US 2,004,128,934 · Filed 2003-11-10
The Tongue-and-Groove Floor Tile That Locks Without Nails
Imagine floor tiles that snap together like LEGO bricks instead of needing nails or glue. This patent describes a clever lip-and-shoulder system where one tile's tongue slides into a neighboring tile's groove and locks in place both sideways and vertically through interlocking notches.
The plain-English version
What it protects
The claim covers a floor panel system with a tongue extending along one edge that fits into a corresponding recessed groove on an adjacent panel. Specifically, what's protected is the combination of: a top lip and bottom lip in the recess, a shoulder that blocks side-to-side movement, an undercut with a bearing region, and matching form-fitting elements (like notches or teeth) that engage vertically to lock the panels together. Anyone manufacturing floor tiles with this exact locking mechanism would infringe.
Why it matters
This patent matters because it enables floating floors—planks that install quickly without adhesive, nails, or tools, making renovation cheaper and faster for homeowners. The mechanical locking system also allows panels to expand and contract with temperature and humidity without gaps appearing, which is a persistent problem in traditional wood flooring. This approach became the basis for modern laminate and engineered hardwood products.
Real-world use
When you install luxury vinyl planks or laminate flooring in a home renovation, you're likely using a locking system descended from this design—clicking boards together across the room without a single nail.
Original USPTO abstract
Floor panel which is provided with means for releasably connecting at least two panels, it being the case that a tongue is formed to extend in the longitudinal direction of the side edge and corresponding recess is formed opposite it, that the recess comprises a top lip and a bottom lip, and the bottom lip forms a shoulder with a front shoulder side, said shoulder blocking the panels in the transverse direction (Q), that an undercut is adjoined by a recess, with a bearing region which corresponds to the shoulder, and a wall, which, with the front shoulder side in the installed state, is located opposite the latter, and that corresponding form-fitting elements are formed on the wall and the front shoulder side, said form-fitting elements, in the installed state, engaging one inside the other and bringing about locking in the vertical direction (V), and an underside of the tongue and a top side of the bottom lip runs parallel to the top side.
Patent details
- Publication number
- US 2,004,128,934
- Filing date
- 2003-11-10
- Grant date
- Application — not yet granted
- Assignee
- Hendrik Hecht
- Inventor(s)
- HECHT HENDRIK
- CPC class
- E04F15/181
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