System for replacing panels from the center of a finished, interlocked floor

摘要

The invention is a system based on adaptors and replacement panel design that allows replacement of a panel that is surrounded by other panels in an interlocking floor system. Since the panel to be replaced is surrounded by panels that cannot be disturbed, only vertical motion is available to allow the replacement panel to be positioned into the space. One side of the adaptors of the invention mates to the surrounding panels in a standard manner. The other side of the adaptors provides an interface that allows vertical interlocking of the new replacement panel. The replacement panel of the intervention provides interfaces along its edges that allow vertical mating with the adaptors' vertical interlocking mechanism.

主权项

1. A system for replacing a floor panel in a previously installed interlocked flooring comprised of a plurality of floor panels each having first interlock structure on one lateral edge and a differently configured second interlock structure on another latral edge, wherein a vacant space has been provided by the removal of a damaged floor panel to be replaced, said vacant space being bounded laterally by at least two adjacent panels of the installed flooring, said system comprising:
a) a first adaptor, configured to be inserted in the vacant space and interlocked with a first adjacent panel, wherein the first adaptor comprises: i) an upper side, a lower side and at least two lateral faces; ii) a first interlocking structure on one of said lateral faces configured to mate the first adaptor horizontally with a first interlock structure of the first adjacent panel; and iii) a second interlocking structure configured to mate vertically with a replacement floor panel; and b) a second adaptor, covfigured to be inserted in the vacant space and interlocked with a second adjacent panel, wherein the second adaptor comprises: i) an upper side, a lower side and at least two lateral faces; ii) a first interlocking structure on one of said lateral faces and configured to mate the second adaptor horizontally with a second interlock structure of the second adjacent panel; and iii) a second interlocking structure configured to mate vertically with a replacement floor panel; and c) a replacement floor panel arranged in the vacant space and configured to mate vertically with the second interlocking structure of each of said first and second adapter.