US 7,451,578 · Granted 2008-11-18
The Click-Lock Floor Panel Patent That Made Installation Foolproof
Imagine floor or wall panels that snap together like puzzle pieces without tools or messy glue. This patent describes a clever hook-and-latch system where new panels swing down at an angle and lock into place, then a safety mechanism prevents them from popping back out. It's the engineering behind modern "click-together" flooring.
The plain-English version
What it protects
The claim covers a fastening system for rectangular panels where opposite edges have matching retaining profiles. Specifically, it protects the method of installing a new panel by attaching it at a temporary angle to an already-installed panel, then swiveling it flat into the plane, with hook elements that interlock. The patent also covers the additional locking elements that prevent the hooked connection from being pulled perpendicular to the panel surface—essentially the anti-lift safety feature that keeps panels from popping apart.
Why it matters
This patent represents a major shift in how modular building materials like flooring and wall panels are assembled. Instead of requiring adhesives, screws, or skilled installation, the swing-down locking mechanism lets homeowners and contractors connect panels quickly and reliably. The anti-lift locking elements eliminate a common failure mode, making the system durable for high-traffic areas. This kind of innovation enabled the modern click-lock laminate and vinyl plank flooring categories that have become standard in home improvement.
Real-world use
Every time you see luxury vinyl plank flooring or laminate that clicks together without nails, you're likely using technology descended from this patent's core design—the angled attachment and swing-down lock method.
Original USPTO abstract
The invention relates to a fastening system ( 1 ) for rectangular, tabular panels ( 2, 3, 10 ), especially floor panels. Comprising retaining profiles disposed on the small faces of said panels ( 2, 3, 10 ). Opposite retaining profiles match said retaining profiles in such a manner that similar panels ( 2, 3, 10 ) can be interlinked. The panels are provided with opposite first retaining profiles that are configured in such a manner that on a panel ( 2, 3, 10 ) being in first line a new panel ( 2 ) can be locked in second line by attaching the new panel ( 2 ) to the installed panel ( 3 ) at a temporary angle relative to the installed panel ( 3 ) and then swiveling it down into the plane of the installed panel ( 3 ). The panel further comprises opposite second retaining elements that comprise corresponding hook elements ( 6, 7 ). A hook connection ( 8 ) can be established by means of one of the hook elements ( 6, 7 ) of the new panel ( 2 ) and a hook element ( 6, 7 ) of a panel ( 3 ) that is already installed in second line by swiveling down the new panel ( 2 ). Every hook connection ( 8 ) is associated with an additional locking element ( 13, 22, 26, 27, 34, 35, 36, 40, 46 ) that prevents, in the hooked state of two panels ( 2, 3, 10 ), the hook connection ( 8 ) from being released in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the installed panels ( 2, 3 10 ).
Patent details
- Publication number
- US 7,451,578
- Filing date
- 2002-07-04
- Grant date
- 2008-11-18
- Assignee
- Akzenta Paneele + Profile Gmbh
- Inventor(s)
- HANNIG HANS-JUERGEN
- CPC class
- E04F15/02038
Want to file your own patent?
If you're designing a new modular building system or surface material, check IsItPatented's free scanner to see what click-lock mechanisms might already be claimed in your space.
Free patentability scan