Panels with lower connecting strips intended to form a portable flooring

Abstract

An assembly for forming a portable flooring, comprising panels (12A) having: - a board (24), - a plurality of strips (26) extending along a first transverse direction (T1), and comprising a lower layer (62) comprising foam. The board has a front edge (32) forming a connecting tongue (36), and a back edge (34) defining a connecting groove (38) adapted for receiving the connecting tongue of another panel in the first transverse direction. Each of the strips has a front extremity (64), and a back extremity (58) protruding from the back edge, the front extremity and the board defining a front recess (66) for receiving the back extremity of a strip of another panel in the first transverse direction. The back extremity defines a locking element (68) and the board forms at least one complementary locking element (70) adapted for being received in the locking element of another panel in a thickness direction (E), or the opposite.

Description

[0001] Panels with lower connecting strips intended to form a portable flooring

[0002] FIELD

[0003] The present disclosure deals with an assembly intended to form a flooring, the assembly comprising a plurality of panels intended to be connected to each other over a floor.

[0004] The disclosure also deals with a corresponding method of installing such a flooring.

[0005] BACKGROUND

[0006] In certain places, particularly where sports are practiced, a portable flooring may be needed, that is to say a flooring that can be installed and removed rather easily and quickly over a concrete surface or other types of surface.

[0007] Besides such a flooring should be adapted to practicing sports, with appropriate properties in terms of friction coefficient, gloss level, and other properties, for example according to European standard EN 14904 of 2006.

[0008] However, existing solutions meeting these properties are not, or not very, portable. They are difficult to install and / or to remove.

[0009] An objective of the disclosure is to solve or reduce this issue, by providing an assembly adapted for forming a portable flooring that is more easily installed and removed.

[0010] SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0011] To this end, the disclosure proposes an assembly intended to form a portable flooring, the assembly comprising a plurality of panels comprising:

[0012] - a board comprising an upper layer and a first middle layer extending perpendicularly to a thickness direction of the panels, the first middle layer being located under the upper layer in the thickness direction, and

[0013] - a plurality of strips, each of the strips extending along a first transverse direction of the panels perpendicular to the thickness direction, and each of the strips comprising a second middle layer fixed to the first middle layer, and a lower layer comprising foam and intended to lie against a floor, the plurality of strips being spaced apart from each other in a second transverse direction perpendicular to the first transverse direction and to the thickness direction, wherein, at least in a first kind of the plurality of panels: - the board has a front edge and a back edge opposed to each other in the first transverse direction, the front edge forming a connecting tongue and the back edge defining a connecting groove adapted for receiving the connecting tongue of another panel of the plurality of panels in the first transverse direction,

[0014] - each of the strips has a front extremity, and a back extremity opposed to the front extremity and protruding from the back edge in the first transverse direction, the front extremity and the board defining a front recess located under the board and adapted for receiving the back extremity of one the strips of another panel of the plurality of panels in the first transverse direction, and

[0015] - the back extremity defines a locking element and the board forms at least one complementary locking element adapted for being received in the locking element of the back extremity of one of the strips of another panel of the plurality of panels in the thickness direction, or the back extremity forms a complementary locking element and the board forms at least one locking element adapted for receiving the complementary locking element of the back extremity of one of the strips of another panel of the plurality of panels in the thickness direction.

[0016] In other embodiments, the assembly may comprise one or several of the following features, taken in isolation or any technically feasible combination:

[0017] - the board has two lateral edges opposed to each other in the second transverse direction, each of the two lateral edges forming a lateral connecting groove extending in the first transverse direction, the assembly comprising a plurality of slip tongues, each of the slip tongues being adapted for being inserted in the first transverse direction in between two of the panels of the plurality of panels in order to reach a connecting position, in which said each of the slip tongues extends in the lateral connecting groove of one of the two lateral edges of each of said two panels, and in which a translation of one of said two panels with respect to the other in the thickness direction is prevented by said each of the slip tongue;

[0018] - the plurality of strips comprise two or three strips;

[0019] - the plurality of strips are parallel to the first transverse direction;

[0020] - the locking element comprises a locking groove and the complementary locking element comprises a locking tongue, the locking groove and the locking tongue being parallel to the second transverse direction;

[0021] - each of the panels comprises at least two guiding members fixed on a lower surface of the board delimiting the front recess, the two guiding members extending in the first transverse direction, and respectively forming two abutments on which two of the strips of one or several panel(s) of the plurality of panels are intended to abut in the second transverse direction in opposite senses; - a lower side of the connecting tongue is flush with a lower surface of the board delimiting the front recess, and a lower wall of the connecting groove is flush with an upper surface of the back extremity;

[0022] - the connecting groove is delimited downwards in the thickness direction by a lower lip received in a recess defined by an upper surface of the back extremity;

[0023] - the locking element and the complementary locking element have a “V” shaped profile;

[0024] - the board comprises two corners located at two extremities of the back edge in the second transverse direction, the two corners respectively forming two indentations in a lower surface of the board, the two indentations being intended to receive two hands of a user holding the board or intended to help insertion or removal of slip tongues.

[0025] - the first middle layer and the second middle layer comprise plywood, a medium density fiberboard, a high density fiberboard, an oriented strand board, or laminated veneer lumber; and / or the upper layer comprises a lacquered surface;

[0026] - the plurality of panels comprises at least a second kind of panels wherein, in each panel of the second kind: the board has two back edges opposed to each other in the first transverse direction, each of the two back edges defining a connecting groove adapted for receiving the connecting tongue of another panel of the plurality of panels in the first transverse direction; each of the strips has two back extremities opposed to each other in the first transverse direction and protruding from the two back edges in the first transverse direction; and each of the two back extremities defines a locking element adapted for receiving the complementary locking element of the board of another panel of the plurality of panels in the thickness direction, or each of the two back extremities forms a complementary locking element adapted for being received in the locking element of the board of another panel of the plurality of panels in the thickness direction;

[0027] - the plurality of panels comprises at least a third kind of panels wherein, in each panel of third kind: the board has a front edge and a back edge opposed to each other in the first transverse direction, the front edge forming a connecting tongue adapted for being received in the connecting groove of another panel of the plurality of panels in the first transverse direction; each of the strips has a front extremity, and a back extremity opposed to the front extremity, the front extremity and the board defining a front recess located under the board and adapted for receiving the back extremity of one the strips of another panel of the plurality of panels in the first transverse direction, the back edge protruding as much or more than the back extremity in the first transverse direction; and the board forms at least one complementary locking element adapted for being received in the locking element of the back extremity of one of the strips of another panel of the plurality of panels in the thickness direction, or the board defines at least one locking element adapted for receiving the complementary locking element of the back extremity of one of the strips of another panel of the plurality of panels in the thickness direction;

[0028] - the locking element comprises a recess, and the complementary locking element comprises a protrusion adapted for being received in the recess of the back extremity of one of the strips of another panel of the plurality of panels in the thickness direction; and

[0029] - the plurality of panels are adapted to form rows, each of the rows extending in the second transverse direction, the rows being successive in the first transverse direction, the panels of one of any two successive rows being offset in the second transverse direction with respect to the panels of the other of said any two successive rows.

[0030] The disclosure also proposes a method of installing a portable flooring by assembling a plurality of panels on a floor, comprising the following steps:

[0031] - obtaining an assembly as described above,

[0032] - for each panel of the first kind : introducing the connecting tongue in the connecting groove of another panel of the plurality of panels along the first transverse direction, receiving, in the front recess, the back extremity of one of the strips of another panel of the plurality of panels in the first transverse direction, and introducing the complementary locking element of the board in the locking element of the back extremity of one of the strips of another panel of the plurality of panels in the thickness direction, or receiving, in the locking element of the board, the complementary locking element of the back extremity of one of the strips of another panel of the plurality of panels in the thickness direction, and

[0033] - applying the lower layer of the plurality of panels against the floor.

[0034] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0035] The disclosure and its advantages will be better understood upon reading the following description, given solely by way of example and with reference to the appended drawing, in which:

[0036] - Figure 1 is a top view representing a portable sports flooring according to a first embodiment of the disclosure,

[0037] - Figure 2 is a schematic exploded top view of the flooring shown in Figure 1 , showing how the panels are connected,

[0038] - Figure 3 is a perspective view of a panel of the first kind shown in Figures 1 and 2, and of a slip tongue, - Figure 4 is a bottom view of the panel of the first kind shown in Figures 1 to 3,

[0039] - Figure 5 is a side view of the panel of the first kind shown in Figures 1 to 4,

[0040] - Figures 6 and 7 are cross sectional views of the front edge and the back edge of the panel of the first kind shown in Figures 1 to 5, perpendicularly to the second transverse direction,

[0041] - Figure 8 is a perspective view of a panel of the second kind shown in Figures 1 and 2,

[0042] - Figure 9 is a perspective view of a panel of the third kind shown in Figures 1 and 2,

[0043] - Figure 10 is a cross sectional view of two panels shown in Figures 1 and 2, perpendicularly to the second transverse direction, showing how to connect these panels.

[0044] - Figure 11 is a perspective view of a panel of the first kind and of a slip tongue according a second embodiment of the disclosure,

[0045] - Figure 12 is a bottom view of the panel of the first kind shown in Figures 11 , and

[0046] - Figure 13 is a side view of the panel of the first kind shown in Figures 11 and 12,

[0047] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0048] Assembly and flooring according to a first embodiment

[0049] With reference to Figures 1 and 2, an assembly 10 according to the invention will be described.

[0050] The assembly 10 comprises a plurality of panels 12 forming a portable flooring 14 when the plurality of panels 12 is in an assembled configuration (Figure 1).

[0051] Advantageously, the assembly comprises a plurality of ramp parts 14A connected to the panels 12.

[0052] Advantageously, the assembly 10 comprises a plurality of slip tongues 15 only shown in Figure 3 and adapted for connecting the panels 12 to each other.

[0053] The flooring 14 extends in a first transverse direction T 1 perpendicular to a thickness direction E, and in a second transverse direction T2 perpendicular to the first transverse direction T 1 and to the thickness direction E.

[0054] The ramp parts 14A define an upper surface 14B which is intended to be inclined so as to form a threshold for access to the flooring 14. The ramp parts 14A may extend along a side of the flooring 14 or part of a side, such as an entrance zone. In the example shown in Figure 1 , the ramp parts 14A extend along two adjacent sides of the flooring 14. In a particular embodiment (not shown), the ramp parts 14A completely surround the flooring 14 so as to form a frame (not shown).

[0055] The ramp parts 14A advantageously help people, in particular with reduced mobility, when entering and exiting the flooring 14.

[0056] The flooring 14 defines an upper surface 16 on which lines 18 are for example marked in order to define a sport field. Lines, signs or assembly marks may be marked or printed on the panels 12 in order to help control accurate positioning of the panels with respect to each other.

[0057] “Portable” for example means that the assembly 10 is adapted for being assembled to form the flooring 14, advantageously quickly and easily, then disassembled, advantageously quickly and easily, and is intended to be assembled again elsewhere.

[0058] In Figure 2, the flooring 14 is in an exploded configuration, in which the panels are represented spaced apart from each other in the first transverse direction T 1 and in the second transverse direction T2, on a floor 20.

[0059] Naturally, the plurality of panels 12 may be in other configurations (not shown).

[0060] In particular, the plurality of panels 12 may be in a storage configuration, in which the panels may be piled up in the thickness direction E in order to form one or more piles (not shown).

[0061] Each of the panels 12 may bear a sign (not shown), for example alphanumerical, in order to indicate how each of the panels is to be positioned with respect to the other panels to form the flooring 14 and in the example the sport field.

[0062] The plurality of panels 12 are advantageously adapted to form rows 22A, 22B, 22C, 22D, 22E, in the example shown five rows.

[0063] In variants (not shown), the panels 12 form more than five rows. Typically much more than five rows would be needed to cover sport fields, such as a basketball field... etc.

[0064] Each of the rows extends in the first transverse direction T 1 , and the rows are successive in the first transverse direction T1. The panels 12 of one of any two successive rows among the rows 22A, 22B, 22C, 22D, 22E are advantageously offset in the second transverse direction T2 with respect to the panels of the other of said any two successive rows. The panels 12 of the same row are advantageously connected to each other by the slip tongues 15.

[0065] In the example shown, the plurality of panels comprises three kinds 12A, 12B, 12C of panels 12.

[0066] First kind of panels The first kind 12A for example forms the rows 22B and 22D (Figures 1 and 2).

[0067] As best shown in Figures 3 to 7, the first kind 12A of the panels 12 comprise a board 24, and a plurality of strips 26 extending along the first transverse direction T 1 and spaced apart from each other in the second transverse direction T2.

[0068] Advantageously the first kind 12A comprises two guiding members 27.

[0069] As a variant (not shown), there may be more than two guiding members 27.

[0070] The board 24 comprises an upper layer 28 and a first middle layer 30 extending perpendicularly to the thickness direction E, the first middle layer being located under the upper layer.

[0071] The board 24 has a front edge 32 and a back edge 34 opposed to each other in the first transverse direction T1 , the front edge forming a connecting tongue 36 and the back edge defining a connecting groove 38 adapted for receiving the connecting tongue of another panel of the plurality of panels 12 in the first transverse direction T1.

[0072] The board 24 for example has two lateral edges 40, 42 opposed to each other in the second transverse direction T2, each of the two lateral edges advantageously forming a lateral connecting groove 44 extending in the first transverse direction T1.

[0073] The lateral edges 40, 42 are for example “short edges” compared with the front edge 32 and the back edge 34.

[0074] The board 24 for example has a rectangular shape in the thickness direction E.

[0075] Advantageously, the board 24 comprises two corners 45 located at two extremities of the back edge 34 in the second transverse direction T2, the two corners 45 respectively forming two indentations 46 in a lower surface 47 of the board, the two indentations being intended to receive two hands of a user holding the board.

[0076] The upper layer 28 for example comprises any surface covering, such as foil, lacquer, coating, paint, and preferably comprises a lacquered surface.

[0077] The upper layer 28 is advantageously adapted to practicing sport, with appropriate properties in terms of friction coefficient, resistance to wear, resistance to rolling load, and gloss level. The upper layer 28 advantageously fulfils all the needed properties for sports flooring according to European standard EN 14904 of 2006.

[0078] The first middle layer 30 for example comprises plywood.

[0079] As variants, the first middle layer 30 for example comprises a medium density fiberboard (MDF), a high density fiberboard (HDF), an oriented strand board (OSB), or laminated veneer lumber (LVL).

[0080] The connecting tongue 36 advantageously has a round profile in the second transverse direction T2. In a particular embodiment, said profile for example approximately forms a quarter of a circle. A lower side 48 of the connecting tongue 36, for example corresponding to an extremity of the quarter of circle, is advantageously flush with the lower surface 47 of the board 24. This facilitates the insertion of the connecting tongue 36 in the connecting groove 38, while one of the two considered panels is angled with respect to the other (Figure 10).

[0081] The connecting groove 38 advantageously has a shape matching that of the connecting tongue 36. A lower wall 50 of the connecting groove 38 is for example flush with an upper surface 51 of a back extremity 58 of the strips 26 in the first transverse direction T1. The connecting groove 38 is delimited downwards in the thickness direction E by a lower lip 52 received in a recess 54 defined by the upper surface 51.

[0082] The strips 26 advantageously have a rectangular shape in the thickness direction E, and are for example parallel to the first transverse direction T 1 .

[0083] The strips 26 advantageously have a rectangular shape in the first transverse direction T 1 , this shape having a length L1 and a width L2 both perpendicularly to the first transverse direction T1 , said length being for example three times, preferably five times, longer than the said width.

[0084] For example, there are two or three strips 26, depending on a length L of the panel in the second transverse direction T2.

[0085] In the example, as shown in Figure 2, there are large panels 12A, for example with three strips 26, and small panels 12A, for example with two strips 26. The small panels 12A are advantageously used at an extremity of a row in the second transverse direction T2, in order to cope with the above mentioned offset between the rows.

[0086] Each of the strips 26 comprises a second middle layer 60 fixed to the first middle layer 30, and a lower layer 62 comprising foam lying against the floor 20.

[0087] Advantageously, as shown in Figure 5, each of the strips 26 comprises one, preferably at least two, positioning pin(s) 62A intended to be received in positioning recesses 62B defined by the board 24. This helps positioning the strips 26 with respect to the board 24 when manufacturing the panels 12.

[0088] As a variant (not shown), the board 24 has positioning pin(s) and the strips 26 have one, preferably at least two, positioning recess(es).

[0089] Each of the strips 26 has a front extremity 64 opposed to the back extremity 58 in the first transverse direction T 1 , and protruding from the back edge 34 in the first transverse direction T1.

[0090] The front extremity 64 and the board 24 define a front recess 66 located under the board and adapted for receiving the back extremity 58 of one the strips 26 of another panel of the plurality of panels 12 in the first transverse direction T1. The front recess 66 is delimited by the lower surface 47 of the board 24 upwards, and by the front extremity 64 in the first transverse direction T 1 .

[0091] The back extremity 58 of each of the strips 26 defines a locking element 68.

[0092] The board 24 forms at least one complementary locking element 70 adapted for being received in the locking element 68 of the back extremity 58 of one of the strips 26 of another panel of the plurality of panels 12 in the thickness direction E. In the example, there are as many complementary locking elements 70 as the strips 26.

[0093] As a variant (not shown), there is only one complementary locking element 70, possibly extending in the second transverse direction T2 so as to be received in several locking elements 68 of another of the panels 12.

[0094] As another variant (not shown), the back extremity 58 forms a complementary locking element and the board 24 forms at least one locking element adapted for receiving the complementary locking element of the back extremity 58 of one of the strips 26 of another panel of the plurality of panels 12 in the thickness direction E.

[0095] In the example, the locking element 68 comprises a locking groove 68A, and preferably nothing else.

[0096] In the example, the complementary locking element 70 comprises a locking tongue 70A, and preferably nothing else.

[0097] The locking groove 68A and the locking tongue 70A are for example parallel to the second transverse direction T2, and advantageously have a “V” shaped profile in the second transverse direction T2.

[0098] As variant of or in addition to the “V” shaped profile, the locking groove 68A and the locking tongue 70A may have a rounded profile, or a mixed profile (“V” shaped and rounded).

[0099] Each of the slip tongues 15 is adapted for being inserted in the first transverse direction T1 in between two of the panels 12 in order to reach a connecting position. In the connecting position, the considered slip tongue extends in the lateral connecting groove 44 of the lateral edges 40 of one of said two panels 12 and in the lateral edges 42 of the other.

[0100] In the example, in the connecting position, the slip tongues 15 do not protrude from the board 24 in the first transverse direction T 1.

[0101] In the connecting position, a translation of one of said two panels 12 with respect to the other in the thickness direction E is prevented by said each slip tongue (ensuring vertical connection of the lateral edges 40 in the thickness direction E).

[0102] The two guiding members 27 are fixed on the lower surface 47 of the board 24. The two guiding members 27 for example extends in the first transverse direction T1 , and respectively form two abutments 72, 74 on which two of the strips 26 of the panels 12 are intended to abut in the second transverse direction T2 in opposite senses.

[0103] Second kind of panels

[0104] The second kind 12B of the panels 12 will now be described with reference to Figure 8.

[0105] The second kind 12B is analogous to the first kind 12A shown in Figures 3 to 7. Similar elements bear the same numeral references and will not be described again. Only the differences will be described in detail hereafter.

[0106] The second kind 12B of the panels 12 for example forms the row 22C (Figures 1 and 2) which is for example a central row in the first transverse direction T 1.

[0107] The board 24 has two back edges 34 opposed to each other in the first transverse direction T1. As a consequence, the board 24 does not have a front edge forming a connecting tongue.

[0108] Each of the two back edges 34 defines a connecting groove 38 adapted for receiving the connecting tongue 36 of another of the panels 12 in the first transverse direction T 1.

[0109] The second kind 12B also comprises two or three strips 26 in the example.

[0110] As shown in Figure 2, in the example, there are large panels 12B, for example with three strips 26, and small panels 12B, for example with two strips 26. The small panels 12B are advantageously used at an extremity of a row in the second transverse direction T2, in order to cope with the offset between the rows.

[0111] Each of the strips 26 has two back extremities 58 opposed to each other in the first transverse direction T 1 and protruding from the two back edges 34 in the first transverse direction T1.

[0112] Each of the two back extremities 58 defines a locking element 68 adapted for receiving the complementary locking element 70 of the board 24 of another of the panels 12 in the thickness direction E.

[0113] As a variant (not shown), each of the two back extremities 58 forms a complementary locking element adapted for being received in the locking element of the board of another of the panels 12 in the thickness direction E.

[0114] The second kind 12B of panels is typically adapted for forming an initial row of panels, such as the central row 22C in the example, and to be connected to panels of the first kind 12A or of the third kind 12C.

[0115] Third kind of panels The third kind 12C of the panels 12 will now be described with reference to Figure

[0116] 9.

[0117] The third kind 12C is analogous to the first kind 12A shown in Figures 3 to 7. Similar elements bear the same numeral references and will not be described again. Only the differences will be described in detail hereafter.

[0118] The third kind 12C of the panels 12 for example forms the rows 22A and 22E (Figures 1 and 2) which are side rows in the first transverse direction T1 in the example.

[0119] The third kind 12C also comprises two or three strips 26 in the example.

[0120] As shown in Figure 2, in the example, there are large panels 12C, for example with three strips 26, and small panels 12C, for example with two strips 26. The small panels 12C are advantageously used at an extremity of a row in the second transverse direction T2, in order to cope with the offset between the rows.

[0121] In the strips 26, the back edge 34 protrudes as much as the back extremity 58 in the first transverse direction T1. In other words, the back extremity 58 of the strips 26 extends until the back edge 34 in the first transverse direction T 1 and does not protrude.

[0122] As a variant (not shown), the back edge 34 protrudes more than the back extremity 58 in the first transverse direction T 1.

[0123] The back extremity 58 of each of the strips 26 preferably does not define a locking element, nor a complementary locking element protruding upwards.

[0124] The kind 12C of panels is typically adapted for forming side rows of panels, such as the rows 22A and 22E in the example, in particular near a wall 76 (Figure 1) as these panels do not have protruding strips.

[0125] Advantageously, some of the panels 12 are adapted to be connected, for example using wooden pins (not shown), to one or several of the ramp parts 14A.

[0126] If needed, one edge of these panels has a modified shape (not shown), such as a protrusion or a vertical cut, making the connection to the ramp parts 14A easier or stronger.

[0127] As a variant (not shown) or in addition, some of the ramp parts 14A may have a specific shape (not shown) making the connection to some of the panels 12 easier or stronger. In other words, there may be sub-categories of panels 12 and of ramp parts 14 that are more adapted to each other.

[0128] Method of installing the portable flooring

[0129] A method of installing the portable flooring 14 will now be described. It illustrates a method according to the disclosure. The plurality of panels 12 forming the assembly 10 is assembled on the floor 20.

[0130] In the example, the central row 22C is formed first, by connecting panels of the second kind 12B (refer to arrows F1 in Figure 2) side by side along the second transverse direction T2, advantageously by using the slip tongues 15.

[0131] The slip tongues 15 are inserted in the first transverse direction T 1 between two of the panels of the second kind 12B in order to reach their connecting position.

[0132] Then, in the example, panels of the first kind 12A are used to form the rows 22B and 22D.

[0133] For each of the panels of the first kind 12A, the connecting tongue 36 is introduced (refer to arrows F2 in Figures 2 and 10) along the first transverse direction T1 in the connecting groove 38 of one of the panels of the second kind 12B forming the row 22C.

[0134] The back extremity 58 of each of the strips 26 of the panels 12 of the row 22C is received in the first transverse direction T1 in the front recess 66 delimited by one of the strips 26 of the panels 12 of the rows 22B and 22D. Advantageously the panels of the first kind 12A are angled with respect to the panels of the second kind 12B during this movement.

[0135] Each of the complementary locking elements 70 of the boards 24 of the panels 12 of the rows 22B and 22D is then received (arrow F3 in Figure 10) in the thickness direction E in the locking elements 68 of the back extremity 58 of one of the strips 26 of the panels of the second kind 12B. For example, this is obtained by a rotation of the panels of the first kind 12A with respect to the panels of the second kind 12B, in order to put them parallel to each other.

[0136] The slip tongues 15 are also inserted between the panels 12 of the rows 22B, and between the panels 12 of the rows 22D.

[0137] The panels of the third kind 12C are installed in the same manner as the panels of the first kind 12A (refer to arrows F4 in Figure 2) in order to form the side rows 22A, 22E. The only difference is that the strips 26 of the panels of third kind 12C do not protrude, so that these panels may be applied near a wall such as the wall 76.

[0138] As a variant (not shown), panels 12 with a protruding strips 26 may be used, the protrusion being used for connection to one of the ramp parts 14A.

[0139] The lower layer 62 of the plurality of panels 12 is applied against the floor 20.

[0140] As a variant (not shown), a portable flooring can be obtained without using panels of the third kind 12C, especially if the flooring is not near a wall. In this case, the ramp parts 14A may be used to cover the back extremity 58 of the strips 26 of the panels of the second kind 12B. As another variant (not shown), a portable flooring can be obtained without using panels of the second kind 12B. However, panels of the second kind 12B allow to build an initial row, for example a central row, from which other rows can be built on both sides of the initial row in the first transverse direction T 1 , making the installation faster.

[0141] Thanks to the above described features, the assembly 10 is adapted for forming the portable flooring 14 more easily, and the portable flooring is also easy to remove and store.

[0142] The optional slip tongues 15 make the flooring 14 stronger.

[0143] The optional guiding elements 27 help positioning the panels 12 in such a way that the strips 26 of the panels 12 of a row are aligned with the strips of the panels 12 of a neighboring row. The guiding elements 27 also prevent movement of the panels 12 in the first transverse direction T1.

[0144] Advantageously, the shape of the connecting tongue 36 and of the connecting groove 38 helps connecting the panels 12.

[0145] The locking elements 68 and the complementary locking elements 70 help positioning the panels in the first transverse direction T1.

[0146] The optional offset between the rows of panels 12 prevents movement (sliding) of the panels 12 in the first transverse direction T 1 and in the second transverse direction T2. The offset also makes it more difficult to lift one of the panels. In other words, the panels 12 are better interconnected.

[0147] Assembly and flooring according to a second embodiment of the disclosure

[0148] An assembly and a flooring according to a second embodiment will now be described with reference to Figures 11 to 13. These assembly and flooring are analogous to the assembly 10 and the flooring 14 shown in Figures 1 to 10. Similar elements bear the same numeral references and will not be described again. Only the differences will be described in detail hereafter.

[0149] The assembly comprises panels 112A of a first kind that are analogous to the panels 12A shown in Figures 1 to 10. The assembly for examples comprises panels of a second kind (not shown) that are analogous to the panels 12B.

[0150] In each of the strips 26 of the panels 112A, the locking element 68 includes a recess 68B (Figure 11) that is not a groove, and the complementary locking element 70 includes a protrusion 70B (Figure 12).

[0151] In the example, the locking element 68 consists of the recess 68B and the complementary locking element consists of the protrusion 70B. In variants (not shown), the locking element 68 and the complementary locking element 70 may comprise other elements, such as another recess and another protrusion matching with each other.

[0152] The recess 68B and the protrusion 70B advantageously have an oval shape seen in the thickness direction E, the oval shape for example defining a main axis A1 (elongation axis) parallel to the second transverse direction T2 (Figure 12).

[0153] In variants (not shown), the recess 68B and the protrusion 70B have other shapes, such as circular, rectangular or square, and / or the main axis is not parallel to the second transverse direction T2.

[0154] In the example, in the connecting position, the slip tongues 15 (Figure 11) protrude from the board 24 in the first transverse direction T1.

[0155] The board 24 advantageously defines recesses 114 (Figure 12) which are adapted to receive one of the slip tongues 15 protruding from the board 24 of another one of the panels.

[0156] The board 24 advantageously comprises another layer 29 located between the upper layer 28 and the first middle layer 30.

[0157] The other layer 29 is advantageously made of plywood and is for example analogous to the first middle layer 30 of the panels 12A previously described.

[0158] The first middle layer 30 of the panel 112A for example comprises veneer, and advantageously has anti-tension properties. The first middle layer 30 advantageously protects the board 24 against bending during the manufacturing process. In other words, the first middle layer 30 allows the board 24 to remain straight.

[0159] For example, the recesses 114 are defined by the lower surface 47 of the board 24 and open in the front edge 32 along the first transverse direction T 1 (Figure 12) and / or open in the back edge 34 (Figure 11).

[0160] The flooring according to the second embodiment is installed in a manner that is analogous to that of the assembly 10 and that will not be described.

Claims

CLAIMS1. An assembly (10) intended to form a portable flooring (14), the assembly (10) comprising a plurality of panels (12) comprising:- a board (24) comprising an upper layer (28) and a first middle layer (30) extending perpendicularly to a thickness direction (E) of the panels (12), the first middle layer (30) being located under the upper layer (28) in the thickness direction (E), and- a plurality of strips (26), each of the strips (26) extending along a first transverse direction (T1) of the panels (12) perpendicular to the thickness direction (E), and each of the strips (26) comprising a second middle layer (60) fixed to the first middle layer (30), and a lower layer (62) comprising foam and intended to lie against a floor (20), the plurality of strips (26) being spaced apart from each other in a second transverse direction (T2) perpendicular to the first transverse direction (T 1) and to the thickness direction (E), wherein, at least in a first kind (12A; 112A) of the plurality of panels (12):- the board (24) has a front edge (32) and a back edge (34) opposed to each other in the first transverse direction (T1), the front edge (32) forming a connecting tongue (36) and the back edge defining a connecting groove (38) adapted for receiving the connecting tongue (36) of another panel of the plurality of panels (12) in the first transverse direction (T1),- each of the strips (26) has a front extremity (64), and a back extremity (58) opposed to the front extremity (64) and protruding from the back edge (34) in the first transverse direction (T1), the front extremity (64) and the board (24) defining a front recess (66) located under the board (24) and adapted for receiving the back extremity (58) of one the strips (26) of another panel of the plurality of panels (12) in the first transverse direction (T1), and- the back extremity (58) defines a locking element (68) and the board (24) forms at least one complementary locking element (70) adapted for being received in the locking element (68) of the back extremity (58) of one of the strips (26) of another panel of the plurality of panels (12) in the thickness direction (E), or the back extremity (58) forms a complementary locking element (70) and the board (24) forms at least one locking element (68) adapted for receiving the complementary locking element (70) of the back extremity (58) of one of the strips (26) of another panel of the plurality of panels (12) in the thickness direction (E).

2. The assembly (10) according to claim 1 , wherein the board (24) has two lateral edges (40, 42) opposed to each other in the second transverse direction (T2), each of the two lateral edges (40, 42) forming a lateral connecting groove (44) extending in the firsttransverse direction (T 1), the assembly (10) comprising a plurality of slip tongues (15), each of the slip tongues (15) being adapted for being inserted in the first transverse direction (T1) in between two of the panels of the plurality of panels (12) in order to reach a connecting position, in which said each of the slip tongues (15) extends in the lateral connecting groove (44) of one of the two lateral edges (40, 42) of each of said two panels, and in which a translation of one of said two panels with respect to the other in the thickness direction (E) is prevented by said each of the slip tongue (15).

3. The assembly (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the plurality of strips (26) comprise two or three strips.

4. The assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the plurality of strips (26) are parallel to the first transverse direction (T1).

5. The assembly (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the locking element (68) comprises a locking groove (68A) and the complementary locking element (70) comprises a locking tongue (70A), the locking groove (68A) and the locking tongue (70A) being preferably parallel to the second transverse direction (T2).

6. The assembly (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein each of the panels (12) comprises at least two guiding members (27) fixed on a lower surface (47) of the board (24) delimiting the front recess (66), the two guiding members (27) extending in the first transverse direction (T 1), and respectively forming two abutments (72, 74) on which two of the strips (26) of one or several panel(s) of the plurality of panels (12) are intended to abut in the second transverse direction (T2) in opposite senses.

7. The assembly (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein a lower side (48) of the connecting tongue (36) is flush with a lower surface (47) of the board (24) delimiting the front recess (66), and a lower wall (50) of the connecting groove (38) is flush with an upper surface (51) of the back extremity (58).

8. The assembly (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the connecting groove (34) is delimited downwards in the thickness direction (E) by a lower lip (52) received in a recess (54) defined by an upper surface (51) of the back extremity (58).

9. The assembly (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the locking element (68) and the complementary locking element (70) have a “V” shaped profile.

10. The assembly (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the board (24) comprises two corners (45) located at two extremities of the back edge (34) in the second transverse direction (T2), the two corners (45) respectively forming two indentations (46) in a lower surface (47) of the board (24), the two indentations (46) being intended to receive two hands of a user holding the board (24) or intended to help insertion or removal of slip tongues (15).

11. The assembly (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein:- the first middle layer (30) and the second middle layer (60) comprise plywood, a medium density fiberboard, a high density fiberboard, an oriented strand board, or laminated veneer lumber, and / or- the upper layer (28) comprises a lacquered surface.

12. The assembly (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 11 , wherein the plurality of panels (12) comprises at least a second kind (12B) of panels wherein, in each panel of the second kind (12B):- the board (24) has two back edges (34) opposed to each other in the first transverse direction (T1), each of the two back edges (34) defining a connecting groove (38) adapted for receiving the connecting tongue (36) of another panel of the plurality of panels (12) in the first transverse direction (T1),- each of the strips (26) has two back extremities (58) opposed to each other in the first transverse direction (T1) and protruding from the two back edges (34) in the first transverse direction (T1), and- each of the two back extremities (58) defines a locking element (68) adapted for receiving the complementary locking element (70) of the board (24) of another panel of the plurality of panels (12) in the thickness direction (E), or each of the two back extremities (58) forms a complementary locking element (70) adapted for being received in the locking element (68) of the board (24) of another panel of the plurality of panels (12) in the thickness direction (E).

13. The assembly (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the locking element (68) comprises a recess (68B), and the complementary locking element (70) comprises a protrusion (70B) adapted for being received in the recess (68B) of the backextremity (58) of one of the strips (26) of another panel of the plurality of panels (12) in the thickness direction (E).

14. The assembly (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the plurality of panels (12) are adapted to form rows (22A, 22B, 22C, 22D, 22E), each of the rows (22A, 22B, 22C, 22D, 22E) extending in the second transverse direction (T2), the rows (22A, 22B, 22C, 22D, 22E) being successive in the first transverse direction (T1), the panels (12) of one of any two successive rows (22A, 22B, 22C, 22D, 22E) being offset in the second transverse direction (T2) with respect to the panels (12) of the other of said any two successive rows (22A, 22B, 22C, 22D, 22E).

15. A method of installing a portable flooring (14) by assembling a plurality of panels (12) on a floor (20), comprising the following steps:- obtaining an assembly (10) as described by any one of claim 1 to 14,- for each panel of the first kind (12A; 112A): introducing the connecting tongue (36) in the connecting groove (38) of another panel of the plurality of panels (12) along the first transverse direction (T1), receiving, in the front recess (66), the back extremity (58) of one of the strips (26) of another panel of the plurality of panels (12) in the first transverse direction (T1), and introducing the complementary locking element (70) of the board (24) in the locking element (68) of the back extremity (58) of one of the strips(26) of another panel of the plurality of panels (12)in the thickness direction (E), or receiving, in the locking element (68) of the board (24), the complementary locking element (70) of the back extremity (58) of one of the strips (26) of another panel of the plurality of panels (12) in the thickness direction (E), and- applying the lower layer (62) of the plurality of panels (12) against the floor (20).

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