US 2,013,047,536 · Filed 2012-08-28
The Click-Lock Floor Patent That Changed How Homes Install Flooring
Imagine floor planks that snap together like LEGO blocks without needing nails or glue. This patent describes a mechanical locking system with little bumps and grooves carved into the edges of floor panels so adjacent planks lock horizontally into place, creating a tight, seamless floor that's fast to install.
The plain-English version
What it protects
The claim covers a mechanical locking system for floor panels that uses cavities (grooves) and protrusions (bumps) along the edges of adjacent panels to create horizontal locking. What's protected here is the specific geometry and arrangement of these interlocking features that allow two floor planks to snap together and hold firmly without fasteners.
Why it matters
This patent represents a major shift in flooring installation. Rather than requiring nails, screws, or adhesive, the click-lock system lets installers—and homeowners—assemble floors faster and with less skill required. It became foundational technology in the laminate and engineered hardwood industry, making DIY flooring projects accessible to ordinary people.
Real-world use
Every time someone clicks together laminate planks or modern engineered hardwood in their home, they're using the mechanical logic this patent locks down—two edges meet and interlock without any tools or glue needed.
Original USPTO abstract
Building panels, especially floor panels are shown, which are provided with a locking system comprising several cavities and local protrusions that provide horizontal locking of two adjacent edges.
Patent details
- Publication number
- US 2,013,047,536
- Filing date
- 2012-08-28
- Grant date
- Application — not yet granted
- Assignee
- Välinge Flooring Technology AB
- Inventor(s)
- PERVAN DARKO
- CPC class
- E04F15/02038
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