Patent Publication Number: US-2013232898-A1

Title: Flooring panel

Description:
FIELD 
     The present disclosure relates to flooring panels configured for being supported by a sub-floor, and kits including such flooring panels. 
     BACKGROUND 
     A finished floor typically consists of a sub-floor and a flooring surface, supported by the sub-floor. The nature of a sub-floor will vary depending on the flooring surface it needs to support and the environment in which it must function. For example, the linoleum tile or carpet on a main floor of a house, the sub-floor may simply consist of sheets of plywood. For a ceramic tile floor a cement layer will typically also be required. 
     Basement flooring presents additional challenges, one of which is the possibility of moisture being present and another which is to insulate the floor from what could be a very cold underlying surface of poured concrete. Additionally, noise dampening, in some instances, may also be a desirable characteristic. 
     SUMMARY 
     In one aspect, there is provided a flooring panel configured for being supported by a sub-floor. The flooring panel defines a sub-floor-opposing surface, and includes a flooring material, a moisture barrier, and an insulator. The flooring material includes a flooring surface configured for receiving human traffic when the flooring panel is being supported on the sub-floor. The moisture barrier is co-operatively disposed relative to the flooring material such that, when the flooring panel is being supported on the sub-floor, the moisture barrier is disposed between the sub-floor and the flooring material. The sub-floor opposing surface is configured for co-operating with the sub-floor, when the flooring panel is being supported on the sub-floor, to define a space between the sub-floor opposing surface and the sub-floor for providing a fluid passage for receiving flow of water disposed between the sub-floor opposing surface and the sub-floor. The insulator is interposed between, and connected to both of the flooring material and the moisture barrier. 
     In another aspect, there is provided a flooring surface kit including a plurality of flooring panels. Each of the flooring panels defines a sub-floor opposing surface, and includes a flooring material, a moisture barrier, a sub-floor opposing surface, and an insulator. The flooring material includes a flooring surface configured for receiving human traffic when the flooring panel is being supported on a sub-floor. The moisture barrier is co-operatively disposed relative to the flooring material such that, when the flooring panel is being supported on the sub-floor, the moisture barrier is disposed between the sub-floor and the flooring material. The sub-floor opposing surface is configured for co-operating with the sub-floor, when the flooring panel is being supported on the sub-floor, to define a space between the sub-floor opposing surface and the sub-floor for providing a fluid passage for receiving flow of water disposed between the sub-floor opposing surface and the sub-floor. The insulator is interposed between, and connected to each of the flooring material and the moisture barrier. Each of the flooring panels is further configured for alignment with at least another one of the flooring panels such that the flooring materials of the aligned flooring panels are disposed in an abutting relationship with one another. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
       Reference will now be made to the drawings, which show by way of example, embodiments of the present disclosure, and in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a top perspective view of an embodiment of a flooring panel; 
         FIG. 2  is a top plan view of the flooring panel of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is a bottom plan view of the flooring panel of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 4  is a side elevation view of one side of the flooring panel of  FIG. 1 , taken along lines  4 - 4  in  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 5  is a side elevation view of another side of the flooring panel of  FIG. 1 , taken along lines  5 - 5  in  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 6  is a sectional side elevation view illustrating a pair of flooring panels, identical to the flooring panel of  FIG. 1 , coupled together; 
         FIG. 7  is an enlarged view of a portion of  FIG. 6 ; 
         FIG. 8  is a top perspective view, illustrating a pair flooring panels, identical to the flooring panel of  FIG. 1 , in the process of becoming coupled and aligned with one another; 
         FIG. 9  is a fragmentary sectional side elevation view of a pair of flooring panels, each of the flooring panels defining another embodiment, shown in an uncoupled relationship relative to one another; 
         FIG. 10  is a fragmentary sectional side elevation view of a pair of flooring panels, each of the flooring panels defining a further embodiment, shown in an uncoupled relationship relative to one another; and 
         FIG. 11  is a fragmentary sectional side elevation view of a pair of flooring panels, each of the flooring panels defining a further embodiment, shown in an uncoupled relationship relative to one another. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     First Aspect: Flooring Panel 
     In one aspect, and referring to  FIGS. 1 to 10 , there is provided a flooring panel  100  configured for being supported by a sub-floor  102 . 
     The flooring panel  100  defines a sub-floor opposing surface  108 , and includes a flooring material  104 , a moisture barrier  106 , and an insulator  110 . 
     The flooring material  104  includes a flooring surface  112  configured for receiving human traffic when the flooring panel  100  is being supported on the sub-floor  102 . Exemplary flooring material  104  include any of the following: wood, wood parquet, composites, such as high density fiberboard or medium density fibreboard, veneers, laminates, polyvinyl chloride, polymeric resins, rubber, linoleum, reinforced resin, carpet, stone, and ceramic, or combinations thereof. The flooring material  104  can take any shape or size. In some embodiments, for example, the flooring surface is substantially planar. 
     In some embodiments, for example, the sub-floor  102  is poured concrete, concrete planks, or plywood. 
     The moisture barrier  106  is co-operatively disposed relative to the flooring material  104  such that, when the flooring panel  100  is being supported on the sub-floor  102 , the moisture barrier  106  is disposed between the sub-floor  102  and the flooring material  104 . Amongst other things, the moisture barrier  106  functions to interfere with transport of water vapour from the space between the flooring panel  100  and the sub-floor  102  and to the flooring material  104 . In some embodiments, for example, the moisture barrier  106  includes (and, in some embodiments, is defined by) material characterized by a water permeability that is less than 0.2 grams/day/100 square inches at 100 degrees Fahrenheit (° F.) and 90% relative humidity as measured according to ASTM F1249-01. ASTM F1249-01 is a Standard Test Method for water vapor transmission rate through plastic film and sheeting using a modulated infrared sensor. 
     In some embodiments, for example, the material of the moisture barrier  106  is waterproof. In some embodiments, for example, the material of the moisture barrier  106  includes polymeric material. In some embodiments, for example, the material of the moisture barrier  106  is plastic material. In some of these embodiments, for example, the moisture barrier  106  is a high density polyethylene or polypropylene. In some embodiments, for example, the moisture barrier  106  is extruded in sheets, and then cut to size. In other embodiments, for example, the moisture barrier  106  is injection molded. In some embodiments, for example, the minimum thickness of the moisture barrier  106  is 30/1000 of an inch. In some embodiments, for example, the maximum thickness of the moisture barrier  106  is 40/1000 of an inch. 
     The sub-floor opposing surface  108  is configured for co-operating with the sub-floor  102 , when the flooring panel  100  is being supported on the sub-floor  102 , to define a space between the sub-floor opposing surface  108  and the sub-floor  102  for defining a fluid passage  114  for receiving flow of water disposed between the sub-floor opposing surface  108  and the sub-floor  102 . In some embodiments, for example, the defined fluid passage  114  includes a cross-sectional area of at least 0.015625 square inches. In some embodiments, for example, the defined fluid passage  114  includes a vertical height above the sub-floor of at least ⅛ of an inch. In some embodiments, for example, upon installation of the flooring panel  100  upon a sub-floor  102  that is co-operatively sloped to facilitate transport of water, by the influence of gravity, towards a drain operatively provided within an interruption in the sub-floor  102 , the provided fluid passage  114  provides space to facilitate such transport. 
     In some embodiments, for example, the sub-floor opposing surface  108  defines a plurality of channels which function as the fluid passages  114  when the flooring panel  100  is being supported on the sub-floor  102 . In some embodiments, for example, the sub-floor opposing surface  108  defines a plurality of projections  116 , and the spaces between the projections  116  function as the fluid passages  114  when the flooring panel  100  is being supported on the sub-floor  102 . In some embodiments, for example, the projections  116  are aligned in rows and columns to enable the flooring panels  100  to be cut between the projections  116  without leaving any half-cut projections. 
     In some embodiments, for example, the sub-floor opposing surface  108  is defined by the moisture barrier  106 . 
     The insulator  110  is interposed between, and connected to both of the flooring material  104  and the moisture barrier  106 . Amongst other things, the insulator  110  functions to dampen noise created by human traffic across the flooring surface  112  of the flooring panel  100 . In some embodiments, for example, the insulator  110  includes sufficient impact sound transmission dampening characteristics. In this respect, in some embodiments, for example, the insulator  110  is characterized by an Impact Insulation Class (“IIC”) of at least 50. In some embodiments, for example, the insulator  110  functions to sufficiently reduce airborne sounds. In this respect, in some embodiments, for example, the insulator  110  is characterized by a Sound Transmission Class (“STC”) of at least 50. In some embodiments, for example, the insulator  110  also functions as a heat insulator. In this respect, in some embodiments, for example, the insulator  110  is characterized by an R-value of at least 0.3. In some embodiments, for example, the insulator functions  110  as a cushioning agent. In some embodiments, for example, the minimum thickness of the insulator  110  is 3/32 of an inch. In some embodiments, for example, the maximum thickness of the insulator  110  is 0.5 inches. 
     In some embodiments, for example, the material of the insulator  110  is a flooring underlayment. In some embodiments, for example, the insulator  110  is EASYMAT™ available from Custom Building Products of Seal Beach, Calif. In some embodiments, for example, the insulator material includes polymeric material, such as a polymeric foam, an example of which is polypropylene foam. 
     In some embodiments, for example, the flooring material  104  is attached to the insulator  110 . In some of these embodiments, for example, the flooring material  104  is attached to the insulator  110  with an adhesive. Exemplary adhesives include pressure sensitive adhesives. 
     In some embodiments, for example, the moisture barrier  106  is attached to the insulator  110 . In some of these embodiments, for example, the moisture barrier  106  is attached to the insulator  110  with an adhesive. Exemplary adhesives include pressure sensitive adhesives. 
     In some embodiments, for example, and specifically referring to  FIGS. 6 to 10 , the flooring panel  100  is a first flooring panel, and the first flooring panel is further configured for being coupled to a second flooring panel  200 . The second flooring panel  200  includes: a flooring material  204  including a flooring surface  212  configured for receiving human traffic when the flooring panel  200  is being supported on the sub-floor  102 , a moisture barrier  206  co-operatively disposed relative to the flooring material  204  such that, when the flooring panel  200  is being supported on the sub-floor  102 , the moisture barrier  206  is disposed between the sub-floor  102  and the flooring material  204 , and an insulator  210  interposed between, and connected to each of the flooring material  204  and the moisture barrier  206 . The coupling of the flooring panels  100 ,  200  at least effects limiting of movement of the flooring panels  100 ,  200  relative to one another in a direction normal to the flooring surface  112 ,  212  of either of the coupled flooring panels  100 ,  200 . In some embodiments, for example, the coupling of the flooring panels  100 ,  200  is effected by an interlocking assembly  500 . In some of these embodiments, for example, the interlocking assembly  500  includes a respective interlocking assembly portion  120 ,  220  of each of the flooring panels  100 ,  200 . In some of these embodiments, for example, a profile is cut into “blanks” of the pre-cursor flooring material to thereby define the respective interlocking portion  120 ,  220  of each one of the flooring panels  100 ,  200 . In some of these embodiments, for example, the respective interlocking assembly portions  120 ,  220  are configured to co-operate to effect the coupling of the flooring panels  100 ,  200 . In some of these embodiments, for example, the respective interlocking assembly portion  120  of one of the flooring panels  100 ,  200  is at least one groove  122  and the respective interlocking assembly portion  220  of the other one of the flooring panels  200  is at least one tongue  224 , wherein the tongue  224  is configured for being received within the groove  122 . In some embodiments, for example, and specifically referring to  FIGS. 4 to 6 , each one of the flooring panels  100 ,  200  includes a respective at least one pair of opposite sides  111   a ,  111   b  ( 211   a ,  211   b ), and one of the respective opposite sides  111   a  ( 211   a ) includes a groove  122  ( 222 ) and the other one of the respective opposite sides  111   b  ( 211   b ) includes a tongue  124  ( 224 ), such that each of the flooring panels  100 ,  200  is configured for coupling to two or more other identical flooring panels by either receiving of a tongue of the identical flooring panel within a groove  122  ( 222 ) of the flooring panel  100  ( 200 ), or by the insertion of a tongue  124  ( 224 ) of the flooring panel  100  ( 200 ) within a groove of the identical flooring panel. In some embodiments, for example, the first flooring panel  100  is further configured such that, upon the coupling of the flooring panels  100 ,  200  being effected, the insulator  110  or  210  of one of the coupled flooring panels  100 ,  200  is disposed in an abutting relationship with the insulator  110  or  210  of the other one of the coupled flooring panels  100 ,  200 . In some of these embodiments, for example, the first flooring panel  100  is further configured such that the effecting of the coupling of the flooring panels  100 ,  200  effects elastic deformation of at least a portion of the insulator  110 ,  210  of at least one of the flooring panels  100 ,  200  while effecting the abutting relationship between the insulators  110 ,  210 . In some embodiments, for example, the at least a portion of each insulator  110 ,  210 , whose elastic deformation is effected, includes elastically deformable material. In some embodiments, for example, the first flooring panel  100  is further configured such that, upon the coupling of the flooring panels  100 ,  200  being effected, the moisture barrier  106  or  206  of one of the coupled flooring panels  100 ,  200  is disposed in abutting relationship with the moisture barrier  106  or  206  of the other one of the coupled flooring panels  100 ,  200 . In some embodiments, for example, a hydrophobic material, such as wax, is applied to the side edges of each flooring panel so as to increase impermeability to vapour once one flooring panel is coupled to another panel. 
     In some embodiments, for example, the flooring panel  100  is a first flooring panel  100 , and a second flooring panel  200  is also provided, wherein the second flooring panel  200  includes: a flooring material  204  including a flooring surface  212  configured for receiving human traffic when the flooring panel  200  is being supported on the sub-floor  102 , a moisture barrier  206  co-operatively disposed relative to the flooring material  204  such that, when the flooring panel  200  is being supported on the sub-floor  102 , the moisture barrier  206  is disposed between the sub-floor  102  and the flooring material  204 , and an insulator  210  interposed between, and connected to each of the flooring material  204  and the moisture barrier  206 . The first flooring panel  100  is further configured for alignment with the second flooring panel  200  such that the flooring materials  104 ,  204  of the flooring panels  100 ,  200  are disposed in an abutting relationship with each other. In some embodiments, for example, the alignment is such that the flooring surfaces  112 ,  212  of the flooring panels  100 ,  200  are disposed in a co-planar relationship with one another. The first flooring panel  100  is also further configured such that, upon effecting the alignment of the flooring panels  100 ,  200 , the insulator  110  or  210  of one of the aligned flooring panels  100 ,  200  is disposed in abutting relationship with the insulator  110  or  210  of the other one of the aligned flooring panels  100 ,  200 . In some embodiments, for example, the first flooring panel  100  is further configured such that the effecting of the alignment of the flooring panels  100 ,  200  effects elastic deformation of at least a portion of the insulator  110 ,  210  of at least one of the flooring panels  100 ,  200  while effecting the abutting relationship between the insulators  110 ,  210 . In some of these embodiments, for example, the at least a portion of each insulator  110 ,  210 , whose elastic deformation is effected by the alignment of the flooring panels  100 ,  200  includes elastically deformable material. In some embodiments, for example, the first flooring panel  100  is further configured such that, upon effecting the alignment of the flooring panels  100 ,  200 , the moisture barrier  106  or  206  of one of the aligned flooring panels  100 ,  200  is disposed in abutting relationship with the moisture barrier  106  or  206  of the other one of the aligned flooring panels  100 ,  200 . 
     In some embodiments, for example, the flooring panel  100  is a first flooring panel  100 , and a second flooring panel  200  is also provided, wherein the second flooring panel  200  includes: a flooring material  204  including a flooring surface  212  configured for receiving human traffic when the flooring panel  200  is being supported on the sub-floor  102 , and a moisture barrier  206  co-operatively disposed relative to the flooring material  204  such that, when the flooring panel  200  is being supported on the sub-floor  102 , the moisture barrier  206  is disposed between the sub-floor  102  and the flooring material  204 . The first flooring panel  100  is further configured for alignment with the second flooring panel  200  such that the flooring materials  104 ,  204  of the flooring panels  100 ,  200  are disposed in an abutting relationship with one another. In some embodiments, for example, the alignment is such that the flooring surfaces  112 ,  212  of the flooring panels  100 ,  200  are disposed in a co-planar relationship with one another. The first flooring panel  100  is also further configured such that, upon effecting the alignment of the flooring panels  100 ,  200 , the moisture barrier  106  or  206  of one of the aligned flooring panels  100 ,  200  is disposed in abutting relationship with the moisture barrier  106  or  206  of the other one of the aligned flooring panels  100 ,  200 . 
     In some of these embodiments, for example, the second flooring panel  200  also defines a sub-floor opposing surface  208 . The sub-floor opposing surface  208  is configured for co-operating with the sub-floor  102  when the flooring panel  200  is being supported on the sub-floor  102  to define a space between the sub-floor opposing surface  208  and the sub-floor  102  for providing a fluid passage  214  for receiving flow of water disposed between the sub-floor opposing surface  208  and the sub-floor  102 . 
     Second Aspect: Flooring Surface Kit 
     In another aspect, and referring to  FIG. 11 , there is provided a flooring surface kit. The flooring surface kit includes a plurality of flooring panels  300 ,  400 . Each of the flooring panels  300  ( 400 ) includes: a flooring material  304  ( 404 ) including a flooring surface  312  ( 412 ) configured for receiving human traffic when the flooring panel  300  ( 400 ) is being supported on the sub-floor  102 , a moisture barrier  306  ( 406 ) co-operatively disposed relative to the flooring material  304  ( 404 ) such that, when the flooring panel  300  ( 400 ) is being supported on the sub-floor  102  the moisture barrier  306  ( 406 ) is disposed between the sub-floor  102  and the flooring material  304  ( 404 ), and an insulator  310  ( 410 ) interposed between, and connected to both of the flooring material  304  ( 404 ) and the moisture barrier  306  ( 406 ). Each of the flooring panels  300  ( 400 ) further defines a sub-floor opposing surface  308  ( 408 ) configured for co-operating with the sub-floor  102 , when the flooring panel  300  ( 400 ) is being supported on the sub-floor  102 , to define a space between the sub-floor opposing surface  308  ( 408 ) and the sub-floor  102  for providing a fluid passage  314  ( 414 ) for receiving flow of water disposed between the sub-floor opposing surface  308  ( 408 ) and the sub-floor  102 . 
     Each of the flooring panels  300  (or  400 ) is further configured for alignment with at least another one of the flooring panels  400  (or  300 ) such that the flooring materials  304 ,  404  of the aligned flooring panels  300 ,  400  are disposed in an abutting relationship with one another. In some embodiments, for example, the alignment is such that the flooring surfaces  312 ,  412  of the aligned flooring panels  300 ,  400  are disposed in a co-planar relationship with one another. 
     For each of the flooring panels  300  ( 400 ), exemplary flooring materials  304  ( 404 ) include any of the following: wood, wood parquet, composites, such as high density fibreboard or medium density fibreboard, veneers, laminates, polyvinyl chloride, polymeric resins, rubber, linoleum, reinforced resin, carpet, stone, and ceramic, or combinations thereof. The flooring material  304  ( 404 ) can take any shape or size. In some embodiments, for example, the flooring surface is  312 , ( 412 ) substantially planar. 
     In some embodiments, for example, the sub-floor  102  is poured concrete, concrete planks, or plywood. 
     For each of the flooring panels  300  ( 400 ), amongst other things, the moisture barrier  306 , ( 406 ) functions to interfere with transport of water vapour from the space between the flooring panel  300  ( 400 ) and the sub-floor  102  and to the flooring material  304  ( 404 ). In some embodiments, for example, the moisture barrier  306  ( 406 ) includes material characterized by a water permeability that is less than 0.2 grams/day/100 square inches at 100° F. and 90% relative humidity as measured according to ASTM F1249-01. 
     In some embodiments, for example, for each of the flooring panels  300 , ( 400 ), the material of the moisture barrier  306  ( 406 ) is waterproof. In some embodiments, for example, the material of the moisture barrier  306  ( 406 ) includes polymeric material. In some embodiments, for example, the material of the moisture barrier  306  ( 406 ) is plastic material. In some of these embodiments, for example, the moisture barrier  306  ( 406 ) is a high density polyethylene or polypropylene. In some embodiments, for example, the moisture barrier  306  ( 406 ) is extruded in sheets, and then cut to size. In other embodiments, for example, the moisture barrier  306  ( 406 ) is injection molded. In some embodiments, for example, the minimum thickness of the moisture barrier  306  ( 406 ) is 30/1000 of an inch. In some embodiments, for example, the maximum thickness of the moisture barrier  306  ( 406 ) is 40/1000 of an inch. 
     In some embodiments, for example, for each of the flooring panels  300  ( 400 ), when the flooring panel  300  ( 400 ) is being supported on the sub-floor  102 , the defined fluid passage  314  ( 414 ) includes a cross-sectional area of at least 0.015625 square inches. In some embodiments, for example, the defined fluid passage  314  ( 414 ) includes a vertical height above the sub-floor  102  of at least ⅛ of an inch. In some embodiments, for example, upon installation of any of the flooring panels  300  ( 400 ) upon a sub-floor  102  that is co-operatively sloped to facilitate transport of water, by the influence of gravity, towards a drain operatively provided within an interruption in the sub-floor, the provided fluid passage  314  ( 414 ) provides space to facilitate such transport. 
     In some embodiments, for example, for each of the flooring panels  300  ( 400 ), the sub-floor opposing surface  308  ( 408 ) defines a plurality of channels which function as the fluid passages  314  ( 414 ) when the flooring panel  300  ( 400 ) is being supported on the sub-floor  102 . In some embodiments, for example, the sub-floor opposing surface  308  ( 408 ) defines a plurality of projections  316  ( 416 ), and the spaces between the projections define the fluid passages  314  ( 414 ) when the flooring panel  100  ( 200 ) is being supported on the sub-floor  102 . In some embodiments, for example, the projections  316  ( 416 ) are aligned in rows and columns to enable the flooring panels  300  ( 400 ) to be cut between the projections without leaving any half-cut projections. 
     In some embodiments, for example, for each of the flooring panels  300  ( 400 ), the sub-floor opposing surface  308  ( 408 ) is defined by the moisture barrier  306  ( 406 ). 
     For each of the flooring panels  300  ( 400 ), amongst other things, the insulator  310  ( 410 ) functions to dampen noise created by human traffic across the flooring surface  312  ( 412 ) of the flooring panel  300  ( 400 ). In some embodiments, for example, the insulator  310  ( 410 ) includes sufficient impact sound transmission dampening characteristics. In this respect, in some embodiments, for example, the insulator  310  ( 410 ) is characterized by an Impact Insulation Class (“IIC”) of at least 50. In some embodiments, for example, the insulator  310  ( 410 ) functions to sufficiently reduce airborne sounds. In this respect, in some embodiments, for example, the insulator  310  ( 410 ) is characterized by a Sound Transmission Class (“STC”) of at least 50. In some embodiments, for example, the insulator  310  ( 410 ) also functions as a heat insulator. In this respect, in some embodiments, for example, the insulator  310  ( 410 ) is characterized by an R-value of at least 0.3. In some embodiments, for example, the insulator  310  ( 410 ) functions as a cushioning agent. In some embodiments, for example, the minimum thickness of the insulator  310  ( 410 ) is at least 3/32 of an inch. In some embodiments, for example, the maximum thickness of the insulator  310  ( 410 ) is 0.5 inches. 
     In some embodiments, for example, the method of the insulator  310  ( 410 ) is a flooring underlayment. In some embodiments, for example, the insulator is EASYMAT™ available from Custom Building Products of Seal Beach, Calif. 
     In some embodiments, for example, the flooring material  304  ( 404 ) is attached to the insulator  310  ( 410 ). In some of these embodiments, for example, the flooring material  304  ( 404 ) is attached to the insulator  310  ( 410 ) with an adhesive. Exemplary adhesives include pressure sensitive adhesives. 
     In some embodiments, for example, the moisture barrier  306  ( 406 ) is attached to the insulator  310  ( 410 ). In some of these embodiments, for example, the moisture barrier  306  ( 406 ) is attached to the insulator  310  ( 410 ) with an adhesive. Exemplary adhesives include pressure sensitive adhesives. 
     In some embodiments, for example, the kit further includes instructions for effecting the alignment and coupling of the flooring panels  300 ,  400 . 
     In some embodiments, for example, the configuration of each one of the flooring panels  300 ,  400  for the alignment with at least another one of the flooring panels is such that at least one pair of alignable flooring panels  300 ,  400  is defined, and for each one of the one or more pairs of alignable flooring panels  300 ,  400  the alignment of the flooring panels  300 ,  400  of the alignable flooring panel pair is effected by coupling of the flooring panels  300 ,  400  to one another, such that the coupling at least effects limiting of movement of the coupled flooring panels  300 ,  400  relative to one another in a direction normal to the flooring surface  312 ,  412  of either of the coupled flooring panels  300 ,  400 . In this respect, in some of these embodiments, the kit includes instructions for effecting the coupling of the flooring panels  300 ,  400 . In some embodiments, for example, the coupling of the flooring panels is effected by an interlocking assembly  600 . In this respect, in some embodiments, for example, the kit includes instructions for effecting the coupling with the interlocking assembly  600 . In some of these embodiments, for example, the interlocking assembly  600  includes a respective interlocking assembly portion  320 ,  420  of each of the flooring panels  300 ,  400 . In some of these embodiments, for example, a profile is cut into “blanks” of the pre-cursor flooring material to thereby define the respective interlocking portion  320 ,  420  of each of the flooring panels  300 ,  400 . In some of these embodiments, for example, the respective interlocking assembly portions  320 ,  420  are configured to co-operate to effect the coupling of the flooring panels  300 ,  400 . In some of these embodiments, for example, the respective interlocking assembly portion  320 ,  420  of one of the flooring panels  300 ,  400  is at least one groove  322  and the respective interlocking assembly portion  420  of the other one of the flooring panels is at least one tongue  424 . In some of these embodiments, for example, for each one of the one or more pairs of alignable flooring panels  300 ,  400 , each of the flooring panels  300 ,  400  of the alignable flooring panel pair is further configured such that, upon the effecting of the coupling of the flooring panels  300 ,  400 , the insulator  310  or  410  of one of the coupled flooring panels  300 ,  400  is disposed in abutting relationship with the insulator  310  or  410  of the other one of the coupled flooring panels  300 ,  400 . In some of these embodiments, for example, for each one of the one or more pairs of alignable flooring panels each of the flooring panels  300 ,  400  of the alignable flooring panel pair is further configured such that the effecting of the coupling of the flooring panels  300 ,  400  effects elastic deformation of at least a portion of the insulator  310 ,  410  of at least one of the flooring panels  300 ,  400  while effecting the abutting relationship between the insulators  310 ,  410  of both of the flooring panels  300 ,  400 . In some embodiments, for example, the at least a portion of each insulator  310 ,  410 , whose elastic deformation is effected by the effecting of the coupling of the flooring panels  300 ,  400 , includes elastically deformable material. In some embodiments, for example, for each one of the one or more pairs of alignable flooring panels, each of the flooring panels  300 ,  400  of the alignable flooring panel pair is further configured such that, upon the effecting of the coupling of the flooring panels  300 ,  400 , the moisture barrier  306  or  406  of one of the coupled flooring panels  300 ,  400  is disposed in abutting relationship with the moisture barrier  306  or  406  of the other one of the coupled flooring panels  300 ,  400 . In some embodiments, for example, a hydrophobic material, such as wax, is applied to the side edges of each flooring panel so as to increase impermeability to vapour once one flooring panel is coupled to another flooring panel. 
     In some embodiments, for example, the configuration of each one of the flooring panels  300  ( 400 ) for the alignment with at least another one of the flooring panels  400  ( 300 ) is such that at least one pair of alignable flooring panels is defined, and for each one of the one or more pairs of alignable flooring panels, each of the flooring panels  300 ,  400  of the alignable flooring panel pair is further configured such that, upon effecting the alignment of the flooring panels  300 ,  400 , the insulator  310  or  410  of one of the aligned flooring panels  300 ,  400  is disposed in abutting relationship with the insulator  310  or  410  of the other one of the aligned flooring panels  300 ,  400 . In some of these embodiments, for example, for each one of the one or more pairs of alignable flooring panels, each of the flooring panels  300 ,  400  of the alignable flooring panel pair is further configured such that the effecting of the alignment of the flooring panels  300 ,  400  effects elastic deformation of at least a portion of the insulator  310 ,  410  of at least one of the flooring panels  300 ,  400  while effecting the abutting relationship between the insulators  310 ,  410  of both of the flooring panels  300 ,  400 . In some embodiments, for example, the at least a portion of each insulator  310 ,  410 , whose elastic deformation is effected by the effecting of the abutting relationship of the flooring panels  300 ,  400 , includes elastically deformable material. In some embodiments, for example, for each one of the one or more pairs of alignable flooring panels, each of the flooring panels  300 ,  400  of the alignable flooring panel pair is further configured such that, upon the effecting of the alignment of the flooring panels  300 ,  400 , the moisture barrier  306  or  406  of one of the aligned flooring panels  300 ,  400  is disposed in abutting relationship with the moisture barrier  306  or  406  of the other one of the aligned flooring panels  300 ,  400 . 
     In some embodiments, for example, the configuration of each one of the flooring panels  300  ( 400 ) for the alignment with at least another one of the flooring panels  400  ( 300 ) is such that at least one pair of alignable flooring panels is defined, and for each one of the one or more pairs of alignable flooring panels  300 ,  400 , each of the flooring panels  300 ,  400  of the alignable flooring panel pair is further configured such that, upon effecting the alignment of the flooring panels  300 ,  400 , the moisture barrier  306  or  406  of one of the aligned flooring panels  300 ,  400  is disposed in abutting relationship with the moisture barrier  306  or  406  of the other one of the aligned flooring panels  300 ,  400 . 
     While this invention has been described with reference to illustrative embodiments and examples, the description is not intended to be construed in a limiting sense. Thus, various modifications of the illustrative embodiments, as well as other embodiments of the invention, will be apparent to persons skilled in the art upon reference to this description. It is therefore contemplated that the appended claims will cover any such modifications or embodiments. Further, all of the claims are hereby incorporated by reference into the description of the preferred embodiments.