MXPA98006260A - Apparatus and method for increasing the flexibility of and strengthening finishing strips for p - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to an apparatus for increasing the flexibility of and straightening finishing strips for wood-based flooring, of the type having an upper surface with a decorative finish and a base surface opposite to the upper surface. The base surface has a multiplicity of closely spaced notches extending into the floor finishing strip from the base surface, transverse to the length of the floor finishing strip, over substantially the entire length of the floor finishing strip. to relieve tension and increase flexibility in the wood strip, to adhere more closely to irregularities of a sub-floor. The apparatus has a feeding zone, for supplying floor finishing strips, downstream from an upstream processing station and an exit zone for unloading the floor finishing strips to a downstream processing station. A conveyor sends the finishing strips for floor downstream from the feeding area to the exit area. Bending rollers are placed between the feed zone and the exit area to apply progressive bending to the decorative finishing strips as they move downstream on the conveyor, of a magnitude to break a quantity of wood fibers from a strip of fiber. finishing for floor, enough to compensate tension between the upper surface and the base surface, in order to straighten the floor finishing strip on its length

Description

APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR INCREASING THE FLEXIBILITY OF Y, BNDERB.?AR STRIPS DB AC? B? PQ FOR FLOOR TECHNICAL FIELD AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to an apparatus and method for increasing the flxidity of floor finishing strips, such as laminated hardwood flooring strips, assembled to form a hardwood floor. The invention has particular application in a pre-finished, adhered wood floor finishing product, although it can be used to increase the flexibility of any relatively thin hardwood floor finishing strip, no matter what the preferred method of connection to the floor is. sub-floor. The wood floor finish is typically installed by nailing decorative wood trim strips adjacent to a subfloor to form an essentially seamless wood-based floor finish when applying floor finish strips wood-based to a sub-floor that is pre-coated, for example with a mastic-like layer in which the floor finishing strips are embedded, or by applying wood strips with pre-applied adhesive based on the sub- pißo. The applicant to date has developed a floor finish product based on pre-finished hardwood strips, which can be glued directly to a convenient sub-floor, and which will serve with the same durability and longevity as other systems. of finishing for floor based on wood, more expensive. This floor finish product has the same "solid feel" as the solid hardwood floor of all thicknesses, of the type typically nailed on site, with nothing of the "spring" or "rebound" characterizing the finishing systems. for floor glued from prior art, which rely on relatively thick foam adhesive pads to adhere the system to the sub-floor.A substantial disadvantage that is observed in floor finishing products of the prior art and the tendency of the floor strips floor finish to detach from the subfloor, particularly at points where there may be slight irregularities in the subfloor surface.This may occur with any type of floor finish product.The problem may be aggravated when the finishing strip floor as it is manufactured, it has an arching about its length such that the base surface of the strip creates a concavity when placed on the flat surface.This problem has been solved in a considerable portion by previous developments such as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,283,102 previous to the applicant. The hardwood floor finishing strip described in the '102 patent includes a multiplicity of closely spaced transverse grooves in the base of the floor finishing strip. These grooves substantially increase the flexibility of the floor finishing strips, without affecting in any way the appearance or functionality of the product. However, mixing the back of the floor finishing strip causes buckling by relieving tension on one side of the floor finishing strip while less stress on the opposite side is substantially unchanged. This buckling affects the processing and packing downstream of the floor finishing strips. In addition, the installer must take into account buckling when cutting and installing floor finishing strips. While the problems are manageable, however, it is convenient to provide the installer with a floor finishing strip that is essentially straight. Apart from the functional reasons for doing this, a perfectly straight floor finishing strip is aesthetically more similar to full thickness solid hardwood floor finishing strips and thus more attractive to the clientele. The method according to this application is practiced on a floor strip with a foam type adhesive system placed on the back side. The finishing strip for floor is faster, easier and less expensive to install, than any of a finishing system for nailed floor not finished or a floor finishing system that is placed in a previously applied mastic layer. The product has particular application in the post-market of floor finishes, to be used by owners of "do-it-yourself" scripts wish the expensive appearance of the finish for hardwood floor of high quality, without the resulting interruption of a floor installed by contractor. There is currently a trend of return to the use of hardwood floor finish and said homeowners are removing the existing floor mats, in order to replace them with floor finishing floors with hardwood. A floor finishing system that can be installed on a sub-floor in which a carpet was previously installed without the need to cut out doors and moldings to accommodate a greater thickness is convenient, since it simplifies the do-it-yourself installation process. same. The method according to this request meets those needs by producing a finishing strip for floor that is very flexible, strong and straight. By straightening the floor finishing strips, the quality and functionality of the product increases. By removing the arching on the floor finishing strip introduced when cutting notches on its back side, any residual tendency is eliminated so that the center of the floor finishing strip detaches from the sub-floor, over time.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Therefore, an object of the invention is to provide a finishing strip for hardwood floor that is both flexible and straight. Another object of the invention is to provide a finishing strip for hardwood floor that can be attached to a sub-floor and that tends not to detach from the sub-floor. Another object of the invention is to provide a floor finishing system that can be easily installed by do-it-yourself installers. Another object of the invention is to provide a floor finishing system that is as durable as conventional wood floor finishing systems, such as floor finishing systems nailed. Another object of the invention is to provide a finishing system for floors in which the floor finishing strips do not have residual bowing or buckling, which could possibly be caused partially by the floor finishing strip from the sub-floor. Another object of the invention is to provide a floor finishing system which, after installation, is indistinguishable in appearance and service from conventional wood-based floor finishing systems, such as nailed floor finishing systems. Another object of the invention is to provide a finishing system for floor that is sufficiently low profile, so that it can be installed in sub-floor where the carpet was previously installed without having to lower the doors and moldings. Another object of the invention is to provide a floor finishing system that can be installed in a wide variety of sub-floors without extensive preparation. Another object of the invention is to provide a floor finishing system that is adhesi bonded to the sub-floor. These and other objects of the present invention are achieved in the preferred embodiments described below, by providing an apparatus for increasing the flexibility of and straightening wood-based floor finishing strips, of the type having an upper surface having a finish. decorative and a base surface opposite the upper surface. The base surface has a multiplicity of closely spaced notches extending in the floor finishing strip from the base surface transverse to the length of the floor finishing strip, substantially over the entire length of the floor finishing strip for relieving tension and increase flexibility in the wood strip to more closely adhere use-floor irregularities. The apparatus comprises feeding means for feeding downstream floor finishing strips from an upstream processing station and exit means for unloading the floor finishing strips to a downstream processing station and conveyor means, for transporting the strips finished for downstream pipetting from the feed means to the outlet means. Bending means are placed between the feeding means and the exit means, to apply progressive bending to the floor finishing strips as they move downstream in the conveying means of a quantity to interrupt or break a quantity of wood fibers in the floor strip, sufficient to compensate the tension between the upper surface and the base surface, in order to straighten the finishing strip for its length. According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the conveyor means comprise first and second displaced endless conveyor belts, which are placed adjacent and register each other moving in the same direction and at the same speed to receive floor finishing strips therebetween.

According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, the folding means comprise first and second spaced deflection rollers, which are placed between opposite spaced apart portions of the first conveyor belt and displace the first conveyor belt against the second conveyor belt and a third roller of opposing deflection placed between opposite spaced apart portions of the second intermediate conveyor belt a and the second deflection rollers and displacing the second conveyor belt against the first conveyor belt. According to still another preferred embodiment of the invention, the bending means further include fourth and fifth spaced deflection rollers which are placed between spaced apart spaced portions of the first conveyor belt and move the first conveyor belt against the second conveyor belt and a sixth opposing deflection roller positioned between opposite spaced apart portions of the conveyor belt. the second intermediate conveyor belt to the fourth and fifth deflection rollers and move the second conveyor belt against the first conveyor belt. The fourth, fifth and sixth deflection rollers are placed downstream from the first, second and third deflection rollers.

According to still another preferred embodiment of the invention, the first and second conveyor belts are placed in vertical orientation relative to one another. According to still another preferred embodiment of the invention, the fourth, fifth and sixth deflection rollers are inverted in relation to the first and second conveyor belts. Preferably, the bending means are adjustable to apply a predetermined bending force to the floor finishing strips. According to still another preferred embodiment of the invention, the third deflection roller is adjustable with respect to the first and second deflection rollers and the sixth deflection roller is adjustable with respect to the fourth and second deflection rollers, to apply a pre-folding force. -deter inada alternates to opposite sides of floor finishing strips. According to still another preferred embodiment of the invention, the driving means comprise an electric motor that moves both first and second conveyors through belt and pulley means. One embodiment of the method for increasing flexibility and for straightening of wood floor finishing strip according to the invention, comprises the steps of feeding finishing strips for floor downstream from an upstream processing station on a conveyor, transporting the strips of finishing for floor downstream from the feeding means and applying a progressive bending to the floor finishing strips as they move downstream on the conveyor, of a magnitude to break a quantity of wood fibers in the floor finishing strip , sufficient to compensate the tension between the surface euperior and the base surface, in order to straighten the floor finishing strip on its length. According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the method includes the steps of providing first and second displaced endless conveyor belts, which are placed adjacent and register with each other and move in the same direction and at the same speed to receive finishing strips for floor between them. According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, the step of folding the floor finishing strips includes the step of passing the floor finishing strips between first and second spaced deflection rollers and a third opposing deflection roller. According to another more preferred embodiment of the invention, the step of folding the floor finishing strips further includes the step of passing the floor finishing strips between fourth and fifth spaced deflection rollers and a sixth deflection roller opposite downstream. from the first, second and third deflection rollers. According to yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, the method includes the step of adjusting the degree of bending force to the floor finishing strip. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Some of the objectives of the invention have been established above, other objects and advantages of the invention will appear as the invention progresses when taken in conjunction with the following drawings, wherein: Figure 1 is a view in perspective of the finished side of a floor finishing strip which is processed according to a method of the present invention; Figure 2 is a side elevation of the floor finishing strip in Figure 1, illustrating the buckling that it forms in the strip when they are notching the base surface; Figure 3 is a perspective view of the unfinished side of the floor finishing strip illustrated in Figure 1; Figure 4 is a vertical cross sectional view enlarged laterally through the floor finishing strip; Figure 5 is a fragmentary side view of the floor finishing strip; Figure 6 is a fragmentary enlarged vertical cross-sectional view, longitudinally through the ply finishing strip; Figure 7 is a simplified side elevation schematic of the apparatus for increasing flexibility and straightening floor finishing strips according to one embodiment of the invention.; Figure 8 is a view similar to Figure 7, showing finishing strips for processed floor; and Figure 9 is a perspective view of a floor created from assembled floor finishing strips, according to one embodiment of the invention. PQ & ffJLO, de Ift M < ^ ftlAw P & SfFTAQB & , for QF BOflQ P-aagrici6n Qen-eral? -e, Tin, Finishing for Floor Before describing the apparatus and method of the invention, ß deßcribe the finishing strip for floor 10 is a Suitable type for processing in the apparatus and according to the method With reference now specifically to the drawings, a finishing strip for wooden floor according to one embodiment of the present invention, is illustrated in Figure 1, and generally shows in the reference number 10. The finishing strip for floor 10 can be of any suitable length, width and thickness, but typical sizes and constructions are finishing strips for solid oak or laminate flooring, with espeßoreß of .635, .953 and 2.38 cm (1/4, 3/8 and 15/16"), with a width between 5.72 and 20.32 cm (2 1/4" and 8") and with a length of eßta 1.52 meter (5 ft.). Three-layer laminate is illustrated in the Figures, see particularly Figure 3. The finishing strip for pee or 10 has an upper surface 11, which may be finished or unfinished, an opposing base surface 12, opposite side edges 13 and 14 and end flanges 15 and 16. The floor finishing strip 10 includes a slot 18 extending on the side edge 13 and a coupling tongue 19 extending over the opposite lateral edge 14. The grooves 18 and tabs 19 of the adjacent floor finishing strips, engage to form a floor subtantially ßin coßturaß. As is illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 4, the base surface 12 is provided with transverse notches 20. The notches 20 ext extend from side to side in closely spaced relation, transverse to the length of the finishing strip for plexus 10, substantially over The entire length of the finishing strip for floor 10, such as ß deßcribe ßubßtancialmente in the patent of the EUA Do not. ,283,102 of the applicant. According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the notches 20 have a width of .3175 cm (1/8"), a depth of .3175 cm (1/8") and are spaced apart 2.54 cm (1") to the center Also possible are other widths, depths and spacing.The slots 20 sub-substantially increase the flexibility of the finishing strip for ply 10 and thus improve the capacity of the finishing strip for pieo 10, to be completely bound to the sub-floor However, the relief achieved by the tension in the wood adjacent to the base surface 12, can cause buckling of the finishing strip for floor 10 as shown in Figure 2. A rising deflection of the strip finish for pin 10 at a point equidistant from its opposite ends of a flat support surface may be approximately 1,905 cm (3/4"). As shown in FIG. 3, the finish strip for ply 10 according to a preferred embodiment of the invention is a laminated structure having three layers of wood 10A, 10B, 10C, bonded to each other with heat and pressure. According to one embodiment of the invention, the upper layer 10A is a layer of thin veneer of high quality wood without stains, without imperfections, solid, such as oak, while the medium layer and baße 10B and 10C already strip with imperfeccioneß of the type wood type, or a type of expensive raenoß wood. In modalities where wood with stains or with imperfeccioneß ß employs The modality of the finishing strip for ply 10 decribed in eßta ßapplication includes a ßißtema adhessive to preesión as ц described above. However, the apparatus and method according to the application has application to any finishing strip for flooring that is buckled for any reason. Doß tape strip 22 and 23 of a pressure-sensitive foam adhesive system, adhered to the base surface 12 of the finish strip for ply 10, as illustrated in Figure 4. The adhesive strip strip 22 and 23 ê apply in stretches extending longitudinally from one end of the finish strip 10 to the other, see also in general Figure 3, 4 and 5. As best illustrated in Figure 6 each of the strips of tape of the adhesive ßísttem 22 and 23 (exemplified by the strip of tape 22), eß a laminated structure including a first adhesive layer of acrylate adhesive 24 by which the structure is directed to the finish strip for floor 10. One side of a layer of tape of closed cell polyethylene foam 25, provides a substrate for holding and transporting the adhesive layer 24, and simultaneously providing a convenient degree of cushioning to the floor finishing strips 10 against ingestion to form a ply. The other side of the foam layer 25 supports a second layer of acrylate adhesive 26 which is covered by release paper 27 and protects the adhesive layer 26, until the floor finishing strip 10 is ready to apply to the sub. -float, at which time it is removed as described below, The preferred pressure sensitive system as generally described above is a double coated polyethylene foam tape, product description No, 4492 manufactured by Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company with 1994 date, here incorporated by reference. The adhesive applied to the polyethylene foam is an acrylate adhesive that has an aggressive adhesive capacity. The preferred thickness of the adhesive system eß of .079 cm (1/32"), According to a preferred method, the adhesive tape strips 22 and 23 are supplied by the manufacturer in a long continuous strip on a roll, which includes a film or screening paper (not screened), which protects the adhesive that will bond with the surface 12 to the application of the tape strips 22 and 23 to the base surface 12 of the finishing strip for floor 10. The base surface 12 ße deals with a belt sander that transports 150 grit sandpaper, and then heat to approximately 51.7 to 57.2"C (125 to 132 ° F) .The heating softens the adhesive as it contacts the wood and creates a more intimate bond.The release paper is removed and the adhesive layer is exposed as the strips of the tape are pressed onto the baee surface of the finishing strip Lae preferably pulled apart from both side edges 13 and 14 of the floor finishing strip 10, leaving bare wood on both side edges and the adjacent portions of the surface base 12 of the finishing strip for floor 10. Preferably, each of the strip strips 22 and 23 has a width of 1,905 cm (3/4") and is displaced symmetrically with respect to the centerline of the strip of finish for floor 10. This provides a centered length of lumber that extends over the length of the floor strip 10 between the strip strips 22 and 23 and two sections of bare wood, each with a width of .3175 cm (1/8") in width that extend over lateral border 13 and 14. Other configurations are possible and are optimized depending on the thickness, width and flexibility of the finishing strips for floor, and the characteristics of the anticipated sub-floor. In some applications, a single strip of wide adhesive tape or three or more parallel strips may be more salient. The opposite end faces 15 and 16 of the finishing strip for wooden floor 10, are formed without tongue and groove interlock, but cut to provide a butt confining connection between end 15 and strip end 16. of finishing for laminated wooden pallets to baße 10. The end of the confining to the top 15 and 16 of the finishing strip for plywood to baße of laminated wood 10, allow a meeting absolutamente to level that will not open. A chamfer 30 is formed at both ends 15 and 16 in the base layer 10c of the wood-based floor finishing strip 20. Each of the chaflaneß 30 forms a dead area adjacent to the bottom edge of the end faces 15 and 16. Loß chaflaneß 30 allow the floor finishing strip of the wooden base 10 to flex freely in accordance with the surface of the sub-base, without effecting or otherwise interfering with the placement of the finish strip for floor to wooden floor laminated adjacent 10. For this reason, strip of finish for floor to wall of laminated wood end-to-end adjacent to, it can be done that they are perfectly placed edge-to-edge, without using tongue and groove or other medium interlocking . The ability to remove the tongue and groove interlock at the end 15 and 16 of the finish strip 10 βimplifies the installation, since each strip 10 can be placed on the sub-floor in an exact end alignment with the end 15 of a floor finishing strip 10 level with the end 16 of an adjacent floor finishing strip 10. In this way, the floor finishing strip 10 only requires moving to the sides to lock the tongue 19 of a floor finishing strip 10 within slot 18 of the laterally adjacent floor finishing strip 10, The supply of butt-confining end fitting between floor strips to laminated wood flooring adjacent to end-to-end 20, it provides a much smoother and more consistent pin surface, because the tongue and side edge groove connections 19 and 18 keep the ends 15 and 16 as well as the sides level. In addition, the finishing strip for floor 10 as described in the above embodiment, can be cut to length and placed in pieces anywhere on the floor, since a tongue and groove or other positive locking means no longer require Locking the ends 15 and 16 together with adjacent laminate wood floor finishing parts 10. It should be noted in particular that the end edges 15 and 16 ßon the chamfer 30 ßon planoß and perpendicular to the plane of the upper and lower surfaces 11 and 12, so that there is no space when they connect the end-to-end end-finish parts 10. As shown in Figure 9, the installation of the finish strip for floor 10 as described more specifically below, creates a finished hardwood floor, indistinguishable from other floors that are ßon máß coßtoßoß and difficult to install. The strength of the adhesive and the bond between the adhesive, the wood and the ßub-pißo ße were tested when preparing a test sample by applying a floor finishing strip to a section of conventional sub-ply material, to create a structure test. A 4.54 kg (10 lbs.) Step connects to the finish strip for p, to apply vertical traction. The test structure has varoported varioß mesßß of eßta traction ßin to remove any of the finishing strip for plexus 10 of the adhesive The strip of floor finish can be applied to a number of differentßßßß-floor con constructions, such as plywood, board of oriented fibers or agglomerated board of particles of 18.16 kg (40 pounds). The floor can also be installed on existing floors. If the existing floor is a wooden floor, all wax must be removed, as the adhesive is designed not to adhere to waxed surfaces - therefore, the use of a release paper coated with wax. Pißoß finished with polyurethane do not require deßprenderße strip, ß Whenever the finish eeté well attached. The vinyl type finish may be used whenever the deßgaßte layer is intact and has a layer of polyurethane or PVC degayer. The pineapple can be installed on a concrete sub-floor if it is clean and free of dust. This condition can be achieved by carefully sweeping or vacuuming the floor. Gypsum powder and similar materials prevent the adhesive from sticking to the sub-floor, so that cleaning to remove these similar materials is very important. Description of the Apparatus and Method Now with reference to Figure 7, an apparatus 40 is shown to straighten and increase the flexibility of floor finishing strips, such as those described above. The apparatus 40 includes an upper transport belt 41 and a lower conveyor belt 42. The upper conveyor belt 41 rotates around two horizontally spaced rollers 43 and 44. The lower conveyor belt 42 rotates relative to the horizontally spaced carriage 46 and 47, which is attached the upper transport belt 41, with the upper section of the lower conveyor belt 42 and the lower section of the upper conveyor belt 41 coupling together as each of the bands 41 and 42 rotate. The lower conveyor belt 42 is longer and the upper conveyor belt 41 and as illustrated in Figure 7, extends outwardly and the feeding direction to form a support for the floor finishing strips 10, as they are fed into the belt. apparatus 40. Both traneportadorae bands 41 and 42 are made of rubber with ejection fingers molded on the surfaces. All rollers have polished steel ß surface. Both bands 41 and 42 are moved by an electric motor 49. The motor 44 moves the roller 47 of the lower conveyor belt 42, as is shown in Figure 7. A tension roller 50 is used to control the tension in the belt. lower conveyor 42 and move it to the roller 44 of the upper transport belt 41 by a convenient travel belt 52, such as a synchronization band. Still with reference to Figure 7, a pair of deflection rollers 53, 54 are placed in spaced position between the upper and lower sections of the upper conveyor belt 41. An adjustable deflection roller 56 is placed in spaced-apart position between the uppermost stretches. and lower of the lower transverse conveyor belt 42 between the deflection rollers 53, 54. The deflection roller 56 moves upwards and still the upper and lower traps carrier bands 41 and 42 upwards between the deflection roller 53, 54. The short section of the conveyor belts 41, 42 between the deflection roller 53, 54, in this way forms a deflection zone through which they must pass the heat pull for pin 10. Preferably, a second deflecting roller pair 56, 58 colo are placed in a spaced position between the upper and lower sections of the lower conveyor belt 42. A definable deflection roller 59 coloca places the partition between the upper and lower sections of the upper conveyor belt 41 between the deflection rollers 56, 58. The deflection roller 59 ß moves downward and deflects the upper and lower conveyor belts 41 to 42 downwardly between the deflection rollers 57, 58. The short length of the conveyor belts 41, 42, between the deflection rollers 57, 58, in this way it forms a second deflection zone through which the finishing strips also have to move. The apparatus 40 is placed Downstream of the moulder, and the already roughened pineapple trim strips are fed one-by-one over the upper portion of the lower conveyor belt, as illustrated in Figure 8. The conveyors feed the floor trim strips. at 73.15 meters / minute (240 feet / minute) - the speed mißraa the moulder. The finish strip for ply 10 can feed the apparatus 40 with either side directed upwards. By providing two deflection zones formed by the deflection rollers, 53, 54, 56, 57, 58, 59 respectively, it ensures a uniform and symmetrical bending of the floor finishing strips 40. As noted above, the strips finish for floor 10 typically can have a buckling or deflection of 1905 cm (3/4") It has been determined that this degree of deflection can be adequately corrected by an apparatus 40, where the deflection rollers 53 and 54 have a diameter of 15.24 cm (6") and spaced β 20.32 cm (8") from center-to-center, and the deflection roller 56 has a diameter of 5.08 cm (2") and still the ß transeporter strips 41 and 42 2.54 cm (1") The deflection roller 57, 58 is also spaced by 20.32 cm (8 m) center-to-center and 5.08 cm (2") in diameter. The deflection roller 59 has a diameter of 20.32 cm (8") and deflects the conveyor belt ß 41 and 42 downwards, 2.54 cm (ln) As illustrated in Figure 8, the deflection between the roller ß 57, 58 is more Gradually than the deflection between the rollers 53 and 54. As the floor finishing strip 10 passes through the apparatus 40, the wood fibers between the notches 20 break.The proof has shown that the floor finishing strips 10 processed As a result, the finish strip for ply 10 has no tendency to slip the sub-floor after installation, as is the case with finishing strips for floor 10 that do not they are processed through the apparatus 40. The principles by which the apparatus 40 operates can be applied to different sizes, type, thicknesses and finishing materials for floors, and empirical testing is necessary to determine the speed. Correct machine operation, roller separation, roller diameter and other variables to break the fibers in the floor finishing strip in the necessary proportion to relieve and compensate the tension without breaking so many fibers that the floor finishing strip is structurally damaged . Insalation Method The floor finishing strips 10 processed as described above through apparatus 40, are installed as follows: A chalk string, framing square and a miter saw are usually the only tools required for ingesting. In most cases, no roll application is necessary. Finishing for pieo adheres adequately by applied pressure, as workers walk in both directions on the floor, as applicable. A cut tolerance of 5% is usually sufficient. The ßub-pißo must be verifisarße for damage, leveling and cleaning and correct deer neceßario. First, the searcher finds the starting point depending on the pattern and string, in a conventional way. A "dry" set of the finishing strip for floor 10 is made to determine the necessary cuts. The ends are measured before the release paper 27 is removed, the ends are adjusted dry then cut, then the deep-release paper 27 is removed to expose the adhesive and the finishing strip is carefully pressed into the substrate. pißo. The finishing strip for floor 10 ц applies to the sub-floor ß on an updrawn string, with slot 18 on the corbel and tongue 19 away from the inelactor. another cut around regißtroß térraicoe, pipes and the like, are carried out as the finishing strips for floor 10 are installed, and before removing the release paper 27 as described above. As noted previously, marginal areas of the base surface of the floor finishing strips 10 are not covered with pieces of adhesive tape 22 and 23. The release paper 27 is removed and the tongue 19 of the floor finishing strip 10 is inserted into the slot 18 of the finishing strip for adjacent floor 10 at an angle. The absence of adhesive in the marginal area of the base surface 12 adjacent to the tongue 19 allows placement of the finishing strip for piezo 10 very closely adjacent to the freshly placed finishing strip 10 in the freshly exposed adhesive which contacts the surface. ßub-pißo. The tongue 19 can therefore be inserted completely into the adjacent groove 18 and the floor finishing strip 10 is firmly pressed onto the sub-floor in a single movement. The adhesive layer 26 is sufficiently stiff, so that the floor finishing strip should be very substantially in its final position before pressing down on the sub-floor. If required, the finishing strip for floor 10 may be knocked lightly, taking care not to damage the upper surface edges, so as to place it seam close to its adjacent floor finishing strip 10.

Footwear moldings, radiant pipe flanges and covers for thermal records are re-installed. The entire floor is tamped down after installation of the finish strip for pi 10 and the installation is complete. A method and apparatus and method for improving the straightening and flexibility of a wood-based floor finishing strip were previously described. Various details of the invention can be changed without departing from its scope. In addition, the above description of the preferred embodiment of the invention and the best mode for practicing the invention are provided for the purpose of illustration only and not for the purpose of limitation-the invention is defined by the claim.

Claims (13)

1. Stm? » ? ?? i m MH »AM ^ Matas. 1.- An apparatus for increasing the flexibility of and straightening of the finished surface for flooring to the wooden floor of the type having a superior surface, with a decorative finish and a low surface area to the upper surface, the base surface has a multiplicity of closely spaced notches, which extend into the finishing strip for flooring from the transverse base surface to the length of the floor finishing strip, also substantially over the entire length of the floor finishing strip, to relieve tension and increase flexibility of the wood floor finishing strip, to more closely adhere to irregularities of a sub-pie, the apparatus is characterized in that it comprises: (a) feed medium for feeding finishing strip for downstream piath of a current processing station top and outlet means for unloading the floor finishing strips to a current processing station ab Garlic; (b) conveying means, to convey the finished strip for downstream pias from the medium to the medium to the medium; (c) Bending means placed between the feed medium and the medium of batch, to apply a progressive bending to the finish for the bead as they move downstream in the medium-sized conveyor of a quantity to break a quantity of wood fiber. in the finishing strip for pieo, sufficient to compensate tension between the upper surface and the base surface, in order to straighten the floor finishing strip on its length.
2. 2. An apparatus for straightening floor finishing strips according to claim 1, characterized in that the conveying means comprise first and second displaced endless conveyor belts that are placed adjacent and register with each other and move in the same direction and to the same speed the receiving floor finishing strips between them.
3. 3. An apparatus for straightening floor finishing strips according to claim 2, characterized in that the bending means comprise: (a) first and second deflection roller eßpaciadoß, placed between stretched eßpaciadoß opueßtoe of the first conveyor belt and move the first conveyor belt against the second conveyor belt; (b) a third opposed deflection roller, placed between spaced-apart spaced sections of the second intermediate conveyor belt to the second deflection roller and which move the second conveyor belt against the first conveyor belt.
4. 4. - An apparatus for straightening the tire finish according to claim 3, characterized in that the bending means further include: (a) fourth and fifth spaced deflection rollers which are placed between spaced-apart or opueßst sections of the first conveyor belt and which move the first conveyor belt against the second conveyor belt; (b) a sixth opposing deflection roller, placed between spaced apart portions of the second transverse conveyor belt to the fourth and fifth deflection roller and which displaces the second conveyor belt against the first conveyor belt; (c) The fourth, fifth and sixth deflection roller, is placed downstream of the first, second and third deflection rollers.
5. 5. An apparatus for straightening finishing strips for ply in accordance with claim 4, characterized in that the first and second conveyor β-strips in vertical orientation between ßi.
6. 6. An apparatus for straightening the finishing strip for ply in accordance with claim 5, characterized in that the fourth, fifth and extreme deflecting rollerß are reversed in relation to the first and second conveyor belts.
7. 7. An apparatus for straightening finishing strips for ply according to claim 1, characterized in that the bending means are adjustable to apply a predetermined bending force to the floor finishing strips.
8. 8. An apparatus for straightening finishing strips for ply in accordance with claim 4, characterized in that the third deflection roller is adjustable with respect to the first and second deflection rollers and the deflection roller is adjustable with respect to the fourth and fifth deflection roller, to apply a predetermined bending force alternate to opposite sides of the deflection strip. finished for piÃoo.
9. 9. An apparatus for straightening finishing strip for floor according to claim 1, characterized in that the medium impulse comprises an electric motor that displaces both first and second transporters through belt and pulley means.
10. 10. A method for increasing the flexibility of and straightening finishing strips for wood-based ply, of the type having an upper surface with a decorative finish and a base surface opposite to the upper surface, the base surface has a multiplicity of Close-spaced mueßcaß, which extend into the floor finishing strip from the base surface, transverse the length of the floor finishing strip over substantially the entire length of the floor finishing strip, to relieve tension and increase the flexibility in the floor strip of wood to adhere more closely to irregularities of a sub-floor, the method is characterized in that it comprises the steps of: (a) feeding top-down strip downstream of an upstream processing step in a transept; (b) transport the finishing strip to the downstream side of the feed medium; (c) applying a progressive bending to the floor finishing strips as they move downstream on the conveyor, of a magnitude to break a quantity of the wood fibers in the floor finishing strip, sufficient to coagulate the hold between the upper surface and the surface area, in order to straighten the finishing strip for the length of the surface.
11. 11. A method according to claim 1, characterized in that it includes the steps of providing first and second conveyor belts without end displacedß, placed adjacent and in region with each other and moving in the same direction and at the same speed to receive the strips of finished for floor between them.
12. 12. A method according to claim 2, characterized in that the step of bending the finishing strips for floor, includes the step of passing the finishing strip for piao between first and second spaced deflection roller and a third deflection roller opposite.
13. 13. A method according to claim 2, characterized in that the step of bending the finishing strips for ply, further includes the step of passing the floor finishing strips between fourth and fifth spaced deflection rollers and a sixth roller of opposite deflection, downstream of the first, second and third deflection rollers. 14, - A method according to claim 1, characterized in that it includes the step of adjusting the degree of bending force to the floor finishing strip. An apparatus for increasing the flexibility of and straightening finishing strips for wood-based flooring, of the type having an upper surface with a decorative finish and a base surface opposite to the upper surface. The baß surface has a multiplicity of closely spaced notches that extend into the floor finish strip from the bottom surface, transverse to the length of the floor finish strip, down substantially over the entire length of the finish strip for flooring. to relieve tension and increase flexibility in the wood strip, to adhere more closely to irregularities of a ßub-pißo. The apparatus has a feeding zone, for supplying floor finishing strips, downstream from an upstream processing station and a discharge zone for loading the finished piping strip to a downstream processing station, a conveyor sends the batch. Finishing strip for downstream pipe from the feed area to the bead area, bending rollers are placed between the feed area and the outlet area to apply progressive bending to the decorative finishing strips as they move downstream in the conveyor, of a magnitude to break a quantity of wood fibers from a floor finishing strip, sufficient to compensate tension between the upper surface and the base surface, in order to straighten the floor finishing strip on its length. RS / frp / 27 / A * 7-lS? «