Office Action 1: Non-Final Rejection (2024-11-22)
Rejection types: 103 - Obviousness, Double Patenting

CLAIMS:
AMENDMENTS TO THE CLAIMS:

This listing of claims will replace all prior versions, and listings, of claims in the application:

LISTING OF CLAIMS:

1-12. (Canceled)211

13\. (New) A set of building panels, comprising:a first mechanical locking system at respective first and second opposite edges, the first mechanical locking system comprising at one of the first or second opposite edges a tongue groove configured to receive a locking tongue of the other of the first or second edges by a folding displacement of the locking tongue for vertical locking of adjacent essentially identical panels in an assembled position, said locking tongue comprising an essentially horizontal and/or upwards-facing upper surface; and
a second mechanical locking system on respective third and fourth opposite edges, the second mechanical locking system comprising at one of the third or fourth edges a wedge groove configured to receive a displaceable locking tongue by a vertical displacement of the wedge groove, for vertical locking of essentially identical adjacent panels in an assembled position, wherein said displaceable locking tongue is configured to be displaced in a displacement groove provided in said other of the third or fourth edge, said displacement groove comprising an upper wall, wherein said wedge groove is arranged vertically below the upper surface of the locking tongue.

14\. (New) The set according to claim 13, wherein the upper wall of the displacement groove is arranged vertically below the upper surface of the locking tongue.

15\. (New) The set according to claim 13, wherein the entire upper wall of the displacement groove is arranged vertically below the upper surface of the locking tongue.

16\. (New) The set according to claim 13, wherein the displacement groove comprises a sideways open opening, wherein the opening is provided vertically below the upper surface of the locking tongue.

17\. (New) The set according to claim 13, wherein a first end of the locking tongue, in the longitudinal direction of the panel, comprises a first portion, and a second opposite end of the locking tongue comprises a second portion.

18\. (New) The set according to claim 17, wherein said first portion and said second portion are configured to, in assembled position of adjacent panels, essentially be in contact, or in contact.

19\. (New) The set according to claim 17, wherein the first portion and the second portion are configured such that, in assembled position of adjacent panels, the first and second portion are pre-tensioned against each other.

20\. (New) The set according to claim 17, wherein the first portion and the second portion are configured such that, in assembled position of adjacent panels by the second mechanical locking system, a play is formed between the adjacent panels, wherein the first portion and the second portion are configured such that a sufficient size of the play is obtained such that respective surface layers of the assembled adjacent panels are contiguous and/or not pushed apart.

21\. (New) The set according to claim 17, wherein immediately juxtaposed upper edge portions of the third and fourth edge, in assembled position of two adjacent panels, form a second vertical plane, wherein the first portion is configured to be flush with said upper edge portion of the third edge.

22\. (New) The set according to claim 17, wherein the first portion and the second portion are configured such that, in assembled position of adjacent panels by the second mechanical locking system, a play is formed between the adjacent panels, wherein the play is in the range of 0.00 to +0.50 mm.

23\. (New) The set according to claim 17, wherein the first portion and the second portion are configured such that, in assembled position of adjacent panels by the second mechanical locking system, a play DS is formed between the adjacent panels wherein the play DS is in the range of -0.05 to +0.10 mm.

24\. (New) The set according to claim 13, wherein the panel comprises a plane, wherein the upper surface of the locking tongue is disposed on a first side of the plane, and wherein the displacement groove is disposed on a second side of the plane, wherein the second side is a side of the plane being opposite the first side.

25\. (New) The set according to claim 13, wherein the first mechanical locking system further comprises at one of the first or second opposite edges a locking groove configured to receive a locking element of a locking strip projecting from the other of the first or second edges by a folding displacement.

26\. (New) The set according to claim 25, wherein the locking strip is arranged at one of the first or second edges and the locking tongue is arranged at the other of the first or second edges.

27\. (New) The set according to claim 25, wherein the locking strip is arranged vertically below the locking tongue.

28\. (New) The set according to claim 13, wherein the other of the third or fourth edge having a horizontally outermost end toward the third or fourth edge, an entirety of said displacement groove being horizontally offset from the horizontally outermost end of the other of the third or fourth edge.

29\. (New) The set according to claim 28, wherein the horizontally outermost end of the other of the third or fourth edge is located at a second locking strip of the other of the third or fourth edge, the second locking strip including a locking element configured to be received by a lower locking groove of the third or fourth edge, the second locking strip being free of the displacement groove.

OFFICE ACTION:
DETAILED ACTION
Notice of Pre-AIA  or AIA  Status
The present application, filed on or after March 16, 2013, is being examined under the first inventor to file provisions of the AIA .
Information Disclosure Statement
The information disclosure statements (IDS) submitted on 5/6/24 (x2) and 9/20/24 are in compliance with the provisions of 37 CFR 1.97.  Accordingly, the information disclosure statements are being considered by the examiner.
Double Patenting
The nonstatutory double patenting rejection is based on a judicially created doctrine grounded in public policy (a policy reflected in the statute) so as to prevent the unjustified or improper timewise extension of the “right to exclude” granted by a patent and to prevent possible harassment by multiple assignees. A nonstatutory double patenting rejection is appropriate where the conflicting claims are not identical, but at least one examined application claim is not patentably distinct from the reference claim(s) because the examined application claim is either anticipated by, or would have been obvious over, the reference claim(s). See, e.g., In re Berg, 140 F.3d 1428, 46 USPQ2d 1226 (Fed. Cir. 1998); In re Goodman, 11 F.3d 1046, 29 USPQ2d 2010 (Fed. Cir. 1993); In re Longi, 759 F.2d 887, 225 USPQ 645 (Fed. Cir. 1985); In re Van Ornum, 686 F.2d 937, 214 USPQ 761 (CCPA 1982); In re Vogel, 422 F.2d 438, 164 USPQ 619 (CCPA 1970); In re Thorington, 418 F.2d 528, 163 USPQ 644 (CCPA 1969).
A timely filed terminal disclaimer in compliance with 37 CFR 1.321(c) or 1.321(d) may be used to overcome an actual or provisional rejection based on nonstatutory double patenting provided the reference application or patent either is shown to be commonly owned with the examined application, or claims an invention made as a result of activities undertaken within the scope of a joint research agreement. See MPEP § 717.02 for applications subject to examination under the first inventor to file provisions of the AIA  as explained in MPEP § 2159. See MPEP § 2146 et seq. for applications not subject to examination under the first inventor to file provisions of the AIA . A terminal disclaimer must be signed in compliance with 37 CFR 1.321(b).
The filing of a terminal disclaimer by itself is not a complete reply to a nonstatutory double patenting (NSDP) rejection. A complete reply requires that the terminal disclaimer be accompanied by a reply requesting reconsideration of the prior Office action. Even where the NSDP rejection is provisional the reply must be complete. See MPEP § 804, subsection I.B.1. For a reply to a non-final Office action, see 37 CFR 1.111(a). For a reply to final Office action, see 37 CFR 1.113(c). A request for reconsideration while not provided for in 37 CFR 1.113(c) may be filed after final for consideration. See MPEP §§ 706.07(e) and 714.13.
The USPTO Internet website contains terminal disclaimer forms which may be used. Please visit www.uspto.gov/patent/patents-forms. The actual filing date of the application in which the form is filed determines what form (e.g., PTO/SB/25, PTO/SB/26, PTO/AIA /25, or PTO/AIA /26) should be used. A web-based eTerminal Disclaimer may be filled out completely online using web-screens. An eTerminal Disclaimer that meets all requirements is auto-processed and approved immediately upon submission. For more information about eTerminal Disclaimers, refer to www.uspto.gov/patents/apply/applying-online/eterminal-disclaimer.
Claims 13-29 are rejected on the ground of nonstatutory double patenting as being unpatentable over claims  of U.S. Patent No. 11,982,085. Although the claims at issue are not identical, they are not patentably distinct from each other because ‘085 essentially anticipates the instantly claimed invention.
Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 103
The following is a quotation of 35 U.S.C. 103 which forms the basis for all obviousness rejections set forth in this Office action:
A patent for a claimed invention may not be obtained, notwithstanding that the claimed invention is not identically disclosed as set forth in section 102, if the differences between the claimed invention and the prior art are such that the claimed invention as a whole would have been obvious before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the claimed invention pertains. Patentability shall not be negated by the manner in which the invention was made.
Claims 13-18, 21 and 24-27 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Pervan, US 2016/0153200 in view of Pervan et al., US 2013/0333182.
Regarding claim 13:
‘200 discloses a set of building panels, comprising:
a first mechanical locking system at respective first and second opposite edges, the first mechanical locking system comprising at one of the first or second opposite edges a tongue groove configured to receive a locking tongue of the other of the first or second edges by a folding displacement of the locking tongue for vertical locking of adjacent essentially identical panels in an assembled position; and
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a second mechanical locking system on respective third and fourth opposite edges, the second mechanical locking system comprising at one of the third or fourth edges a wedge groove configured to receive a displaceable locking tongue (10) by a vertical displacement of the wedge groove, for vertical locking of essentially identical adjacent panels in an assembled position, wherein said displaceable locking tongue is configured to be displaced in a displacement groove (11) provided in said other of the third or fourth edge, said displacement groove comprising an upper wall, wherein said wedge groove is arranged vertically below the upper surface of the locking tongue (the wedge groove is just above the bottom surface of the panel, whereas the top surface of the locking tongue is located closer to a middle or upper surface of the panel.
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‘200 broadly suggests a first mechanical locking system as depicted in Fig. 3d but does not disclose details of the locking system.
‘182 discloses a first mechanical locking system at respective first and second opposite edges, the first mechanical locking system comprising at one of the first or second opposite edges a tongue groove configured to receive a locking tongue of the other of the first or second edges by a folding displacement of the locking tongue for vertical locking of adjacent essentially identical panels in an assembled position, said locking tongue comprising an essentially horizontal and/or upwards-facing upper surface, the first mechanical locking system further comprising at one of the first or second opposite edges a locking groove configured to receive a locking element of a locking strip projecting from the other of the first or second edges by a folding displacement.
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Before the effective filing date of the invention, it would have been obvious to a person of ordinary skill to substitute the first mechanical locking system as suggested by ‘182 for the generic, non-specific first mechanical locking system of ‘200 in order to allow for assembly and locking with angling followed by snapping into place (background of ‘182). In modifying ‘200 to include the first mechanical  locking system of ‘182, the upper wall of the displacement groove is arranged vertically below the upper surface of the locking tongue because the displacement groove is located on a lowermost portion of the panel thickness and the upper surface of the locking tongue is located on a central-uppermost portion of the panel thickness.
When modified in view of ‘182, the wedge groove remains to be arranged vertically below the upper surface of the locking tongue.
Regarding claims 14 and 15:
‘200 modified in view of ‘182 discloses wherein the entire upper wall of the displacement groove is arranged vertically below the upper surface of the locking tongue.
Regarding claim 16:
‘200 modified in view of ‘182 discloses wherein the displacement groove comprises a sideways open opening, wherein the opening is provided vertically below the upper surface of the locking tongue.
Regarding claim 17:
‘200 modified in view of ‘182 discloses wherein a first end of the locking tongue, in the longitudinal direction of the panel, comprises a first portion and a second opposite end of the locking tongue comprises a second portion.
Regarding claim 18:
‘200 modified in view of ‘182 discloses wherein the portions are configured to essentially be in contact in assembled position of adjacent panels (refer to Fig. 13g and Fig. 9d of ‘200).
Regarding claim 21:
‘200 modified in view of ‘182 discloses wherein immediately juxtaposed upper edge portions of the third and fourth edges, in assembled position of two adjacent panels, form a second vertical plane, wherein the upper edge portions are all flush (the panels form a horizontal plane).
Regarding claim 24:
‘200 modified in view of ‘182 discloses wherein the panel comprises a plane, wherein the upper surface of the locking tongue is disposed on a first side of the plane, and wherein the displacement groove is disposed on a second side of the plane, wherein the second side is a side of the plane opposite the first side.
Regarding claim 25:
‘200 modified in view of ‘182 discloses wherein the first mechanical locking system further comprises a locking groove (14) configured to receive a locking element (8) of a locking strip projecting from the other of the edges by a folding displacement.
Regarding claim 26:
‘200 modified in view of ‘182 discloses wherein the locking strip is arranged at one of the first or second edges and the locking tongue is arranged at the other of the first or second edges (refer to Fig. 5c).
Regarding claim 27:
‘200 modified in view of ‘182 discloses wherein the locking strip is arranged vertically below the locking tongue.
Claims 19-20 and 22-23 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Pervan, US 2016/0153200 in view of Pervan et al., US 2013/0333182, further in view of Pervan et al., US 7,802,411.
Regarding claim 19:
‘200 modified in view of ‘182 does not expressly disclose pretension.
‘411 discloses wherein first and second portions are pretensioned against each other (pg. 7, ll. 65-66).
Before the effective filing date of the invention, it would have been obvious to a person of ordinary skill in the art to provide pretension as suggested by ‘411 in the paneling of ‘200 in order to allow a precise fit.
Both ‘411 and ‘200 disclose discrete locking tongues fitted within the paneling edges.
Regarding claims 20 and 22-23:
‘411 discloses wherein the portions are configured such that, in assembled position of adjacent panels by the second mechanical locking system, a play is formed between the adjacent panels, wherein the first and second portions are configured such that a sufficient size of the play is obtained such that respective surface layers of the assembled adjacent panels are contiguous (pg. 7, ll. 65-66) and wherein the play is in a range of 0.01 to 0.1mm falling in the ranges of both 0 to 0.5mm and -.05 to +0.1mm.
Conclusion
The prior art made of record and not relied upon is considered pertinent to applicant's disclosure.

APPLICANT REBUTTAL: REMARKS:
Favorable reconsideration of this application is respectfully requested in view of the foregoing amendments and the following remarks.
Claim Status:
Claims 13-29 are pending. Claim 13 is the only independent claim. It is respectfully submitted that all pending claims are in condition for allowance.
35 U.S.C. § 103:
Claims 13-18, 21 and 24-27 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. § 103 as being allegedly unpatentable over Pervan, US 2016/0153200 (Pervan '200) in view of Pervan et al., US 2013/0333182 (Pervan '182).
Claim 13 is amended to further distinguish from the cited art, as explained below.
Claim 13, as pending, recites "wherein said wedge groove is arranged vertically below the upper surface of the locking tongue."
Figs. 9A-9B (reproduced below) show an example of this configuration, wherein D3
extends lower than D1, wherein D3 is the distance between the upper surface 15 of the panel 1 and an upper and outermost edge 142 of the wedge groove 141, and D1 is the distance between the front surface 15 of the panel 1 to the upper surface 122 of the locking tongue 121.
A
Present Application
,
Figs. 9A-9B.
The rejection relies on the following annotated figures.
ng element
Pervan
Figs. 2c-2d, as annotated on page 7 of the Office Action.
Fig. 13y
wedge groove
Pervan
Fig. 13g, as annotated on page 6 of the Office Action.
That is, the Office proposes to combine an alleged first mechanical locking system from Figs. 2c-2d of Pervan '182 with an alleged second mechanical locking system from Fig. 13g of Pervan '200.
The Office states:
In modifying '200 to include the first mechanical locking system of '182,
the upper wall of the displacement groove is arranged vertically below
the upper surface of the locking tongue because the displacement groove
is located on a lowermost portion of the panel thickness and the upper surface of the locking tongue is located on a central-uppermost portion
of the panel thickness.
When modified in view of '182, the wedge groove remains to be
arranged vertically below the upper surface of the locking tongue.
Office Action
,
page 7.
Claim 13 is amended to recite that
"an uppermost surface of the other of the third or fourth edges overlaps with a portion of the displacement groove when viewed in plan."
By contrast, in Fig. 13g of Pervan '200, "the displacement groove 11 is formed at an outer part of the strip 6 of the first panel 1."
Pervan
paragraph [0146]. As shown in
Fig. 13g of Pervan '200 (reproduced above), the uppermost surface of the panel 1 does not overlap with any portion of the displacement groove 11 when viewed in plan.
Therefore, the locking mechanism in Pervan '200, Fig. 13g, cannot be correlated to the claimed second mechanical locking system.
Claim 13 is allowable for at least these reasons.
Withdrawal of the obviousness rejections is respectfully requested.
Double Patenting:
Claims 13-29 are rejected on the ground of nonstatutory double patenting as being allegedly unpatentable over claims of U.S. Patent No. 11,982,085 (the '085 patent).
It is respectfully submitted that the claims of the '085 patent do not set forth "wherein an uppermost surface of the other of the third or fourth edges overlaps with a portion of the displacement groove when viewed in plan," as presently recited.
Withdrawal of the nonstatutory double patenting rejection is respectfully requested.
Dependent Claims:
The dependent claims define additional distinguishing aspects associated with this application. These claims are allowable at least by virtue of their dependence from an allowable independent claim. Accordingly, a detailed discussion of the additional distinguishing features recited in each of these dependent claims is not presented at this time. Applicant reserves the right to present such arguments later during prosecution or on appeal.
Conclusion:

NEXT OFFICE ACTION: Information Disclosure Statement
The information disclosure statement (IDS) submitted on 1/14/25 is in compliance with the provisions of 37 CFR 1.97.  Accordingly, the information disclosure statement is being considered by the examiner.
Reasons for Allowance
Claims 13-29 are allowed.
The following is an examiner’s statement of reasons for allowance:
The prior art, for example Pervan, US 2016/0153200, discloses a set of building panels that each include first and second mechanical locking systems wherein the second mechanical locking system is configured to receive a displaceable locking tongue by a vertical displacement of a wedge groove. However, the prior art does not provide a teaching, suggestion or motivation for the wedge groove arranged vertically below the upper surface of the locking tongue and wherein an uppermost surface of the other of the third of fourth edges overlaps with a portion of the displacement groove when viewed in plan.
Any comments considered necessary by applicant must be submitted no later than the payment of the issue fee and, to avoid processing delays, should preferably accompany the issue fee.  Such submissions should be clearly labeled “Comments on Statement of Reasons for Allowance.”
Response to Arguments
Applicant’s arguments, filed 2/14/25, with respect to the Double Patenting have been fully considered and are persuasive.  The Double Patenting rejection has been withdrawn.
Conclusion

CITED REFERENCE SUMMARIES: Ref US20130014463A1: Claims:
A flooring system comprising a plurality of rectangular floor panels with short edges ( 1 , 1 ′) and long edges ( 2 , 2 ′, 2 ″), the panels are adapted to be installed on a sub floor and connected to each other with a long edge mechanical locking system for locking the panels vertically and horizontally, said locking system comprising a tongue ( 10 , 30 ) and a tongue groove ( 9 , 20 ) for mechanically locking together adjacent edges vertical to the horizontal plane (HP), forming a vertical mechanical connection between the panels, and a locking element ( 8 ) at a first long edge ( 2 ) and a locking groove ( 14 ) at an opposite second long edge ( 2 ′) thereby forming a first horizontal mechanical connection between adjacent long edges ( 2 , 2 ′) locking the panels to each other in a direction parallel to the horizontal plane and at right angles to said adjacent long edges, characterised in that the panels are provided with a short edge locking connection comprising a separate tongue ( 30 ), for locking adjacent short edges ( 1 , 1 ′) in a first vertical direction, inserted in a fixation groove ( 40 ) at a short edge( 1 , 1 ′) of a panel, wherein the separate tongue is at least partly flexible and/or displaceable, and a locking strip ( 6 ) and a locking cavity ( 7 ) for locking adjacent short edges ( 1 , 1 ′) in a second vertical direction, that the short edge locking connection is configured to lock the adjacent edges in the vertical directions only, that the long edges are provided with a second horizontal mechanical connection locking the panels to each other along said adjacent long edges, in a direction parallel to the horizontal plane and parallel to said adjacent long edges, when the panel are laying flat on the sub floor.
that the panels are provided with a short edge locking connection comprising a separate tongue ( 30 ), for locking adjacent short edges ( 1 , 1 ′) in a first vertical direction, inserted in a fixation groove ( 40 ) at a short edge( 1 , 1 ′) of a panel, wherein the separate tongue is at least partly flexible and/or displaceable, and a locking strip ( 6 ) and a locking cavity ( 7 ) for locking adjacent short edges ( 1 , 1 ′) in a second vertical direction,
that the short edge locking connection is configured to lock the adjacent edges in the vertical directions only,
that the long edges are provided with a second horizontal mechanical connection locking the panels to each other along said adjacent long edges, in a direction parallel to the horizontal plane and parallel to said adjacent long edges, when the panel are laying flat on the sub floor.
The flooring system as claimed in claim 1 , wherein said second horizontal mechanical connection at the long edges comprises a locking element ( 8 ) and locking groove ( 14 ) with two sets of cooperating locking surfaces ( 11 , 12 - 21 , 22 ) wherein a first set ( 11 , 12 ) is located closer to a vertical plane (VP) and the upper joint edges than a second set ( 21 , 22 ).
The flooring system as claimed in claim 2 , wherein the two sets of locking surfaces are inclined such that a lower part of the locking element ( 8 ) is larger than an upper part.
The flooring system as claimed in claim 2 or 3 , wherein the vertical extension of the second set of locking surfaces ( 21 , 22 ) is essentially the same or larger than the vertical extension of the first set of locking surfaces ( 11 , 12 ).
The flooring system as claimed in any one of the claims 2 - 4 , wherein the long edge locking system comprises a third set of cooperating locking surfaces ( 23 , 24 ) located at the outer and lower part of the strip ( 6 ).
The flooring system as claimed in any one of the claims 2 - 5 , wherein there is a space (S) between the upper part of the locking element ( 8 ) and the locking groove ( 14 ).
The flooring system as claimed in any one of the claims 1 - 6 , wherein said second horizontal mechanical connection comprises a flexible material ( 16 ) which is applied in an essentially vertical groove ( 14 ).
The flooring system as claimed in claim 7 , wherein said flexible material ( 16 ) is compressed horizontally in two opposite directions.
The flooring system as claimed in claim 7 or 8 , wherein said flexible material ( 16 ) is located in an essentially vertical groove ( 14 ) that is complementary with a wedge shaped locking element ( 8 ).
The flooring system as claimed in any one of the claims 1 - 9 , wherein said second horizontal mechanical connection comprises a friction element ( 15 ) located on the upper part of the locking element ( 8 ) that cooperates with a friction groove ( 17 ).
The flooring system as claimed in claim 10 , wherein the friction groove comprises a flexible material ( 16 ).
The flooring system as claimed in any one of the claims 1 - 11 , wherein said second horizontal mechanical connection comprises friction cavities ( 18 ) located on the locking element ( 8 ).
The flooring system as claimed in any one of the claims the 1 - 12 , wherein said second horizontal mechanical connection comprises compressible material that is applied in the locking system at surfaces that do not comprise cooperative active locking surfaces ( 3 , 4 , 9 a , 9 b , 10 , 10 b , 11 , 12 ), which lock the panels vertically to the horizontal plane and horizontally in a direction parallel to the horizontal plane and at right angles to said adjacent long edges.
The flooring system as claimed in any one of the claims 1 - 13 , wherein the short edge locking connection is locked with a vertical snap action where the separate tongue ( 30 ) is displaced in the fixation groove ( 40 ) during vertical displacement.
The flooring system as claimed in any one of the claims 1 - 13 , wherein the short edge locking connection is locked when the separate tongue ( 30 ) is displaced in the fixation groove ( 40 ) along the short edge.
The flooring system as claimed in any one of the claims 1 - 15 , wherein said second mechanical connection comprises a flexible tongue ( 30 ) which is inserted in a fixation groove ( 40 ) formed in the locking groove ( 14 ).
Floor panels ( 1 , 1 ′) provided with a locking system comprising a tongue ( 10 ) and a tongue groove ( 9 ) for mechanically locking together adjacent edges vertically to the horizontal plane, thereby forming a vertical mechanical connection between the panels, the locking system further comprises a locking element ( 8 ) at a first edge and a locking groove ( 14 ) at an opposite second edge forming a first horizontal mechanical connection between adjacent edges for locking the panels to each other in a direction parallel to the horizontal plane and at right angles to said first and second edge, characterised in that the edges are provided with a second horizontal mechanical connection locking the panels to each other along said first and second edge, in a direction parallel to the horizontal plane and parallel to said first and second edge, when the panels are laying flat on a sub floor, that the locking element ( 8 ) and the locking groove ( 14 ) comprise two sets of cooperating locking surfaces ( 11 , 12 , 21 , 22 ) that a first set ( 11 , 12 ) is located closer to a vertical plane (VP) and the upper joint edges than a second set ( 21 , 22 ).
that the edges are provided with a second horizontal mechanical connection locking the panels to each other along said first and second edge, in a direction parallel to the horizontal plane and parallel to said first and second edge, when the panels are laying flat on a sub floor,
that the locking element ( 8 ) and the locking groove ( 14 ) comprise two sets of cooperating locking surfaces ( 11 , 12 , 21 , 22 )
that a first set ( 11 , 12 ) is located closer to a vertical plane (VP) and the upper joint edges than a second set ( 21 , 22 ).
The floor panels as claimed in claim 17 , wherein at least one of the two sets of cooperating locking surfaces comprises a flexible material ( 16 , 20 ).
The floor panels as claimed in claim 17 or 18 , wherein the flexible material is a flexible tongue ( 30 ) inserted in a fixation groove ( 40 ).
The floor panels as claimed in any one of the claims 17 - 19 , wherein the fixation groove ( 40 ) is formed in the locking groove ( 14 ).
Ref US20201103872A1: [content unavailable]
Ref US20080066415A1: Claims:
A set of floor panels which are mechanically connectable to each other along one pair of adjacent edges, each of said floor panels comprising: a flexible tongue on a first edge of the panel; a tongue groove on a second opposite edge of the panel for receiving the flexible tongue of an adjacent panel for mechanically locking together said adjacent edges at right angles to a principal plane of the panels thereby forming a vertical mechanical connection between the panels; the tongue groove is formed in the core of the panel; a locking element formed in one piece with the panel at the first edge and a locking groove at the opposite second edge, the locking groove being open towards a rear side of the panel; the locking element and the locking groove form a horizontal mechanical connection for locking the panels to each other horizontally parallel to the principal plane and at right angles to the joined first and second edges; the flexible tongue being resilient and formed of a separate material than the core, and cooperates with the tongue groove; wherein two of the panels can be mechanically joined together by displacement of said two panels vertically towards each other, while at least a part of the flexible tongue is resiliently displaced horizontally until said adjacent edges of the two panels are brought into engagement with each other vertically and the tongue is then displaced towards its initial position against the tongue groove.
a flexible tongue on a first edge of the panel;
a tongue groove on a second opposite edge of the panel for receiving the flexible tongue of an adjacent panel for mechanically locking together said adjacent edges at right angles to a principal plane of the panels thereby forming a vertical mechanical connection between the panels;
the tongue groove is formed in the core of the panel;
a locking element formed in one piece with the panel at the first edge and a locking groove at the opposite second edge, the locking groove being open towards a rear side of the panel;
the locking element and the locking groove form a horizontal mechanical connection for locking the panels to each other horizontally parallel to the principal plane and at right angles to the joined first and second edges;
the flexible tongue being resilient and formed of a separate material than the core, and cooperates with the tongue groove;
wherein two of the panels can be mechanically joined together by displacement of said two panels vertically towards each other, while at least a part of the flexible tongue is resiliently displaced horizontally until said adjacent edges of the two panels are brought into engagement with each other vertically and the tongue is then displaced towards its initial position against the tongue groove.
The set of floor panels as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the flexible tongue has an inner part mounted in a sideward open groove in the first edge and a protruding part, wherein the inner part is fixed in the locking groove, and wherein the part of the tongue which is resiliently displaced is the protruding part.
The set of floor panels as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the flexible tongue has an inner part resiliently connected to a sideward open groove in the one edge and a protruding part, whereby during the resilient displacement of the flexible tongue the inner part is resiliently displaced.
The set of floor panels as claimed in claim 2 , wherein the protruding part is bendable around a center point located at an upper part of the protruding part.
The set of floor panels as claimed in claim 2 , wherein the protruding part comprises a first locking surface at a lower point of the protruding part and the tongue groove in the second edge comprises a second locking surface at its lower outer part and the first and the second locking surfaces are configured to cooperate to obtain the vertical locking.
The set of floor panels as claimed in claim 2 , wherein the protruding part has a sliding surface which extends downwards.
The set of floor panels as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the flexible tongue is made of polymer material.
The set of floor panels as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the flexible tongue is of a moulded or extruded polymer material reinforced with glass fibre.
The set of floor panels as claimed in claim 7 , wherein the polymer material is a thermoplastic material.
The set of floor panels as claimed in claim 8 , wherein the polymer material is a thermoplastic material.
The set of floor panels as claimed in claim 2 , wherein the inner part of the flexible tongue is provided with a protrusion to facilitate a mechanical connection between the flexible tongue and the groove in the second edge.
Ref US20100018149A1: Claims:
Floor panel of the type having, at least at two opposite sides, coupling means allowing that two of such floor panels can cooperate with each other, whereby these coupling means, in a coupled condition of two of such floor panels, provide for a locking in a vertical direction perpendicular to the plane defined by the coupled floor panels, as well as in a horizontal direction perpendicular to the respective sides and in the plane of the coupled floor panels, whereby said coupling means allow that two of such floor panels can be locked in a mutual position in which the upper edges of the respective floor panels are situated substantially in the same horizontal plane, whereas a space is present at the height of these upper edges, between the respective sides, wherein the respective coupled floor panels in said mutual position are mutually locked at least in said horizontal direction free from play and wherein said space defines a mutual distance of one to three millimeters between said upper edges.
The floor panel of claim 1 , wherein said coupling means comprise stop portions, which prevent a possible closing of said space.
The floor panel of claim 1 or 2 , wherein said coupling means comprise positioning means, wherein these positioning means always urge, bring, respectively, two of such floor panels during coupling into an initial locked mutual position, wherein the coupled floor panels can leave said initial mutual position by shifting in a locked condition in horizontal direction towards each other or away from each other.
Floor panel of the type having, at least at two opposite sides, coupling means allowing that two of such floor panels can cooperate with each other, wherein these coupling means substantially are made as a tongue and a groove, the latter being bordered by means of a lower lip and an upper lip, and wherein these coupling means also comprise locking means, which at least consist of a locking element that is present in or on said lips, and a cooperating-therewith locking element which is present in or on said tongue, wherein said coupling means, in a coupled condition of two of such floor panels, provide for a locking in a vertical direction perpendicular to the plane defined by the coupled floor panels, as well as in a horizontal direction perpendicular to the respective sides and in the plane of the coupled floor panels, wherein said coupling means allow that two of such floor panels can be locked in a mutual position in which the upper edges of the respective floor panels substantially are situated in the same horizontal plane, whereas a space is present between the respective sides, wherein this space flanks the distal extremity of said upper lip and thereby extends from the upper surface of the respective floor panels up to the tongue, wherein said space defines a mutual distance of one to three millimeters between said upper edges and wherein said coupling means comprise stop portions preventing a possible closing of said space.
The floor panel of claim 5 , wherein said coupling means comprise positioning means, wherein these positioning means always urge, bring, respectively, two of such floor panels during coupling into an initial locked mutual position, wherein the coupled floor panels can leave said initial mutual position by shifting in a locked condition in horizontal direction towards each other or away from each other.
Floor panel of the type having, at least at two opposite sides, coupling means allowing that two of such floor panels can cooperate with each other, wherein said coupling means, in a coupled condition of two of such floor panels, provide for a locking in a vertical direction perpendicular to the plane defined by the coupled floor panels as well as in a horizontal direction perpendicular to the respective sides and in the plane of the coupled floor panels, wherein said coupling means comprise positioning means, wherein these positioning means always urge, bring, respectively, two of such floor panels during coupling into an initial locked mutual position, wherein the coupled floor panels can leave said initial mutual position by shifting in a locked condition in horizontal direction towards each other or away from each other, and wherein said initial locked position, the upper edges of the respective floor panels substantially are situated in the same horizontal plane, whereas a space is present between the respective sides.
- 11 . (canceled)
Floor panel of the type having, at least at two opposite sides, coupling means allowing that two of such floor panels can cooperate with each other, and allowing that two of such floor panels may adopt at least two different mutual locked positions, wherein in these two mutual positions there is a locking present in a vertical direction perpendicular to the plane defined by the coupled floor panels, as well as in a horizontal direction perpendicular to the respective sides and in the plane of the coupled floor panels, wherein said coupling means comprise positioning means, wherein these positioning means prevent that two of such floor panels, when they are situated in a first or in a second of said two different mutual positions, leave this first, second, respectively, mutual position by shifting in a locked condition in horizontal direction towards each other or away from each other, and wherein in said first mutual position, a space is present between the respective sides, which space is at least larger than the possible space in said second mutual position.
- 15 . (canceled)
Floor panel of the type having, at a first pair of opposite sides as well as at a second pair of opposite sides, coupling means allowing that two of such floor panels can cooperate with each other, wherein these coupling means, in a locked condition of the respective sides, provide for a locking in a vertical direction perpendicular to the plane defined by the coupled floor panels as well as in a horizontal direction perpendicular to the respective sides and in the plane of the coupled floor panels, wherein in said coupled condition, a space is present at the opposite sides of said first pair between the respective upper edges, which space is at least larger than the possible space existing at the opposite sides of said second pair between the respective upper edges.
- 19 . (canceled)
Floor panel of the type having, at least at two opposite sides, coupling means allowing that two of such floor panels can cooperate with each other, wherein these coupling means are made in one piece with the floor panel, and wherein these coupling means, in a coupled condition of two of such floor panels provide for a locking in a vertical direction perpendicular to the plane defined by the coupled floor panels as well as in a horizontal direction perpendicular to the respective sides and in the plane of the coupled floor panels, wherein said coupling means com
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