EP1262609B1 - Floor covering element with sealing strip - Google Patents

Abstract

Laminated floor covering material, comprises compressible and optionally adhesive seal between interlocking sections. The floor covering material is in sections (1, 3) with interlocking joints (15, 17), each section comprising a first rigid layer (5) with a visible surface and protective layer (7) e.g. of varnish, oil or wax, a second rigid and mechanically-resistant layer (9) with the interlocking joint members and a compressible seal (21) and a solid counterbalancing layer (11). The seal can be of a malleable polyolefin adhesive that sticks repeatedly to adjacent surfaces at ambient temperature.

Description

The invention relates to a flooring element, multilayer, laid floating, that is to say, not secured to the slab or the structure to be coated building that we want to equip.

• d'un "vrai parquet" dont la couche de surface est (essentiellement) en bois et se présente sous la forme d'une ou plusieurs lame(s) (également appelées planches, frises, lattes, ...),
• ou d'un "similiparquet" (appelé également "faux parquet" ou "laminé", c'est-à-dire un revêtement ayant l'aspect d'un parquet mais contenant beaucoup moins de bois qu'un "vrai parquet"), tant le parquet que le similiparquet étant à poser flottant.

In particular, the invention relates to a coating consisting of an element, or a set of elements:

• a "real parquet" whose surface layer is (mainly) of wood and is in the form of one or more blade (s) (also called boards, friezes, slats, ...),
• or a "similiparquet" (also called "faux parquet" or "laminate", that is to say a coating having the appearance of a parquet but containing much less wood than a "real parquet") , both the parquet and similiparquet being floating.

• les poses flottantes,
• les poses collées.

In the field of these coatings, two laying techniques are preferred:

• floating poses,
• the poses glued.

As understood, the invention relates to the field of floating poses in which typically a underlay (felt, carpet, ...) or a sheet of foam is interposed between the coating and the ground.

In the other technique, the coating is fixed (typically bonded) to the ground on a slab (often a slab smeared covered with a fluid coating forming a bonding bed).

In the present case, an object of the invention is to improve the resistance to moisture of the coating and more generally, the behavior of the element in time once posed, the risk being that substances flow or between two joined elements, which may lead to damage.

• -- une première couche rigide dure, présentant une face supérieure visible,
• -- et au moins une deuxième couche sous-jacente mécaniquement résistante, rigide, de support de la première couche, cette deuxième couche sous-jacente comprenant des moyens d'interverrouillage adaptés pour coopérer mécaniquement avec des moyens complémentaires d'interverrouillage dont est pourvu un deuxième élément adapté pour coopérer avec le premier et qui comprend les mêmes dites première et seconde couches, la deuxième couche du premier ou du deuxième élément comprenant en outre un joint déformable fixé à elle , sur au moins l'un de ses côtés à l'écart des moyens d'interverrouillage qui y sont prévus et en regard de l'autre élément, le joint étant adapté pour assurer, dans une position en saillie sur la tranche, une étanchéité aux liquides lorsqu'il est écrasé contre ledit côté en regard de l'autre élément par rapprochement des premier et deuxième éléments et verrouillage mutuel entre eux.

In the general field of floating floor coverings (see for example DE-U-20001225) multilayer elements having several sides, a slice extending in a general plane and comprising:

• a first hard rigid layer, having a visible upper face,
• and at least one second mechanically resistant, rigid underlying layer for supporting the first layer, this second underlying layer comprising interlocking means adapted to mechanically cooperate with complementary interlocking means provided with a second element adapted to cooperate with the first and which comprises the same said first and second layers, the second layer of the first or second element further comprising a deformable seal attached thereto, on at least one of its sides to the distance from the interlocking means provided therein and facing the other element, the seal being adapted to ensure, in a projecting position on the wafer, a liquid-tightness when it is pressed against said side opposite the other element by bringing the first and second elements together and interlocking them.

A problem arises in connection with the manner of making and / or setting up the seal to increase the effectiveness of the seal, the ease of implementation of the seal, reducing costs.

For this purpose, an important feature of the invention provides that the seal is a malleable bead that can repeatedly stick at room temperature and that it has an adhesive end face to bond against the opposite side of the other member, mutual locking position of the first and second elements.

Defining the nature of the joint proved to be important to reinforce the aforementioned criteria.

• le joint est une colle polyoléfine malléable, ayant un pouvoir collant supérieur à une température proche de sa température de ramollissement qu'à température ambiante,
• le joint est collé plus solidement au premier élément qu'au second élément, et est collable et décollable de façon répétitive à ce second élément, à température ambiante,
• le joint est un cordon malléable collant thermoplastique, en particulier en polypropylène, pouvant coller de façon répétitive à température ambiante.

We therefore advise the alternative or combined reproduction of the following characteristics:

• the seal is a malleable polyolefin adhesive having a tackiness greater than a temperature close to its softening temperature at room temperature,
• the seal is bonded more firmly to the first element than to the second element, and is repeatably tackable and peelable to this second element at room temperature,
• the seal is a thermoplastic adhesive malleable bead, in particular of polypropylene, which can stick repeatedly at room temperature.

Another object of the invention is to ensure a positioning as perfect as possible of the two adjacent elements, while promoting the holding and control of the joint.

• l'un au moins des éléments présente sur au moins un de ses côtés, une forme en creux où est disposé le joint,
• et l'autre élément présente en regard de la forme en creux une excroissance adaptée pour qu'une partie au moins du joint soit déformée par cette excroissance lors de l'interverrouillage des éléments.

It is therefore advisable that:

• at least one of the elements has on at least one of its sides, a recessed shape where the seal is arranged,
• and the other element has, opposite the hollow shape, a protrusion adapted so that at least part of the seal is deformed by this protrusion during the interlocking of the elements.

In the invention, it should also be noted that particular attention has been paid to the position of the seal, the effectiveness of its function vis-à-vis the structural constitution of each element and vis-à-vis in the way that these are joined together by their interlocking means.

• le joint soit disposé, sur l'un desdits éléments, exclusivement au-dessus des moyens d'interverrouillage, au niveau de la deuxième couche,
• et que les moyens d'interverrouillage de ces éléments, eux-mêmes situés au niveau de cette deuxième couche, se verrouillent mutuellement par emboîtement, dans une première position de blocage relatif des éléments suivant une direction parallèle ou sensiblement parallèle au plan général alors commun desdits éléments, lesquels sont déverrouillables à partir de leur dite première position de blocage, par décalage en hauteur d'un élément par rapport à l'autre, tel par exemple qu'une inclinaison d'un élément par rapport à l'autre,
• et le joint, lié fixement au premier élément, adhère à l'autre élément sous une pression créée par l'interverrouillage des deux éléments comprise entre 1,5 kg/cm et 7 kg/cm, environ (à 10 % près).

Also, a feature of the invention advises that:

• the seal is arranged on one of said elements exclusively above the interlocking means, at the level of the second layer,
• and that the interlocking means of these elements, themselves located at this second layer, lock each other by interlocking, in a first relative locking position of the elements in a direction parallel or substantially parallel to the then common general plane of said elements, which are unlockable from their said first blocking position, by offset in height of one element relative to the other, such as for example an inclination of one element relative to the other,
• and the gasket, fixedly attached to the first element, adheres to the other element under a pressure created by the interlocking of the two elements of between 1.5 kg / cm and 7 kg / cm, approximately (to 10%).

• que l'excroissance présente une face supérieure globalement oblique par rapport au plan général de l'(des) élément(s) considéré(s), cette face se terminant par un apex libre situé en regard d'une partie de la cavité qui lui fait face, en position de blocage, pour solliciter le joint à se déformer au moins partiellement vers le haut,
• et, dans ce cas, que l'excroissance, à l'endroit de son apex, puisse présenter une saillie qui définisse un obstacle interdisant une sortie du joint vers le bas.

Again to promote a particularly effective positioning of the seal in the active position, it is further recommended:

• that the outgrowth has an upper surface generally oblique with respect to the general plane of the element (s) considered (s), this face ending in a free apex located opposite a part of the cavity which him faces, in blocking position, to urge the seal to deform at least partially upwards,
• and, in this case, that the protuberance, at the point of its apex, may have a projection which defines an obstacle preventing an exit of the seal downwards.

Thus, it limits the risk of interference (jamming, ...) with the area where are formed the interlocking means and the protective effect is favored vis-à-vis the seal.

In addition, in order to promote the taking into account of dilations and other possible movements within an element or between adjacent joined elements, it is furthermore advised that, according to its general plan, the element provided with the joint has a length with, according to this length, a seal consisting of a succession of joint sections with an interruption between two successive sections.

In a favorable embodiment, combining good deformation control and good sealing efficiency, another characteristic of the invention is that the joint may be a bead having a wing naturally erected along the edge of the seam. element to which it is attached.

• la figure 1 montre, en coupe, deux éléments adjacents de revêtement de sol, dans un état non verrouillé, en regard l'un de l'autre,
• la figure 2 montre une variante de réalisation de la figure 1,
• la figure 3 montre les éléments de la figure 2 dans leur état verrouillé,
• la figure 4 montre le détail IV de la figure 2, en vue agrandie,
• la figure 5 montre le joint de la figure 2 seul, en vue agrandie,
• la figure 6 montre une autre alternative de réalisation, toujours dans l'état face à face, non verrouillé des deux éléments de revêtement,
• la figure 7 montre, en vue agrandie, une perspective locale d'un élément de revêtement pourvu d'un joint d'étanchéité allongé, en forme de ruban discontinu,
• et la figure 8 montre schématiquement, en coupe, un "faux-parquet" ou "laminé".

A more detailed description of the invention will now be provided in connection with the accompanying drawings in which:

• FIG. 1 shows, in section, two adjacent elements of floor covering, in an unlocked state, facing one another,
• FIG. 2 shows an alternative embodiment of FIG.
• FIG. 3 shows the elements of FIG. 2 in their locked state,
• FIG. 4 shows the detail IV of FIG. 2, in enlarged view,
• FIG. 5 shows the joint of FIG. 2 alone, in enlarged view,
• FIG. 6 shows another alternative embodiment, still in the non-locked, face-to-face state of the two coating elements,
• FIG. 7 shows, in enlarged view, a local perspective of a coating element provided with an elongated seal, in the form of a discontinuous ribbon,
• and Figure 8 shows schematically, in section, a "false parquet" or "laminate".

In Figure 1, we see two adjacent elements of flooring 1, 3, type "real parquet".

• une couche supérieure (ou couche d'usure) rigide, dure et pleine 5, contenant du bois (typiquement constituée de bois), présentant une face supérieure d'aspect visible et continu 5a, cette couche supérieure (typiquement d'une épaisseur comprise entre 1,5 mm et 10 mm) pouvant être recouverte d'une couche protectrice, telle que du vernis, de l'huile ou une cire, 7,
• une deuxième couche sous-jacente, 9, de support de la couche supérieure, située immédiatement sous elle, cette deuxième couche qui est en un matériau rigide contenant du bois (y compris les particules agglomérées) pouvant être continue ou discontinue (en présentant alors une série de fentes susceptibles d'être formées par des tasseaux espacés les uns des autres), cette deuxième couche ayant typiquement une épaisseur comprise entre 0,3 mm et 8 mm,
• avantageusement, une couche pleine de contrebalancement 11, dure, contenant du bois (y compris les particules agglomérées) et s'étendant alors (lorsqu'elle existe) immédiatement sous la seconde couche 9, pour la tenue mécanique du parquet dans son ensemble, et tout particulièrement de la couche supérieure 5 (épaisseur comprise entre 0,1 mm et 5 mm),
• et/ou une couche d'insonorisation 13 (voir figure 2), en un matériau acoustiquement absorbant (mousse, masse lourde, ...) située soit directement sous la couche de contrebalancement 11, soit directement sous la seconde couche 9 (étant précisé que, hormis cette couche d'insonorisation 13, qui peut être rapportée après fabrication, les autres sont liées ensemble au moment de la fabrication du parquet, typiquement par collage sous pression).

Thus, each element includes:

• a rigid, hard and solid top layer (or wear layer) 5, containing wood (typically made of wood), having an upper surface of visible and continuous appearance 5a, this upper layer (typically of a thickness between 1.5 mm and 10 mm) which can be covered with a protective layer, such as varnish, oil or wax, 7,
• a second underlying layer 9, supporting the upper layer, located immediately below it, this second layer which is made of a rigid material containing wood (including the agglomerated particles) which can be continuous or discontinuous (by then presenting a series of slots capable of being formed by spaced-apart cleats), this second layer typically having a thickness of between 0.3 mm and 8 mm,
• advantageously, a solid counterbalancing layer 11, hard, containing wood (including agglomerated particles) and then extending (when it exists) immediately under the second layer 9, for the mechanical strength of the parquet as a whole, and particularly the upper layer 5 (thickness between 0.1 mm and 5 mm),
• and / or a soundproofing layer 13 (see FIG. 2) made of an acoustically absorbent material (foam, heavy mass, ...) situated either directly under the counterbalancing layer 11, or directly under the second layer 9 (being specified that, apart from this soundproofing layer 13, which can be reported after manufacture, the others are bonded together at the time of manufacture of the parquet, typically by pressure bonding).

Two such elements, 1, 3, typically called boards or slats, are interconnected during installation, by interlocking means materialized here by a male element 15 for the element 3 and a complementary female element 17, for element 1.

The two means 15, 17 are located on at least one of the sides, such as 19a and 19'a of the elements concerned, at the place of at least one of their portion (vertical).

They are more particularly formed at the level of the second layer 9 for better efficiency.

These are interlocking means known under the name "clip system" acting by interlocking and elastic wedging.

Different types of such means already exist. In each case, there is interlocking interlocking of the protrusion 15 in the cavity 17, after the member carrying the protrusion 15 has been presented shifted in height with respect to the cavity 17 (a presentation inclined relative to the horizontal plane marked 100, in FIG. 5, being particularly favorable), an angular displacement then making it possible to lock the two elements elastically between them, by elastic wedging, during the drawdown of the inclined element in the general plane 100.

One or the other of these interlocking means 15, 17 is (are) surmounted by at least one seal such as 21.

In this case, it is the female means 17. In FIG. 2, it is the male element 15 of the part 3.

The seal 21 is a liquid seal which is housed at the second layer 9.

This is a deformable seal that is disposed on the edge of the element concerned, and on at least one of its sides, such as in this case the side 19a, above the area 41 interlocking elements.

This seal seals when it is crushed against the opposite side of the adjacent element, that is to say when the two elements 1, 3, are interlocked, and thus locked by 15 in 17, the seal then being in a projecting position, between the elements.

The seal used is a malleable polyolefin adhesive (more or less elastically crushable at room temperature) and having a tackiness greater than a temperature close to its softening temperature (melting) at room temperature. At this ambient temperature, it can stick repeatedly. The seal is deposited hot on the slice of the slat to which it must adhere. It is therefore deposited just above the interlocking zone 41 at the location of the support layer 9 underlying the wear layer 5. Its temperature at the outlet of the dispensing nozzle is between 160.degree. C and 220 ° C (at 10 ° C near). The cord (solid) deposited by this nozzle progresses between 15 m / min and 25 m / min (to 20%) and is deposited between 0.1 g and 1.5 g / mL (linear meter). Once stuck to this slice, let the cord cool. At the time of assembling the slats together, the interlock created by the cooperation (snapping) of the male and female elements 15, 17, causes a seal adhesion to the edge of the adjacent slat that is pressed against him. The pressure exerted during this contact is between about 1.5 kg / cm and 7 kg / cm (typically about 2 to 4 kg / cm for a layer of HDF and about 4 to 6 kg / cm for a layer 9 in softwood block). It is because of this snap pressure that there is crushing and bonding of the bead to the edge of the adjacent slat and thus creating a sealing bead forming a particularly effective seal, it being specified that this bonding is "separable", that is to say that in case of disassembly of slats (typically at room temperature), the seal is detached from the adjacent slat, while remaining stuck on the edge of the slat where it was deposited hot. If the slats are locked again, later, the gasket sticks back to the adjacent slat.

Note that this type of seal is known under the names "hot melt polyolefin based glue" (hot melt polyolefin based glue) or "pressure sensitive (pressure sensitive) hot melt polyolefin based glue". It will advantageously be a thermoplastic, in particular polypropylene, for its advantages of reliability and ease of implementation.

Over its length, the cord forming the seal may be continuous or discontinuous, depending on the desired degree of sealing.

In comparison, on the edge of the adjacent lath, the wall may be flat.

In relation to the seal, and as in FIG. 2, an outgrowth 25 has been protruded on the wafer 19'a, at the level of the second layer 9, opposite said seal, now marked 21 '.

Preferably, this hard, rigid protuberance (typically based on wood if it has been formed of material with the layer 9) has been formed towards the the lower part of the seal when it is in position (or in a state) not active as in Figure 2, the outgrowth 25 having even been here shaped and arranged to block any possible movement of the seal down when it is crushed in the active position as in Figure 3.

For this, not only the protrusion 25 shown in enlarged view in FIG. 4 has an upper face 25a generally oblique with respect to the line 100 embodying the general plane in which the elements (see FIG. 7) extend, but also presents, at the location of its free apex 25b, a protrusion which defines an obstacle preventing any exit of the seal downwards, the apex then being situated at the lower end of the seal when the two elements 1, 3, are nested as in Figure 3.

For its effectiveness in the active position and its resistance (or even its protection), the (each) joint, such as 21 ', is preferably housed in a cavity 27 formed in FIG. 2 recessed with respect to the vertical general plane of the wafer. 19a.

As can be seen in enlarged view in FIG. 5, the seal 21 'of FIG. 2 is a hollow seal (which can typically be a tubular roll) mechanically engaged by force in an orifice 29 formed in the bottom of the cavity 27. Notches 31 effectively retain the seal which, in this non-active position, protrudes clearly beyond the cavity, the empty interior space 33a of its bead portion 33 allowing it to be effectively crushed and deformed during the interlocking elements.

The seal 21 'further has an upright upper wing 35 which extends to the level of the upper layer 5 against which it is supported, favoring effective positioning of the seal in its active state.

At least the front face 37 of the flange portion of the seal is adhesive so that the seal sticks against the area facing 19'a slice.

In FIG. 3, it can be seen that in the flat locking position of the male locking means 15 in the complementary female means 17, the two slices 19a and 19'a of the two elements 1, 3 joined together are in contact with each other. one of the other at the location of the two zones 19a ¹ and 19a ² located immediately adjacent to said means 15,17, respectively just above and just below them.

On the other hand, a gap 39 remains above the zone 19a ¹ , this gap being prolonged, with a reduced width (see d ₂ with respect to d ₁ in FIG. 3) over the entire height of the first layer 5 of each of the elements. Thus, the seal 21, then in crushed active position, extends substantially above the level of the apex 25b, a marginal portion of the seal extending below, but only up to the location of the upper limit of the support zone 19a ¹ , thus avoiding any interference between the sealing zone of the gap 39 and the interlocking zone 41 bordered above and below by the contact zones 19a ¹ and 19a ² .

In the example of Figure 3, it is the wing 35 which ensures a stabilization of the seal during deformation and increases the seal at the location of the upper layer 5. This wing 35 extends (at least essentially) with respect to this upper layer 5, while the tubular bead 33 extends at the location of the gap 39, at the second layer 9, this in both the active state and non-active joint.

Figure 6 (as also Figure 2) shows that the (each) seal member may overflow this cavity, in the non-active state of said seal.

Thus, in Figure 6, there is again a two-part seal, 51, 51 ', such as a rubber seal (seal based on synthetic rubber or butyl, for example).

The front face, respectively 53, 53 ', of each joint portion is curved outwards and protrudes from the corresponding cavity, respectively 55, 55 '. Each joint portion is bonded at the location of its dorsal zone (for example, by adhesion) to an insert (respectively 57, 57 ') anchored in the thickness of the second layer 9 "of each element 1", 3 " , coating ready to be joined.

Anchoring can be performed by a notched end, respectively 59, 59 ', engaged by force.

The two cavities as well as the two joint parts face each other and are located at the same level.

It can be considered that each constitutes a "flexible" outgrowth of deformation vis-à-vis the other.

In this case, the control of the deformation upwards of the joint is less precise. However, the design of the contact zone 19 "a ¹ is adapted to prevent the joints from going down significantly in the direction of the interlocking zone 41". On the other hand, the gap 61 of depth ² (with respect to the slightly projecting end of the wall 19 "to ¹ ) reserved above the seal 51 to the upper surface 5" a allows the two elements of seal 51, 51 ', naturally take their compressed active position above said zone 19 "to ¹ .

Preferably, the protruding front portion 53, 53 'of said seals will be coated with a protective film (not shown to avoid overloading the figure).

In FIG. 7, the perspective therefore makes it possible to show the plane (generally typically horizontal) 100 in which each coating element extends globally, such as that partially shown in this figure and marked 20.

The figure shows the male locking element 115 formed of material, protruding at the second layer 90. Above the interlocking bead 115 extends the contact zone 119 between the coating elements, preventing the joint 125 still located above reach the area bead 115, in the compressed active state of the seal, when the bead 115 is locked.

Always in the direction of the height, the seal 125 stops (in its non-active state) before having reached the level of the first upper layer 50 of the element 20. The front face 50a of this layer 5, and that the portion of the front face 90a of the second layer 90 which extends in the same vertical are offset in depth by a distance d ₂₀ relative to the vertical plane in which extends the wall 119, so as to reserve a gap 610 deployment of the seal 125 when the element 20 will be locked to its adjacent complementary element, the image of which is illustrated in Figure 3.

A further advantage of Figure 7 is to show that the seal 125 extends horizontally, parallel to the general plane 100, in the manner of a lodged strip (in this case entirely in its inactive state) in the cavity 270 formed in hollow on the front surface of the second layer 90.

The seal 125 has a length horizontally, here materialized by the reference L and, along this length, is a succession of joint sections, such as 125a, 125b, with an interruption, such as 150a, 150b, between two adjacent sections .

This can promote the passage of the seal in its active state, as well as the absorption of stresses and deformations.

Note that the (each) seal can be a sticky sealant ("adhesive, hot melt putty").

In Figure 8, we see another type of coating, typically called "laminate" (or faux parquet) may be equipped with one of the aforementioned interlocking systems and joint.

The illustration of FIG. 8 partially shows such a laminate marked 200.

• une couche supérieure rigide, dure et pleine, en résine, 210, présentant une face supérieure d'aspect, visible, continue, 210a, ainsi qu'une face inférieure 210b, également continue ;
• une feuille intermédiaire décorative 230 (papier, bois, ...) donnant au produit son aspect visible à travers la couche supérieure transparente 210,
• une seconde couche sous-jacente 250, rigide, de support de la couche supérieure 210 et située immédiatement sous la couche 230, cette deuxième couche en matériau rigide contenant du bois (particules ou fibres ; HDF) lié par une résine synthétique et présentant une épaisseur comprise entre 0,1 mm et 3 mm,
• et éventuellement, une couche supplémentaire d'insonorisation 290 qui peut être identique à la couche 13 présentée pour le "vrai parquet", c'est-à-dire contenant une matière expansée et/ou un matériau viscoélastique (élastomère), étant toutefois précisé que ladite couche d'insonorisation 290 est alors située immédiatement sous la couche de soutien et de structuration 250.

This laminate comprises:

• a rigid, hard and solid top layer of resin 210 having a visible, continuous upper surface 210a and a bottom face 210b which is also continuous;
• a decorative intermediate sheet 230 (paper, wood, etc.) giving the product its visible appearance through the transparent upper layer 210,
• a second rigid underlying layer 250 for supporting the upper layer 210 and located immediately beneath the layer 230, this second layer of rigid material containing wood (particles or fibers; HDF) bound by a synthetic resin and having a thickness between 0.1 mm and 3 mm,
• and optionally, an additional layer of soundproofing 290 which may be identical to the layer 13 shown for the "real parquet", that is to say containing an expanded material and / or a viscoelastic material (elastomer), however being specified that said soundproofing layer 290 is then located immediately under the support and structuring layer 250.

Claims (10)

1. Floor covering elements comprising a first, multilayer floor covering element (3), that is to say a block, for floating fitting having a plurality of sides, that first element comprising:

   - a first hard, rigid layer (5, 5', 50, 21) having a visible upper face,

   - and at least one subjacent second layer (9, 9', 90, 250) which is mechanically resistant and rigid and which serves to support the first layer, the subjacent second layer comprising interlocking means (15, 115) which are suitable for cooperating mechanically with complementary interlocking means (17) provided on a second element (1) which is suitable for cooperating with the first element and which comprises the same said first and second layers, the second layer of the first or second element (1, 3) further comprising a deformable seal (21; 21'; 45, 45', 51, 51', 125) fixed to it (19a) on at least one of its sides, remote from the interlocking means provided thereon, and facing the other element, the seal being suitable for ensuring, in a position projecting from the block, tightness with respect to liquids when it is pressed against said facing side (19'a) of the other element by bringing the first and second elements together and mutually locking them together,

   characterised in that the seal (21') is a malleable bead which is able to stick repeatedly at ambient temperature, and it has an adhesive front face (37) so that it sticks to the facing side (19'a) of the other element, when the first and second elements (1, 3) are in the mutually locked position.
2. Elements according to claim 1, characterised in that the seal (21) is a malleable polyolefin adhesive whose adhesive power is greater at a temperature close to its softening temperature than at ambient temperature.
3. Elements according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterised in that the seal (21) is stuck more firmly to the first element than to the second element and can be stuck to and unstuck from the second element repeatedly at ambient temperature.
4. Elements according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the seal (21) is a thermoplastic malleable bead, in particular made of polypropylene.
5. Elements according to any one of the preceding claims, in which:

   - at least one of the elements has in at least one of its sides a recessed portion (55', 27) in which the seal (51, 21') is arranged,

   - and the other element has, facing the recessed portion, a protruding portion (25, 53') which is in such a form that at least part of the seal is deformed by the protruding portion when the elements are interlocked.
6. Elements according to any one of the preceding claims, in which:

   - the seal (21; 21'; 47, 47'; 53, 53'; 125) is arranged on one of said elements, exclusively above the interlocking means, in the region of the second layer (9, 9', 9", 90),

   - the interlocking means (15, 17; 115) of those elements, which are likewise located in the region of the second layer, interlock mutually by fitting together, when the elements are in a first relative blocked position, according to a direction parallel or substantially parallel to the general plane, which is then the common plane, of said elements, which can be unlocked from their said first blocked position by offsetting one element relative to the other in terms of height, such as, for example, by inclining one element relative to the other,

   - and the seal (21), which is fixedly joined to the first element, adheres to the other element under a pressure, created by the interlocking of the two elements, of from 1.5 kg/cm to 7 kg/cm.
7. Floor covering elements according to claim 5,
   characterised in that the protruding portion (25) has an upper face (25a) which is generally oblique relative to the general plane of the element(s) in question, that face terminating in a free apex (25b) which is located opposite a portion of the recessed portion facing it, in the blocking position, in order to urge the seal to be deformed, at least partly, upwards.
8. Elements according to claim 7, characterised in that the protruding portion (25) has, at the location of its apex (25b), a projection which defines an obstacle preventing the seal from coming out downwards.
9. Elements according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that, in its general plane (100), the element provided with the seal has a length (L) and, along that length, said seal comprises a succession of seal sections (125a, 125b) with a gap (150a, 150b) between two successive sections.
10. Elements according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the seal (21') is in the form of a strip (33), the front face of which is adhesive and which has a wing (35) which is naturally oriented along the block of the element to which it is fixed.

Images