WO2024118935A1 - Article décoratif rainuré - Google Patents
Article décoratif rainuré Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- WO2024118935A1 WO2024118935A1 PCT/US2023/081847 US2023081847W WO2024118935A1 WO 2024118935 A1 WO2024118935 A1 WO 2024118935A1 US 2023081847 W US2023081847 W US 2023081847W WO 2024118935 A1 WO2024118935 A1 WO 2024118935A1
- Authority
- WO
- WIPO (PCT)
- Prior art keywords
- sheet
- decorative article
- grooves
- axis
- groove
- Prior art date
Links
- 238000009434 installation Methods 0.000 claims description 39
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 claims description 13
- 239000000853 adhesive Substances 0.000 claims description 9
- 230000001070 adhesive effect Effects 0.000 claims description 9
- 238000005452 bending Methods 0.000 claims description 9
- 229920000642 polymer Polymers 0.000 claims description 7
- 239000004575 stone Substances 0.000 claims description 6
- 239000002023 wood Substances 0.000 claims description 6
- 238000010438 heat treatment Methods 0.000 claims description 5
- 239000011449 brick Substances 0.000 claims description 3
- 238000009408 flooring Methods 0.000 description 12
- 210000001331 nose Anatomy 0.000 description 12
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 11
- 239000002131 composite material Substances 0.000 description 8
- 230000008901 benefit Effects 0.000 description 6
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 5
- 238000005520 cutting process Methods 0.000 description 4
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 4
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 4
- 229920002554 vinyl polymer Polymers 0.000 description 4
- 239000004743 Polypropylene Substances 0.000 description 3
- 229910052500 inorganic mineral Inorganic materials 0.000 description 3
- 239000011707 mineral Substances 0.000 description 3
- 239000005020 polyethylene terephthalate Substances 0.000 description 3
- 229920000139 polyethylene terephthalate Polymers 0.000 description 3
- 229920001155 polypropylene Polymers 0.000 description 3
- 239000004800 polyvinyl chloride Substances 0.000 description 3
- 239000000758 substrate Substances 0.000 description 3
- 230000007704 transition Effects 0.000 description 3
- 229920001587 Wood-plastic composite Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 244000309464 bull Species 0.000 description 2
- 230000007812 deficiency Effects 0.000 description 2
- -1 polypropylene Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 239000004814 polyurethane Substances 0.000 description 2
- 229920000915 polyvinyl chloride Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 238000012358 sourcing Methods 0.000 description 2
- 125000000391 vinyl group Chemical group [H]C([*])=C([H])[H] 0.000 description 2
- 239000011155 wood-plastic composite Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000001154 acute effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000003086 colorant Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 229920001971 elastomer Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 238000004049 embossing Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000001125 extrusion Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000006870 function Effects 0.000 description 1
- 210000003128 head Anatomy 0.000 description 1
- 230000000670 limiting effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000005259 measurement Methods 0.000 description 1
- 229920003023 plastic Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000004033 plastic Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920002635 polyurethane Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 238000003825 pressing Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000003014 reinforcing effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000000126 substance Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000000007 visual effect Effects 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E04—BUILDING
- E04F—FINISHING WORK ON BUILDINGS, e.g. STAIRS, FLOORS
- E04F11/00—Stairways, ramps, or like structures; Balustrades; Handrails
- E04F11/02—Stairways; Layouts thereof
- E04F11/104—Treads
- E04F11/16—Surfaces thereof; Protecting means for edges or corners thereof
- E04F11/17—Surfaces
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47G—HOUSEHOLD OR TABLE EQUIPMENT
- A47G27/00—Floor fabrics; Fastenings therefor
- A47G27/02—Carpets; Stair runners; Bedside rugs; Foot mats
- A47G27/0287—Stair runners; Carpets for stairs
Definitions
- This disclosure relates to decorative articles, such as decorative articles that can conform to desired 3-dimensional shapes for surface coverings.
- Decorative articles are used for forming decorative surfaces.
- Typical decorative article solutions for use with structures having complex 3-dimensional (3D) shapes have included using pre-formed decorative articles that have been pre-formed to fit the complex 3D shape.
- Such pre-formed decorative articles are expensive to manufacture, heavy, and by the nature of their geometry, are expensive to store and to ship.
- a decorative article comprising a sheet having a full thickness, a first surface, and a second surface opposite the first surface.
- the second surface of the sheet defines a plurality of grooves, each groove of the plurality of grooves extending along a first axis.
- the plurality of grooves are configured to permit the first region of the sheet to conform to an application surface.
- Each groove of the plurality of grooves has, along a second axis that is transverse to the first axis, an operative width of at least 1 mm across which a depth of the groove is no less than 1/3 of the full thickness of the sheet.
- the sheet comprises, between adjacent grooves of the plurality of grooves, respective areas defined by the full thickness of the sheet, said full thickness being at least 0.5 mm along the second axis.
- a system includes an installation surface and a decorative article as herein positioned on the installation surface.
- the first surface of the sheet forms a curve along at least a portion of the first region of the sheet.
- a method of using the decorative article as disclosed herein includes applying the decorative article to an installation surface and bending at least a portion of the decorative article over the installation surface.
- a method includes forming, into a sheet having a full thickness, a first surface, and a second surface opposite the first surface, plurality of grooves extending along a first axis so that, across at least a first region of the sheet, the second surface of the sheet defines the plurality of grooves, wherein the plurality of grooves are configured to permit at least the first region of the sheet to conform to an application surface.
- Each groove of the plurality of grooves has, along a second axis that is transverse to the first axis, an operative width of at least 1 mm across which a depth of the groove is no less than 1/3 of the full thickness of the sheet.
- the sheet comprises, between adjacent grooves of the plurality 7 of grooves, respective areas defined by the full thickness of the sheet, said full thickness being at least 0.5 mm along the second axis.
- FIG. 1 is a schematic side view of an exemplary 7 decorative article as disclosed herein.
- FIG. 2 is a schematic side view of an installation comprising the decorative article of FIG. 1 on a complex structure.
- FIG. 3 is a top view of an exemplary decorative article as disclosed herein.
- FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the exemplary decorative article of FIG. 3 formed over a complex structure.
- FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an exemplary' partial installation of a plurality of exemplary decorative articles as disclosed herein over a complex structure.
- FIG. 6 is a schematic partial side view of an exemplary decorative article illustrating exemplary 7 groove geometry.
- FIG. 7 is a schematic partial side view of an exemplary decorative article illustrating exemplary groove geometry.
- values are approximated by use of the antecedent “about,” it is contemplated that values within up to 20%, up to 15%, up to 10%, up to 5%, or up to 1% (above or below) of the particularly stated value can be included within the scope of those aspects.
- values are approximated by use of the terms “substantially” or “generally,” it is contemplated that values within up to 15%, up to 10%, up to 5%, or up to 1% (above or below) of the particular value can be included within the scope of those aspects.
- substantially or “generally” can refer to a degree of deviation that is sufficiently small so as to not measurably detract from the identified property or circumstance, and the exact degree of deviation allowable may in some cases depend on the specific context.
- the term “at least one of’ is intended to be synonymous with “one or more of.”
- “at least one of A, B and C ” explicitly includes only A, only B, only C, and combinations of each.
- complex structure(s) as used herein may generally refer to stairs or stair treads without departing from a broader scope of the present disclosure.
- complex structures are not limited to stairs or stair treads, and said complex structures can include other structures with at least a portion comprising a radius or sharp angles requiring the decorative article to be wrapped around or bent to fit said radius or sharp angles.
- complex structure or “complex structures’ may be interchangeably referred to as ‘‘stair tread” or “stair treads” or “installation surface” or “application surface” without departing from a broader scope of the present disclosure.
- the term “decorative article” as used herein may generally refer to a hard surface floor covering panel.
- the decorative article may be a flexible or semi -flexible panel.
- the decorative article can include, but are not limited to, LVT panels. LVP floor planks, composites boards (wood polymer composite, stone polymer composite), mineral boards, non-woven non - vinyl panels, or hybrid flat panels, etc.
- the decorative article may be rigid article.
- the decorative article may include a substrate that is polyvinyl chloride (PVC)-based, polypropylene (PP)-based, polyurethane (PU)-based, polyethylene terephthalate (PET)-based, polyethlyene (PE)-based, wood based, or mineral based.
- the decorative article may include a decorative image layer disposed above the substrate, and a wear layer disposed above the image layer.
- the decorative article may include addition layers such as a primer layer, an acoustic layer, a balancing layer, a reinforcing layer, etc., disposed below the panel or in between the substrate and top layers (image and wear layers).
- the top layers may be PVC based or non-PVC based materials such as PP, PE, PET, PU, etc.
- Pre-formed stair treads provide a hard surface solution for forming a decorative surface of a stair.
- Pre-formed stair treads are expensive to manufacture or source due to material and extrusion costs.
- the weight of the product drives up shipping costs as well, particularly when sourcing overseas and, in particular, when air freight is required.
- having a stair tread product separate from the rest of the hard surface flooring manufacturing process makes it extremely difficult to accurately match stair treads to the rest of the floor, in both pattern and color.
- installing the stair covers can be arduous and can require professional installers.
- the '345 publication 2021/0254345A1 to Douglas (hereinafter “the '345 publication”) describes V-shaped scores in LVP.
- the LVP of the ‘345 publication uses heat to form the LVP and can often become separated from the underlying surface.
- U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2020/0346482A1 to Mendez hereinafter “the ‘482 publication” describes a heating process used to form the tread.
- the decorative articles as described herein can be bent and installed securely without having a heating step.
- the disclosed decorative articles can allows for a level transition with the flooring (e.g., LVT) on the 2nd and subsequent floors.
- LVT flooring
- a decorative article 10 can comprise a sheet 12 having a full thickness, t, a first surface 14 and a second surface 16 opposite the first surface.
- the second surface 16 of the sheet can define a plurality of grooves 30, each groove 30 extending along (e.g., parallel to) a first axis 32 (extending into the page in FIG. 1).
- the plurality 7 of grooves 30 can be configured to permit at least the first region 20 of the sheet to conform to an application surface.
- the plurality of grooves 30 can permit the first region to bend about an axis that is parallel to the first axis 32.
- the sheet 12 can comprise polymer.
- the decorative article 10 can be a luxury 7 vinyl tile (LVT) panel.
- the decorative article 10 can be a luxury vinyl plank (LVP) panel.
- the decorative article can be any other type of decorative article as disclosed herein, such as any hard surface floor covering panel, including, for example and without limitation, engineered flooring panels, composite flooring panels, laminate flooring panels, or rubber flooring panels.
- the sheet 12 can be flat (e.g., so that the first surface is planar or generally planar).
- the sheet 12 can be flat prior to installation, thereby permitting the decorative article to be efficiently stacked, packed, stored, and shipped.
- the grooves 30 can have a depth.
- the depth can be determined by the full thickness of the sheet 12 (e.g., a ratio of the full thickness of the sheet to the depth of the groove 30).
- a sheet 12 e.g., an LVT panel
- the ratio of the full thickness of the sheet to the groove depth can be from about 1.5 to about 4, or at least 1.5, or at least 1.75.
- the remaining material between the groove 30 and the first side 14 of the sheet can be sufficient to be malleable while still resisting telegraphing.
- the depth of the groove can be greater than the depth of the remaining material.
- the depth of the groove can be less than the depth of the remaining material.
- the depth of the groove and the remaining material may be equal or substantially equal (e.g.. within 15%, within 10%, within 5%, or within 1%).
- the grooves 30 can be equally spaced along a second axis 34 that is transverse to (e.g., perpendicular to) the first axis 32. In other aspects, the grooves 30 can be unevenly spaced along the second axis 34.
- the plurality of grooves 30 can be rectangular (optionally, square) in cross-sectional planes perpendicular to the first axis 32. In other aspects, and with further reference to FIGS. 6-7, the plurality of grooves 30 can be trapezoidal (FIG. 7), rounded (FIG.
- the sheet 12 can have a full thickness, t, between the first and second surfaces between the grooves.
- the each groove 30 can be formed to have, along the second axis 34, an operative width, w, of at least 1 mm (e.g.. from about 1 mm to about 8 mm or from about 2 mm to about 6 mm) across which a depth of the groove is no less than a predetermined portion, p, of the full thickness of the sheet (e.g., 1/3 of, or ! of the full thickness of the sheet).
- the operative width can be a ratio of 1 : 1 to 5: 1 depth to operative width.
- the grooves can have a depth of 1 mm and an operative width of 4 mm. In some aspects, in which the grooves are not rectangular (e.g., the groove profiles in FIGS. 6-
- the ratio of depth to width can be a function a measurement from a lowest part of the groove to the top end.
- the grooves can be formed so that opposed side surfaces 36 of the grooves do not touch when the decorative article 10 is bent to a predetermined radius (e.g., a Vi inch radius).
- a stair bull nose can have a radius of Vi inch
- the grooves can be shaped and sized to permit the first region 20 to bend with a radius of ! inch without opposed side surfaces 36 of any of the grooves 30 touching.
- the grooves can be formed so that opposed side surfaces 36 of the grooves do not touch when the decorative article 10 is bent at a 90 degree bend, such as a square edge stair.
- the bend around a 90 degree bend can have a radius and need not be an absolute 90 degree bend.
- Flexible LVT can advantageously flex to form a bend around such small radii as 90 degree bends over comers.
- the grooves are not V-shaped.
- the groove can have a width that is greater than zero (e.g., at least 0.2 mm, or at least 0.5 mm).
- the grooves can have a base and sides spaced from each other by a width of the base (such that the sides do not intersect).
- the operative width can permit flexibility of the sheet that V-shaped scoring is incapable of providing. Further, the operative width can permit adhesive to be received within the groove when the sheet article is folded/ wrapped around an application surface in order to improve adhesion.
- the grooves 30 can be rectangular (e g., optionally, square) in cross-sectional planes perpendicular to the first axis 32 when the sheet is flat.
- one or more of the grooves can have increasing width (e.g.. a dovetail shape) in a direction from the second surface 16 toward the first surface 14 of the sheet 12, with opposed side surfaces 36 of the grooves diverging in the direction from the second surface 16 toward the first surface 14.
- the sheet can further comprise areas, a, between adjacent grooves 30 defined by the full thickness of the sheet (e.g., portions of the sheet where grooves are not formed), said areas having a dimension along the second axis 34 of at least 0.5 mm, or at least 1 mm. These areas can improve attachment and adhesion to underlying installation surfaces as compared to sawtooth V-shaped scores.
- the decorative article 10 can have, when viewing the first surface 14, a wood grain pattern, a stone pattern, an abstract pattern, a photographic image, a printed film, a tile pattern, a bast pattern, a non-woven pattern, a woven pattern, a metallic pattern, a brick pattern, a concrete pattern, or combinations thereof.
- the decorative article 10 can have a decor layer that provides such a pattern.
- an entirety of, or substantially an entirety' of the sheet 12 can have grooves 30 extending along the second side 16. That is. the sheet 12 can be defined entirely by the first region 20.
- the sheet can comprise a second region 22 across w hich the second surface of the sheet is free of any groove.
- the sheet 12 can comprise a third region 24 that is free of any groove.
- the first region 20 can be positioned between the second and third regions 22, 24 along the second axis 34.
- the second region 22 can be configured (e.g., sized) to cover an upper surface of a stair tread (or cover a desired portion thereof).
- the first region 20 can be configured to wrap around the nose of the stair tread. Accordingly, the first region 20 can have appropriate dimension along the second axis 34 to allow for bending around either a square or bullnose stair. For example, for use with a 1-inch thick stair tread, the first region 20 can have a dimension along the second axis 34 of at least 1.5 inches, or at least 2.5 inches or from about 2.5 inches to 4 inches, or about 3.5 inches.
- the third region 24 can be configured to be positioned under the nose of the stair tread. The third region 24 can be glued, nailed, and/or stapled to the stair tread. In some aspects, the third region 24 can have a dimension from about 0.25 inches to about 1 inch along the second axis 34 (e.g., about Vi inch).
- the third region 24 can be omitted.
- the first region 20 can extend to an end (e.g., a first end 40) of the sheet 12.
- the second region 22 can define a majority of an area of the sheet 12. That is, the second region 22 can be longer than the third region 24 along the second axis 34.
- the second region 22 of the sheet 12 can have a dimension along the second axis 34 of about 10 inches or from about 8 inches to about 10 inches.
- the sheet 12 can have a first end 40 and a second end 42 spaced along the second axis 34.
- the first and second regions 20, 22 can be positioned between the first and second ends 40. 42.
- the sheet 12 can comprise a third region 24 (FIG. 1), with the second region 22 positioned between the first and third regions 20, 24.
- the sheet 12 can further have third and fourth ends 44, 46 spaced along the first axis 34.
- the decorative article 10 can be configured for use with an open staircase with additional grooving transverse to (e.g., perpendicular to) the stair tread length.
- the first region 20 of the sheet 12 can cover (e.g., wrap around) a front stair nose and the sheet 12 can further comprise one or more side regions 26 that are configured to cover (e.g., wrap around) respective side edges of the stair.
- Said side regions 26 can have respective grooves that extend along respective axes 38 transverse to the first axis 32 so that the side regions 26 can bend around axes parallel to the axis 38 along which the grooves of the side regions 26 extend.
- each axis 38 can be parallel to the second axis 34.
- the axis 38 along which the grooves of each of the side regions 26 extend can intersect the second axis 32 at an acute angle.
- the sheet 12 can further comprise regions free of grooves between the side regions 26 and the respective adjacent third and fourth ends 44, 46.
- the panel can be formed as shown in FIG. 3, and wrapped, adhered, and/or clamped on three sides to the tread to provide the shape illustrated in FIG. 4.
- the decorative article 10 can comprise an outer periphery having pairs of opposed portions 50 that, when folded around a stair tread, j oin together at the comers of the stair tread. Accordingly, the opposed portions 50 can have arcuate shapes.
- the decorative article 10 can further comprise a straight edge 52 extending between the pairs of opposed portions 50.
- a system 100 includes an installation surface 110 and a decorative article 10 positioned on the installation surface 110.
- the first surface 14 of the sheet 12 can be curved along at least a portion of the first region 20 of the sheet 12.
- the installation surface 110 is a stair tread having a stair nose 112.
- the first region can at least partly cover a stair nose 112 of the stair tread.
- the system 10 can further comprise an adhesive 120 between the installation surface 1 10 and the second surface 16 of the sheet 12 of the decorative article 10.
- the adhesive 120 can fill at least a portion of at least one groove of the plurality of grooves.
- the system 10 can further comprise a riser 130.
- the riser 130 can have an upper end that is positioned below' a portion of the decorative article 10.
- the riser 130 can have a thickness of about ! inch to about 1 inch or of about % inch.
- the riser 130 can cover a portion 18 (shown in broken lines in FIG. 2) of the decorative article 10 (e.g., an edge below the stair tread) to provide a finished look.
- the riser can impinge on the decorative article 10, pressing the decorative article between the stair tread and the riser to retain the decorative article against the stair tread.
- the system can further comprise at least one additional decorative article positioned adjacent the decorative article 10.
- the at least one additional decorative article can be free of any groove.
- the at least one additional decorative article can be formed from the same type material as the decorative article 10, but has not been modified to include grooves.
- the decorative article 10 and at least one additional decorative article can have the same (or a matching pattern).
- a method of using the decorative article 10 can include applying the decorative article to an installation surface 110. At least a portion of the decorative article can be bent over the installation surface. In some aspects, bending the at least a portion of the decorative article over the installation surface can be performed without heating the decorative article.
- One or more clamps can secure the decorative article 10 to the installation surface. For example, the clamps can be used to hold the decorative article 10 while adhesive cures as illustrated in FIG. 5.
- the disclosed grooves e.g., rectangular grooves
- V-shaped scores were discovered to be surprisingly superior by providing a larger angle of deflection when bending, as well as a higher area of contact to the stair nose along the bend (e.g., contact between the second side 16 of the sheet 12 and the stair nose).
- the disclosed grooves e.g., rectangular grooves
- the disclosed grooves allow for the groove width to remain independent of the full thickness of the product, whereas the depth of V-shaped scores is limited on the depth when used on thicker product, particularly if a 90-degree scoring tool, as disclosed in the ‘345 publication, is used. Otherwise, the overall thickness of the product in grooved area would be reduced from the full thickness.
- the disclosed grooves e.g., rectangular grooves
- V grooves can trap more adhesive than V grooves, as shown in FIG. 2. This improves adhesion by providing a mechanical advantage in addition to the chemical bond.
- each bend of 90 degrees can have at least two grooves 30 in a bend of from 60 degrees to 90 degrees.
- the decorative article can be used with stair noses having a large radius (e.g., as shown in FIG. 2) as well as square cuts (shown in FIG. 5).
- the addition of more grooves 30 can allow for 360 degrees wrapping of poles or other radiused surfaces.
- Grooves for multiple 90-degree bends are distinguishable over an embodiment that has a single groove for 90-degree bends.
- the decorative article can have grooves appropriate for the end use.
- one set of grooves can be configured to cover all surfaces and angles.
- it is contemplated that grooves can be provided across an entirety of the back (e.g., for full wrapping of a mandrel or pole).
- the size of the decorative article 10 can be over 12 inches, at least 14 inches, at least 17 inches, or greater than 17 inches (e.g., from 12 inches to 24 inches) deep along the second axis 34, allowing for full coverage of a stair tread without piecing multiple panels together on the tread. This single panel can provide more longevity to the installation. As should be understood, these dimensions are larger than typical LVT cut planks.
- the LVT size may be 42 inches (along the first axis 32) x 14 inches (along the second axis 34) and may be a unitary (one-piece) construction, which can be easier to install and provide a better seamless finish to the stair landings than piecing together multiple planks or tiles to form the stairs.
- decorative articles 10 covering stair treads can be made of the same material as flooring adjacent the stair treads.
- the decorative articles 10 covering the treads can be made of LVT, and the flooring adjacent the stair treads can comprise stone plastic composite (SPC) or wood plastic composite (WPC).
- SPC stone plastic composite
- WPC wood plastic composite
- the image can be the same for flooring and treads by using the same printed image or a coordinating image or finish.
- the stair tread can pass slip resistance testing using a James Machine as is known in the art.
- the surface of the tread can have additional embossing to improve slip resistance.
- the decorative article disclosed herein can be formed from an LVT product that is currently manufactured rather than being a standalone product requiring sourcing or separate manufacturing processes.
- existing LVT panels can be modified or retrofitted to be used as stair covers, thereby allowing the same flooring sty le, color, and type that is used throughout the different floors of the installation (e.g., house) to also be easily used as stair coverings or other surface coverings.
- This modification of existing material can reduce logistics complexity' and can simplify the manufacturing process.
- the decorative article with the grooves as described herein is configured for DIY installation and does not need a professional installer.
- the decorative article for a stair tread can be easily made from a variety of LVT patterns and colors, allowing for easy matching with the rest of the flooring in an installation as described above.
- the grooves can be formed using a modified planar or molder that is stationary with rotating tool head and allowing the sheet (e.g., LVT or LVP panel) to pass under the tool head to create the grooves.
- the planar or molder can be modified to have a plurality of cutting elements spaced at known distances on one or more rotating cutting heads.
- the sheet 12 can be fed under the rotating heads.
- groove cutting can be performed using a gang saw; More generally, a cutting device can comprise tooling configured to form a plurality of grooves.
- the grooves may be made on-site by a user with said modified planar or molder.
- a dedicated stationary tool with rotating tool head can be used in a factory setting with the sheet (e.g., LVT or LVP panel) being conveyed on a moving conveyor to pass under the tool head to create the grooves.
- the sheet e.g., LVT or LVP panel
- the sheet can be kept stationary, and the tool can be moved across the plank to create the grooves.
- An exemplary 7 stair comprising a decorative article as disclosed herein w as tested using human walker to simulate an installed tread.
- the steps of the walker were counted, and the stair tread visually evaluated. After 100,000 steps there was no visual indication of wearing or telegraphing of the groove in the landing or radius areas.
- the grooves were cut to 3.75 mm width and 1 mm depth. This width and depth are sufficient to allow for easy bending and installation, but not so wide and deep as to promote telegraphing with wear. These dimensions can be modified as necessary for different applications.
- LVT panels and LVP floor planks are described as exemplary- embodiments, the present disclosure can apply to other types of floor coverings such as, but not limited to, composites boards (wood polymer composite, stone polymer composite), mineral boards, non-w oven non - vinyl or hybrid flat panels, etc.
- the side on which the grooves are formed may be the bottom side of the panels or the side that faces a substructure (e g., subfloor) when installed (i.e., the side not seen by the user when installed).
- a substructure e g., subfloor
- a decorative article comprising: a sheet having a full thickness, a first surface, and a second surface opposite the first surface, wherein: across at least a first region of the sheet, the second surface of the sheet defines a plurality' of grooves, each groove of the plurality of grooves extending along a first axis; the plurality of grooves are configured to permit the first region of the sheet to conform to an application surface; each groove of the plurality of grooves has, along a second axis that is transverse to the first axis, an operative width of at least 1 mm across which a depth of the groove is no less than 1/3 of the full thickness of the sheet and the sheet comprises, between adjacent grooves of the plurality of grooves, respective areas defined by the full thickness of the sheet, said full thickness being at least 0.5 mm along the second axis.
- Aspect 2 The decorative article of aspect 1, wherein the plurality of grooves are rectangular.
- Aspect 3 The decorative article of aspect 1 or aspect 2, wherein the sheet is flat.
- Aspect 4 The decorative article of any one of the preceding aspects, wherein the first surface has a wood grain pattern, a stone pattern, an abstract pattern, a photographic image, a printed film, a tile pattern, a bast pattern, a non-woven pattern, a woven pattern, a metallic pattern, a brick pattern, or a concrete pattern.
- Aspect 5 The decorative article of any one of the preceding aspects, wherein the sheet comprises polymer.
- Aspect 6 The decorative article of any one of the preceding aspects, wherein the decorative article is a LVT panel.
- Aspect 7 The decorative article of any one of aspects 1-5, wherein the decorative article is a LVP panel.
- Aspect 8 The decorative article of any one of the preceding aspects, wherein the sheet further comprises a second region across which the second surface of the sheet is free of any groove.
- Aspect 9 The decorative article of aspect 8, wherein the sheet further comprises a third region across which the second surface of the sheet is free of any groove, wherein the first region is positioned between the second and third regions along the second axis.
- Aspect 10 The decorative article of any one of the preceding aspects, wherein the sheet further comprises at least one side region across which the second surface of the sheet defines a second plurality of grooves, each groove of the second plurality of grooves extending along an axis transverse to the first axis.
- Aspect 11 A system comprising: an installation surface; and a decorative article as in any one of the preceding aspects positioned on the installation surface, wherein the first surface of the sheet forms a curve along at least a portion of the first region of the sheet.
- Aspect 12 The system of aspect 11, wherein the installation surface is a stair tread having a stair nose, wherein the first region at least partly covers the stair nose.
- Aspect 13 The system of aspect 11 or aspect 12, further comprising an adhesive between the installation surface and the second surface of the sheet of the decorative article.
- Aspect 14 The system of any one of aspects 11-13, wherein the adhesive fills at least a portion of at least one groove of the plurality of grooves.
- Aspect 15 The system of any one of aspects 11-14, wherein at least one groove of the plurality of grooves has an increasing width in a direction from the second surface toward the first surface.
- Aspect 16 The system of any one of aspects 11-15, further comprising a riser, wherein a portion of the decorative article is positioned between the riser and the stair tread.
- Aspect 17 The system of any one of aspects 11-16, wherein the decorative article is a first decorative article, the system further comprising at least one additional decorative article positioned adjacent the first decorative article, wherein the at least one additional decorative article is free of any groove.
- a method of using the decorative article as in any one aspects 1-10 includes: applying the decorative article to an installation surface; and bending at least a portion of the decorative article over the installation surface.
- a method comprising: forming, into a sheet having a full thickness, a first surface, and a second surface opposite the first surface, plurality of grooves extending along a first axis so that, across at least a first region of the sheet, the second surface of the sheet defines the plurality of grooves, wherein the plurality of grooves are configured to permit at least the first region of the sheet to conform to an application surface, wherein each groove of the plurality of grooves has, along a second axis that is transverse to the first axis, an operative width of at least 1 mm across which a depth of the groove is no less than 1/3 of the full thickness of the sheet, and wherein the sheet comprises, between adjacent grooves of the plurality of grooves, respective areas defined by the full thickness of the sheet, said full thickness being at least 0.5 mm along the second axis.
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Architecture (AREA)
- Civil Engineering (AREA)
- Structural Engineering (AREA)
- Steps, Ramps, And Handrails (AREA)
Abstract
Un article décoratif comprend une feuille ayant une épaisseur totale, une première surface et une seconde surface opposée à la première surface. Sur au moins une première région de la feuille, la seconde surface de la feuille définit une pluralité de rainures, chaque rainure s'étendant le long d'un premier axe. La pluralité de rainures sont configurées pour permettre à la première région de la feuille de se conformer à une surface d'application. Chaque rainure de la pluralité de rainures présente, le long d'un second axe qui est transversal au premier axe, une largeur fonctionnelle d'au moins 1 mm à travers laquelle une profondeur de la rainure n'est pas inférieure à 1/3 de l'épaisseur totale de la feuille. La feuille comprend, entre des rainures adjacentes de la pluralité de rainures, des zones respectives définies par l'épaisseur totale de la feuille, ladite épaisseur totale étant d'au moins 0,5 mm le long du second axe.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US202263428944P | 2022-11-30 | 2022-11-30 | |
US63/428,944 | 2022-11-30 |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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WO2024118935A1 true WO2024118935A1 (fr) | 2024-06-06 |
Family
ID=91324937
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
PCT/US2023/081847 WO2024118935A1 (fr) | 2022-11-30 | 2023-11-30 | Article décoratif rainuré |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
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WO (1) | WO2024118935A1 (fr) |
Citations (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US1674713A (en) * | 1927-03-21 | 1928-06-26 | George W Brooks | Nonskid metal covering for stair treads, thresholds, and the like |
US1716224A (en) * | 1926-08-16 | 1929-06-04 | Peter C C Friderichsen | Tile |
US5919545A (en) * | 1996-07-18 | 1999-07-06 | Alusuisse Technology & Management Ltd. | Composite panel |
US20030196387A1 (en) * | 2002-04-23 | 2003-10-23 | Hussey Darren E. | Collapsible stair cover |
US20080066389A1 (en) * | 2006-09-15 | 2008-03-20 | Cynthia Siegel | Reusable stair cover |
-
2023
- 2023-11-30 WO PCT/US2023/081847 patent/WO2024118935A1/fr unknown
Patent Citations (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US1716224A (en) * | 1926-08-16 | 1929-06-04 | Peter C C Friderichsen | Tile |
US1674713A (en) * | 1927-03-21 | 1928-06-26 | George W Brooks | Nonskid metal covering for stair treads, thresholds, and the like |
US5919545A (en) * | 1996-07-18 | 1999-07-06 | Alusuisse Technology & Management Ltd. | Composite panel |
US20030196387A1 (en) * | 2002-04-23 | 2003-10-23 | Hussey Darren E. | Collapsible stair cover |
US20080066389A1 (en) * | 2006-09-15 | 2008-03-20 | Cynthia Siegel | Reusable stair cover |
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