Process for adding precision match, dimensional stability, and moisture resistance to jobsite finished wood flooring
Inactive Publication Date: 2006-12-14
WILLIAMS BUDDY EARL +2
View PDF3 Cites 1 Cited by
- Summary
- Abstract
- Description
- Claims
- Application Information
AI Technical Summary
Benefits of technology
[0008] The primary object of the invention is to decrease movement in solid wood floors caused by moisture absorption due to changes in the environment. This is accomplished by increasing moisture resistance as compared to other jobsite finished floors.
[0009] It is another object of the invention to reduce acclimation time for unfinished flooring material at the jobsite.
[0010] It is another object of the invention to protect flooring from gaining or losing moisture during warehouse storage and / or transportation.
[0012] Yet another object of the invention is to provide an added layer of protection to help keep flooring from being damaged by jobsite wear before sanding and finishing.
[0014] In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, there is disclosed the unique aspects of our flooring process which include precision moulding and factory sealing the solid wood flooring product. The new process moulding (or horizontal splitting and then moulding) uses conventional means with increased attention to accuracy to attain a more accurately moulded product than is currently available. The increased accuracy requires less sanding of the face of the strip at the jobsite, thereby saving time and money over conventional methods. Sealing all six sides of each individual strip provides superior moisture resistance and dimensional stability than is currently available in solid wood flooring which is jobsite finished. (If the alternative method of sealing fewer sides is used, dimensional stability and moisture resistance is still increased over conventional, non-sealed jobsite finished solid hardwood flooring.) Flooring from the new process has all the desirable qualities of a jobsite finished floor plus better dimensional stability and moisture resistance throughout its life than conventionally processed floors.
Problems solved by technology
The boards were unsanded and unfinished.
Problems with the prior process for manufacturing solid wood flooring include: the inaccuracies of moulding solid wood flooring which results in the creation of overwood, and the five non-sealed (open to moisture) sides of each strip of flooring which result in the pieces lacking dimensional stability due to moisture absorption.
While this does give some dimensional stability in optimum conditions, engineered and floating floors lack the appeal of solid wood floors in sound, feel, and often, appearance.
Factory finished products, in turn, generally lack the desirable match and appearance of a jobsite finished floor.
Method used
the structure of the environmentally friendly knitted fabric provided by the present invention; figure 2 Flow chart of the yarn wrapping machine for environmentally friendly knitted fabrics and storage devices; image 3 Is the parameter map of the yarn covering machine
View moreImage
Smart Image Click on the blue labels to locate them in the text.
Smart ImageViewing Examples
Examples
Experimental program
Comparison scheme
Effect test
Embodiment Construction
[0017] Detailed descriptions of the preferred embodiment are provided herein. It is to be understood, however, that the present invention may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but rather as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed system, structure or manner.
[0018] In Figure A, steps 1-12 include conventional and new process elements. [0019] Step 1. Green, roughsawn lumber is air dried to a moisture content of [0020] Step 2. The air dried lumber is then kiln dried to a moisture content of 6-8% using conventional methods. [0021] Step 3. The lumber is planed to an equalized thickness and then ripped longitudinally into narrow strips. An alternative to Step 3 (shown as 3A) is to rip roughsawn lumber into narrow strips without planing. Step 3 and its alternative utilize conventional method...
the structure of the environmentally friendly knitted fabric provided by the present invention; figure 2 Flow chart of the yarn wrapping machine for environmentally friendly knitted fabrics and storage devices; image 3 Is the parameter map of the yarn covering machine
Login to View More PUM
Login to View More Abstract
This process, unique to the flooring industry, includes moulding and then adding dimensional stability and moisture resistance to solid wood flooring by sealing all six sides of each piece. In addition to the moisture resistance and superior dimensional stability, accurate moulding results in optimum fit and therefore less sanding needed at the job site. The final result is a floor with all the desirable characteristics of a jobsite finished floor and the added value of dimensional stability and moisture resistance throughout the life of the floor.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This is a continuation in part of Ser. No. 11 / 147.738, filed on Jun. 8, 2005.STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT [0002] Not Applicable DESCRIPTION OF ATTACHED APPENDIX [0003] Not Applicable BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0004] This invention relates generally to the field of solid wood flooring manufacture and more specifically to a process for adding precision match, dimensional stability, and moisture resistance to solid wood flooring which will be jobsite finished. [0005] Using solid hardwood as flooring is a very old practice. Early wood floors ranged from halves of logs or boards placed over a dirt floor to sawn wood planks fastened across floor joists. The boards were unsanded and unfinished. As technology progressed, the process for making floorboards included hand planing boards so that they were smoother. An oil, wax, or resin was sometimes rubbed into finer floors to put a “seal” or finish on the top ...
Claims
the structure of the environmentally friendly knitted fabric provided by the present invention; figure 2 Flow chart of the yarn wrapping machine for environmentally friendly knitted fabrics and storage devices; image 3 Is the parameter map of the yarn covering machine
Login to View More Application Information
Patent Timeline
Login to View More IPC IPC(8): E04B1/00
CPCE04F15/04B27M3/04
InventorWILLIAMS, BUDDY EARLBIRKETT, TERRI WILLIAMSWILLIAMS, WARREN LEE
OwnerWILLIAMS BUDDY EARL