US 2,002,178,674 · Filed 2002-07-25
The Floating Floor Lock That Changed How We Install Laminate
Imagine two puzzle pieces that lock together not just side-by-side, but also prevent them from lifting apart. This patent describes a clever mechanical system where the edges of floor panels hook and grip each other in two directions at once, keeping them locked down without nails or glue.
The plain-English version
What it protects
The claim covers a mechanical joining system where two building panels (like laminate or hardwood floor planks) have specially shaped edges that interlock. Specifically, it protects a strip with a protruding locking element on one panel's edge that engages a groove on the other panel's edge. This dual-direction locking—preventing panels from separating upward and sideways—is what's patented. Anyone manufacturing floor panels with this exact interlocking edge geometry would need a license.
Why it matters
This patent addresses a real problem in floating floor installation: keeping panels tightly locked together without traditional fasteners like nails or glue, which can damage the floor or limit its natural movement. The two-direction locking system allows the floor to shift slightly while staying secure, which is crucial for wood and laminate that expand and contract with humidity. This kind of innovation became foundational to how engineered and laminate flooring systems are manufactured and sold today.
Real-world use
Every time someone clicks laminate or engineered hardwood planks together during a DIY floor installation, they're using the snap-together geometry this patent protects. The satisfying 'click' as planks lock into place comes directly from this mechanical interlocking design.
Original USPTO abstract
The invention relates to a system for laying and mechanically joining building panels, especially thin, hard, floating floors. Adjacent joint edges ( 3, 4 ) of two panels ( 1, 2 ) engage each other to provide a first mechanical connection locking the joint edges ( 3,4 ) in a first direction (D 1 ) perpendicular to the principal plane of the panels. In each joint, there is further provided a strip ( 6 ) which is integrated with one joint edge ( 3 ) and which projects behind the other joint edge ( 4 ). The strip ( 6 ) has an upwardly protruding locking element ( 8 ) engaging in a locking groove ( 14 ) in the rear side ( 16 ) of the other joint edge ( 4 ) to form a second mechanical connection locking the panels ( 1, 2 ) in a second direction (D 2 ) parallel to the principal plane of the panels and at right angles to the joint. Both the first and the second mechanical connection allow mutual displacement of joined panels ( 1, 2 ) in the direction of the joint.
Patent details
- Publication number
- US 2,002,178,674
- Filing date
- 2002-07-25
- Grant date
- Application — not yet granted
- Assignee
- Tony Pervan
- Inventor(s)
- PERVAN TONY
- CPC class
- E04F15/04
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