Connection for laminate flooring

Abstract

A locking connection between first, second and third adjacent flooring panels. A tongue and groove connection is used for joining the long edges of the first and second pieces. The long edge of the third piece is inserted into an engaging relationship with the long edge of the first piece with the third piece is a tilted relationship with the first piece while a male protuberance on the short edge is aligned with a female groove of the second piece. The third piece is then tilted downwardly relative to the first and second pieces until it reaches the horizontal position and the groove has accepted the male protuberance along its full length.

Description

[0001] This invention relates to a connection between pieces of flooring and, more particularly, to a connection between adjacent pieces of laminate flooring which connection allows an efficient and expedited joining of such adjacent pieces. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] With the introduction of laminate floor tiles which can be installed relatively easily by a non-commercial user, a number of patents have been obtained for the various techniques used in joining adjacent pieces of the tiles and which patents cover, generally, different tongue and groove attachment techniques. Some patents teach connections on the short side of the floor panels and others teach connections on the long sides. Some patents teach connections on both the short and long sides of the floor panels. However, these patents generally require the user to use a “two step” attachment process. Two adjacent pieces of laminate flooring are initially connected along the long sides of the adjacent pieces. Subsequ...

Images