Floor profile and floor covering

Abstract

Floor profile (2-5) with a base layer (10-13) and a walkable top layer (6-9) arranged on the base layer (10-13), characterized in that the top layer (6-9) contains a natural stone material and / or an artificial stone material, in particular is formed from a natural stone material.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a floor profile according to the preamble of claim 1 and a floor covering according to the preamble of claim 24.

[0002] In the field of facade cladding, it is common practice to apply so-called real stone laminates to walls to give a room or exterior wall the appearance of real stone. The real stone laminate used is relatively sensitive to external forces, which has so far prevented the use of such real stone laminates outdoors, with their diverse environmental influences, and especially for flooring. Therefore, there is a prejudice among experts against using such materials for flooring in unprotected outdoor areas, such as terraces or balconies.

[0003] The invention is therefore based on the object of eliminating the above-mentioned disadvantages and in particular of providing a floor profile and a floor covering which overcome the above-mentioned disadvantages and enable a simple production of a floor covering and of creating a floor covering which is robust against external environmental influences.

[0004] The invention solves this problem with a floor profile having the features of claim 1, a floor covering having the features of claim 24 and the use of such a floor covering having the features of claim 29. Preferred embodiments and advantageous further developments are specified in the subclaims.

[0005] The floor profile mentioned at the outset is characterized in that the covering layer contains a real stone material and / or an artificial stone material, in particular is formed from a real stone material.

[0006] Preferably, the surface layer can have one or more interruptions transversely or longitudinally to a longitudinal direction of the base layer. The interruptions can advantageously be designed as expansion gaps. Furthermore, the expansion gaps can be at least 0.5 mm wide, and preferably, the expansion gaps can be at most 1.5 mm wide. Advantageously, the interruptions can be completely or partially filled with an elastic and / or waterproof sealing material.

[0007] The covering layer can preferably be glued to the supporting layer. Furthermore, the supporting layer can preferably be formed from one or more hollow profiles, and the hollow profile(s) can advantageously have at least one, preferably two, and particularly preferably three stabilizing webs extending in a vertical direction and preferably in a longitudinal direction of the floor profile. Furthermore, soundproofing elements and / or mass elements can advantageously be inserted into the hollow profile(s) or some or all of them.

[0008] Furthermore, the hollow profiles can be made of metal profiles, especially aluminum profiles, especially extruded aluminum profiles. In conjunction with real stone, this offers another advantage: the good thermal conductivity of aluminum ensures that the heat generated by the covering layer, especially on balconies, terraces, or other outdoor floor coverings often exposed to direct sunlight, is quickly dissipated. This reduces stresses and other effects caused by the significantly different temperature-related expansion of the base layer and the covering layer.

[0009] In an advantageous development, the floor profile can have one or more connecting elements for connection to corresponding counter-connecting elements of an adjacent floor profile, in particular for a positive connection, such as a tongue and groove connection, between the floor profiles. Preferably, the connecting elements can have locking lugs, and the counter-connecting elements can have undercuts that interact with the locking lugs. Advantageously, the connection between the two floor profiles can be designed to be watertight. Advantageously, a sealing element holder, in particular a sealing element joint, can be provided on one of the floor profiles for receiving a sealing element and / or sealant that interacts with the other floor profile.

[0010] Preferably, the connection between two floor profiles can have a drainage channel.

[0011] Furthermore, the real stone material can advantageously be a real stone laminate or a real stone veneer. The real stone material can preferably be flexible. Furthermore, the real stone material can advantageously be flat and preferably have a thickness of a maximum of 4 mm, preferably a maximum of 3 mm, and particularly preferably a maximum of 2 mm. The real stone material can advantageously contain marble, granite, slate, mica, gneiss, and optionally a combination thereof. The covering layer can preferably be provided with a water-repellent impregnation and / or sealant.

[0012] Furthermore, the cover layer can advantageously be applied, in particular glued, to a fabric material. The fabric material can advantageously contain cotton and / or fiberglass.

[0013] According to the invention, the floor covering mentioned at the outset can be formed by a plurality of interconnected floor profiles as described above and below and specified in the claims.

[0014] The floor profiles can advantageously be connected to one another in the longitudinal and / or transverse direction of the floor profiles. Preferably, the support layers of the connected floor profiles can be connected flush with one another. More preferably, the support layers can be arranged so as to be self-supporting between two support elements over their length, in particular over their entire length. The length of the support layers can be at least 1.5 meters, preferably at least 1.8 meters. By using the support layers, in particular made of extruded aluminum profiles, and preferably with the stabilizing webs running in the longitudinal direction, the floor profiles can be made more robust against deflection. This can be particularly advantageous when used on balconies, because the floor profiles can then bridge a relatively large width, e.g. up to 1.8 m, so that no additional support needs to be provided across the clear width of the balcony.The floor covering can therefore be easily pre-assembled and then no longer requires the laborious and time-consuming assembly of individual floor profiles during installation. This proves to be a major advantage, especially when using real stone material, e.g. real stone laminate with its typically thin thickness. Due to the minimal deflection of the supporting layer, there is no risk of the real stone material, which still does not allow for significant deflection, breaking under high localized loads when walking on the balcony. The entire floor covering, which is preferably prefabricated, can then be inserted into a balcony support frame already installed on site. The support frame can then be designed to be completely self-supporting, supported only by supports at the corners or on one to three sides.

[0015] According to the invention, the floor covering described above and below and specified in the claims can be used outdoors, in particular for a balcony or terrace.

[0016] Further features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description of a preferred embodiment with reference to the drawings. These show: Fig. 1 a plan view of a floor covering according to the invention; Fig. 2 a sectional view through a floor covering according to the invention along the section line AA of Fig. 1.

[0017] Fig. 1 shows a plan view of a floor covering 1 according to the invention, as used, for example, on outdoor balconies or terraces.

[0018] The floor covering 1 is formed from four elongated floor profiles 2 to 5 running in a longitudinal direction L and adjacent to one another in a transverse direction Q transverse to the longitudinal direction L.

[0019] The floor profiles 2 to 5 each have cover layers 6 to 9 running in the longitudinal direction L, which each consist of partial elements 6a to 6d, 7a to 7c, 8a to 8d or 9a-9c separated from one another transversely to the longitudinal direction L.

[0020] The surface layers 6 to 9 are fixed, preferably glued, to the base layers 10 to 13 running in the longitudinal direction L. As in Fig. 2, the base layers 10 to 13 can be easily and quickly connected to each other using a click connection.

[0021] In the following, the invention is described primarily with reference to the floor profiles 2 to 4 and in particular with reference to the floor profile 3; the statements in this regard also apply accordingly to the other floor profiles.

[0022] The support layer 11 is formed from a hollow aluminum profile, in particular from an extruded aluminum profile, and has an upper layer 14 and a lower layer 15 opposite the upper layer 14, preferably running parallel. Between the upper layer 14 and the lower layer 15, stabilizing webs 16, 16' are provided, extending transversely to the longitudinal direction L and in a vertical direction H, which runs transversely to the longitudinal direction L and transversely to the transverse direction Q. These stabilizing webs largely prevent excessive deflection of the support layer 11 under normal loads. This allows the support layer 11 and thus the floor profile 3 to be made relatively long.

[0023] To enable the floor profiles 2 to 5 to be connected quickly and detachably, removable quick connections 17, 17' in the form of click or snap connections are provided on the supporting layers 10 to 12. The following describes primarily the quick connection 17 for connecting floor profiles 2 and 3, correspondingly applicable to the quick connection 17' between floor profiles 3 and 4 and the quick connection between floor profiles 4 and 5 (not shown in detail).

[0024] For the quick connection 17, the base layer 10 has on one side, in Fig. 2 right longitudinal side a locking web 18, preferably continuously running in the longitudinal direction L, with - seen from above - an undercut 19. The undercut 19 is set back in the transverse direction Q from the locking web 18 to the base layer 10. A locking lug 20 of the adjacent base layer 11 to be connected engages in the undercut 18, thereby enabling a quick and easy connection. The locking lug 20 projects in the transverse direction Q beyond the cover layer 7 of the Fig. 2 middle base layer 11 and runs in the longitudinal direction L continuously over the length of the base layer 11. In this area, the upper layers 14, 14' of the base layers 10 and 11 abut each other in the transverse direction Q with their continuous longitudinal sides in order to enable the most tight connection possible.

[0025] The sublayer 15 of the base layer 10 is extended in the transverse direction Q beyond the locking web 18 away from the base layer 10 towards the adjacent base layer 11 and has an L-shaped overhang 21. A shorter L-leg of the L-shaped overhang 21 projects upwards in the height direction H and forms a stop 22 both in the transverse direction Q and in the height direction H for a correspondingly shaped recess 23 of the base layer 11. The shape of the recess 24, which recedes towards the base layer 11 in the transverse direction Q and in the height direction H, is adapted to the shape of the stop 22, so that the base layer 11 is supported on the one hand in the height direction H and on the other hand in the transverse direction Q against the stop 22. A drainage channel 24 is then formed between the locking web 18, the L-shaped projection 21 and the recess 23, in which any liquid that has penetrated can be collected and drained away in the longitudinal direction L.

[0026] Preferably, the floor covering 1 can be attached, for example, by screwing, to a subfloor or other supporting structure. For this purpose, holes can advantageously be provided in the drainage channels 24, through which screws can be inserted and fastened to the substructure. It is advantageous that the drainage channels 24 of the floor profile 10 are accessible from above during installation until the next floor profile 11 is connected.

[0027] To prevent the penetration of liquids, especially water, as much as possible, a sealing element holder 25 is provided above the recess 23 in the base layer 11, into which a sealing element 26, here a longitudinally cylindrical sealing element, is inserted and held. When the base layers 10 and 11 are assembled, the sealing element 26 comes into contact with the locking web 18, thus further reducing or completely preventing the penetration of moisture or liquids through the joint between the floor profiles 2 and 3.

[0028] As can be clearly seen in the drawings, an expansion gap 27 or 27' running in the longitudinal direction L is provided between the cover layers 6 and 7 or 7 and 8 in order to be able to compensate for temperature-related different material expansions of the support layers 10 and 11 or 11 and 12 consisting of aluminum and the cover layers 6 and 7 or 7 and 8 consisting of real stone laminate.

[0029] However, despite the different thermal expansion, the use of aluminum offers another advantage: the heat introduced into the cover layer 6 by solar radiation, particularly outdoors, can be quickly dissipated through the aluminum due to the direct connection of the cover layers 6 to the base layer 10. The hollow profile design also supports heat dissipation, as air can be guided through it, allowing the heated air to be exchanged even with slight wind or air movement.

[0030] Further expansion gaps 28, 28' extending in the transverse direction Q are also provided between the partial elements 7a, 7b and 7c of the cover layer 7. The same applies to the Fig. 1 unspecified expansion gap in the transverse direction Q between the separate sub-elements 6a to 6d, 8a to 8d and 9a to 9c of the cover layers 6, 8 and 9 respectively.

[0031] Due to the great length of the floor profiles 2 to 5 in the longitudinal direction L, preferably over 1.60 m and up to 1.80 m, the temperature-related expansions in the cover layers 6 to 9 consisting of real stone laminate are significantly lower than those of the underlying support layers 10 to 13 made of aluminum. Thus, the expansion gaps 28, 28' can prevent, especially during cooling and the resulting contraction of the exemplary selected support layer 11, the less contracting partial elements 3a, 3b and 3c of the cover layer 3 arranged thereon from being pressed against one another so strongly that they detach from the support layer 11 or their mutually facing end faces running in the transverse direction Q break or are damaged.

[0032] Preferably, an elastic yet fluid-impermeable filling, such as silicone, is provided between the expansion gaps 28 and 28'. However, other filling materials having the aforementioned properties may also be provided.

[0033] Various means can be used to attach the cover layer 7 or its component elements 7a, 7b, and 7c to the upper layer 14 of the base layer 11. Preferably, the cover layer 7 is glued to the base layer 11, preferably using a one-component adhesive, preferably based on a hybrid polymer. This further improves the different longitudinal dimensions between the base layer 11 and the cover layer 7 or the component elements 7a, 7b, and 7c, so that damage to the cover layer 7 can be even better prevented. The same applies to the other cover layers 6, 8, and 9 and base layers 10 and 12 to 13.

[0034] Cover layers 6 to 9 consist of a real stone laminate, also known as real stone veneer, which can be manufactured in a conventional manner and is commercially available. Cover layers 6 to 9 can preferably be flat yet flexible, for example, they can be rolled up and unrolled, which can simplify the production of floor profiles 2 to 5. For outdoor use, a real stone laminate based on a fiberglass carrier is preferred to prevent excessive absorption or penetration of moisture into cover layers 6 to 9.

[0035] Preferably, in order to prevent the penetration of moisture and liquid into the real stone laminate of the covering layer 6 to 9, especially in outdoor areas, the covering layer 6 to 9 can also be provided with an impregnation and / or sealant which is water-repellent or water-impermeable.

[0036] As in Fig.As indicated in Figure 2, a longitudinal rod-shaped damping element 29 can be inserted into the longitudinal cavity formed between the stabilizing webs 16, 16', the upper layer 14, and the lower layer 15 to dampen the noise generated by walking on the floor covering 1, thereby dampening the unpleasant hollow chamber noises generated when walking on the floor covering 1. Preferably, the cross-section of the damping element 29 can be adapted to the inner contour of the cavity. Correspondingly adapted elongated damping elements can also be inserted into the adjacent hollow chambers. Reference symbol 1 floor covering 2-5 floor profiles 6-9 top layers 6a-d, 7a-c, 8a-d, 9a-c partial elements of the surface layer 10-13 base layers (extruded aluminum profile) 14, 14' upper class 15, 15' lower class 16, 16' stabilizing bars 17, 17' detachable quick connection (snap connection) 18, 18' rest stop 19, 19' undercut 20, 20' locking lug 21, 21' L-shaped overhang 22, 22' stop 23, 23' rebound 24, 24' drainage channel 25, 25' sealing element holder 26, 26' sealing element 27, 27' expansion gap longitudinal direction 28, 28' expansion gap transverse direction 29 Damping element L longitudinal direction Q transverse direction H Altitude direction

Claims

[1] Floor profile (2-5) with a base layer (10-13) and a walkable covering layer (6-9) arranged on the base layer (10-13), characterized by that the cover layer (6-9) contains a real stone material and / or an artificial stone material, in particular is formed from a real stone material. [2] Floor profile (2-5) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the covering layer (6-9) has one or more interruptions (27, 27', 28, 28') transversely or longitudinally to a longitudinal direction (L) of the base layer (10-13). [3] Floor profile (2-5) according to claim 2, characterized by that the interruptions are designed as expansion gaps (27, 27', 28, 28'). [4] Floor profile (2-5) according to claim 3, characterized by that the expansion gaps (27, 27', 28, 28') are at least 0.5 mm wide. [5] Floor profile (2-5) according to claim 3 or 4, characterized by that the expansion gaps (27, 27', 28, 28') are no more than 1.5 mm wide. [6] Floor profile (2-5) according to one of claims 2 to 5, characterized by that the interruptions (27, 27', 28, 28') are completely or partially filled with an elastic and / or water-impermeable sealing material. [7] Floor profile (2-5) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the covering layer (6-9) is glued to the base layer (10-13). [8] Floor profile (2-5) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the supporting layer (10-13) is formed from one or more hollow profiles. [9] Floor profile (2-5) according to claim 8, characterized by that the hollow profile(s) have at least one, preferably two and particularly preferably three stabilizing webs running in a height direction (H) and optionally in a longitudinal direction (L) of the floor profile (2-5). [10] Floor profile (2-5) according to claim 8 or 9, characterized bythat soundproofing elements (29) and / or mass elements are inserted into the or some or all of the hollow profiles. [11] Floor profile (2-5) according to claim 8, 9 or 10, characterized by that the hollow profiles are made of metal profiles, in particular aluminum profiles, in particular aluminum extruded profiles. [12] Floor profile (2-5) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the floor profile (2-5) has one or more connecting elements (20, 20') for connection to corresponding connecting counter-elements (19, 19') of an adjacent floor profile (2-5), in particular for a positive connection. [13] Floor profile (2-5) according to claim 12, characterized by that the connecting elements have locking lugs (20, 20') and the connecting counter-elements (20, 20') have undercuts (19, 19') cooperating with the locking lugs. [14] Floor profile (2-5) according to claim 12 or 13, characterized bythat the connection between the two floor profiles (2-5) is watertight. [15] Floor profile (2-5) according to claim 14, characterized by that a sealing element holder, in particular a sealing element joint, is provided on one of the floor profiles (2-5) for receiving a sealing element (26, 26') and / or sealant which interacts with the other floor profile (2-5). [16] Floor profile (2-5) according to one of claims 12 to 15, characterized by that the connection between two floor profiles (2-5) has a drainage channel (24, 24'). [17] Floor profile (2-5) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the real stone material is a real stone laminate or a real stone veneer. [18] Floor profile (2-5) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the real stone material is flexible. [19] Floor profile (2-5) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the real stone material, in particular in the form of the covering layer (6-9), is flat and preferably has a thickness of maximum 4 mm, preferably maximum 3 mm and particularly preferably maximum 2 mm. [20] Floor profile (2-5) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the real stone material contains marble, granite, slate, mica, gneiss and possibly a combination thereof. [21] Floor profile (2-5) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the covering layer (6-9) is provided with a water-repellent impregnation and / or seal. [22] Floor profile (2-5) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the cover layer (6-9) is applied, in particular glued, to a fabric material. [23] Floor profile (2-5) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the fabric material contains cotton and / or fiberglass. [24] Floor covering (1), in particular for a balcony or terrace, characterized by that the floor covering (1) is formed by several interconnected floor profiles (2-5) according to one of the preceding claims. [25] Floor covering (1) according to claim 24, characterized by that the floor profiles (2-5) are connected to each other in the longitudinal direction (L) and / or in the transverse direction (Q) of the floor profiles (2-5). [26] Floor covering (1) according to claim 24 or 25, characterized by that the supporting layers (10-13) of the connected floor profiles (2-5) are flush with each other. [27] Floor covering (1) according to one of claims 24 to 26, characterized by that the supporting layers (10-13) are arranged cantilevered over their length, in particular their entire length, between two support elements supporting the floor covering (1). [28] Floor covering (1) according to one of claims 24 to 27, characterized bythat the length of the base layers (10-13) is at least 1.5 meters, preferably at least 1.8 meters. [29] Use of a floor covering (1) according to one of claims 24 to 28 in an outdoor area, in particular for a balcony or a terrace.

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