Raised access floor over strips

Abstract

The invention relates to a technical floor comprising a plurality of ceramic slats (2), a series of battens (3) and a series of clamp-type pieces (5) and intermediate fastening pieces (6) as joining elements between the slats (2) and the battens, where said elements allow the slats to be firmly adjusted forming a unit and maintaining an adequate space between them to allow for the passage of water for its evacuation and to prevent breakage in the event of possible expansions or movements unrelated to the ceramic.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a type of boarded flooring that comprises a series of ceramic slats, a series of battens and joining elements between all these components; these elements allow the slats to be firmly adjusted forming a unit and maintaining an adequate space between them to allow for the passage of water for its evacuation and to prevent breakage in the event of possible expansions or movements unrelated to the ceramic.

[0002] This type of construction system is easy to install, as well as allowing the subsequent replacement of slats, either because they are defective or due to wear or breakage through use, all without the need to disassemble the entire structure. The system can also be fully removed if required.

[0003] The scope of this invention is that of elements for ceramic flooring on battens.BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

[0004] Flooring to be located on different types of surfaces are well known. They are usually a single piece supported by a series of foot-type supports at their ends.

[0005] The model for use in ES1045138U is proof of this, since it refers to an improved flooring system mounted on four slotted, angled feet to which four beams are fitted by means of nails, in addition it can have a crossbar that provides stability. The unit constitutes a frame on which a board rests.

[0006] Other types of flooring are usually those that comprise slats where they are clipped together to form a surface.

[0007] The model for use in ES1068438U shows a slatted flooring system of the type intended to be constituted as a covering for a floor or paving, made up from the joint or coplanar clip of a plurality of pieces of wood, which has the particularity that each piece is formed from a plurality of battens joined together.

[0008] As can be seen, the above invention shows a series of wooden slats that have the means to be clipped to each other. The problem arising from this type of invention is that the material itself and the arrangement of the slats directly on the ground can cause deterioration of the flooring system due to environmental factors, which requires maintenance or eventually the total change of said flooring system.

[0009] To solve this problem, flooring systems have been created on battens with a degree of separation from the ground to increase the lifespan of the materials and facilitate their maintenance.

[0010] Patent ES2373294B1 shows a flooring mounting system on battens for the placement of wooden floors wherein each batten comprises a longitudinal recessed groove in its upper face and at least one metal anchoring piece with a lower part which slides on the bottom of the groove and at least one upper part with a nailing attachment that protrudes from the upper face of the batten and that is oriented coaxially with the groove towards the front of the anchoring piece to be nailed under the longitudinal male part of a tongue-and-groove boarding system.

[0011] The problem of this type of arrangement begins with continuing to make use of wooden slats that require maintenance and change of pieces due to use, and also not being resistant to abrasion or environmental effects, aesthetically and functionally.

[0012] They also do not solve the problem of being able to easily disassemble one or more slats in order to replace them.DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] The invention relates to a flooring comprising a series of slats of ceramic material and a series of battens, preferably of aluminium, wherein the slats are located on the battens preferably transversely to the arrangement of said battens in such a way that as the slats are located in an aligned or interlocked manner between them, the floor or surface of the flooring is completed.

[0014] The joining elements between the battens and the slats, which in turn act as a joint between the slats themselves, facilitate the initial assembly work and subsequent maintenance since they allow one or more slats to be removed from the flooring unit without the need to disassemble the entire structure.

[0015] The use of slats of ceramic material on battens to form a platform has the advantages over the use of slats of conventional materials that are detailed below: Present high mechanical and abrasion resistance Thermostable, it does not deform It is easy and quick to assemble, allowing the change of slats that are affected by individual use, avoiding changing or affecting the entire flooring. Removable and recoverable unit High stain resistance High durability so does not require periodic maintenance. Non-slip Fireproof Weather resistant (wind, rain, etc.) UV-resistant.

[0016] The ceramic flooring system, object of the present invention, comprises: A plurality of ceramic slats with longitudinal channels on their longer sides that contribute to their attachment to the battens where, depending on their position and anchoring mode, we can distinguish between central slats and perimeter slats and where, depending on their configuration, the slats can be type A with open channels and visible on their longer sides or type B wherein on one of its upper sides it has a smooth edge that hides one of its longitudinal channels. Type A slats can adopt a central or perimeter position while type B slats will necessarily be perimeter slats, giving an aesthetic finish to an exposed end of the flooring. A series of battens with a section comprising a "U"-shaped profile with a narrow point in its upper open part and a flat lower base suitable for seating on a surface or on a set of specific supports in the section known as a plot. The outer longer sides of the battens have an adequate friction area on their outer face to be complementary with wide points of the extensions of the upper plates of the intermediate fastening pieces, which contribute to the better fixing of the slats. The batten can vary in height or width seeking to maintain adequate stability according to use either on surfaces or on plot-type supports. Joining elements comprising: A series of clamp-type pieces that are anchored by pressure, friction, clipping and / or a combination of the above, without requiring additional elements such as screws, rivets or adhesives among others. These clamp-type pieces fasten the perimeter slats to the battens, anchoring on the one hand to the outermost longitudinal channel of the perimeter slats and, on the other, to the ends of the batten, joining the two. A series of intermediate fastening pieces, suitable to be arranged between two slats and fixed to the battens by a removable joint, such as a threaded plate. Each piece of intermediate support comprises: An upper plate traversed by a hole and comprising vertical extensions descending from the plate that act as spacers between the slats marking a equidistant space between them, enlargements in those vertical extensions that contribute to the better fixing of the piece to the batten by generating friction on it, particularly on its external walls and side fins suitable for inserting into the longitudinal channels of the slats and fixing them to the batten. A lower plate suitable for housing inside the batten, specifically in its "U"-shaped section. The geometry and dimensions of this piece prevent it from turning horizontally within the batten and also prevent it from exiting the upper narrow point of the batten horizontally. This lower plate comprises a housing for a joining and tightening piece. A joining and tightening piece between both plates. In a preferred embodiment, it comprises a screw that passes through the hole of the upper plate, its head being integrated therein, and which is inserted into the housing of the lower plate, which has a thread, in such a way that with the rotation of the screw, acting on its head, both plates move nearer to each other. Threading is possible since the lower plate cannot rotate within the batten and in this way it will be raised until it abuts the narrow point of the batten, from that point on the upper plate is the one that descends and presses against the slat.

[0017] In a flooring system such as the one above, it is necessary to arrange the battens in parallel with each other and preferably at the appropriate distance according to the type of slat arrangement (aligned or interlocked).

[0018] Once the battens are arranged, the first slat or row of slats is seated on them, perpendicular to the battens and at the end of them. These slats, which may be type A or B, will act as perimeter slats, acting as a guide and stop for the rest of the central slats that will be arranged from them.

[0019] In a preferred embodiment, these perimeter slats will be type A if the flooring ends in a wall in such a way that its elevation is not seen and type B if the flooring ends in a step that exposes the elevation of the flooring.

[0020] Preferably, before seating the slats on the battens, a damping element such as a plastic tape is arranged between the battens and the slats. This tape, interposed between the metal battens and the ceramic slats, softens the contact between the two and acts as a separating layer between the two materials.

[0021] The type A slats, of closure or perimeter, are fixed to the battens by means of the clamp-type pieces.

[0022] Each clamp-type piece comprises a laminar body with a horizontal "V"-shaped fixing area, suitable for anchoring the clamp to the batten, and a "C"-shaped retention area suitable for trapping the slat by inserting it into one of its side channels.

[0023] Type B slats have a smooth edge on one of their longitudinal sides, this edge hides both the longitudinal channel of the slat and the clamp-type piece that is housed in it, giving a better aesthetic finish to the elevation of the flooring if it is exposed.

[0024] The section of the edge covering the longitudinal channel has dimensions such that it preferably does not exceed the thickness of the slat.

[0025] In one possible embodiment, the dimensions of the edge may exceed the thickness of the slat in cases wherein said slats are positioned on the plot-type supports, even concealing part of them.

[0026] Access to the outer longitudinal channel of the type B slat is made from the lower part of the slat through a slot that allows access to an inner cavity that is in contact with the longitudinal channel. This cavity has a width such that it allows the "C"-shaped area of the clamp-type piece to access it and be housed inside it, allowing the easy manoeuvre of hooking and unhooking the clamp-type piece to the longitudinal channel of the slat.

[0027] The lower projection that forms the structure of the longitudinal channel, both in type A and type B slats, is complementary to the geometry of the "C"-shaped area of the clamp part. Once the slats have been fixed by the clamp-type piece, the next rows of slats can be arranged, separating each row from the others by the clamp-type pieces.

[0028] Each fastening piece comprises an upper plate with side fins suitable for inserting into the longitudinal channels of the slats and thus fixing them to the batten; also vertical extensions that act as spacers maintaining a constant seal between the slats in addition to helping to fix the fastening piece itself to the batten by friction.

[0029] The friction zone of the batten helps the fastening by friction of the fastening piece given by the widening of the vertical extensions. In one preferred embodiment the friction zone comprises a striped relief. Once the fastening piece is installed, said widen point is in contact with the friction area of the batten, improving the grip of the slats on the battens.

[0030] The upper plate, through a joining and tightening piece, is associated with a lower plate that is housed inside the batten. By action of that joining and tightening piece, both plates, upper and lower, approach each other and generate pressure between the batten and the slat, bringing both together in a strong but removable joint.

[0031] The lower plate has a suitable housing for the joining and tightening element.

[0032] When the joining and tightening element is actuated, it causes the lower plate to rise until it meets the narrow point of the batten and by maintaining the action of the joining and tightening element, it lowers the upper plate until it adjusts its fins against the slat.

[0033] The narrow point of the "U"-shaped profile included in the batten, such as a cornice that extends towards the vertical axis of the batten, an inward set-back of its geometry or any other system that generates a throat in the upper part of that U-shaped profile, acts as a stop when the lower plate rises.

[0034] For this purpose, the narrow point of the "U"-shaped profile has dimensions smaller than the width of the lower plate, preventing its exit.

[0035] In a preferred embodiment the lower plate is in the form of a trapezoidal prism with a threaded central through hole.DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0036] Fig. 1 shows a series of battens (3) parallel to each other and a slat (2) in this case of type A and in a perimeter position. The slat has a longitudinal channel (4) open on each of its major sides. Fig. 2 shows the flooring system unit (1) where a plurality of slats (2) can be seen, in this case of type A, that occupy perimeter and central positions, their longitudinal channels (4) and battens (3) can be seen. Intermediate fastening pieces (6) are also shown. Fig. 3 Shows a detail of the platform where it can be seen how the clamp-type piece (5) holds the slat (2), in this case of type A and perimeter, to the batten (3) wherein the fixing area (5a) of the clamp-type piece is suitable to be inserted into the batten and be fixed there and the retention area (5b) of the clamp-type piece is suitable to bite the lateral channel (4) of the slat (2). The upper narrow point (8) of the batten can be seen, in this case in the form of a cornice. Fig. 4 shows in section a slat (2) type A where the shape of the lateral channels (4) arranged on their longer sides can be seen. Fig. 5 Shows a view where a type B slat (9) can be seen with an edge (10) on one of its longer sides suitable for hiding both the longitudinal channel and the clamp type piece once installed. The slat has a groove (11) in its lower part that allows access to an internal cavity (12) suitable for housing the retention area of a clamp-type piece. Fig. 6 Section of a batten (3) where the narrow point (8) can be seen at the top. Fig. 7 Section of a batten in one possible embodiment suitable for arranging the flooring on plot-type supports. Fig. 8 shows the intermediate fastening piece (6) which comprises an upper plate (6a) joined to a lower plate (6d) by means of a joining and tightening piece (7), in this case a threaded screw, wherein the upper plate (6a) in turn comprises downward vertical extensions (6c) suitable for maintaining the equidistant separation between slats as well as providing additional fastening of the fastening piece by means of the wide point (6e) which are suitable for pressing, once the intermediate fastening piece is installed, on the friction zone of the outer longer sides of the batten (not shown). The lateral fins (6b) suitable for inserting and holding the side channels of the slats are also shown. Fig. 9 Shows the clamp-type piece (5) with a "V"-shaped fixing area and a "C"-shaped retention area. DESCRIPTION OF AN EMBODIMENT

[0037] The following is an embodiment of the invention that is not limiting but merely explanatory.

[0038] The invention relates to a flooring system comprising a series of ceramic slats, with elements for fixing and attachment to battens (3) wherein the slats are located transversely to the arrangement of the battens (3).

[0039] The flooring system on battens comprises: A series of central ceramic slats (2) and another series of perimeter slats wherein the central slats are type A and the perimeter slats are type B slats (9). A series of battens (3) with a section comprising a "U"-shaped profile with a narrow point (8) at its open top and with a flat base suitable for being arranged on a surface. A plurality of joining elements: A series of clamp-type pieces (5) comprising a fixing area (5a) suitable to be introduced into the batten and be fixed there and a retention area (5b) that bites the lateral channel (4) of the perimeter slats (2). A series of intermediate fastening pieces (6) arranged between the longer sides of the slats (2), fixing them to the battens. These intermediate fastening pieces (6) comprise an upper plate (6a) with a hole, vertical extensions (6c) that maintain a constant separation between each slat and have wide points (6e) that increase their grip on the friction area of the batten (3), lateral fins (6b) that are introduced into the longitudinal channels (4) of the adjacent slats (2), a lower plate (6d) arranged inside the batten (3), the trapezoidal prism geometry of which prevents it from rotating horizontally inside the batten (3) and exiting horizontally through the narrow point (8). Said lower plate (6d) comprises a housing for a joining and tightening piece (7) that behaves like a screw and joins both plates, passing through the hole of the upper plate (6a) and being inserted into the housing of the lower plate (6d) in a threaded manner. Since the lower plate cannot rotate within the batten (3), the rotation of the joining and tightening piece (7) causes it to rise.

[0040] The assembly of the platform with these components is simple.

[0041] Once the battens (3) are arranged, the first perimeter slat is seated on them, in this case a type B slat (9) perpendicular to the battens (3) starting from the ends of these battens. These perimeter slats act as a guide for the other slats (2).

[0042] Prior to seating the slats on the battens (3), a damping tape is arranged on the battens (3), smoothing the contact between both elements.

[0043] The perimeter slats are fixed to the battens (3) by means of the clamp-type pieces (5).

[0044] Each clamp-type piece (5) comprises a laminar body with a horizontal "V"-shaped fixing area suitable for allowing anchoring to the batten, being fixed to it by pressure, and a "C"-shaped retention area suitable for biting the longitudinal channel (4) of the perimeter slat and holding it.

[0045] Once the perimeter slats have been fixed, the rows of central slats (2), type A, are then arranged, separated and fastened by the intermediate fastening pieces (6).

[0046] Each intermediate fastening piece (6) is arranged between two slats in contact with their longer sides in such a way that the lateral fins (6b) of its upper plate (6a) are inserted into the longitudinal channels (4) of the adjacent slats.

[0047] The upper plate, which comprises a through hole, lies horizontally between the adjacent slats at the height of the longitudinal channels.

[0048] The vertical extensions (6c) act as a stop to maintain the distance between the adjacent slats and extend until their wide point (6e) overlaps and clings to the friction zone of the batten, helping to fix the fastening piece to the batten by friction.

[0049] The upper plate (6a) is associated with a lower plate (6d), which is arranged inside the batten, by means of a joining and tightening piece (7). The action of that joining and tightening piece (7), which comprises a screw, brings both plates together generating pressure between the batten (3) and the slat (2) with a strong but removable joint.

[0050] For this, the lower plate (6d) has a housing wherein the joining and tightening piece (7) that associates the upper plate (6a) with the lower one is threaded.

[0051] The lower plate (6d), as it cannot rotate inside the batten, is raised by the action of the joining and tightening piece (7) until it reaches the narrow point (8).

[0052] The narrow point (8) has dimensions smaller than the smallest width of the lower plate (6d) so it prevents its exit and acts as a stop for this plate as it rises.

[0053] Once the access of the lower plate (6d) has been stopped by the narrow point, as the joining and tightening piece continues to act, the upper plate (6a) begins to descend, wherein it is tightened on the longitudinal channel and forces the slat against the batten.

[0054] The next rows of central slats are arranged in the same way, with intermediate fastening pieces between each of the rows. Once the rows of central slats have been completed, a last row of perimeter slats that may be of type A or type B depending on the needs or aesthetic characteristics that are required for said end of the flooring is put in place.

Claims

1. RAISED TECHNICAL FLOOR ON BATTENS comprising a plurality of ceramic slats (2) arranged on a plurality of battens characterized in that it comprises:

1. Slats (2) type A with a longitudinal channel (4) open towards their longer sides that runs the length of them.

2. Battens (3) comprising a U-shaped profile with an upper narrow point (8) and a flat base.

3. Clamp-type pieces (5) comprising a fixing area (5a) and a retention area (5b).

4. Intermediate fastening pieces (6) arranged between adjacent slats wherein each comprises an upper (6a) and a lower (6d) plate joined by a joining and tightening piece (7) such that they can be removed, wherein the upper plate has a through hole and the lower plate has a housing for the joining and tightening piece. Depending on their location, the slats can be perimeter or central wherein the perimeter slats are fixed to the battens by clamp-type pieces (5) and the central slats are fixed to the battens by intermediate fastening pieces (6).

2. RAISED TECHNICAL FLOOR ON BATTENS according to claim 1, characterised in that it also comprises, in a perimeter position, type B slats (9) that have a smooth edge (10) on one of their longitudinal sides that hides the longitudinal channel (4) and generates a cavity (12) that is accessed through a groove (11) at the bottom of the slat, this cavity being suitable for housing the retention area (5b) of a clamp-type piece (5).

3. RAISED TECHNICAL FLOOR ON BATTENS according to claim 1, characterised in that the narrow point (8) of the upper part of the "U" profile in the battens (3) comprises a cornice arranged towards the vertical axis of the batten.

4. RAISED TECHNICAL FLOOR ON BATTENS according to claim 1, characterised in that the narrow point (8) of the "U"-shaped profile of the track has dimensions smaller than the smallest width of the lower plate (6d), preventing its exit and acting as a stop for this plate as it rises.

5. RAISED TECHNICAL FLOOR ON BATTENS according to claim 1, characterised in that the fixing area (5a) of the clamp-type piece (5) has a horizontal "V"-shape.

6. RAISED TECHNICAL FLOOR ON BATTENS according to claim 1, characterised in that the retention area (5b) of the clamp-type piece (5) has a "C"-shape.

7. RAISED TECHNICAL FLOOR ON BATTENS according to claim 1, characterised in that the upper plate (6a) of the intermediate fastening piece (6) comprises descending vertical extensions (6c) suitable for being arranged between adjacent slats as a stop and maintaining equidistant separation.

8. RAISED TECHNICAL FLOOR ON BATTENS according to claim 7, characterised in that the descending vertical extensions (6c) comprise widenings (6e) that, once the intermediate fastening piece is installed, tightly overlap with a friction area of the batten (3).

9. RAISED TECHNICAL FLOOR ON BATTENS according to claim 1, characterised in that the upper plate (6a) of the intermediate fastening piece (6) comprises lateral fins (6b) suitable for being inserted into the lateral channels (4) of the adjacent slats (2) and pressing on them as they descend.

10. RAISED TECHNICAL FLOOR ON BATTENS according to claim 1 characterised in that the joining and tightening piece (7) is a screw whose head is arranged on the upper part of the upper plate (6a) and extends downwards through the upper plate (6a) through its hole towards the joint with the housing in the lower plate (6d).

11. RAISED TECHNICAL FLOOR ON BATTENS according to claim 1, characterised in that the joining and tightening piece (7) when actuated causes the lower plate (6d) to rise until it meets the narrow point (8) and when it persists in its action it lowers the upper plate (6a) until the adjustment of its lateral fins (6b) against the slat (2) and of the slat against the batten.

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