Universal grid plug-in system for parquet and floor modules made of different shapes and materials

Abstract

Universal grid plug-in system for parquet and floor modules, comprising a carrier plate with a regular grid of receiving holes of defined distances and floor modules which are provided on their underside with vertically insertable pins, wherein the pins can be inserted into the grid holes and the carrier plate can be mechanically fixed to the substrate, characterized in that the system enables the reversible and interchangeable assembly of floor modules which can be freely varied and combined with regard to their geometric shape, type of material and material thickness.

Description

2. Purpose of the invention

[0001] The invention serves to develop a universal, modular floor laying system that enables quick, low-tool or tool-free assembly and disassembly of parquet and floor modules.

[0002] The system allows the combination of a wide variety of geometric shapes and surface materials (wood, plastic, metal, ceramic, leather, textile) on a uniform, perforated carrier plate with grid and pin connections. 3. Technical Problem

[0003] Conventional floor coverings have several disadvantages: • permanent, non-replaceable adhesive bond or click connection • No way to replace individual elements without damage • No free combination of different materials and shapes • No modular repair or expansion • no vertical plug connection • no possibility to flexibly vary decorative or functional surfaces

[0004] What is lacking is a system that is universal, modular, material-independent, geometrically free, and reversible. 4. Technical field

[0005] The invention belongs to the technical field of floor covering systems, in particular modular parquet, design and functional floors with mechanical plug-in and grid connections. 5. Purpose of the invention

[0006] The task is to create a floor laying system that: • does not require adhesives or side click profiles • can be plugged in vertically • Interchangeable modules enable • makes it possible to combine different materials and shapes • a stable, securely screwable support structure offers • suitable for both DIY users and professional installations • Integrated decorative, functional and acoustic surfaces 6. Solution to the task

[0007] The task is solved by a universal grid plug-in system, consisting of: 1. Carrier plates (modules) with a regular grid of mounting holes 2. vertically insertable pins on the undersides of the floor modules 3. Mechanical fixing of the support plates to the substrate (e.g. concrete) 4. Interchangeable floor modules in variable shapes, sizes and materials 5. Optionally integrated functional layers (acoustics, insulation, electrical) 6. Access points with cover caps for dismantling individual modules 7. Solution approach of the invention

[0008] The core approach is to create a universal mechanical interface: • Grid = Positioning • Pins = vertical anchoring • Module = freely selectable shape and surface

[0009] This creates a system that functions like floor LEGO, but in a professional, load-bearing and durable design. 8. Components 8.1 Mechanical Module • Carrier board (wood, HDF, plastic, composite material) • Grid holes at defined intervals (e.g. 50 mm) • Optional rubber rings or elastomer inserts for noise reduction • Pin connections (conical, cylindrical, with locking mechanism) • Floor modules in variable shapes: • rectangular • square • radial • tangential • circular • polygonal 8.2 Electrical module (optional) • Integrated LED elements • Sensors (pressure, temperature, presence) • Heating films or heating modules • Cable ducts within the support plates 9. Functionality and advantages • quick assembly and disassembly • Replacement of individual elements without damage • Free choice of materials (wood, ceramic, metal, leather, textile, plastic) • Free geometric design (including circle and mosaic patterns) • DIY-friendly • Professional stability through screwing of the support plates • Acoustic and thermal optimization possible • Sustainable reusability of all components 10. Compatibility with standard products • Compatible with standard parquet surfaces • Compatible with ceramic tiles (glued or prefabricated) • Compatible with design and acoustic surfaces • Compatible with metal and decorative panels • Compatible with LED and function modules 11. Summary of the advantages • universal • modular • reversible • independent of material • geometrically free • easy to maintain • durable • Decorative and technically expandable 12. State of the art and comparison

[0010] Existing systems are based on: • Click connections • Bonding • side mounting • non-interchangeable elements • solid material combinations

[0011] None of these systems offers: • vertical pin connection • universal grid • Free material combination • circular and tangential modules • screw-on mounting plates • Modular repairability 13. Comparison to the state of the art / today • Currently, most flooring systems are based on lateral click connections, adhesives, or mechanical profiles that require horizontal installation. These systems generally do not allow for easy replacement of individual elements, as the modules are either interlocked or permanently bonded to the subfloor. Repairs are often complex, require skilled personnel, and frequently result in damage to adjacent elements. • Furthermore, existing systems are severely limited in their choice of materials. Typically, only wood, laminate, or certain designer floor coverings are supported, while combinations of ceramic, metal, leather, textile, or plastic are not possible. Geometric variability is also severely restricted: most systems are limited to rectangular or square formats and offer no possibility of integrating circular, radial, or tangential elements. • Another disadvantage of conventional systems is the lack of modularity in the substructure. Support plates are not screwed together or offered in segments, making partial disassembly or expansion impossible. Likewise, there is no universal mechanical interface that allows vertical plug-in mounting via pins and mounting holes. In contrast, the present invention offers a fully reversible, vertically pluggable, and material-independent system that enables both geometric freedom and modular repairability. The combination of a grid base plate, vertical pin connections, interchangeable modules, and freely selectable surface materials represents a significant advancement over the current state of the art and opens up new design and functional possibilities that were previously unavailable. 14. Degree of innovation

[0012] The invention combines several novel technical principles not found in the prior art. In addition to the universal grid, vertical pin connection, modular carrier plates, free choice of materials, free geometric design, complete reversibility, and optional integration of electronic components, the system includes further innovative features.

[0013] A key element is the defined grid and hole spacing, which serves as a universal mechanical interface. This spacing not only allows for the precise positioning of the floor modules but also for adaptation to different material thicknesses. This enables the use and free combination of modules made of wood, plastic, ceramic, metal, leather, or textiles of varying thicknesses.

[0014] Furthermore, the design of the support plates allows for the integration of additional functional spaces intended for underfloor heating, electrical wiring, sensors, control cables, or flexible hoses. These functional channels can be installed at the factory or on-site without compromising the mechanical integrity of the system.

[0015] Another innovative feature is the option of using functional or decorative plug-in modules. Thanks to the grid-pin principle, small vases, stands, stools, brackets, or other built-in items can be securely anchored in the support panel. This expands the system beyond traditional flooring into a multifunctional platform for interior design and space organization.

[0016] The combination of these features – defined grid spacing, variable material thicknesses, integrable functional channels and pluggable additional modules – results in a highly flexible, expandable and future-proof flooring system that goes far beyond the possibilities of conventional parquet and flooring solutions.

[0017] This combination is new, inventive, and not technically obvious. 15. Ergonomic and sustainable features • Tool-free assembly • easy repair • Reusability of all modules • No adhesives → no emissions • reduced waste volumes • Modular expandability • Ergonomic handling thanks to small modules 16. Adaptability, expandability and reduction of material loss

[0018] Another key innovative aspect of the invention lies in the exceptionally easy adaptability of the system to different room geometries and structural conditions. The support plates with grid holes can be easily cut or extended on-site by the user without impairing the functionality of the plug-in system. New grid holes can also be drilled in a private setting if needed, allowing the system to be flexibly adapted to irregular room shapes, niches, or special areas.

[0019] This feature offers a significant advantage over conventional floor coverings: considerably less waste is generated, as both the backing boards and the floor modules are modular and can be precisely adapted to room dimensions. Users do not need to keep large quantities of reserve or replacement material on hand, since individual modules can be purchased at any time and integrated into the existing grid.

[0020] The ability to gradually expand or supplement the system increases its long-term usability and cost-effectiveness. Users can purchase additional modules, materials, or designs at any time and integrate them into the existing system without requiring a complete reinstallation. This makes the universal grid plug-in system particularly attractive for renovations, rental apartments, temporary installations, or spaces with frequently changing requirements.

Claims

Universal grid plug-in system for parquet and floor modules, comprising a carrier plate with a regular grid of receiving holes of defined distances and floor modules which are provided on their underside with vertically insertable pins, wherein the pins can be inserted into the grid holes and the carrier plate can be mechanically fixed to the substrate, characterized in that the system enables the reversible and interchangeable assembly of floor modules which can be freely varied and combined with regard to their geometric shape, type of material and material thickness. System according to claim 1, characterized in that the grid holes have a defined hole spacing which enables the positioning and combination of variable module sizes. System according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the pins are conical, cylindrical, spring-loaded, elastic or with a locking mechanism. System according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the carrier plate is made of wood, HDF, plastic, composite material or metal. System according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the floor modules consist of wood, plastic, ceramic, metal, leather, textile or combinations of these materials. System according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the floor modules are designed in different geometric shapes, including rectangular, square, polygonal, radial, tangential or circular elements. System according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the carrier plate has functional channels for electrical lines, sensors, heating systems, hoses or other technical installations. System according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the carrier plate has access points with cover caps which allow the mechanical fastening to the substrate to be released. System according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the floor modules are made in variable material thicknesses and can be fixed independently of their thickness by means of the pin-grid connection. System according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that decorative or functional additional modules, such as vase holders, stands, stools, cable holders or similar elements, can be inserted into the carrier plate via the grid-pin principle. System according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the carrier plate can be cut to size by the user on site and additional grid holes can be subsequently added. System according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that individual floor modules can be replaced without damaging the overall system. System according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the carrier plates are modular in design and are provided in standardized formats, in particular 1×1 m or 0.5×0.5 m. System according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the grid holes are provided with elastic inserts which provide noise and vibration damping. System according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the system is designed for DIY assembly and can be installed or expanded without specialist personnel.

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