US 2,008,010,937 · Filed 2007-07-09
The Combination Lock That Snaps Floor Panels Together Seamlessly
Imagine floor panels that lock together like puzzle pieces using a built-in combination lock system instead of nails or screws. This patent describes a clever three-part locking mechanism where a movable tongue and groove system lets panels snap into place and stay put without any visible fasteners.
The plain-English version
What it protects
The patent covers a locking system for floor panels that uses three connecting devices working together. What's protected is the specific design where a combination lock includes an upward-facing locking element that fits into a groove, plus a flexible tongue that slides in a displacement groove to interlock with a tongue on a third connecting device. The claim essentially locks down this mechanical arrangement for connecting panels.
Why it matters
This patent matters because it solves a practical problem in flooring installation: how to make panels that lock together quickly and securely without exposed hardware or adhesives. For manufacturers like Valinge (a Swedish flooring company), controlling this locking mechanism design prevents competitors from copying their snap-together system, which is a major selling point for modern laminate and vinyl flooring products.
Real-world use
When you install luxury vinyl or laminate flooring in a home, each plank clicks and locks into its neighbor using this kind of hidden mechanism—the panels stay tight and flush without nails or glue showing.
Original USPTO abstract
A locking system for a floor panel includes a first connecting device, a second connecting device, and a third connecting device. The first connecting device includes a combination lock including an upwardly directed locking element configured to cooperate with a locking groove. The combination lock further including a flexible tongue in a displacement groove. The displacement groove and the flexible tongue of the combination lock are configured to cooperate with a tongue of a third connecting device.
Patent details
- Publication number
- US 2,008,010,937
- Filing date
- 2007-07-09
- Grant date
- Application — not yet granted
- Assignee
- Valinge Innovation Ab
- Inventor(s)
- PERVAN DARKO, BOO CHRISTIAN
- CPC class
- E04F15/02
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