Connecting system for surface coverings
US6675545B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 14, 2000 |
| Grant date | Jan 13, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 5, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T428/31906
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A spline, tongue, connector, or snap connector is described and useful for connecting a variety of surface covering products together. In one embodiment the spline is a polymeric material having an elongated shape and dimensions such that the spline has a sufficient width to fit into and extend outside of a groove in a side edge of a first plank and to fit into a respective groove in a side edge of a second plank. The spline may be concealed from view when the first plank and the second plank are connected together by the spline. A surface covering system for connecting two or more planks together is also described as well as methods to connect two or more planks together using the splines of the present invention.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.