supporting surface and a corresponding recess on an opposite side to receive a lug on an adjacent body.
Further features of the invention provide for the support to be secured to a floor lining product; for the product to be provided as a strip; for the strip to be selected from a wooden, a wood and fabricated board composite, a laminate, a veneer or a vinyl product. Alternatively, the support will be secured to a tile (such as those of ceramic, stone or glass) or to a paneling material; and for the bodies with lining product to be adhered to a floor or a wall.
A further feature of the invention provides for a plurality of bodies to be connectable contiguously and secured beneath a unit of the lining product with free sides of the connected bodies disposed at side edges of the product. The bodies will be moulded from any suitable plastics material and may (depending on the product with which they are used) cover substantially the underside of a product unit or be secured at corresponding positions along the underside of a product unit for engagement with bodies on adjacent product units, the adjacent units either fitted together in line, in staggered arrangement or perpendicular to each other.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
These and other features of the invention will become more apparent from the following description, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figures 1 & 2 show alternative perspective views of a first embodiment of a support in accordance with the invention;
Figures 3 to 5 show perspective views of supports connected to each other; Figure 6 to 12 shows various views of a second embodiment of a support;
Figure 13 shows a perspective view of two supports that are in accordance with a third illustrated embodiment of the invention;
Figure 14 & 15 show bottom and top perspective views of a further alternative embodiment of a support;
Figure 16 shows a bottom perspective view of three supports of the kind shown in Figures 14 & 15 in engagement;
Figure 17 shows an enlarged view of a connection between two supports; and
Figure 18 shows a further view of two supports in engagement.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Referring to Figures 1 to 5 a support (1 ) for a sheet flooring finish or lining product is provided. In this preferred first embodiment, the product (not shown) is to be provided as a strip selected from a wooden, a wood and fabricated board composite, a laminate, a veneer or a vinyl product.
These finishes are well known to the flooring industry and the invention will find application with any other products that are substantially planar and of the kind used as units fitted contiguously (side-by-side and/or end-to-end).
The support (1 ) comprises a substantially flat, four sided, plastics material body (2). The body (2) is securable to an underside of a suitably sized unit of the product referred to. This may achieved through use of a bonding adhesive, adhesive tape or by using a snap/locking fit or screws as described below. In accordance with the invention, the body (2) includes overlapping cooperating male (3) and female (4) formations on opposite sides to provide mating engagement between two or more adjacent bodies (2).
More specifically, the overlapping cooperating formations (3; 4) are included on the four sides of the body (2). The male formations (3) are provided on two adjacent sides of the body (2) and corresponding female formations (4) on the opposite adjacent sides.
The male formations (3) include ribs or teeth that are a locking fit into grooves formed laterally in the female formations (4), as shown.
In this embodiment, a first pair of overlapping engaging formations (3.1 ; 4.1 ) is provided by a rail (5) along one side of the body (2) and a lipped slot (6) formed into an edge along the opposite side of the body (2). The rail (5) is provided with an interference fit into the slot (6) and outward steps (5.1 ) and (5.2) formed along its length on both sides adjacent its free edge (5.3). The portion of the rail (5) between the steps (5.1 ) and (5.2) and the edge (5.3) provides a tapered head suited for insertion into the slot (6). The steps (5.1 ) and (5.2) are offset from each other or differentially spaced from the edge (5.3). Lips (6.1 ) and (6.2) of the slot (6) are correspondingly positioned. The cooperating configurations are suited for connection of the formations (3.1 ) and (4.1 ) as adjacent flooring units are laid.
A pair of spaced apart prongs (7) provides a second pair of overlapping engaging formations (3.2; 4.2) together with a corresponding female recess (8). The prongs (7) have teeth (9) along outer edges and the recess (8), spaced apart grooves (10) along its length. The bodies (2) are secured to the underside of the strips of flooring (not shown) with sides of the support (1 ) configured with the first engaging formations (3.1 ; 4.1 ) disposed at side edges of the product units. This enables the connection illustrated in Figure 3 between adjacent strips, as the flooring product is laid.
A plurality of bodies (2) are also connectable contiguously and secured beneath a unit of the lining product in the manner illustrated in Figure 4. This enables construction of a continuous arrangement of the first pair of engaging formations (3.1 ; 4.1 ) along the side edges and also a continuous substrate support beneath the full length of the strip-flooring unit. This is necessary (or at least there must be some other spacer between the supports (1 )) where flooring which is more flexible is used.
The arrangement referred to is illustrated with four supports in Figure 5. The rails and grooves will be used to connect adjacent side edges of floor strips. The prongs and recesses will be used to connect a suitable number of the bodies to extend across the underside of each strip. These formations can also be arranged at the ends of the strips for end-to-end connection of contiguously installed units.
Referring to Figures 6 to 13, a second embodiment of the support (21 ) is illustrated.
The support (21 ) has a body (22) moulded as an upwardly facing open channel (23) with end walls (24). Spaced apart catches (25) are moulded onto side flanges (26) of the channel (23). A strip of wooded flooring (27) has a laterally recessed portion (28) adjacent its underside (29). Rebates (30) along the sides of the recessed portion (28) are a press-fit into engagement with the catches (25) for locking engagement between the two components. The recessed portion (28) fits into the channel (23) with the body (22) abutting the bottom (29) of the wooden strip (27). Top edges (31 ) of the channel flanges (26) abut a downwardly facing shoulder (32) formed around the recessed portion (28).
The body (22) of this embodiment includes two lugs (33) protruding from one side. Each lug (33) has an eye (34) for a nail (not shown) to engage into a supporting surface (or cement floor, in this case). A corresponding recess (35) for each lug (33) is formed into an opposite side to receive a lug (33) on an adjacent body (22) - the two recesses (35) are most clearly seen in Figure 9. Referring to Figure 10, a first support (on the left) is nailed to the floor. A second support (in the middle) is then connected to the first support, through the engaging formations (36) and (37) along abutting sides. The recesses (35) in the second support fit over the lugs (33) and nails of the first support to provide the required close connection. (The arrangement of overlapping components can be seen in Figure 1 1 from the underside of the supports.) Nails are then used to secure the second support to the floor and a third support (on the right) is then fitted. The male and female formations (36) and (37) on the ends of the supports (21 ) also enable end-to-end connection. The engaging formations (36) and (37) on both the sides and at the ends of the supports (21 ) are of the same kind referred to as the second pair in the first embodiment described above.
The connection between supports (21 ) in Figure 10 and 1 1 illustrates how equally spaced apart engaging formations (36) and (37) can (as an alternative to the rails and grooves of the first embodiment) be used to lay flooring strips (27) in a staggered side-by-side configuration. In Figure 12, an alternative flooring pattern is illustrated by connecting formations (36) and (37) on the ends of supports (21 ) with those on the sides of the other supports (21 ). The channel flanges (26), which run across the female recesses (37), will lock the male prongs (36) in engagement once an overlapping connection of the formations is established. Once a strip of material is adhered to the body (2) of the first embodiment, it will have the same effect with the second pair of engaging formations (3.2; 4.2).
A third embodiment of the support (31 ) is shown in Figure 13. This has a body (32) with substantially the same overlapping formations (33) and (34) as that of the second embodiment. Several such bodies (32) can either be engaged in a row on the underside of a flooring strip (not shown) or used in spaced apart relationship (or possibly two by two, connected and spaced apart).
Each body (32) has four holes (35) for screws (36) that will be fitted from an underside to engage an overlying product strip (not shown) which may for example be solid wood.
Referring to a further, preferred embodiment of a support (101 ) shown in Figures 14 to 1 8, a body (102) includes overlapping cooperating male (103) and female (104) formations on opposite sides to provide mating engagement between two or more adjacent bodies (102).
More specifically, first and second pairs of overlapping engaging formations (103; 104) are each provided by a rail (105a) and (105b) along one side of the body (102) and a corresponding lipped slot (106a) and (106b) formed along the opposite side of the body (102).
The rails (105a) and (105b) are provided with an interference fit into corresponding slots (106a) and (106b) with outward steps (107) formed along their length, providing ridges spaced inwardly from free edges (108) of the rails (105a) and (105b). The portion of each rail (105a) and (1 05b) between the step (1 07) and free edge (108) provides a tapered head suited for insertion into the corresponding slot (106a) and (106b).
Each slot (106a) and (106b) is provided between a flange (109a) and (109b) and a portion of the body (102). Lips (1 10a) and (1 10b) extend from the flanges (109a) and (109b) to provide cooperating engaging formations for engagement over the tapered heads of the rails (105a) and (1 05b).
The flange (109a) is provided with an extension (1 1 1 ) past the lip (1 10a). The extension forms a lug (109a) with an eye (1 12) for a fastening nail (not shown) provided through the extension (1 1 1 ). A recess (1 13) which receives the extension (1 1 1 ) on engagement between two supports (102) is provided adjacent the rail (105a) on the opposite side of the body (102). This overlapping engaging relationship is shown more clearly in Figure 17. The eye (1 1 2) will be provided by a countersunk or chamfered edge hole to accommodate a nail head.
The support of this embodiment will be used in substantially the same manner as described above.
Figure 18 shows the supports (101 ) fixed to the underside of wooden strips (1 14) and securing the strips together. Side recesses along the bottom edges of the strips (1 14) fit into (operatively) upwardly disposed walls (1 15) on the bodies (102).
Side-by-side engagement between the strips (1 14) is indicated at "Y" and end-to- end engagement is indicated at "X". Each strip (1 14) accordingly has a support (101 x) adjacent its ends for end-to-end engagement and a support (101 y) spaced inwardly from each end support (101 y) for side-by-side engagement. In the current embodiment, the body (102) is constructed with an operatively upwardly disposed planar deck (1 1 6), which engages against the strips (1 14). The deck (1 16) also provides, at its operatively underside, a portion of the body (102) that forms the slots (106a) and (106b) together with the flanges (1 09a) and (109b).
It is also anticipated that a support having engaging formations with correspond to those of the embodiment (101 ) will be produced with an elongate body (having a length similar to the second embodiment (21 )). The rail (105a) and slot (106a) will be provided along the long sides and the rail (105b) and slot (106b) will be provided across the short ends. Such a support will conveniently correspond to the length of a flooring strip, for example, with which it is to be used.
It will be understood from the features described with respect to the various embodiments that (depending on the product with which they are used) the supports will cover substantially the underside of a product unit or be secured at corresponding positions along the underside of a product unit for engagement with supports on adjacent product units, the adjacent units either fitted together in line, in staggered arrangement or perpendicular to each other.
In a development of the invention and embodiments described, the support will be secured to a tile (such as those of ceramic, stone or glass) or to a paneling (or ceiling) material or to roof tiles. It will be understood that the flooring product may also take the form of decking that is supported on beams, for example.
The invention provides a support which is cost effective to make (preferably through injection moulding) and easy to connect to a product unit of the kind referred to. The units simply need to be made to the required shaped (with modification to the support an option to accommodate various shapes) and adhered or secured to the support. The support provides for convenient and effective interlocking when the product is installed. Neat and regular alignment of the product units is also facilitated.
The plastics material of the supports which form a network or layer below the flooring (or other) finish will also provide insulation.
A person skilled in the art will appreciate that a number of variations may be made to the features described without departing from the scope of the current invention.

Claims

A support for a substantially planar, surface lining product of the kind used as units fitted contiguously comprising a substantially flat plastics material body securable to an underside of a unit of the product, the body including overlapping cooperating formations on opposite sides of the body to provide mating engagement between a first and a second adjacent body.
A support as claimed in claim 1 in which the overlapping cooperating formations are included on four sides of the body.
A support as claimed in claim 2 in which male formations are provided on two adjacent sides of the body with female formations on opposite adjacent sides.
A support as claimed in claim 1 in which male formations include ribs or teeth that are a locking fit into grooves formed inside female formations.
A support as claimed in claim 1 in which a pair of overlapping engaging formations is provided by a rail stepped outwardly adjacent its free edge, provided along one side of the body, and a lipped slot formed along the opposite side of the body, with the rail provided as an interference fit into the slot.
A support as claimed in claim 5 in which a second pair of overlapping engaging formations is provided with the same configuration on two other opposite sides of the body.
A support as claimed in claim 1 in which a pair of overlapping engaging formations is provided by a pair of spaced apart prongs with teeth along outer edges on one side of the body and a corresponding female recess with grooves along its length on an opposite side of the body.
8. A support as claimed in claim 1 which includes a lug protruding from one side of the body with an eye for a nail to engage into a supporting surface and a corresponding recess on an opposite side of the body to receive a lug on an adjacent body.
9. A support as claimed in claim 1 which is secured to a floor lining product.
10. A support as claimed in claim 9 in which the product is provided as a strip.
1 1 . A support as claimed in claim 10 in which the strip is selected from a wooden, a wood and fabricated board composite, a laminate, a veneer or a vinyl product.
PCT/IB2015/055028 2014-07-04 2015-07-03 A support arrangement for a structural lining WO2016001886A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
ZA201404916 2014-07-04
ZA2014/04916 2014-07-04

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CN107388330A (en) * 2017-07-14 2017-11-24 苏州灵均暖通科技有限公司 A kind of spliced floor heating module of high heat storage
CN109386108A (en) * 2018-11-28 2019-02-26 金螳螂精装科技(苏州)有限公司 A kind of metal male and female inserting slot construction
WO2023053050A1 (en) * 2021-09-29 2023-04-06 Issg Sports Innovations, Lda System and method for fitting floor modules

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US20030177728A1 (en) * 2002-01-22 2003-09-25 Ku Chen Chung Combination floor pad having composite base boards
WO2005003574A1 (en) * 2003-07-07 2005-01-13 Poschacher Natursteinwerke Gmbh & Co Kg Tile for application to floors, walls, ceilings, facades, or similar
US20060185297A1 (en) * 2005-02-18 2006-08-24 Tzu-Chiang Mei Combination structure of a quick assembly do-it-yourself (DIY) wood flooring
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FR2461073A1 (en) * 1979-02-14 1981-01-30 Thionvilloise Immobiliere Waterproof facing slabs with ventilated backing - allows dressed wall or ground to resist condensation and humidity by continuous circulation of air
DE19503948A1 (en) * 1995-02-07 1996-08-08 Bub Frank Martin Structural element for covering wall or floor tiles, e.g. in bathrooms, shower rooms etc.
WO1999036638A1 (en) * 1998-01-16 1999-07-22 Ezydeck Pty. Ltd. Support for paving or decking
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* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
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CN107388330A (en) * 2017-07-14 2017-11-24 苏州灵均暖通科技有限公司 A kind of spliced floor heating module of high heat storage
CN109386108A (en) * 2018-11-28 2019-02-26 金螳螂精装科技(苏州)有限公司 A kind of metal male and female inserting slot construction
WO2023053050A1 (en) * 2021-09-29 2023-04-06 Issg Sports Innovations, Lda System and method for fitting floor modules

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