Installation Method for Non-Slip Sanitary Flooring

Abstract

A method of installing flooring and resulting structure are disclosed. The method is particularly useful for sanitary nonslip (or slip resistant) applications such as kitchens. The method includes the steps of positioning a first sheet of polymer flooring material with an upwardly-facing step cut along one edge of the first sheet on a floor to be covered, and applying a second sheet of polymer flooring material with a complementary downwardly-facing step cut along one edge of the second sheet to the upwardly facing step cut of the first sheet and to the floor adjacent the first sheet while concurrently sealing or bonding the respective faces to one another in a step lap joint.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application is a continuation-in-part application of pending U.S. application Ser. No. 11 / 456,747, filed Jul. 11, 2006, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.BACKGROUND [0002] The present invention relates to flooring materials and in particular relates to joints in certain types of polymer-based flooring materials that are used in non-slip (or “non-skid” or “slip resistant”) applications, sanitary applications, and applications in which both non-slip and sanitary characteristics are desired or necessary. [0003] Certain structural elements in commercial or other public establishments must meet the requirements of various local, state or federal codes. For example, a restaurant is typically governed by local health and sanitation codes, and if it meets certain other criteria, may also be subject to state and federal health and safety requirements such the Occupational Health and Safety Act (29 U.S.C. § 651 et seq...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The invention is a method for installing polymer flooring that is suitable for sanitary, non-slip applications such as kitchens. The method involves positioning a first sheet of polymer flooring material with a step cut edge on the floor and applying a second sheet of polymer flooring material with a complementary step cut edge to the first sheet while sealing them together in a step lap joint. The invention also includes a method for repairing a butt joint in polymer flooring materials by forming a step cut in each sheet and sealing a strap of polymer material into the step cut above the butt joint to produce a combination strap and step lap joint. The invention also includes a structure that includes a first sheet of polymer flooring material, a second sheet of polymer flooring material abutting the first sheet, a partial butt joint between the two sheets, a channel, and a polymer strap positioned in the channel that forms a combined strap and lap joint between the two sheets. The technical effects of the invention include improved methods for installing and repairing polymer flooring materials that provide better stability, durability, and flexibility."

Problems solved by technology

As potential disadvantages, however, materials applied as liquids typically require a finite drying time, may produce undesired (or even regulated) solvent vapors, may not stick well to certain underlying surfaces and may require sophisticated priming or be limited to certain surface materials.

Stated differently, merely placing individual PVC sheets on a floor does not complete the necessary sanitary arrangements because food can gather at the unsealed joints and in turn encourage the growth of unsanitary bacteria.

In flooring applications, however, joints that change the otherwise (usually) level flooring may be unacceptable.

Similarly, using profiles (i.e., additional structural pieces) to create the joint may be acceptable for some purposes, but can create a slight bump that is unacceptable in other circumstances.

For the same reasons, the types of reinforced and U-shaped joints that can be used to connect metal sheeting in non-flooring applications are generally unacceptable for kitchen or other sanitary flooring.

Although this technique has satisfactory applications, it requires both the routing and welding steps.

Because the seams are abutting, they also have a tendency to separate or potentially fail, leading to some of the safety and sanitary problems described above.

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