Abstract:
A thin decorative thermosetting laminate of postforming quality is glued to a longitudinal carrier to form a floor strip. The laminate has a thermosetting resin as well as hard particles impregnated therein to increase the abrasion resistance of the laminate. The carrier generally has a cross section of a dilatation, transition or a finishing profile, depending on the intended use of the floor strip. The floor strip has a tab portion on a surface that engages a channel on a floor tile or a reducer. The tab portion locks the floor strip into place and prevents movement of the floor tile or the reducer with respect to the floor strip.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
   This application is a divisional of U.S. Ser. No. 10/902,062, which, in turn, is a divisional of U.S. Ser. No. 10/319,820, filed Dec. 16, 2002 (now U.S. Pat. No. 6,898,911), which, in turn, is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Ser. No. 08/817,391, filed Apr. 25, 1997 now U.S. Pat. No. 6,517,935), which is a 35 U.S.C. §371 national phase application of International Application PCT/SE95/01206, filed Oct. 17, 1995, claiming benefit of Swedish priority application 9403620, filed Oct. 24, 1994, and a continuation-in-part of U.S. Ser. No. 09/986,414, filed Nov. 8, 2001, the entire disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference. 

   BACKGROUND OF INVENTION 
   1. Field of the Invention 
   The present invention relates to a process for the production of a floor strip such as a dilatation profile, a transition profile or a finishing profile. The present invention also relates to the features of the floor strip. 
   2. Description of the Related Art 
   It is previously known to produce floor sips such as metal strips, wood veneer coated strips and strips of homogeneous wood. However, such floor strips generally do not adequately match the pattern of the other portions of the floor. Thus, there is a strong desire to bring about a floor strip with the same pattern as on a floor of thermosetting laminate. During the last few years these floors have become very usual. For instance they are made with a wood pattern, marble pattern and fancy pattern. Possibly you can use a homogeneous wood strip or a wood veneer-coated strip for a few of the wood patterned floors. Previously known strips do not go well together with all the other floor patterns. 
   These floor strips are provided in a floor system in order to provide a transition or edge to the floor, such as at the corner of the wall or between rooms. They may also be provided between rooms having different types of flooring, such as carpet and tile, or different heights or textures of tiles. However, conventional floor strips do not adequately provide a transition between differing floor types because they cannot adequately cover the gap between the differing floor coverings or the differing heights of the tiles. 
   However, it also a problem for sellers of floor strips to inventory differing types of transition profiles, especially in a pattern or color to match a single floor. Thus, there exists a need to provide a single floor strip which can satisfy a number of differing requirements, such a being useful as a finishing profile, a dilatation profile, and a transition profile. 
   SUMMARY OF INVENTION 
   The purpose of the present invention is to provide a floor strip with improved abrasion resistance and features to overcome the problems in the art. 
   According to the present invention it has quite surprisingly been possible to meet the above needs and bring about a process for the production of floor strips such as a dilatation profile, a transition profile or a finishing profile. The process comprises glueing, preferably under heat and pressure a thin decorative thermosetting laminate of post-forming quality having an abrasion resistance measured as IP-value &gt;3000 revolutions, preferably &gt;6000 revolutions, on a longitudinal carrier, which carrier preferably consists of a fibre board or a particle board with a rectangular cross-section and at least two opposite rounded-off edges. 
   The post-forming laminate is glued in one piece on the upper side and two long sides of the carrier via the rounded-off edges, whereupon one or more floor profiles having the same or different cross-section is machined from the laminate coated carrier. According to another embodiment the carrier can be provided with a rectangular cross-section with three rounded-off edges. 
   From the same body, the laminate clad carrier, several profiles with varying shape can be machined. Usually a milling machine is used for machining the different kinds of profiles from the laminate coated carrier. The carrier may also be molded to achieve various profiles which may be required. Additionally, the carrier is preferably water resistant or even waterproof. In a preferred embodiment the carrier consists of a high density fibre board made of fine fibres, such as known in the industry as medium density fiberboard (MDF) or high density fiberboard (HDF). 
   Advantageously, a heat and moisture resistant glue is used at the glueing. Preferably the glueing is carried out under heat and pressure. For instance, the pressure can be regulated by means of rollers which press the laminate against the carrier. The temperature can, for instance, be regulated with heating nozzles which can give an even current of warm air. 
   Suitably the post-forming laminate consists of at least one monochromatic or patterned paper sheet impregnated with a thermosetting resin, preferably melamine-formaldehyde resin and preferably one or more sheets for instance of parchment, vulcanized fibres or glass fibres. The last mentioned sheets are preferably not impregnated with any thermosetting resin, but the thermosetting resin from the sheets situated above will enter these sheets at the laminating step, where all sheets are bonded together. Alternatively, the sheet can be a metallic foil or a layer of paint. 
   Generally the term post-forming laminate means a laminate which is so flexible that it can be formed at least to a certain extent after the production thereof. Ordinary qualities of thermosetting decorative laminates are rather brittle and cannot be regarded as post-forming laminates. 
   Usually the post-forming laminate includes at least one uppermost transparent paper sheet made of α-cellulose and impregnated with a thermosetting resin, preferably melamine-formaldehyde resin. This so-called overlay is intended to protect an underlying decor sheet from abrasion. 
   Often at least one of the paper sheets of the postforming laminate impregnated with thermosetting resin, preferably the uppermost one, is coated with hard particles, e.g., those having a Moh&#39;s hardness of at least 6, preferably between 6 and 10, similar to the Moh&#39;s hardness of at least silica, aluminium oxide, diamond and/or silicon carbide. The hard particles have an average particle size of about 1-80 μm, preferably about 5-60 μm evenly distributed over the surface of the paper sheet. In a preferred embodiment the hard particles are applied on the resin impregnated paper surface before the resin has been dried. The hard particles improve the abrasion resistance of the laminate. Hard particles are used in the same way at the production of laminates which are subject to a hard wear such as flooring laminates. 
   The abrasion resistance of the post-forming laminates is tested according to the European standard EN 438-2/6: 1991. According to this standard the abrasion of the decor sheet of the finished laminate to the so-called IP-point (initial point) is measured, where the starting abrasion takes place. The IP-value suitably lies within the interval 3000-20000, preferably 3000-10000 revolutions. Thus, the manufacturing process according to the invention makes it possible to produce laminate clad profiles with the same surface pattern and about the same abrasion resistance as the laminate floorings they are intended to be used together with. 
   The carriers for the floor strips to which the post-forming laminate is glued can be made of differing profiles to accommodate the specific circumstance, namely whether a dilatation, transition or finishing profile is required. The profile, for example a dilatation profile, comprises a general T-shape whereby a first plane extending vertically along the length of the floor strip intersects about in the middle of a second horizontally oriented plane. A profile removes about half of the second plane to form a rotated upside down L-shape, which is used adjacent a wall or on a stepped surface. A dilatation profile is similar to a finishing profile, but the second plane is oriented off of horizontal or it is divided into two planes, one at a different level than the other, or one side is removed altogether, which provides a smoother transition between uneven tiles, a carpet and tile, or differing tile textures. The pattern of the profiles can also be adapted to other flooring materials than laminate floorings, such as parquette floorings and soft plastic floorings. 
   In order to overcome the problems associated with transitioning between carpet and tile, differing textures of tiles or differing heights of tiles, the second plane may have a tab portion on its tile/carpet engaging surface depending orthogonally away from the second plane and displaced away from the first plane. The tab is used to engage a reducer that extends between the floor surface and the engagement surface of the second plane. The reducer is configured to maintain a horizontal orientation of the second plane and provide a smoother transition between the tile surfaces in the finishing, transition or dilatation profile when they are used between uneven tile surfaces, differing tile textures or between carpet and tile. The tab portion fits into a groove on the upper surface of the reducer in mating fashion to create a solid lock between them. 
   Alternatively, the tab portion may be engaged into the edge of a tile panel on the floor. In this situation, the tiles adjacent to the transition area may require a groove cut into them near the transition. Such allows the tab portion to maintain a firm and locked relationship with the tile surface and provide a better transition between the tile surface and the respective profile. Further, a tab portion may be provided on both sides of the second plane respective to the first plane to further smooth the transition area between the first tile surface, the floor strip and the second surface. 
   The design of the tab may come in varying styles, there may be a straight block type tab, a t-nut type, various interlocking styles and a channel type arrangement. Such types depend on the particular requirements of the tiling circumstance. 
   This inventive floor strip according to the above may be used as a transition piece between various tongue and groove panels to provide a smooth and aesthetic transition between floor sections having dissimilar surfaces, such as those between a carpeted area and a tiled area, a thin tile area and a hardwood floor, two tile areas having differing textures, etc. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The present invention will be explained further in connection with the embodiment example below and the enclosed figures of which: 
       FIG. 1  illustrates a post-forming laminate glued to a longitudinal carrier, 
       FIG. 2  illustrates a dilatation profile with a post-forming laminate glued thereto, 
       FIG. 3  illustrates a finishing profile with a post-forming laminate glued thereto, 
       FIG. 4  illustrates a transition profile with a post-forming laminate glued thereto, 
       FIG. 5  illustrates an exploded view of a dilatation profile extending between uneven tile surfaces, 
       FIGS. 6A-6C  illustrate an assembled view of a locking tab/reducer assembly, 
       FIGS. 7A-7C  illustrate an assembled view of a non-locking tab/reducer assembly, 
       FIG. 8  illustrates an assembled view of a dilatation profile having two tab portions locking with edge panels, 
       FIG. 9  shows a perspective view of the invention according to one embodiment of the invention, 
       FIGS. 10-14  illustrate tab designs according to other embodiments of the invention. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
   In the figures of illustrating a floor strip  100 , the thickness of the post-forming laminate  1  has been magnified as compared to the size of the carrier  2  and the profiles, e.g.  3 - 5  respectively, to better illustrate that a post-forming laminate  1  is glued to the carrier  2  and the profiles  3 - 5  respectively. Of course the  FIGS. 1-4  only show one embodiment of the carrier  2  and the profiles  3 - 5  respectively which can be produced according to the invention. Various other designs are possible as shown in the other drawing figures. 
   For example in one embodiment, a roll of transparent so-called overlay paper of α-cellulose with a surface weight of 25 g/m 2  is impregnated with an aqueous solution of melamine-formaldehyde resin to a resin content of 70 percent by weight calculated on dry impregnated paper. Immediately after the impregnation, aluminium oxide particles with an average particle size of 50 μm are applied to the upper side of the paper in an amount of 7 g/m 2  by means of a doctor-roll placed above the paper web. Thus, the hard aluminium oxide particles are then applied to the still-wet melamine-formaldehyde resin which has not dried. 
   The impregnated paper web is then fed continuously into a heating oven, where the solvent in the resin evaporates. Simultaneously, the resin is partially cured to so-called B-stage. Thereby the aluminium oxide particles are enclosed in the resin layer and accordingly concentrated to the surface of the product obtained which is usually called a prepreg. The prepreg web obtained is then rolled again. 
   A roll of conventional non-transparent decor paper with a decor pattern printed thereon and having a surface weight of 80 g/m 2  is treated in the same way as the overlay paper except for the fact that no aluminium oxide particles are applied and that the resin content was 50 percent by weight calculated on dry impregnated paper. 
   A roll of unimpregnated parchment with a surface weight of 120 g/m 2  is used at the production of the post-forming laminate. 
   The two prepreg webs impregnated with melamine-formaldehyde resin and the unimpregnated parchment web are then pressed between two press bands of a continuous laminating press to a decorative post-forming laminate. At the pressing, a prepreg web of α-cellulose is placed on top with the side with the hard particles directed upwards. Underneath follows a prepreg web of decor paper and at the bottom a web of parchment. The prepreg webs and the parchment web are pressed together at a pressure of 35 kp/cm 2  and at a temperature of 170° C. The decorative post-forming laminate obtained is then cut with roller knives to strips of suitable length and width. 
   A longitudinal carrier  2  with a rectangular cross-section and two opposite rounded-off edges according to  FIG. 1  are machined from a fibre board or other substrate material by means of a milling machine. The fibre board is a water resistant board of so-called MDF-quality (medium density fibre board quality) or, alternatively, HDF quality (high density fibre board quality), made of finely divided fibres with an adhesive to bond the fibres together. 
   A strip of post-forming laminate  1  is now glued under heat and pressure to the longitudinal carrier  2  with a heat and moisture resistant glue. The pressure is regulated with rolls which press the laminate against the carrier and the temperature  1  is regulated with heating nozzles which blow an even current of warm air. 
   Following the above process, the abrasion resistance of the post-forming laminate obtained was measured. Then a value for the IP-point amounting to 7000 revolutions was obtained. 
   The different structures and designs of the profiles for floor strip  100 , namely the dilatation, finishing and transition will now be described with respect to  FIGS. 2-9 . A dilation profile  3  according to  FIG. 2  can be machined from the laminate clad carrier by milling. Two finishing profiles  4  according to  FIG. 3  or one transition profile  5  according to  FIG. 4  can be produced from the same carrier. This results in a rational and cost-saving production. Alternatively, the carriers can be the shape as shown in  FIGS. 2-9  before the post-forming of the laminate is commenced. 
     FIG. 5  shows an exploded view of one of the preferred embodiments of the invention, wherein floor strip  100  is attached between two differing sets of tiles, thin tile  70  and thicker tongue and groove tiles  80  and  81  (shown in mating relationship), all on a subfloor  500 .  FIG. 6A  shows the components of  FIG. 5  assembled together. In these figures, floor strip  100  is a dilatation profile having a T-shape, with a first plane  50  arranged vertically in use and a second plane  60  oriented horizontally and connecting to the first plane along its mid-section forming a “T.” The second plane overhangs the first plane on a first side  61  and a second side  62 . A tab  180  extends from the bottom plane of first side  61  of the second plane. 
   Due to the differing heights of the tiles  70  and  80 / 81 , a reducer  90  will be required to provide a smooth transition. Reducer  90  has a height corresponding to the height difference between the tiles and also has a groove  91  on its upper surface for acceptance, in a locking manner, of tab  180 . Upon assembly of tiles  70 ,  80  and  81  and floor strip  100 , the tab fits into groove  91  and then the reducer is assembled in mating position between an edge  71  of tile  70  and the first side  61  of the second plane. The design of the tab and reducer prevents the reducer from laterally moving in relation to floor strip  100  in an assembled condition. Although a simple tongue and groove design is shown, other engagement means may be used (See  FIGS. 9A-9F , discussed below) which have locking designs which lock the floor strip and reducer together. At each of these mating portions, glue may be used to additionally secure the components together. The reducers  90  (as well as the reducers of the subsequent described embodiments) may carry on an exposed outer surface a pot forming laminate (not shown) in a manner similar to that shown in  FIGS. 1-4 . 
   Reducer  90  may have alternate designs, which are illustrated in  FIGS. 6B and 6C . Reducer  90 , shown in  FIGS. 5 ,  6 A and  6 B, has a sloped portion  93 , which provides a more gradual transition between a tiled floor section having a higher height than an adjacent floor tile section. On the other hand, Reducer  95 , shown in  FIG. 6C , has a vertical side  96 , which would provide more of a small step between the different tile floor sections. 
   Another embodiment of the invention is shown in  FIGS. 7A-7C , whereby instead of tab  180  locking into a reducer, it provides a back stop for a reducer  97  which does not have any groove. Other aspects of this embodiment are congruent to those of the previous embodiment and will not be repeated herein. 
   Reducer  97  is more or less a rectangular box design having one sloped side  109  which as in the previous embodiment provides a gradual transition between floor heights. Reducer  97  does not have a groove, rather the back side  99  is abutted against tab  180  when floor strip  100  and reducer  97  are in their assembled positions, as shown in  FIG. 7A . A glue or other adhesive may be used to maintain the parts in their positions and prevent reducer  97  from laterally moving in relation to floor strip  100 . Alternatively, reducer  98  may be used in place of reducer  97 . Reducer  98  has a rectangular box shape which provides a step between floor heights rather than in a sloped fashion. 
   A further embodiment of the invention is shown in  FIG. 8 . In this embodiment, floor strip  100  is used between two adjacent floor tile sections having similar heights. Further, both first side  61  and second side  62  of the second plane  60  have tabs  180  and  181 , respectively. Tiles  200  and  210  have grooves  201  and  211  respectively. Tabs  180  and  181  fit into grooves  201  and  211  by a tongue and groove style, however, other engagement styles may be used (See  FIGS. 9A-9F  below) which either positively lock the parts together or simple provide a guide for assembly. Such a design does not require the use of a reducer between the tile and the floor strip. 
   The tab and reducer groove need not be a simple tongue and groove design, as outlined in  FIGS. 5-8 . These were described merely by way of example using floor strip  100  with tab portion  180  as shown in  FIG. 9 . Alternatives of the tab on the floor strip in conjunction with a reducer are shown in  FIGS. 10-14 . Additionally, the reducers described in conjunction with the invention as a spacer between uneven floor tiles is not necessary. Should the tiles have similar height, a reducer may be removed and such slots which are described in the reducer may also be cut into the appropriate floor tile for positive locking or prevention of associated movement. 
   In  FIG. 10A , a tab  1800  on floor strip  101  has the shape of a t-nut. An associated reducer  1000  has a shape similar to the t-nut cut through its longitudinal length thereof. Tab  1800  fits into the reducer  1000  by sliding the tab into an end portion of the reducer and along the length of the reducer. Such a design allows for a positive locking in a lateral direction while allowing movement along the longitudinal axis of the floor strip. 
   The designs of the tab portion as shown in  FIGS. 11A ,  12 A and  14 A show a tab portion that snaps into the associated reducer. In  FIG. 11A , a tab  1800  of floor strip  102  has a pair of upwardly facing angled teeth  1850  and  1851 . A reducer  1100  used in association with tab  1800  has a slot  1105  cut there through having an opening congruent to the design of the tab. When tab  1800  and reducer  1100  are assembled together, floor strip  102  is placed atop the reducer. Upon sufficient pressure on the floor strip, tabs  1801  will snap into the slot  1105 . Teeth  1850  and  1851  prevent tab  1801  from being removed from slot  1105  of reducer  1100  providing a positive locking together. 
   Tabs  1802 ,  1820  and  1803  shown in  FIGS. 12A and 14A , have a similar design for the upwardly facing teeth as shown in  FIG. 11A , but have a differing number of teeth. Similarly, reducers  1200  and  1400 , used in association with these tabs respectively, also have slots  1205  and  1405  which are congruent to the associated tabs. A tile  1225  also has a slot near its edge for acceptance of the tab  1820 . Each slot design allows for the tab portion to be snapped into the associated slot for a positive locking between the tab and the slot. Although the slot drawn in these figures has a shape congruent to the shape of the associated tab, such is not required. The slot must only be of sufficient design whereby the tab can snap into the slot and whereby the design of the slot prevents removal of the tab.  FIG. 12B  also shows a floor strip  103  having a pair of tabs whereby the tabs snap into both a reducer and the associated tile. However, such a specific case is not required. Floor strip  103  may be snapped into a pair of tiles or a pair of reducers. 
   In  FIG. 13A , floor strip  104  has a pair of spaced tabs  1380  and  1381  having a generally triangular profile and extending along the length of the floor strip. Tabs  1380  and  1381  provide a channel by which reducer  1300  is held between the tabs under floor strip  104 . Such a design prevents lateral movement of reducer  1300  in relation to floor strip  104 . 
   Although the present invention has been described and illustrated in detail, such explanation is to be clearly understood that the same is by way of illustration and example only, and is not to be taken by way of limitation. Other modifications of the above examples may be made by those having ordinary skill which remain within the scope of the invention. For instance, the examples are described with reference to a dilatation profile for the carrier of the floor strip. However, such tab and reducer designs work just as well with a finishing profile as well as a transition profile, and whether used on carpet or floor tiles.