JP7124237B2 - Modular floor covering system - Google Patents

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This patent application is filed September 2, 2021, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/142,025, filed January 27, 2021, under 35 U.S.C. No. 17/464,767, filed April 27, 2021, and U.S. nonprovisional application No. 17/241,180, filed April 27, 2021, the disclosure of said applications is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

The present invention relates to floor covering systems and, more particularly, to modular floor covering systems that utilize multiple fasteners to connect multiple floor covering components together.

A modular lug system comprises a pair of individual lugs connected together by fasteners. The rug is configured to cover the floor area. A fastener for forming a secure connection between the lugs has a first part extending below the lugs and a second part disposed on the top surface of each of the lugs. The first and second parts of each fastener extend through the thickness of the lug and are connected together to form a secure connection between the lug and the fastener. However, the second part of each fastener typically projects above the top surface of the lug, creating a visual ridge on the top surface of each lug and creating a stepped surface to step on.

Therefore, there is a need for an improved method of connecting lug pieces together.

It is an object of the present invention to provide two or more spaced apart rug and/or carpet components (collectively "rugs") that are selectively and securely connected to each other via a plurality of fasteners that do not project above the upper surface of the rug. To provide a modular lug system with

Each lug in the modular lug system of the present invention comprises a plurality of through openings. Each fastener is between the through opening of the first lug and the through opening of the second lug (adjacent to the first lug) to securely connect the first and second lugs together. an elongated link extending under the two lugs at and disposed over the adjacent lug and selectively connected to opposite ends of the link via openings through each of the first and second lugs; a pair of nuts, bolts, or screws (collectively, “screws”) that

Importantly, each lug in the modular lug system of the present invention has a plurality of recesses in its upper surface. Each recess is configured to receive one of the screws therein to prevent the screw from protruding above the upper surface of each lug. This configuration provides a smooth walkable surface over the lugs and the screw heads do not protrude above the lugs, reducing the likelihood of a user tripping over the modular lug system of the present invention.

The lug recesses and through holes may be formed at predetermined locations along one or more edges of each lug during the manufacturing process. This configuration is advantageous for several reasons. First, the recesses serve as visual guides to help the technician locate each link under each lug so that the technician can quickly and efficiently connect screws to each end of each link during the installation process. Show to technician. This can reduce installation time and associated labor costs. Second, this configuration is advantageous because it eliminates the technical need to drill/punch through-holes on-site during the installation process, which can further reduce installation time and labor costs.

In each lug, the recesses are threaded and threaded differently than those utilized in the rest of the lug to further assist the technician in visually distinguishing the recesses during installation of the modular lug system of the present invention. /or by using different knitting or weaving patterns.

These and other features of the present invention will become more apparent by describing in detail exemplary embodiments thereof in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

1 is a perspective view of a modular floor covering system according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention; FIG. 2 is a top view of the modular floor covering system of FIG. 1; FIG. Figure 2 is a side view of the modular floor covering system of Figure 1; Figure 2 is a bottom view of the modular floor covering system of Figure 1; 2 is a top view showing connecting elements included in the modular floor covering system of FIG. 1, according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention; FIG. 6 is a side view of the connecting element of FIG. 5; FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a fastener configured to be selectively connected to the connecting element of FIG. 5, according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention; FIG. 8 is a top view of the fastener of FIG. 7; FIG. Figure 8 is a side view of the fastener of Figure 7; FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view along line AA of FIG. 9; FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a notch region B in FIG. 1; FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view along line CC of FIG. 11; FIG. 2 is a top view showing a notch region B in FIG. 1; 2 is a cross-sectional view along line DD of FIG. 1; FIG. Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view along line EE of Figure 1; FIG. 3 is a side view of a portion of a connecting element in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention; 17 is a perspective view of a fastener configured to be selectively connected to the connecting element of FIG. 16, according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention; FIG. 18 is a top view of the fastener of FIG. 17; FIG. Figure 18 is a side view of the fastener of Figure 17; FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view along line FF of FIG. 19; FIG. 4 is a top view showing rug/carpet shapes that can be used in forming a modular floor covering system; FIG. 4 is a top view showing another shape of rug/carpet that can be used in forming a modular floor covering system; FIG. 10 is a top view showing yet another shape of rug/carpet that can be used in forming a modular floor covering system; FIG. 10 is a top view further illustrating additional shapes of rugs/carpets that can be used in forming a modular floor covering system; 1 is a top view of a modular floor covering system according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention; FIG.

Exemplary embodiments of the invention are described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. This invention may, however, be embodied in different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Like reference numerals may refer to like elements throughout the specification. The sizes and/or proportions of elements shown in the drawings may be exaggerated for clarity. Also, the dimensions shown in the drawings are only examples. The scope of the invention is not limited to these.

When an element is referred to as being located on top of another element, there may be additional elements intervening. Additionally, elements, components, parts, etc. not described in detail with respect to a particular figure or embodiment may be similar or identical to corresponding elements, components, parts, etc. described elsewhere herein. It can be assumed that there is

1-15 illustrate a modular floor covering system according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

The modular floor covering system of FIGS. a plurality of connecting members 106 selectively connecting the first floor covering component 102 and the second floor covering component 104 to each other along the length of the . The first floor covering component 102 and the second floor covering component 104 are sometimes referred to as floor coverings for the sake of brevity.

Each of the first floor covering 102 and the second floor covering 104 is a rug, carpet, or more broadly, a flexible sheet of fabric material suitable for covering and/or protecting a floor area. good too. The first floor covering 102 and the second floor covering 104 are designed to protect the underlying floor surface from wear and/or damage that may occur through repeated use. It may be configured to cover floors that are not exposed and/or that support furniture.

The first floor covering 102 and the second floor covering 104 may be made of the same material and/or construction as each other, or may be made of different materials and/or construction. For example, each of the first floor covering 102 and the second floor covering 104 may be a piece of carpet or rug formed from a woven or knitted flexible fibrous material, a sheet of nonwoven material such as felt, or Combinations of these are possible.

The fibers that are woven or knitted to form the carpet/rug floor coverings 102, 104 may be natural or synthetic materials such as wool, silk, linen, cotton, polyester, nylon, rayon, polyamide, etc., or any combination thereof. It may be a mixture. The nonwoven sheet material may be made of natural fibers such as wool, fur (such as fur fibers from animals other than sheep and goats), or blends thereof, synthetic fibers such as acrylic fibers, nylon fibers, polyester fibers, etc., or Mixtures thereof, or mixtures of natural and synthetic fibers may be included.

In the embodiment of Figures 1-15 (see Figures 1-4 in particular), the first floor covering 102 and the second floor covering 104 have the same shape and size as each other. However, the invention is not so limited. A modular floor covering system according to the present invention can be formed from two or more floor coverings connected together, the shape and size of each floor covering being the shape and size of the other floor coverings of the modular floor covering system. may be the same as or different from

1, 2 and 4, the first floor covering 102 has a width W and length L of predetermined dimensions and a lip 110 facing (or adjacent to) the second floor covering 104 (or edge 110). The length L is greater than the width W, as shown. Referring again to FIGS. 1, 2 and 4, the second floor covering 104 has a lip 112 (or edge 112) that faces the lip 110 of the first floor covering 102. As shown in FIG. In other words, lip 110 and lip 112 face each other.

Although the first floor covering 102 and the second floor covering 104 are shown as rectangular in FIGS. 1, 2 and 4, the invention is not limited to this shape. Each of the first floor covering 102 and the second floor covering 104 may be, for example, polygonal, circular, oval, oval or irregularly shaped.

5-10 show one of the connecting members 106 used to selectively connect the first floor covering 102 and the second floor covering 104 together. In the embodiment of Figures 1-15, all of the connecting members 106 are identical to each other. However, it is not limited to this configuration and the modular floor covering system of the present invention can also use different types of connecting members to connect two or more floor covering pieces together.

Each connecting member 106 may be made of metal, polymeric material, leather (which may include suede), different types of woven fabrics, leather-wrapped or cloth-wrapped substrates (e.g., Texon Materials, Inc.). Substrates such as "TEXON" commercially available from Co., Inc.), materials such as wood, sisal and jute, or combinations thereof. Metals may be, for example, brass, aluminum, steel, copper, etc., or alloys of metals. The polymeric material may be, for example, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polycarbonate, or other material that exhibits sufficient structural toughness under load. More specifically, the connecting piece 118 (described below) of each connecting member 106 is preferably made of metal, elastomeric material, wood, or combinations thereof, and each connecting element 114 (described below) is made of the materials described above. It can be formed from any one or a combination thereof.

The first floor covering 102 is provided with a plurality of through openings 122 for the connecting member 106 to selectively and securely connect the first and second floor coverings to each other (see FIGS. 14 and 15). A plurality of through openings 122 are spaced apart from each other and positioned substantially adjacent to lip 110 (along the length of lip 110). Each opening 122 extends through the entire thickness of the first floor covering 102 to selectively connect the first floor covering 102 with each connecting member 106 . configured to receive a portion.

Additionally, the second floor covering 104 also includes a plurality of through openings 122 (see FIGS. 12 and 15). A plurality of through openings 122 are spaced apart from each other and positioned substantially adjacent to lip 112 (along the length of lip 112). Each opening 122 in the second floor covering 104 extends through the entire thickness of the second floor covering 104 to selectively connect the second floor covering 104 with each connecting member 106 . , are configured to receive a portion of the respective connecting member 106 . As shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 12, 13 and 15, each opening 122 extends from the center of a respective recess 128 in both first floor covering 102 and second floor covering 104. You may have

As shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 4, correspondingly paired openings 122 (and recesses 128) in first floor covering 102 and second floor covering 104 provide spacing between connecting members 106. are equally spaced from each other along the length of the edges 110, 112 so that the . However, the present invention is not limited to this, and by changing the positions of the openings 122 and the recesses 128, the dimension of the interval between the connecting members 106 may be changed as appropriate.

5-12, each connecting member 106 includes a connecting element 114 (see FIGS. 5 and 6) and a pair of fasteners 116 configured to be selectively attached to the connecting element 114 (fasteners 116). 7-10 showing one of the tools 116). 5, 6 and 15, each connecting element 114 of each connecting member 106 includes a centrally disposed body 120 and a pair of arms 115, 117 extending from body 120 in opposite directions. , a first coupling part 118 (see FIG. 6) projecting upwards from the arm 115 and a second coupling part 118 (see FIG. 6) projecting upwards from the arm 117 . In other words, the two coupling parts 118 are spaced apart from each other along the length of the connecting element 114 and disposed near opposite ends of the connecting element 114 .

15, in each connecting member 106, one coupling piece 118 is inserted upwardly from the bottom surface (or rear surface) of the first floor covering 102 into one of the openings 122 in the first floor covering 102. and the other coupling part 118 is inserted upwardly from the bottom surface (or rear surface) of the second floor covering 104 into a corresponding opening 122 in the second floor covering 104. It is configured.

Then, for each connecting member 106 , a first fastener 116 is selectively routed from the top surface (or front surface) of the first floor covering 102 to one of the coupling pieces 118 through the opening 122 in the first floor covering 102 . and a second fastener 116 is selectively connected from the top (or front) of the second floor covering 104 to the other coupling piece 118 through an opening 122 in the second floor covering 104 . Please refer to FIG. 15 which shows a pair of fasteners 116 selectively connected to connecting members 118 of connecting members 106 from the top of the modular floor covering system.

The first and second fasteners 116 may be made of metal, polymeric materials, and/or wood, as described elsewhere herein.

As shown in FIG. 12, each coupling component 118 may include internal threads 124 . 7-10 and 12, each fastener 116 may include a protrusion having external threads 126. As shown in FIG. In other words, fastener 116 of FIGS. 7-10 and 12 is a male fastener. Threads 124 , 126 mate together so that two fasteners 116 can be selectively coupled to connecting element 114 by threading each fastener 116 into a corresponding coupling component 118 of each connecting element 114 .

However, the invention is not limited to this manner of connection between connecting element 114 and fastener 116 of connecting member 106 . For example, FIGS. 16 and 17-20 illustrate a fastener having threads 224 (see FIG. 16) on the outside of coupling part 218 of connecting element 214 and internal threads 226 formed inside cavity 230 of fastener 216. Connecting member 206 is shown featuring fittings 216 (see FIG. 20). In other words, this fastener 216 is a female fastener. When coupling component 218 and fastener 216 are selectively connected together, coupling component 218 may be housed inside cavity 230 of fastener 216 .

Other fastening mechanisms may be used in addition to or in place of the fastening mechanisms described above. For example, the coupling pieces and respective fasteners can be configured to snap fit together to be selectively coupled together, or can have an interference fit/force fit configuration. For example, in an interference fit construction, the coupling components and respective fasteners are non-threaded, except that the coupling components and respective fasteners are threadless and thus selectively fit via an interference fit. , may be similar to their respective counterparts shown in FIGS. 16 and 17-20.

As shown in FIG. 15, the projecting body 120 of each connecting element 114 extends into the gap 108 between the first floor covering 102 and the second floor covering 104 .

The first floor covering 102 and the second floor covering 104 are separated from each other by a gap 108 as shown more clearly in FIGS. 1, 2, 13 and 15 . Gap 108 is predetermined by the structure and configuration of connecting member 106 and the location of through openings 122 in first floor covering 102 and second floor covering 104 (see FIG. 15). Gap 108 is preferably constant throughout the length of opposing edges 110 and 112 of first floor covering 102 and second floor covering 104 .

As shown in FIG. 15, the projecting body 120 of each connecting element 114 preferably extends the full width of the gap 108 . Alternatively, projecting body 120 of each connecting element 114 extends across less than the entire width of gap 108 . Furthermore, the modular floor covering system of the present invention can comprise a mixture of connecting elements with different protruding bodies, some of which extend over the entire width of the gap and others of two rug or carpet elements. It extends over less than the full width of the gap between the strips.

The upper portion of the protruding body 120 of the at least one connecting member 106 is located between the first floor covering 102 and the second floor covering 104 to act as a bridge between the first floor covering 102 and the second floor covering 104 . configured to match the top surface of the Alternatively, the vertical height of the protruding body 120 of the at least one connecting member 106 may be set lower than the height of the upper surfaces of the first floor covering 102 and the second floor covering 104 .

1, 2 and 13, and more particularly to FIGS. 11, 12 and 15, the top surface of each of the first floor covering 102 and the second floor covering 104 is formed around each opening 122. an annular recess or recess 128 located in the . Each recess 128, for example, weaves the first floor covering 102 and the second floor covering 104 with a shorter pile and/or a different texture than the rest of the first floor covering 102 and the second floor covering 104 or may be formed by weaving. Pile may be a raised surface or nap of fabric consisting of standing loops or strands.

In other words, each of the first floor covering 102 and the second floor covering 104 is shorter at the recess 128 than the other portion (or remaining portion) of the first floor covering 102 and the second floor covering 104. It can be made of fabric materials with pile structure and/or different textures. Each recess 128 of the first floor covering 102 is an integral part (or continuous part) of the first floor covering 102 and each recess 128 of the second floor covering 104 is an integral part of the second floor covering 104. is.

The opening 122 of each recess 128 may be pre-formed during the weaving and/or knitting processes used to manufacture the first floor covering 102 and the second floor covering 104 . Alternatively, the openings 122 of each recess 128 in the first floor covering 102 and the second floor covering 104 are known to those skilled in the art after the first floor covering 102 and the second floor covering 104 are manufactured. It may be formed by a perforation process such as punching and/or drilling.

1-2, 13 and 15, the recess 128 of the first floor covering 102 is positioned adjacent the edge 110 of the first floor covering 102 and the recess 128 of the second floor covering 104. The recess 128 is positioned adjacent the edge 112 of the second floor covering 104 .

Fasteners 116, 216 (see FIG. 20), etc. do not extend beyond the height of the modular floor covering system (e.g., above the top surface of the first floor covering 102 and second floor covering 104) is preferred. This reduces or avoids the possibility of a user tripping over fasteners 116 . To this end, as shown in FIG. 15, each recess 128 has at least a portion of the respective fastener 116, 216, etc. therein (or preferably the entirety of the fastener 116, 216, etc.). inside). Further, when the top surfaces of the first floor covering 102 and the second floor covering 104 are substantially flush with the top surfaces of the fasteners 116, this configuration provides a step-free floor for walking on the modular lug system. provide a surface.

As shown in FIGS. 12 and 15, the connecting element 114 of each connecting member 106 extends along (or under) the bottom surface of the first floor covering 102 and the second floor covering 104 to provide fastening capability. The fasteners 116 are fastened to each connecting element 114 from the upper recesses 128 of the first floor covering 102 and the second floor covering 104, so that the fasteners 116 are attached to the first floor covering 102 and the second floor covering 104. To selectively connect 104 to each connecting member 106, it engages (or grips) recess 128 .

The recesses 128 in the first floor covering 102 and the second floor covering 104 can also assist in the installation of the modular floor covering system, allowing an installation technician to place the fasteners 116 into the joints 118 within the openings 122. It acts as a visual guide showing the technician where the opening 122 is located so that the connection can be made quickly and easily.

Figures 21-24 show examples of floor coverings having various shapes. For example, FIG. 21 shows a half-disk shaped lug 102A. Figures 22, 23 and 24 show rectangular lugs 102B, 102C and 102D, respectively, each having a different size and/or proportion than one another. Floor coverings 102A-102D shown in FIGS. 21-24 may be combined with each other or floor coverings described elsewhere herein to form a modular floor covering system having a desired shape and/or size. can be used in combination with

Although the recesses 128 are shown as circular in the drawings, the invention is not limited to this configuration. Recesses 128 can also have other shapes, such as elliptical, oval, polygonal, or irregular shapes including flat and/or curved edges.

As noted above, the present invention relates to a modular floor covering system comprising a plurality of floor coverings selectively connected together to form a composite floor covering arrangement. In other words, two or more floor coverings can be selectively connected together to form a modular floor covering system. Although the above embodiments show a modular floor covering system with two floor coverings, there is no limit to the number of floor coverings that can be connected together to form the modular floor covering system of the present invention. It is important to tell them that they are not. The number of floor coverings that are connected together depends on many other issues discussed below such as space considerations (e.g. whether individual pieces of carpet/rug material will fit in transit vehicles, narrow corridors, small elevators, etc.). It depends, among other considerations, on the shape and size of the floor area that needs to be covered.

By way of example only, the embodiment of Figure 25 shows a modular floor covering system with six floor coverings.

Referring to FIG. 25, a modular floor covering system includes a plurality of floor coverings 302, 304, 306, 308, 310, 312, a plurality of connecting members 314 selectively connecting the floor coverings 302-312 to each other; A plurality of connecting members 316 , a plurality of connecting members 318 , a plurality of connecting members 320 , and a plurality of connecting members 322 are provided.

Connecting members 314, 316, 318, 320, 322 may be the same as or similar to connecting member 106, or may be the same as other connecting members described above.

Referring to FIG. 25, floor covering 304 may include a plurality of indentations 330 positioned along an edge adjacent floor covering 302 . Floor covering 302 may include a plurality of indentations 332 along an edge adjacent floor covering 304 . Indentations 330, 332 may be the same as or similar to indentation 128 described above.

Referring to FIG. 25, floor covering 306 may include a plurality of indentations 334 positioned along an edge adjacent floor covering 302 . Floor covering 302 may include a plurality of indentations 336 along an edge adjacent floor covering 306 . Indentations 334, 336 may be the same as or similar to indentation 128 described above.

Referring to FIG. 25, floor covering 308 may include a plurality of indentations 348 positioned along an edge adjacent floor covering 306 . Floor covering 306 may include a plurality of indentations 346 along an edge adjacent floor covering 308 . Indentations 346, 348 may be the same as or similar to indentation 128 described above.

Referring to FIG. 25, floor covering 310 may include a plurality of indentations 342 positioned along an edge adjacent floor covering 302 . Floor covering 302 may include a plurality of indentations 344 along an edge adjacent floor covering 310 . Indentations 342, 344 may be the same as or similar to indentation 128 described above.

Referring to FIG. 25, floor covering 312 may include a plurality of indentations 338 positioned along an edge adjacent floor covering 302 . Floor covering 302 may include a plurality of indentations 340 along an edge adjacent floor covering 312 . Indentations 338, 340 may be the same as or similar to indentation 128 described above.

As shown in FIG. 25, all edges of the floor covering 302 are provided with connecting members 314-320 for selectively connecting the floor coverings 304, 306, 310, 312 around the perimeter of the floor covering 302. As shown in FIG. Depending on the desired configuration of the modular floor covering system, one edge, two or more edges, or all edges of the floor covering may be attached to adjacent floor coverings to form the modular floor covering system of the present invention. Can be selectively connected.

Referring to FIG. 25, a plurality of gaps 324-332 are formed between the floor coverings 302-312. Each of the gaps 324-332 is preferably constant in width over the length of its respective floor covering edge. The gaps 324-332 may be the same size as each other or may be different sizes. In one embodiment, a modular floor covering system can also have a combination of equal gaps (eg, equal widths) and different gaps (eg, different widths).

Modular floor covering systems according to the invention advantageously have different shapes and/or sizes, for example complex shapes consisting of two or more elemental (or geometric) shapes, and/or irregular shapes It can be configured to cover various surface areas. In other words, the individual pieces of carpet, rug, and/or sheet of flexible nonwoven material that form a particular overall shape or configuration may be, for example, polygonal, circular, oval, elliptical, or irregular. shape.

The top surface of each lug of the modular floor covering system of the present invention can be recessed (or recessed) at specific locations to fit fasteners (eg, fasteners 116, 216, etc.) therein. As such, the fastener can be prevented from protruding above the upper surface of each lug. In this configuration, the fasteners do not protrude above the top surface of the lug, thereby reducing the likelihood of a user tripping.

The indentations (or recesses) also locate through openings in the lugs of the modular lug system of the present invention so that a technician can quickly and efficiently install connecting members 106, 206, etc. to the lugs. It can visually assist the engineer when

To expedite the installation process of the modular lug system of the present invention, and for aesthetic purposes, the recesses/dimples on the lugs, as described above, should be removed by the technician during installation of the modular lug system. It can be manufactured by using a different yarn, a different knitting or weaving pattern, or a combination thereof, from the rest of the rug to further aid in visual differentiation. However, the invention is not limited to this configuration and the recess/indentation can also be manufactured using the same yarns and/or the same knitting or weaving pattern as the rest of the rug.

The construction of the modular floor covering system of the present invention not only allows for a variety of shapes of protective floor coverings, but also makes it impractical or costly to transport and install a large integrated floor covering system. It is also advantageous to allow piecewise installation of the coating system, where this would be prohibitive.

For example, the process of manufacturing one large piece of carpet and then cutting the piece into complex or irregular shapes to cover only the desired floor area is impractical and/or prohibitively expensive. Sometimes.

Also, if the route to your destination has space constraints such as corners, narrow aisles with low ceilings, small elevators with low ceilings, narrow doors, etc., one large piece of carpet or rug can be removed from the delivery vehicle at your destination. Transporting to a room may be impractical or even impossible.

The present invention solves these problems by modularizing the floor covering system into discrete components that are easy to manufacture, transport and install in pieces.

Furthermore, the use of the connecting member of the present invention not only ensures that the individual floor covering parts are attached to each other after installation, but such use also improves the aesthetics of the finished product. Create a visual gap between covered parts.

Although the invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to exemplary embodiments thereof, various changes in form and detail may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the following claims. It will be clear to those skilled in the art what can be done.

Claims (14)

a first floor covering;
a second floor covering spaced from the first floor covering;
a first connecting member connecting the first floor covering and the second floor covering to each other ;
A modular floor covering system comprising:
said first floor covering having a top surface and a bottom surface, said top surface and bottom surface defining a first edge of said first floor covering;
The first floor covering includes:
a first through opening formed in the first floor covering and disposed adjacent the first edge of the first floor covering;
a recess surrounding at least a portion of the first through opening along the top surface of the first floor covering;
further comprising
a portion of the surrounding recess and the first through opening together define a headspace in the first floor covering;
said second floor covering having a top surface and a bottom surface, said top surface and bottom surface defining a first edge of said second floor covering;
The second floor covering comprises:
a second through opening formed in the second floor covering and disposed adjacent the first edge of the second floor covering;
a recess surrounding at least a portion of the second through opening of the second floor covering along the top surface of the second floor covering;
further comprising
said surrounding recess in said second floor covering and a portion of said second through opening in said second floor covering together define a headspace in said second floor covering;
The first connection member is
connecting elements extending along the bottom surfaces of the first and second floor coverings;
a first fastener disposed within the headspace of the first floor covering;
a second fastener disposed within the headspace of the second floor covering;
with
The connection element is
a first end positioned within the first through opening of the first floor covering;
a second end positioned within the second through opening of the second floor covering;
has
The first fastener is selected at the first end of the connecting element to engage at least a portion of the recess surrounding the first through opening of the first floor covering. properly mounted,
said first fastener extends completely into said headspace of said first floor covering so as not to protrude above said top surface of said first floor covering;
The second fastener is selected at the second end of the connecting element to engage at least a portion of the recess surrounding the second through opening of the second floor covering. properly mounted,
said second fastener extends completely into said headspace of said second floor covering so as not to protrude above said top surface of said second floor covering;
The first floor covering is formed from a fabric material having a pile structure along the recess of the first floor covering, the pile structure being a pile structure along the remainder of the first floor covering. unlike
said recess of said first floor covering having a first fabric pile, said remaining portion of said first floor covering having a second fabric pile, said first fabric pile having a height of lower than the height of the second fabric pile;
said first edge of said first floor covering and said first edge of said second floor covering comprising:
defining a gap separating the first edge of the first floor covering and the first edge of the second floor covering;
The connecting element of the first connecting member comprises:
a centrally disposed body;
a first arm extending from the body in a first direction;
a second arm extending from the body in a second direction opposite the first direction;
a first coupling piece projecting upwardly from said first arm into said first through opening of said first floor covering;
a second coupling piece projecting upwardly from said second arm into said second through opening of said second floor covering;
with
said body is centrally disposed to extend along said gap separating said first edge of said first floor covering from said first edge of said second floor covering;
the first coupling part is arranged at the first end of the connecting element;
Modular floor covering system, characterized in that said second coupling part is arranged at said second end of said connecting element . 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the fabric material along the recess of the first floor covering has a different quality than the fabric material along the remainder of the first floor covering. modular floor covering system. The second floor covering is formed from a fabric material having a pile structure along the recess of the second floor covering, the pile structure along the remainder of the second floor covering. 2. A modular floor covering system according to claim 1, characterized in that it is different from . said recess of said second floor covering having a first fabric pile and said remaining portion of said second floor covering having a second fabric pile;
4. The modular floor of claim 3, wherein the height of the first fabric pile of the second floor covering is less than the height of the second fabric pile of the second floor covering. covering system. further comprising a second connecting member connecting the first floor covering and the second floor covering to each other ;
The first floor covering includes:
a third through opening formed in the first floor covering and disposed adjacent the first edge of the first floor covering;
a second recess surrounding at least a portion of the third through opening along the top surface of the first floor covering;
further comprising
A portion of said surrounding second recess and said third through opening together define a second headspace in said first floor covering, said second headspace in said first floor covering. is spaced from the headspace of the first floor covering;
The second floor covering comprises:
a fourth through opening formed in the second floor covering and disposed adjacent the first edge of the second floor covering;
a second recess surrounding at least a portion of the fourth through opening of the second floor covering along the top surface of the second floor covering;
further comprising
The surrounding second recess in the second floor covering and a portion of the fourth through opening in the second floor covering together define a second headspace in the second floor covering. , said second headspace of said second floor covering is spaced from said headspace of said second floor covering;
The second connection member is
connecting elements extending along the bottom surfaces of the first and second floor coverings;
a first fastener disposed within the second headspace of the first floor covering;
a second fastener disposed within the second headspace of the second floor covering;
with
The connection element is
a first end positioned within the third through opening of the first floor covering;
a second end positioned within the fourth through opening of the second floor covering;
has
The first fastener of the second connecting member is positioned in the second direction, wherein the first fastener of the second connecting member surrounds the third through opening of the first floor covering. selectively attached to the first end of the connecting element of the second connecting member for engagement with at least a portion of the recess;
The first fasteners of the second connection member are arranged in such a way that the first fasteners of the second connection member do not protrude above the top surface of the first floor covering. extending completely into said second headspace of the floor covering;
The second fastener of the second connecting member engages at least a portion of the second recess surrounding the fourth through opening of the second floor covering. selectively attached to the second end of the connecting element of the second connecting member so as to mate;
The second fasteners of the second connection member are arranged in such a way that the second fasteners of the second connection member do not protrude above the top surface of the second floor covering. 2. The modular floor covering system of claim 1, extending completely into said second headspace of the floor covering. The first edge of the first floor covering and the first edge of the second floor covering are the first edge of the first floor covering and the first edge of the second floor covering. 6. The modular floor covering system of claim 5, defining a gap separating said first edge, wherein the width of said gap is constant in dimension . 4. The first claim, wherein said first coupling component is a threaded female element and said first fastener is a threaded male element selectively engageable with said threaded female element. Modular floor covering system according to claim 1 . 4. The first claim, wherein said first coupling component is a threaded male element and said first fastener is a threaded female element selectively engageable with said threaded male element. Modular floor covering system according to claim 1 . a first floor covering;
a second floor covering spaced from the first floor covering;
a first connecting member connecting the first floor covering and the second floor covering to each other ;
A modular floor covering system comprising:
said first floor covering having a top surface and a bottom surface, said top surface and bottom surface defining a first edge of said first floor covering;
The first floor covering includes:
a first through opening formed in the first floor covering and disposed adjacent the first edge of the first floor covering;
a recess surrounding at least a portion of the first through opening along the top surface of the first floor covering;
further comprising
a portion of the surrounding recess and the first through opening together define a headspace in the first floor covering;
said second floor covering having a top surface and a bottom surface, said top surface and bottom surface defining a first edge of said second floor covering;
The second floor covering comprises:
a second through opening formed in the second floor covering and disposed adjacent the first edge of the second floor covering;
a recess surrounding at least a portion of the second through opening of the second floor covering along the top surface of the second floor covering;
further comprising
said surrounding recess in said second floor covering and a portion of said second through opening in said second floor covering together define a headspace in said second floor covering;
The first connection member is
connecting elements extending along the bottom surfaces of the first and second floor coverings;
a first fastener disposed within the headspace of the first floor covering;
a second fastener disposed within the headspace of the second floor covering;
with
The connection element is
a first end positioned within the first through opening of the first floor covering;
a second end positioned within the second through opening of the second floor covering;
has
The first fastener is selected at the first end of the connecting element to engage at least a portion of the recess surrounding the first through opening of the first floor covering. said first fastener extending completely into said headspace of said first floor covering so as not to protrude above said top surface of said first floor covering;
The second fastener is selected at the second end of the connecting element to engage at least a portion of the recess surrounding the second through opening of the second floor covering. said second fastener extending completely into said headspace of said second floor covering so as not to protrude above said top surface of said second floor covering;
The first floor covering is formed from a fabric material having a pile structure along the recess of the first floor covering, the pile structure being a pile structure along the remainder of the first floor covering. unlike
said textile material along said recess of said first floor covering having a different quality than said textile material along said remaining portion of said first floor covering;
said first edge of said first floor covering and said first edge of said second floor covering comprising:
defining a gap separating the first edge of the first floor covering and the first edge of the second floor covering;
The connecting element of the first connecting member comprises:
a centrally disposed body;
a first arm extending from the body in a first direction;
a second arm extending from the body in a second direction opposite the first direction;
a first coupling piece projecting upwardly from said first arm into said first through opening of said first floor covering;
a second coupling piece projecting upwardly from said second arm into said second through opening of said second floor covering;
with
said body is centrally disposed to extend along said gap separating said first edge of said first floor covering from said first edge of said second floor covering;
the first coupling part is arranged at the first end of the connecting element;
Modular floor covering system, characterized in that said second coupling part is arranged at said second end of said connecting element . a first floor covering;
a second floor covering spaced from the first floor covering;
a first connecting member connecting the first floor covering and the second floor covering to each other ;
a second connecting member connecting the first floor covering and the second floor covering to each other ;
A modular floor covering system comprising:
said first floor covering having a top surface and a bottom surface, said top surface and bottom surface defining a first edge of said first floor covering;
The first floor covering includes:
a first through opening formed in the first floor covering and disposed adjacent the first edge of the first floor covering;
a recess surrounding at least a portion of the first through opening along the top surface of the first floor covering;
further comprising
a portion of the surrounding recess and the first through opening together define a headspace in the first floor covering;
said second floor covering having a top surface and a bottom surface, said top surface and bottom surface defining a first edge of said second floor covering;
The second floor covering comprises:
a second through opening formed in the second floor covering and disposed adjacent the first edge of the second floor covering;
a recess surrounding at least a portion of the second through opening of the second floor covering along the top surface of the second floor covering;
further comprising
said surrounding recess in said second floor covering and a portion of said second through opening in said second floor covering together define a headspace in said second floor covering;
The first connection member is
connecting elements extending along the bottom surfaces of the first and second floor coverings;
a first fastener disposed within the headspace of the first floor covering;
a second fastener disposed within the headspace of the second floor covering;
with
The connection element is
a first end positioned within the first through opening of the first floor covering;
a second end positioned within the second through opening of the second floor covering;
has
The first fastener is selected at the first end of the connecting element to engage at least a portion of the recess surrounding the first through opening of the first floor covering. so that the first fastener does not protrude above the top surface of the first floor covering;
extending completely into the headspace of the first floor covering;
The second fastener is selected at the second end of the connecting element to engage at least a portion of the recess surrounding the second through opening of the second floor covering. so that the second fastener does not protrude above the upper surface of the second floor covering;
extending completely into the headspace of the second floor covering;
The first floor covering includes:
a third through opening formed in the first floor covering and disposed adjacent the first edge of the first floor covering;
a second recess surrounding at least a portion of the third through opening along the top surface of the first floor covering;
further comprising
A portion of said surrounding second recess and said third through opening together define a second headspace in said first floor covering, said second headspace in said first floor covering. is spaced from the headspace of the first floor covering;
The second floor covering comprises:
a fourth through opening formed in the second floor covering and disposed adjacent the first edge of the second floor covering;
a second recess surrounding at least a portion of the fourth through opening of the second floor covering along the top surface of the second floor covering;
further comprising
The surrounding second recess in the second floor covering and a portion of the fourth through opening in the second floor covering together define a second headspace in the second floor covering. , said second headspace of said second floor covering is spaced from said headspace of said second floor covering;
The second connection member is
connecting elements extending along the bottom surfaces of the first and second floor coverings;
a first fastener disposed within the second headspace of the first floor covering;
a second fastener disposed within the second headspace of the second floor covering;
with
The connection element is
a first end positioned within the third through opening of the first floor covering;
a second end positioned within the fourth through opening of the second floor covering;
with
The first fastener of the second connecting member is adapted to engage at least a portion of the second recess surrounding the third through opening of the first floor covering. selectively attached to the first end of the connecting element of two connecting members, the first fastener of the second connecting member projecting above the top surface of the first floor covering; extending completely into said second headspace of said first floor covering so as not to;
The second fastener of the second connecting member is adapted to engage at least a portion of the second recess surrounding the fourth through opening of the second floor covering. selectively attached to the second end of the connecting element of two connecting members, the second fastener of the second connecting member projecting above the top surface of the second floor covering; extending completely into said second headspace of said second floor covering so as not to;
The first edge of the first floor covering and the first edge of the second floor covering are the first edge of the first floor covering and the first edge of the second floor covering. defining a gap separating said first edge, said gap having a width of constant dimension ;
The first floor covering is formed from a fabric material having a pile structure along the recess of the first floor covering, the pile structure being a pile structure along the remainder of the first floor covering. unlike
said recess of said first floor covering having a first fabric pile, said remaining portion of said first floor covering having a second fabric pile, said first fabric pile having a height of lower than the height of the second fabric pile;
said first edge of said first floor covering and said first edge of said second floor covering comprising:
defining a gap separating the first edge of the first floor covering and the first edge of the second floor covering;
The connecting element of the first connecting member comprises:
a centrally disposed body;
a first arm extending from the body in a first direction;
a second arm extending from the body in a second direction opposite the first direction;
a first coupling piece projecting upwardly from said first arm into said first through opening of said first floor covering;
a second coupling piece projecting upwardly from said second arm into said second through opening of said second floor covering;
with
said body is centrally disposed to extend along said gap separating said first edge of said first floor covering from said first edge of said second floor covering;
the first coupling part is arranged at the first end of the connecting element;
Modular floor covering system, characterized in that said second coupling part is arranged at said second end of said connecting element . a first floor covering;
a second floor covering spaced from the first floor covering;
a first connecting member connecting the first floor covering and the second floor covering to each other ;
A modular floor covering system comprising:
said first floor covering having a top surface and a bottom surface, said top surface and bottom surface defining a first edge of said first floor covering;
The first floor covering includes:
a first through opening formed in the first floor covering;
a recess surrounding at least a portion of the first through opening along the top surface of the first floor covering;
further comprising
at least a portion of the surrounding recess and the first through opening together define a space in the first floor covering;
said second floor covering having a top surface and a bottom surface, said top surface and bottom surface defining a first edge of said second floor covering;
The second floor covering comprises:
a second through opening formed in the second floor covering;
a recess surrounding at least a portion of the second through opening of the second floor covering along the top surface of the second floor covering;
further comprising
at least a portion of the surrounding recess in the second floor covering and the second through opening of the second floor covering together define a space in the second floor covering;
The first connection member is
a connecting element extending between the first floor covering and the second floor covering along the bottom surfaces of the first and second floor coverings;
a first fastener disposed within the space of the first floor covering;
a second fastener disposed within the space of the second floor covering;
with
The connection element is
a first end positioned within the first through opening of the first floor covering;
a second end positioned within the second through opening of the second floor covering;
has
The first fastener is located at the first end of the connecting element for selectively engaging at least a portion of the recess surrounding the first through opening of the first floor covering. selectively attached to a portion of the first floor covering, the first fastener being positioned entirely within the space of the first floor covering so as not to project above the top surface of the first floor covering;
The second fastener is located at the second end of the connecting element for selectively engaging at least a portion of the recess surrounding the second through opening of the second floor covering. selectively attached to a portion of the second floor covering, the second fastener being positioned entirely within the space of the second floor covering so as not to project above the top surface of the second floor covering;
The recess of the first floor covering has a first fabric pile, the remaining portion of the first floor covering has a second fabric pile, and the first fabric pile has a height of lower than the height of the second fabric pile,
The recess of the second floor covering has a third fabric pile, the remaining portion of the second floor covering has a fourth fabric pile, and the height of the third fabric pile is the lower than the height of the fourth fabric pile,
said first edge of said first floor covering and said first edge of said second floor covering comprising:
defining a gap separating the first edge of the first floor covering and the first edge of the second floor covering;
The connecting element of the first connecting member comprises:
a centrally disposed body;
a first arm extending from the body in a first direction;
a second arm extending from the body in a second direction opposite the first direction;
a first coupling piece projecting upwardly from said first arm into said first through opening of said first floor covering;
a second coupling piece projecting upwardly from said second arm into said second through opening of said second floor covering;
with
said body is centrally disposed to extend along said gap separating said first edge of said first floor covering from said first edge of said second floor covering;
the first coupling part is arranged at the first end of the connecting element;
Modular floor covering system, characterized in that said second coupling part is arranged at said second end of said connecting element . further comprising a second connecting member connecting the first floor covering and the second floor covering to each other ;
The first floor covering includes:
a third through opening formed in the first floor covering;
a second recess surrounding at least a portion of the third through opening along the top surface of the first floor covering;
further comprising
at least a portion of the surrounding second recess and the third through opening together define a second space in the first floor covering;
said third through-opening of said first floor covering is spaced from said first through-opening of said first floor covering;
The second floor covering comprises:
a fourth through opening formed in the second floor covering;
a second recess surrounding at least a portion of the fourth through opening of the second floor covering along the top surface of the second floor covering;
further comprising
At least a portion of the surrounding second recess in the second floor covering and the fourth through opening in the second floor covering together define a second space in the second floor covering. ,
12. The modular floor of claim 11 , wherein said fourth through opening of said second floor covering is spaced from said second through opening of said second floor covering. covering system. The connecting element of the first connecting member comprises:
a first coupling piece arranged at said first end of said connecting element and projecting upwardly into said first through-opening of said first floor covering;
a second coupling part arranged at said second end of said connecting element and projecting upwardly into said second through opening of said second floor covering;
12. The modular floor covering system of claim 11 , comprising: 14. The method of claim 13 , wherein said first coupling component is a threaded female element and said first fastener is a threaded male element selectively engageable with said threaded female element. A modular floor covering system as described.

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