Abstract:
An interlockable panel for forming a generally planar surface. Each panel includes a first surface positioned substantially in a plane and a second surface facing opposite the first surface and substantially parallel to and displaced from the first surface. Each surface has a perimeter defined by edges extending between the first and second surfaces. The edges may include male or female edges. Each male edge includes a tongue that extends outwardly from the male edge and a longitudinally extending void that extends inwardly of the tongue. Each female edge includes a groove having a protrusion position within the groove and extending outwardly from the groove generally parallel to the first surface. An adjacent panel may be linked to a fixed panel such that the tongue engages the groove and the protrusion engages the void. The invention also includes a method for assembling a generally planar surface using interlockable panels such as the above-mentioned. The method generally includes the steps of placing the first surfaces of adjacent panels within a common plane, and manually linking of the male edge of the first panel with the female edge of a second panel, by relatively moving the panels towards each other while maintaining said panels in a common plane.
Abstract:
Flooring panels can have a variety of widths. In one embodiment, panels or boards of different widths are packaged together to give the installer a great deal of flexibility in constructing the floor in order to achieve a realistic looking surface. In another embodiment, the panels have locking joints which allow the panels to be maintained in an installed condition until a pre-applied glue is allowed to set.
Abstract:
The stairtread has the aesthetic appearance of a solid hardwood stairtread and presents a structural stability comparable to that of hardwood treads, but comprises a core layer made of lamellas of lower quality material glued laterally adjacent to each other. On the top surface of the core layer are glued laterally adjacent to each other top lamellas of higher quality wood. Underneath lamellas made of higher quality wood may also be glued laterally adjacent to each other on the bottom surface of the core layer to form a tread of which the underside is made of higher quality wood covering the lower quality core. Finally an elongate nose member is applied and glued to a longitudinal edge surface of the core layer. Use of lower quality material such as low quality wood helps to preserve our natural resources and to reduce consumption of higher quality wood material becoming every day more rare and difficult to obtain.