Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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(a) 'fI'I'Lh OF 'PILL INVI;N'I~ION
FLOORING ADAPTER TRANSITION DEVICE
(b) 'fL:CIINICAL I~ILLU 'f0 WIIICII '1'III; INVI:N'I'ION IZL;LA'fI~S
The present invention relates generally to a flooring adapter device, and
more particularly to a flooring adapter device for providing a transitional
flooring
between two flooring surfaces of different heights.
(c) I3ACKGIZOUN1) AR'f
When two flooring materials of different heights are placed adjacent to one
another, it is often necessary to provide a flooring adapter device
therebetween.
In this respect, a flooring adapter device acts as a "bridge" between the
flooring
materials. 'Ihe transitional flooring surface of the flooring adapter device
provides
a gradual change in the height of the flooring surface between the two
flooring
materials.
A transitional flooring surface is particularly important where the relative
heights of the flooring materials differ substantiall;~, such as between
carpet and
resilient flooring material (e.g., rubber or vinyl tile), between ceramic
flooring
material and resilient flooring material and between carpet and concrete. In
this
respect, the transitional flooring surface is necessary to prevent the
possibility of
an individual from tripping as they walk between the two flooring materials
and
to provide a gradual ascent or decent for wheeled apparatus moving between the
two flooring materials.
With regard to individuals walking or running bet<veen two flooring
materials having different heights, there is a possibility that as the
individual
crosses from the lower flooring material to the higher flooring material that
they
may trip over the higher flooring material, and consequently injure
themselves.
2~ It is also possible that as the individual crosses between the two flooring
materials
that they may lose their balance due to the sudden rise or fall in the height
of the
flooring material. This may also lead to injury.
Where a wheeled apparatus is rolled between two flooring materials having
different heights, the wheeled apparatus may become jarred due to a bump
created by the differing heights of the flooring materials. In this respect,
the
wheeled apparatus may encounter a sudden decent as it moves from the higher
flooring material to the lower flooring material, or may encounter a sudden
ascent
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as it moves from the lower flooring material to the higher flooring material.
Another problem encountered when moving from a lower flooring material to a
higher flooring material is that the higher flooring material may act as an
impediment to movement of the wheeled apparatus between the flooring
S materials. In this regard, it may be necessary to apply an additional force
to the
wheeled apparatus or lift up the wheeled apparatus onto the higher flooring
material.
With respect to pedestrians walking or running between two flooring
materials of differing heights, the transitional flooring surface provided by
a
flooring adapter device can reduce or eliminate any obstacle created by the
higher
flooring material, and provide a more gradual change in heights between the
two
flooring materials.
In a situation where an apparatus having wheels is moved between two
flooring materials of differing heights, the transitional flooring surface
provided
by a flooring adapter device reduces or eliminates jarring to the wheeled
apparatus as it moves between the two flooring materials and eliminates any
impediment caused by a higher flooring material.
In the case of a health care facility, a . g . , a hospital, it is common
today
to find hallways having carpeting, and operating and treatment rooms having
vinyl
or rubber flooring (e.g., tile). A flooring adapter device providing a
transition
surface between the carpeting and vinyl or rubber flooring is necessary to
prevent
injury to individuals walking or running between the flooring materials of
differing
heights, and to prevent jarring individuals riding in wheelchairs or gurneys
that are
moved between the flooring materials. In the case of wheelchairs and gurneys,
it
should be appreciated that jarring or sharp bumps occurring as the wheelchairs
or
gurneys are moved across two different flooring materials may cause harm or
discomfort to a patient who has just received surgery.
The transitional flooring surface provided by prior art flooring adapter
devices have steep slopes. These steep slopes create a disruption in the
flooring
surface which does not adequately prevent injury (e.g., tripping or falling)
to
pedestrians walking or running, and which does not adequately prevent jarring
and
bumping to wheeled apparatus, a . g . , wheelchairs and gurneys.
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The present invention overcomes these and other drawbacks of prior art
flooring adapter devices.
(d) UC;SCI~II''I'ION OI~ 'I'IIL INV,CN'I'ION
According to the present invention, there is provided a flooring adapter
device providing a transitional flooring surface between two flooring
materials of
different heights. The adapter device is comprised of an elongated
substantially
flat member having a lower surface and an upper surface. The lower surface is
comprised of a generally planar base portion adapted to be affixed to a floor
surface, and a generally L-shaped shoulder formed at one end of the base
portion,
said L-shaped shoulder defining a flooring material receiving cavity. The
upper
surface is comprised of a generally planar central portion sloped relative to
the
base portion, and first and second side portions formed at opposite ends of
the
central portion and respectively connecting the upper surface to the lower
surface.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a flooring adapter device
providing a transitional flooring surface between two flooring materials
having
different heights.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a flooring adapter
device providing a transitional flooring surface between carpeting and a
resilient
flooring material, such as vinyl or rubber flooring.
It is still another object of the present invention to provide a flooring
adapter device providing a transitional flooring surface between a ceramic
flooring
material, such as ceramic tile, and a resilient flooring material, such as
vinyl or
rubber flooring.
It is still another object of the present invention to provide a flooring
adapter device providing a transitional flooring surface between carpeting and
concrete.
It is still another object of the present invention to provide a flooring
adapter device including a transitional flooring surface which provides a
gradual
change in the height of the flooring surface.
It is still another object of the present invention to provide a flooring
adapter device suitable for use in health care facilities where wheeled
apparatus,
such as wheelchairs and gurneys, are moved between two flooring materials of
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different heights.
It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a flooring
adapter device that provides a transitional flooring surface between flooring
materials of different heights, and which does not cause a wheeled apparatus,
such
S as a wheelchair or gurney, to be jarred or bumped as it crosses between the
two
flooring materials.
It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a flooring
adapter device providing a transitional flooring surface between two flooring
materials of different heights, and which may be installed after the two
flooring
materials have been installed.
It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a flooring
adapter device that is easily installed using an adhesive.
1~
(c) I~IrSCRII'-I'lON OI~ '1'III, 1~1GUIZL:S
In the accompanying drawings:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a sheet of the flooring adapter device
according to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 2 is an end view of the flooring adapter device shown in FIG. 2;
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a sheet of the flooring adapter device
according to a second preferred embodiment of the present invention; and
FIG. 4 is an end view of the flooring adapter device shown in FIG. 3.
(~ ON1; MODC I~Olt CAILttYINC OU'I"1'lllr INVI:N'I'ION
Referring now to the drawings, wherein the showing is for the purpose of
illustrating preferred embodiments of the present invention only, and not for
the
purpose of limiting same, FIG. 1 shows a flooring adapter device 10 according
to
a first preferred embodiment of the present invention. In the embodiment
sho~avn,
flooring adapter device 10 is an elongated, substantially flat sheet made of
an
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extruded vinyl or rubber material. Preferably, flooring adapter device 10 is
made
of PVC (polyvinyl chloride).
Flooring adapter device 10 is generally comprised of an upper surface 20
and a lower surface 30. Lower surface 30 is comprised of a base portion 32,
and
a pair of L-shaped shoulders 40 and 60. Base portion 32 has a generally planar
surface so as to engage flatly against (i.e., parallel to) the floor surface,
when
flooring adapter device 10 is in use.
First L-shaped shoulder 40 is comprised of a first vertical section 42 and
a first horizontal section 44. First vertical section 42 is generally
perpendicular to
first horizontal section 44. However, it will be appreciated that since it is
easier
to form a radius (rather than sharp corners) using a die, a curved surface may
be
formed between first vertical section 42 and first horizontal section 44. A
first
cavity 46, dimensioned to receive a first flooring material, is defined by
first
vertical section 42 and first horizontal section 44. In a preferred embodiment
of
the present invention, first cavity 46 is dimensioned to receive a vinyl or
rubber
flooring material (e.g., tile) having a height of 1/8-inch. However, it should
be
appreciated that cavity 46 may also be dimensioned to receive other types of
flooring materials, including linoleum.
Second L-shaped shoulder 60 is comprised of a second vertical section 62
and a second horizontal section 64. Second vertical section 62 is generally
perpendicular to first horizontal section 64. As with the case of first
vertical
section 42 and first horizontal section 44, a curved surface may be formed
between
second vertical section 62 and second horizontal section 64 (as shown in FIG.
2),
since it is easier to use a die to form a radius than sharp corners. Second
vertical
section 62 and second horizontal section 64 define a second cavity 66, which
is
dimensioned to receive a second flooring material having a second height. In a
preferred embodiment, second cavity 66 is dimensioned to receive carpeting
having a height of 1/4-inch. However, it will be appreciated that cavity 66
may
also be dimensioned to receive carpet of other heights, as well as other types
of
flooring materials, including ceramic, rubber and vinyl tile and linoleum.
Upper surface 20 is comprised of a central portion 22, first end portion 24
and second end portion 26. Central portion 22 has a generally flat planar
surface,
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which is sloped relative to base portion 32. In this respect, central portion
22 is
at an angle Y of approximately 3°-5° relative to base portion 32
(see FIG. 2). In
a preferred embodiment of the present invention, central portion 22 is sloped
upward from first end portion 24 towards second end portion 26.
S First end portion 24 has a generally vertical surface extending between
central portion 22 and first horizontal section 44 of first L-shaped shoulder
40.
Second end portion 26 has a convexly rounded surface extending between central
portion 22 and second horizontal section 64 of second L-shaped shoulder 60.
The
surface of second end portion 26 curves downward from central portion 22
towards second horizontal section 64.
The length of flooring adapter device 10 may vary. In this regard, flooring
adapter device 10 may be provided in sheet sections of varying length, or,
since
extruded vinyl and rubber are somewhat flexible, in very long lengths in a
roll.
Preferably, flooring adapter device 10 is provided in 6-feet or 12-feet sheet
sections. These lengths are most suitable for installation in hallways and
doorways
where transitions between different flooring materials are most common. It
will
be appreciated that the sheet sections may be cut to the appropriate lengths
required in a particular application.
The preferred dimensions of flooring adapter device 10 will now be
described with reference to FIG. 2. It will be appreciated that following
dimensions for flooring adapter device 10, are preferred where flooring
adapter
device 10 provides a transition between carpeting and a resilient flooring
material
(e.g., vinyl or rubber tile). With respect to lower surface 30, base portion
32 has
a preferred width dimension D of approximately 1.75 inches. First vertical
section
42 has a preferred height dimension of approximately 0.125 inches, while
second
vertical section 62 has a preferred height dimension of 0.375 inches. First
horizontal section 44 and second horizontal section 64 each have a preferred
width
dimension of approximately 0.375 inches. With respect to upper surface 20,
first
end portion 24 has a preferred height dimension E of approximately 0.032
inches.
Second end portion 26 has a preferred vertical height dimension F of 0.125
inches
(as measured from second horizontal section 64 to central portion 22). Central
portion 22 has a width dimension A of approximately 2.375 inches, and a width
CA 02223223 1997-11-28
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dimension B of approximately 2.375 inches. The width dimension C of upper
surface 20 is approximately 2.5 inches. Given the foregoing preferred
dimensions,
central portion 22 vertically rises approximately 0.343 inches from first end
portion
24 to second end portion 26. The ratio of width dimension D of base portion 32
to width dimension C of upper surface 20 is approximately 0.7.
In the case where flooring adapter device 10 is providing a transition
between thicker carpeting and a resilient flooring material, or a ceramic
flooring
material (e.g., ceramic tile) and a resilient flooring material, the
dimensions
defining L-shaped shoulders 40 and 60 may be modified.
The flooring adapter device 10 described above is utilized in the following
manner. In a preferred method of installation, the two flooring materials
(e.g.,
carpeting and vinyl or rubber tile, or ceramic flooring material and vinyl or
rubber
tile) are applied to the appropriate floor surface. In the case of carpeting,
carpet
padding may also be placed under the carpeting. Next, a section of flooring
adapter device 10 of appropriate length is selected, or alternatively cut to
size.
Flooring adapter device 10 is then secured to the floor surface, between the
two
flooring materials, preferably with the use of an adhesive (e.g., liquid
adhesive for
vinyl or rubber flooring products or double-sided adhesive tape) or other
similar
means. The top of the first flooring material (e.g., vinyl or rubber tile)
will be
adjacent to first horizontal section 44, while the side edge of the first
flooring
material will be adjacent to first vertical section 42. Similarly, the top of
the
second flooring material (e.g., carpeting) will be adjacent to second
horizontal
section 64, while the side edge of the second flooring material will be
adjacent to
second vertical section 62. It will be appreciated that both first horizontal
section
44 and second horizontal section 64 extend over the top of the respective
flooring
materials. When installed, base portion 32 of flooring adapter device 10 will
be
substantially parallel with the floor surface, while central portion 22 will
be
transverse to the floor surface, thus providing a gradual, sloping surface
between
the two flooring materials of differing heights. Alternatively, flooring
adapter
device 10 can be secured to the floor surface before one or both of the
flooring
materials is applied to the respective floor surface.
It will be appreciated that the preferred embodiment of flooring adapter
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device 10, as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, is most suitable for use with 1/8-
inch
vinyl or rubber tile and 1/4-inch carpet. However, it is contemplated that
flooring
adapter device 10 may be modified to accommodate flooring materials having
varying dimensions. In this respect, the dimensions of cavities 46 and 66, the
width of base portion 32 and upper surface 20, and the slope (i.e., angle Y)
of
central portion 22, may vary to accommodate flooring materials of varying
heights.
FIG. 3 shows a flooring adapter device 110 according to a second preferred
embodiment of the present invention. In the embodiment shown, flooring adapter
device 110 is an elongated, substantially flat sheet made of an extruded vinyl
or
rubber material. Flooring adapter device 110 is best suited as a transitional
flooring surface between carpeting and a concrete floor. Preferably, flooring
adapter device 110 is made of PVC (polyvinyl chloride).
Flooring adapter device 110 is generally comprised of an upper surface 120
and a lower surface 130. Lower surface 130 is comprised of a base portion 132,
and an L-shaped shoulder 160. Base portion 132 has a generally planar surface
so as to engage flatly against (i.e., parallel to) the floor surface, when
flooring
adapter device 110 is in use.
L-shaped shoulder 160 is comprised of a vertical section 162 and a
horizontal section 164. Vertical section 162 is generally perpendicular to
horizontal section 164. A curved surface may be formed between vertical
section
162 and horizontal section 164, since it is easier to use a die to form a
radius than
sharp corners. Vertical section 162 and horizontal section 164 define a cavity
166,
which is dimensioned to receive a flooring material. In a preferred
embodiment,
cavity 166 is dimensioned to receive carpeting having a height of
approximately
1/4-inch. However, it will be appreciated that cavity 166 may also be
dimensioned
to receive other types and sizes of flooring materials, including rubber,
vinyl and
ceramic tile.
Upper surface 120 is comprised of a central portion 122, first end portion
124 and second end portion 126. Central portion 122 has a generally flat
planar
surface, which is sloped relative to base portion 132. In this respect,
central
portion 122 is at an angle Z of approximately 1°-S° relative to
base portion 132.
In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, central portion 122 is
sloped
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upward from first end portion 124 towards second end portion 126.
First end portion 124 has a generally vertical surface extending between
central portion 122 and base portion 132. Second end portion 126 has a
convexly
rounded surface extending between central portion 122 and horizontal section
164
of L-shaped shoulder 160. The surface of second end portion 126 curves
downward from central portion 122 towards horizontal section 164.
As in the case of flooring adapter 10 described above, the length of flooring
adapter device 110 may vary. In this regard, flooring adapter device 110 may
be
provided in sheet sections of varying length, or, since extruded vinyl and
rubber
are somewhat flexible, in very long lengths in a roll. Preferably, flooring
adapter
device 110 is provided in 6-feet or 12-feet sheet sections. It will be
appreciated
that the sheet sections may be cut to the appropriate lengths required in a
particular application.
The preferred dimensions of flooring adapter device 110 will now be
described with reference to FIG. 4. It will be appreciated that flooring
adapter
device 1I0, as shown in FIG. 4, is best suited as a transition between
carpeting
and a concrete floor. With respect to lower surface 130, width dimension M is
preferably 2.5 inches and width dimension N is preferably 0.375 inches. With
respect to upper surface 120, first end portion 124 has a preferred height
dimension S of approximately 0.03125 inches. Second end portion 126 has a
preferred vertical height dimension R of 0.125 inches. The height dimension P
is
preferably 0.375 inches.
The flooring adapter device 110 described above is utilized in a manner
similar to flooring adapter device 10. In a preferred method of installation,
the
two flooring materials (e.g., carpeting and concrete) have been arranged to
provide a flooring surface. In the case of carpeting, carpet padding may also
be
placed under the carpeting. Next, a section of flooring adapter device 110 of
appropriate length is selected, or alternatively cut to size. Flooring adapter
device
110 is then secured to the floor surface, between the two flooring materials,
preferably with the use of an adhesive (e.g., liquid adhesive for vinyl or
rubber
flooring products or double-sided adhesive tape) or other similar means. The
first
flooring material (e.g., concrete) will be adjacent to first end portion 124.
The top
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of the second flooring material (e.g., carpeting) will be adjacent to
horizontal
section 164, while the side edge of the second flooring material will be
adjacent
to vertical section 162. It will be appreciated that horizontal section 164
extends
over the top of the adjacent flooring material. When installed, base portion
132
S will be substantially parallel with the floor surface, while central portion
122 will
be transverse to the floor surface, thus providing a gradual, sloping surface
between the two flooring materials of differing heights. Alternatively,
flooring
adapter device 110 can be secured to the floor surface before one or both of
the
flooring materials is arranged to provide a floor surface.
It will be appreciated that the preferred embodiment of flooring adapter
device 110, as illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, is most suitable for use with
concrete
and 1/4-inch carpet. However, it is contemplated that flooring adapter device
10
may be modified to accommodate flooring materials having varying dimensions.
In this respect, the dimensions of cavity 166, the width of base portion 132
and
upper surface 120, and the slope of central portion 122 (i.e., angle Z), may
vary
to accommodate flooring materials of varying types and sizes.
