Vertical Joint System and Associated Surface Covering System

摘要

A vertical joint system 10 for substrates 12 is formed with joints Jm and Jf which engaged by relative motion in a direction perpendicular to major surfaces 14 and 16 of the substrate 12. The joints are configured to enable relative rotation of up to 3 degrees (i.e. clockwise or anticlockwise) while maintaining engagement of the joints. The joints Jm and Jf are further configured to form two locking planes 18, 20 one on each of the inner and outer most sides of the joint. Engagement about the locking planes 18, 20 is provided by transverse outward extending surfaces Cm1, Cm2, Cf1 and Cf2. The surface Cf1 and Cf2 overhang the surfaces Cm1 and Cm2. At least one surface in each pair of engaging surfaces: Cf1 and Cm1; and, Cf2 and Cm2 is smoothly curved. The joints Jm and Jf can be further arranged to provide a third locking plane 74 parallel to and between the locking planes 18, 20. The joints are disengaged by combination of a downward rotation of one joint relative the other then application of a downward force. By virtue of these features flooring with the joint system can be laid on sub-surfaces which have undulations greater than current world industry standards. Additionally replacement of damaged substrates is possible by vertical lifting of damaged substrates without the need to pull up excess flooring from the closest wall to the damaged substrates.

主权项

1. A panel for a ceramic tile surface covering system, the panel having a planar upper surface and planer lower surface and comprising:
a substrate having made from a plastic material and provided with a vertical joint system configured to enable the panel to be engaged like panels in response to a force applied in an engagement direction which is perpendicular to the upper surface and to enable engaged panels to be disengaged by lifting one of two or more engaged panels in a direction opposite the engagement direction; and a ceramic tile attached to the upper surface of the substrate.