Surface covering connection joints

摘要

The present technology relates to connection joints for surface coverings which includes but is not limited to floor coverings and building panels. Embodiments of the present technology include connection joints that are strong and allow for the use of less material than is needed for tongue and groove connection joints. In embodiments related to floor coverings, these advantages are accomplished by reducing total thickness of a floor plank while increasing the thickness of the wear layer relative to the overall thickness of the floor plank and still be able to maintain a structurally strong connection joint.

主权项

1. A floor plank for horizontal flooring assemblies comprising:
a top side; a bottom side substantially parallel to the top side, wherein the floor plank is affixed to a horizontal surface with the bottom side contacting the horizontal surface; a first edge extending from the top side to the bottom side comprising;
a first contact side extending from the top side to a first terminal position between the top side and the bottom side; anda wedge shaped protrusion comprising;a first horizontal side extending from the first terminal position, facing toward the top side, and substantially parallel to the top side; anda first angled side extending from the bottom side to the first horizontal side, including a first portion extending from the bottom side, a second portion extending from the first horizontal side, and a cleat;wherein an angle formed between the bottom side and the first portion of the first angled side is obtuse, an angle formed between the first horizontal side and the second portion of the first angled side is acute, and the first portion and second portion of the first angled side are coplanar; andwherein the cleat is located between the first and second portions of the first angled side and includes a horizontal cleat side extending from the first portion of the first angled side, substantially parallel to the first horizontal side, and forming an obtuse angle with the first portion of the first angled side;wherein the first edge is configured to mate with a third edge, of a second floor plank affixed to the horizontal surface adjacent the floor plank, the third edge having a complementary shape to the first edge and includes a wedge shaped slot including a cleft; andwherein the second floor plank is configured to shrink in a direction away from the floor plank when affixed to the horizontal surface adjacent the floor plank, due to a change in temperature or humidity, creating a gap between the first edge and the third edge and the cleat of the first edge and cleft of the third edge are configured to maintain an overlap to limit vertical movement of the second plank when shrunk.